bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of moisture content in alpine rockwalls during freeze–thaw events
Authors: Rode Matthias , Schnepfleitner Harald , Sass Oliver
Published: April 2016

Rock moisture during freeze–thaw events is a key factor for frost weathering. Data on moisture levels of natural rockwalls are scarce and difficult to obtain. To close this gap, we can benefit from the extensive knowledge of moisture‐related phenomena in building materials, which is incorporated into simulation software, for example the WUFI® package of the Fraunhofer Institute of Building Physics. In this paper we applied and adapted this type of simulation to natural rockwalls to gain new insights on which moisture‐related weathering mechanisms may be important under which conditions.

We collected the required input data on physical rock properties and local climate for two study areas in the eastern European Alps with different elevation [Sonnblick, 3106 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and Johnsbach, 700 m a.s.l.] and different lithologies (gneiss and dolomite, respectively). From this data, moisture profiles with depth and fluctuations in the course of a typical year were calculated. The results were cross‐checked with different thermal conditions for frost weathering reported in the literature (volumetric expansion and ice segregation theories). The analyses show that in both study areas the thresholds for frost cracking by volumetric expansion of ice (90% pore saturation, temperature < −1 °C) are hardly ever reached (in one year only 0.07% of the time in Johnsbach and 0.4% at Sonnblick, mostly in north‐exposed walls). The preconditions for weathering by ice segregation (−3 to −8 °C, > 60% saturation) prevail over much longer periods; the time spent within this ‘frost cracking window‘ is also higher for north‐facing sites. The influence of current climate warming will reduce effective frost events towards 2100; however the increase of liquid precipitation and rock moisture will promote weathering processes like ice segregation at least at the Sonnblick site. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring and reconstructing past biogeomorphic succession within fluvial corridors using stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Vautier Franck , Corenblit Dov , Hortobágyi Borbála , Fafournoux Laure , Steiger Johannes
Published: April 2016

Past fluvial biogeomorphic succession dynamics, i.e. reciprocal interactions and adjustments between vegetation growth and fluvial landform construction, were monitored and reconstructed using stereophotogrammetry. The four‐dimensional spatio‐temporal stereophotogrammetric analyses were based on the use of archival analogue and digital aerial photographs. First, we tested the relevance of the technique to produce floodplain digital terrain models (DTMs) and cover height models (CHMs) of the dynamic River Allier, France, and compared the models derived from photogrammetric procedures to field measurements for CHMs and to LiDAR data for DTMs. Automatic photogrammetric procedures tended to create inaccurate digital models with production of outliers, incomplete sectors and areas of confusion especially for analogue stereo‐pairs. Expert correction using stereoscopic viewing improved the vertical accuracy of the digital models, but the vegetation height tended to be underestimated: approximately 0.50 m for vegetation heights less than 10 m, up to 1.50 m for tree heights higher than 25 m. Second, we applied this method to a wooded point bar located on the channelized River Garonne, France. At the scale of the point bar, accurate biogeomorphic maps that show terrain and vegetation height changes in all three spatial dimensions were produced and accurate vegetation growth curves from the early stages of establishment until maturity were extracted. Assuming that a set of conditions is satisfied (e.g. spatial scale of investigation, quality of the photographs), our results show that the photogrammetric method applied in this research can be used operationally to detect and quantify present fluvial biogeomorphic dynamics (i.e. changes of topography and vegetation canopy height) within fluvial corridors of temperate rivers with satisfactory accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pan‐cancer analysis of copy number changes in programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1, CD274) – associations with gene expression, mutational load, and survival
Authors: Budczies Jan , Bockmayr Michael , Denkert Carsten , Klauschen Frederick , Gröschel Stefan , Darb‐Esfahani Silvia , Pfarr Nicole , Leichsenring Jonas , Onozato Maristela L. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Dietel Manfred , Fröhling Stefan , Schirmacher Peter , Iafrate A. John , Weichert Wilko , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: April 2016

Inhibition of the PD‐L1 (CD274) – PD‐1 axis has emerged as a powerful cancer therapy that prevents evasion of tumor cells from the immune system. While immunohistochemical detection of PD‐L1 was introduced as a predictive biomarker with variable power, much less is known about copy number alterations (CNA) affecting PD‐L1 and their associations with expression levels, mutational load, and survival. To gain insight, we employed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets to comprehensively analyze 22 major cancer types for PD‐L1 CNAs. We observed a diverse landscape of PD‐L1 CNAs, which affected focal regions, chromosome 9p or the entire chromosome 9. Deletions of PD‐L1 were more frequent than gains (31% vs. 12%) with deletions being most prevalent in melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer. Copy number gains most frequently occurred in ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, cervical and endocervical cancer, sarcomas, and colorectal cancers. Fine‐mapping of the genetic architecture revealed specific recurrently amplified and deleted core regions across cancers with putative biological and clinical consequences. PD‐L1 CNAs correlated significantly with PD‐L1 mRNA expression changes in many cancer types, and tumors with PD‐L1 gains harbored significantly higher mutational load compared to non‐amplified cases (median: 78 non‐synonymous mutations vs. 40, P = 7.1e‐69). Moreover, we observed that, in general, both PD‐L1 amplifications and deletions were associated with dismal prognosis. In conclusion, PD‐L1 CNAs, in particular PD‐L1 copy number gains, represent frequent genetic alterations across many cancers, which influence PD‐L1 expression levels, are associated with higher mutational loads, and may be exploitable as predictive biomarker for immunotherapy regimens. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis B e antigen and its precursors promote the progress of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with NUMB and decreasing p53 activity
Authors: Liu Dan , Cui Lei , Wang Yuan , Yang Guifang , He Jing , Hao Ruidong , Fan Chengpeng , Qu Mengmeng , Liu Zhepeng , Wang Min , Chen Lang , Li Hui , Guo Deyin
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis B viral infection is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Although several viral factors have been identified that may increase the risk for HCC development, the molecular mechanisms leading to the transformation of normal hepatocytes into cancer cells remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that the intracellular hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and its precore precursors, but not their homologous core protein, could associate with NUMB and thereby impair the stability and transcriptional activity of tumor suppressor p53. HBeAg and its precursors could disrupt p53‐NUMB and HDM2‐NUMB interactions and tricomplex p53‐HDM2‐NUMB formation, inhibit the acetylation and translocation of p53 from cytosol to the nucleus, promote HDM2‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53, and suppress p53‐dependent apoptosis. A xenograft tumorigenicity assay showed that expression of HBeAg and its precursors promoted carcinogenesis in a mouse model. Immunohistochemical analysis of the bioptic liver samples of HCC patients revealed that HBeAg positivity was associated with reduced transcriptional activity of p53. Taken together, the results suggest a role of intracellular HBeAg and its precursors in HCC development. Conclusion: HBeAg and its precursors promote HDM2‐mediated degradation and impair transcriptional activity of p53 by interacting with NUMB, consequently contributing to HCC development. (Hepatology 2016;64:390‐404)
Comparative study among three different phototherapy protocols to treat chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in hamsters
Authors: Campos Luana , Cruz Érika P. , Pereira Filipi S. , Arana‐Chavez Victor E. , Simões Alyne
Published: April 2016

In this study, clinical, biochemical and histological analysis were used to compare different phototherapies, including LED, low and high‐power laser (HPL) for the treatment of chemotherapy (CT)‐induced oral mucositis (OM). One‐hundred‐fifty hamsters were divided into five groups: C: control; CH: CT/OM induction; L: CT/OM induction and treatment with LED (635 nm, 1.2 J), HL: CT/OM induction and treatment with HPL (808 nm, 10 J), LL: CT/OM induction and treatment with low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) (660 nm, 1.2 J). OM was induced by scratches performed on check pouch mucosa after two injections of 5‐Fluorouracil. The experiment lasted 10 days and OM was analyzed by specific clinical scales on days 5, 7 and 10. The animals were euthanized and the cheek pouch mucosa removed for biochemical (TNF‐α concentration) and histological (light microscopy) analysis. After statistical analysis, the authors' results showed LED and LLLT therapies were efficient treatments for OM, decreasing TNF‐α concentration on day 7 (p < 0.05) and completely healing the mucosa on day 10. HPL showed no interference in final healing of OM. According to the methodology used and the results obtained in the present study, LLLT and LED therapies were the best choices to decrease the severity of OM, accelerating tissue repair and decreasing the inflammatory process.

Clinical evaluation of OM in Groups CH, LL, L and HL and their respective arrangement of phototherapy treatments at different time intervals (5, 7 and 10 days).

magnified image

Clinical evaluation of OM in Groups CH, LL, L and HL and their respective arrangement of phototherapy treatments at different time intervals (5, 7 and 10 days).
Morphological arrangement of the coronary vasculature in a shark (Squalus sucklei) and a teleost (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Cox Georgina K. , Kennedy Gemma E. , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: April 2016

The coronary circulation is of great importance in maintaining cardiovascular function and consequently it has been extensively studied in many mammalian species. However, much less attention has been paid to the coronary circulation in other vertebrates. For example, while elasmobranch fishes are of special interest as they are the most ancient lineage of vertebrates to possess a coronary circulation, only qualitative studies exist on their coronary circulation and most concern the architecture of the large arteries. Our study tested the prediction that the coronary circulation of sharks is better developed than previously thought. However, to test this idea, a methodology was needed to quantify vascularity, vessel morphology and oxygen diffusion distances in a heart with predominantly spongy myocardium. Here, we describe this methodology using dogfish and rainbow trout and suggest that the dogfish spongy myocardium appears to rely predominantly on the coronary circulation for its oxygen supply, an arrangement that contrasts with the spongy myocardial tissue of rainbow trout. In support of this suggestion, the density of the microvasculature of the spongy myocardial tissue of dogfish exceeded that of their compact tissue. Although vascularity in the compact myocardium of dogfish was significantly lower than trout, intervascular distances were similar on account of a significantly larger vessel diameter in dogfish, which corresponds to a larger red blood cell size of the dogfish when compared to trout. J. Morphol. 277:896–905, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid gene (phc CD) from Bacillus pumilus MTCC7615 and its role in antagonism against Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Padaria Jasdeep Chatrath , Tarafdar Avijit , Raipuria Rajkumar , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Gahlot Pallavi , Shakil Najam A. , Kumar Jitendra
Published: April 2016

Bacillus pumilus MTCC7615, a biocontrol agent isolated from rice rhizosphere was characterized to be antagonistic to Rhizoctonia solani, the pathogen causing sheath blight disease of rice. The phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid gene (phc CD) of this bacterium was PCR amplified (1400 bp), cloned, and sequenced. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of two ORFs of phc CD gene commonly found in Pseudomonas species. The sequence showed 98% similarity to phc CD gene of the Pseudomonas isolate LBUM223 (DQ788993). The crude antibiotic extract from B. pumilus MTCC7615 was observed to inhibit mycelial growth of R. solani under in vitro conditions. The HPLC analysis of crude antibiotic extract from B. pumilus MTCC7615 confirmed the presence of phenazine. The study has also reported the presence of phc CD gene which is responsible for the synthesis of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid in B. pumilus. The ability of the bacterial isolate to control sheath blight disease in rice seedlings under in vivo conditions was confirmed by the pot culture experiment. The structural and functional genomics of phc C and phc D genes would lead to a better understanding of phenazine biosynthesis in B. pumilus for its efficient utilization in plant protection strategies.
Detection of plant growth enhancing features in psychrotolerant yeasts from Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Mestre María Cecilia , Fontenla Sonia , Bruzone María Clara , Fernández Natalia Veronica , Dames Joanna
Published: April 2016

This study explores the biotechnological potential for plant production of twelve psychrotolerant yeasts strains from Northwest‐Patagonia. These strains were isolated from different substrates associated with Nothofagus sp. in native forests and Vaccinium sp. in a commercial plantation. Yeasts characterization was performed using in vitro assays to evaluate the production of auxin‐like compounds and siderophores, ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate and to reduce common plant pathogen growth. Strain YF8.3 identified as Aureobasidium pullullans was the main producer of auxin‐like and siderophores compounds. Phosphate solubilization was a characteristic observed by strains L8.12 and CRUB1775 identified as Holtermaniella takashimae and Candida maritima, respectively. Different yeast strains were able to inhibit the growth of Verticillium dahliae PPRI5569 and Pythium aphanidermatum PPRI 9009, but they all failed to inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum PPRI5457. The present study, suggests that yeasts present in different environments in Northwestern‐Patagonian have physiological in vitro features which may influence plant growth. These results are promising for the developing of biological products based on Patagonian yeasts for plant production in cold‐temperate regions.
Characterization of endotoxins on orthopaedic fixation screws, using physicochemical surface analyses
Authors: França Rodrigo , Alfa Michelle , Olson Nancy , Yahia L'Hocine , Sacher Edward
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to determine if surface analysis techniques could be used to detect endotoxin on stainless steel malleolus screws. New malleolus screws were compared to ones that had been coated in purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Artificial Test Soil (ATS) containing lipopolysaccharide. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and time‐of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) were used to assess the fixation screws surface. Organic material was visualized on the LPS and ATS‐LPS inoculated screws but not on the new unsoiled screws. This was further supported by the peaks observed at masses between 40 and 100 D in TOF‐SIMS spectra of the LPS and ATS‐LPS inoculated screws. After deconvolution of N1s high resolution XPS spectra, the LPS inoculated screws showed amide groups whereas the ATS‐LPS inoculated screws showed predominantly nitroso groups (C‐NO). Our data demonstrate that surface analysis can be used to detect organic residuals present on fixation screws. The XPS data confirmed that LPS reacted predominantly with positively charged surface metallic ions (Fe and Cr), whereas proteins reacted with the surface oxide layer of fixation screws, forming C‐NO groups. The application of these surface analysis techniques will be helpful in determining if the reprocessing of such items results in an accumulation of organic material that might lead to aseptic loosening, when implanted. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:240–247, 2017.
A diatom‐inferred record of lake variability during the last 900 years in Lützow–Holm Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Rudd Rachel C. , Tyler Jonathan J. , Tibby John , Yokoyama Yusuke , Tavernier Ines , Verleyen Elie , Fukui Manabu , Takano Yoshinori
Published: April 2016

Decadal–centennial‐scale climate variability in coastal Antarctica remains poorly understood due to the limited number of highly resolved, well‐dated records. We present a 900‐year, decadal‐scale reconstruction based on sedimentary diatoms from Lake Abi in Lützow–Holm Bay, East Antarctica. Hydrological change is inferred from diatom ecological preferences in conjunction with an existing regional training set and implies that lake water specific conductivity, depth and nitrogen availability are the key drivers of diatom assemblage change. Lake Abi underwent a series of subtle environmental changes related to these environmental variables, possibly driven by changes in catchment snow melt and the duration of seasonal ice cover. Ordination is used to trace the major patterns of change in the diatom community, with notable shifts identified between 470 and 400 and at ∼350 cal a BP (where present = CE 1950). The frequency of environmental variability at Lake Abi is broadly consistent with a record of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation during the last millennium, but contrasts with the apparent climate stability elsewhere in eastern Antarctica. Further research is required to constrain the limnological and ecological responses of lakes in coastal Antarctica to obtain more rigorous palaeoclimate reconstructions from these sites of immense potential.
Taxonomy, location of origin and health status of proboscideans from Western Canada investigated using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Metcalfe Jessica Z. , Longstaffe Fred J. , Jass Christopher N. , Zazula Grant D. , Keddie Grant
Published: April 2016

We investigated the application of stable isotope analysis of proboscidean remains (collagen in bone/dentin/cementum and structural carbonate in enamel bioapatite) for genus‐level identification of isolated specimens, assessment of geographical origins, and testing for nutritional stress. Mammoths (Mammuthussp.) tended to have higher δ15Ncoland lower δ13Ccolthan mastodons (Mammutamericanum), but differences were not significant in every location. Determining the genus of isolated specimens may be possible for locations and time periods with good isotopic baselines, but environmental changes can confound interpretations. For example, an Alberta proboscidean with a δ15Ncolof +1.4‰ (characteristic of mastodons) ultimately proved to be a mammoth. Its surprisingly low nitrogen isotope composition is attributable to the recently deglaciated environment it inhabited. We provided a baseline for isotopic assessment of geographical origins of isolated proboscideans in Western Canada. Bioapatite δ13Cscand δ18Osccan be used to distinguish specimens from Alberta, Klondike, Old Crow, Herschel Island and further south (e.g. Arizona, Great Lakes). Finally, we found that an Alberta mammoth with morphological evidence of nutritional stress experienced a change in diet, environment or physiology before death, but its isotopic compositions did not suggest a link to hypothesized starvation (catabolism of proteins or reliance on lipids).
Epitympanum volume and tympanic isthmus area in temporal bones with retraction pockets
Authors: Monsanto Rafael da Costa , Pauna Henrique Furlan , Kaya Serdar , Hızlı Ömer , Kwon Geeyoun , Paparella Michael M. , Cureoglu Sebahattin
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare the volume of the epitympanic space, as well as the area of the tympanic isthmus, in human temporal bones with retraction pockets to those with chronic otitis media without retraction pockets and to those with neither condition.

Study Design

Comparative human temporal bone study.

Methods

We generated a three‐dimensional model of the bony epitympanum and measured the epitympanic space. We also compared the area of the tympanic isthmus.

Results

The mean total volume of the epitympanum was 40.55 ± 7.14 mm3 in the retraction pocket group, 50.03 ± 8.49 mm3 in the chronic otitis media group, and 48.03 ± 9.16 mm3 in the neither condition group. The mean volume of the anterior, lateral, and medial compartments in temporal bones in the retraction pocket group was significantly smaller than in the two control groups (P < 0.05). Total epitympanic volume was also significantly smaller in the retraction pocket group than in both control groups (P < 0.05). The mean area of the tympanic isthmus was significantly smaller in the retraction pocket group (8.11 ± 2.44 mm2) than in the chronic otitis media group (9.82 ± 2.06 mm2) or the neither condition group (10.66 ± 1.78 mm2) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that temporal bones with retraction pockets have a smaller volume bony epitympanum and a smaller tympanic isthmus area as compared with temporal bones from both control groups. The smaller volume tympanic isthmus in the retraction pocket group may suggest that a blockage in the aeration pathways to the epitympanum could create dysventilation, resulting in negative pressure and ultimately in retraction pockets and cholesteatomas.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E369–E374, 2016
Phonomicrosurgery simulation: A low‐cost teaching model using easily accessible materials
Authors: Zambricki Elizabeth A. , Bergeron Jennifer L. , DiRenzo Elizabeth E. , Sung C. Kwang
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To introduce the use of a new phonomicrosurgical trainer using easily accessible materials, and to establish the effectiveness of the model.

Study Design

The model uses a grape imbedded in gelatin, a microscope, and microlaryngeal instruments. The study was designed to test baseline differences in training levels, as well as improvement in performance after training with the simulation model.

Methods

Thirty subjects enrolled in the Stanford University School of Medicine otolaryngology training program performed microlaryngeal surgery tasks on a grape. Tasks were designed to model both excision of a vocal fold lesion and vocal fold injection. Anonymized video recordings comparing presimulation and postsimulation training were collected and graded by an expert laryngologist. Both objective comparison of skills and subjective participant surveys were analyzed.

Results

Objectively, trainees in all groups made statistically significant improvements across all tested variables, including microscope positioning, creation of a linear incision, elevation of epithelial flaps, excision of a crescent of tissue, vocal fold injection, preservation of remaining tissue, and time to complete all tasks. Subjectively, 100% of participants felt that they had increased comfort with microlaryngeal instruments and decreased intimidation of microlaryngeal surgery after completing the simulation training. This appreciation of skills was most notable and statistically significant in the intern trainees.

Conclusion

Microlaryngeal surgical simulation is a tool that can be used to train residents to prepare them for phonomicrosurgical procedures at all levels of training. Our low‐cost model with accessible materials can be easily duplicated and used to introduce trainees to microlaryngeal surgery or improve skills of more senior trainees.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:2528–2533, 2016
Surgical salvage of recurrent vestibular schwannoma following prior stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Wise Stephanie C. , Carlson Matthew L. , Tveiten Øystein Vesterli , Driscoll Colin L. , Myrseth Erling , Lund‐Johansen Morten , Link Michael J.
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate outcomes of salvage surgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) that failed primary stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Methods

Case‐control study of 37 patients who underwent surgical resection of sporadic VS following prior SRS at two tertiary academic referral centers between 2003 and 2015. A cohort of nonirradiated control subjects, matched according to tumor size, age, and treatment center, were used as comparison.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients were included. The median time from radiation to surgical salvage was 36 months (range 9.6–153 months). Following tumor progression after SRS, 18 (49%) patients underwent gross total resection, 10 (27%) underwent near‐total resection, and nine (24%) underwent subtotal resection. Postoperative complications following salvage surgery included one (3%) case of stroke, four (11%) cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and two (5%) cases of meningitis. Twenty‐seven (73%) patients had good postoperative facial nerve outcome (House‐Brackmann Score I–II) at long‐term follow‐up. There were no cases of tumor recurrence or regrowth after a median length of 26 months following microsurgical salvage (range 3–114 months). The rate of satisfactory postoperative facial nerve function was not different between study and control subjects (73% vs. 76%; P = 0.8); however, less‐than‐complete resection was utilized more frequently among previously radiated patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Microsurgical salvage of VS following primary radiation therapy is challenging. Less‐than‐complete resection is required in a greater percentage of patients to preserve facial nerve integrity and prevent neurological complications. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to determine the risk of delayed progression following incomplete tumor removal.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 126:2580–2586, 2016
Can Iron Treatments Aggravate Epistaxis in Some Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia?
Authors: Shovlin Claire L. , Gilson Clare , Busbridge Mark , Patel Dilip , Shi Chenyang , Dina Roberto , Abdulla F. Naziya , Awan Iman
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine whether there is a rationale for iron treatments precipitating nosebleeds (epistaxis) in a subgroup of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Study Design

Survey evaluation of HHT patients, and a randomized control trial in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Nosebleed severity in response to iron treatments and standard investigations were evaluated by unbiased surveys in patients with HHT. Serial blood samples from a randomized controlled trial of 18 healthy volunteers were used to examine responses to a single iron tablet (ferrous sulfate, 200 mg).

Results

Iron tablet users were more likely to have daily nosebleeds than non–iron‐users as adults, but there was no difference in the proportions reporting childhood or trauma‐induced nosebleeds. Although iron and blood transfusions were commonly reported to improve nosebleeds, 35 of 732 (4.8%) iron tablet users, in addition to 17 of 261 (6.5%) iron infusion users, reported that their nosebleeds were exacerbated by the respective treatments. These rates were significantly higher than those reported for control investigations. Serum iron rose sharply in four of the volunteers ingesting ferrous sulfate (by 19.3–33.1 μmol/L in 2 hours), but not in 12 dietary controls (2‐hour iron increment ranged from −2.2 to +5.0 μmol/L). High iron absorbers demonstrated greater increments in serum ferritin at 48 hours, but transient rises in circulating endothelial cells, an accepted marker of endothelial damage.

Conclusions

Iron supplementation is essential to treat or prevent iron deficiency, particularly in patients with pathological hemorrhagic iron losses. However, in a small subgroup of individuals, rapid changes in serum iron may provoke endothelial changes and hemorrhage.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 126:2468–2474, 2016
Prolonged allergen exposure is associated with increased thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression and Th2‐skewing in mouse models of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Dae Woo , Eun Kyoung Mi , Jin Hong Ryul , Cho Seong H. , Kim Dong‐Kyu
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by a dysfunctional host‐environment interaction at the nasal mucosa. Contributions of host susceptibility factors such as atopy and aspirin sensitivity to CRS pathophysiology are well established. However, clinical studies on the effects of environmental factors are limited. This study investigates the histological and immunological effects of allergen exposure duration in animal models.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

A murine model for CRS with nasal polypoid lesions was induced by instilling ovalbumin/staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) into murine nasal cavities for 12 (short term) or 24 weeks (long term). Histopathological changes were observed. Interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐17A, IL‐10, and interferon (INF)‐γ levels from nasal lavage fluid were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expressions of IL‐25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL‐4, IL‐5, INF‐γ, C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)‐11, CCL‐24, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)‐1, CXCL‐2, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)‐7, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐3 were analyzed from the nasal mucosa.

Results

Long‐term CRS models exhibited increased polypoid lesions, edematous mucosal thickness, and eosinophil infiltration compared with short‐term models and showed a higher IL‐10 level but lower IFN‐γ and IL‐17A protein levels. Moreover, CCL‐24 and MMP‐7 gene expressions increased whereas TIMP‐3 expression decreased in long‐term models compared to controls and short‐term models. IL‐25 and TSLP expressions were upregulated at mRNA and protein levels in short‐term and long‐term CRS models, respectively. Furthermore, TSLP mRNA expression was positively associated with IL‐5 (r = 0.8754) and inversely correlated to IFN‐γ (r = −0.7212) in CRS models.

Conclusions

Prolonged allergen exposure in ovalbumin/SEB‐induced CRS models maintains Th2 inflammation and reduces Th1 inflammation, which was associated with upregulation of TSLP.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E265–E272, 2016
Phonosurgical resection using submucosal infusion technique for precancerous laryngeal leukoplakia
Authors: Kono Takeyuki , Saito Koichiro , Yabe Haruna , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study was designed to assess the feasibility of the submucosal infusion technique combined with microflap dissection as a radical therapeutic and diagnostic option for precancerous laryngeal leukoplakia.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ was diagnosed after phonomicrosurgical dissections in 25 patients with unilateral laryngeal leukoplakia. Of these, 15 patients preferred no additional surgery (observation group), whereas 10 patients underwent further laser subligamental cordectomy (additional surgery group). The relationship between the initial surgical margin and histopathological characteristics of additionally excised tissues was assessed to evaluate diagnostic reliability. Disease control was assessed to determine the oncologic efficacy of the therapeutic procedure. Comparative multidimensional vocal assessments were performed in both groups to evaluate functional advantages of one‐stage excision.

Results

After the initial phonomicrosurgical resection, three patients had residual dysplastic lesions near the vocal process and anterior commissure, whereas three other patients had lesions suspicious for recurrence. No postoperative malignant transformation was observed in any patient. Although well‐preserved vocal function was observed in the observation group, vocal quality deteriorated shortly after laser surgery in the additional surgery group. Regarding acoustics, aerodynamics, and quality‐of‐life evaluations, statistically equivalent scores were observed between the observation and control groups, whereas scores were inferior in the additional surgery group than in the control group.

Conclusions

Phonomicrosurgical resection may be a therapeutic option with oncologic efficacy against precancerous laryngeal leukoplakia. This radical management might achieve more satisfactory postoperative vocal function.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:153–158, 2017
Effect of the tracheoesophageal voice resistance test in total laryngectomees
Authors: Pellicani Ariane D. , Ricz Hilton , Iqueda Adriana P. D. , Aguiar‐Ricz Lílian
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze tracheoesophageal voice resistance in laryngectomized patients by comparing the acoustic, perceptive‐auditory and self‐evaluation measures before and after the voice resistance test.

Study Design

An observational, experimental study with a quantitative and descriptive approach.

Methods

Nineteen total laryngectomees were submitted for capture of vocal intensity, self‐assessment of signs and symptoms of voice fatigue using a visual analogue scale, and perceptive‐auditory and acoustic analysis of the tracheoesophageal voice before and after the voice resistance test, which consisted of continuous repeated counting from one to 100.

Results

The mean time of execution of the test was 33.68 minutes. Type II sound signal, voice intensity, voice quality, degree of severity of dysphonia, and the pitch and loudness parameters were maintained after the test. There were no changes in signs and symptoms of vocal fatigue.

Conclusions

Most of the total laryngectomees performed the voice resistance test for less than 30 minutes. However, the voice resistance test did not induce significant changes in the quality of tracheoesophageal voice of total laryngectomees or in the signs and symptoms of vocal fatigue.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:405–410, 2017
Recruitment of underserved, high‐risk participants to a head and neck cancer screening program
Authors: Freiser Monika E. , Cohen Erin R. , Szczupak Mikhaylo , Desai Dipan D. , Lo Kaming , Nayak Chetan , Weed Donald T. , Sargi Zoukaa B.
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Early detection is essential in head and neck cancer treatment as prognosis varies greatly with stage at diagnosis. Underserved populations often present with advanced disease, and individuals with tobacco and heavy alcohol use demonstrate a higher head and neck cancer incidence. This study aims to evaluate whether various promotional methods differentially recruited behavioral risk factor positive and/or underserved populations to our screening event.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A hospital‐based, medical student‐run, free head and neck cancer screening event for 187 participants was held in April 2015. Medical campus‐based, community‐based, and media‐based promotions were implemented to recruit participants. Event participants filled out questionnaires to determine how they were recruited, their risk‐factor history, and their socioeconomic status. Prevalence of the higher‐risk population across the various promotional methods was analyzed.

Results

Community‐based promotions were significantly associated with the recruitment of participants in the underserved subgroups, namely uninsured (P = .019), unemployed (P = .006), and those with an annual household income <$20,000 (P < .001). Although not statistically significant, participants with behavioral risk factors reported a higher percentage of recruitment by media‐based promotions. Campus‐based promotions led to the highest absolute number, but not percentage, of higher‐risk participants.

Conclusions

Community‐based promotions most efficiently recruit underserved guests to participate in a hospital‐based head and neck cancer screening event as compared to media and campus‐based promotions. Institutions interested in recruiting higher proportions of underserved guests to these screening events should consider focusing attention and allocation of resources to community‐based promotions.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:2699–2704, 2016
Thermohaline stratification and double diffusion diapycnal fluxes in the hypersaline Dead Sea
Authors: Arnon A. , Selker J. S. , Lensky N. G.
Published: April 2016

The Dead Sea is a hypersaline terminal lake, experiencing negative water balance, increasing salinity, and NaCl (halite) crystallization. We observed atypical evolution of the thermohaline stratification in comparison to most lakes due to the role of salt crystallization and diapycnal fluxes across lake layers. We characterized the dynamics of the thermohaline properties of the lake strata through high‐resolution continuous measurements of temperature profiles, novel water sampling methods, and observation of vertical profiles of salt crystallization. The diapycnal fluxes across the metalimnion were explained by Double Diffusion (DD) salt fingering driven by instability between warmer saltier water above cooler less salty water. The DD flux is associated with: (1) sharpening of the metalimnion from a 20 m wide transition in early summer, to staircase, ultimately merging to a single sharp sub‐meter step, (2) salinity decline from the epilimnion starting from mid‐summer synchronous with increasing salinity and temperature of the hypolimnion, and (3) active halite crystallization in the hypolimnion. We hypnotize that the salt fingering mechanism in saturated brines reveals a unique asymmetry; i.e., the descending cooling fingers become supersaturated and crystallize halite, whereas the ascending warming fingers becomes undersaturated. The DD flux in the Dead Sea is shown to be fundamental in the dynamics of stratification, providing a framework for general understanding DD flux in hypersaline environments. The finding that the epilimnion experiences seasonal halite undersaturation whereas the hypolimnion continuously precipitates salt by DD flux, has wide implications on the understanding of the dynamics of deposition of evaporitic rocks.
Plasmonic refraction‐induced ultrahigh transparency of highly conducting metallic networks
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Peng Qiang , Han Bing , Ke Yuanyu , Wang Xin , Lu Xubing , Wu Xueyuan , Kong Jiantao , Ren Zhifeng , Akinoglu Eser Metin , Giersig Michael , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun‐Ming , Kempa Krzysztof , Gao Jinwei
Published: April 2016

We demonstrate a high optoelectronic performance and application potential of our random network, with subwavelength diameter, ultralong, and high‐quality silver nanowires, stabilized on a substrate with a UV binder. Our networks show very good optoelectronic properties, with the single best figure of merit of ∼1686, and excellent stability under harsh mechanical strain, as well as thermal, and chemical challenge. Our network transparency strongly exceeds the simple shading limit. We show that this transmission enhancement is due to plasmonic refraction, which in an effective medium picture involves localized plasmons, and identify the inhomogeneous broadening as the key factor in promoting this mechanism. Such networks could become a basis for a next generation of ultrahigh‐performance transparent conductors.

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Dietary intervention in obese dams protects male offspring from WAT induction of TRPV4, adiposity, and hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Janoschek Ruth , Bae‐Gartz Inga , Vohlen Christina , Alcázar Miguel A. Alejandre , Dinger Katharina , Appel Sarah , Dötsch Jörg , Hucklenbruch‐Rother Eva
Published: April 2016

Objective

One major risk factor for childhood overweight is maternal obesity. The underlying molecular mechanisms are ill‐defined, and effective prevention strategies are missing.

Methods

Diet‐induced obese mouse dams were changed to standard chow during pregnancy and lactation as an intervention against predisposition for obesity and metabolic sequelea in the offspring. Expression of adipokines and TRPV4, a regulator of adipose oxidative metabolism, inflammation, and energy homeostasis, in offspring's white adipose tissue (WAT) was assessed.

Results

Pathological effects on offspring's body weight, fat content, and serum insulin were fully reversed in intervention offspring on postnatal day 21. In WAT, a sixfold increase of Trpv4 mRNA expression in offspring consuming high‐fat‐containing diet was found, which was completely blunted in the intervention group. Simultaneously, WAT adipokine, interleukin‐6, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ mRNA and UCP1 protein expression were largely returned to control levels in intervention offspring.

Conclusions

Improvement of maternal nutrition offers a powerful strategy to improve offspring's metabolic health. Targeting TRPV4‐linked aspects of WAT metabolic function during early development might be a promising approach to prevent long‐term adverse metabolic effects of maternal high‐fat nutrition.
Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for single gene disorders: cost analysis of NIPD and invasive testing pathways
Authors: Verhoef Talitha I. , Hill Melissa , Drury Suzanne , Mason Sarah , Jenkins Lucy , Morris Stephen , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Evaluate the costs of offering non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for single gene disorders compared to traditional invasive testing to inform NIPD implementation into clinical practice.

Method

Total costs of diagnosis using NIPD or invasive testing pathways were compared for a representative set of single gene disorders.

Results

For autosomal dominant conditions, where NIPD molecular techniques are straightforward, NIPD cost £314 less than invasive testing. NIPD for autosomal recessive and X‐linked conditions requires more complicated technical approaches and total costs were more than invasive testing, e.g. NIPD for spinal muscular atrophy was £1090 more than invasive testing. Impact of test uptake on costs was assessed using sickle cell disorder as an example. Anticipated high uptake of NIPD resulted in an incremental cost of NIPD over invasive testing of £48 635 per 100 pregnancies at risk of sickle cell disorder.

Conclusion

Total costs of NIPD are dependent upon the complexity of the testing technique required. Anticipated increased demand for testing may have economic implications for prenatal diagnostic services. Ethical issues requiring further consideration are highlighted including directing resources to NIPD when used for information only and restricting access to safe tests if it is not cost‐effective to develop NIPD for rare conditions. © 2016 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameterized complex dielectric functions of CuIn1−xGaxSe2: applications in optical characterization of compositional non‐uniformities and depth profiles in materials and solar cells
Authors: Aryal Puruswottam , Ibdah Abdel‐Rahman , Pradhan Puja , Attygalle Dinesh , Koirala Prakash , Podraza Nikolas J. , Marsillac Sylvain , Collins Robert W. , Li Jian
Published: April 2016

In‐situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was employed to extract the complex dielectric functions ε = ε1 + iε2 over the spectral range of 0.75–6.5 eV for a set of polycrystalline CuIn1−xGaxSe2 (CIGS) thin films with different alloy compositions x = [Ga]/{[In] + [Ga]}. For highest possible accuracy in ε for each CIGS thin film, specialized SE procedures were adopted including (i) deposition to a thickness of ~600 Å on smooth native oxide covered crystal silicon wafers, which minimizes the surface roughness on the film and thus the required corrections in data analysis, and (ii) measurement in‐situ, which minimizes ambient contamination and oxidation of the film surface. Assuming an analytical form for each of the ε spectra for these CIGS films, oscillator parameters were obtained in best fits, and these parameters were fit in turn to polynomials in x. With the resulting database of polynomial coefficients, the ε spectra for any composition of CIGS can be generated from the single parameter, x. In addition to enabling accurate contactless determination of bulk and surface roughness layer thicknesses of CIGS films by high speed multichannel SE, the database enables characterization of the composition and its profile with depth into these films, and even how the depth profile varies spatially within the plane of the films. In this study, depth profile parameters were found to correlate spatially with solar cell performance parameters. As a result, SE provides the capability of contactless compositional analysis of production‐scale CIGS photovoltaic modules at high speed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic graphitization of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK‐3 with iron oxide catalysts: Evaluation of different synthesis pathways
Authors: Nettelroth Dennes , Schwarz Hans‐Christoph , Burblies Niklas , Guschanski Natalija , Behrens Peter
Published: April 2016

Catalytic graphitization of the mesoporous carbon material CMK‐3 with the help of iron oxide catalysts can increase the electrical conductivity and chemical stability and enhance the electrochemical performance as compared to the non‐graphitized material. These properties are of interest for the application as electrode material in energy storage materials, but also in neuronal electrodes. In order to find the most suitable and efficient way to obtain graphitized porous carbons, a literature‐known procedure and two new methods, consisting in impregnating the mesoporous amorphous carbon with the catalyst during or after its synthesis, were applied. The results of our investigations show that our new, post‐synthetic pathway apparently is the most suitable one, leading to improved pore characteristics and higher degree of graphitization of the resulting material. First investigations concerning the mechanism of the catalytic process indicate that the catalytically active species are more likely iron(II) species than iron(III) species.
A microbolometer fabrication process using polymorphous silicon–germanium films (pm‐SixGey:H) as thermosensing material
Authors: Calleja Cesar , Torres Alfonso , Moreno Mario , Rosales Pedro , Sanz‐Pascual María Teresa , Velázquez Miguel
Published: April 2016

For uncooled resistive microbolometers, the properties that are necessary in the thermosensing materials in order to obtain high responsivity and detectivity are a high temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR), low resistivity, and low noise. The most used materials for these applications are boron‐doped amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H,B) and amorphous silicon–germanium (a‐SixGey:H), however, those materials present some drawbacks such as relatively low TCR values and poor stability. In this work, we performed the deposition and electrical characterization of hydrogenated polymorphous silicon–germanium films (pm‐SixGey:H) deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), using a standard frequency of 13.56 MHz. We found that these films have high values of activation energy (Ea = 6.2 eV), a thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR = 8% K−1), and room temperature conductivity (σRT = 2.38 × 10−8 Ω−1 cm−1), which are superior characteristics to those of microbolometers based on a‐Si:H and a‐SixGey:H films, contained in very large commercial infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs).