bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive surface‐based morphometry reveals the association of fracture risk and bone geometry
Authors: Wang Defeng , Shi Lin , Griffith James F. , Qin Ling , Yew David T. W. , Riggs Christopher M.
Published: January 2012

Surface‐based morphometry method is advantageous in its objectivity and increased capability in detecting focal morphological changes, but has not been applied in bone‐related research. Orthopedics research in human has confirmed the association of the bone geometry in proximal femur and its fracture. In this study, surface‐based morphometry is used to test the hypothesis that there is relationship between bone geometry and fracture risk of the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) in forelimbs of Thoroughbred racehorses. The PSB surfaces were extracted from CT images of nonfractured forelegs (i.e., right foreleg in this study) of 6 racehorses with fractures in the contralateral (i.e., left) foreleg, and the right forelegs of 6 matched controls. Significant differences were detected at the abaxial margin of the medial PSB base which was found to be up to 3.5 mm more prominent in the fracture‐group compared to the control‐group. This study demonstrated a successful application of computational morphometry in bone. The detected anatomical differences may lead to a larger moment arm generated via the medial branch of the suspensory apparatus, increasing pressure on the sesamoid surface, and thus potentially predisposing to fracture. Findings from this pilot study not only increase the likelihood of accurate PSB fracture risk assessment, but also shed light on investigating the influence of sports and exercise on human athletes. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1277–1284, 2012
Indocyanine green fluorescence‐navigated sentinel node biopsy showed higher sensitivity than the radioisotope or blue dye method, which may help to reduce false‐negative cases in skin cancer
Authors: Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Otsuka Fujio
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives

Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using radioisotope (RI) and blue dye (BD) achieved a high detection rate, approximately 5% of melanomas with negative SLNs develop nodal metastasis. We tested a new lymphatic navigation method using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG‐FI) to detect such “occult” SLNs.

Methods

Thirty‐four skin cancer patients received SLN biopsy with the following three methods: RI (99Tc‐tin colloid), BD (2% patent blue), and ICG (0.5% indocyanine green). Lymph nodes detected by any of the three methods were counted as SLNs.

Results

ICG‐FI detected more SLNs in 8 out of the 34 cases (24%). The average numbers of SLNs detected by ICG‐FI, RI, and BD were 2.18, 1.76, and 1.73, respectively. Interestingly, ICG‐FI not only detected more SLNs in one basin (ICG‐FI: 1.64, RI: 1.50, and BD: 1.51 SLNs per basin), but also detected additional SLNs in other basins (ICG‐FI: 1.32, RI: 1.18, and BD: 1.15 basins per case).

Conclusion

ICG‐FI detected SLNs more efficiently than did the conventional methods, and these “occult” SLNs may offer an explanation for some false‐negative cases. We recommend using ICG‐FI in addition to a conventional method to reduce the risk of overlooking these “occult” SLNs. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:41–45. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent effects on the activation parameters of the reaction between an α‐tocopherol analogue and dpph•: The role of H‐bonded complexes
Authors: Foti Mario C.
Published: January 2012

The analysis of the activation parameters for the formal H‐atom transfer reaction between 2,2,5,7,8‐pentamethyl‐6‐chromanol (ChrOH) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (dpph•) reveals that these parameters are effective probes of the actual reaction mechanism. Indeed, the A factors measured in various polar and apolar solvents are localized in three distinct domains according to whether the reaction occurs via outer‐sphere electron transfer (ET) from the anion ChrO− or hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). For instance, A = 5.9 × 105 M−1 s−1 and Ea = 2.5 kcal mol−1 in cyclohexane where the reaction proceeds by HAT, whereas in methanol, ethanol, and their mixtures with water where there is a substantial ET contribution A > 109 M−1s−1 and Ea > 7 kcal mol−1. Interestingly, in nonhydroxylic polar solvents, A∼ 107 M−1s−1 and the Ea values reflect the H‐bond accepting ability of the solvent in agreement with the “standard” kinetic solvent effects on HAT reactions. Addition of small quantities of pyridine accelerates the reaction rates in these solvents. This suggests that the H‐bonded complex (ChrOH···Py) is able to react via intermolecular ET with dpph•. It is known, in fact, that pyridine lowers the oxidation potential of phenols by ∼0.5 V and the ΔGET of ChrOH + dpph• consequently decreases by about 10 kcal mol−1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 524–531, 2012
Transforming growth factor β3 for the prevention of vocal fold scarring
Authors: Ohno Satoshi , Hirano Shigeru , Kanemaru Shin‐ichi , Kitani Yoshiharu , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Seiji , Mizuta Masanobu , Tateya Ichiro , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Vocal fold scarring poses a therapeutic challenge. It causes hoarseness and decreases the quality of life. Transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) is highly expressed in fetal wounds that heal without scarring, and administration of TGFβ3 has been reported to prevent scarring of the skin and the buccal mucosa. Thus TGFβ3 is considered to be a key molecule in scar‐free healing. This study aimed to examine the ability of TGFβ3 to prevent vocal fold scarring, with particular attention paid to the distribution of extracellular matrices and functional outcomes.

Study Design:

Prospective study using an animal model.

Methods:

Ten beagles were used in this study; 500 μL of TGFβ3 (0.5 μg/mL: 5 beagles) or saline (5 beagles) was injected into the vocal fold lamina propria. Fifteen minutes after injection, vocal folds were injured by stripping off the entire layer of the lamina propria. Six months after surgery, animals were euthanized and the larynges were harvested. Vibratory and histologic examinations were performed.

Results:

The administration of TGFβ3 suppressed granulation‐tissue formation and scarring. TGFβ3‐treated vocal folds showed significantly better vibratory properties, resembling normal vocal folds. Histologic analysis revealed favorable restoration of elastin and hyaluronic acid in the lamina propria. The distribution of collagen was well organized, and collagen deposition was less dense in TGFβ3‐treated vocal folds compared to sham‐treated vocal folds.

Conclusions:

Administration of TGFβ3 before injury significantly suppressed scar formation and induced favorable restoration of extracellular matrices in the vocal fold lamina propria, resulting in much improved phonatory function.
Microbiome complexity and Staphylococcus aureus in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Feazel Leah M. , Robertson Charles E. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Frank Daniel N.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to compare microbiological culture‐based and culture‐independent (16S rRNA gene sequencing) methodologies for pathogen identification in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. We hypothesized that bacterial culture and DNA sequencing would yield largely concurrent results, although sequencing would detect greater bacterial diversity, and the sinonasal microbiomes of CRS patients would differ in composition and diversity compared with non‐CRS controls.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods:

Middle meatus swabs from CRS patients collected during endoscopic sinus surgery were analyzed by both clinical culture and broad‐range analysis of 16S rRNA gene pyrosequences.

Results:

A total of 21 swab samples from 15 CRS patients and five non‐CRS controls were analyzed. One CRS patient was also swabbed 3 weeks postoperatively due to evidence of purulence during a clinical visit. All subjects had positive bacterial cultures, with a mean of 2.8 isolates per subject. The most prevalent cultivars were coagulase‐negative staphylococci (15/20 specimens, 75%), Staphylococcus aureus (10/20, 50%), and Propionibacterium acnes (6/20, 30%). Among 57,407 pyrosequences generated, the most prevalent were from coagulase‐negative staphylococci (21/21 specimens, 100%), Corynebacterium spp (18/21, 85.7%), P acnes (16/21, 76.2%), and S aureus (14/21, 66.7%). Bacterial diversity correlated with recent antibiotic use, asthma, prior sinus surgery, and relative abundance of S aureus.

Conclusions:

DNA pyrosequencing revealed greater biodiversity than culture, although in most cases culture results represented a subset of the abundant DNA sequence types. CRS patients were characterized by altered microbial composition (P = .02) and greater abundance of S aureus (P = .03).
Association between bone mineral density and hearing loss in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Swinnen Freya K. R. , De Leenheer Els M. R. , Goemaere Stefan , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Coucke Paul J. , Dhooge Ingeborg J. M.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder, predominantly characterized by bone fragility. In half of the patients, progressive hearing loss develops, which is associated with abnormal bony changes involving the middle ear ossicles and stapes footplate. In the present study, we investigated whether the development of hearing loss in OI may be related to the overall aberrant bone quality.

Study Design:

Observational study.

Methods:

Following audiologic evaluation, 56 adult OI patients were classified as presenting normal hearing or conductive/mixed or pure sensorineural hearing loss. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) (aBMD) was measured using lumbar spine (LS) and whole body (WB) dual X‐ray absorptiometry. By means of peripheral computed tomography, volumetric BMD (vBMD) and morphometric bone parameters were determined at distal and proximal radius, providing separate results for trabecular and cortical bone. The obtained bone parameters were compared between normal‐hearing OI patients and those with either conductive/mixed or pure sensorineural hearing loss.

Results:

Z scores demonstrated decreased LS aBMD, WB aBMD, and trabecular vBMD in OI adults compared to the healthy population. Patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss had lower trabecular vBMD compared to those with normal hearing or pure sensorineural loss at both whole‐group and between‐relatives comparisons.

Conclusions:

It is hypothesized that OI patients with lower BMD might be more susceptible to accumulating microfractures, which may interfere with the bone remodeling inhibition pathways in the temporal bone and, therefore, contribute to stapes footplate fixation and a conductive hearing loss component.
Implementation of ethics grand rounds in an otolaryngology department
Authors: Shuman Andrew G. , Barnosky Andrew R. , Koopmann Charles F.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To create a case‐based curriculum designed to teach and discuss the tenets of clinical medical ethics within an otolaryngology department.

Study Design:

Survey‐based study in a single‐institution, academic otolaryngology department.

Methods:

Case‐based departmental ethics grand rounds were implemented on a quarterly basis within an academic department of otolaryngology. One‐hour sessions were designed to use challenging cases volunteered by clinicians within the department to create a forum for discussion and education about clinical medical ethics. A four‐question satisfaction survey was administered to participating clinicians to measure the impact of the program.

Results:

Five grand rounds were held over 16 months from 2009 to 2011, with four to six cases presented per session. Sessions were well attended and received, with broad coverage of topics and lively discussions. The mean survey score was 18 (median, 19; standard deviation, 2) out of a maximum possible score of 20. When asked if the sessions helped to advance their skills and comfort within the field of medical ethics, 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. A total of 86% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions would change how they practiced medicine in a way that would benefit their patients.

Conclusions:

It is feasible to successfully implement case‐based ethics grand rounds within an otolaryngology department. Participants demonstrated a gratifying level of approval, and a stated desire to implement the principles learned within their clinical practice.
When FESS fails: The inflammatory load hypothesis in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bassiouni Ahmed , Naidoo Yuresh , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: January 2012

Through recent advances in research, our understanding of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has evolved to consider it as an inflammatory condition of the mucosa brought about by multiple factors. However, surgical management is still ruled by the classical concepts of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which emphasizes the importance of ostial obstruction and sinus ventilation. These concepts fail to provide sufficient explanation for the presence of a subset of patients with refractory CRS who fail to respond to conventional FESS. Recent outcome studies have shown that high‐grade mucosal inflammation often results in a poor outcome and that this patient group may show improved results with more radical surgery. This review examines the “inflammatory load hypothesis” as a possible explanation. We hypothesize that the grade of the inflammation is the most important predictor of long‐term outcomes. Surgery, therefore, has a significant role not only in reestablishing ventilation, but also with removing the inflammatory load in the affected sinuses. We suspect that in these severely diseased patients, a more radical removal of local proinflammatory factors during surgery may improve patient outcomes.
Endoscopic axillo‐breast approach for benign neck mass excision
Authors: Shin Yoo Seob , Chung Hyun Pil , Shin Hyang Ae , Lee Hyun Jin , Koh Yoon Woo , Choi Eun Chang
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Benign neck masses are usually found in younger patients, who are more likely to be concerned about postoperative scars. Until recently, a direct approach through a transcervical incision along the mass has been accepted as a standard surgical procedure for the benign neck mass. However, this conventional transcervical approach leaves a visible scar on the neck, regardless of the size of the incision. We assumed that an endoscopic gasless axillo‐breast (A‐B) approach might be a good alternative method for excision of benign neck masses. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of a gasless A‐B approach for the excision of benign neck masses by comparing it to the conventional open approach.

Study Design:

Case series.

Methods:

We prospectively compared the outcomes of endoscopic removal of benign neck lesions with the outcomes of conventional open surgery.

Results:

Most patients in the endoscopy group were women, and the mean age was younger than in the open group. Although operative time was longer and amount of drainage was larger in the endoscopy group, there was no statistically significant difference in duration of drainage, hospitalization period, complication rate, and pain score. Endoscopically treated patients were more satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the surgery than patients in the conventional open group.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic excision via an A‐B approach without gas insufflation could be a good substitute for conventional transcervical excision in selected cases of benign neck lesion.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of positron emission tomography‐computed tomography surveillance versus up‐front neck dissection for management of the neck for N2 disease after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Rabalais Amy , Walvekar Rohan R. , Johnson Jonas T. , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To study the cost effectiveness of positron emission tomography‐computerized tomography (PET‐CT) scanning in the management of the neck after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Study Design:

Cost effectiveness and decision analysis model.

Methods:

A cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing up‐front neck dissection to serial PET‐CT imaging in a hypothetical clinical scenario of debate. A patient with an oropharygeal cancer with pretreatment N2 disease having a complete response was considered. Standardized costs were obtained using national databases. A literature review in PubMed was performed to obtain information on incidence, probabilities, and range for various clinical events in the algorithm.

Results:

PET‐CT strategy costs an average of $14,492 per patient. Neck dissection had a 0.6% greater efficacy in controlling neck disease with a $22,433 incremental cost.

Conclusions:

Our results strongly support the use of PET‐CT imaging as the more cost‐effective strategy for surveillance of neck after completion of definitive CRT compared to up‐front neck dissection.
Bessel and annular beams for materials processing
Authors: Duocastella M. , Arnold C.B.
Published: January 2012

Non‐Gaussian beam profiles such as Bessel or annular beams enable novel approaches to modifying materials through laser‐based processing. In this review paper, properties, generation methods and emerging applications for non‐conventional beam shapes are discussed, including Bessel, annular, and vortex beams. These intensity profiles have important implications in a number of technologically relevant areas including deep‐hole drilling, photopolymerization and nanopatterning, and introduce a new dimension for materials optimization and fundamental studies of laser‐matter interactions.
Standard hepatic vein reconstruction with patch plasty using the native portal vein in adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Mori Akira , Kaido Toshimi , Ogura Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Hata Koichiro , Yagi Shintaro , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Shibata Toshiya , Uemoto Shinji
Published: January 2012

An outflow obstruction of the hepatic vein is a critical complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and occasionally leads to hepatic failure. Here we introduce a simple method for preventing outflow obstructions by patch plasty in adult LDLT. Between September 2001 and May 2010, 468 adult LDLT procedures were performed at Kyoto University Hospital. We harvested each recipient's portal vein (PV) from the extirpated liver for a patch. We intended to re-form several orifices of the hepatic veins into a single, large orifice. The patch was attached to the anterior wall of the re-formed orifice on the bench. After we put in the liver graft, the procedure for the hepatic vein anastomosis to the inferior vena cava was simple enough that the warm ischemia time was reduced. Three of the 468 cases were diagnosed with an outflow obstruction. All 3 cases underwent hepatic vein reconstruction without patch plasty. In contrast, none of the 159 cases that underwent LDLT with patch plasty suffered from an outflow obstruction, regardless of the liver graft type. The procedure for hepatic vein plasty using a patch from the native PV is simple and elegant and results in excellent outcomes. We propose this as the standard procedure for hepatic vein reconstruction in adult LDLT. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Photonics of a Conjugated Organometallic Pt–Ir Polymer and Its Model Compounds Exhibiting Hybrid CT Excited States
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M. , Fortin Daniel , Zysman‐Colman Eli , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: January 2012

Trans‐ dichlorobis(tri‐n‐butylphosphine)platinum(II) reacts with bis(2‐ phenylpyridinato)‐(5,5′‐diethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine)iridium(III) hexafluorophosphate to form the luminescent conjugated polymer poly[trans‐[(5,5′‐ethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine)bis(2‐ phenylpyridinato)‐iridium(III)]bis(tri‐n‐butylphosphine)platinum(II)] hexafluorophosphate ([Pt]‐[Ir])n. Gel permeation chromatography indicates a degree of polymerization of 9 inferring the presence of an oligomer. Comparison of the absorption and emission band positions and their temperature dependence, emission quantum yields, and lifetimes with those for models containing only the [Pt] or the [Ir] units indicates hybrid excited states including features from both chromophores.
A J2‐plasticity model based on bounding surface concept
Authors: Wu R. , Harvey J. T.
Published: January 2012

This article presents the development of a J2 small strain plasticity model based on bounding surface concept, along with numerical examples to demonstrate model behaviors and identification of model parameter using laboratory test data. The model is motivated by the need for simulating permanent deformation accumulation of asphalt concrete mixtures, which leads to rutting in flexible pavements under repeated traffic loading. The proposed model accounts for the observation that rutting is mostly caused by shearing and takes advantage of the fact that bounding surface concept allows for the progressive accumulation of plastic deformation under constant amplitude loading condition. Analytical solutions are given for typical laboratory testing conditions. The model can be calibrated using repeated simple shear test data that are typically available for asphalt concrete mixtures. It is shown that the model is easy to use and provides a promising alternative for modeling permanent deformation accumulation in materials subjected to repetitive (cyclic) loading. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in the consumption of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications in Castilla y León (Spain): changes in the consumption pattern following the introduction of extended release methylphenidate
Authors: Treceño Carlos , Martín Arias Luis H. , Sáinz Maria , Salado Inés , García Ortega Pilar , Velasco Veronica , Jimeno Natalia , Escudero Antonio , Velasco Alfonso , Carvajal Alfonso
Published: January 2012

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most diagnosed behavioural disorder in children and adolescents; prevalence has been estimated around 5%. Studies have shown an increase in the use of ADHD medications during the last years. The aim of the present study was to learn the pattern and the evolution of ADHD medication consumption in Castilla y León (Spain).

Method

Consumption data for the period 1992–2009 were obtained from databases containing information upon consumption and cost of medications dispensed by pharmacies at the expense of the Spanish National Health System. The data were expressed in defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000 inhabitants/day). A model to forecast consumption was built.

Results

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication consumption increased in Castilla y León from 0.1 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 1992 to 1.5 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2009; expected consumption will reach 2.5 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day by 2013. The drugs accounting for this increase were mainly made up of methylphenidate preparations (1.4 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2009). From 1992 to 1999, there was a slight reduction in methylphenidate use; following amphetamine withdrawal, the consumption of stimulants began to increase, and figures showed a sharp rise after marketing of extended‐release formulations in 2003.

Conclusions

There has been an enormous increase in ADHD medication consumption in Castilla y León in the last few years; increase rocketed when extended‐release methylphenidate was marketed. A rapid increase in the consumption is a warning on possible overdiagnosis and inappropriate prescription. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A meta‐analytic review of the cover‐copy‐compare and variations of this self‐management procedure
Authors: Joseph Laurice M. , Konrad Moira , Cates Gary , Vajcner Terra , Eveleigh Elisha , Fishley Katelyn M.
Published: January 2012

Studies that examined copy‐cover‐compare (CCC) and variations of this procedure were reviewed and analyzed. This review revealed a substantial number of studies that validated the use of CCC across spelling and math skills and across students with and without disabilities. A meta‐analysis of findings indicated that CCC and variations of this procedure were effective for helping students acquire and become fluent in academic skills. The strongest effects were evident when CCC and variations of this procedure were combined with other evidence‐based instructional components. Limitations, future directions for research, and recommendations for practice are offered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of student engagement in the resilience of african american adolescents from low‐income rural communities
Authors: Irvin Matthew J.
Published: January 2012

The study sought to determine whether behavioral and psychological engagement in middle school served a protective or promotive role, thereby contributing to the resilience of African American youth from low‐income rural communities. Teacher reports of adjustment (i.e., aggression, academic competence, popularity) in the sixth grade were gathered. Data on behavioral and psychological engagement across the seventh and eighth grade were collected from student self‐reports. In the ninth grade, achievement data were obtained from school grades and peer assessments measured aggression. To identify profiles across multiple behavioral measures that increase risk, early adjustment configurations were derived from sixth grade teacher reports. Regression analyses indicated that youth with Troubled, Tough, and Disengaged profiles were at risk for difficulties in subsequent achievement and/or aggression. In addition, behavioral and psychological engagement had a main effect relation with achievement and/or aggression, indicating that engagement served a promotive role. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dicyanoaromatic radical anions as mixed valence species
Authors: Moneo Álvaro , Carvalho M. Fernanda N. N. , Telo João P.
Published: January 2012

The reduction of nine symmetric dicyanoaromatic radical anions by sodium amalgam in the presence of cryptand[2.2.2] was studied using cyclic voltammetry and using optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies in two aprotic solvents. All radicals are charge‐delocalized (Class III) mixed valence species, as shown by the weak solvatochromism of their low‐energy optical bands and by the vibrational structure exhibited by most of the bands. The maximum of the low‐energy optical transition decreases logarithmically with the number of bonds (n) between cyano groups in a series of p‐phenylene‐bridged radicals, from p‐phenyl (n = 5) to p‐quaterphenyl (n = 17), although the energy of the latter lies higher than the value predicted by the linear regression. The energy of this band decreases linearly with the cos2 value of the torsion angle between phenyl rings in the spectra of biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarbonitrile radical anion and their methyl‐substituted derivatives. The fact that charge delocalization is maintained in radicals with non‐Kekulé bridges, with unusually large bridges and with bridges with highly twisted biphenyl systems suggests that cyano charge‐bearing units have small reorganization energies and induce high electronic couplings through the bridges. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manufacture and demonstration of organic photovoltaic‐powered electrochromic displays using roll coating methods and printable electrolytes
Authors: Jensen Jacob , Dam Henrik F. , Reynolds John R. , Dyer Aubrey L. , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: January 2012

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) were prepared on flexible substrates using spray coating and slot‐die coating methods. The electrochromic materials were the conjugated electroactive polymers, poly((2,2‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxymethyl)‐propylene‐1,3‐dioxy)‐3,4‐thiophene‐2,5‐diyl) as a vibrantly colored active material (ECP‐Magenta) and poly(N‐octadecyl‐(propylene‐1,3‐dioxy)‐3,4‐pyrrole‐2,5‐diyl) as a minimally colored, charge balancing material (MCCP). Two electrolyte systems were compared to allow development of fully printable and laminated devices on flexible substrates. Devices of various sizes, up to 7 × 8 cm2, are demonstrated with pixelated devices containing pixel sizes of 4 × 4 mm2 or 13 × 13 mm2. The transmission contrast exhibited by the devices, when switched between the fully bleached and fully colored state, was 58% at a visible wavelength of 550 nm, and the devices exhibited switching times of <10 s. Additionally, we demonstrate the utilization of printed organic photovoltaic devices (with or without the use of a lithium‐polymer battery) to power the devices between the colored and bleached state, illustrating a self‐powered ECD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Synthesis of anticancer heptapeptides containing a unique lipophilic β2,2‐amino acid building block
Authors: Tørfoss Veronika , Ausbacher Dominik , Cavalcanti‐Jacobsen Cristiane de A. , Hansen Terkel , Brandsdal Bjørn‐Olav , Havelkova Martina , Strøm Morten B.
Published: January 2012

We report a series of synthetic anticancer heptapeptides (H‐KKWβ2,2WKK‐NH2) containing eight different central lipophilic β2,2‐amino acid building blocks, which have demonstrated high efficiency when used as scaffolds in small cationic antimicrobial peptides and peptidomimetics. The most potent peptides in the present study had IC50 values of 9–23 µm against human Burkitt's lymphoma and murine B‐cell lymphoma and were all nonhaemolytic (EC50 > 200 µm). The most promising peptide 10e also demonstrated low toxicity against human embryonic lung fibroblast cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and exceptional proteolytic stability. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of COMU as a coupling reagent for in situ neutralization Boc solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Hjørringgaard Claudia U. , Brust Andreas , Alewood Paul F.
Published: January 2012

Benzotriazole‐based coupling reagents have dominated the last two decades of solid phase peptide synthesis. However, a growing interest in synthesizing complex peptides has stimulated the search for more efficient and low‐cost coupling reagents, such as COMU which has been introduced as a nonexplosive alternative to the classic benzotriazole coupling reagents. Here, we present a comparative study of the coupling efficiency of COMU with the benzotriazole‐based HBTU and HCTU for use in in situ neutralization Boc‐SPPS. Difficult sequences, such as ACP(65–74), Jung–Redeman 10‐mer, and HIV‐1 PR(81–99), were used as model target peptides on polystyrene‐based resins, as well as polyethylene glycol‐based resins. Coupling yields obtained using fast in situ Boc‐SPPS cycles were determined with the quantitative ninhydrin test as well as via LC‐MS analysis of the crude cleavage products. Our results demonstrate that COMU coupling efficiency was less effective compared to HBTU and HCTU with HCTU ≥ HBTU > COMU, when polystyrene‐based resins were employed. However, when the PEG resin was employed in combination with a safety catch amide (SCAL) linker, more comparable yields were observed for the three coupling reagents with the same ranking HCTU ≥ HBTU > COMU. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of peptides derived from human ß‐amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Papareddy Praveen , Mörgelin Matthias , Walse Björn , Schmidtchen Artur , Malmsten Martin
Published: January 2012

Antimicrobial peptides are important effector molecules of the innate immune system. Here, we describe that peptides derived from the heparin‐binding disulfide‐constrained loop region of human ß‐amyloid precursor protein are antimicrobial. The peptides investigated were linear and cyclic forms of NWCKRGRKQCKTHPH (NWC15) as well as the cyclic form comprising the C‐terminal hydrophobic amino acid extension FVIPY (NWCKRGRKQCKTHPHFVIPY; NWC20c). Compared with the benchmark antimicrobial peptide LL‐37, these peptides efficiently killed the Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and the fungi Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Correspondingly, fluorescence and electron microscopy demonstrated that the peptides caused defects in bacterial membranes. Analogously, the peptides permeabilised negatively charged liposomes. Despite their bactericidal effect, the peptides displayed very limited hemolytic activities within the concentration range investigated and exerted very small membrane permeabilising effects on human epithelial cells. The efficiency of the peptides with respect to bacterial killing and liposome membrane leakage was in the order NWC20c > NWC15c > NWC15l, which also correlated to the adsorption density for these peptides at the model lipid membrane. Thus, whereas the cationic sequence is a minimum determinant for antimicrobial action, a constrained loop‐structure as well as a hydrophobic extension further contributes to membrane permeabilising activity of this region of amyloid precursor protein. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying Gains Using the Capabilities‐Based Test and Evaluation Method
Authors: Lednicky Eric J. , Silvestrini Rachel T.
Published: January 2012

Today's military operating environments are more operationally diverse and technically challenging. Fielding relevant weapons systems to meet the demands of this environment is increasingly difficult, prompting policy shifts that mandate a focus on systems capable of combating a wide threat range. The capabilities‐based test and evaluation construct is the Department of the Navy's effort to concentrate on integrated system design with the objective of satisfying a particular operational response (capability) under a robust range of operating conditions. One aspect of capabilities‐based test and evaluation is the increased employment of advanced mathematical and statistical techniques in the test and evaluation (T&E) process. This case study illustrates advantages of incorporating these invaluable techniques, like design of experiments and modeling and simulation, within the T&E process. We found through statistical analysis that the application of design of experiment concepts to the System Under Test throughout three primary phases of T&E quantifiably improved the accomplishment of the selected response variable of interest. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing Two Process Capability Indices under Balanced One‐Way Random Effect Model
Authors: Jose K. K. , Luke Jane A.
Published: January 2012

Process capability indices such as Cp, Cpk, Cpmk and Cpm are widely used in manufacturing industries to provide a quantitative measurement of the performance of the products. In this article, we derived generalized confidence intervals for the difference between process capability indices for two processes under one‐way random effect model. Our study provides coverage probability close to the nominal value in almost all cases as shown via simulation. An example from industrial contexts is given to illustrate the results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening Procedure for Supersaturated Designs Using a Bayesian Variable Selection Method
Authors: Chen Ray‐Bing , Weng Jian‐Zhong , Chu Chi‐Hsiang
Published: January 2012

A supersaturated design is a design where all effects cannot be estimated simultaneously due to an insufficient run size. An important goal in analyzing such designs is to screen active effects based on the factor sparsity assumption. In this work, a screening procedure is proposed using an efficient Bayesian variable selection approach. A modified cross‐validation method is employed for parameter tuning to improve the selection results. Simulations and several real examples are used to demonstrate the performance of this screening procedure. In the real examples, our procedure identifies models similar to those of previous analysis methods. The simulation results indicate that our new procedure outperforms the other analysis methods in terms of the high true identified rate and the efficient estimation of the model size. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the interaction between the therapy and the treatment in clinical trials by the propensity score weighting method
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Henmi Masayuki , Fujita Toshiharu
Published: January 2012

In clinical trials for antihypertensive drugs, a combination therapy trial and a monotherapy trial are often conducted simultaneously. In this situation, it can be a clinical concern to know the difference of the safety or efficacy of the new drug between the two therapies, in other words, to investigate the interaction between the therapy (monotherapy or combination therapy) and the treatment (test or control). However, because patients are often registered in either of these trials on the basis of their background characteristics, specific patients may be selected to participate in the monotherapy trial or combination therapy trial and not chosen at random, whereas the treatment is assigned randomly in each trial after registration. If this fact is not considered, the statistical analysis of the interaction may be biased. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the interaction between the two aforementioned factors by adjusting for covariates that may affect registration in the two trials. For this purpose, we apply the propensity score weighting method to suit the problem. The propensity score in this case is decomposed into the usual propensity score for the registration and the assignment probability for the random treatment assignment on the basis of their two‐stage structure. We also discuss the augmented estimator known as the doubly robust estimator. In addition, we apply this method to data of a clinical trial for an antihypertensive drug that was conducted in Japan and conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical priors for bias parameters in Bayesian sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding
Authors: McCandless Lawrence C. , Gustafson Paul , Levy Adrian R. , Richardson Sylvia
Published: January 2012

Recent years have witnessed new innovation in Bayesian techniques to adjust for unmeasured confounding. A challenge with existing methods is that the user is often required to elicit prior distributions for high‐dimensional parameters that model competing bias scenarios. This can render the methods unwieldy. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to adjust for unmeasured confounding that derives default priors for bias parameters for observational studies with binary covariates. The confounding effects of measured and unmeasured variables are treated as exchangeable within a Bayesian framework. We model the joint distribution of covariates by using a log‐linear model with pairwise interaction terms. Hierarchical priors constrain the magnitude and direction of bias parameters. An appealing property of the method is that the conditional distribution of the unmeasured confounder follows a logistic model, giving a simple equivalence with previously proposed methods. We apply the method in a data example from pharmacoepidemiology and explore the impact of different priors for bias parameters on the analysis results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic evaluation of reduced beam section frames considering connection flexibility
Authors: Ghassemieh M. , Kiani J.
Published: January 2012

In the present article, the seismic performance of frames with reduced beam section (RBS) connections is evaluated. A key purpose of this study is the inclusion of connections flexibility in the seismic performance of RBS frames. Almost in every research projects carried out on seismic performance and design of RBS frames, the beam‐to‐column connection is typically assumed as fully rigid. The results of nonlinear finite element analysis performed on investigating the local performance of RBS connection reveal that they are within the American Institute of Steel Construction‐defined semirigid connections. Three building frames, including 4, 8 and 16 stories considering the semirigid connection as well as fully rigid connection, are considered. A numerical study of the overall seismic response of the building frames subjected to near as well as far field earthquake ground motions using nonlinear static and/or nonlinear dynamic analysis is presented. Results in terms of inter‐story drifts, total drifts, story shears and shear deformation in panel zone indicate that overlooking the flexibility of beam‐to‐column connections may lead to erroneous conclusions and unsafe seismic behavior that subsequently become significant in some cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified method for determining sway in reinforced concrete dual buildings and design applications
Authors: Tekeli Hamide , Atimtay Ergin , Turkmen Mustafa
Published: January 2012

Sway analyses of reinforced concrete buildings generally are carried out with computer programs. However, as the number of iterative solutions increase, the process may become tedious. This paper proposes a simple analytical method to evaluate sway of dual buildings subject to various types of lateral loads. The proposed method is based on the continuum model. Story drift limited by building codes can be controlled by the proposed method. Likewise, design engineers can use the simple analytical expressions to calculate the stability index, which includes sway terms at each story level. Stability index equation without sway terms is obtained by using the developed analytical expressions. Use of the equation, which is free of sway terms, is quite simple. Additionally, by using the proposed method, shear wall–frame interaction can be modeled simply. Thus, moment at the base of shear walls can be determined by using this model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brainstem–vermis and brainstem–tentorium angles allow accurate categorization of fetal upward rotation of cerebellar vermis
Authors: Volpe P. , Contro E. , De Musso F. , Ghi T. , Farina A. , Tempesta A. , Volpe G. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate the role of the brainstem–vermis (BV) and brainstem–tentorium (BT) angles in the differential diagnosis of upward rotation of the fetal cerebellar vermis.

Methods

The BV and BT angles were measured retrospectively on median sonographic views of the brain in 31 fetuses at 19–28 weeks' gestation with upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis due to Blake's pouch cyst (n = 12), Dandy–Walker malformation (n = 12) and cerebellar vermian hypoplasia (n = 7). Eighty normal fetuses at 20–24 weeks were included as controls.

Results

In the control group, BV and BT angles were 9.1 ± 3.5° (range, 4–17°) and 29.3 ± 5.8° (range, 21–44°), respectively. The BV angle was significantly increased in each of the three subgroups of anomalies: Blake's pouch cyst (23 ± 2.8°; range, 19–26°), vermian hypoplasia (34.9 ± 5.4°; range, 24–40°) and Dandy–Walker malformation (63.5 ± 17.6°; range, 45–112°), the angle increasing with increasing severity of the condition. The BT angle had a similar pattern but there was overlap among the different groups.

Conclusion

The BV angle and, to a lesser degree, the BT angle are simple and reproducible measurements that provide valuable additional information for the categorization of upward rotation of the fetal cerebellar vermis. From mid gestation, a BV angle > 45° is strongly suggestive of a Dandy–Walker malformation, while a measurement < 30° favors the diagnosis of a Blake's pouch cyst. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of the maternal anal canal during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a longitudinal and functional ultrasound study
Authors: Olsen I. P. , Wilsgaard T. , Kiserud T.
Published: January 2012

Objectives

Normal anatomical and physiological development of the maternal anal canal during and after pregnancy has been documented scarcely. We aimed to study the position and volume of the anal canal, during and after pregnancy, in women without previous delivery.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study in which transvaginal three‐dimensional ultrasound was used to measure anatomical structures in the anal canal during rest and squeeze in 23 nulliparous women. The total anal canal volume (ACV), anorectal curvature (ARC), anovaginal angle (AVA) and anal canal length were determined at 18, 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum.

Results

Total ACV at rest increased from a mean of 10.17 cm3 at 18 weeks to 12.37 cm3 and 12.21 cm3 at 28 and 36 weeks, respectively (P = 0.001 and P = 0.010 vs. first measurement). For anal canal length, the corresponding mean measurements were 3.91 cm, 4.07 cm (P = 0.13) and 4.21 cm (P = 0.017). Postpartum, the mean total ACV was 10.86 cm3 and length was 3.90 cm (P = 0.10 and P = 0.70 vs. first measurement). No significant changes were observed in ARC and AVA during or after pregnancy. Compared to at‐rest status, the anal length significantly increased on voluntary squeeze (P = 0.007, 0.007, 0.022 and 0.004 at the four time points), while no differences in total ACV were observed. In mid‐pregnancy AVA significantly increased during squeeze (P = 0.006 and 0.002 at weeks 18 and 28, respectively).

Conclusion

Anal canal length and total ACV increase during pregnancy in women without previous delivery. Voluntary squeezing elongates the anal canal and increases the angle formed with respect to the direction of the vagina. During postpartum involution, the characteristics of the anal canal revert to those observed at 18 weeks of pregnancy. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarizable continuum model
Authors: Mennucci Benedetta
Published: January 2012

The polarizable continuum model (PCM) is a computational method originally formulated 30 years ago but still today it represents one of the most successful examples among continuum solvation models. Such a success is mainly because of the continuous improvements, both in terms of computational efficiency and generality, made by all the people involved in the PCM project. The result of these efforts is that nowadays, PCM, with all its different variants, is the default choice in many computational codes to couple a quantum–mechanical (QM) description of a molecular system with a continuum description of the environment. In this review, a brief presentation of the main methodological and computational aspects of the method will be given together with an analysis of strengths and critical issues of its coupling with different QM methods. Finally, some examples of applications will be presented and discussed to show the potentialities of PCM in describing the effects of environments of increasing complexity. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods