bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Phosphate‐Functionalized MWCNT–TiO2 Nanocomposites as Efficient Photocatalysts and Insights into the Roles of Nanostructured Carbon
Authors: Li Zhijun , He Lumei , Jing Liqiang , Lin Jingsheng , Luan Yunbo
Published: May 2013

Effectively contacted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–titanium dioxide nanocomposites and phosphate‐functionalized MWCNT–TiO2 composites have been successfully synthesized by simple one‐pot phase‐separated hydrolysis–solvothermal processes. The key to this synthetic strategy is to disperse MWCNTs uniformly in Ti(OBu)4 in advance and then to put them into the toluene organic phase. The as‐prepared nanocomposites between TiO2 and the correct amount of MWCNT exhibits higher activity in the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B than that with the resulting TiO2, although the activity in the photocatalytic degradation of gas‐phase aldehyde and liquid‐phase phenol is lower. Interestingly, the functionalization of MWCNTs with an appropriate amount of phosphoric acids prior to the synthesis could greatly improve the activity of the MWCNT–TiO2 nanocomposites for the degradation of aldehyde and phenol, even superior to that of commercial P25 TiO2. Based on the measurements of atmosphere‐controlled surface photovoltage spectra and O2 temperature‐programmed desorption, it is suggested that MWCNTs are favorable to increase rhodamine B adsorption on the composite to promote the photosensitization oxidation reactions, whereas it is unfavorable for the adsorption of O2 and responsible for the low photocatalytic activity for the degradation of colorless pollutants. Phosphate functionalization greatly enhances the amount of O2 adsorbed on the MWCNT, which leads to significant charge separation, and thus, to significant photoactivity for the degradation of colored and colorless pollutants of the nanocomposites.
Vegetable cells in urinary samples of patients with bricker ileal conduit
Authors: Planinšek Tanja , Kladnik Aleš , Pohar‐Marinšek Živa , Fležar Margareta Strojan
Published: May 2013

During routine cytopathological evaluation of urines for malignant cells we have occasionally noticed vegetable cells that were only present in patients with Bricker ileal conduit. We wanted to identify the means and sources of contamination of urinary samples from these patients.

During the period between May and November 2010, 637 urinary samples were routinely evaluated for malignant cells. Among them were 13 urinary samples from Bricker ileal conduit which we rescreened. We prepared all urinary samples by membrane filtration and stained them according to Papanicolaou. Subsequently, we prepared samples from ostomy adhesives made by Coloplast and by ConvaTec which are used to secure the ostomy bag onto urostomy. We also took samples from different constituents (hydrocolloids) of ostomy adhesives.

On the cytopathological review, we found vegetable cells along with intestinal mucosa cells in urinary samples of seven patients with Bricker ileal conduit. With the light microscopic examination of the samples prepared from different ostomy adhesives, we found vegetable cells only in Coloplast adhesives. In preparations of hydrocolloids, we found vegetable cells only in guar gum. They were morphologically identical to those found in urine samples of patients with Bricker ileal conduit and in Sensura and Sensura Xpro (Coloplast) ostomy adhesives.

We determined that the origin of vegetable cells in urines from Bricker ileal conduit is the ostomy adhesive. The vegetable cells differ from human intestinal epithelial cells regarding size, shape, and color so it is difficult to misinterpret them as dysplastic cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42: 120–124. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potassium (1‐Organo‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)trifluoroborates from Ethynyltrifluoro­borate through a Regioselective One‐Pot Cu‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Kim Taejung , Song Jung Ho , Jeong Kyu Hyuk , Lee Seokjoon , Ham Jungyeob
Published: May 2013

A novel series of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole‐containing potassium trifluoroborates were prepared in good to excellent yields from the corresponding organohalides and potassium ethynyltrifluoroborate through a regioselective one‐pot Cu‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Further Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of these (organo‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)trifluoroborates with aryl and alkenyl bromides by using a PdCl2(dppf)·CH2Cl2/TBAB [dppf = 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene, TBAB = tetrabutylammonium bromide] system under microwave irradiation was explored.
On singularity attacks in MIMO channels
Authors: Sodagari S. , Clancy T.C.
Published: May 2013

All multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems need a method to estimate and equalise their channel, whether through channel reciprocity or sounding, and most modern orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based MIMO waveforms use sounding via OFDM pilot tones. Previous research has focused on jamming data transmissions. We instead focus on jamming channel sounding symbols and introduce the MIMO singularity attack, which attempts to reduce the rank of the channel gain matrix estimate by the receiver through transmission of specific jamming signals. More specifically, we introduce and analyse the MIMO singularity attack, in which a multi‐antenna jammer tries to manipulate pilot tones to skew the channel state information obtained at the receiver. We prove singularity jamming can be more destructive than data jamming attacks such as barrage or pilot jamming by studying its effects on channel bit error rate and capacity. We develop the constraints associated with jamming MIMO sounding channels and further describe how these attacks specifically impact data symbol estimates for OFDM pilot‐based sounding systems. Through simulation, we demonstrate efficiency gains over barrage jamming. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunistic channel selection based on time series prediction in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Tan Xiaobo , Zhang Hang , Chen Qian , Hu Jian
Published: May 2013

To improve the utilisation efficiency of licensed spectrum in cognitive radio network, two new channel selection strategies are proposed for the secondary user (SU) in this paper. The proposed solution tries its best to reduce collision and switching probabilities of the SU during data transmission. By using historical information of the licensed spectrum, the SU chooses the channel with the lowest busy probability within its service time for data transmission. Time series prediction is employed to forecast the near future busy probabilities of the licensed spectrum units, and a novel time series prediction method named distance factor recursive least square is also presented. Simulations prove that the performances of the SU, which is measured by collision probability with primary user, switching probability during data transmission and throughput within limited time slots, are all significantly improved when compared with random channel selection method. Higher prediction accuracy than the conventional recursive least square and lazy learning methods is achieved by proposed time series prediction algorithm when tested by voice traffic data and Lorenz time series. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Natural Atisane‐Type Diterpenoids by retro‐Biomimetic Transformations
Authors: Ungur Nicon , Kulciţki Veaceslav , Chetraru Olga , Grinco Marina , Vlad Pavel F.
Published: May 2013

An efficient one step, retro‐biomimetic procedure for the synthesis of natural products having the atisane structure is described (Scheme 2), natural products which are components of medicinal plants and possess relevant biological activity. Their structures were confirmed by chemical transformations and spectral data. The starting materials were the known ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid (1) and ent‐trachyloban‐19‐oic acid (2), diterpenoids readily available from the waste of sunflower.
Unexpected Ritter Reaction During Acid‐Promoted 1,3‐Dithiol‐2‐one Formation
Authors: Dumur Frédéric , Mayer Cédric R.
Published: May 2013

A series of aryl‐substituted 1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ones was prepared by the BhattacharyaHortmann cyclization method. Unexpectedly, a Ritter reaction occurred during the acid‐catalyzed cyclization at the cyano group of the aryl substituents and 1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ones bearing a carboxy or a carboxamide group could be selectively obtained (see 1 and 2a in Scheme 1). The formation of the acid or the amide functionality was temperature‐dependent so that the one or the other group could be introduced selectively by modifying the reaction temperature.
Synthesis of New Furo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐1(3H)‐one Scaffolds Derived from γ‐Lactone‐Fused Quinolin‐4(1H)‐ones
Authors: Labruère Raphaël , Helissey Philippe , Desbène‐Finck Stéphanie , Giorgi‐Renault Sylviane
Published: May 2013

In the context of our aim of discovering new antitumor drugs among synthetic γ‐lactone‐ and γ‐lactam‐fused 1‐methylquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones, we developed a rapid access to 5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxolo[4,5‐g]furo[3,4‐b]quinoline‐8,9(5H,6H)‐dione (9) exploiting the γ‐lactone‐fused chloroquinoline 10 previously synthesized in our laboratory (Scheme 1). We also elaborated efficient synthetic methods allowing for a rapid access to two nonclassical bioisosteres of 9, i.e., a deoxy and a carba analogue. The deoxy analogue 11 was prepared in two steps from the γ‐lactone‐fused quinoline 13 which was also the synthetic precursor of 10 (Scheme 1). The carba analogue 6,9‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐9‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxolo[4,5‐g]furo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐8(5H)‐one (12) was easily prepared by HCl elimination from the 9‐(chloromethyl)dioxolofuroquinoline 15, which was obtained via a three‐component one‐pot reaction from N‐methyl‐3,4‐(methylenedioxy)aniline (=N‐methyl‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐amine; 16), commercially available chloroacetaldehyde, and tetronic acid (17) (Scheme 2).
Mechanism of the Reaction of Amines with 5‐[(Aryl‐ or Alkylamino)hydroxymethylene]‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐diones in the Presence of Chlorotrimethylsilane (Me3SiCl)
Authors: Janikowska Karolina , Makowiec Sławomir , Rachoń Janusz
Published: May 2013

Addition of chlorotrimethylsilane (Me3SiCl) to the mixture of a carbamoyl‐substituted Meldrum's acid, i.e., a 5‐[(arylamino)hydroxymethylene]‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione of type 1 and a secondary amine as nucleophile strongly accelerated the rate of their reaction. The reason for this phenomenon observed, during our previous research, remained, however, unclear. To elucidate the mechanism of this reaction, we assumed and verified three possible pathways for the action of Me3SiCl (cf. Scheme 2): The acceleration of the reaction is caused i) by formation of a O‐trimethylsilylated Meldrum's acid of type 2, ii) by the silylated amine 3, or iii) by the presence of HCl liberated from Me3SiCl. The performed experiments revealed that the faster course of reaction is caused by the formation of N‐trimethylsilylated amines of type 3.
New Flavonoids from Lysimachia christinaeHance
Authors: Gao Feifei , Zhao De , Deng Jun
Published: May 2013

A chemical investigation of Lysimachia christinae, a traditional Chinese medicine used as an effective conservative treatment for gall stones, hepatolithiasis, and urinary calculi, resulted in the isolation of two new flavonoids, myricetin 3,3′‐di‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (1) and quercetin 3,3′‐di‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (2), along with the five known flavonoids quercetin 3‐[O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside], amentoflavone, hyperin, quercetin 3‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, and kaempferol 3‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside. Amentoflavone was reported for the first time from the genus Lysimachia, and quercetin 3‐[O‐α‐L‐rhamopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside] was isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of their chemical reactions and extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, mass, and NMR spectra.
N‐Bearing Furanone Derivatives from an Endophytic Fungus in Huperzia serrata
Authors: Xiang Jia‐Gui , Shan Wei‐Guang , Liang Dong‐E , Ying You‐Min , Gan Li‐She , Wang Jian‐Wei , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: May 2013

Two new polyketide derivatives, huaspenones C and D (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from the cultures of an endophytic fungus Peyronellaea sp. HS‐12, derived from the stems of Huperzia serrata. They share N‐bearing furan‐3(2H)‐one backbone, and 2 has an unprecedented furo[3,2‐c]pyridine skeleton. Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis combined with quantum‐chemical calculations. (2E,4E)‐6‐hydroxy‐2‐methylocta‐2,4‐dienoic acid (3), a key intermediate of the biosynthesis of 1 and 2, was also obtained from the endophyte.
Wildfire effects on extractable elements in ash from aPinus pinasterforest in Portugal
Authors: Pereira Paulo , Úbeda Xavier , Martin Deborah , Mataix‐Solera Jorge , Cerdà Artemi , Burguet Maria
Published: May 2013

The aim of this work is to study the effects of a wildfire on water‐extractable elements in ash from aPinus pinasterforest located in Portugal. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), sodium and potassium adsorption ratio (SPAR), aluminium (Al3+), manganese (Mn2+), iron (Fe2+), zinc (Zn2+), sulphur (S), silica (Si) and phosphorous (P) were analysed in ash sampled from a sloped area burned in a wildfire and from litter from a contiguous unburned area, with similar morphological conditions. The results showed that ash leachates had higher pH and EC, and were significantly richer in water‐extractable Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, SPAR, S and Si and significantly poorer in water‐extractable Al3+, Fe2+, Mn2+and Zn2+than litter solutions. No significant differences were observed in water‐extractable P. The fire changed the ash solute chemistry compared with the unburned litter and increased the sample variability of nutrient distribution with potential implications for plant recovery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Institutional Research in the Future: Challenges Within Higher Education and the Need for Excellence in Professional Practice
Authors: Calderon Angel , Mathies Charles
Published: May 2013

The upcoming challenge for higher education institutions (HEIs) globally is how to respond to an increasing variety of societal needs but with fewer public resources and increased accountability demands. In this chapter we draw attention to the central role institutional research (IR) professionals play in positioning HEIs in a competitive and globalized environment, and the need for them to have a well‐developed set of skills (both generic and specialized) to provide and inform the decision‐making process. We conclude by posing some questions to consider for the practice of IR into the future.
Optimization of a formic/acetic acid delignification treatment on beech wood and its influence on the structural characteristics of the extracted lignins
Authors: Simon Mathilde , Brostaux Yves , Vanderghem Caroline , Jourez Benoit , Paquot Michel , Richel Aurore
Published: May 2013

Background

In order to replace petrochemicals by bio‐based lignin products in high value‐added applications, a formic/acetic acid treatment was adapted to beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) for lignin extraction.

Results

Beech wood particles were delignified at atmospheric pressure by a formic acid/acetic acid/water mixture. Cooking time and temperature were optimized for delignification, pulp yield and 2‐furfural concentration. Response surface design analysis revealed that delignification yield increased with cooking time and temperature.

Conclusion

The multi‐criteria optimization of delignification was used to find the ideal cooking conditions (5 h 07 min, 104.2 °C) to maximize delignification (70.5%) and pulp yield (58.7%) and, to a lesser extent, minimize 2‐furfural production. Treatment conditions were found to influence the chemical structure of extracted lignins. Cooking time and temperature inversely influenced lignin molecular weights. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of moisture on in situ transesterification of microalgae for biodiesel production
Authors: Sathish Ashik , Smith Brian R. , Sims Ronald C.
Published: May 2013

Background

A major hurdle with algal biodiesel production has been the energy required to dry algal biomass prior to lipid extraction and/or conversion. Water interferes with the extraction and/or conversion of algal lipids to biodiesel. The focus of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the in situ transesterification method for biodiesel recovery when processing algal biomass with varying amounts of moisture and to evaluate changes in efficiency as in situ transesterification reaction parameters were varied.

Results

Results indicated that moisture content affected biodiesel recovery. Specifically, algal biomass moisture contents above 20% by mass led to statistically significant reductions in biodiesel recovery. However, increasing the amount of catalyst and/or methanol in the reaction resulted in higher recoveries when using wet algal biomass containing 84% moisture. Using 10% (v/v) sulfuric acid in methanol with the wet biomass to solution ratio of 25 mg (dry mass equivalent) mL‐1 resulted in the recovery of approximately 81% of the maximum biodiesel yield.

Conclusion

This study showed that the presence of moisture at greater than 20% by mass in algal biomass significantly decreased biodiesel recovery when using in situ transesterification. Increasing the amount of methanol and/or catalyst in the reaction improved biodiesel recovery from wet algal biomass. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of gallium‐doped zinc‐oxide thickness on polymer light‐emitting diode luminescence efficiency
Authors: Chen Sy‐hann , Chen Wei‐chun , Yu Chang‐feng , Lin Chia‐feng , Kao Po‐ching
Published: May 2013

Conducting atomic force microscopy and scanning surface potential microscopy were used to study the local electrical properties of gallium‐doped zinc oxide (GZO) films prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on a polyimide (PI) substrate. For a PLD deposition process time of 8 min, the root‐mean‐square roughness, coverage percentage of the conducting regions, and mean work function on the GZO surface were 2.33 nm, 96.6%, and 4.82 eV, respectively. When the GZO/PI substrate was used for a polymer light‐emitting diode (PLED), the electroluminescence intensity increased by nearly 20% compared to a standard PLED, which was based on a commercial‐ITO/glass substrate.Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:783–787, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of clouds in ACCESS using the satellite simulator package COSP: Regime‐sorted tropical cloud properties
Authors: Franklin Charmaine N. , Sun Zhian , Bi Daohua , Dix Martin , Yan Hailin , Bodas‐Salcedo Alejandro
Published: May 2013

This study uses a regime sorting technique to explore the relationships that ACCESS1.3 clouds have with the large‐scale environment. Satellite simulator output is used to demonstrate that the modeled clouds have similar sensitivity to the large‐scale dynamic and thermodynamic conditions as shown by CloudSat and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO). The high cloud cover and longwave cloud radiative effect is represented very well in the model across all regimes. The cloud types that the model simulates the most poorly are stratocumulus over cool sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and the deep convective regimes associated with strong upward midtropospheric vertical velocity and weak lower tropospheric stabilities. The reflectance of the deep convective regimes shows a stronger sensitivity to SST and less dependence on the large‐scale dynamics than the observations. Many of the model errors identified occur across all regimes, such as the underestimate of clouds with large scattering ratios (SR) and the too frequent occurrence of drizzle and rain. A sensitivity test in which a different warm rain scheme was used shows that the modelled frequency of occurrence of nonprecipitating low cloud is quite sensitive to the autoconversion parameterization. The new scheme produced more cloud with large SR and higher cloud tops in better agreement with the observations. The thermodynamic regime analysis shows that the transition of shallow to deeper convection in the model requires a warmer SST and weaker LTS than the observations. The significant underestimate of cumulus congestus is likely to contribute to this delay due to the role these clouds have in preconditioning the midtroposphere for the onset of deep convection.
Public Science of the Savage Mind: Contesting Cultural Anthropology in the Cold War Classroom
Authors: Milam Erika Lorraine
Published: May 2013

“What is human about human beings? How did they get that way? How can they be made more so?” These three questions formed the basis of a fifth‐grade social studies curriculum project developed in the 1960s calledMan: A Course of Study, or MACOS. In the years between the curriculum's development in the 1960s and its controversial implementation in the 1970s, two separate sets of concerns served to problematize the use of anthropological materials in public school classrooms. On the one hand, MACOS designers were wary of the possibly racist interpretations of exploring so‐called “primitive” cultures in the classroom. On the other, conservative textbook reformers objected to claims that all cultural solutions to biological problems were morally equivalent. Once MACOS earned a place in national news, it came to embody both hopes for the redemption of American democratic society and fears about the violent nature of humans, depending on one's political perspective. These mixed messages eventually undermined the long‐term success of the program as public science.
KERALA'S FOOD SECURITY STATUS—A PROBE
Authors: Nair Reshmy
Published: May 2013

The Indian state of Kerala had attained international acclaim for its consistently higher level of human development comparable with that of many advanced countries even with a much lower per capita income. The present paper focuses on the food security concerns in the state, which produces less than a quarter of its food grain requirements. There has however been a misguided optimism regarding the state's food security status in the recent times owing to the state's better economic performance, the supposed effective functioning of the Public Distribution System and good performance in terms of health outcome indicators. The paper critically analyses each of these factors and reveals the factual position behind the unwarranted optimism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adenosine kinase in apoplastic location is involved in Magnaporthe oryzae cold acclimation
Authors: Li Jian , Jia Baolei , Liang Xilong , Liu Jinliang , Wang Yanli , Liang Xunna , Yan Hai , Wang Yuhan , Zhang Shihong
Published: May 2013

Cold acclimation is an important process to increase freezing tolerance for over‐winter survival in many organisms. The apoplastic area is very important in cold acclimation. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis was used to identify apoplastic proteins involved in the cold acclimation process of the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, and nine protein spots showed at least 1.5‐fold increase during cold treatment. These proteins were further analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. One of these proteins was identified to be an adenosine kinase (MoAK), an ortholog of the adenosine kinase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The MoAK gene showed significantly increased in transcription level. Microscopic analyses showed that an MoAK::GFP fusion protein was localized in the apoplastic region. The MoAk protein showed anti‐freezing activity when expressed in yeast. These results indicated that cold acclimation is crucial for fungal freezing tolerance and MoAK played an important role in this process in M. oryzae.
A novel glucoamylase activated by manganese and calcium produced in submerged fermentation by Aspergillus phoenicis
Authors: Benassi Vivian Machado , Pasin Thiago Machado , Facchini Fernanda Dell Antonio , Jorge João Atílio , de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes Polizeli Maria
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the production of glucoamylase from Aspergillus phoenicis in Machado Benassi (MB) medium using 1% maltose as carbon source. The maximum amylase activity was observed after four days of cultivation, on static conditions at 30 °C. Glucoamylase production was induced by maltose and inhibited by different glucose concentrations. The optimum of temperature and pH were 60–65 °C, and 4.5 or 5.0 to sodium acetate and Mcllvaine buffers, respectively. It was observed that the enzyme was totally stable at 30–65 °C for 1 h, and the pH range was 3.0–6.0. The enzyme was mainly activated by manganese (176%), and calcium (130%) ions. The products of starch hydrolysis were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and after 3 h, only glucose was detected, characterizing the amylolytic activity as a glucoamylase.
The role of mastoidectomy in outcomes following tympanic membrane repair: A review
Authors: Eliades Steven J. , Limb Charles J.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The role of mastoidectomy performed with tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforations in the absence of cholesteatoma remains controversial. Some authorities suggest that outcomes are improved by the pressure buffering contributed by a well‐aerated mastoid. It is unclear, however, whether or not clinical evidence demonstrates a benefit by the addition of a mastoidectomy.

Study Design

Review of peer‐reviewed publications.

Methods

The literature on tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy was reviewed, examining the success of tympanic membrane repair, control of drainage, and hearing improvement.

Results

Twenty‐six articles were reviewed examining surgical outcomes for patients with perforations resulting from chronic suppurative otitis media without cholesteatoma. Most of the literature consisted of retrospective cohort studies and case series with only a few small prospective randomized trials. Retrospective studies were commonly biased by performing mastoidectomy in ears with worse disease, and methodological differences made comparisons between studies difficult to interpret. There was no evidence of improved outcomes following mastoidectomy compared to tympanoplasty alone. Subgroup analysis, including actively discharging ears, extensive mucosal inflammation, large or repeat perforations, or sclerotic mastoids had overall worse outcomes. These patients showed a nonsignificant trend toward slightly improved results with mastoidectomy.

Conclusions

The available literature shows no additional benefit to performing mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for uncomplicated tympanic membrane perforations. Patients with more complicated disease may benefit from the addition of a mastoidectomy, but there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for this population. Further prospective controlled studies are needed.

Laryngoscope, 2013
Improvement of olfactory function for quality of life recovery
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Simopoulos Efthimios , Tripsianis Gregory , Prokopakis Emmanuel , Danielides Gerasimos , Velegrakis Stelios George , Livaditis Miltos , Danielides Vassilios
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To explore quality of life (QoL) improvement after treatment of patients with chronic olfactory disorders; and to correlate QoL with olfactory rehabilitation and evaluate olfactory improvement values over which QoL outcomes are significantly recovered.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Methods

Eighty‐nine patients following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis (AR) were studied. Olfactory function was evaluated using Sniffin' Sticks test pre‐and 12 months after treatment. All patients completed six validated QoL questionnaires either specific for olfaction (Questionnaire of Olfactory Deficits‐QOD) and for assessing mental health (Zung Anxiety Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory), or generic one (Short Form‐36).

Results

Significant improvement (all P < 0.001) of olfactory function by 27.4% in total cohort (AR: 10.4%, P = 0.004; CRS: 39.9%, P < 0.001), expressed by the combined Threshold‐Discrimination‐Identification (TDI) score‐and of all QoL questionnaires scores (all P < 0.01) as well, was observed after treatment. There was a positive correlation between olfactory recovery and improvement of patients' QoL. ROC analysis revealed that an increase in the TDI score by 3.50 points in AR and 4.75 points in CRS was necessary for a clinically significant improvement in all QoL questionnaires results.

Conclusions

QoL and mental health of patients suffering from chronic sinonasal diseases are totally recovered after treatment, presenting a direct positive relationship with smell improvement. An increase of olfactory function by 3.50 points for AR and 4.75 points for CRS might be considered the cutoff point for patients' QoL significant recovery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:E10–E16, 2013
Level IIB lymph node metastasis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gross Brian C. , Olsen Steven M. , Lewis Jean E. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Moore Eric J. , Olsen Kerry D. , Price Daniel L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the incidence of level IIB lymph node metastasis in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and to evaluate the necessity of level IIB dissection for elective and therapeutic neck dissections.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients with OPSCC (N = 348) were surgically managed at our institution from 2004 through 2010. Neck dissection specimens were reviewed by a pathologist, and level IIB metastases were analyzed with respect to clinical and pathologic data.

Results

Level IIB lymph node metastases were present in 2.5% and 25% of elective and therapeutic neck dissections, respectively. Level IIA metastasis, clinical tumor stage, clinical nodal stage, extracapsular spread, and primary tumor location in the tonsil were significantly associated with level IIB metastasis.

Conclusions

This study uniquely demonstrated a statistically significant association between clinical tumor stage and tonsil subsite with level IIB metastasis in OPSCC. Considering the predicted incidence of nodal metastasis, we conclude that level IIB neck dissection can be omitted in early stage (T1 or T2) clinically node negative (cN0) OPSCC. In patients with a cN0 neck and advanced OPSCC (T3 or T4), primary tumor in the tonsil, or ipsilateral clinically node positive (cN+) and contralateral cN0 neck, level IIB dissection should be considered. Level IIB dissection should be performed routinely in patients with cN+ OPSCC.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2700–2705, 2013
Is there a role for elective neck dissection with salvage laryngectomy? A decision‐analysis model
Authors: Hilly Ohad , Stern Sagit , Horowitz Einav , Leshno Moshe , Feinmesser Raphael
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Elective neck dissection for the clinically negative neck is often a matter of debate. A decision‐analysis model that was published in 1994 established the widely accepted principle that neck dissection is warranted when the risk for occult metastases is higher than 20%. The aim of the present study was to build a specific and up‐to‐date decision‐analysis model to determine the need for elective neck dissection during salvage laryngectomy after chemoradiation failure and to identify the variables that effect the decision.

Study Design

Decision‐analysis model.

Methods

A decision‐analysis model was performed to compare the outcome of patients after salvage total laryngectomy with and without an elective neck dissection. Probabilities and expected utilities were derived from available literature to construct the model. Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis were used to calculate our models' outcomes and to identify the variables that influence the model most, respectively.

Results

When calculating our model results with published data, we found that elective neck dissection is not warranted during salvage total laryngectomy. Optimal decision was found to be sensitive by two variables: 1) the probability for cure with neck dissection, and 2) the probability for regional‐only recurrence after salvage laryngectomy without neck dissection. In multiway sensitivity analysis, only when cure rate with neck dissection exceeded 82%, adding neck dissection was the preferred decision. In practice, cure rates for patients after salvage total laryngectomy are around 50% to 65%.

Conclusions

Based on our decision‐analysis model, we do not recommend routine elective neck dissection during salvage total laryngectomy after failure of chemoradiation.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 123:2706–2711, 2013
Anionic Polysaccharides as Templates for the Synthesis of Conducting Polyaniline and as Structural Matrix for Conducting Biocomposites
Authors: Leppänen Ann‐Sofie , Xu Chunlin , Liu Jun , Wang Xiaoju , Pesonen Markus , Willför Stefan
Published: May 2013

A green chemoenzymatic pathway for the synthesis of conducting polyaniline (PANI) composites is presented. Laccase‐catalyzed polymerization in combination with anionic polysaccharides is used to produce polysaccharide/PANI composites, which can be processed into flexible films or coated onto cellulose surfaces. Different polysaccharide templates are assessed, including κ‐carrageenan, native spruce O‐acetyl galactoglucomannan (GGM), and TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose and GGM. The resulted conducting biocomposites derived from natural materials provide a broad range of potential applications, such as in biosensors, electronic devices, and tissue engineering.

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Effects of exercise‐induced intracellular acidosis on the phosphocreatine recovery kinetics: a 31P MRS study in three muscle groups in humans
Authors: Layec Gwenael , Malucelli Emil , Le Fur Y. , Manners David , Yashiro Kazuya , Testa Claudia , Cozzone Patrick J. , Iotti Stefano , Bendahan David
Published: May 2013

Little is known about the metabolic differences that exist among different muscle groups within the same subjects. Therefore, we used 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS) to investigate muscle oxidative capacity and the potential effects of pH on PCr recovery kinetics between muscles of different phenotypes (quadriceps (Q), finger (FF) and plantar flexors (PF)) in the same cohort of 16 untrained adults. The estimated muscle oxidative capacity was lower in Q (29 ± 12 mM min‐1, CVinter‐subject = 42%) as compared with PF (46 ± 20 mM min‐1, CVinter‐subject = 44%) and tended to be higher in FF (43 ± 35 mM min‐1, CVinter‐subject = 80%). The coefficient of variation (CV) of oxidative capacity between muscles within the group was 59 ± 24%. PCr recovery time constant was correlated with end‐exercise pH in Q (p < 0.01), FF (p < 0.05) and PF (p <0.05) as well as proton efflux rate in FF (p < 0.01), PF (p < 0.01) and Q (p = 0.12). We also observed a steeper slope of the relationship between end‐exercise acidosis and PCr recovery kinetics in FF compared with either PF or Q muscles. Overall, this study supports the concept of skeletal muscle heterogeneity by revealing a comparable inter‐ and intra‐individual variability in oxidative capacity across three skeletal muscles in untrained individuals. These findings also indicate that the sensitivity of mitochondrial respiration to the inhibition associated with cytosolic acidosis is greater in the finger flexor muscles compared with locomotor muscles, which might be related to differences in permeability in the mitochondrial membrane and, to some extent, to proton efflux rates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charity brand personality: can smaller charitable organizations leverage their brand's personality to influence giving
Authors: Stebbins Elizabeth , Hartman Rosanne L.
Published: May 2013

The importance of establishing a strong brand identity has been the focus for consumer brand managers for decades. Organizations develop and communicate a distinctive brand personality as a means of attracting consumers and cultivating long‐term relationships. While the concept of branding has gained recent attention as an important strategy for nonprofit practitioners, little empirical data exist on the role a charity's brand personality might play in attracting donors. A few recent studies of large national charitable organizations provide support that charities exhibit distinctive personalities. This study explores whether smaller, local scope charitable organizations, without the benefit of national brand recognition, also exhibit distinctive brand personalities and whether such brand personalities influence donors. Results from five charitable organizations, from four distinct categories of cause, find that brand personality traits that are both differentiating and relevant to donors influence charitable giving. The findings provide nonprofit practitioners with valuable insights for leveraging their brand's personality to turn donor awareness into commitment and establish a stronger market position. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and Characterisation of Phenolics in Polygonum capitatum by Ultrahigh‐Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection and Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liao Shang‐Gao , Zhang Li‐Juan , Sun Fa , Wang Zhen , He Xun , Wang Ai‐Min , Li Yong‐Jun , Huang Yong , Lan Yan‐Yu , Zhang Bo‐Li , Wang Yong‐Lin
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Polygonum capitatum is a well‐known Chinese medicinal plant widely used by the Miao people for the treatment of various urologic disorders. Previous investigations have shown the presence of various types of phenolics. Our ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (UPLC–PDA–MS) analysis indicated that flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides were its major constituents and quite a number of phenolic compounds have not yet been identified. Identification or characterisation of the major compounds of this plant will contribute to the scientific understanding of the medicinal plant and the authentication of the plant material and its pharmaceutical preparations.

Objective

To develop an efficient method for the identification and structural characterisation of the major compounds present in P. capitatum.

Methods

Elution of the 70% ethanol extract of P. capitatum by 80% ethanol on a D101 macroporous resin column afforded a phenolics‐enriched fraction, separation of which by Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography eluted with absolute ethanol gave a tannin‐free phenolic fraction (TFPF). Compounds present in TFPF were identified and structurally characterised by UPLC–PDA–ESI–MS/MS.

Results

An amino acid and 40 phenolics including a number of flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides were identified or structurally characterised in TFPF. Among these compounds, four were new and 19 were described in the plant for the first time.

Conclusion

The study showed that TFPF of P. capitatum contained flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides as its major principles. Polyphenolic glycosides were perhaps the most typical chemical markers of P. capitatum. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can physician's self‐estimates be used as a valid instrument to determine prescription frequencies of anti‐psoriatic drugs? Comparison of the results of a cross‐sectional study using self‐estimates with actual prescription behavior documented in a cohort study
Authors: Nast Alexander , Rosumeck Stefanie , Erdmann Ricardo , Werner Ricardo N.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Physicians' self‐estimates of their own prescription behavior can be used as a tool to gather information on prescription frequencies. Self‐estimates as a tool for health‐care research on prescription frequencies need to be validated as a suitable method before it can be used widely.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study inviting all dermatologists in Berlin and Brandenburg to give self‐estimates of their own prescription behavior of anti‐psoriatic drugs. The results were compared with the results from a consecutive 8‐months cohort study with the same participants documenting their actual treatment choices during every visit of a psoriasis patient on a standardized documentation sheet. Differences between self‐estimates and documented prescription patterns were analyzed with respect to systemic anti‐psoriatic drugs and UV treatment.

Results

Fifty‐one dermatologists participated. They documented an average of 91 patient visits each. Absolute differences between the self‐estimates and the documented actual prescription behavior ranged from −2.5% to 1.4% for systemic treatments. For psoralen plus ultravioloet A (PUVA) treatment, the absolute difference was 3.3% and for ultraviolet B (UVB) 4.7%.

Conclusions

Self‐estimates were surprisingly exact. Self‐estimates may be suggested as one tool to assess prescription frequencies, but further studies are needed to confirm their validity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a nationwide real‐time 3‐D wind and reflectivity radar composite in France
Authors: Bousquet Olivier , Tabary Pierre
Published: May 2013

The ability to perform multiple‐Doppler wind synthesis from operational weather radar systems on an operational basis has been investigated by the French Weather Service since 2006 using a (sub‐)network of six Doppler radars covering the Greater Paris area. This analysis has been recently extended to the entire French radar network so as to implement a nationwide, three‐dimensional reflectivity and wind field mosaic to be eventually delivered to forecasters and modellers, as well as automatic nowcasting systems for air traffic management purposes. In this composite analysis, data collected by all 24 radars of the French radar network are collected, pre‐processed and combined in real time at intervals of 15 minutes to retrieve the complete wind vector (u,v,w) and reflectivity fields at a horizontal resolution of 2.5 km within a domain of approximately 1000 × 1000 × 12 km3. In order to illustrate the performance of this new product, examples of 3‐D wind and reflectivity output produced during the passage of two significant weather events are presented: the extratropical storm Klaus, which struck France on 24 January 2009 with hurricane‐force gusts, and a typical orographic high‐impact precipitation event that developed on 21 October 2009. The evaluation of real‐time radar outputs against operational analyses attests to the consistency of the retrieved wind fields.
On collaborative anonymous communications in lossy networks
Authors: Rebollo‐Monedero David , Forné Jordi , Pallarès Esteve , Parra‐Arnau Javier , Tripp Carolina , Urquiza Luis , Aguilar Mónica
Published: May 2013

Message encryption does not prevent eavesdroppers from unveiling who is communicating with whom, when, or how frequently, a privacy risk wireless networks are particularly vulnerable to. The Crowds protocol, a well‐established anonymous communication system, capitalizes on user collaboration to enforce sender anonymity. This work formulates a mathematical model of a Crowd‐like protocol for anonymous communication in a lossy network, establishes quantifiable metrics of anonymity and quality of service (QoS), and theoretically characterizes the trade‐off between them. The anonymity metric chosen follows the principle of measuring privacy as an attacker's estimation error. By introducing losses, we extend the applicability of the protocol beyond its original proposal. We quantify the intuition that anonymity comes at the expense of both delay and end‐to‐end losses. Aside from introducing losses in our model, another main difference with respect to the traditional Crowds is the focus on networks with stringent QoS requirements, for best effort anonymity, and the consequent elimination of the initial forwarding step. Beyond the mathematical solution, we illustrate a systematic methodology in our analysis of the protocol. This methodology includes a series of formal steps, from the establishment of quantifiable metrics all the way to the theoretical study of the privacy QoS trade‐off. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of oxygen flow rate on the surface chemistry and morphology of radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtered zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Al‐Kuhaili M. F. , Durrani S. M. A. , Bakhtiari I. A.
Published: May 2013

Zinc oxide thin films were deposited, by radio frequency magnetron sputtering, on heated and unheated substrates. The oxygen flow rate was varied during deposition, and its effects on the structural and chemical properties of the films were investigated. The films had oriented c‐axis growth with nano‐crystallite size. Their surfaces manifested columnar microstructure, with a surface roughness that was suppressed by the introduction of oxygen. Chemical analysis showed that deposition under an oxygen atmosphere resulted in substantial reduction of oxygen vacancies, with a corresponding incorporation of chemisorbed species. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembling behavior of TDPA molecules on inhomogeneous surface of 2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Qu Jun‐e , Nie Dejian , Liu Cheng , Wang Hairen , Chen Geng
Published: May 2013

The self‐assembling behavior of 1‐tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) molecules on the surfaces of 2024 aluminum alloys was studied with an emphasis on the different micro‐structural regions of the alloy surface, specially the alloy matrix and the two main types of intermetallic particles, as well as how the adsorption was effected by changes in water content of the self‐assembly solution. Surface characterization was undertaken with contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The packing density of TDPA film on the alloy surface increased with the increasing water content of the self‐assembly solution. It seemed that the micro‐distribution of TDPA molecules was related to copper amount and the region with a higher surface copper concentration had a lower packing density of TDPA. Some pits were formed in the acidic self‐assembly solutions and the exposed surfaces of the pits can quickly adsorb TDPA molecules with compactness comparative to the matrix surface. Different adsorption models of TDPA corresponding to different water content of the self‐assembly solution were suggested based on the analysis of AES depth sputtering data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.