bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Orienting of Attention in Dyslexic Adults using Directional and Alphabetic Cues
Authors: Judge Jeannie , Knox Paul C. , Caravolas Markéta
Published: March 2013

Spatial attention performance was investigated in adults with dyslexia. Groups with and without dyslexia completed literacy/phonological tasks as well as two spatial cueing tasks, in which attention was oriented in response to a centrally presented pictorial (arrow) or alphabetic (letter) cue. Cued response times and orienting effects were largely similar in dyslexic and nonimpaired readers. The one distinct pattern that emerged showed dyslexic adults to have smaller orienting effects in the right than left visual field for letter cues, whereas typical readers showed the opposite pattern. These smaller orienting effects appeared to characterize the dyslexic group as a whole and not only one or two individuals. Our results suggest that dyslexic adults may have a subtle impairment in orienting visual attention when processing alphabetic (but not pictorial) cues. Several interpretations of these findings are considered, including links with a phonological deficit and/or a difficulty in shifting attention in the direction of reading. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating aggregated nutrient fluxes in four Finnish rivers via Gaussian state space models
Authors: Helske Jouni , Nyblom Jukka , Ekholm Petri , Meissner Kristian
Published: March 2013

Reliable estimates of the nutrient fluxes carried by rivers from land‐based sources to the sea are needed for efficient abatement of marine eutrophication. Although nutrient concentrations in rivers generally display large temporal variation, sampling and analysis for nutrients, unlike flow measurements, are rarely performed on a daily basis. The infrequent data calls for ways to reliably estimate the nutrient concentrations of the missing days. Here, we use the Gaussian state space models with daily water flow as a predictor variable to predict missing nutrient concentrations for four agriculturally impacted Finnish rivers. Via simulation of Gaussian state space models, we are able to estimate aggregated yearly phosphorus and nitrogen fluxes, and their confidence intervals.

The effect of model uncertainty is evaluated through a Monte Carlo experiment, where randomly selected sets of nutrient measurements are removed and then predicted by the remaining values together with re‐estimated parameters. Results show that our model performs well for rivers with long‐term records of flow. Finally, despite the drastic decreases in nutrient loads on the agricultural catchments of the rivers over the last 25 years, we observe no corresponding trends in riverine nutrient fluxes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Archaeological Microsampling by Means of Sediment Coring at Submerged Sites
Authors: Horlings Rachel L.
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses a microsampling technique using a low‐technology, diver‐assisted percussion coring device that was developed for minimally invasive testing of underwater archaeological sites in turbulent environments, specifically in West Africa. The simple and cost‐effective technique is useful across a range of scales including shipwreck sites and larger regions, providing insights into the micro‐ and macro aspects of submerged sites, including site formation processes. A brief case study of its use on a historical shipwreck site is presented that highlights its efficacy as a data‐collection technique used independently or in tandem with more traditional investigative methods such as excavation.
The Impact of Improved Microarray Coverage and Larger Sample Sizes on Future Genome‐Wide Association Studies
Authors: Lindquist Karla J. , Jorgenson Eric , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Witte John S.
Published: March 2013

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with complex traits. However, the genetic heritability of most of these traits remains unexplained. To help guide future studies, we address the crucial question of whether future GWAS can detect new SNP associations and explain additional heritability given the new availability of larger GWAS SNP arrays, imputation, and reduced genotyping costs. We first describe the pairwise and imputation coverage of all SNPs in the human genome by commercially available GWAS SNP arrays, using the 1000 Genomes Project as a reference. Next, we describe the findings from 6 years of GWAS of 172 chronic diseases, calculating the power to detect each of them while taking array coverage and sample size into account. We then calculate the power to detect these SNP associations under different conditions using improved coverage and/or sample sizes. Finally, we estimate the percentages of SNP associations and heritability previously detected and detectable by future GWAS under each condition. Overall, we estimated that previous GWAS have detected less than one‐fifth of all GWAS‐detectable SNPs underlying chronic disease. Furthermore, increasing sample size has a much larger impact than increasing coverage on the potential of future GWAS to detect additional SNP‐disease associations and heritability.
Seismic properties of the Kohistan oceanic arc root: Insights from laboratory measurements and thermodynamic modeling
Authors: Almqvist B. S. G. , Burg J.‐P. , Berger J. , Burlini L.
Published: March 2013

P‐wave velocities (Vp) have been measured in the laboratory and calculated using thermodynamic modeling for seven representative rock samples from the lower crust to mantle section of the Kohistan paleo‐island arc. Lower crustal rocks comprise plagioclase‐rich gabbro, garnet‐bearing gabbro, and hornblendite; mantle rocks comprise garnetite, pyroxenite, websterite, and dunite. Measurements were performed at confining pressures up to 0.5 GPa and temperatures up to 1200°C. Vp were also calculated using rock major element chemistry with the Perple_X software package. Calculated Vp match closely the laboratory measurements. At depths representative for the arc root, Vp of upper mantle rocks vary from 7.7–8.1 km/s, whereas the lower crustal rocks have velocities between 6.9–7.5 km/s. P‐wave anisotropy is small, with exceptions of sheared gabbros. Measured and calculated seismic properties are consistent with, and complement a growing database of published seismic properties from the Kohistan arc. In the light of such data, we discuss seismic imaging of present‐day island arcs. Intermediate Vp (7.4–7.7 km/s) in arc roots can be explained by pyroxenites and garnet‐bearing mafic rocks. Strong seismic reflectors may be related to garnetites (8.0–8.2 km/s).
Dependence of O+ escape rate from the Venusian upper atmosphere on IMF directions
Authors: Masunaga K. , Futaana Y. , Stenberg G. , Barabash S. , Zhang T. L. , Fedorov A. , Okano S. , Terada N.
Published: March 2013

We investigate the dependence of the O+ escape rate on the upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) direction by using data from the Analyser of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA‐4) instrument and the magnetometer (MAG) onboard Venus Express. We consider two cases, namely the perpendicular IMF case (167 events) and the parallel IMF case (82 events), where IMF is nearly perpendicular to the Venus‐Sun line and nearly parallel to it. By integrating O+ fluxes observed on the nightside, total O+ escape rates of (5.8 ± 2.9) × 1024 s−1 (perpendicular IMF case) and (4.9 ± 2.2) × 1024 s−1 (parallel IMF case) are obtained. As these values are not significantly different, the upstream IMF direction does not affect the total amount of O+ outflow from Venus. The different acceleration mechanisms must balance each other in order to keep the escape rate the same.
Baroclinic anomalies associated with the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode: Roles of synoptic and low‐frequency eddies
Authors: Nie Yu , Zhang Yang , Yang Xiu-Qun , Chen Gang
Published: March 2013

Using the ERA‐40 reanalysis data, we study the different roles of synoptic and low‐frequency eddies in sustaining the latitudinal shift of the low‐level baroclinicity associated with the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode. The eddy effect is assessed through the direct eddy thermal forcing via eddy heat flux and the indirect forcing via eddy‐driven mean meridional circulation (MMC). We find that in addition to the synoptic eddy‐induced MMC suggested by Robinson (2006), the direct eddy thermal forcing by low‐frequency eddies is significant in driving the baroclinic anomalies. These two processes together prevail over the direct baroclinicity deduction by synoptic eddies. The different effects of synoptic and low‐frequency eddies might be attributed to the distinct latitudinal distributions of their low‐level eddy heat flux relative to the midlatitude jet. The different roles of the MMC induced by synoptic eddy momentum and heat flux are also emphasized, with the former leading the baroclinic anomalies and the latter acting to extend the baroclinic anomalies.
Ionospheric response to earthquakes of different magnitudes: Larger quakes perturb the ionosphere stronger and longer
Authors: Astafyeva E. , Shalimov S. , Olshanskaya E. , Lognonné P.
Published: March 2013

Recently, it has been shown that the ionosphere is capable of showing images of seismic fault shortly after an earthquake. This gives rise to the idea of retrieval of seismic information from ionospheric observations. As the first step toward such inversion, here we study distinctive features of ionospheric response to shallow earthquakes, both submarine and inland, of moment magnitudes Mw7.2–9.1. Using GPS measurements of the ionospheric total electron content, we show that: (1) the amplitude of coseismic total electron content variations in the near‐field is larger after more powerful earthquakes, and (2) stronger earthquakes (M > 7.9) are in general characterized by a longer negative phase in coseismic perturbations.
Impact of the high topography of Madagascar on the structure of the Findlater Jet
Authors: Moore G. W. K.
Published: March 2013

The cross‐equatorial flow over the western Indian Ocean, known as the Findlater Jet, plays an important role in the monsoonal circulation of the region. During the boreal summer, there is southerly flow across the equator that is concentrated along the East African highlands. During the boreal winter, there is a reversal in wind direction across the equator. Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, with heights in excess of 1 km represents a significant obstacle to the flow whose impact on this jet has not been fully characterized. Here we use diagnostic tools developed to investigate atmospheric flow distortion by Greenland's high topography to study this interaction. We show that there is a bifurcation of the Findlater Jet by Madagascar during the boreal summer and localized tip jets at the island's northern and southern ends. During the boreal winter, the northern tip jet reverses direction and weakens, while the southern tip jet maintains its direction and magnitude. We show that rotational effects are important for these interactions but not dominant and result in an enhancement of the northern tip jet; while allowing for existence of the southern tip jet. As will also be shown, this flow distortion has impacts on the meteorology and oceanography of the region including the forcing of oceanic eddies in the Mozambique Channel, a modulation of the southward displacement of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and a splitting of the boreal summer cross‐equatorial mass transport associated with the Findlater Jet into two branches.
Reduced carbon uptake during the 2010 Northern Hemisphere summer from GOSAT
Authors: Guerlet S. , Basu S. , Butz A. , Krol M. , Hahne P. , Houweling S. , Hasekamp O. P. , Aben I.
Published: March 2013

Column‐averaged dry air mole fractions of carbon dioxide (XCO2) measured by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) reveal significant interannual variation (IAV) of CO2uptake during the Northern Hemisphere summer between 2009 and 2010. The XCO2drawdown in 2010 is shallower than in 2009 by 2.4 ppm and 3.0 ppm over North America and Eurasia, respectively. Reduced carbon uptake in the summer of 2010 is most likely due to the heat wave in Eurasia driving biospheric fluxes and fire emissions. A joint inversion of GOSAT and surface data estimates an integrated biospheric and fire emission anomaly in April–September of 0.89 ±0.20  PgC over Eurasia. In contrast, inversions of surface measurements alone fail to replicate the observed XCO2IAV and underestimate emission IAV over Eurasia. This shows the value of GOSAT XCO2in constraining the response of land‐atmosphere exchange of CO2 to climate events.
The climatology of Australian tropical aerosol: Evidence for regional correlation
Authors: Mitchell R. M. , Forgan B. W. , Campbell S. K. , Qin Y.
Published: March 2013

Biomass burning aerosols from the tropical savanna of Northern Australia constitute a globally significant aerosol source, with impacts on regional climate and air quality. Knowledge of the seasonal cycle and spatial distribution of this aerosol is required for its realistic representation in models of global climate, and to help define the role of this region in the global carbon cycle. This paper presents a decadal climatology of these aerosols, based on Sun photometer records from three stations in the Australian tropics, over the period 1998–2012. The monthly time series shows enhanced aerosol emissions following prodigious wet seasons, two of which occurred during the study period. The monthly climatology shows the expected peak during the late dry season (September–November), when most burning takes place, with clear evidence of the dominant modulating effect of fine‐particle smoke emission apparent from the annual cycle of the Ångström exponent, a proxy for particle size. The aerosol levels during the early dry season are higher at the northern “Top End” stations than at the south‐westerly Kimberley station. The time variation of aerosol optical depth is highly correlated between all three station pairs, with a correlation coefficient r2> 0.75 at monthly resolution between all pairs. This high correlation between widely separated stations declines only gradually as the filtering interval is reduced, suggesting remarkably high coherence in the emission and transport of biomass burning aerosol across the entire region.
Future European temperature change uncertainties reduced by using land heat flux observations
Authors: Stegehuis Annemiek I. , Teuling Adriaan J. , Ciais Philippe , Vautard Robert , Jung Martin
Published: March 2013

The variability of European summer climate is expected to increase in the next century due to increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases, likely resulting in more frequent and more extreme droughts and heatwaves. However, climate models diverge on the magnitude of these processes, due to land‐surface coupling processes which are difficult to simulate, and poorly constrained by observations. Here we use gridded observation‐based sensible heat fluxes to constrain climate change predictions from an ensemble of 15 regional climate models. Land heat flux observations suggest that temperature projections may be underestimated by up to 1 K regionally in Central to Northern Europe, while slightly overestimated over the Mediterranean and Balkan regions. The use of observation‐based heat flux data allows significant reductions in uncertainty as expressed by the model ensemble spread of temperature for the 2071–2100 period. Maximal reduction is obtained over France and the Balkan with values locally reaching 40%.
Promoting Effective Psychological Contracts Through Leadership: The Missing Link Between HR Strategy and Performance
Authors: McDermott Aoife M. , Conway Edel , Rousseau Denise M. , Flood Patrick C.
Published: March 2013

This article offers line managers and HR professionals an actionable, research‐based framework for developing psychological contracts with employees that suit their organizational and human resource (HR) strategy. Leadership styles supporting the firm's HR strategy are key to making psychological contracts that benefit both the firm and its members. When managers' styles are out of sync with HR strategy, this mismatch can lead to poorer performance through ineffective and unfulfilled psychological contracts with workers.
THE EFFECTS OF EXPANDING THE GENEROSITY OF THE STATUTORY SICKNESS INSURANCE SYSTEM
Authors: Ziebarth Nicolas R. , Karlsson Martin
Published: March 2013

This article evaluates an expansion of employer‐mandated sick leave from 80% to 100% of forgone gross wages in Germany. We employ and compare parametric difference‐in‐difference (DID), matching DID and mixed approaches. Overall workplace absences increased by at least 10% or 1 day per worker per year. We show that taking partial compliance into account increases coefficient estimates. Further, heterogeneity in response behavior was of great importance. There is no evidence that the increase in sick leave improved employee health, a finding that supports a shirking explanation. Finally, we provide evidence on potential labor market adjustments to the reform. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) scaffold filled with fibrin gel, mesenchymal stem cells, and poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(L‐lysine)/TGF‐β1 plasmid DNA complexes for cartilage restoration in vivo
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Junzhou , Ma Lie , Li Feifei , Tu Zhengyuan , Gao Changyou
Published: March 2013

A poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) scaffold filled with fibrin gel, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly (L‐lysine) (PEO‐b‐PLL)/pDNA‐TGF‐β1 complexes was fabricated and applied in vivo for synchronized regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone. The PEO‐b‐PLL/pDNA‐TGF‐β1 complexes could transfect MSCs in vitro to produce TGF‐β1 in situ and up regulate the expression of chondrogenesis‐related genes in the construct. The expression of heterogeneous TGF‐β1 in vivo declined along with the prolongation of implantation time, and lasted for 3 and 6 weeks in the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The constructs (Experimental group) of PLGA/fibrin gel/MSCs/(PEO‐b‐PLL/pDNA‐TGF‐β1 complexes) were implanted into the osteochondral defects of rabbits to restore the functional cartilages, with gene‐absent constructs as the Control. After 12 weeks, the Experimental group regenerated the neo‐cartilage and subchondral bone with abundant deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and type II collagen. The regenerated tissues had good integration with the host tissues too. By contrast, the defects were only partially repaired by the Control constructs. qRT‐PCR results demonstrated that expression of the chondrogenesis‐marker genes in the Experimental group was significantly higher than that of the Control group, and was very close to that of the normal cartilage tissue. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3097–3108, 2013.
Large‐diameter metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasties: A page in orthopedic history?
Authors: Singh Gurpal , Meyer Heiko , Ruetschi Marcel , Chamaon Kathrin , Feuerstein Bernd , Lohmann Christoph H.
Published: March 2013

Large‐diameter metal‐on‐metal (MoM) bearings evolved from the success of hip resurfacing. These implants were used in revision surgery in cases with well‐fixed acetabular cups but loose or failed femoral stems, to avoid cup revision. Early data showed low rates of dislocation and potentially low wear profiles due to better fluid film lubrication. The risk of impingement was also thought to be low due to the increased head‐neck ratio. Subsequently large‐diameter MoM heads gained popularity in primary hip replacement. Recent data has emerged on the unacceptably high revision rates among patients with large‐diameter MoM total hip arthroplasties (THAs), high blood levels of metal ions, and adverse tissue reactions. The head–neck (cone–taper) modular interface probably represents the weak link in large metal heads that have been used on conventional tapers. Increased torque of the large head, micromotion, and instability at the cone–taper interface, synergistic interactions between corrosion and wear, edge loading, low clearance, and psoas impingement are the likely causes for early failure of these prostheses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3320–3326, 2013.
RANKL subcellular trafficking and regulatory mechanisms in osteocytes
Authors: Honma Masashi , Ikebuchi Yuki , Kariya Yoshiaki , Hayashi Madoka , Hayashi Naoki , Aoki Shigeki , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

The receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is the central player in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis, and the quantity of RANKL presented to osteoclast precursors is an important factor determining the magnitude of osteoclast formation. Because osteoblastic cells are thought to be a major source of RANKL, the regulatory mechanisms of RANKL subcellular trafficking have been studied in osteoblastic cells. However, recent reports showed that osteocytes are a major source of RANKL presentation to osteoclast precursors, prompting a need to reinvestigate RANKL subcellular trafficking in osteocytes. Investigation of molecular mechanisms in detail needs well-designed in vitro experimental systems. Thus, we developed a novel co-culture system of osteoclast precursors and osteocytes embedded in collagen gel. Experiments using this model revealed that osteocytic RANKL is provided as a membrane-bound form to osteoclast precursors through osteocyte dendritic processes and that the contribution of soluble RANKL to the osteoclastogenesis supported by osteocytes is minor. Moreover, the regulation of RANKL subcellular trafficking, such as OPG-mediated transport of newly synthesized RANKL molecules to lysosomal storage compartments, and the release of RANKL to the cell surface upon stimulation with RANK are confirmed to be functional in osteocytes. These results provide a novel understanding of the regulation of osteoclastogenesis.
The Application of Vinamidinium Salts to the Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐5‐aryl or Formylpyridine‐3‐carbonitriles
Authors: Jemmezi Fayçel , Chtiba Samar , Khiari Jameleddine
Published: March 2013

The symmetrical vinamidinium salts were allowed to react with malononitrile in refluxing ethanol in the presence of ammonium acetate for 12 h to afford the 2‐amino‐5‐aryl or formylpyridine‐3‐carbonitriles.
Latest developments in molecular docking: 2010–2011 in review
Authors: Yuriev Elizabeth , Ramsland Paul A.
Published: March 2013

The aim of docking is to accurately predict the structure of a ligand within the constraints of a receptor binding site and to correctly estimate the strength of binding. We discuss, in detail, methodological developments that occurred in the docking field in 2010 and 2011, with a particular focus on the more difficult, and sometimes controversial, aspects of this promising computational discipline. The main developments in docking in this period, covered in this review, are receptor flexibility, solvation, fragment docking, postprocessing, docking into homology models, and docking comparisons. Several new, or at least newly invigorated, advances occurred in areas such as nonlinear scoring functions, using machine‐learning approaches. This review is strongly focused on docking advances in the context of drug design, specifically in virtual screening and fragment‐based drug design. Where appropriate, we refer readers to exemplar case studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural properties of core and surface of silica nanoparticles investigated by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Alessi A. , Agnello S. , Buscarino G. , Gelardi F. M.
Published: March 2013

We studied the experimental Raman spectra of various commercial silica nanoparticles of average diameter from 7 to 40 nm and specific surface from 50 to 380 m2/g. We found that the peculiarities of the particles Raman spectra systematically depend on their specific surface. In detail, the peak position of the R band at about 440 cm−1 shifts towards high wavenumbers following an almost linear dependence on the specific surface. Similarly, the amplitudes of the D1 and D2 bands, at about 495 and 605 cm−1, respectively, increase linearly with the same quantity. Our results are interpreted in the frame of the shell model for the nanoparticles clarifying that the network of the core of the nanoparticles is comparable to the bulk silica materials, whereas the surface shell has a ring statistic shifted to the low member rings and features an higher density. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal Symptomatology and Parent–Child Relationship Functioning in a Diverse Sample of Young Children Exposed to Trauma
Authors: Thakar Dhara , Coffino Brianna , Lieberman Alicia F.
Published: March 2013

Children under the age of 6 years are disproportionately exposed to interpersonal trauma. Research describing type and frequency of exposure to trauma among this young population is limited. Additionally, few studies have assessed the role of multiple indicators of parental functioning on children's behavior following trauma exposure. The current study was conducted with 216 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse mother–child dyads to examine the impact of maternal symptoms and parent–child functioning on child's behavior after trauma exposure. Children experienced an average of over 5 traumatic events prior to age 6 years, and mothers had experienced an average of over 13 traumatic events during their lifetime. With child's trauma history in the model, maternal depressive symptomatology (β = .30) and parent–child dysfunction (β = .32) each uniquely accounted for variance in children's behavioral and emotional functioning. The findings of this study underscore the need for clinical interventions that address the parent–child relationship and parental symptomatology following young children's exposure to trauma.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the uvula: An analysis of factors affecting survival
Authors: Overton Lewis J. , Fritsch Valerie A. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Uvular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is usually considered with soft palate tumors as an oropharyngeal cancer subsite. This investigation aims to determine whether the uvula itself is a high‐risk subsite in the oropharynx for primary squamous cell carcinomas.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of a large population database.

Methods:

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we identified patients with T1 and T2 SCC of the oropharynx. Patients were categorized into two groups based on primary site: 1) uvula; and 2) oropharynx not otherwise specified. Clinicopathologic characteristics and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were compared between the two groups.

Results:

Of the 9,833 patients we identified, 129 (1.3%) had primary uvular tumors. Primary tumors of the uvula were more likely to be smaller lesions at diagnosis (P < .001) and to present at a lower anatomical stage (P < .001). They also presented with less concurrent nodal metastasis (P < .001) and lower histological grade (P < .001). There was no evidence that size of uvular SCC lesion had any effect on nodal disease (P = .54), and survival was the same for T1 and T2 uvular SCC patients (P = .14). DSS was similar between the two groups as well (P = .7629).

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that primary SCC of the uvula does not have a worse prognosis, and tends to be recognized earlier and treated more definitively than SCC found in other oropharyngeal regions. However, survival being equivalent between two distinctive groups is perplexing, and may indicate an underlying aggressiveness to uvular cancers.
Endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approaches: Anatomical landmarks for planning the surgical corridor
Authors: Kasemsiri Pornthep , Solares C. Arturo , Carrau Ricardo L. , Prosser J. Drew , Prevedello Daniel M. , Otto Bradley A. , Old Matthew , Kassam Amin B.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approaches (EETA) use the pneumatization of the sinonasal corridor to control lesions of the middle and posterior skull base. These surgical areas are complex and the required surgical corridors are difficult to predict.

Aim:

Define anatomical landmarks for the preoperative planning of EETAs.

Study design:

Anatomical study.

Methods:

We reviewed images from high‐resolution maxillofacial CT scans with (0.6‐mm axial slice acquisition). Cephalometric measurements were obtained using Kodak Carestream Image Software (Rochester, NY).

Results:

Average distance from midline to the vidian canal was 12.78 mm (range 9.4–15.8 mm). Average horizontal distance from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum was 5.6 mm (range 2.8–11.5 mm). Average vertical distance from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum was 6.22 mm (range 4.3–9.3 mm). These landmarks are consequential during the preoperative planning of the surgical corridor.

To facilitate communication, we classified EETAs as: A) Partial removal of the pterygoid plates (transposition of temporo‐parietal fascia); B) removal of anteromedial aspect of the pterygoid process (lesions involving the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus); C) involves dissecting the vidian nerve to control the petrous ICA and removing the pterygoid plates base to reach the petrous apex, Meckel's cave, or cavernous sinus; D) variable removal of the pterygoid plates to access the infratemporal fossa; and E) removal of pterygoid process and medial third of the Eustachian tube to expose the nasopharynx.

Conclusions:

Our novel classification and landmarks system helps to understand the anatomy of this complex area and to accurately plan the EETA.
Airway obstruction due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Nelson Jennifer L. , Woodson Gayle E.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Airway obstruction is an uncommon presentation of unilateral laryngeal paralysis. We have observed two mechanisms of obstruction: arytenoid prolapse and inappropriate adduction of the paralyzed vocal fold. We evaluated arytenoid abduction (AAb) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) reinnervation as treatments for airway obstruction in patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Methods:

Seven patients with airway obstruction secondary to unilateral laryngeal paralysis were evaluated with flexible laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy. Patients with flaccid paralysis and a prolapsing arytenoid were treated with AAb. Airway obstruction due to inspiratory vocal fold adduction was managed by RLN transection and ansa reinnervation of the distal stump.

Results:

In all cases, paralysis resulted from RLN injury during surgery: thyroidectomy or cervical spine surgery. AAb was performed in four patients with arytenoid prolapse, and all had significant airway improvement, including decannulation of the two patients who had been tracheotomy dependent. RLN reinnervation was performed in five patients, two of whom had inappropriate adduction detected after AAb. The site of RLN injury was identified at surgery in all four patients. Inspiratory stridor and laryngospasm were abolished immediately after RLN transection.

Conclusions:

Arytenoid prolapse and/or inappropriate laryngeal adduction can cause airway obstruction in patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Treatment of airway obstruction should address the underlying pathophysiology. AAb and RLN transection with ansa reinnervation can be effective in selected patients.
Factors contributing to cost in partial versus total tonsillectomy
Authors: Stucken Emily Z. , Grunstein Eli , Haddad Joseph , Modi Vikash K. , Waldman Erik H. , Ward Robert F. , Stewart Michael G. , April Max M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine differences between total tonsillectomy and partial intracapsular tonsillectomy techniques that may lead to differences in overall cost and resource utilization between these procedures. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management and outcome factors were examined.

Study Design

Retrospective review at two university‐based tertiary care hospitals from January 2007 to June 2010.

Methods

Pediatric patients with obstructive symptoms were divided into those undergoing total tonsillectomy and those undergoing partial intracapsular tonsillectomy. The records of 289 patients who underwent total tonsillectomy and 289 patients who underwent partial intracapsular tonsillectomy were reviewed.

Results

The average age of patients undergoing total and partial tonsillectomies was 5.0 years for both groups. Significant differences for patients undergoing total versus partial tonsillectomies were as follows: operative time (32.4 vs. 26.4 minutes, P < .0001), postanesthesia care unit (PACU) time (174 vs. 91.6 minutes, P < .0001), percent admitted postoperatively (21.5% vs. 1.7%, P < .0001), number requiring pediatric intensive care unit stay (3.5% vs. 0.3%, P < .05), number of readmissions after discharge (3.5% vs. 0.3%, P < .05), and number of postoperative emergency room visits separate from those requiring readmission (4.8% vs. 0%, P < .05). Factors that were not found to be significantly different included number of patients with postoperative hemorrhage and number requiring second operations for tonsillar regrowth.

Conclusions

Previous studies have shown equivalent effectiveness between these two procedures; our study suggests decreased cost and resource utilization with partial tonsillectomy through reduced operative and PACU times and number of postoperative admissions and emergency department visits. As in all retrospective reviews, the findings are potentially confounded by unmeasured variables, including patient and demographic factors.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2868–2872, 2013
Mimicking Nanofibrous Hybrid Bone Substitute for Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation into Osteogenesis
Authors: Gandhimathi Chinnasamy , Venugopal Jayarama , Ravichandran Rajeswari , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Suganya Shanmugavel , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: March 2013

Mimicking hybrid extracellular matrix is one of the main challenges for bone tissue engineering (BTE). Biocompatible polycaprolactone/poly(α,β)‐DL‐aspartic acid/collagen nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and nanohydroxyapatite (n‐HA) was deposited by calcium phosphate dipping method for BTE. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on these hybrid scaffolds to investigate the cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, double immunofluorescent staining using CD90 and expression of osteocalcin. The present study indicated that the PCL/PAA/collagen/n‐HA scaffolds promoted greater osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, proving to be a potential hybrid scaffolds for BTE.

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Novel allergens from ancient foods: Man e 5 from manioc (Manihot esculentaCrantz) cross reacts with Hev b 5 from latex
Authors: Santos Keity Souza , Gadermaier Gabriele , Vejvar Eva , Arcuri Helen Andrade , Galvão Clovis Eduardo , Yang Ariana Campos , Resende Virgínia Maria Ferreira , de Oliveira Martins Carlo , Himly Martin , Mari Adriano , Liso Marina , Pomponi Debora , Breiteneder Heimo , Wagner Stefan , Kalil Jorge , Ferreira Fátima , Castro Fábio Fernandes Morato
Published: March 2013

Scope

Manioc (Manihot esculenta) is a tuber mainly consumed in the Southern Hemisphere and used worldwide by food and chemistry industry. We aimed to recombinantly produce and characterize the first manioc allergen and evaluate its IgE reactivity in sera of Brazilian and Italian patients.

Methods and results

The molecule, termed Man e5, was expressed in E. coli, characterized by amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, HPLC, and dynamic light scattering. A tertiary structural model of the protein was produced using bioinformatics and susceptibility to pepsin digestion was analyzed in vitro. Based on its high content of charged residues, heat stability, flexibility and lack of secondary structure elements, the allergen was determined a member of the intrinsically disordered protein family. Brazilian patients were selected based on manioc allergy and Italians based on latex allergy and sensitization to Hev b 5.71% of Brazilians and 40% of Italians were in vitro IgE positive to Man e5. Cross‐inhibition assays suggest a possible involvement of this allergen in the latex‐fruit syndrome.

Conclusion

Man e5, the first purified allergen from manioc demonstrates IgE cross‐reactivity with Hev b 5. Data suggest Hev b 5 might act as primary sensitizer and could therefore lead to allergic manifestations upon manioc consumption without prior exposition.
Prevention of diet‐induced obesity by apple polyphenols in Wistar rats through regulation of adipocyte gene expression and DNA methylation patterns
Authors: Boqué Noemi , de la Iglesia Rocío , de la Garza Ana L. , Milagro Fermín I. , Olivares Mónica , Bañuelos Óscar , Soria Ana Cristina , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Sonia , Martínez José Alfredo , Campión Javier
Published: March 2013

This study was conducted to determine the mechanisms implicated in the beneficial effects of apple polyphenols (APs) against diet‐induced obesity in Wistar rats, described in a previous study from our group. Supplementation of high‐fat sucrose diet with AP prevented adiposity increase by inhibition of adipocyte hypertrophy. Rats supplemented with AP exhibited improved glucose tolerance while adipocytes isolated from these rats showed an enhanced lipolytic response to isoproterenol. AP intake led to reduced Lep, Plin, and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1) mRNA levels and increased aquaporin 7 (Aqp7), adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (Aebp1), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a) mRNA levels in epididymal adipocytes. In addition, we found different methylation patterns of Aqp7, Lep, Ppargc1a, and Srebf1 promoters in adipocytes from apple‐supplemented rats compared to high‐fat sucrose fed rats. The administration of AP protects against body weight gain and fat deposition and improves glucose tolerance in rats. We propose that AP exerts the antiobesity effects through the regulation of genes involved in adipogenesis, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation, in a process that could be mediated in part by epigenetic mechanisms.
Tadalafil: A Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibitor for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Cantrell Matthew A. , Baye Jordan , Vouri Scott Martin
Published: March 2013

Tadalafil is a phosphodisesterase (PDE)‐5 inhibitor recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The mechanism for improved LUTS is thought to be related to three principal theories: alterations in nitric oxide levels, Rho‐associated protein kinase deactivation, and reductions in pelvic atherosclerosis. The efficacy of PDE‐5 inhibitors for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH has been demonstrated in several randomized placebo‐controlled trials. Tadalafil is thought to be superior based on an extended half‐life; however, other PDE‐5 inhibitors have positive results in BPH and have not been proved to be inferior to tadalafil. Before administration, concomitant use of medications such as nonselective α‐adrenergic antagonists, nitrates, and cytochrome P450 inhibitors should be assessed for possible drug interactions. Potential adverse drug events seen in Food and Drug Administration–approved tadalafil include back pain, dyspepsia, headache, and dizziness. Given the efficacy and safety data currently available, the PDE‐5 inhibitor tadalafil represents a reasonable alternative for selected male patients with LUTS associated with BPH, especially with concomitant erectile dysfunction.
Comorbidity between personality disorders and depressive symptomatology in women: A cross‐sectional study of three different transitional life stages
Authors: Enfoux Aurore , Courtois Robert , Duijsens Inge , Reveillere Christian , Senon Jean Louis , Magnin Guillaume , Voyer Melanie , Montmasson Helene , Camus Vincent , El‐Hage Wissam
Published: March 2013

This study assessed the prevalence of personality disorders (PDs), according to DSM‐IV criteria, in relation to depressive symptomatology at three different periods of life in female subjects.

Depressive symptoms and personality disorders were assessed in a sample of 568 women from three different transitional stages: 134 students, 314 primiparous women after childbirth and 120 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale in the first and third groups and by the Edinburgh Post‐natal Depression Scale in the second group, whereas PDs were assessed by the French version of the Vragenlijst voor Kenmerken van de Persoonlijkheid.

Depressive symptomatology and rates of PD (20.4% and 6.3%) were equivalent in the three groups. The prevalence of PD was higher in the depressed group compared with the non‐depressed group, with more paranoid, borderline, avoidant, obsessive–compulsive, schizotypal, antisocial, dependent and histrionic PD.

Our findings support the hypothesis that PDs are more frequently associated with depressive symptoms. Borderline and avoidant PDs were more prevalent among young women. All cluster C PD (dependent, avoidant and obsessive–compulsive) co‐occurred significantly with depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insight into the binding mode of peptides at urotensin‐II receptor by Trp‐constrained analogues of P5U and urantide
Authors: Carotenuto Alfonso , Auriemma Luigia , Merlino Francesco , Limatola Antonio , Campiglia Pietro , Gomez‐Monterrey Isabel , di Villa Bianca Roberta d'Emmanuele , Brancaccio Diego , Santicioli Paolo , Meini Stefania , Maggi Carlo Alberto , Novellino Ettore , Grieco Paolo
Published: March 2013

Urotensin II (U‐II) is a disulfide bridged peptide hormone identified as the ligand of a G‐protein‐coupled receptor. Human U‐II (H‐Glu‐Thr‐Pro‐Asp‐c[Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH) has been described as the most potent vasoconstrictor compound identified to date.

We have recently identified both a superagonist of human U‐II termed P5U (H‐Asp‐c[Pen‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH) and the compound termed urantide (H‐Asp‐c[Pen‐Phe‐d‐Trp‐Orn‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH), which is the most potent UT receptor peptide antagonist described to date.

In the present study, we have synthesized four analogues of P5U and urantide in which the Trp7 residue was replaced by the highly constrained l‐Tpi and d‐Tpi residues. The replacement of the Trp7 by Tpi led to active analogues. Solution NMR analysis allowed improving the knowledge on conformation–activity relationships previously reported on UT receptor ligands. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The β‐sheet breakers and π‐stacking
Authors: Jarmuła Adam , Stępkowski Dariusz
Published: March 2013

Fibrillation of β‐amyloid is recognized as a key process leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Small peptides called β‐sheet breakers were found to inhibit the process of β‐amyloid fibrillation and to dissolve amyloid fibrils in vitro, in vivo, and in cell culture studies [1,2]. The mechanism by which peptide inhibition takes place remains elusive and a detailed model needs to be established. Here, we present new insights into the possible role of consecutive Phe residues, present in the structure of β‐sheet breakers, supported by the results obtained by means of MD simulations. We performed a 30‐ns MD of two β‐sheet breakers: iAβ5 (LPFFD) and iAβ6 (LPFFFD) which have two and three consecutive Phe residues, respectively. We have found that Phe rings in these peptides tend to form stacked conformations. For one of the peptides – iAβ6 – the calculated electrostatic contribution to free energy of one of the conformers with three rings stacked (c2) is significantly lower than that corresponding to the unstacked one (c1), two rings stacked (c0) and second conformer with three rings stacked (c3). This may favor the interaction of the c2 conformer with the target on amyloid fibril. We hypothesize that the mechanism of inhibition of amyloidogenesis by β‐sheet breaker involves competition among π‐stacked Phe residues of the inhibitor and π‐stacking within the β‐amyloid fibril. iAβ6 may be a promising candidate for a lead compound of amyloidogenesis inhibitors. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration, Development and the ‘Migration and Development Nexus’
Authors: Geiger Martin , Pécoud Antoine
Published: March 2013

This paper provides an overview of current debates questioning the relationship between migration and development. A key argument is that mainstream academic and policy discussions often remain within a non‐critical paradigm that sees the relationship between migration and development as natural, and development as something that can be achieved through direct or indirect policy initiatives. The contributions to this special issue challenge this perspective by showing that the connection between migration and development is the product of a political and scientific construction. They demonstrate that both migration and development policies are embedded in imbalanced power relations and north–south divide. This calls for building upon the findings of critical development studies to rethink the so‐called ‘migration and development nexus’. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of a magnetic vortex driven by an out‐of‐plane spin‐polarized current in a point‐contact geometry with lateral confinement
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Huanan , Hu Yong , Du An
Published: March 2013

We report the dynamical behaviors of a magnetic vortex driven by an out‐of‐plane spin‐polarized current in a point‐contact geometry using a micromagnetic simulation method. Polarity, chirality, and polarity plus chirality‐switching diagrams are presented corresponding to different current states. Besides vortex core gyrotropic motion, polarity switching, chirality switching, and polarity plus chirality switching, we also observe non‐switching and partial switching behaviors in some cases. Investigations of these switching behaviors find that polarity is switched by nucleation and annihilation of the vortex–antivortex pair for the polarity‐switching only regime, and chirality reversal is realized by moving, nucleation, and annihilation of vortices in the disk for lower current density, but by propagating of spin waves for higher current density. Moreover, the reversal of chirality is always accompanied by polarity switching, and the accompanied polarity switching for the higher current density case is realized by the expansion and compression of the vortex core, not the traditional vortex–antivortex pair‐mediated mechanism.
High speed in spin‐torque‐based magnetic memory using magnetic nanocontacts
Authors: Sbiaa R. , Piramanayagam S. N. , Liew T.
Published: March 2013

Magnetization switching by a spin‐polarized current in perpendicular anisotropy devices with magnetic nanocontact (NC) is investigated using a micromagnetic formalism. The critical switching current (icr) and switching time (τ0) can be reduced when a soft layer is exchange coupled to the NC. The study reveals that devices with fewer NCs have smaller icr compared to those with a large number. Furthermore, τ0 for nanoconstricted devices is almost constant with anisotropy field (Hk), in contrast to devices without NCs that show an exponential increase with Hk. This suggests that nanoconstricted devices could be used to improve thermal stability, while reducing icr and τ0. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)