bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Analysis Techniques of Frontal Sinus Morphology, with Emphasis onHomo
Authors: Prossinger Hermann
Published: October 2008

Of all the paranasal sinuses, frontal sinus (FS) morphology, volumes, outlines, and cross‐sectional areas vary most and so their statistical noise presents particular challenges. To assess and control this statistical noise requires a suite of mathematical techniques that: model their volume and cross‐sectional area ontogeny, determine the uniqueness and fractal dimensions of their outlines (useful in forensics), smooth their outlines via Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), and model their expansion via percolation cluster models (PCMs). Published data sets of FS outlines, cross‐sectional areas and volumes of Neanderthal and modern crania (obtained via CT‐imaging techniques) are utilized here for application of these novel mathematical methods, which necessitate a modeling approach. Results show that: FS noisiness can be explained as cluster growth, their fractal outlines have properties similar to closed random walks (Brownian bridges) about predefined curves, and the PCMs can simulate the emergence of lamellae. The statistical properties derived from the analysis techniques presented here suggest that an emergence of the lamellae via PCMs (with pinning and quenching‐correlated noise) resolves the masticatory stress debate by showing that the lamellae are indeed responses to masticatory stresses, but these are of so low a level that they cannot be measured with strain gauges. PCMs and Brownian bridges, defined by local rules, lead to the emergence of macroscopically observable morphologies. The methodologies presented here contribute to research in emergence phenomena and are not confined to morphological analyses of frontal sinuses. Anat Rec, 291:1455–1478, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climatic Effects on the Nasal Complex: A CT Imaging, Comparative Anatomical, and Morphometric Investigation of Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Márquez Samuel , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2008

Previous studies exploring the effects of climate on the nasal region have largely focused on external craniofacial linear parameters, using dry crania of modern human populations. This investigation augments traditional craniofacial morphometrics with internal linear and volumetric measures of the anatomic units comprising the nasal complex (i.e., internal nasal cavity depth, maxillary sinus volumes). The study focuses on macaques (i.e., Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis) living at high and low altitudes, rather than on humans, since the short residency of migratory human populations may preclude using them as reliable models to test the long‐term relationship of climate to nasal morphology. It is hypothesized that there will be significant differences in nasal complex morphology among macaques inhabiting different climates. This study integrated three different approaches: CT imaging, comparative anatomy, and morphometrics—in an effort to better understand the morphological structure and adaptive nature of the nasal complex. Results showed statistically significant differences when subsets of splanchnocranial and neurocranial variables were regressed against total maxillary sinus volume for particular taxa. For example, basion–hormion was significant for M. fascicularis, whereas choanal dimensions were significant only for M. mulatta. Both taxa revealed strong correlation between sinus volume and prosthion to staphylion distance, which essentially represents the length of the nasal cavity floor—and is by extension an indicator of the air conditioning capacity of the nasal region. These results clearly show that climatic effects play a major role in shaping the anatomy of the nasal complex in closely related species. The major influence upon these differing structures appears to be related to respiratory‐related adaptations subserving differing climatic factors. In addition, the interdependence of the paranasal sinuses with other parts of the complex strongly indicates a functional role for them in nasal complex/upper respiratory functions. Anat Rec, 291:1420–1445, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fate of the Nasal Capsular Cartilages in Prenatal and Perinatal Tamarins (Saguinus geoffroyi) and Extent of Secondary Pneumatization of Maxillary and Frontal Sinuses
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Rossie James B. , Docherty Beth A. , Cooper Gregory M. , Bonar Christopher J. , Silverio Anthony L. , Burrows Anne M.
Published: October 2008

Development of the nasal capsule cartilages was studied in seven Geoffroy's tamarins (Saguinus geoffroyi), including one fetus, five neonates and one infant. Four additional postnatal specimens of the genus were studied (one 5‐month‐old and three adults) to determine the magnitude of postnatal expansion of the paranasal sinuses. Alcian blue histochemistry and osteopontin immunohistochemistry were employed in selected subadult specimens to characterize cartilage matrix. The fetal S. geoffroyi possesses a continuous nasal capsule, including a zona anularis; the primordial maxillary sinuses are surrounded by cartilage. Secondary pneumatization is in progress in all older specimens, which have sinuses that are more than twofold larger compared to that of the fetus. Results indicate that extensive ossification of the middle part of the nasal capsule (pars intermedia) is occurring in the perinatal timeframe, forming portions of the ethmoid bone. Anteriorly, the nasal capsule comprises isolated fragments in perinatal specimens, which are fewer and smaller in the infant and in a 5‐month‐old S. midas, and nearby multinucleate cells suggest that osteoclasts break apart these initially continuous elements. Fragments of the pars intermedia and the tectum nasi are found transiently between mucosa and the sites of secondary pneumatization. The maxillary sinus mucosa is highly vascular in most perinatal specimens. Histochemical and immunohistochemical findings show that cartilage of endochondral bones and non‐ossifying parts are distinct in the perinatal time period. These results indicate that breakdown of the capsular cartilage precedes secondary pneumatization as previously suggested. There are portions of the cartilage of the recessus maxillaris and tectum nasi that transiently block mucosa from interfacing directly with bone. Vascularization may play a role in the breakdown of cartilages as well as the onset of secondary pneumatization. Since cartilage has the capacity to produce substances that trigger angiogenesis and bone resorption, further detailed characterization of the cartilage bordering sites of secondary pneumatization is merited. Anat Rec, 291:1397–1413, 2008. ©2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Influence of Naturally Occurring Differences in Birthweight on Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Number in Sheep
Authors: Stacy Victoria , De Matteo Robert , Brew Nadine , Sozo Foula , Probyn Megan E. , Harding Richard , Black M. Jane
Published: October 2008

In most species including man, cardiomyocytes cease proliferating soon after birth when they become terminally differentiated. A reduced complement of cardiomyocytes in infancy may adversely impact on the function and adaptive capabilities of the heart in later life. Low birthweight is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in adults, but little is known about its effect on the number of cardiomyocytes. Using naturally occurring differences in birthweight, our aim was to determine the effect of birthweight on cardiomyocyte number in postnatal lambs. At 9 weeks after term birth, when the final number of cardiomyocytes is considered to be established, hearts were collected at necropsy from seven singleton and seven twin lambs. Hearts were perfusion‐fixed, and tissue samples were systematically taken from the left ventricle plus intraventricular septum (LV+S) and the right ventricle (RV). The number of cardiomyocyte nuclei was estimated using an unbiased optical disector–fractionator stereological technique, and the total number of cardiomyocytes was determined. Weights of the total heart, LV+S and RV were significantly related to both birthweight and necropsy weight. In the LV+S but not the RV, cardiomyocyte number was significantly and directly related to heart tissue weight, birthweight, and necropsy weight. We conclude that the final number of cardiomyocytes in the LV+S is related to prenatal and early postnatal growth, and is proportionate to the weight of heart tissue. A low cardiomyocyte number in the LV+S following restricted fetal growth may contribute to the increased incidence of heart disease in adults born with low birthweight. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sisters of the Sinuses: Cetacean Air Sacs
Authors: Reidenberg Joy S. , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2008

This overview assesses some distinguishing features of the cetacean (whale, dolphin, porpoise) air sac system that may relate to the anatomy and function of the paranasal sinuses in terrestrial mammals. The cetacean respiratory tract has been modified through evolution to accommodate living in water. Lack of paranasal sinuses in modern cetaceans may be a diving adaptation. Bone‐enclosed air chambers are detrimental, as their rigid walls may fracture during descent/ascent due to contracting/re‐expanding air volumes. Flexible‐walled “sinuses” (extracranial diverticula) are a logical adaptation to diving. Odontocetes (toothed whales) exhibit several pairs of paranasal air sacs. Although fossil evidence indicates that paranasal sinuses occur in archaeocetes (ancestors/relatives of living cetaceans), it is not known whether the paranasal sacs derive from these sinuses. Sac pigmentation indicates that they derived from invaginations of the integument. Unlike sinuses, paranasal sacs are not circumferentially enclosed in bone, and therefore can accommodate air volume changes that accompany diving pressure changes. Paired pterygoid sacs, located ventrally along the cetacean skull, connect the pharynx and middle ear cavities. Mysticetes (baleen whales) have a large midline laryngeal sac. Although cetacean air sacs do not appear to be homologous to paranasal sinuses, they may serve some analogous respiratory, vocal, or structural functions. For example, these sacs may participate in gas exchange, thermoregulation, resonance, and skeletal pneumatization. In addition, they may subserve unique aquatic functions, such as increasing inspiratory volume, mitigating pressure‐induced volume change, air shunting to reduce respiratory dead space, and facilitating underwater sound production and transmission. Anat Rec, 291:1389–1396, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisiting the Developmental Stage and Age‐at‐Death of the “Mrs. Ples” (Sts 5) and Sts 14 Specimens from Sterkfontein (South Africa): Do They Belong to the Same Individual?
Authors: Bonmatí Alejandro , Arsuaga Juan‐Luis , Lorenzo Carlos
Published: October 2008

During the 1947 fieldwork season, Member 4 (2‐3 My) of the South African Sterkfontein site yielded two important Australopithecus africanus fossils: a cranium popularly nicknamed “Mrs. Ples” (Sts 5), and a partial skeleton (Sts 14). Previous reports have proposed that Sts 5 was a nonfully grown adolescent individual (Thackeray et al., S Afr J Sci 2002a;98:21–22), and that Sts 14 was a sub‐adult specimen (according to various signs of immaturity in the skeleton) (Berge and Gommery, C R Acad Sci Paris, Sciences de la terre et des planètes 1999;329:227–232; Häusler and Berger, J Hum Evol, 2001;40:411–417; Thackeray et al., S Afr J Sci, 2002b;98:211–212). It was subsequently proposed that these fossils actually belonged to the same individual (Thackeray et al., S Afr J Sci, 2002b;98:211–212), a proposition supported by their spatial positions within the site. The present work attempts to revise these different assertions. The results obtained: (i) show that the Sts 5 fossil represents a fully grown adult cranium; (ii) provide new evidence of immaturity in the Sts 14 skeletal elements (sustaining the proposed young adult age of this specimen), and (iii) suggest that although the revised ages‐at‐death for these fossils are partially compatible, there is no evidence to support the idea that they represent a single individual. Finally, the encephalization quotient associated with a hypothetical union of Sts 5 and Sts 14 (calculated using data from both specimens) lies between the upper and lower limits of the currently estimated range for this species and H. habilis, respectively. Anat Rec, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Novel Calix[4]arenocrowns via Ring‐closing Metathesis
Authors: LU Lin‐Gang , LÜ Hai‐Yan
Published: October 2008

A series of novel calix[4]arenocrown derivatives 8a–8c in a cone conformation, in which the lower rim and the upper rim were connected via ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reaction have been synthesized in good yields, and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, MALDI‐TOF MS techniques and elemental
analyses.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermodynamic Study of the Solid State Coordination Compound Cu(Nic)2·H2O(s)
Authors: DI You‐Ying , KONG Yu‐Xia , WANG Qing‐Chun , YANG Wei‐Wei , TAN Zhi‐Cheng
Published: October 2008

A novel compound–monohydrated cupric nicotinate was synthesized by the method of room temperature solid phase reaction and a ball grinder. FTIR, chemical and elemental analyses and X‐ray powder diffraction techniques were applied to characterize the structure and composition of the complex. Low‐temperature heat capacities of the solid coordination compound have been measured by a precision automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from 78 to 400 K. A melting process occurred in the temperature range of 326–346 K in the heat capacity curve, and the melting point, molar enthalpy and entropy of the fusion were determined to be Tfus= (341.290±0.873) K, ΔfusHm= (13.582±0.012) kJ·mol−1, ΔfusSm= (39.797±0.067) J·K−1·mol−1. The experimental values of the molar heat capacities in the temperature regions of 78–326 K and 346–400 K were respectively fitted to two polynomial equations. The polynomially fitted values of the molar heat capacities and fundamental thermodynamic functions of the sample relative to the standard reference temperature 298.15 K were calculated and tabulated at an interval of 5 K.
Nonlinear Oxidation of Thiourea in an Unbuffered Medium
Authors: DU Yan‐Ru , WANG Shun , LIN Juan‐Juan , HUANG Shao‐Ming , ZHOU Huan
Published: October 2008

The reaction between periodate and thiourea has been studied in an unbuffered medium. A variety of interesting dynamical behavior including variable stoichiometries, characteristic "clock reaction" and oligooscillations or single peak oscillations in pH, the concentrations of both iodide and iodine were found in a closed reactor. When studied in an open reactor, the above reaction system displays fascinating damped oscillations and bistability in an unbuffered aqueous solution. A 12‐step simplified mechanism has also been proposed here. Our investigation illustrates that it is critical to include a rapid H+‐mediated preequilibrium step in the suggested mechanism. The modified mechanism gives a better agreement between the calculated results and experimental observations.
Prediction and Evaluation of the Piperonylidene Analogue of PBN by DFT Calculations & NBT Reduction Mediated Spectral Assay
Authors: JI Yi‐Qiong , WANG Zhao‐Yi , WANG Lan‐Fen , LIU Ke‐Jian , LIU Yang
Published: October 2008

Two linear spin traps,α‐piperonyl‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone (PiBN) and its phosphoryl analogueN‐(α‐ piperonylidene)‐1‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐1‐methylethylamineN‐oxide (PiPN), have been first synthesized and structurally characterized. To improve the limitation in evaluating the kinetics of O2−·‐spin trapping in the aqueous solution, a nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)‐mediated spectral assay has been first fulfilled and examined in this work. On the other hand, to simplify the theoretical prediction on the kinetics, a density functional theory (DFT) LUMO calculation at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level has been comparatively performed. All the results, when combined with calculating their optimized spin adducts, reveal that an introduction of the phosphoryl group not only can significantly stabilize its superoxide spin adducts, but increases the rate constant for the O2−·‐spin trapping as well.
Influence of the Mixing State of tert‐Butyl Alcohol‐water Mixtures on the Conformation of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: MA Lin , WANG Xu , XU Li , HE Wei‐Ren , WEI Zhi‐Qiang , LIN Rui‐Sen
Published: October 2008

The hydrodynamic radii of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in TBA‐water mixtures were determined by dynamic light scattering measurements and utilized to investigate the conformational change of BSA in TBA‐water mixtures, together with the analysis of the fluorescence spectra and UV‐vis absorption spectra of BSA. Meanwhile, static light scattering measurements were used to probe the mixing state of the binary mixtures of TBA‐water and the ternary mixtures of BSA‐TBA‐water and its influence on the conformation of the protein. A close relationship between the mixing state of TBA‐water mixtures and the conformation of BSA was observed. The mixing state of TBA‐water mixture at a low concentration was characterized by the clathrate hydrate of TBA caged by water molecules and it was found that hydrophobic binding of TBA to nonpolar groups of BSA in general destabilized the native structure of the protein, however, addition of a small amount of TBA attenuated the hydrophobic interactions among nonpolar groups of the protein and promoted a more ordered conformation. The results clearly showed that clustering of TBA at a high concentration reduced the effectiveness on destabilization of the compact conformation of proteins.
Influences of Temperature and pH Value on the Corrosion Behaviors of X80 Pipeline Steel in Carbonate/Bicarbonate Buffer Solution
Authors: LI Jin‐Bo , ZUO Jian‐E
Published: October 2008

The joint effect of temperature and pH value on the corrosion behavior of X80 steel in carbonate/bicarbonate buffer solution was detected by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott‐Schottky analysis. The results show that an unstable corrosion film will be formed on the X80 steel surface in low pH value solutions, and a better protective corrosion film can be formed on the X80 steel surface in high pH value solutions. On the whole, the corrosion film resistance and transfer resistance increase with the increment of pH value, and decrease with increase of solution temperature, which indicates that the protective effect of the corrosion film on X80 steel is enhanced with increasing pH value and decreasing the solution temperature. The corrosion film formed on X80 steel surface in carbonate/bicarbonate buffer solution has an n‐type semi‐conductive character, and the donor density decreases with increasing the pH value, and increases with increasing the solution temperature. The flat‐band potential and pH value have a linear relationship with a positive slope.
Nanodiamonds Used as a Platform for Studying Noncovalent Interaction by MALDI‐MS
Authors: KONG Xiang‐Lei
Published: October 2008

As a new, fast and easy‐preformed method, nanodiamond has been used to study noncovalent interaction by MALDI‐MS. The diamonds covered with "bait analyte" were added into the solution of "fish analyte", and then separated with nanodiamonds by centrifugation and washed by water for final MALDI‐MS analysis. At the same time, mass spectrum of supernatant can also provide useful information by comparison with that of original solution without treatment by diamonds. This platform can be used to study inter‐molecular noncovalent interaction and can further find its application to selectively enhanced MALDI‐MS analysis, as the example of PL‐coated nanodiamonds used in mass analysis of phosphopeptides.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Fluorescence Property of a Five‐ and Six‐coordinated Trinuclear Zinc(II) Complex: {[ZnL(OAc)]2Zn}·CH3COCH3
Authors: DONG Wen‐Kui , ZHANG Yan‐Ping , ZHAO Chun‐Yu , TANG Xiao‐Lu , LÜ Zhong‐Wu , ZOU Zheng
Published: October 2008

A novel linear trinuclear zinc(II) complex, {[ZnL(OAc)]2Zn}·CH3COCH3 (H2L: ethylenedioxybis(5‐bromo‐2‐ hydroxybenzylideneamino)), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. X‐ray crystal structure of the complex reveals that three zinc(II) ions are coordinated by two tetradentate L2− units and two acetate ions acting as bridging groups. The coordination geometry around the terminal Zn(1) or Zn(1)#1 atom approaches a distorted square pyramid. The coordination sphere of the central Zn(2) atom constitutes a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The blue‐green emission from the zinc(II) complex can be observed, where the maximum emission wavelength is at 464 nm.
Solid Phase Extraction of Thallium(III) on Micro Crystalline Naphthalene Modified with N,N′‐Bis(3‐methylsalicylidene)‐ortho‐phenylenediamine and Determination by Spectrophotometry
Authors: MOGHIMI Ali
Published: October 2008

A novel, simple, sensitive and effective method has been developed for preconcentration of thallium on N,N′‐bis(3‐methylsalicylidene)‐ortho‐phenylenediamine (MSOPD) adsorbent in a pH range 5.0–10.0, prior to its spectrophotometric determination, based on the oxidation of bromopyrogallol red at λ=520 nm. This method makes it possible to quantitize thallium in a range of 3.6×10−9 to 2.0×10−5 mol/L, with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 1.42×10−9 mol/L. This procedure has been successfully applied to determine the ultra trace levels of thallium in the environmental samples, free from the interference of some diverse ions. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation of three measurements, is better than 2.9%.
Formation of Two‐dimensional Metal‐water Framework Containing (H2O)20 Cluster
Authors: SUN Ya‐Guang , DING Fu , GU Xiao‐Fu , ZHANG Wan‐Zhong , WEI De‐Zhou , GAO En‐Jun
Published: October 2008

[Cd(phen)2(male)(H2O)]·9.5H2O (1) has been synthesized by the reaction of Cd(NO3)2 with phen and male (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, H2male=maleic acid) in a mixture solvent of ethanol and distilled water. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrum and thermal gravimetric analyses. The crystal structure was determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. In 1, a novel 1D water chain containing water (H2O)20 cluster was formed. Further hydrogen bonding interaction between the water chain and [Cd(phen)2(male)(H2O)] constructs a unique metal‐water 2D framework.
An Analysis Method of Trace Carboxylate Surfactant in Oilfield Produced Water
Authors: MENG Ling‐Wei , KANG Wan‐Li , WANG Ying , LIU Shu‐Ren , ZHANG Hong‐Yan
Published: October 2008

Chemical agent detection in the oilfield produced liquid plays a key role in the dynamic evaluation during ASP (alkali/surfactant/polymer) flooding. A new method was proposed for analysis of trace carboxylate surfactant with the UV spectrophotometer determination. This method is simple, accurate and rapid with a wide linear range. The method recovery is in the range of 94.4%–103.1%, and the relative standard deviation is only 1.38%. In considering the actual situation of oil production, the impact of alkali, polymer, crude oil and other interfering factors on the determination was explored, and the results were very satisfying.
Enhanced Ionization of Phosphopeptide Using Ammonium Phosphate as Matrix Additive by MALDI‐MS
Authors: ZHANG Ying , LU Hao‐Jie , YANG Peng‐Yuan
Published: October 2008

A new method based upon adding ammonium phosphate as a matrix additive to enhance the ionization efficiency of phosphopeptide in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) was described. Furthermore, influences of different phosphate salts at various concentrations on the ionization efficiency of phosphopeptide were investigated systematically, finding that the signal intensity for phosphopeptide 48FQ[pS]EEQQQTEDELQDK63 digested from β‐casein were 5 to 8 times increased in an optimized condition with 10 mmol/L ammonium monobasic phosphate or 3 to 4 times increased with 10 mmol/L ammonium dibasic phosphate as additive to matrix 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. Compared with the most optimized matrix system that was currently reported for special ionization of phosphopeptides, the signal intensity of this phosphopeptide was also enhanced by twice when introducing 5 mmol/L ammonium dibasic phosphate into matrix 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone. In addition, the mechanism was also discussed, assuming that the cooperation function of ammonium cation and phosphate anion was of great importance in enhancing the ionization efficiency of phosphopeptide in MALDI‐MS.
Studies on the Reactions of Fluoroalkylazides with Electron‐deficient Alkenes
Authors: SUN Qing‐Rui , CHEN Zi‐Xian , LI Shan , WU Yong‐Ming , TIAN Wei‐Sheng
Published: October 2008

The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of fluoroalkylazides with electron deficient olefins was studied. A series of fluoroalkylated triazoline and pyrazolines were synthesized by this method. A ring opening and diazo intermediate mechanism was proposed.
A Novel Synthesis of Alkylamino Substituted Methylenediphosphonates Using Bis(trichloromethyl) Carbonate and RCONR1R2
Authors: YU Chuan‐Ming , WANG Bo , CHEN Zhi‐Wei
Published: October 2008

An efficient, economical and easy method for the synthesis of dimethylaminomethylenediphosphonates using bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate and RCONR1R2 has been developed, which proceeded under relatively mild conditions.
Organocatalytic Direct Asymmetric Mannich Reactions of Hydroxyacetone by (2S,5S)‐Pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: GU Qing , GONG Jing‐Jing , FENG Jin , WU Xin‐Yan , ZHOU Qi‐Lin
Published: October 2008

The direct one‐pot three‐component asymmetric Mannich reactions of hydroxyacetone with anilines and benzaldehydes in the presence of (2S,5S)‐pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid afforded syn‐1,2‐amino alcohols in good‐to‐excellent yields (64% –95%) and up to 96% ee.
Dynamic Assembly Inclusion Complexes of Tweezer‐type Bis(zinc porphyrin) with 5,15‐Di(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin Derivatives
Authors: ZHOU Zai‐Chun , YANG Yi , ZHU Yi‐Zhou , ZHENG Jian‐Yu
Published: October 2008

Dynamic assembly inclusion complexes of tweezer‐type bis(zinc porphyrin) (1) with di(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin derivatives have been designed and constructed. The complexes are induced by Zn‐N coordination, and the weak binding allows the large‐size di(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin guests in random rotation. Dynamic characteristics of these assemblies, such as ligand exchange and dynamic fluorescence quenching, have been investigated by 1H NMR, UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectra. The stability of such assembly has pronounced dependence on the size‐matching effect and thermal effect.
Electrochemical Polymerization of Carbazole in Acetic Acid Containing Boron Trifluoride Diethyl Etherate
Authors: MIAO Hua‐Ming , ZHANG Hong‐Lin , XU Jing‐Kun , FAN Chang‐Li , DONG Bin , ZENG Li‐Qiang , ZHAO Feng
Published: October 2008

High‐quality polycarbazole (PCz) films with an electrical conductivity of 10−2 S·cm−1 were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of carbazole in a novel mixed electrolyte of acetic acid containing 26% boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BTDE) and 5% poly(ethylene glycol) with molar mass of 400 (by volume). The oxidation potential of carbazole in this medium was measured to be only 0.89 V vs. a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile containing 0.1 mol·L−1 Bu4NBF4 (1.36 V vs. SCE). PCz films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior, good thermal stability, and were partly soluble in strong polar organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran. The fluorescence spectra implied that PCz obtained from this medium was a good blue‐light emitter. FT‐IR, 1H NMR and theoretical studies showed that the polymerization of carbazole mainly occurred at the 3,6‐positions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrosyntheses of conducting polymers in mixed electrolyte of acetic acid and BTDE.
Risk of cholecystitis in patients with cancer
Authors: Thomsen Reimar W. , Thomsen Henrik F. , Nørgaard Mette , Cetin Karynsa , McLaughlin Joseph K. , Tarone Robert E. , Fryzek Jon P. , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

To the authors' knowledge, little information is available regarding the incidence of cholecystitis among patients with cancer.

METHODS.

The authors conducted a population‐based historical cohort study of 51,228 patients with incident cancer, identified in medical databases of western Denmark between 1995 and 2003. A general population comparison cohort of 512,280 persons was assembled using the Danish Civil Registration System. The occurrence of cholecystitis in the 2 groups was determined by linkage to the regional Hospital Discharge Registry.

RESULTS.

In all, 230 incident diagnoses of cholecystitis were identified in the cancer cohort during 130,185 person‐years (median follow‐up time: 1.6 years), corresponding to an incidence rate of 1.8 of 1000 person‐years. After adjustment for confounders, the relative risk (RR) for cholecystitis among cancer patients compared with the general population cohort was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.20‐1.58). Overall, the RR for cholecystitis was doubled during the first 6 months after cancer diagnosis (RR = 1.95; 95% CI, 1.50‐2.54), after which the RR declined but remained greater than 1 throughout the rest of the follow‐up period (RR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.45). Cancer patients between the ages of 51 and 70 years had the highest risk increase for cholecystitis compared with other age groups. During the first 6 months after a cancer diagnosis, pancreatic cancers (12 cholecystitis events; RR = 9.44 [95% CI, 5.18‐17.18]) and colorectal cancers (10 cholecystitis events; RR = 4.98 [95% CI, 2.65‐9.34]) were found to be associated with the greatest cholecystitis risk increase compared with other tumor types. After 6 months, most cancers were associated with a relatively small increased risk, although there was an RR of 4.72 (95% CI, 1.99‐11.21) based on 5 cholecystitis events among thyroid cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS.

The results of the current study indicate that cholecystitis occurs more frequently among cancer patients than in the general population, particularly within the first 6 months after a cancer diagnosis. Clinicians who treat cancer patients should remain vigilant about this type of infection. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma
Authors: Drilon Alex D. , Popat Sanjay , Bhuchar Gauri , D'Adamo David R. , Keohan Mary Louise , Fisher Cyril , Antonescu Cristina R. , Singer Samuel , Brennan Murray F. , Judson Ian , Maki Robert G.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a genetically distinct sarcoma with a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis despite an indolent course. To the authors' knowledge, there are limited data examining chemotherapy outcomes as a guide to therapeutic decisions for unresectable disease.

METHODS.

The clinical behavior and treatment responses of 87 patients with EMC who were seen at 2 institutions between 1975 and 2008 were examined.

RESULTS.

The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 49.5 years, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2:1. For patients presenting without metastases, 37% developed local recurrence (median time of 3.3 years) and 26% developed distal recurrence (median time of 3.2 years). Approximately 13% of patients presented with metastases. The 5‐year, 10‐year, and 15‐year overall survival rates were 82%, 65%, and 58%, respectively. Twenty‐one patients received 32 evaluable courses of chemotherapy. No significant radiologic or clinical responses were noted. The median time to disease progression while receiving chemotherapy was 5.2 months. The best physician‐assessed response to chemotherapy was stable disease for at least 6 months in 25% of patients, stable disease for <6 months in 41% of patients, and disease progression in 34% of patients. The estimated progression‐free survival rates at 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months were 69%, 65%, 40%, and 26%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

This retrospective review highlights the poor response rate to chemotherapy and emphasizes aggressive control of localized disease as the primary approach to management. Although there are biases inherent in retrospective analyses, these data provide a benchmark for time to disease progression for the study of new agents for the treatment of patients with this diagnosis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Efficient coding in dolphin surface behavioral patterns
Authors: Ferrer‐i‐Cancho Ramon , Lusseau David
Published: October 2008

We show that the law of brevity, i.e. the tendency of words to shorten as their frequency increases, is also found in dolphin surface behavioral patterns. As far as we know, this is the first evidence of the law in another species, suggesting that coding efficiency is not unique to humans. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009.
Quantitative neurite outgrowth measurement based on image segmentation with topological dependence
Authors: Yu Weimiao , Lee Hwee Kuan , Hariharan Srivats , Bu Wenyu , Ahmed Sohail
Published: October 2008

The study of neuronal morphology and neurite outgrowth has been enhanced by the combination of imaging informatics and high content screening, in which thousands of images are acquired using robotic fluorescent microscopy. To understand the process of neurite outgrowth in the context of neuroregeneration, we used mouse neuroblastoma N1E115 as our model neuronal cell. Six‐thousand cellular images of four different culture conditions were acquired with two‐channel widefield fluorescent microscopy. We developed a software package called NeuronCyto. It is a fully automatic solution for neurite length measurement and complexity analysis. A novel approach based on topological analysis is presented to segment cells. The detected nuclei were used as references to initialize the level set function. Merging and splitting of cells segments were prevented using dynamic watershed lines based on the constraint of topological dependence. A tracing algorithm was developed to automatically trace neurites and measure their lengths quantitatively on a cell‐by‐cell basis. NeuronCyto analyzes three important biologically relevant features, which are the length, branching complexity, and number of neurites. The application of NeuronCyto on the experiments of Toca‐1 and serum starvation show that the transfection of Toca‐1 cDNA induces longer neurites with more complexities than serum starvation. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Eating‐disorder symptoms and syndromes in a sample of urban‐dwelling Canadian women: Contributions toward a population health perspective
Authors: Gauvin Lise , Steiger Howard , Brodeur Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2008

Objective:

We estimated the prevalence of eating disorders and maladaptive eating behaviors in a population‐based sample and examined the association of maladaptive eating with self‐rated physical and mental health.

Method:

A sample of 1,501 women (mean age = 31.2 years, SD = 6.2) were recruited using random‐digit dialing to participate in a 20‐min telephone interview about eating behaviors.

Results:

Weighted frequency analysis showed the prevalence of frequent binge‐eating to be 4.1%, that of regular purging to be 1.1%, and that of frequent compensation to be 8.7%. Although we found none of the women to meet full criteria for anorexia nervosa, 0.6% met criteria for bulimia nervosa, 3.8% provisional criteria for binge eating disorder, and 0.6% criteria for a newly proposed entity, purging disorder. As many as 14.9% fell into a residual category representing subthreshold, but potentially problematic variants of eating disturbances. Logistic regression analyses showed that clinical‐level maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors predicted self‐rated physical‐ and mental‐health problems after sociodemographic factors were controlled.

Discussion:

This population‐based survey provides prevalence estimates of BN, BED, and purging disorder that are compatible with those of recent epidemiological studies and shows that maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors represent a substantial population burden. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Mehler Philip S. , MacKenzie Thomas D.
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To systematically review the evidence supporting treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Data sources:

We identified controlled clinical studies of interventions for low bone mass in AN via searches of MEDLINE; the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; PsycINFO; and cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature. Outcomes of interest were changes in bone mineral density and fracture incidence.

Results:

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two cohort trials examined five classes of medical therapy on bone mineral density outcomes. One RCT of bisphosphonates showed no benefit and a second flawed RCT showed some benefit; one RCT showed a benefit of insulin‐like growth factor‐I; none of the five trials evaluating estrogen therapy showed benefit.

Discussion:

Although patients with AN are often losing bone mass when they should be optimizing bone growth, there is no good evidence to guide medicinal interventions. Therefore, early detection and weight restoration are of utmost importance whereas ongoing trials define effective therapies. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Increasing the motivation for physical activity in obese patients
Authors: Schelling Simone , Munsch Simone , Meyer Andrea H. , Newark Patricia , Biedert Esther , Margraf Juergen
Published: October 2008

Objective:

In this randomized controlled study, a standardized motivation intervention was compared with a relaxation intervention with regard to its effectiveness in decreasing dropout rates and increasing physical activity in a sample of obese patients.

Method:

Thirty‐eight obese participants were randomly assigned to a one‐session motivation or relaxation intervention. Thereafter, both groups participated in an 8‐week aerobic program. Adherence, physical activity, motivational stage of change, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed during intervention and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Results:

During the aerobic program, the motivation group showed significantly fewer dropouts but comparable adherence if only completers were considered. Moreover, their weekly minutes of physical activity increased over time before leveling off, whereas steady decreases were observed in the relaxation group. For motivational stage of change and BMI, no significant group differences were observed.

Discussion:

The importance and efficacy of motivational interventions in enhancing the high dropout rates in obesity treatment is underlined. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
DSM‐IV psychiatric disorder comorbidity and its correlates in binge eating disorder
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , White Marney A. , Masheb Robin M.
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To assess DSM‐IV lifetime and current psychiatric disorder comorbidity in patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and to examine associations of comorbidity with gender, selected historical obesity‐related variables, and current eating disorder psychopathology.

Method:

A consecutive series of 404 patients with BED (310 women, 94 men) were reliably administered semistructured diagnostic and clinical interviews to assess DSM‐IV psychiatric disorders and features of eating disorders.

Results:

Overall, 73.8% of patients with BED had at least one additional lifetime psychiatric disorder and 43.1% had at least one current psychiatric disorder. Lifetime‐wise, mood (54.2%), anxiety (37.1%), and substance use (24.8%) disorders were most common. In terms of current comorbidity, mood (26.0%) and anxiety (24.5%) were most common. Few gender differences were observed; men had higher lifetime rates of substance use disorders and current rates of obsessive compulsive disorder. Patients with BED with current psychiatric comorbidity reported earlier age at first diet and higher “lifetime‐high” BMI. Patients with current comorbidity also had significantly higher levels of current eating disorder psychopathology and negative affect and lower self‐esteem relative to patients with BED with either lifetime (noncurrent) or no psychiatric histories.

Discussion:

Among treatment‐seeking patients with BED, the presence of current psychiatric comorbidity is associated with greater eating disorder psychopathology and associated distress. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Developing a statewide student tracking tool
Authors: Pai Wendell , Moschos Marina , Detlev Angela , Robinson Ophelia , Lanneau Sumi
Published: October 2008

This chapter describes the development of an online state student tracking tool that enables the state and institutions to follow various cohort types of students across institutional boundaries.
The role of consultants in institutional research
Authors: Milam John
Published: October 2008

Higher education consultants draw heavily on institutional research techniques in their work and serve a valuable function in the delivery of institutional research.
Collaborating on state‐level institutional research in New Hampshire: NH PAPER
Authors: Lemaire Ingrid , Knapp Judith A. , Lowe Sarah
Published: October 2008

A model for system‐level institutional researchers to work together to address common information and research needs is presented.
Virginia improves teaching and learning (VITAL): A comprehensive statewide data system for teacher quality
Authors: McLaughlin Virginia L. , Ward Thomas J. , Massa Tod R.
Published: October 2008

State‐level institutional researchers develop a data system to help improve teacher quality.
Multi‐round procurement auctions with secret reserve prices: theory and evidence
Authors: Ji Lu , Li Tong
Published: October 2008

When a secret reserve price is used in an auction, the auctioneer cannot guarantee that the good can be sold out at the auction, and can reauction the unsold objects in the next round. Motivated by this interesting feature observed in the procurement auctions organized by the Indiana Department of Transportation, we construct a dynamic bidding model in multi‐round procurement auctions with secret reserve prices and evaluate how the release of the auctioneer's reserve price affects bidders' bidding behavior and the auctioneer's expected payment. Our theoretical model predicts that the equilibrium bids uniformly decline over stages, and the numerical analysis of our model indicates that hiding the reserve price may be better than announcing it for the auctioneer under some specifications of underlying distributions. We develop an empirical model with bidders' discount factor equal to zero to recover the unknown structural parameters and to conduct counterfactual analyses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence‐based algorithms for diagnosing and treating ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: Wall Richard J. , Ely E. Wesley , Talbot Thomas R. , Weinger Matthew B. , Williams Mark V. , Reischel Joan , Burgess L. Hayley , Englebright Jane , Dittus Robert. S. , Speroff Theodore , Deshpande Jayant K.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is widely recognized as a serious and common complication associated with high morbidity and high costs. Given the complexity of caring for heterogeneous populations in the intensive care unit (ICU), however, there is still uncertainty regarding how to diagnose and manage VAP.

OBJECTIVE:

We recently conducted a national collaborative aimed at reducing health care–associated infections in ICUs of hospitals operated by the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). As part of this collaborative, we developed algorithms for diagnosing and treating VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. In the current article, we (1) review the current evidence for diagnosing VAP, (2) describe our approach for developing these algorithms, and (3) illustrate the utility of the diagnostic algorithms using clinical teaching cases.

DESIGN:

This was a descriptive study, using data from a national collaborative focused on reducing VAP and catheter‐related bloodstream infections.

SETTING:

The setting of the study was 110 ICUs at 61 HCA hospitals.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS:

We assembled an interdisciplinary team that included infectious disease specialists, intensivists, hospitalists, statisticians, critical care nurses, and pharmacists. After reviewing published studies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention VAP guidelines, the team iteratively discussed the evidence, achieved consensus, and ultimately developed these practical algorithms. The diagnostic algorithms address infant, pediatric, immunocompromised, and adult ICU patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

We present practical algorithms for diagnosing and managing VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. These algorithms may provide evidence‐based real‐time guidance to clinicians seeking a standardized approach to diagnosing and managing this challenging problem. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:409–422. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Differences associated with age, transfer status, and insurance coverage in end‐of‐life hospital care for children
Authors: Caskey R. N. , Davis M. M.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

More than 40% of childhood mortality occurs while children are hospitalized. End‐of‐life health care utilization patterns for children have not been well characterized at the national level.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe patterns of length of stay, total charges, and principal diagnoses for children who die while admitted to a hospital, versus those who survive to discharge.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 3 years spanning a decade of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), a nationally representative dataset of hospital discharges, to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of hospital resource use associated with in‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS:

Inpatient mortality rate was significantly higher for non‐newborn infants (<1 year old) than for all other age groups, and the overall number of deaths was greatest for newborns. Patients transferred between hospitals had significantly greater mortality rate, compared with patients admitted not on transfer. Insured children had lower mortality rates compared to uninsured, and decedents had significantly longer length of stay and higher charges compared with survivors. Uninsured decedents did not have longer lengths of stay than survivors, and hospital charges were significantly lower for uninsured children compared with insured children.

CONCLUSION:

As hospital staff strive to meet the needs of ill children and their families, they must be cognizant of the high burden of mortality among the youngest children and those transferred between hospitals, and the potential for less resource use and higher mortality risk for children without insurance, because these patients may require expanded services not readily available in most hospital settings. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:376–383. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Just because you can, doesn't mean that you should: A call for the rational application of hospitalist comanagement
Authors: Siegal Eric M.
Published: October 2008

Medical comanagement has become a mainstay of hospital medicine. Several studies, however, suggest that medical consultation and comanagement may not be as effective as originally anticipated. The expansion of comanagement services has helped fuel massive demand for hospitalists and with it a critical and potentially destabilizing hospitalist manpower shortage. Comanagement may also drive unanticipated consequences such as facilitating surgeon and specialist disengagement and hospitalist career dissatisfaction and burnout. Comanagement services should be developed carefully and methodically, paying close attention to consequences, intended and unintended. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:398–402. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.