bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen Crosslinking for Ectasia following PRK Performed in Excimer Laser–Assisted Keratoplasty for Keratoconus
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To report the results of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in a patient with corneal ectasia developed after excimer laser–assisted lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus and a secondary photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for residual refractive error.

Methods

A 33-year-old woman, who had originally been treated for keratoconus in the right eye by excimer laser–assisted lamellar keratoplasty, subsequently had her residual ametropia treated by topographically guided, transepithelial excimer laser PRK. Five years after PRK, the patient developed corneal ectasia showing concomitant visual changes of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) reduced to 20/33 with a refraction of −6.00 +6.00 × 30. The minimum corneal thickness at the ectasia apex was 406 µm. A treatment of riboflavin-UVA–induced corneal CXL was performed on the right eye.

Results

Two years after the CXL treatment, the right eye improved to 20/20 BSCVA with a refraction of plano +1.00 × 50 while exhibiting a clear lamellar graft.

Conclusions

Corneal CXL provided safe and effective management of ectasia developed after excimer laser–assisted lamellar keratoplasty and PRK.
Phacoemulsification in a Patient with Small Pupil and a Large Iris Cyst
Authors: Rotsos Tryfon , Diagourtas Andreas , Symeonidis Chrysanthos , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Georgopoulos Gerasimos
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Peripheral iris cysts are generally asymptomatic and nonprogressive. They are usually located in the inferotemporal quadrant of the anterior segment, most commonly in the iridociliary sulcus. We report our management strategy in a patient with small pupil and a large iris cyst.

Method

Retrospective, case report.

Results

A 65-year-old man was referred, reporting blurred vision OS. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/12 OD and 6/48 OS. Anterior chamber (AC) examination OS revealed an iris cyst protruding inferotemporally occupying almost one-third of AC volume. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 32 mmHg OS and 19 mmHg OD. Aspiration with a 27-G cannula, without cyst resection, was performed. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were uneventful. The BCVA improved to 6/9 1 week postoperatively and to 6/6 a month later. In the first postoperative visit, IOP dropped to 16 mmHg. The cyst was significantly decreased in size. Six months postoperatively, BCVA remained unchanged while AC examination revealed that the cyst remained in place with no signs of enlargement.

Conclusions

In this case, cyst aspiration was elected as a treatment procedure that led to significant decrease in size. This management option, combined with an uncomplicated cataract extraction procedure, resulted in an excellent visual and a positive anatomic outcome.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing with Uncemented Fixation of the Femoral Component. A Minimum 2 Year Follow Up
Authors: Hull Peter , Baxter Jonathan A. , Lewis Charlie , Kordas Geza , Foguet Pedro , Prakash Udai
Published: July 2011

The current generation of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing designs has largely been characterized by cemented femoral fixation using a cementless cup. We present the clinical results of 135 entirely uncemented metal-on-metal hip resurfacing procedures. The primary outcome measures were revision for any cause and the Oxford hip score at the latest follow up. The average length of follow up was 2.9 years. The mean Oxford hip score was 18.4 and no patient required revision of either component during the study period. Uncemented femoral fixation may be comparable to fixation with cement in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing.
Pyomyositis and Septic Hip Arthritis Due to Bacteroides Fragilis. A Case Report
Authors: Papanikolaou Athanasios , Tzavara Vassiliki , Chini Maria , Papatheodorou Athanasios
Published: July 2011

Bacteroides fragilis is a rare cause of pyomyositis or septic arthritis. We present the case of a 74-year-old otherwise healthy male who presented with fever and right hip pain ten days after a course of intramuscular injections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed septic arthritis of the right hip joint and pyomyositis of the right gluteus minimus muscle. Blood cultures and pus aspirated from the muscle grew Bacteroides fragilis. The patient was treated successfully with surgical debridement and metronidazole, administered for six weeks intravenously and five weeks orally. Simultaneous pyomyositis and hip septic arthritis due to Bacteroides fragilis is rare, but should be considered possible after intramuscular injections.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Our Experience in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Relapsing after Radiotherapy
Authors: Giovanessi Luca , Peroni Angelo , Mirabella Giuseppe , Fugini Andrea Vismara , Zani Danilo , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Simeone Claudio
Published: July 2011

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment in patients with local prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy.

From February 2009 to June 2010, 14 patients with prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy were selected for HIFU treatment; all patients had a positive TRUS-guided biopsy and the absence of distant metastases was confirmed by computer tomography, PET choline or bone scintigraphy We classified all patients in 3 groups using D'Amico's classification: 4 patients high risk (PSA > 20 ng/ml - 8 ≤ Gleason Score ≤10 – clinical stage ≥T2c), 8 patients intermediate risk (10 < PSA ≤20 ng/ml - Gleason Score=7 – clinical stage=T2b), and 2 patients low risk (PSA ≤10 ng/ml - Gleason Score≤6 – clinical stage=T1c-T2a). Progression was defined using Stuttgart definition (PSA>PSAnadir+1.2ng/ml) or after adjuvant therapy introduction. All complications were recorded. Of the 14 patients selected, 12 patients underwent HIFU treatments; 2 patients were excluded because of rectal strictures induced by radiotherapy. At a mean 13 months’ follow-up, biochemical success rate was obtained in 1 of the high risk patients and in 5 of the low and intermediate risk patients; 1 man died for a disease not correlated with prostate cancer recurrence. Complications included urinary tract infection, acute urinary retentions, urethral strictures and light stress incontinence.

In our experience salvage HIFU is a safe treatment option for local relapse after radiotherapy; its efficacy depends on a careful patient selection.
Sporadic Case of Desmoid Tumor in Outcomes of Lombotomic Nephrectomy
Authors: Tonini Gerlomo , Kalantary Farschid , Teppa Alessandro , Rosini Roberto , Aulenti Vito , Tosana Michelangelo , Zorzi Fausto , Bianchi Denise
Published: July 2011

The desmoid tumor is a rare tumor with an incidence of 2–4 cases per million people each year, and represents 0.03% of all cancers. The tumor is composed of fibrous tissue that produces masses of well-differentiated hard elastic consistency. According to their site of onset, the desmoid tumors are classified in abdominal, intra-abdominal, and extra-abdominal. The abdominal cases develop inside the abdominal muscles of the abdominal wall upright, especially in women in their 2nd - 4th decade of life, particularly in those who have been pregnant.

Methods

A 66-year-old patient underwent nephrectomy in 2006 for the detection of a massive tumor in the right kidney (EI: pT1bNx). The patient came to our observation for the radiological tracking (CT) of a solid lesion of 4 cm below the right arch, 2 years after surgery. For this reason it was decided to refer the patient to a series of percutaneous biopsies. The report describes a histologic lesion of fibromatosis. After one year a new CT exam showed a significant increase of the size of the lesion, with a diameter of 11.6 x 7.9 cm, and abdominal involvement to ascending colon. Given the discrepancy between the CT data and the histological report, it was decided to refer the patient to a lombotomic exploration and the subsequent removal of the lesion, which appeared of hard, elastic consistency and well capsulated. The final histology test confirmed the fibromatosis lesion.

Conclusions

The desmoid tumor is a rare tumor characterized by the proliferation of fibrotic tissue. The tumor is composed of well-differentiated fibrous tissue and has a hard-elastic consistency. Regarding the development of dermoid tumors, several risk factors were identified, including extra-abdominal fibromatosis, genetic factors, endocrine factors. Other causes may arise from trauma or abdominal injury in surgical outcomes of appendectomy, laparotomy and other surgical scars (scar fibromatosis) or genetic predisposing factors. The surgical resection of dermoid tumors should be the therapy of choice, complete and radical, to cover the possible excision of a wide margin of surrounding structures concerned, and those arrangements should ensure a low rate of relapse. However, in cases of inoperable cancer due to extension, anti-estrogen therapy may have an important therapeutic and well-tolerated effect, besides being relatively non-toxic, even at high doses. A close follow-up is indicated, however, and warmly recommended.
Us-Guided Percutaneous Radio Frequency in Kidney Cancer: Our Experience
Authors: Tonini Gerlomo , Kalantary Farschid , Teppa Alessandro , Rosini Roberto , Aulenti Vito , Tosana Michelangelo , Graffeo Massimo
Published: July 2011

The radio frequency ablation of kidney cancer showed satisfactory results at a short follow-up with the use of a new RF generator system. Radio frequency is an alternative procedure with the intention of producing heat damage to tissue by electromagnetic energy.

Methods

From January 2009 to July 2010, at our operative unit, ten patients (age range: 50–83 years) underwent percutaneous radio frequency. All tumors were primitive without secondarism. The lesion diameter ranged from 15 to 35 mm. Only in two cases the treatment was open due to difficulties in finding the lesion.

Results

At six months’ treatment, two patients had a complete remission and one patient an incomplete one; at eight months, five patients are with a complete remission and one patient with complete remission; at twelve months, one patient showed an incomplete remission.

Conclusions

There are no studies with a long-term follow-up and it is prudent to limit this therapy to those patients who can not undergo surgical treatment. A correct post-operative imaging evaluation is essential to ensure an effective treatment.
A Rare Case of Recurrent Hematuria from Right Kidney: Radiologic Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Venetucci Pietro , Quarantelli Mario , Iaccarino Vittorio
Published: July 2011

We report the case of a young woman admitted because of several and recurring episodes of macroscopic hematuria beginned after her first pregnancy. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography images showed dilated ovarian veins due to a typical pelvic varicocele. We supposed to be a right ovarian vein syndrome, a rare clinical situation characterized by an anomalous compression of the lumbar ureter by the ectasic ovarian vein; this condition may cause a chronic inflammatory stimulus above the urothelial mucosa with a following hematuria. All symptoms were solved by an endovascular treatment through the sclero-embolisation of the pelvic varicocele. After eighteen months the patient didn't present hematuria anymore and she no longer complained about her right side lumbar pain.
Labeling of Tannic Acid with Technetium-99m for Diagnosis of Stomach Ulcer
Authors: Ibrahim I. T. , El-Tawoosy M. , Talaat H. M.
Published: July 2011

Tannic acid is a polyphenolic compound that could be labeled with technetium-99m. To produce about 90% yield of  99mTc-tannic acid in acidic media (pH), the conditions required were 150 g tin chloride, 30 min reaction time, and 200 g of the substrate. 99mTc-tannic was stable for 6 h. Oral biodistribution of 99mTc-tannic showed that it concentrated in the stomach ulcer to reach about 50% of the total injected dose at 1 h after orall administration. This concentration of 99mTc-tannic in stomach ulcer may be sufficient to radio-image the presence of ulcer in the stomach.
Study of Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Expression in Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ by Immunohistochemical Staining in ER/PgR-Negative Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Dobrescu Andrei , Chang Monique , Kirtani Vatsala , Turi George K. , Hennawy Randa , Hindenburg Alexander A.
Published: July 2011

Background. To our knowledge, the hormone receptor status of noncontiguous ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) occurring concurrently in ER/PgR-negative invasive cancer has not been studied. The current study was undertaken to investigate the ER/PgR receptor status of DCIS of the breast in patients with ER/PgR-negative invasive breast cancer.Methods. We reviewed the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for ER and PgR of 187 consecutive cases of ER/PgR-negative invasive breast cancers, collected from 1995 to 2002. To meet the criteria for the study, we evaluated ER/PgR expression of DCIS cancer outside of the invasive breast cancer.Results. A total of 37 cases of DCIS meeting the above criteria were identified. Of these, 16 cases (43.2%) showed positive staining for ER, PgR, or both.Conclusions. In our study of ER/PgR-negative invasive breast cancer we found that in 8% of cases noncontiguous ER/PR-positive DCIS was present. In light of this finding, it may be important for pathologists to evaluate the ER/PgR status of DCIS occurring in the presence of ER/PgR-negative invasive cancer, as this subgroup could be considered for chemoprevention.
Existence and Lyapunov Stability of Positive Periodic Solutions for a Third-Order Neutral Differential Equation
Authors: Ren Jingli , Cheng Zhibo , Chen Yueli
Published: July 2011

By applying Green's function of third-order differential equation and a fixed point theorem in cones, we obtain some sufficient conditions for existence,
nonexistence, multiplicity, and Lyapunov stability of positive periodic solutions for a third-order neutral differential equation.
Aldehydes
Authors: Abatjoglou Anthony G. , Miller David J.
Published: July 2011

Aldehydes are carbonyl‐containing organic compounds of the general formula RCH=O The R group represents an aliphatic, aromatic, or heterosubstituted radical, except in formaldehyde,where R = H. Aldehydes are inherently reactive compounds. The carbonyl group is susceptible to both oxidation and reduction, yielding acids and alcohols, respectively. The common method of naming aldehydes corresponds closely to that of the related acid. Aldehyde reactions generally fall into two classes: those directly involving the carbonyl group and those occurring at the adjacent carbon atom. One important industrial process is by hydroformylation of olefins using synthesis gas and transition metal catalysts. Formaldehyde is the most commercially important aldehyde. Interest in toxicity of aldehydes has focused primarily on formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Aldehydes are used as chemical intermediates, Solvents, resins, fragrances, plasticizers, dyes are important end products
Atomic Force Microscopy–AFM
Authors: Eaton Peter
Published: July 2011

Atomic force microscopy is a powerful, high‐resolution technique capable of recording topographic images of a wide variety of samples. Two key strengths of AFM are its ability to produce images in almost any environment—in air, vacuum, or solvent—and to measure a wide variety of physical properties of the sample. First, this article discusses how the atomic force microscope operates, beginning with a background and general principles and then describing all the major components of the atomic force microscope. Second, all the most commonly used modes of AFM are described, including contact and oscillating modes; lateral force microscopy; modes that measure mechanical properties, magnetic force microscopy, and electrical modes; and force spectroscopy and nanoindentation. Finally, several example applications are given with the focus on measurements with particular relevance to chemistry. These include electrochemical AFM, high‐resolution imaging, measurement of molecular interactions, AFM‐based nanolithography, and characterization of heterogeneity in polymeric systems.
Bromine, Inorganic Compounds
Authors: Frim R. , Ukeles S. D.
Published: July 2011

This article contains a survey of the physical and chemical properties, methods of preparation or manufacture, and updated uses and applications for several classes of inorganic bromine compounds. The main classes discussed are (a) hydrogen bromide and hydrobromic acid, (b) metal bromides, (c) nonmetal bromides, (d) bromamines, (e) bromine halides, (f) bromine oxides, and (g) oxygen acids of bromine and their salts. This article also includes a brief discussion on the applications of inorganic bromides in the area of drilling fluids, biocides, and concentrated metal bromide aqueous solutions. Included are 134 references.
Bromine, Organic Compounds
Authors: Ioffe David , Frim Ron
Published: July 2011

This article focuses on organic bromine compounds with industrial application. The organic bromine compounds are prepared and produced either by substitutive or additive bromination. Organic bromine compounds, in which the bromine atom is retained in the final molecular structure, and where its presence contributes to the properties of the desired products, are the largest segment in terms of consumed volumes. This segment includes mainly flame retardants (50%), biocides (mostly for water treatment), gasoline additives, halons, bromobutyl rubber, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. New process developments resulted in new applications in ultraviolet (UV) sunscreens, high‐performance polymers, and others.
Castor Oil
Authors: Naughton Frank C.
Published: July 2011

Castor oil is derived from the bean of the castor plant,Ricinus communis. The seeds of the castor plant are produced in racemes or clusters of capsules. The capsules contain three seeds protected by a hull that is removed prior to processing. Commercial processing of the seed consists of heating the seed, crushing, and then processing in solvent extraction units. The recovery of the oil produced goes through four stages to produce a better quality oil. Stages are degumming, removal of free fatty acids, deodorization, and decolorization. India is the largest producer of castor seeds in the world. Arkema is the world's largest user of castor oil for one product (Rilsan Nylon 11).The toxicological properties of castor oil have not been fully studied. Castor seed are highly toxic. Uses for castor oil are numerous; preparation of nylon 11, urethanes, in surface coatings, lubricants, textiles, cosmetics, surfactants and dispersants, and biofuels.
Cerium and Cerium Compounds
Authors: Kilbourn Barry T.
Published: July 2011

Cerium, Ce, at. no. 58, is the most abundant member of the series of elements known as the lanthanides.There are few principal lanthanide deposits, and there are no minerals that are sources for cerium alone. Bastnasite and monazite are the two minerals that supply the world's cerium. Production of cerium derivatives begin with ore benefication and production of a mineral concentrate. Depending on the mineral market, there is either direct production of a cerium‐rich material or separation of the mixed lanthanide precursor into individual lanthanide compounds. Moderately pure cerium compounds can be made from rare‐earth chloride through oxidation. In bulk form, cerium is a reactive metal. In general lanthanides, including cerium, have a low toxicity rating. Uses include metallurgical applications, glass and ceramics, catalysts, emission control, phosphors, and electronics.
Polyamides
Authors: Weber Joseph N.
Published: July 2011

Polyamides are high polymers that contain the amide repeat linkage in the polymer backbone. Some common terms used with polyamides are nylon, aramid, and polyphthalamide. Nylon is defined as any polyamide having less than 85% of the amide group directly connected to two aromatic groups. Aramid is a polyamide having 85% or more of the amide groups directly connected to two aromatic groups. Polyphthalamide is a polyamide in which the residues of terephthalic acid or a combination comprise at least 55 mol% of the dicarboxylic acid portion of two repeating units in the polymer chain. This article is a general overview of polyamides, with emphasis on technology developed since 1980. There is an extensive coverage of properties including chemical reactions. Manufacturing for most of the important polyamides is discussed. Commercial polyamides incorporate three classes of additives: endcappers; branching agents; and chain couplers. Because of economic advantages and governmental regulations, there has been a substantial increase in recycling of the starting materials for polyamides and energy, most often as steam.
Methylamines
Authors: Roose Peter , Turcotte Michael G. , Mitchell John W.
Published: July 2011

Methylamines are derivatives of ammonia with one, two, or all three of the hydrogen atoms replaced by methyl groups. Methylamines are harmful, colorless gases or compressed liquids, highly flammable, and have very strong fishy or ammonia‐like odors. They are water soluble and are sold as either aqueous solutions or in pure form. Due to their high reactivity, the range of possible applications for methylamines is vast. Products manufactured from methylamines include solvents, crop protection agents, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, rubber chemicals, ion‐exchange resins, explosives, animal feed, building blocks for the paper industry, and water treatment materials.
Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas
Published: July 2011

Shape‐memory polymers (SMP) are an emerging class of active materials, which are able to change their shape in a predefined way upon appropriate stimulation. SMP, which can switch from a temporary to their permanent shape, are dual‐shape materials. Here fundamental aspects concerning the design of suitable polymer architectures as well as of tailored programming processes are presented. Furthermore, the influence of various physical parameters on the shape recovery is discussed. Shape‐memory research initially was focused on the thermally induced dual shape‐effect. Presently, this research field is rapidly developing in two major areas. On the one hand other stimuli are being realized by either indirect thermal actuation or direct actuation by addressing stimuli‐sensitive groups on the molecular level. On the other hand the programmed shape changes are getting more complex. Triple‐shape materials are able to perform two subsequent on‐demand shape changes and multishape materials are extending this to even more steps.
Catalysts, Supported
Authors: Clark James H. , Macquarrie Duncan J. , De bruyn Mario
Published: July 2011

Supported catalysts largely based on porous inorganic and organic support materials can be used in a wide range of important organic reactions for the preparation of fine and speciality chemicals. Major areas of research and application, notably solid acids, solid bases, and supported metal complexes, are covered in this article.
Trace and Residue Analysis
Authors: Ahuja Satinder
Published: July 2011

It is generally recognized that trace analysis implies those analyses that are carried out around 0.0001% or ppm level. Ultratrace analysis, ie, what is ordinarily beyond what is called trace analysis, can be then defined as analysis performed below ppm or μg/g level. Residue analysis relates to the analysis of residual materials left from an operation, eg, solvents left in pharmaceutical products or pesticides left in food. Analyses performed at or below ppm level are described. Sampling, sample preparation, sample cleanup, and sample validation are discussed. A number of methods are covered such as atomic absoprtion/emission spectrometry, neutron activation analysis, tlc, gc, hplc, hyphenated methods such as gc/ms and lc/ms, capillary electrophoresis, supercritical fluid chromatography, and immunoassays that allow analysis of both organic and inorganic samples. Applications areas include for example, the environment, explosives, food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology,
Opiate Analgesics
Authors: Lednicer Daniel
Published: July 2011

Opiate analgesics comprise a large group of organic compounds that act on the level of the the brain. The propensity for abuse and developing dependence on drugs has led to the search for analogues free of those perils. Compounds that act as central analgesivs range all the way from congeners with complex chemical strutures derived from morphine and thebain to relatively simple organic compounds. This article ilustrates the various classes of central as well as their biological activity.
Turbomachinery
Authors: Peng William
Published: July 2011

The pumping devices classified as turbomachines are discussed in this article. They are extensively used in the petrochemical process industry. The performance parameters and characteristics, including similarity laws, are discussed first. They are commonly employed for the analyses of turbomachines. Emphasis is placed on the application for chemical process plants. The guidelines for properly selecting liquid pumps, fans/blowers, and compressors, including some possible choice of construction materials, are then elaborated. The effects of different fluids characteristics on pump performance also are briefly covered.
Chain‐Reaction Polymerization
Authors: Odian George
Published: July 2011

Chain‐reaction polymerization is one of the two processes for converting monomer to polymer; the other is step‐reaction polymerization. Equivalent terms are either chain polymerization or chain‐growth polymerization for the former and step polymerization or step‐growth polymerization for the latter.

Chain polymerizations require an initiator, which produces an initiator species with a reactive center. The reactive center may be a free radical, cation, anion, or organometallic complex. Polymerization occurs by the propagation of the reactive center through successive additions of large numbers of monomer molecules in a chain reaction.

The utility of chain‐reaction polymerization resides in the wide range of polymer structures that can be obtained through proper choice of monomer and method of initiation, ie, radical, cationic, anionic, and coordination. Further variations in polymer structure are available through copolymerization and stereochemical control.
Belting
Authors: Silvey D. H. , Rugman George
Published: July 2011

A belt is defined as a continuous band of tough, flexible material used for transmitting power or conveying materials. Conveyor belts are tough, flexible, elastomer‐coated, reinforced belts used in mines, overland haulage, factories, processing plants, and warehouses, where they transport almost every type of solid material. Outdoor uses extend to hauling of minerals, earth, and agricultural products. Flat‐belt conveyors carry packages, manufactured goods, and bulk materials horizontally or on inclines. They are used in industrial plants, power plants, bottling plants, textile mills, food plants, post offices, department stores, mail‐order houses, and other establishments. A large portion of converyor belts currently in operation are found in the mining industry, both underground and aboveground.

Early conveyor belts were endless straps of thin leather or canvas that rolled over two pulleys in a wooden trough. Later, rollers replaced the trough and canvas and leather were replaced by rubber‐coated cotton fabrics. This combination is still in use.

Today, the original rubber coating includes a wide variety of elastomers, such as vulcanizable polymers, thermoplastics, and thermoelastomers. The fiber reinforcement encompasses steel cable and high modulus synthetic fibers. Belting materials should exhibit the following properties: wide service temperature range, conduction of static, and resistance to severe outdoor exposure, oil, flames, and chemicals and solvents. FDA clearance is required for food applications.
Osmometry
Authors: Adams E. T.
Published: July 2011

Osmometry is the study of osmotic pressure, a colligative property that depends on the number of solute particles. For nonassociating solutes it provides the molecular weight if the sample is homogeneous or the number‐average molecular weight if the sample is heterogeneous. In addition, these measurements provide information about the nature of the solution, whether it is ideal or nonideal, and whether self‐association occurs. It is one of the older methods for studying polymer solutions.
Oxetane Polymers
Authors: Dreyfuss M. P. , Dreyfuss P.
Published: July 2011

Oxetane is a name commonly used for the unsubstituted cyclic ether with a four‐membered ring also known as trimethylene oxide, oxacyclobutane, and 1,3‐epoxypropane. The parent ether polymerizes readily as a result of ring strain associated with the small ring size. A variety of substituted oxetanes have been synthesized and many of them also polymerize readily. Monomer properties, polymerization techniques, and polymer properties are discussed.
Task‐Related Factors that Influence the Spontaneous Use of Diagrams in Math Word Problems
Authors: Uesaka Yuri , Manalo Emmanuel
Published: July 2011

Diagrams are effective tools for problem solving. However, previous findings indicate that students generally do not use diagrams spontaneously. This study examined task‐related factors that may influence the spontaneity of diagram use. Experiment 1 compared two possible explanations: the first, that the length‐relatedness of the story context of the problem (i.e. whether it involves the measurement of length) determines the likelihood of diagram use; and the second, that the cognitive cost of transforming the situation described in the word problem to an abstract diagrammatic representation is the more important factor. Four math word problems, differing in their story context and structure, were administered to eighth‐grade Japanese students (n = 125) to solve. The results provide support for the cognitive transformation cost explanation. The results of experiment 2, in which the problems were administered to students in both Japan (n = 291) and New Zealand (n = 323), confirm this finding. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research with Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation on Aerospace and Automotive Materials and Components
Authors: Kaysser Wolfgang , Esslinger Jörg , Abetz Volker , Huber Norbert , Kainer Karl Ulrich , Klassen Thomas , Pyczak Florian , Schreyer Andreas , Staron Peter
Published: July 2011

Characterization with neutrons and synchrotron radiation has yielded essential contributions to the research and development of automotive and aerospace materials, processing methods, and components. This review mainly emphasises developments related to commercial passenger airplanes and light‐duty cars. Improved and partly new materials for the reduction of airframe weight and joining by laser‐beam welding and friction stir welding are ongoing areas of assessment. Chemical reactions, microstructure development, and residual stresses are frequently measured. Polymers and polymer matrix composites often require special experimental techniques. The thrust‐to‐weight ratio of aero‐engines is increasing due to the improved design of components and the use of innovative materials. Investigations on superalloys, γ‐TiAl, and thermal barrier coatings are described in some detail. A discussion of the use of neutron and synchrotron diffraction in automotive applications covers the analysis of surface effects with respect to lubricants and wear, as well as the investigation of microstructure development, deformation, and fatigue behavior of materials, welds and components. Special steels, Al and Mg alloys are discussed and residual stresses in automotive components such as gears or crankshafts are described. Applications of characterization methods on membranes for polymeric membrane fuel cells and on nanocrystalline metal hydrides for hydrogen storage are shown. The degradation of railway tracks after long‐term use is taken as an example for the application of synchrotron methods to transport systems beyond the commercial aircraft and light duty passenger car.
Coupling Chemical Modification and Immobilization to Improve the Catalytic Performance of Enzymes
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael C. , Berenguer‐Murcia Ángel , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: July 2011

Chemical modification and immobilization of enzymes have been usually considered unrelated tools to improve biocatalyst features. However, there are many examples where a chemically modified enzyme is finally used in an immobilized form, and that exemplifies how both tools may be complementary resulting in a synergism in the final results. In this review we present some of the strategies that may give that result. For example, the chemical modification of soluble enzymes may be used to improve their immobilization (reinforcing adsorption or improving multipoint covalent attachment), or just to improve enzyme stability and facilitate the selection of the immobilization conditions. Chemical modification of previously immobilized enzymes benefits from solid‐phase chemistry due to the nature of enzymes (e.g., prevention of inactivation, aggregation, etc.). The use of different targets for chemical modifications with small molecules or multifunctional polymers are also discussed: intramolecular or intersubunit cross‐linking, one‐point modification, generation of artificial microenvironments, etc.
World Health Organization‐defined eosinophilic disorders: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gotlib Jason
Published: July 2011

Disease overview:

The eosinophilias encompass a broad range of non‐hematologic (secondary or reactive) and hematologic (primary, clonal) disorders with potential for end‐organ damage.

Diagnosis:

Hypereosinophilia has generally been defined as a peripheral blood eosinophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 and may be associated with tissue damage. After exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia, diagnostic evaluation of primary eosinophilias relies on a combination of morphologic review of the blood and marrow, standard cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ‐hybridization, flow immunocytometry, and T‐cell clonality assessment to detect histopathologic or clonal evidence for an acute or chronic myeloid or lymphoproliferative disorder.

Risk stratification:

Disease prognosis relies on identifying the subtype of eosinophilia. After evaluation of secondary causes of eosinophilia, the 2008 World Health Organization establishes a semi‐molecular classification scheme of disease subtypes including myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise specified (CEL, NOS), lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), which is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Risk‐adapted therapy:

The goal of therapy is to mitigate eosinophil‐mediated organ damage. For patients with milder forms of eosinophilia (e.g. < 1,500/mm3) without symptoms or signs of organ involvement, a watch and wait approach with close‐follow‐up may be undertaken. Identification of rearranged PDGFRA or PDGFRB is critical because of the exquisite responsiveness of these diseases to imatinib. Corticosteroids are first‐line therapy for patients with lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia and HES. Hydroxyurea and interferon‐alpha have demonstrated efficacy as initial treatment and steroid‐refractory cases of HES. In addition to hydroxyurea, second line cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and hematopoietic cell transplant have been used for aggressive forms of HES and CEL with outcomes reported for limited numbers of patients. Although clinical trials have been performed with anti IL‐5 (mepolizumab) and anti‐CD52 (alemtuzumab) antibodies, their therapeutic niche in primary eosinophilic diseases and HES have yet to be established. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stroke recurrence in children with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea following first clinical stroke
Authors: Ali Susanna Bortolusso , MooSang Michelle , King Lesley , Knight‐Madden Jennifer , Reid Marvin
Published: July 2011

Chronic transfusion therapy is the treatment of choice for preventing stroke recurrence in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The majority of children affected by this devastating complication live in the developing world where access to regular blood transfusions may be impractical. Since 2000, in the absence of regular blood supplies, all children at the Sickle Cell Unit who had experienced a first clinical stroke were offered hydroxyurea (HU) as the only intervention to prevent stroke recurrence. Forty‐four children were identified as having experienced a first clinical stroke between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2009; one died at that presentation. Forty‐three children were therefore followed for 111 person‐years, of whom 10 (23.3%) agreed to start HU. Only one child in the HU group, incidence rate 2/100 person‐years, had clinical stroke recurrence, compared to 20/33 in the non‐HU group, incidence rate 29/100 person‐years (Hazard ratio (HR) 9.4 [95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.3–70.6];P= 0.03). When the groups were compared, in the non‐HU group, four died (vs. zero), 13 (53% vs. 10%) had moderate–severe physical disability (P= 0.017), and 12 (44% vs. 20%) required special education or were too disabled to attend school. Our data support the role of HU as a useful intervention for prevention of stroke recurrence in SCD when transfusion programs are not available or practical. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How do we know if an exposure is actually teratogenic in humans?
Authors: Friedman J.M.
Published: July 2011

The only way we can be certain that an exposure is teratogenic in humans is to recognize that it causes birth defects in babies. The goal of clinical teratology research is, therefore, to identify when a teratogenic exposure has harmed babies as quickly and effectively as possible. We use several kinds of human data to characterize teratogenic effects—case reports, case series, pregnancy registries, cohort studies, case–control studies, and record linkage studies. Each approach can be helpful, but each has limitations as well. Drawing a causal inference requires analysis of all available data, their consistency, and their biological plausibility. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influencing clinical practice regarding the use of antiepileptic medications during pregnancy: Modeling the potential impact on the prevalences of spina bifida and cleft palate in the United States
Authors: Gilboa Suzanne M. , Broussard Cheryl S. , Devine Owen J. , Duwe Kara N. , Flak Audrey L. , Boulet Sheree L. , Moore Cynthia A. , Werler Martha M. , Honein Margaret A.
Published: July 2011

Selected antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) increase the risk of birth defects. To assess the impact of influencing AED prescribing practices on spina bifida and cleft palate we searched the literature for estimates of the association between valproic acid or carbamazepine use during pregnancy and these defects and summarized the associations using meta‐analyses. We estimated distributions of the prevalence of valproic acid and carbamazepine use among women of childbearing age based on analyses of four data sets. We estimated the attributable fractions and the number of children born with each defect that could be prevented annually in the United States if valproic acid and carbamazepine were not used during pregnancy. The summary odds ratio estimate for the association between valproic acid and spina bifida was 11.9 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 4.0–21.2); for valproic acid and cleft palate 5.8 (95% UI: 3.3–9.5); for carbamazepine and spina bifida 3.6 (95% UI: 1.3–7.8); and for carbamazepine and cleft palate 2.4 (95% UI: 1.1–4.5) in the United States. Approximately 40 infants (95% UI: 10–100) with spina bifida and 35 infants (95% UI: 10–70) with cleft palate could be born without these defects each year if valproic acid were not used during pregnancy; 5 infants (95% UI: 0–15) with spina bifida and 5 infants (95% UI: 0–15) with cleft palate could be born without these defects each year if carbamazepine were not used during pregnancy. This modeling approach could be extended to other medications to estimate the impact of translating pharmacoepidemiologic data to evidence‐based prenatal care practice. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic basis of susceptibility to teratogen induced birth defects
Authors: Wlodarczyk Bogdan J. , Palacios Ana M. , Chapa Claudia J. , Zhu Huiping , George Timothy M. , Finnell Richard H.
Published: July 2011

Birth defects remain the leading cause of infant death in US. The field of teratology has been focused on the causes and underlying mechanisms of birth defects for decades, yet our understanding of these critical issues remain unacceptably vague. Conclusions from years of animal and human studies made it clear that the vast majority of birth defects have multifactorial origins, with contributions from environmental and genetic factors. The environment comprises not only of the physical, biological, and chemical external environment surrounding the pregnant woman, but it also includes the internal environment of the woman's body that interact with the developing embryo in a complex fashion. The importance of maternal and embryonic genetic factors consisting of countless genetic variants/mutations that exist within every individual contribute to birth defect susceptibility is only now being more fully appreciated. This great complexity of the genome and its diversity within individuals and populations seems to be the principal reason why the same teratogenic exposure can induce severe malformation in one embryo, while fail to do so to other exposed embryos. As the interaction between genetic and environmental factors has long been recognized as the first “Principle of Teratology” by Wilson and Warkany [1965. Teratology: Principles and techniques. Chicago: University of Chicago Press], it is only recently that the appropriate investigative tools have been developed with which to fully investigate this fundamental principle. The introduction of high throughput technologies like whole genome sequencing or genome‐wide association studies are promising to deliver an enormous amount of new data that will shed light on the genomic factors that contribute susceptibility to environmental teratogens. In this review, we attempt to summarize the epidemiological and experimental literature concerning birth defects whose phenotypic expression can be clearly related to the interactions between several select environmental factors and those genetic pathways in which they are most likely to have significant modifying effects. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biogeochemical inferences of mobility of early Holocene fisher‐foragers from the Southern Sahara Desert
Authors: Stojanowski Christopher M. , Knudson Kelly J.
Published: July 2011

North Africa is increasingly seen as an important context for understanding modern human evolution and reconstructing biocultural adaptations. The Sahara, in particular, witnessed a fluorescence of hunter‐gatherer settlement at the onset of the Holocene after an extended occupational hiatus. Subsequent subsistence changes through the Holocene are contrary to those documented in other areas where mobile foraging gave way to settled agricultural village life. In North Africa, extractive fishing and hunting was supplanted by cattle and caprine pastoralism under deteriorating climatic conditions. Therefore, the initial stage of food production in North Africa witnessed a likely increase in mobility. However, there are few studies of paleomobility in Early Holocene hunter‐gatherer Saharan populations and the degree of mobility is generally assumed. Here, we present radiogenic strontium isotope ratios from Early Holocene fisher‐forager peoples from the site of Gobero, central Niger, southern Sahara Desert. Data indicate a relatively homogeneous radiogenic strontium isotope signature for this hunter‐gather population with limited variability exhibited throughout the life course or among different individuals. Although the overall signature was local, some variation in the radiogenic strontium isotope data likely reflects transhumance into the nearby Aïr Massif. Data from Gobero were significantly less variable than in other worldwide hunter‐gatherer populations, including those thought to be fairly sedentary. Strontium data from Gobero were also significantly different from contemporaneous sites in southwestern Libya. These patterns are discussed with respect to archaeological models of community organization and technological evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of minimum pressure drop at different plate spacings and air velocity in a wave‐plate mist eliminator
Authors: Banitabaei Sayed Abdolhossein , Rahimzadeh Hassan , Rafee Roohollah
Published: July 2011

In this article, the flow pressure drop across a wave‐plate mist eliminator has been studied experimentally by changing both the air velocity and the plate spacing. The measured values for pressure losses have been compared with the results of the available formulas. Despite the literature, this study shows that by decreasing the plate spacing, the pressure loss will not remain constant. Results show that decreasing the plate spacing from 11.5 to 9.5 mm leads to a decrease in pressure loss. However, further decrease in spacing will result in an increased pressure loss. On the basis of dimensional analysis, a dimensionless variable is defined for spacing, and it is shown that the value of 0.24 for this variable gives the minimum pressure coefficient for all cases studied by current experimental setup. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative studies of three kinds of activated carbon reactivated by KOH
Authors: Yan Xinlong , Hu Qingxun , Liu Xinmei , Yan Zifeng
Published: July 2011

In this study, three kinds of activated carbon (wood‐based, coal‐based and petroleum coke‐based) were selected as raw materials reactivated by KOH. The influence of porosity and precursor on the pore structure of resulted carbons was investigated. It was found that a similar microporosity was developed independent of the carbon's porosity after KOH reactivation. With the same value of burn‐off, more micropore formatted in the wood‐based carbon than that of coal‐based carbon. The influence of KOH reactivation on the surface chemistry of activated carbons was also investigated. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coastal zone planning: a geophysical classification of inlets to define ecological representation
Authors: Greenlaw Michelle E. , Roff John C. , Redden Anna M. , Allard Karel A.
Published: July 2011

Selection of candidate sites for designation as Marine Protected Areas in coastal waters still involves many arbitrary choices. Analysis of candidate sites, according to a combination of geophysical and ecological criteria, can lead to the recognition of representative coastal areas, and can potentially reduce the arbitrary nature of these decisions.

In coastal areas, estuaries have long been classified according to their geophysical properties. Bays and coves are at least as diverse in character, yet existing classifications are dependent largely upon description of the benthic communities themselves and take little advantage of existing hydrographic and digital information.

The classification of coastal inlets proposed here differs significantly from others previously published. It is based on a fully quantified description and analysis of the basic geomorphological and hydrographic features of the coastal environment, and is designed to represent specific community types including α‐diversity and β‐diversity patterns.

The classification, which should be globally applicable, was first applied to Nova Scotia's Atlantic shoreline where inlets fall into 11 recognizable types that are related to selected biological community types. Of these inlet types, only one is sufficiently protected, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's conservation target of at least 10%.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.