bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple synthesis, photophysics, and electroluminescent properties of poly[2,7‐bis(4‐tert‐butylstyryl)fluorene‐9, 9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl]
Authors: Mikroyannidis John A. , Barberis Vasilis P. , Výprachtický Drahomír , Cimrová Věra
Published: January 2007

A simple synthetic route was used for the synthesis of a novel series of alternating copolymers based on substituted 2,7‐distyrylfluorene bridged through alkylene chains. First, 2,7‐dibromofluorene was reacted with 2 equiv of butyllithium, and this was followed by a treatment with 1 equiv of α,ω‐dibromoalkane to yield the intermediate, poly(2,7‐dibromofluorene‐9,9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl). (1) Heck coupling of the latter with 1‐tert‐butyl‐4‐vinylbenzene afforded the target, poly[2,7‐bis(4‐tert‐butylstyryl)fluorene‐9,9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl] (2). The two versions of 2 (2a and 2b which have hexane and decane, respectively, as alkane groups) were readily soluble in common organic solvents. Their glass‐transition temperature was relatively low (52 and 87 °C). An intense blue photoluminescence emission with maxima at about 408 and 409 nm was observed in tetrahydrofuran solutions, whereas thin films exhibited an orange emission with maxima at 569 and 588 nm. Very large redshifts of the photoluminescence maxima and Stokes shifts in thin films indicated strong aggregation in the solid state. Both polymers oxidized and reduced irreversibly. Single‐layer light‐emitting diodes with hole‐injecting indium tin oxide and electron‐injecting aluminum electrodes were fabricated. They emitted orange light with external electroluminescence efficiencies of 0.52 and 0.36% photon/electron, as determined in light‐emitting diodes made of 2a and 2b, with alkylenes of (CH2)6 and (CH2)10, respectively. An increase in the external electroluminescence efficiency up to 1.5% was reached in light‐emitting diodes made of polymer blends consisting of 2a and poly(9,9‐dihexadecylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl), which emitted blue‐white light. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 809–821, 2007.
Temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry studies on the origin of double melting peaks in isothermally melt‐crystallized poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Shieh Yeong‐Tarng , Liu Gin‐Lung
Published: January 2007

In this work, the melting behaviors of nonisothermally and isothermally melt‐crystallized poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) from the melt were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC). The isothermal melt crystallizations of PLLA at a temperature in the range of 100–110 °C for 120 min or at 110 °C for a time in the range of 10–180 min appeared to exhibit double melting peaks in the DSC heating curves of 10 °C/min. TMDSC analysis revealed that the melting–recrystallization mechanism dominated the formation of the double melting peaks in PLLA samples following melt crystallizations at 110 °C for a shorter time (≤30 min) or at a lower temperature (100, 103, or 105 °C) for 120 min, whereas the double lamellar thickness model dominated the formation of the double melting peaks in those PLLA samples crystallized at a higher temperature (108 or 110 °C) for 120 min or at 110 °C for a longer time (≥45 min). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 466–474, 2007
Effect of nanotube functionalization on the properties of single‐walled carbon nanotube/polyurethane composites
Authors: Buffa Fabian , Abraham Gustavo A. , Grady Brian P. , Resasco Daniel
Published: January 2007

A commercially available aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane formulated with a methylene bis(cyclohexyl) diisocyanate hard segment and a poly(tetramethylene oxide) soft segment and chain‐extended with 1,4‐butanediol was dissolved in dimethylformamide and mixed with dispersed single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The properties of composites made with unfunctionalized nanotubes were compared with the properties of composites made with nanotubes functionalized to contain hydroxyl groups. Functionalization almost eliminated the conductivity of the tubes according to the conductivity of the composites above the percolation threshold. In most cases, functionalized and unfunctionalized tubes yielded composites with statistically identical mechanical properties. However, composites made with functionalized tubes did have a slightly higher modulus in the rubbery plateau region at higher nanotube fractions. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns indicated that the dispersion reached a plateau in the unfunctionalized composites that was consistent with the plateau in the rubbery plateau region. The room‐temperature modulus and tensile strength increase was proportionally higher than almost all increases seen previously in thermoplastic polyurethanes; however, the increase was still an order of magnitude below what has been reported for the best nanotube–polymer systems. Nanotube addition increased the hard‐segment glass transition temperature slightly, whereas the soft‐segment glass transition was so diffuse that no conclusions could be drawn. Unfunctionalized tubes suppressed the crystallization of the hard segment; whereas functionalized tubes had no effect. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 490–501, 2007
Practical mathematical model to predict the performance of insulating packages
Authors: Choi Seung‐Jin , Burgess Gary
Published: January 2007

Thermal insulation is used in a variety of applications to protect temperature‐sensitive products from thermal damage. Several factors affect the performance of insulating packages. These factors include the packaging material, the geometry of the package, the geometry of the product, and the degree of contact between the product and the package. In this study, a comprehensive model which includes all of these factors was developed to predict the performance of the insulating package. First, an equation was derived for the calculation of the thermal resistance of a multilayered wall. The wall resistance was then used in a mathematical model which included the aforementioned factors. Basic heat transfer principles covering conduction, convection and radiation were applied to the model and the package heat penetration rate was calculated. Based on this model, several factors affecting the performance of the insulating package were discussed. Examples of the use of this model for ice requirement calculations were also included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interobserver reliability of off‐line antral follicle counts made from stored three‐dimensional ultrasound data: a comparative study of different measurement techniques
Authors: Jayaprakasan K. , Walker K. F. , Clewes J. S. , Johnson I. R. , Raine‐Fenning N. J.
Published: January 2007

Objective

To assess the interobserver reliability of antral follicle counts (AFCs) made from stored three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound data using conventional two‐dimensional (2D) images, 3D multiplanar view and 3D‐rendered ‘inversion mode’.

Methods

3D transvaginal ultrasound was performed in the early follicular phase (days 2–5) of the menstrual cycle in 41 subjects aged < 40 years, undergoing investigation for subfertility. From the stored 3D ultrasound datasets, the number of antral follicles of 2–10 mm in diameter in each ovary was independently measured, using all three methods by three investigators, each with a different level of experience. The image quality of each dataset was subjectively categorized into one of three groups, based on the proportion of the ovarian contour that could be seen clearly.

Results

There was no significant difference in the mean AFC between the observers for any of the three different techniques. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the 2D‐equivalent mode, the 3D multiplanar mode, and the 3D‐rendered inversion mode were indicative of good interobserver reliability for each method. The interobserver reliability for the 3D‐rendered inversion mode was better with Grade 1 image quality than with Grade 3 image quality. There were no equivalent differences, however, between the three different grades of image quality with the 2D‐equivalent and 3D multiplanar modes. The time taken for AFC measurement using 3D‐rendered inversion mode was significantly longer than with the 2D equivalent and 3D multiplanar methods.

Conclusions

3D image displays and rendering techniques do not appear to offer any advantage over a conventional 2D display in terms of AFC measurement reliability. AFC measurement using the 3D‐rendered inversion mode has an adequate interobserver reproducibility but is dependent on image quality. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approximate analysis of buffered CSMA in fading channels using tagged user analysis
Authors: Rasool Shahzada Basharat , Sheikh Asrar U. H.
Published: January 2007

In this paper, we analyze a homogeneous finite‐users finite‐buffer (FUFB) CSMA system operating in a Rayleigh fading channel using tagged user analysis. Assuming that the system has reached a steady‐state condition in a symmetric channel, we select arbitrarily one representative user, called tagged user, and analyze its behavior in the presence of interference from other contending users. The packet service time distribution of this user is found using a state flow graph. This information is then used for the queueing analysis of the tagged user and thus different performance measures, like throughput and packet transmission delay are easily obtained. This approach decouples the channel contention from queueing behavior and greatly simplifies the problem. As shown in the paper, the approach is also transparent to channel model and spatial distribution of users. The analytical results are also verified by comparing with simulation values using a number of examples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Struggling against selfishness and black hole attacks in MANETs
Authors: Djenouri Djamel , Badache Nadjib
Published: January 2007

Since mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are infrastructureless and multi‐hop by nature, transmitting packets from any node to another usually relies on services provided by intermediate nodes. This reliance introduces a new vulnerability; one node could launch aBlack Hole DoS attackby participating in the routing protocol and including itself in routes, then simply dropping packets it receives to forward. Another motivation for dropping packets in self‐organized MANETs is resource preservation. Some solutions for detecting and isolating packet droppers have been recently proposed, but almost all of them employ the promiscuous mode monitoring approach (watchdog (WD)) which suffers from many problems, especially when employing the power control technique. In this paper we propose a novel monitoring approach that overcomes some WD's shortcomings, and improves the efficiency in detection. To overcome false detections due to nodes mobility and channel conditions we propose a Bayesian technique for the judgment, allowing node redemption before judgment. Finally, we suggest a social‐based approach for the detection approval and isolation of guilty nodes. We analyze our solution and asses its performance by simulation. The results illustrate a large improvement of our monitoring solution in detection versus the WD, and an efficiency through our judgment and isolation techniques as well. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled, Entering the Twentieth Century, ca. 1900 to 1912
Authors: Levine David B.
Published: January 2007

The continuing story of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) from its origin in 1863 as the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled (R&C) on lower Second Avenue in New York saw expansion at its second site. A new 200-bed hospital was constructed and opened in 1870 on the corner of 42nd street and Lexington Avenue. Converted by the second surgeon-in-chief, Virgil P. Gibney, M.D., from a 28-bed home for the incurables to a modern orthopedic and surgical hospital with outstanding professional staff, the R&C emerged into the 20th Century as a unique treatment center for disabled children and adults and a foremost training center for young orthopedic surgeons. The interaction of the New York Central Railroad and support of a very influential and philanthropic Board of Managers helped promote the growth and development of this institution. In 1912, it relocated for the third time in its history to 321 East 42nd Street, just east of Second Avenue. That same year the HSS Alumni Association was founded as the Alumni Association of the R&C.
Asymptotic solutions for large time of Hamilton–Jacobi equations in Euclidean n space
Authors: Ishii Hitoshi
Published: January 2007

We study the large time behavior of solutions of the Cauchy problem for the Hamilton–Jacobi equation

u_{t} + H(x,Du) = 0

in

\mathbf{R}^{n} \times (0,\infty )

, where

H(x,p)

is continuous on

\mathbf{R}^{n} \times \mathbf{R}^{n}

and convex in

p

. We establish a general convergence result for viscosity solutions

u(x,t)

of the Cauchy problem as

t\rightarrow \infty

.

Nous étudions le comportement en temps grand des solutions du problème de Cauchy pour l'équation de Hamilton–Jacobi

u_{t} + H(x,Du) = 0

dans

\mathbf{R}^{n} \times (0,\infty )

, où

H(x,p)

est continu dans

\mathbf{R}^{n} \times \mathbf{R}^{n}

et convexe en

p

. Nous établissons un résultat de convergence général pour les solutions de viscosité

u(x,t)

du problème de Cauchy quand

t\rightarrow \infty

.
The Neumann problem for the Hénon equation, trace inequalities and Steklov eigenvalues
Authors: Gazzini Marita , Serra Enrico
Published: January 2007

We consider the Neumann problem for the Hénon equation. We obtain existence results and we analyze the symmetry properties of the ground state solutions. We prove that some symmetry and variational properties can be expressed in terms of eigenvalues of a Steklov problem. Applications are also given to extremals of certain trace inequalities.

On considère le problème de Neumann pour l'équation de Hénon. On obtient des résultats d'existence et on analyse les propriétés de symétrie des solutions à énergie minimale. Nous démontrons que certaines propriétés variationnelles et de symétrie peuvent être exprimées à l'aide des valeurs propres d'un problème de Steklov. En outre, nous appliquons ces résultats aux fonctions réalisant la meilleure constante de certaines inégalités de trace.
Solutions of an elliptic system with a nearly critical exponent
Authors: Guerra I.A.
Published: January 2007

Consider the problem

−\mathrm{\Delta }u_{ɛ} = v_{ɛ}^{p},\:v_{ɛ} > 0\:\text{in}\:\Omega ,

−\mathrm{\Delta }v_{ɛ} = u_{ɛ}^{q_{ɛ}},\:u_{ɛ} > 0\:\text{in}\:\Omega ,

u_{ɛ} = v_{ɛ} = 0\:\text{on}\:\partial \Omega ,

where

Ω

is a bounded convex domain in

\mathbb{R}^{N}

,

N > 2

, with smooth boundary

∂Ω

. Here

p,q_{ɛ} > 0

, and

ɛ: = \frac{N}{p + 1} + \frac{N}{q_{ɛ} + 1}−(N−2).

This problem has positive solutions for

ɛ > 0

(with

pq_{ɛ} > 1

) and no non-trivial solution for

ɛ⩽0

. We study the asymptotic behavior of
least energy
solutions as

ɛ\rightarrow 0^{ + }

. These solutions are shown to blow-up at exactly one point, and the location of this point is characterized. In addition, the shape and exact rates for blowing up are given.

Considérons le problème

−\mathrm{\Delta }u_{ɛ} = v_{ɛ}^{p},\:v_{ɛ} > 0\:\text{en}\:\Omega ,

−\mathrm{\Delta }v_{ɛ} = u_{ɛ}^{q_{ɛ}},\:u_{ɛ} > 0\:\text{en}\:\Omega ,

u_{ɛ} = v_{ɛ} = 0\:\text{sur}\:\partial \Omega ,

où

Ω

est un domaine convexe et borné de

\mathbb{R}^{N}

,

N > 2

, avec la frontière régulière

∂Ω

. Ici

p,q_{ɛ} > 0

, et

ɛ: = \frac{N}{p + 1} + \frac{N}{q_{ɛ} + 1}−(N−2).

Ce problème a des solutions positives pour

ɛ > 0

(avec

pq_{ɛ} > 1

) et aucune solution non-triviale pour

ɛ⩽0

. Nous étudions le comportement asymptotique de solutions d'
énergie minimale
quand

ɛ\rightarrow 0^{ + }

. Ces solutions explosent en un seul point, et la position de ce point est caracterisée. De plus, le profil et les vitesses exactes d'explosion sont donnés.
Local exact Lagrangian controllability of the Burgers viscous equation
Authors: Horsin Thierry
Published: January 2007

We study and give the definition of the exact Lagrangian controllability of the viscous Burgers equation and prove a local result. We give similar results for the heat equation in dimension 1.

On définit et étudie la contrôlabilité exacte lagrangienne de l'équation de Burgers dissipative, et prouve un résultat local. On donne des résultats similaires en dimension 1 pour l'équation de la chaleur.
Blow-up of a non-local semilinear parabolic equation with Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Kiwan R. , Jazar M.
Published: January 2007

In this paper we give a positive answer to the conjecture proposed in [A. El Soufi, M. Jazar, R. Monneau, A Gamma-convergence argument for the blow-up of a non-local semilinear parabolic equation with Neumann boundary conditions, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 24 (1) (2007) 17–39] by El Soufi et al. concerning the finite time blow-up for solutions of the problem (1), (2) below. More precisely, we give a direct proof of [A. El Soufi, M. Jazar, R. Monneau, A Gamma-convergence argument for the blow-up of a non-local semilinear parabolic equation with Neumann boundary conditions, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 24 (1) (2007) 17–39, Theorem 1.1] and the conjecture given for the case

p > 2

.

Dans cet article on donne une réponse positive à la conjecture proposeé dans [A. El Soufi, M. Jazar, R. Monneau, A Gamma-convergence argument for the blow-up of a non-local semilinear parabolic equation with Neumann boundary conditions, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 24 (1) (2007) 17–39] par El Soufi et al. concernant l'explosion en temps fini des solutions du problème (1), (2) ci-dessous. Plus précisément, on donne une preuve directe du [A. El Soufi, M. Jazar, R. Monneau, A Gamma-convergence argument for the blow-up of a non-local semilinear parabolic equation with Neumann boundary conditions, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 24 (1) (2007) 17–39, Theorem 1.1] ainsi que la conjecture énoncée pour le cas

p > 2

.
Bilateral versus unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Oh Jeong‐Hoon , Park Keehyun , Lee Seung Joo , Shin You Ree , Choung Yun‐Hoon
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment results between bilateral (bi‐) and unilateral (uni‐) sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective study.

METHODS

Three hundred twenty‐four patients with SSNHL were classified into two groups; simultaneous bi‐SSNHL (n = 16) and uni‐SSNHL (n = 308). We compared clinical characteristics, medical history, hearing level, and treatment results between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of bi‐SSNHL was 4.9 percent of overall patients with SSNHL. Bi‐SSNHL occurs more commonly in patients of older age, with preexisting diabetes mellitus, and lipid panel abnormalities compared with uni‐SSNHL. Ten patients (62.5%) in the bi‐SSNHL group showed hearing recovery in 1 or both ears compared with 56.5 percent of patients with uni‐SSNHL. Only 12 (37.5%) of all 32 ears recovered in bi‐SSNHL, which was significantly lower than in uni‐SSNHL.

CONCLUSION

Bi‐SSNHL has a very low incidence and lower recovery rate than uni‐SSNHL. Recognition of similarities and differences between bilateral and unilateral SSNHL can help in counseling and managing the patients.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Karatas Erkan , Onat Ahmet Mesut , Durucu Cengiz , Baglam Tekin , Kanlikama Muzaffer , Altunoren Orcun , Buyukhatipoglu Hakan
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Twenty‐eight patients with SLE and 28 healthy control subjects were included. Pure‐tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and electronystagmography (ENG) were used for baseline evaluation. Laboratory tests were carried out. Cranial and brain stem magnetic resonance imagings (MRI) were undertaken.

RESULTS

Nineteen (67%) patients reported audiovestibular symptoms. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 6 (21%) patients. Abnormal results on ENG were significantly higher (50%) (P < 0.01). Abnormal laboratory data were available from 26 patients (P < 0.05). MRI did not show any pathosis.

CONCLUSION

The audiovestibular disturbances in SLE are more prevalent than previously recognized. Although no cause and effect relationship can be established by this type of study, it appears that a relationship exists.

SIGNIFICANCE

Audiologic research should be directed toward routine, pure tone audiometry, and ENG assessment for patients with SLE to enable crucial treatment.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Deterioration in quality of life and depressive symptoms during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Kelly Charles , Paleri Vinidh , Downs Carole , Shah Raina
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychologic profile during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The University of Washington QoL instrument and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to 202 patients at two or three time points during radiation therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 118 (54.6%) patients completed the questionnaires at the beginning and at the end of the study. A mid‐treatment dataset was also available for 67 (31.0%) patients. There was a statistically significant deterioration in composite QoL scores (P < 0.000) and a statistically significant increase in depression (P < 0.000). There was no difference in anxiety levels (P = 0.276).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing radiation are increasingly depressed as treatment progresses, with worsening QoL during the treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study underlines the need for good psychologic support during radiation therapy in head and neck cancer.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Hearing threshold shift measured by otoacoustic emissions after shooting noise exposure in soldiers using hearing protectors
Authors: Olszewski Jurek , Miłoński Jarosław , Olszewski Sławomir , Majak Joanna
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of short‐term impulse noise to temporary threshold shift in soldiers using hearing protectors.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The study included 80 subjects with correct tympanic membrane and thresholds measured by pure‐tone audiometry less than 20 dB. There were two groups: 40 soldiers protected during shooting and 40 young males who didn't shoot. TEOAE were performed by ILO 292 Echoport Otodynamics device 3 to 5 minutes before shooting and 2 minutes and 1, 2, and 3 hours after shooting.

RESULTS

Short‐term exposure to impulse noise generated by five gunshots from the rifle kbk AKMS hasn't induced temporary threshold shift of hearing for chosen frequencies in soldiers using hearing protectors. Spectral analysis for chosen frequencies revealed that measurement reproducibility, stimuli level, and probe stability appeared to be comparable and repeatable.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the use of hearing protectors safeguarded against impulse noise.

SIGNIFICANCE

The use of earmuffs is strongly recommended because they seem to sufficiently attenuate shooting noise.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
A pilot clinical trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 on chronic tinnitus aurium
Authors: Khan Martin , Gross Johann , Haupt Heidemarie , Jainz Annett , Niklowitz Petra , Scherer Hans , Schmidt Frank‐Peter , Klapp Burghard F. , Reisshauer Anett , Mazurek Birgit
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short‐term effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the antioxidative status and tinnitus expression in patients with chronic tinnitus aurium.

STUDY DESIGN

A 16‐week prospective nonrandomized clinical trial (n = 20). Tinnitus and Short Form‐36 Questionnaires (TQ/SF‐36) were evaluated together with the plasma concentrations of CoQ10, malondialdehyde, and the total antioxidant status.

RESULTS

The mean plasma CoQ10 concentration rose under external CoQ10 supply and remained elevated after medication stopped without overall effects on the tinnitus score. However, in a subgroup of 7 patients with low initial plasma CoQ10 concentration and significant increase in the plasma CoQ10 level, a clear decrease in the TQ score was observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with a low plasma CoQ10 concentration, CoQ10 supply may decrease the tinnitus expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to examine the effect of CoQ10 in chronic tinnitus aurium.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Effects of the subcranial approach on facial growth and development
Authors: Shlomi Benjamin , Chaushu Stella , Gil Ziv , Chaushu Gavriel , Fliss Dan M.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long‐term effects of subcranial surgery for anterior skull base tumors on facial growth.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study (1994 to 2004) in a university‐affiliated hospital. Of 108 patients who underwent a subcranial surgical approach for anterior skull base tumors, six adolescents and five young adults fulfilled study entry criteria for age and follow‐up data availability (mean, 3.2 ± 2 years). Cephalometric x‐ray films monitored postoperative facial growth. Anteriorly and posteriorly measured horizontal and vertical maxillary growth were compared with normal values.

RESULTS

All subjects had superiorly positioned maxillae (shorter in patients with long‐standing pathologies). The upper incisor teeth were proclined relative to the cranial base reference planes. All cephalometric changes were within a 10 percent deviation of normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

Subcranial surgery for these tumors minimally affects vertical facial skeleton growth. Early surgery is essential for unaffected horizontal growth.

SIGNIFICANCE

Guidelines for anterior skull base tumor surgery in adolescents and young adults.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Hypertonic saline alters electrical barrier of the airway epithelium
Authors: Miwa Masato , Matsunaga Mayumi , Nakajima Noriyuki , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Watanabe Kensuke
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

The effect of tonicity changes in nebulizer solutions and irrigations on nasal mucosa is not well known. The present study aims to determine the basic mechanism of hypertonic solution on airway epithelial barrier.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We investigated the electrical potential difference (PD) that is influenced by both active transport and the transepithelial electrical resistance of the epithelial mucosa in the human nose in vivo. The short circuit current (SCC) revealed net ion transport across the epithelium in the guinea pig trachea in vitro. Finally, the size dependency of macromolecules across the tracheal mucosa was determined in vitro using FITC‐labeled dextrans of different sizes.

RESULTS

PD was significantly decreased after topical application of hypertonic solution both in human and in guinea pig nose. SCC was significantly decreased after application of hypertonic solution. The transport of these dextrans from the basolateral to the apical side was not increased significantly after apical application of hypertonic saline.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertonic saline enhances the electrical permeability of the airway epithelial mucosa but not transport of macromolecule in the short term.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Autonomic nervous system evaluation in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ishman Stacey L. , Martin Timothy J. , Hambrook Daniel W. , Smith Timothy L. , Jaradeh Safwan S. , Loehrl Todd A.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between allergic rhinitis (AR) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.

METHODS

Quantitative ANS testing was completed in 10 patients with AR confirmed by clinical findings and allergy testing. This data was compared to 16 age‐matched controls.

RESULTS

ANS scores were significantly abnormal in AR patients when compared to normal controls. The composite autonomic scale score for the AR group was significantly impaired when compared to controls (1.6 vs 0.63, P < 0.0001). Additionally, subscore values quantifying the level of dysfunction within the sympathetic nervous system (1.0 for sudomotor and 0.5 adrenergic) were found to be significantly different (P < 0.0001 and 0.018). The mean subscore value quantifying the level of dysfunction within the parasympathetic system (cardiovagal) was not found to be significantly different from controls (P = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

ANS dysfunction, specifically sympathetic hypofunction, was identified in all of the allergic rhinitis patients studied. Further characterization of the type of ANS abnormality may allow the development of novel pharmacologic therapies for these disorders.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Otitis media in adults as a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Sone Michihiko , Yamamuro Yuri , Hayashi Hideo , Niwa Yasumasa , Nakashima Tsutomu
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Sixty patients with OME with unknown causes were asked to answer a new questionnaire specific for the diagnosis of GER disease; pepsinogen (PG) levels in their middle‐ear effusions (MEEs) were measured.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with high PG concentrations in their MEEs was significantly higher in those with questionnaire‐positive GER than in those with questionnaire‐negative GER. OME was present bilaterally in a significantly higher percentage of patients with questionnaire‐positive GER. The PG levels decreased in some of the patients after receiving proton pump inhibitors, which also decreased the symptoms of GER.

CONCLUSION

The presence of PG in MEEs supports the existence of GER; treatment for GER should be considered in patients with ear complaints, especially in those who have GER‐related symptoms.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
PAPER PRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INCREASING WHEAT YIELD POTENTIAL, CIMMYT, OBREGON, MEXICO, 20–24 MARCH 2006 Improving estimation of N top-dressing by addressing temporal variability in winter wheat
Authors: GIRMA K. , MACK C. , TAYLOR R. , SOLIE J. , ARNALL D. B. , RAUN W.
Published: January 2007

Field-average based recommendations have been a common practice for nitrogen (N) rate recommendations. The problem is that, even when the same amount of N fertilizer is applied at the recommended rate, yields differ from year to year, the result being poor use efficiency. Reduced fertilizer use efficiency can result in unnecessary costs to producers, especially with a likely price of US$ 1·10 per kilogram of N fertilizer anticipated within the next few years, largely due to rising oil and natural gas prices. It has been estimated that by the year 2025 the consumption of N fertilizer will increase by 60–90%, with two-thirds of this being applied in the developing world. In light of this, methods that increase N use efficiency and profitability of farms, while reducing environmental impact, are no longer simply commendable but required in developing countries. The present review assesses the temporal variability in winter wheat with respect to N nutrition and presents improved methods, including the calibration stamp (CS), N-rich strips (NRS) and ramped calibration strips (RCS) to overcome this variability. These methods can be used either as visual tools or along with NDVI handheld sensors for accuracy. Unlike the CS and NRS, the RCS method is designed to include more pre-plant N rates in strips to improve top-dress N estimation. Hypotheses as backgrounds to these methods have been developed and tested in the USA and Mexico. However, the simplicity of these technologies suggests that many farmers in both developed and developing countries can readily apply them.
Alejandro Álvarez's Latin American Law: A Question of Identity
Authors: ESQUIROL JORGE L.
Published: January 2007

This essay focuses on Alejandro Álvarez's seminal article, ‘Latin America and International Law’, published in 1909 in the American Journal of International Law. Offering and in-depth analysis of the text, it foregrounds the strategic meaning of Álvarez's work in the light of the international politics of his day. It posits that, more than simply a diplomatic history of Latin American particularity, Álvarez presents the case for a different hemispheric international order, based on an ‘American international law’ extending to the United States. He draws primarily an Latin American Precedents – based on historical and stituational commonalities – to argue for a common public law. He then grafts an idiosyncratic interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine as the United States' main contribution to this common law, as well as the fact of US sponsorship of various Americas-wide conferences resulting in the ratification of regional treaties. Notably, and this is one of the main points of this is one of the main points of this essay, Álvarez elevates certain Latin American states as leaders in regional international law and capable agents of its enforcement across the hemisphere. In short, this essay advances the claim that Álvarez's project of pan-American law in effect entreats the United States to share its hegemony and wield its power in the region jointly with Latin America's ‘better-constituted’ states.
Noted for Dissent: The International Life of Alejandro Álvarez
Authors: OBREGÓN LILIANA
Published: January 2007

The long life of Alejandro Álvarez, the most renowned Latin American international legal scholar of the twentieth century, was dedicated to the persistent promotion of projects of a continental (American), regional (Latin American), and universal international law. This article undertakes an overview of his oeuvre through a reading of Álvarez's work as coming from a criollo (or Creole) and social legal consciousness presented through the three consistent tropes of renewal, reform, and rupture. Although much of Álvarez's work has been forgotten, during his lifetime he generated profound admiration and even a school of thought, but also rejection and ridicule on both sides of the Atlantic. Álvarez may be considered a scholar from the ‘periphery’ because of his country of origin and regionalist claims, but his life and works show that he was also at the forefront of the leading issues and institutions of international law in the first half of the twentieth century.
State Sovereignty, Jurisdiction, and ‘Modern’ International Law: The Principle of Complementarity in the International Criminal Court
Authors: GIOIA FEDERICA
Published: January 2007

The article analyses the main features of the Statute of the International Criminal Court in the context of recent developments in international law. The core submission is made that the states' obligations enshrined in the Statute (namely, to investigate and prosecute the most heineous crimes, and to co-operate with the Court in their investigation and prosecution) are to be construed as obligations erga omnes. Since ending impunity for such crimes transcends the interests of individual states, the Court should act on behalf of the international community in remedying any shortcomings of states' action in this respect. In this perspective, particular attention is devoted to the principle of complementarity: it is argued that it could and should be construed and implemented in such a way as genuinely to allow the achievement of the universal objective of preventing impunity for those crimes of concern to the international community.
Rethinking European Identity through a Triptych of Literary Heroes
Authors: KEUNEN BART
Published: January 2007

This article explores the concept of ‘Europe’ by using it as a synecdoche for ‘modernity’. The point of departure is Antonio Negri and Michael Hardt's postulate that one can distinguish two Europes and two modernities. Modernity is, on the one hand, the historical tendency towards totalization and exclusion, and, on the other hand, the opposite penchant for fragmentation and anarchic ‘liberative’ thinking. On the basis of this duality, one can talk of a syndrome of modernity, a cultural condition that is determined by the coincidence of two views on sovereignty (self-coercion and self-determination). The article relates the theory of ‘two Europes’ to three historical forms of cultural identity and in particular to the ideals of normality which are involved in them.
Global Regionalism
Authors: DAMROSCH DAVID
Published: January 2007

As the discipline of Comparative Literature expands beyond its traditional concentration on the literatures of a few European great powers, our expanded range of vision involves rethinking Europe itself as well as the larger global production of literature. Already in the 19th century, comparatists were deeply engaged in sorting out relations between major powers and minor literatures, as can be seen in the ambitious early journal Acta Comparationis Litterarum Universarum, edited in the 1870s by the Transylvanian comparatist Hugo Meltzl. This article discusses Meltzl's journal and its struggles against the great-power cosmopolitanism represented by Meltzl's rival, the German comparatist Max Koch. As an illustration of the importance of trans-national perspectives in understanding European identity, the article concludes with a discussion of the recording of pagan myth in medieval Iceland.
The peanut allergy epidemic: allergen molecular characterisation and prospects for specific therapy
Authors: de Leon Maria P. , Rolland Jennifer M. , O'Hehir Robyn E.
Published: January 2007

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergy is a major cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, with increasing prevalence worldwide. To date, there is no cure for peanut allergy, and, unlike many other food allergies, it usually persists through to adulthood. Prevention of exposure to peanuts is managed through strict avoidance, which can be compromised by the frequent use of peanuts and peanut products in food preparations. Conventional subcutaneous-injection allergen immunotherapy using crude peanut extract is not a recommended treatment because of the risk of severe side effects, largely as a result of specific IgE antibodies. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop a suitable peanut allergen preparation that can induce specific clinical and immunological tolerance to peanuts in allergic individuals without adverse side effects. This requires detailed molecular and immunological characterisation of the allergenic components of peanut. This article reviews current knowledge on clinically relevant peanut allergens, in particular Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3, together with options for T-cell-reactive but non-IgE-binding allergen variants for specific immunotherapeutic strategies. These include T-cell-epitope peptide and hypoallergenic mutant vaccines. Alternative routes of administration such as sublingual are also considered, and appropriate adjuvants for delivering effective treatments at these sites examined.
Viscous and gravitational contributions to mixing during vertical brine transport in water‐saturated porous media
Authors: Flowers Tracey C. , Hunt James R.
Published: January 2007

The transport of fluids miscible with water arises in groundwater contamination and during remediation of the subsurface environment. For concentrated salt solutions, i.e., brines, the increased density and viscosity determine mixing processes between these fluids and ambient groundwater. Under downward flow conditions, gravitational and viscous forces work against each other to determine the interfacial mixing processes. Historically, mixing has been modeled as a dispersive process, as viscous fingering, and as a combination of both using approaches that were both analytical and numerical. A compilation of previously reported experimental data on vertical miscible displacements by fluids with significant density and viscosity contrasts reveals some agreement with a stability analysis presented by Hill (1952). Additional experimental data on one‐dimensional dispersion during downward displacement of concentrated salt solutions by freshwater and freshwater displacement by brines support the stability analysis and provides an empirical representation for dispersion coefficients as functions of a gravity number and a mobility ratio.
Differences in rain rate intensities between TRMM observations and community atmosphere model simulations
Authors: Deng Yi , Bowman Kenneth P. , Jackson Charles
Published: January 2007

Precipitation related latent heating is important in driving the atmospheric general circulation and in generating intraseasonal to decadal atmospheric variability. Our ability to project future climate change, especially trends in costly precipitation extremes, hinges upon whether coupled GCMs capture processes that affect precipitation characteristics. Our study compares the tropical‐subtropical precipitation characteristics of simulations by the NCAR CAM3.1 atmospheric GCM and observations derived from the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. Despite a fairly good simulation of the annual mean rain rate, CAM rains about 10–50% more often than the real world and fails to capture heavy rainfall associated with deep convective systems over subtropical South America and U.S. Southern Plains. When it rains, there is a likelihood of 0.96–1.0 that it rains lightly in the model, compared to values of 0.84–1.0 in TRMM data. On the other hand, the likelihood of the occurrence of moderate to heavy rainfall is an order of magnitude higher in observations (0.12–0.2) than that in the model (<0.02). Comparison of regionally aggregated PDFs of the rain rate shows that CAM underestimates the probability of NOT raining, overestimates the probability of light rain and almost completely misses the tails of the PDFs. The model compensates for the lack of heavy precipitation through raining more frequently within the light rain category, which leads to an annual rainfall amount close to what is observed. CAM captures the qualitative change of rain rate PDF from a “dry” oceanic to a “wet” oceanic region, but it fails to simulate the change of precipitation characteristics from an oceanic region to a land region where thunderstorm rainfall dominates.
Trans‐Pacific transport of Saharan dust to western North America: A case study
Authors: McKendry Ian G. , Strawbridge Kevin B. , O'Neill Norman T. , Macdonald Anne Marie , Liu Peter S. K. , Leaitch W. Richard , Anlauf Kurt G. , Jaegle Lyatt , Fairlie T. Duncan , Westphal Douglas L.
Published: January 2007

The first documented case of long‐range transport of Saharan dust over a pathway spanning Asia and the Pacific to western North America is described. Crustal material generated by North African dust storms during the period 28 February to 3 March 2005 reached western Canada on 13–14 March 2005 and was observed by lidar and sunphotometer in the Vancouver region and by high‐altitude aerosol instrumentation at Whistler Peak. Global chemical models (GEOS‐Chem and NRL NAAPS) confirm the transport pathway and suggest source attribution was simplified in this case by the distinct, and somewhat unusual, lack of dust activity over Eurasia (Gobi and Takla Makan deserts) at this time. Over western North America the dust layer, although subsiding close to the boundary layer, did not appear to contribute to boundary layer particulate matter concentrations. Furthermore, sunphotometer observations (and associated inversion products) suggest that the dust layer had only subtle optical impact (aerosol optical thickness (τa500) and Ångström exponent (α440–870) were 0.1 and 1.2, respectively) and was dominated by fine particulate matter (modes in aerodynamic diameter at 0.3 and 2.5 μm). High‐altitude observations at Whistler, British Columbia, confirm the crustal origin of the layer (rich in Ca++ ions) and the bimodal size distribution. Although a weak event compared to the Asian trans‐Pacific dust events of 1998 and 2001, this novel case highlights the possibility that Saharan sources may contribute episodically to the aerosol burden in western North America.
Increase in weight induced by muraglitazar, a dual PPARα/γ agonist, in db/db mice: adipogenesis/or oedema?
Authors: Mittra S , Sangle G , Tandon R , Sharma S , Roy S , Khanna V , Gupta A , Sattigeri J , Sharma L , Priyadarsiny P , Khattar S K , Bora R S , Saini K S , Bansal V S
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:

Muraglitazar, a dual PPARα/γ agonist, caused a robust increase in body weight in db/db mice. The purpose of the study was to see if this increase in weight was due to oedema and/or adipogenesis.

Experimental approach:

The affinity of muraglitazar at PPARα/γ receptors was characterized using transactivation assays. Pre‐adipocyte differentiation, expression of genes for adipogenesis (aP2), fatty acid oxidation (ACO) and sodium reabsorption (ENaCγ and Na+, K+‐ATPase); haemodilution parameters and serum electrolytes were measured to delineate the role of muraglitazar in causing weight gain vis a vis rosiglitazone.

Key Results:

Treatment with muraglitazar (10 mg kg−1) for 14 days significantly reduced plasma glucose and triglycerides. Reduction in plasma glucose was significantly greater than after similar treatment with rosiglitazone (10 mg kg−1). A marked increase in weight was also observed with muraglitazar that was significantly greater than with rosiglitazone. Muraglitazar increased aP2 mRNA and caused adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells similar to rosiglitazone. It also caused a marked increase in ACO mRNA in the liver of the treated mice. Expression of mRNA for ENaCγ and Na+, K+‐ATPase in kidneys was up‐regulated after either treatment. Increased serum electrolytes and decreased RBC count, haemoglobin and haematocrit were observed with both muraglitazar and rosiglitazone.

Conclusions and implications:

Although muraglitazar has a better glucose lowering profile, it also has a greater potential for weight gain than rosiglitazone. In conclusion, muraglitazar causes both robust adipogenesis and oedema in a 14‐day treatment of db/db mice as observed in humans.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 480–487. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707000