bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise comparisons of bottom‐pressure and altimetric ocean tides
Authors: Ray R. D.
Published: August 2013

A new set of pelagic tide determinations is constructed from seafloor pressure measurements obtained at 151 sites in the deep ocean. To maximize precision of estimated tides, only stations with long time series are used; median time series length is 567 days. Geographical coverage is considerably improved by use of the international tsunami network, but coverage in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific is still weak. As a tool for assessing global ocean tide models, the data set is considerably more reliable than older data sets: the root‐mean‐square difference with a recent altimetric tide model is approximately 5 mm for the M2 constituent. Precision is sufficiently high to allow secondary effects in altimetric and bottom‐pressure tide differences to be studied. The atmospheric tide in bottom pressure is clearly detected at the S1, S2, and T2 frequencies. The altimetric tide model is improved if satellite altimetry is corrected for crustal loading by the atmospheric tide. Models of the solid body tide can also be constrained. The free core‐nutation effect in the K1 Love number is easily detected, but the overall estimates are not as accurate as a recent determination with very long baseline interferometry.
Detection and prediction of mean and extreme European summer temperatures with a multimodel ensemble
Authors: Hanlon H. M. , Morak S. , Hegerl G. C.
Published: August 2013

We analyze observed mean to extreme summer temperature indices across Europe in order to determine whether there is evidence for a detectable climate change signal and whether these indices show evidence for predictability. Observations from 1960 to 2011, taken from E‐OBS an observational dataset created for the European Commission funded project (ENSEMBLES), are compared with the model simulations from the global coupled climate models CanCM4, HadCM3, MIROC5, and MPI‐ESM‐LR, as published on the CMIP5 archive. Indices are examined that span a moderate to extreme range of the summer temperature distribution by including the summer average, the hottest 5day average, and the hottest daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures during summer. The region of interest is Europe; however, a number of subregions are also studied, which include Western Europe, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and Central Europe. The observed changes in the analyzed indices are well represented by the multimodel mean and are within the range of the multimodel ensemble for most regions, with the exception of 1 and 5day average daily maximum temperature extremes across the UK. Observed changes are detectable against estimates of internal climate variability for both moderate and extreme temperature indices across all regions in almost all cases. Exceptions are the hottest 5day average daily maximum temperature in the UK and Central Europe, for which results are not conclusive. An analysis of the skill in decadal hindcasts of these indices shows that there is significant prediction skill across these indices for three of the four models for some regions and some models. This skill exceeds the skill of forecasts based on observed climatology and random noise and is largely due to external forcing. However, there is some evidence that there is additional skill originating from the assimilation of observations into the initialization in some cases.
Modeling the influence of open water surfaces on the summertime temperature and thermal comfort in the city
Authors: Theeuwes N. E. , Solcerová A. , Steeneveld G. J.
Published: August 2013

Due to the combination of rapid global urbanization and climate change, urban climate issues are becoming relatively more important and are gaining interest. Compared to rural areas, the temperature in cities is higher (the urban heat island effect) due to the modifications in the surface radiation and energy balances. This study hypothesizes that the urban heat island can be mitigated by introducing open surface water in urban design. In order to test this, we use the WRF mesoscale meteorological model in which an idealized circular city is designed. Herein, the surface water cover, its size, spatial configuration, and temperature are varied. Model results indicate that the cooling effect of water bodies depends nonlinearly on the fractional water cover, size, and distribution of individual lakes within the city with respect to wind direction. Relatively large lakes show a high temperature effect close to their edges and in downwind areas. Several smaller lakes equally distributed within the urban area have a smaller temperature effect, but influence a larger area of the city. Evaporation from open water bodies may lower the temperature, but on the other hand also increases the humidity, which dampens the positive effect on thermal comfort. In addition, when the water is warmer than the air temperature (during autumn or night), the water body has an adverse effect on thermal comfort. In those cases, the water body eventually limits the cooling and thermal comfort in the surrounding city, and thus diverges from the original intention of the intervention.
A stochastic parameterization of the gravity waves due to convection and its impact on the equatorial stratosphere
Authors: Lott F. , Guez L.
Published: August 2013

A formalism is proposed to parameterize the gravity waves due to convection in general circulation models with a stratosphere. It is based on a stochastic approach, where a large ensemble of monochromatic gravity waves is built up by launching a few waves at each time step, and by adding the effect of these waves, to that of the waves launched before, during the same day. The frequency and horizontal wave numbers of each wave are chosen randomly with fixed probability distribution, but the wave amplitude is directly related to precipitation, which is converted into heating rate. Linear theory is then used to predict the gravity wave generated by the heating rate. Off‒line tests are carried out using reanalysis and global precipitation data. These tests demonstrate that the scheme launches gravity wave momentum fluxes that are much more erratic in amplitude than when uniform sources are considered. Consequently, the scheme tends to produce momentum flux deposition at lower levels than for the case when uniform sources are considered. We verify that the parameterization, when included in a general circulation model with vertical resolution in the stratosphere δz≈ 500m, is able to produce a quasi‒biennial oscillation, without being detrimental to other aspects of the model climatology, like the semiannual oscillation and the behavior of the extratropics.
Age‐related change in renal corticomedullary differentiation: Evaluation with noncontrast‐enhanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) MRI with spatially selective inversion pulse using variable inversion time
Authors: Noda Yasufumi , Kanki Akihiko , Yamamoto Akira , Higashi Hiroki , Tanimoto Daigo , Sato Tomohiro , Higaki Atsushi , Tamada Tsutomu , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To evaluate age‐related change in renal corticomedullary differentiation and renal cortical thickness by means of noncontrast‐enhanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with spatially selective inversion recovery (IR) pulse.

Materials and Methods

The Institutional Review Board of our hospital approved this retrospective study and patient informed consent was waived. This study included 48 patients without renal diseases who underwent noncontrast‐enhanced SSFP MRI with spatially selective IR pulse using variable inversion times (TIs) (700–1500 msec). The signal intensity of renal cortex and medulla were measured to calculate renal corticomedullary contrast ratio. Additionally, renal cortical thickness was measured.

Results

The renal corticomedullary junction was clearly depicted in all patients. The mean cortical thickness was 3.9 ± 0.83 mm. The mean corticomedullary contrast ratio was 4.7 ± 1.4. There was a negative correlation between optimal TI for the best visualization of renal corticomedullary differentiation and age (r = −0.378; P = 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between renal corticomedullary contrast ratio and age (r = 0.187; P = 0.20). Similarly, no significant correlation was observed between renal cortical thickness and age (r = 0.054; P = 0.712).

Conclusion

In the normal kidney, noncontrast‐enhanced SSFP MRI with spatially selective IR pulse can be used to assess renal corticomedullary differentiation and cortical thickness without the influence of aging, although optimal TI values for the best visualization of renal corticomedullary junction were shortened with aging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:79–83. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in seasonal surface air temperature in mainland Portugal, since 1941
Authors: Espírito Santo Fátima , de Lima M. Isabel P. , Ramos Alexandre M. , Trigo Ricardo M.
Published: August 2013

This study provides a thorough assessment of recent changes in near‐surface air temperature in mainland Portugal at both the local and regional level, focusing on extreme events (maximum and minimum) at a seasonal scale. It examines trends in selected specific indices that are calculated from daily air temperature data from 23 measuring stations scattered across the territory, recorded between 1941 and 2006. The results show overall warming trends over mainland Portugal that are consistent with the dominant global warming and reflect an increase in both maximum and minimum air temperature. When we split the study period into two sub‐periods, 1945–1975 and 1976–2006, the partial trend analysis reveals that the first sub‐period is mostly characterized by cooling followed by an even stronger tendency towards warmer benchmarks in all the indices evaluated, in particular for the warm‐related temperature extremes in spring and summer.

The changes observed in seasonal patterns confirm the well‐known asymmetries in the climate in mainland Portugal and suggest that they are likely to be aggravated. There are changes associated with extreme temperatures, in particular, the significant increase in the frequency and duration of heat waves, and the increase in the frequency of hot days and tropical nights, especially in spring and summer; moreover there is a significant decrease in the frequency of cold waves and frost days.

Teleconnections associated with changing patterns of temperature are also investigated. The results show that, over mainland Portugal, cold‐related air temperature extremes have been associated with the East Atlantic mode in autumn, whereas warm‐related extremes have been associated with the Scandinavia teleconnection pattern in spring, summer and autumn. However, the most prominent Northern Hemisphere pattern, the North Atlantic Oscillation, exerts limited influence, which is felt mostly in winter and spring.
Bioactive stilbenes from Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots extracts
Authors: Chaher Nassima , Arraki Kamel , Dillinseger Elsa , Temsamani Hamza , Bernillon Stéphane , Pedrot Eric , Delaunay Jean‐Claude , Mérillon Jean‐Michel , Monti Jean‐Pierre , Izard Jean‐Claude , Atmani Djebbar , Richard Tristan
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Viticultural residues from commercial viticultural activities represent a potentially important source of bioactive stilbenes such as resveratrol. The main aim of the present study was therefore to isolate, identify and perform biological assays against amyloid‐β peptide aggregation of original stilbenes from Vitis vinifera shoots.

RESULTS

A new resveratrol oligomer, (Z)‐cis‐miyabenol C (3), was isolated from Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots together with two newly reported oligostilbenes from Vitis vinifera shoots, vitisinol C (1) and (E)‐cis‐miyabenol C (2), and six known compounds: piceatannol, resveratrol, (E)‐ε‐viniferin (trans‐ε‐viniferin), ω‐viniferin, vitisinol C and (E)‐miyabenol C. The structures of these resveratrol derivatives were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis including nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. All the newly reported compounds were tested for their anti‐aggregative activity against amyloid‐β fibril formation. Vitisinol C was found to exert a significant activity against amyloid‐β aggregation.

CONCLUSION

Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots are potentially interesting as a source of new bioactive stilbenes, such as vitisinol C. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic markers in stage I oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dunkel Johannes , Vaittinen Samuli , Grénman Reidar , Kinnunen Ilpo , Irjala Heikki
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment is based on anatomic location, clinical TNM staging, and histological grade. It is a heterogeneous disease group. Classification of patients with OSCC by immunohistochemical analysis of established oncoproteins and evaluate disease course was our primary objective. Characterization of stage I OSCC patients in Southwest Finland was our secondary objective.

Study Design

Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor specimens and retrospective analysis of patient data of the patient treated in Turku University Hospital for T1N0M0 OSCC during the years 2000‐2004.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens from 35 OSCC patients were collected and analyzed for HIF‐1α, CD44, p16, Ki67, and podoplanin by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical findings.

Results

Tumoral CD44 and HIF1‐α expression levels, in combination, predicted 5‐year disease‐free survival. Reduced expression of CD44 and elevated expression of HIF1‐α is associated with the lowest probability of disease‐free survival compared to the population as a whole (P < .001 in Kaplan‐Meier analysis). Patients with grade I tumors demonstrated improved disease‐specific survival compared to those with grade II tumors (P = .027). No association was seen between p16 expression, Ki67 labeling index, or podoplanin expression and prognosis in our 35 specimens.

Conclusions

HIF‐1α and CD44 immunohistochemical detection could potentially serve as a prognostic tool in therapy selection for early‐stage OSCC. Laryngoscope, 123:2435–2441, 2013
Outcome of a multimodality approach to the management of idiopathic subglottic stenosis
Authors: Nouraei S. A. R. , Sandhu G. S.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the results of treating idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS), determine predictors of treatment success and outcome, and better define roles and limitations of endoscopic and open surgery.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Fifty‐four consecutive patients were treated between 2004 and 2012. Patient, stenosis and treatment details, complications, open surgery rates, and outcomes were recorded. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of endoscopic treatment success; treatment frequency; and functional outcomes in airway, dyspnea, voice, and swallowing domains.

Results

All patients were female and mean age at diagnosis was 48 ± 12 years. Symptoms‐to‐diagnosis latency was 21 ± 20 months. There were 10 concomitant glottic and subglottic stenoses. Most lesions were Myer‐Cotton grade 3 (48%). Overall, 78% of patients were managed endoscopically. Treatment included intralesional corticosteroids, laser surgery, balloon dilation, and temporary silastic stenting in selected cases. Annual intervention rate was 1.07 ± 0.79. Mean follow‐up was 45 months. Factors associated with intervention frequency were stenosis location and severity. Twelve patients underwent anteroposterior laryngotracheal reconstruction with biological inhibition. This resulted in disease remission in all patients with subglottic stenosis, and in most patients with concomitant glottic and subglottic stenosis. Patients with total laryngotracheal stenosis required ongoing treatment for glottic disease. All patients maintained prosthesis‐free airways, but in one patient this required a laryngectomy. Most patients achieved good functional outcomes. Stenosis location was the only independent predictor of dyspnea and voice outcomes.

Conclusions

ISS can be effectively treated with endoscopic surgery or a bespoke open reconstructive procedure that does not compromise on female voice quality.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2474–2484, 2013
Obesity and the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and acute otitis media in school‐age children
Authors: Sidell Douglas , Shapiro Nina L. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine if obesity is a significant risk factor for acute otitis media (AOM), allergic rhinitis (AR), or chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children and to understand the potential otolaryngological implications of childhood obesity.

Study Design

Cross‐Sectional Analysis.

Methods

The 2006 and 2008 the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was utilized to identify school‐aged children with AOM, AR, and/or CRS. Risk factors for the diagnoses extracted included standard demographics and the presence or absence of obesity. Multivariate analyses were conducted for associations between childhood obesity and AOM, AR, and CRS.

Results

42.1 million (95% CI, 40.4–44.2) school‐age children (unweighted N = 10623) were sampled in 2006 and 2008. There was a slight male predominance (51.0% [95% CI, 49.8–52.2]). Of these patients, 2.2 million (95% CI 1.9–2.4) received a diagnosis of AOM, 4.0 million (95% CI 3.6–4.4) received a diagnosis of AR, and 1.7 million (95% CI 1.4–1.9) received a diagnosis of CRS. Approximately 9.3 million (95% CI 8.7–10.0) children were obese, representing 22.2% (95% CI 21.0–23.3) of the U.S. population (age 6–17). Utilizing an adjusted multivariate model, childhood obesity was found to be associated with AOM (odds ratio, 1.44; [95% CI 1.08–1.93]; P = 0.033). Significant associations between obesity and AR (OR 1.14; [95% CI 0.88–1.47]; P = 0.60) or obesity and CRS (OR0.73; [95% CI 0.48–1.10]; P = 0.79) were not identified.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity appears to be associated with the development of AOM; however, an association between obesity and AR or CRS was not demonstrated. Given that in the United States nearly one‐fourth of all children seeking health care are obese, these data may have important preventative care implications.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 123:2360–2363, 2013
Use of pressure‐volume loops for physiological assessment of adult laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Nouraei S. Mahmoud , Patel Anil , Virk Jag S. , Butler Colin R. , Sandhu Guri S. , Nouraei S. A. Reza
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the utility of intraoperative pressure‐volume curves as an objective method of physiological disease stratification and outcomes assessment in adult laryngotracheal stenosis.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

We prospectively studied 42 tracheotomy‐free patients undergoing endoscopic laryngotracheoplasty over 18 months. Patient and lesion characteristics were obtained. Dyspnea severity was assessed using the Medical Research Council scale. Preoperative spirometry and intraoperative pulmonary compliance were recorded.

Results

There were 19 male and 23 female patients, and the mean age at treatment was 44 ± 16 years. There were 14 Myer‐Cotton 1 lesions and 14 and 13 patients had grade 2 or 3 stenoses, respectively. Pulmonary compliance was strongly correlated with anatomical stenosis severity (r = 0.8, P < .0001) and perceptual dyspnea severity (r = 0.73, P < .0001). The strengths of correlation between pulmonary compliance and anatomical stenosis severity was significantly greater than those between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow. The strength of correlation between pulmonary compliance and perceptual dyspnea severity was significantly greater than those between FEV1 and FVC with perceptual dyspnea severity. The two independent determinants of pulmonary compliance were Myer‐Cotton stenosis severity (P < .0001) and patient age (P = .013).

Conclusions

Pulmonary compliance provides an objective measure of physiological airway impairment. It correlates well with anatomical disease severity and perceptual dyspnea severity. Its more widespread use in adult patients and research into its utility in pediatric airway stenosis is recommended.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 123:2735–2741, 2013
Pathological study of otitis media with effusion after treatment with intranasal pulmonary surfactant
Authors: Zhu Zheng Hua , Shan Ying Jun , Han Yang , Zhu Li Wei , Ma Zhao Xin
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the histopathological effect of intranasal pulmonary surfactant (PS) on the eustachian tube (ET) in guinea pigs with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Study Design

Randomized control trial.

Methods

Nonviable heat‐killed Hemophilus influenzae solution was injected into the tympanum of guinea pigs by a trans‐eardrum approach to establish OME. Guinea pigs were divided into four groups: normal controls (group A), untreated OME (group B), saline‐treated (group C), PS‐treated (group D). The response threshold of the guinea pigs was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR), and data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance. The histopathological changes in the osseous, cartilaginous, and muscular portions of the ET were observed systematically by light microscopy.

Results

The ABR threshold in OME group B was raised significantly compared with normal group (A). The response in saline‐treated group C was not statistically significantly different compared with OME group B. Seven days after intranasal dripping of pulmonary surfactant in PS‐treated group D, the response threshold showed at statistically significant decrease compared with OME B and saline‐treated C groups. In OME group B and saline‐treated group C, mucosa showed swelling with goblet cell hyperplasia, and cilia were irregularly arranged. In PS‐treated group D, there was slight mucosal swelling with fewer goblet cells, and cilia were regularly arranged, similar to the normal group A.

Conclusions

The findings of the study indicate that intranasal pulmonary surfactant drops have protective and hyposecretory effects on the mucociliary system of the ET in guinea pigs suffering from OME.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 123:3148–3155, 2013
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Chan Kenny H. , Gao Dexiang , Fernandez Patrick G. , Kingdom Todd T. , Kumpe David A.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Operative complications and tumor recurrence in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) are measurable and meaningful outcomes. This study aimed to assess the association of these two outcomes to various clinical indices and in particular, vascular determinates.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

An 18‐year retrospective chart review of an academic tertiary center was undertaken. Data from clinical notes, imaging studies, and arteriograms were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐seven male (mean age, 14.4 years) patients were included in the study. Tumor stages included: IA (three), IB (three), IIA (14), IIB (three), IIC (five), IIIA (five), and IIIB (four). Four complications (cerebrospinal fluid leak, cerebral vascular accident, and two transient ocular defects) occurred. Eight recurrences occurred within 24 months following surgery. Complications were associated with estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL) (P = .045). Tumor recurrence was associated with feeding vessels from the contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) (P = .017). EBL was significantly associated with surgical technique used. EBL, tumor stage, and tumor vascular supply were significantly associated with each other.

Conclusions

Vascular factors were associated with JNA complication and tumor recurrence. EBL might affect complications, and contralateral ICA as a feeding vessel might affect recurrence. EBL was influenced by procedure choice and was interrelated to size and vascular supply of the tumor. This study bolsters the need to decrease intraoperative blood loss by preoperative embolization and use of endoscopic removal techniques. Furthermore, when branches of the ICA are found to be feeding vessels, greater surgical attention for a dry surgical field is encouraged.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 124:672–677, 2014
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy of salivary gland lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Witt Benjamin L. , Schmidt Robert L.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To obtain summary estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of core needle biopsy for assessment of salivary gland lesions and to investigate sources of variation in accuracy between study locations.

Study Design

Data sources were PubMed, Embase, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, BIOSIS, LILACS, PakMediNet, Trip Database, and the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Scopus was used to perform forward (citation) and backward (reference) searches of all potentially relevant studies.

Methods

Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two different assessors. Meta‐analysis was performed using bivariate mixed‐effects binary regression as implemented in Stata 12. Quality assessment was performed using the QUADAS‐2.

Results

The summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity of core needle biopsy for diagnosis of malignancy were 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 87–99) and 100% (95% CI = 84–100), respectively. There was no significant heterogeneity in accuracy between studies. The quality of included studies was high, with low risk of verification bias. The risk of hematoma was 1.6% per procedure.

Conclusions

Core needle biopsy has high sensitivity and specificity, and has low risk of complications. There is no significant variation in accuracy between study locations. Laryngoscope, 124:695–700, 2014
The role of indeterminate fine‐needle biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid malignancy
Authors: Fundakowski Christopher , Castaño Johnathan , Abouyared Marianne , Lo Kaming , Rivera Andrew , Ojo Rosemary , Gomez‐Fernandez Carmen , Messinger Shari , Sargi Zoukaa
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the significance of indeterminate fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid gland malignancy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series, academic tertiary referral center.

Methods

A total of 559 parotidectomies performed between the years of 2005 and 2010 were reviewed, with 56.7% (N = 317) meeting investigation eligibility criteria: primary parotid tumor, availability of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy, intraoperative frozen section, and final pathologic diagnosis. One‐hundred fifteen (n = 115, 36.3%) of the 317 parotid biopsies were interpreted as indeterminate. Clinical history, physical examination, operative findings, and histopathologic characteristics were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression, with deviation from means coding, was used to estimate the odds of malignancy in the indeterminate group and provide a comparison with reference to the average odds of malignancy over the overall sample.

Results

Overall final pathologic distribution of parotid masses (N = 317) was 82.3% benign and 17.7% malignant. Overall final pathologic distribution of parotid masses in the indeterminate group (n = 115) was 31.3% malignant and 68.7% benign. In comparison, the overall group (N = 317) had a decreased comparative percentage of malignant specimens at 17.7%. Interestingly, in the instance of an indeterminate biopsy, the odds of having a malignancy was estimated to increase by 1.98‐fold compared to overall mean odds of malignancy in the sample. Other statistically significant clinical predictors of parotid malignancy included history of prior malignancy, current tobacco user, locally invasive characteristics intraoperatively, and facial nerve involvement intraoperatively.

Conclusions

In the context of an indeterminate fine‐needle aspiration biopsy, an elevated index of suspicion for parotid malignancy may be warranted.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:678–681, 2014
Temporal trends in sleep apnea surgery: 1993–2010
Authors: Ishman Stacey L. , Ishii Lisa E. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Growing evidence supports the use of multilevel surgery to effectively address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We sought to characterize changes in the patterns of surgical sleep care over time.

Study Design

Repeated cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Discharge data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 232,470 patients who underwent nasal, palatal, or hypopharyngeal procedures for sleep disordered breathing or OSA from 1993 to 2010 were analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.

Results

Inpatient sleep surgical procedures increased from 97,363 performed in 1993–2000 to 135,107 in 2001–2010. Sleep surgery in 2001–2010 was associated with increased hypopharyngeal surgery (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6–4.9, P < .001), tongue radiofrequency/midline glossectomy (RRR = 5.1, 95% CI = 3.4–7.5, P < .001), hyoid suspension (RRR = 6.8, 95% CI = 3.8–12.5, P < .001), nasal surgery (RRR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.5, P = 0.002), and multilevel surgery (RRR = 5.6, 95% CI = 3.8–9.4, P < .001) and decreased tracheostomy (RRR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.49–0.68, P < .001) compared to 1993–2000. Patients undergoing sleep surgery in 2001–2010 were more likely to have an OSA diagnosis (RRR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5, P < .001), obesity (RRR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.4–1.7, P < .001), and advanced comorbidity (RRR = 2.4, 95% CI = 2.0–2.8, P < .001). In 2001–2010, surgeons (>23 cases/yr) in the top‐volume quintile were more likely to perform hypopharyngeal procedures (RRR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.7–3.4, P < .001,) and to be associated with teaching hospitals (RRR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.2, P = 0.034) and less likely to perform tracheostomy (RRR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.18–0.40, P < .001). However, they represented only 17% of surgeons performing sleep surgery in contrast to surgeons in the bottom‐volume quintile, who performed 35% of cases.

Conclusions

These data reflect changing trends in the surgical management of OSA, with meaningful differences in the type of surgical care provided by high‐volume surgeons and a significant increase in surgical sleep procedures, particularly nasal and hypopharyngeal surgery.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 124:1251–1258, 2014
A Soft‐Template‐Conversion Route to Fabricate Nanopatterned Hybrid Pt/Carbon for Potential Use in Counter Electrodes of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Jang Yu Jin , Jang Yoon Hee , Quan Li Na , Kim Ho‐Cheol , Pyo Seungmoon , Kim Dong Ha
Published: August 2013

Hybrid Pt(platinum)/carbon nanopatterns with an extremely low loading level of Pt catalysts derived from block copolymer templates as an alternative type of counter electrodes (CEs) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are proposed. DSSCs employing hybrid Pt/carbon with tailored configuration as CEs exhibit higher short‐circuit current and conversion efficiencies as well as stability with a lapse of time compared with conventional cells on the basis of sputtered Pt thin films, evidencing that the new class of hybrid nanostructures possess high potential for cost‐effective electrodes in energy conversion devices.

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The central oscillatory network of orthostatic tremor
Authors: Muthuraman Muthuraman , Hellriegel Helge , Paschen Steffen , Hofschulte Frank , Reese Rene , Volkmann Jens , Witt K. , Deuschl G. , Raethjen Jan
Published: August 2013

Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a movement disorder of the legs and trunk that is present in the standing position but typically absent when sitting. The pathological central network involved in orthostatic tremor is still unknown. In this study we analyzed 15 patients with simultaneous high‐resolution electroencephalography and electromyography recording to assess corticomuscular coherence. In 1 patient we were able to simultaneously record the local field potential in the ventrolateral thalamus and electroencephalography. Dynamic imaging of coherent source analysis was used to find the sources in the brain that are coherent with the peripheral tremor signal. When standing, the network for the tremor frequency consisted of unilateral activation in the primary motor leg area, supplementary motor area, primary sensory cortex, two prefrontal/premotor sources, thalamus, and cerebellum for the whole 30‐second segment recorded. The source coherence dynamics for the primary leg area and the thalamic source signals with the tibialis anterior muscle showed that they were highly coherent for the whole 30 seconds for the contralateral side but markedly decreased after 15 seconds for the ipsilateral side. The source signal and the recorded thalamus signal followed the same time frequency dynamics of coherence in 1 patient. The corticomuscular interaction in OT follows a consistent pattern with an initially bilateral pattern and then a segregated unilateral pattern after 15 seconds. This may add to the feeling of unsteadiness. It also makes the thalamus unlikely as the main source of orthostatic tremor. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Quantification of cerebellar hemispheric purkinje cell linear density: 32 ET cases versus 16 controls
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Babij Rachel , Lee Michelle , Cortés Etty , Vonsattel Jean‐Paul G.
Published: August 2013

Although essential tremor (ET) is among the most prevalent neurological diseases, its precise pathogenesis is not understood. Purkinje cell loss has been observed in some studies and is the focus of interest and debate. Expressing these data as Purkinje cells/layer length allows one to adjust for the inherent curved nature of the cerebellar folia. Capitalizing on the Essential Tremor Centralized Brain Repository, we quantified Purkinje cell linear density in cases versus controls. Free‐floating 100‐μm parasagittal cerebellar hemispheric sections were subjected to rabbit polyclonal anti‐Calbindin D28k antibody, and 10 random fields/brain were selected for quantification of Purkinje cells/mm−1 Purkinje cell layer. Purkinje cell linear density was lower in 32 ET cases than in16 controls (1.14 ± 0.32 vs. 1.35 ± 0.31/mm−1, P = 0.03). Purkinje cell linear density was inversely associated with torpedo count (r = −0.38, P = 0.028). The current sample of ET cases demonstrates a reduction in Purkinje cell number relative to that of controls. Greater Purkinje cell axonal remodeling (torpedoes) was found in individuals who had the most Purkinje cell drop out. The role of Purkinje cell loss in the pathogenesis of this disorder merits additional study. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Multicenter trial of the proficiency of smart quantitative sensation tests
Authors: Dyck Peter J. , Argyros Barbara , Russell James W. , Gahnstrom Linde E. , Nalepa Susan , Albers James W. , Lodermeier Karen A. , Zafft Andrew J. , Dyck P. James B. , Klein Christopher J. , Litchy William J. , Davies Jenny L. , Carter Rickey E. , Melton L. Joseph ,   members of the Cl versus NPhys Trials (Appendix)
Published: August 2013

Introduction: We assessed proficiency (accuracy and intra‐ and intertest reproducibility) of smart quantitative sensation tests (smart QSTs) in subjects without and with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN). Methods: Technologists from 3 medical centers using different but identical QSTs independently assessed 6 modalities of sensation of the foot (or leg) twice in patients without (n = 6) and with (n = 6) DSPN using smart computer assisted QSTs. Results: Low rates of test abnormalities were observed in health and high rates in DSPN. Very high intraclass correlations were obtained between continuous measures of QSTs and neuropathy signs, symptoms, or nerve conductions (NCs). No significant intra‐ or intertest differences were observed. Conclusions: These results provide proof of concept that smart QSTs provide accurate assessment of sensation loss without intra‐ or intertest differences useful for multicenter trials. Smart technology makes possible efficient testing of body surface area sensation loss in symmetric length‐dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve 49: 645–653, 2014
School lunch debit card payment systems are associated with lower Nutrition and higher calories
Authors: Just David R. , Wansink Brian
Published: August 2013

Objective

Debit card payment systems are known to induce more frivolous purchases in adults, but their impact on children is unknown.

Design and Methods

Using a national survey of 2,314 public school students in the United States, food purchases in schools with debit‐only systems to those in schools with both debit and cash options are compared.

Results

Students in debit and cash schools purchase more fresh fruit and vegetables and fewer total calories.

Conclusions

Payment systems with cash options have a lower purchase incidence of less healthy foods and higher purchase incidence of more healthy foods.
Exposure to the smoking cessation medicine varenicline during pregnancy: a prospective nationwide cohort study
Authors: Harrison‐Woolrych Mira , Paterson Helen , Tan Ming
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of exposure to varenicline during pregnancy in ‘real‐life’ post‐marketing use and follow‐up all pregnancy exposures to identify maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in New Zealand using intensive prescription event monitoring methods. A nationwide cohort of patients dispensed varenicline during a 4‐year period was established from pharmacy dispensing data. Women of reproductive age were followed up with specific questionnaires to identify exposure to varenicline during pregnancy and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results

Between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2011, 23 721 patients were dispensed varenicline. Pregnancy questionnaires were sent for 6882 women of reproductive age, representing 29% all patients (54% female/unknown sex patients) in the varenicline cohort. The frequency of pregnancy exposure in women for whom a valid pregnancy questionnaire was returned was 23/2739 = 0.84%. For the 23 reports of pregnancy identified, exposure to varenicline was from the time of conception for 19 cases. Duration of exposure during pregnancy ranged from 1 day to 16 weeks. Adverse outcomes were identified in five of 17 live births: one baby had birth asphyxia and recurrent chest infections, one had gastro‐oesophageal reflux, one was diagnosed with ankyloglossia and two had feeding difficulties.

Conclusions

This study suggests that approximately 1% of women of reproductive age prescribed varenicline may be exposed to this medicine during pregnancy. This could result in significant fetal exposure worldwide and indicates the need for a global pregnancy register for varenicline. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A redox‐active polythiophene‐modified separator for safety control of lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Cao Yuliang , Yang Hanxi , Lu Shigang , Ai Xinping
Published: August 2013

A potential‐sensitive separator is prepared simply by incorporating a redox‐active poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT) into the micropores of a commercial porous polyolefin film and tested for overcharge protection of LiFePO4/Li4Ti5O12 lithium‐ion batteries. The experimental results demonstrate that owing to the reversible p‐doping and dedoping of the redox‐active P3BT polymer embedded in the separator with the changes of the cathode potential from an overcharge state to a normal operating state, this type of separator can reversibly switch between electronically insulating state and conductive state to maintain the charge voltage of LiFePO4/Li4Ti5O12 cells at a safety value of ≤2.4 V, and thus protecting the cell from voltage runaway. As this type of the separators works reversibly and has no negative impact on the battery performances, it can be used as an internal and self‐protecting mechanism for commercial lithium‐ion batteries and other rechargeable batteries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1487–1493
Bridging the gap between the Babinet principle and the physical optics approximation: Vectorial problem
Authors: Kubické Gildas , Bourlier Christophe , Delahaye Morgane , Corbel Charlotte , Pinel Nicolas , Pouliguen Philippe
Published: August 2013

For a three‐dimensional problem and by assuming perfectly electric conducting objects, this paper shows that the Babinet principle (BP) can be derived from the physical optics (PO) approximation. Indeed, following the same idea as Ufimtsev, from the PO approximation and in the far‐field zone, the field scattered by an object can be split up into a field which mainly contributes around the specular direction (illuminated zone) and a field which mainly contributes around the forward direction (shadowed zone), which is strongly related to the scattered field obtained from the BP. The only difference resides in the integration surface. We show mathematically that the involved integral does not depend on the shape of the object but only on its contour. Simulations are provided to illustrate the link between BP and PO. The main gain of this work is that it provides a more complete physical insight into the connection between PO and BP.
The Last Telegram and Space Weather
Authors: Lanzerotti L. J.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Telegraph was the first human technology that suffered the effects of Earth's space environment
Association between fetal position at onset of labor and mode of delivery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ahmad A. , Webb S. S. , Early B. , Sitch A. , Khan K. , MacArthur C.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To determine the association between fetal position at onset of labor and mode of delivery, specifically left occipito‐anterior (LOA) fetal position and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD).

Methods

All nulliparous women who were booked at the Birmingham Women's NHS Foundation Trust over an 18‐month period from April 2007 to September 2008 with a singleton live fetus without structural anomalies at term gestation were invited to take part in the study. Women recruited to the study underwent a transabdominal ultrasound scan to determine fetal occiput position at the onset of labor. They were then followed up until birth to determine outcome. The primary outcome measure was mode of delivery, categorized into SVD, instrumental delivery and Cesarean section.

Results

Of 1647 eligible women, 1250 had valid scans at onset of labor; 155 of the 1250 (12.4%) had fetuses in the LOA position. Analysis showed no evidence of difference in odds ratio (OR) of SVD for fetuses in the LOA position compared with all other positions (OR 0.864 (95% CI, 0.617–1.209); P = 0.394). No difference remained with adjustment for confounding effects of variables known to influence mode of delivery (OR 0.837 (95% CI, 0.551–1.272); P = 0.405). No other occipital position showed significant association with SVD. There was no evidence of the LOA position being associated with Cesarean section, ventouse or forceps delivery.

Conclusion

There is no evidence of an association between the fetal LOA position at onset of labor and SVD. This finding challenges the conventional theory that LOA is the optimum fetal position at onset of labor, and suggests that antenatal practices encouraging adoption of the LOA position through maternal posturing are unnecessary. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Sparse matrix computations with application to solve system of nonlinear equations
Authors: Hossain Shahadat , Steihaug Trond
Published: August 2013

Numerical linear algebra is an essential ingredient in algorithms for solving problems in optimization, nonlinear equations, and differential equations. Spanning diverse application areas, from economic planning to complex network analysis, modeling and solving problems arising in those areas share a common theme: numerical calculations on matrices that are sparse or structured or both. Linear algebraic calculations involving sparse matrices of order 109 are now routine. In this article, we give an overview of scientific calculations where effective utilization of properties such as sparsity, problem structure, etc. play a vital role and where the linear algebraic calculations are much more complex than their dense counterpart. This is partly because operation and storage involving known zeros must be avoided, and partly because the fact that modern computing hardware may not be amenable to the specialized techniques needed for sparse problems. We focus on sparse calculations arising in nonlinear equation solving using the Newton method.

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Mathematics

Data: Types and Structure > Categorical Data

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Quadratic and Nonlinear Programming

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods
Inhibition of Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase 1 Reduces Lipogenesis in Primary Bovine Adipocytes
Authors: Kadegowda A. K. G. , Burns T. A. , Pratt S. L. , Duckett S. K.
Published: August 2013

The objectives were to determine the effect of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD1) inhibition on adipocyte proliferation, differentiation and cellular lipid metabolism in bovine primary adipocytes. Inhibition of SCD1 activity by sterculic acid (SA) or conjugated linoleic acid, trans‐10 cis‐12 isomer, (t10, c12‐CLA) did not alter adipocyte cellular proliferation, viability or differentiation. In 1,2‐[13C]‐acetate supplemented cells, the mass isotopomer distribution analysis showed that the fractional synthesis rate of [13C]‐16:0 was reduced (P < 0.01) in SA and t10, c12‐CLA treatments compared to control. Of the lipogenic genes, t10, c12‐CLA treatment decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of SCD1, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase; whereas SA supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of ACC. Both SA and t10, c12‐CLA increased (P < 0.05) the expression of hormone‐sensitive lipase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase involved in lipolysis and oxidation. Inhibition of SCD1 in bovine adipocytes decreases de novo fatty acid synthesis by down‐regulating genes involved in lipogenesis and up‐regulating genes involved in lipolysis and oxidation.
A Comparison of the Thermo‐Physical Behavior of Engkabang (Shorea macrophylla) Seed Fat–Canola Oil Blends and Lard
Authors: Nur Illiyin M. R. , Marikkar J. M. N. , Shuhaimi M. , Mahiran B. , Miskandar M. S.
Published: August 2013

A study was carried out to compare the thermo‐physical behaviors of canola–Engkabang fat blends with those of lard (LD). Four blends were prepared by mixing canola oil with Engkabang fat (CaO/EF) in different ratios: EF‐1, 75:25; EF‐2, 70:30; EF‐3, 65:35; EF‐4, 60:40. The fat blends and LD were compared in terms of their basic physicochemical parameters, fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, melting, solidification, hardness, and polymorphic properties. The slip melting points (SMP) of the fat blends were found to range from 24.8 to 31.2 °C; EF‐2 was found to display an SMP value closer to that of LD. With respect to the melting curve of CaO, the melting curves of all fat blends were found to display an additional high‐melting thermal transition in the temperature region above 10 °C. The peak maximum of the high‐melting thermal transition of EF‐3 was the closest to that of LD. The solid fat content (SFC) value of EF‐3 was equal to that of LD at 25 °C, whereas the SFC values of EF‐2 and LD were similar at 30 to 40 °C. According to textural analysis, EF‐2 was found to display a hardness value somewhat closer to that of LD. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that LD and fat blends EF‐1, EF‐2, and EF‐3 display β polymorphic forms.