bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABO blood group, hepatitis B viral infection and risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang De‐Shen , Chen Dong‐Liang , Ren Chao , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Qiu Miao‐Zhen , Luo Hui‐Yan , Zhang Dong‐Sheng , Wang Feng‐Hua , Li Yu‐Hong , Xu Rui‐Hua
Published: August 2011

Little is known about the role of association between ABO blood type and risk of pancreatic cancer develops through effects on hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. Our study aimed to determine whether joint ABO blood type and HBV infection could increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. A total of 645 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 711 age‐ and sex‐matched individuals who had nonmalignant diseases treated at the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center in China were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were tested for ABO blood type and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (anti‐HBe) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc). Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios [AORs] and 95% confidence interval [CI]. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for risk factors showed that A blood type, HBsAg‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, anti‐HBs‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer. The estimated AORs (95% CI) were as follows: A blood type, 1.425 (1.071–1.894), HBsAg‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, 1.610 (1.125–2.304), anti‐HBs‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, 1.526 (1.159–2.011). The effect of A blood type significantly modified the risk of pancreatic cancer among subjects with anti‐HBc‐positive (AORs = 1.882, 95% CI, 1.284–2.760). In our study, we reported an association between A blood type, infection with HBV and pancreatic cancer risk. Moreover, we found a synergism between A blood type and HBV infection in the development of pancreatic cancer.
Degradation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by a sequential treatment with nanoscale zero valent iron and aerobic biodegradation
Authors: Kim Young‐Mo , Murugesan Kumarasamy , Chang Yoon‐Young , Kim Eun‐Ju , Chang Yoon‐Seok
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are emerging persistent organic pollutants. Degradation of PBDEs is a significant challenge owing to their extreme persistence and recalcitrance nature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a sequential nano‐bio treatment using nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI) and diphenyl ether degrading bacteria Sphingomonas sp. PH‐07 for degradation of PBDEs.

RESULTS: In the bacterial tolerance test for determining the maximum endurable concentration of nZVI, the PH‐07 strain was able to grow in the presence of nZVI up to 5 g L−1 in minimal salt medium by using non‐brominated diphenyl ether as growth substrate. Reductive debromination of decabrominated diphenyl ether (deca‐BDE; 1 mg) with nZVI (100 mg per vial) resulted in a 67% reduction of deca‐BDE and produced various intermediates ranging from nona‐BDEs to tri‐BDEs during a 20 day period. Additional experiments with 2,4,4′‐tri‐BDE and 2,4,6‐tri‐BDE as initial substrates revealed that both tri‐BDEs were further debrominated to mono‐BDEs. Following the reductive debromination process, reaction mixtures were aerobically treated with DE‐grown Sphingomonas sp. PH‐07 strain to mineralize the low brominated‐DEs (tri‐BDEs—mono‐BDEs) for additional 4 days. During bacterial treatment, the low brominated‐DEs were biologically degraded to bromophenols and other prospective metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS: The nZVI‐biological sequential treatment method was found to be effective for degradation of PBDEs through reductive debromination followed by biological oxidation. This hybrid treatment method may lead to the development of a remediation strategy for highly halogenated environmental pollutants in contaminated sites. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen as affected by land use types in karst and non‐karst areas of northwest Guangxi, China
Authors: Chen Hongsong , Zhang Wei , Wang Kelin , Hou Ya
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Human migration from the karst area to the non‐karst area is an important approach for the restoration of degraded karst ecosystems. However, the effects of human‐induced land‐use change on soil properties are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of land use and parent material on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) at a depth of 0–15 cm in karst and non‐karst areas in southwest China.

RESULTS: In the karst area, SOC and TN under different land uses decreased significantly in the order of secondary forestland > scrubland and abandoned farmland > farmland, commercial forestland and forage grassland. In the non‐karst area, SOC and TN were the highest in scrubland and grassland, and were significantly higher than those in farmland and commercial forestland. Because of differences in parent material, SOC and TN were significantly higher in the karst area than those in the non‐karst area.

CONCLUSION: Abandoned farmland had the potential to increase SOC and TN significantly but land reclamation and cultivation had the opposite effect. SOC and TN were higher but cultivation‐induced losses occurred more rapidly in calcareous soils than in red soils, indicating that more attention is needed for soil productivity and land use management in the karst area. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of Solubility Parameters for Organic Semiconductor Formulations
Authors: Machui Florian , Abbott Steven , Waller David , Koppe Markus , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: August 2011

The concept of Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) is applied to organic semiconductors in order to determine and predict their solubility behavior, which is essential for the design of functional and environmentally friendly ink formulations for organic photovoltaics. Two different conjugated polymers, one semicrystalline and one dominantly amorphous, and one fullerene derivative are selected as prototype candidates to evaluate the applicability of the HSP concept for organic semiconductors. The method for determining the solubility parameters is described and the quality of the HSP fits as well as their suitability for designing of organic electronic inks are discussed in detail.

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Surface Initiated Polymerization on Pulsed Plasma Deposited Polyallylamine: A Polymer Substrate‐Independent Strategy to Soft Surfaces with Polymer Brushes
Authors: Yameen Basit , Khan Hadayat Ullah , Knoll Wolfgang , Förch Renate , Jonas Ulrich
Published: August 2011

The deposition of polyallylamine (PAA) adlayers by pulsed plasma polymerization on various types of polymeric substrates has been explored as a general route to amino functionalized polymeric surfaces. These amino groups are highly suitable for anchoring an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator via a robust amide linkage. Subsequent surface initiated ATRP (SI‐ATRP) of monomethoxy oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (MeOEGMA) resulted in polyMeOEGMA brush grafted polymer surfaces. This combined strategy of pulsed plasma polymerization with SI‐ATRP was demonstrated for five different polymeric substrates namely polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Analysis of brush layers by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy as well as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) fully corroborated the success of the proposed strategy for all substrate types.

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Facile and Controlled Fabrication of Functional Gold Nanoparticle‐coated Polystyrene Composite Particle
Authors: Li Yunxing , Pan Yunfei , Zhu Lili , Wang Zhaoqun , Su Dongmeng , Xue Gi
Published: August 2011

Gold nanoparticles‐coated polystyrene (AuNPs‐coated PS) composite particles with raspberry‐like morphology are successfully prepared with the aid of a unique thermodynamically driving effect. It is of considerable interest that the AuNPs generate and self‐assemble with raw, ordinary PS microspheres that preexist in the oxidation–reduction systems. The synthesized AuNPs‐coated PS composite particles have been extensively characterized using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and UV–Vis‐NIR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the morphology of the resultant composite particles is governed by simply changing the amount and type of reductants and the concentration of PS microspheres. The AuNPs‐coated PS composite particles also exhibit the good surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and catalytic performances.

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Synthesis of Eight‐shaped Poly(ethylene oxide) by the Combination of Glaser Coupling with Ring‐opening Polymerization
Authors: Wang Guowei , Fan Xiaoshan , Hu Bin , Zhang Yannan , Huang Junlian
Published: August 2011

The eight‐shaped poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is synthesized by a combination of Glaser coupling with ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). Firstly, the star‐shaped (PEO‐OH)4 is synthesized by ROP of ethylene oxide (EO) using pentaerythritol as an initiator and diphenylmethyl potassium (DPMK) as a deprotonated agent, and then the alkyne group is introduced onto the PEO arm‐end to give (PEO‐Alkyne)4 in a NaH/tetrahydrofuran (THF) system. The intramolecular cyclization is carried out by a Glaser coupling reaction in a pyridine/CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) system at room temperature in an air atmosphere, and eight‐shaped PEO was formed with high efficiency (almost 100%). The target polymers and intermediates were well characterized by SEC, MALDI‐TOF MS, 1H NMR and FT‐IR in detail.

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Effects of Retardation and Variation of Monomer Concentration in RAFT Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: August 2011

The polymerization kinetics of the RAFT‐mediated radical polymerization inside sub‐µm particles (Dp < 100 nm) is analyzed. The rate retardation by the addition of a RAFT agent in miniemulsion polymerization can be significantly different from that for bulk polymerization. The particle size below which significant rate acceleration occurs can be estimated from a simple equation. It is demonstrated that the reduction of the polymerization rate through the monomer concentration variation effect results from the correlation of concentration variations in monomer and intermediate or, equivalently, monomer and radical.

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Mathematical Modeling of the Grafting of Maleic Anhydride Onto Poly(propylene): Model Considering a Heterogeneous Medium
Authors: Aguiar Leandro G. , Pessôa‐Filho Pedro A. , Giudici Reinaldo
Published: August 2011

A kinetic model is developed for the free‐radical grafting of maleic anhydride MAH onto PP, taking into account that the reaction medium is heterogeneous due to the incomplete solubility of MAH in the polymer melt. Two different approaches are considered that derive from the limiting cases of very fast mass transfer (equilibrium) and no mass transfer between the two phases. The physical parameters considered in the model include the solubility of MAH in PP and the partition coefficient of the initiator between the two phases. The predictions of the models are in good agreement with experimental data taken from the literature for processes conducted under different conditions.

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Hydrogels in Poor Solvents: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Mann Bernward A. F. , Kremer Kurt , Lenz Olaf , Holm Christian
Published: August 2011

The equilibrium swelling behavior of a crosslinked polyelectrolyte gel under poor‐solvent conditions is examined. To this end, MD simulations of a coarse‐grained network model with a diamond‐like topology are employed where the counterions are explicitly taken into account. A large range of different parameter combinations in the fractionfof charged monomers of the network, the strength of electrostatic interactions measured via the Bjerrum length$\ell _{{\rm B}} $, and various strand lengths are studied. The results agree with data on single PE chains, in particular the theoretically predicted pearl necklace conformations can be identified as well as a sausage‐like regime in the strong‐coupling region.

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Reactivity Study of Elementary Steps in the Polymerization Mechanism of Acrylfuranic Compounds by Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory
Authors: Lange J. , Lozano A. E. , García‐Yoldi I.
Published: August 2011

A reactivity study of the most important elementary steps (propagation, intermolecular degradative transfer, and re‐initiation) in free‐radical polymerization of acrylfuranic systems, furfuryl acrylate (FA), and furfuryl methacrylate (FM), using the frontier molecular orbital theory is described. A qualitative explanation of reactivity trends of these steps for both systems is given based on absolute values of the SOMO/HOMO gap. The small difference between values of kp for FA and FM compared to that found for MA and MMA (${{k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (FA)}} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (FA)}} } {k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (FM)}} }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (FM)}} }}< {{k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (MA)}} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (MA)}} } {k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (MMA)}} }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {k_{{\rm p}}^{{\rm (MMA)}} }}$) is justified semi‐quantitatively by applying a formulation for the change of energy in the transition state using second‐order perturbation theory.

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Compensation of slice profile mismatch in combined spin‐ and gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging pulse sequences
Authors: Schmiedeskamp Heiko , Straka Matus , Bammer Roland
Published: August 2011

Combined acquisition of gradient‐echo and spin‐echo signals in MRI time series reveals additional information for perfusion‐weighted imaging and functional MRI because of differences in the sensitivity of gradient‐echo and spin‐echo measurements to the properties of the underlying vascular architecture. The acquisition of multiple echo trains within one time frame facilitates the simultaneous estimation of the transversal relaxation parameters R2 and R. However, the simultaneous estimation of these parameters tends to be incorrect in the presence of slice profile mismatches between signal excitation and subsequent refocusing pulses. It is shown here that improvements in pulse design reduced R2 and R estimation errors. Further improvements were achieved by augmented parameter estimation through the introduction of an additional parameter δ to correct for discordances in slice profiles to facilitate more quantitative measurements. Moreover, the analysis of time‐resolved acquisitions revealed that the temporal stability of R2 estimates could be increased with improved pulse design, counteracting low contrast‐to‐noise ratios in spin‐echo‐based perfusion and functional MRI. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A quantitative pressure and microbubble‐size dependence study of focused ultrasound‐induced blood‐brain barrier opening reversibility in vivo using MRI
Authors: Samiotaki Gesthimani , Vlachos Fotios , Tung Yao‐Sheng , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: August 2011

Focused ultrasound in conjunction with the systemic administration of microbubbles has been shown to open the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) selectively, noninvasively and reversibly. In this study, we investigate the dependence of the BBB opening's reversibility on the peak‐rarefactional pressure (0.30–0.60 MPa) as well as the microbubble size (diameters of 1–2, 4–5, or 6–8 μm) in mice using contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CE‐T1) MR images (9.4 T). Volumetric measurements of the diffusion of Gd‐DTPA‐BMA into the brain parenchyma were used for the quantification of the BBB‐opened region on the day of sonication and up to 5 days thereafter. The volume of opening was found to increase with both pressure and microbubble diameter. The duration required for closing was found to be proportional to the volume of opening on the day of opening, and ranged from 24 h, for the smaller microbubbles, to 5 days at high peak‐rarefactional pressures. Overall, larger bubbles did not show significant differences. Also, the extent of BBB opening decreased radially towards the focal region until the BBB's integrity was restored. In the cases where histological damage was detected, it was found to be highly correlated with hyperintensity on the precontrast T1 images. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding quantitative pulsed CEST in the presence of MT
Authors: Desmond Kimberly L. , Stanisz Greg J.
Published: August 2011

Phantom experiments in agar and ammonium chloride were performed to evaluate a three‐pool model of magnetization transfer and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in a pulsed saturation transfer experiment. The utility of the pulsed CEST method was demonstrated by varying the pH of the phantoms and observing the effect upon the CEST spectra both with and without the solid agar (the magnetization transfer pool), while fitting the spectra to the Bloch equation model with exchange. Pulsed CEST could be used to robustly quantify parameters related to CEST, including the exchange rate constant describing proton exchange with free water and the concentration of exchanging protons. Furthermore, the exchange rate constant and the CEST pool offset frequency of the ammonium chloride remained unchanged in the presence of a magnetization transfer pool. The logarithm of the fitted exchange rate constant was linearly related to pH: this relationship was maintained in the presence of magnetization transfer. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel magnetic resonance imaging using localized receive arrays with sinc interpolation (PILARS)
Authors: Feng Shuo , Ji Jim
Published: August 2011

Large arrays with localized coil sensitivity make it possible to use parallel imaging to significantly accelerate MR imaging speed. However, the need for auto calibration signals limits the actual acceleration factors achievable with large arrays. This paper presents a novel method for parallel imaging with large arrays. The method uses Sinc kernels for k‐space data interpolation that only requires one phase parameter to be estimated using a small size of calibration signals. Simulations based on synthetic array data and phantom experiments show that the new method can achieve higher actual acceleration factors with comparable reconstruction quality. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time‐interleaved acquisition of modes: An analysis of SAR and image contrast implications
Authors: Orzada S. , Maderwald S. , Poser B. A. , Johst S. , Kannengiesser S. , Ladd M. E. , Bitz A. K.
Published: August 2011

As the magnetic field strength and therefore the operational frequency in MRI are increased, the radiofrequency wavelength approaches the size of the human head/body, resulting in wave effects which cause signal decreases and dropouts. Especially, whole‐body imaging at 7 T and higher is therefore challenging. Recently, an acquisition scheme called time‐interleaved acquisition of modes has been proposed to tackle the inhomogeneity problems in high‐field MRI. The basic premise is to excite two (or more) different B modes using static radiofrequency shimming in an interleaved acquisition, where the complementary radiofrequency patterns of the two modes can be exploited to improve overall signal homogeneity. In this work, the impact of time‐interleaved acquisition of mode on image contrast as well as on time‐averaged specific absorption rate is addressed in detail. Time‐interleaved acquisition of mode is superior in B homogeneity compared with conventional radiofrequency shimming while being highly specific absorption rate efficient. Time‐interleaved acquisition of modes can enable almost homogeneous high‐field imaging throughout the entire field of view in PD, T2, and T2*‐weighted imaging and, if a specified homogeneity criterion is met, in T1‐weighted imaging as well. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A two‐stage approach for measuring vascular water exchange and arterial transit time by diffusion‐weighted perfusion MRI
Authors: St. Lawrence Keith S. , Owen Daron , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: August 2011

Changes in the exchange rate of water across the blood‐brain barrier, denoted kw, may indicate blood‐brain barrier dysfunction before the leakage of large‐molecule contrast agents is observable. A previously proposed approach for measuring kw is to use diffusion‐weighted arterial spin labeling to measure the vascular and tissue fractions of labeled water, because the vascular‐to‐tissue ratio is related to kw. However, the accuracy of diffusion‐weighted arterial spin labeling is affected by arterial blood contributions and the arterial transit time (τa). To address these issues, a two‐stage method is proposed that uses combinations of diffusion‐weighted gradient strengths and post‐labeling delays to measure both τa and kw. The feasibility of this method was assessed by acquiring diffusion‐weighted arterial spin labeling data from seven healthy volunteers. Repeat measurements and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to determine the precision and accuracy of the kw estimates. Average grey and white matter kw values were 110 ± 18 and 126 ± 18 min−1, respectively, which compare favorably to blood‐brain barrier permeability measurements obtained with positron emission tomography. The intrasubject coefficient of variation was 26% ± 23% in grey matter and 21% ± 17% in white matter, indicating that reproducible kw measurements can be obtained. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations of age, gender and body mass with 1H MR‐observed brain metabolites and tissue distributions
Authors: Maudsley A. A. , Govind V. , Arheart K. L.
Published: August 2011

Recent reports have indicated that a measure of adiposity, the body mass index (BMI), is associated with MR‐observed brain metabolite concentrations and tissue volume measures. In addition to indicating possible associations between brain metabolism, BMI and cognitive function, the inclusion of BMI as an additional subject selection criterion could potentially improve the detection of metabolic and structural differences between subjects and study groups. In this study, a retrospective analysis of 140 volumetric MRSI datasets was carried out to investigate the value of including BMI in the subject selection relative to age and gender. The findings replicate earlier reports of strong associations of N‐acetylaspartate, creatine, choline and gray matter with age and gender, with additional observations of slightly increased spectral linewidth with age and in female relative to male subjects. Associations of metabolite levels, linewidth and gray matter volume with BMI were also observed, although only in some regions. Using voxel‐based analyses, it was also observed that the patterns of the relative changes of metabolites with BMI matched those of linewidth with BMI or weight, and that residual magnetic field inhomogeneity and measures of spectral quality were influenced by body weight. It is concluded that, although associations of metabolite levels and tissue distributions with BMI occur, these may be attributable to issues associated with data acquisition and analysis; however, an organic origin for these findings cannot be specifically excluded. There is, however, sufficient evidence to warrant the inclusion of body weight as a subject selection parameter, secondary to age, and as a factor in data analysis for MRS studies of some brain regions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of two methods for estimating refill adherence to statins in Sweden: the RARE project
Authors: Lesén Eva , Sandström Tatiana Z , Carlsten Anders , Jönsson Anna K , Mårdby Ann‐Charlotte , Sundell Karolina Andersson
Published: August 2011

Purpose

To analyse and compare refill adherence to statins estimated with two different methods with a focus on sensitivity to definitions.

Methods

Individuals aged 18–85 years who filled a statin prescription for the first time in 1.5 years during 1 January–30 June 2007 were followed until emigration or death or until 2 years after their first statin purchase. The data were collected via linkage between the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, the National Patient Register and the Total Population Register. Days' supply was estimated based on amount dispensed and prescribed dosage. Refill adherence was estimated with the continuous measure of medication acquisition (CMA) and the maximum gap method (cut‐off 45 days). The impact of altering definitions, for example, regarding hospitalisations, length of observation period and management of overlapping supply, was analysed.

Results

The study included 36 661 individuals (mean age 64 years, 47% women). The median proportion of days with statins was 95%, and 76% were classified as adherent with a cut‐off at ≥80% with CMA. With the maximum gap method, 65% were adherent. Disregarding hospitalisations did not alter the results. Emigration or death at least one year after statin initiation was associated with a lower adherence with both methods, and a shorter observation period and adding overlapping supply to the subsequent prescription increased the adherence estimates.

Conclusions

The choice of method and definitions, particularly regarding the management of overlapping supplies and the length of observation period, has a substantial impact on estimates of refill adherence to statins. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National changes in oral antipsychotic treatment for people with schizophrenia in primary care between 1998 and 2007 in the United Kingdom
Authors: Prah Philip , Petersen Irene , Nazareth Irwin , Walters Kate , Osborn David
Published: August 2011

Purpose

There is little information regarding antipsychotic prescription in primary care, despite general practitioners issuing most ongoing prescriptions. We sought to investigate changes in oral antipsychotic prescriptions in primary care from January 1998 to December 2007.

Methods

We conducted a cohort analysis of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in primary care in the United Kingdom, using The Health Improvement Network database, to determine the proportions of prescribed antipsychotics. We investigated the yearly estimates of the overall time patients spent in treatment with any antipsychotic as well as the class of antipsychotic and individual antipsychotic agent.

Results

We found that in any one calendar year, approximately 24% of patients previously prescribed antipsychotics do not receive treatment in primary care. Over the last decade, people with schizophrenia have been prescribed antipsychotic treatment for greater proportions of time. The greatest increase was observed in older women. The overall increase in treatment time can be attributed to the increased prescription of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs). The annual proportion of time in SGA treatment increased from 16.6% to 51.2% within the study period, whereas time in first‐generation antipsychotic treatment reduced from 37.1% to 15.0%. Overall, olanzapine, risperidone and sulpiride were prescribed for the longest periods of time.

Conclusions

Over the last decade, the general practice of prescribing SGAs has increased whereas first‐generation antipsychotic prescriptions have declined. By 2007, patients with schizophrenia were prescribed antipsychotics for greater proportions of time, perhaps reflecting the greater acceptability of SGAs or a shift from secondary to primary care prescription. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐Higgs models and CP violation
Authors: Rebelo M.N.
Published: August 2011

In this talk the question of how to obtain conditions for a given Higgs potential to conserve CP, in the case of multi‐Higgs models, is addressed. Higgs basis invariant conditions are discussed for the case of two Higgs doublets.
Insecticide selectivity to two species of Trichogramma in three different hosts, as determined by IOBC/WPRS methodology
Authors: Goulart Roberto M , Volpe Haroldo XL , Vacari Alessandra M , Thuler Robson T , De Bortoli Sergio A
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: The use of Trichogramma species is a potential key strategy in integrated pest management. However, its effectiveness depends on the use of chemicals that do not interfere with parasitism and parasite population growth. Here, a study was made of the effects of synthetic insecticides on Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma exiguum in different hosts (Ephestia kuehniella, Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera frugiperda) and the influence of International Organisation for Biological Control (IOBC/WPRS) methodology in selectivity studies using different Trichogramma species. The insecticides used were commercial formulations (triflumuron at a concentration of 0.2 mL L−1 water, etofenprox at a concentration of 0.47 mL L−1 water and endosulfan at a concentration of 7.5 mL L−1 water); the control treatment consisted of distilled water. Eggs attached to cardboard cards were offered to parasitoids inside glass cages. Parasitised eggs, parasitism and adult emergence rates and parasitism reduction were evaluated.

RESULTS: Endosulfan and etofenprox, classified as class‐4 toxic products, were extremely toxic to the parasitoids. Triflumuron, classified as a non‐toxic product, was selective to the parasitoids in eggs of all hosts.

CONCLUSIONS: The methodology recommended by IOBC/WPRS influenced results regarding the use of different species of parasitoids, and the use of a single parasitoid species in their experiment is questionable. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Cross‐resistance patterns and fitness in fufenozide‐resistant diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Sun Jingyan , Liang Pei , Gao Xiwu
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Fufenozide is a novel non‐steroidal ecdysone agonist with good efficacy against diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). At present, it is widely applied for the control of a range of lepidopterous pests in China. This study compared the activities of fufenozide and 12 other insecticides against unselected and fufenozide‐selected strains of DBM to examine potential patterns of cross‐resistance. The relative fitness of the fufenozide‐selected strain was assessed to provide information pertinent to insecticide resistance management.

RESULTS: Compared with the susceptible strain (JSS), the fufenozide‐resistant strain (JSR) showed high cross‐resistance to dibenzoylhydrazines and benzoylphenylureas, low cross‐resistance to abamectin and no cross‐resistance to organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids. JSR had a lower reproductive ability and a relative fitness of 0.5 compared with JSS.

CONCLUSION: P. xylostella has the potential to develop resistance to fufenozide, albeit at the expense of fitness. Cross‐resistance between the same and other classes of insecticides is of concern, and should be a key consideration when implementing fufenozide‐based control strategies for this species. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Acromyrmex octospinosus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management. Part 1: Effects of TRAMIL's insecticidal plant extracts
Authors: Boulogne Isabelle , Germosen‐Robineau Lionel , Ozier‐Lafontaine Harry , Jacoby‐Koaly Christina , Aurela Lucie , Loranger‐Merciris Gladys
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Leaf‐cutting ants are considered to be one of the most important pest species of the New World. Until now, control strategies against these leaf‐cutting ants have mainly been synthetic chemicals. The aim of the present study was to test the action of several plant extracts quoted as an example by TRAMIL participative surveys for their insecticidal properties on adult major workers of Acromyrmex octospinosus. Three tests were used to that end: contact toxicity, repellent test and ingestion bioassay. Six traditional plant uses recommended by interviewed people in surveys were tested: (1) maceration of Mammea americana fresh crushed seeds; (2) decoction of Nerium oleander fresh leaves; (3) Nerium oleander dried leaf water juice; (4) decoction of Nicotiana tabacum dried leaves; (5) Trichillia pallida dried leaf water juice; (6) decoction of Rollinia mucosa dried seeds.

RESULTS: Two plant extracts with contact toxicity (Mammea americana and Nicotiana tabacum), six plant extracts with repellent activity and four plant extracts with ingestion toxicity (Mammea americana, Nicotiana tabacum and both extracts of Nerium oleander) were found.

CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study showed that plant extracts cited by TRAMIL ethnopharmacological surveys have the potential to control the leaf‐cutting ant, Acromyrmex octospinosus. In particular, the Mammea americana extract, with its natural low repellent effect and its high toxicity by ingestion, and Nerium oleander extracts, with their natural delay action, are possibly the best extracts for the control of these ants. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Gate hysteresis originating from atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 onto suspended carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors
Authors: Muoth Matthias , Döring Valentin , Hierold Christofer
Published: August 2011

While hysteretic effects upon gate sweeps in carbon nanotube transistors can be useful for memory devices, they may hamper the reliable readout of CNFET‐based sensors. Here, we demonstrate the use of our recent hysteresis‐free, suspended nanotube transistor fabrication method to evaluate the influence of dielectric layers on gate characteristics. The atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 induced substantial hysteresis in a previously hysteresis‐free device. The extraction of electrical device properties before and after an individual processing step provides an insight into the fundamental issue of hysteresis, which is of particular relevance for nanoscale devices with electrical field‐strength enhancement due to nanoscale dimensions.

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Gate hysteresis appears after atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 onto the previously hysteresis‐free carbon nanotube transistor.
Performance of third‐trimester ultrasound for prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates and evaluation of contingency screening policies
Authors: Souka A. P. , Papastefanou I. , Pilalis A. , Michalitsi V. , Kassanos D.
Published: August 2011

Objectives

To assess the performance of third‐trimester fetal biometry and fetal Doppler studies for the prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, and to explore contingency strategies using a first‐trimester prediction model based on maternal and fetal parameters and third‐trimester ultrasound.

Methods

This was an observational cross‐sectional study of uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. Risk assessment for chromosomal abnormality was carried out in 4702 pregnancies using a combination of ultrasound markers (fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and nasal bone assessment) and biochemistry (free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A)) at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks. Maternal demographic characteristics and method of conception were recorded. Third‐trimester (30–34 weeks) fetal biometry (biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL)) and umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery Doppler studies were performed routinely in a subgroup (n = 2310). Reference ranges for birth weight were constructed using the cohort of 4702 women, and neonates were classified as small (SGA, ≤ 5th centile) or appropriate (AGA) for gestational age. First‐trimester, third‐trimester and integrated first‐ and third‐trimester prediction models for SGA were constructed using regression analysis and three different contingency strategies of rescanning in the third trimester were investigated.

Results

According to the areas under the receiver–operating characteristics curves (AUCs), AC (AUC = 0.85) and ultrasound‐estimated fetal weight (EFW, AUC = 0.87) were equally good predictors of SGA. The model was marginally improved by the addition of UA Doppler, smoking status and first‐trimester indices (free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A multiples of the median) (combined model, AUC = 0.88), but the difference was not statistically significant. A contingency strategy of rescanning 50% of the population in the third trimester according to the risk estimated by a first‐trimester prediction model yielded a detection rate of 79% for a 25% screen‐positive rate.

Conclusion

Third‐trimester ultrasound is effective in screening for SGA in uncomplicated pregnancies. The use of a contingency screening policy can reduce the need for unnecessary examinations. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Extended Indication of Parotidectomy Using the Modified Facelift Incision in Benign Lesions: Retrospective Analysis of a Single Institution
Authors: Lee So‐Yoon , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Bo Gyung , Hong Hyun Jun , Jeong Jun Hui , Choi Eun Chang
Published: August 2011

Background

Recently, the modified facelift incision (FLI) has gained increasing popularity for its cosmetic benefits in parotidectomy. However, many surgeons remain concerned with the adequacy of the exposure and are unwilling to use the FLI for anterior or superior tumors of the parotid gland because these tumors are closer to the superficially positioned facial nerve branch. To evaluate the changing trends in parotidectomy incisions for benign lesions at a single institute, and to compare the surgical outcomes between the modified Blair incision (BI) and FLI, and determine the adequacy and possible indications or limitations of the FLI, especially for tumors located in the anterior or superior parotid gland.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study analyzed 357 patients who had various benign parotid diseases and underwent parotidectomy at Severance Hospital between January 2005 and December 2009. Revisions or recurrences and histologically confirmed malignancies were excluded. Tumor location was divided into superficial and deep lobes. The superficial lobe was subdivided into anterior, superior, inferior, and middle portions. Patients’ profiles, surgical outcomes, and cosmetic satisfaction score on a scale of 0 (extremely dissatisfied) to 10 (extremely satisfied) were compared.

Results

In all, 344 patients underwent BI or FLI. The FLI was performed increasingly each year. For anterior (n = 58) or superior tumors (n = 32), there was no significant difference between the type of incision and tumor size or complications. No facial nerve palsy occurred in either group. For deep‐lobe tumors (n = 67), the mean tumor size was significantly larger in the BI group (p = 0.025). There was a significant difference between facial nerve palsy and tumor size (p < 0.001) but no significant difference between facial nerve palsy and tumor location (p = 0.145) or the type of incision (p = 0.530). The mean scar satisfaction score was significantly higher in the FLI group (p <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the scar and deep hollow satisfaction score (Pearson coefficient of correlation = 0.547; p < 0.001)

Conclusions

The modified facelift incision is feasible for most benign parotid lesions regardless of tumor location, even for anterior or superior tumors. Using the modified facelift incision may be extended with a surgeon’s accumulated experience, but for a large deep‐lobe tumor, the modified Blair incision is still considered useful.
Graves’ Ophthalmopathy as an Indication Increased the Risk of Hypoparathyroidism After Bilateral Thyroidectomy
Authors: Wong Kai‐Pun , Lang Brian Hung‐Hin
Published: August 2011

Background

Studies have evaluated the effect of thyroidectomy on the course of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) but it is unclear how GO as an indication might affect surgical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the impact of this indication on surgical outcomes in Graves’ disease (GD).

Methods

From 1995 to 2008, 329 patients with GD underwent thyroidectomy. Patients were stratified into two groups, namely, those with GO as indication (GO) and those with non‐GO indication (non‐GO). Outcomes were compared between the groups and outcomes with significance were further analyzed by multivariate analyses to determine independent factors.

Results

The GO group was significantly older (P < 0.001), had more males (P < 0.001), and fewer relapses (P < 0.001) than the non‐GO group. It also had a higher proportion of total/near‐total thyroidectomy (P < 0.001), despite a shorter operating time (P = 0.024) and less blood loss (P = 0.010). When only total/near‐total thyroidectomy was considered, the GO group had significantly more permanent hypoparathyroidism than the non‐GO group (9.2 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.038), but the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was similar in the two groups when only those with parathyroid autotransplantation were considered. Other complications were similar between the two groups. By multivariate analysis, GO as indication was an independent risk factor for temporary (OR 1.97, P = 0.033) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR 4.76, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

GO as a surgical indication (i.e., unstable or active GO requiring ophthalmic treatment or follow‐up) was associated with increased risk of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism after bilateral thyroidectomy. Routine parathyroid autotransplantation may reduce the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism in this select patient group.
Are Genetic Counselors and GLBT Patients “on the Same Page”? an Investigation of Attitudes, Practices, and Genetic Counseling Experiences
Authors: Glessner Heather Dean , VandenLangenberg Erin , Veach Patricia McCarthy , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: August 2011

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals comprise a growing patient population in genetic counseling, yet literature on working with this population is scarce. This study sought to investigate GLBT patient experiences in genetic counseling and genetic counselor attitudes and practices when counseling GLBT patients. Twenty‐nine GLB individuals who had previously participated in genetic counseling, and 213 genetic counselors completed online surveys. No individuals identifying as transgender participated. The patient survey assessed disclosure of orientation, discrimination in genetic counseling, and quality of services received. The counselor survey assessed comfort with and attitudes about counseling GLBT patients, disclosure of counselor orientation, and whether they counsel differently with this population. Every patient denied experiencing discrimination during their session, but 17% reported their genetic counselor assumed they were heterosexual, and 45% indicated intake forms were not GLBT‐inclusive. A majority of counselors (91%) reported having counseled GLBT patients and indicated they were comfortable doing so (86%), and 72% indicated no differences in their counseling approaches with GLBT patients. Few counselors (17%) received training in GLBT issues, and most (61%) desired such education. Additional findings and practice and research recommendations are presented.
Antioxidant Phenolics of Millet Control Lipid Peroxidation in Human LDL Cholesterol and Food Systems
Authors: Chandrasekara Anoma , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: August 2011

Phenolic extracts from seven millet varieties, namely kodo, finger (Ravi), finger (local), proso, foxtail, little and pearl were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation in in‐vitro copper‐mediated human LDL cholesterol oxidation and several food model systems, namely cooked comminuted pork, stripped corn oil, and linoleic acid emulsion. The total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activities were measured. The TPC ranged from 146 to 1156 μmol ferulic acid equiv (FAE)/g crude extract and the corresponding values based on defatted weight of grain ranged from 8.6 to 32.4 μmol FAE/g. At a final concentration of 0.05 mg/mL, millet extracts inhibited LDL cholesterol oxidation by 1–41%. All seven varieties exhibited effective inhibition of lipid oxidation in food systems used in this study and kodo millet exhibited superior inhibition of lipid peroxidation, similar to butylated hydroxyanisole at 200 ppm. Thus, millets may serve as a natural source of antioxidants in food applications and as a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient in health promotion and disease risk reduction.
Dorsal hippocampal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate glutamatergic and δ‐opioidergic systems modulate anxiety behaviors in rats in a noninteractive manner
Authors: Solati Jalal
Published: August 2011

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐type glutamate receptor agonist, NMDA, on anxiety‐like behavior induced by δ‐opioid receptor agents in rats, using the elevated plus maze instrument. The dorsal hippocampus (CA1) is known to play an important role in anxiety formation and modulation. Bilateral administration of different doses of δ‐opioid receptor agonist, [d‐pen2,5] enkephalin acetate hydrate (1 μg/rat, 2 μg/rat, 5 μg/rat, and 10 μg/rat; 1 μL/rat; 0.5 μL/rat in each side), into CA1 area induced an anxiolytic‐like effect, demonstrated by substantial increases in the percent of open arm time (OAT%) and percent of open arm entries (OAE%). Intra‐CA1 injection of different doses of δ‐opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole hydrochloride (0.25 μg/rat, 0.5 μg/rat, 1 μg/rat, and 2 μg/rat), produced significant anxiogenic‐like behavior. Furthermore, intra‐CA1 administration of NMDA glutamate receptor agonist, NMDA (0.125 μg/rat, 0.25 μg/rat, 0.5 μg/rat, and 0.75 μg/rat), increased the OAT% and OAE%, indicating anxiolytic‐like behavior. However, administration of different doses of NMDA glutamatergic antagonist, MK801 (0.125 μg/rat, 0.25 μg/rat, 0.5 μg/rat, and 1 μg/rat), showed no significant effect on the OAT% but decreased the OAE% significantly. The ineffective dose of NMDA (0.125 μg/rat), when coadministered with enkephalin (1 μg/rat, 2 μg/rat, 5 μg/rat, and 10 μg/rat), did not decrease the anxiety behavior significantly. An effective dose of NMDA (0.5 μg/rat), in combination with different doses of naltrindole hydrochloride (0.25 μg/rat, 0.5 μg/rat, 1 μg/rat, and 2 μg/rat), demonstrated no significant interaction with the OAT%, OAE%, and locomotor activity. These results suggest that CA1 δ‐opioid and NMDA glutamatergic systems modulate anxiety behaviors in a noninteractive manner.
Low‐power holmium:YAG laser urethrotomy for urethral stricture disease: Comparison of outcomes with the cold‐knife technique
Authors: Atak Mustafa , Tokgöz Hüsnü , Akduman Bülent , Erol Bülent , Dönmez İbrahim , Hancı Volkan , Türksoy Özlem , Mungan Necmettin Aydın
Published: August 2011

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endourethrotomy with holmium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (HO:YAG) laser and compare the outcomes with the conventional cold‐knife urethrotomy. Fifty‐one male patients with single, iatrogenic, annular strictures of the urethra were randomly divided into two groups; 21 patients who underwent direct‐vision endoscopic urethrotomy with Ho:YAG laser (15 W; 1,200–1,400 mJ; 8–12 Hz) at 12 o'clock position (laser group) and 30 patients who underwent direct‐vision endoscopic urethrotomy with cold‐knife incision at 12 o'clock position (cold‐knife group). The results obtained were analyzed and compared at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months postoperatively by clinical evaluation, uroflowmetry, and retrograde urethrographies. Variables were compared among groups using Fisher's exact and Mann Whitney U tests. There were no differences between two groups in terms of patient age, preoperative Qmax value, stricture location, and length. Operative time was shorter in laser group (16.4 ± 8.04 minutes) when compared with cold‐knife group (23.8 ± 5.47 minutes) (p < 0.001). Recurrence‐free rate at 3 months was similar between two groups (p = 0.122). However, recurrence‐free rates at 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months were significantly higher in laser group when compared with cold‐knife group (p values were 0.045, 0.027, and 0.04, respectively). No intra‐ or postoperative complications were encountered. Use of Ho:YAG laser in the management of urethral stricture disease is a safe and effective method. In addition, it provides shorter operative time and lower recurrence rate when compared with the conventional technique.