bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐ and three‐dimensional sonographic diagnosis of fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix: A case report
Authors: Lu Man , Kakani Nirmal , Romagnoli Cesare , Yue Linxian , Xiong Wen , An Shaoyu , Song Bin
Published: January 2012

Fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix is a rare condition characterized by focal dilatation of the umbilical vein of the fetus. We report a case of fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix associated with additional sonographic abnormalities and detected at 31 weeks' gestation. Several follow‐up sonographic examinations were performed, and the prenatal findings were confirmed on postnatal ultrasound. The diagnosis was facilitated by the use of three‐dimensional power Doppler sonography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012;
Keeping the Peace—Police Behaviour at a Mass Event
Authors: Rosander Michael , Guva Gunilla
Published: January 2012

This study examined the collective behaviour of the police during a football match at the 2006 Football World Cup. What peacekeeping and aggravating processes could be identified and what were their consequences? Data were collected using observation and field interviews. Some critical situations could have escalated into riots; however, the police showed trust in the majority of the supporters' intentions to be peaceful. Distrust was reserved for selected individuals who were under surveillance. This, together with tactics involving using different forces for different tasks and an overall organisational strategy focusing on the festivity of the event, was the main reason for the peaceful outcome. A friendly but firm approach was successful in keeping the peace. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrastructure of the larval eye of the scorpionfly Panorpa dubia (mecoptera: Panorpidae) with implications for the evolutionary origin of holometabolous larvae
Authors: Chen Qingxiao , Li Tao , Hua Baozhen
Published: January 2012

The evolutionary origin of holometabolous larvae is a long‐standing and controversial issue. The Mecoptera are unique in Holometabola for their larvae possessing a pair of compound eyes instead of stemmata. The ultrastructure of the larval eyes of the scorpionfly Panorpa dubia Chou and Wang, 1981 was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Each ommatidium possesses a cornea, a tetrapartite eucone crystalline cone, eight retinula cells, two primary pigment cells, and an undetermined number of secondary pigment cells. The rhabdomeres of the eight retinula cells form a centrally‐fused, tiered rhabdom of four distal and four proximal retinula cells. The rhabdomeres of the four distal retinula cells extend distally into a funnel shape around the basal surface of the crystalline cone. Based on the similarity of the larval eyes of Panorpidae to the eyes of the hemimetabolous insects and the difference from the stemmata of the holometabolous larvae, the evolutionary origin of the holometabolous larvae is briefly discussed. Morphol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant triton tumors—complete surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy associated with improved survival
Authors: McConnell Yarrow J. , Giacomantonio Carman A.
Published: January 2012

Background

Malignant triton tumors (MTT) are a rare form of peripheral nerve sheath tumors that follows a particularly aggressive course. Given its rarity, only case reports and small series of patients have been published.

Methods

A Pubmed search was conducted (1966–2009) using the terms “triton tumor,” “rhabdomyosarcoma,” and “malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.” The reference lists of retrieved articles were searched. Cases were included when the diagnosis was clear, the patient underwent surgery, and follow‐up data were available. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for predictors of positive resection margin, local recurrence/progression, development of metastases, and mortality.

Results

A total of 124 cases were included. The overall 5‐year survival was 14% and the median time to death was 13 months. The overall local recurrence/progression rate was 50% and the median time to recurrence/progression was 6 months. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, positive margin status (HR 2.2, P = 0.01), local recurrence/progression (HR 3.1, P = 0.003), and development of metastases (HR 2.6, P = 0.003) were associated with mortality. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with improved survival (HR 0.4, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Complete surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy should be the cornerstones of treatment for MTT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:51–56. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytic lymph node number establishes staging accuracy by occult tumor burden in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hyslop Terry , Weinberg David S. , Schulz Stephanie , Barkun Alan , Waldman Scott A.
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives

Recurrence in lymph node‐negative (pN0) colorectal cancer suggests the presence of undetected occult metastases. Occult tumor burden in nodes estimated by GUCY2C RT‐qPCR predicts risk of disease recurrence. This study explored the impact of the number of nodes analyzed by RT‐qPCR (analytic) on the prognostic utility of occult tumor burden.

Methods

Lymph nodes (range: 2–159) from 282 prospectively enrolled pN0 colorectal cancer patients, followed for a median of 24 months (range: 2–63), were analyzed by GUCY2C RT‐qPCR. Prognostic risk categorization defined using occult tumor burden was the primary outcome measure. Association of prognostic variables and risk category were defined by multivariable polytomous and semi‐parametric polytomous logistic regression.

Results

Occult tumor burden stratified this pN0 cohort into categories of low (60%; recurrence rate (RR) = 2.3% [95% CI 0.1–4.5%]), intermediate (31%; RR = 33.3% [23.7–44.1%]), and high (9%; RR = 68.0% [46.5–85.1%], P < 0.001) risk of recurrence. Beyond race and T stage, the number of analytic nodes was an independent marker of risk category (P < 0.001). When >12 nodes were analyzed, occult tumor burden almost completely resolved prognostic risk classification of pN0 patients.

Conclusions

The prognostic utility of occult tumor burden assessed by GUCY2C RT‐qPCR is dependent on the number of analytic lymph nodes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:24–30. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minimally invasive approach for the management of the leaking tracheoesophageal puncture
Authors: Shuaib Stefan W. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Knott Jodi K. , Lewin Jan S. , Kupferman Michael E.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

An enlarging tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) site after total laryngectomy is associated with substantial functional, hygienic, and potentially life‐threatening problems. The enlarged TEP is challenging to manage. TEP injection (TEP‐I) for control of the enlarged puncture site may be beneficial in avoiding surgery. Our study reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients at a single institution with enlarged TEP treated by office‐based TEP‐I.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Chart review of eight patients who had an enlarged TEP with leakage around the prosthesis treated with TEP‐I after attempted customization of voice prostheses. Patient demographics and treatments were reviewed, and injection efficacy was evaluated by the duration of leakage resolution.

Results:

Eight patients underwent 20 TEP‐I procedures. The average duration of leak resolution after each injection was 174.5 days. There were no complications. Six patients required custom modifications of the voice prosthesis to control TEP leakage after TEP‐I, and all patients resumed their baseline speech and swallowing function. There was a trend toward an increase in number of injections among patients with N+ disease, disease recurrence, a history of irradiation and secondary TEP. No patients required surgical closure of the TEP.

Conclusions:

Office‐based TEP‐I is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with an enlarged TEP site who have failed more conservative measures. A history of irradiation, disease recurrence, secondary TEP, and high‐volume neck disease were predictive of multiple injections. Further study is warranted to accurately identify patients who may benefit from TEP‐I to control leakage around the TEP.
The oncology of otology
Authors: Gidley Paul W. , Thompson Christopher R. , Roberts Dianna B. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe the population of patients with malignancy affecting the ear canal and temporal bone.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

The charts of 157 patients with temporal bone cancer were reviewed for clinical outcomes.

Results:

Between 1999 and 2009, 157 patients underwent temporal bone surgery for cancer involving the ear canal (n = 25), external ear with ear canal involvement (n = 26), periauricular skin (n = 40), parotid gland (n = 40), temporal bone (n = 13), and lateral skull base (n = 13). All surgeries involved one or more otologic approaches: mastoidectomy (28.0%), lateral temporal bone resection (TBR) (59.2%), subtotal TBR (2.5%), total TBR (3.2%), transtemporal approach (TTA) to the jugular foramen (8.2%), TTA to the middle fossa (5.7%), and TTA to the infratemporal fossa (3.2%). Cancers of the cartilaginous ear canal were managed with wide local excision of canal skin and cartilage in nine patients (5.7%). A combination of approaches was performed in 32 patients (20.4%). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 58.0%. Patients whose disease was limited to the ear canal had significantly better overall survival than did patients who had skull base primaries (P = .02989), periauricular skin cancer (P = .00138), or temporal bone tumors (P = .02598). Patients with parotid tumors also had better overall survival than did those with periauricular skin tumors (P = .02357).

Conclusions:

Otologic surgery plays an important role in managing cancers that involve the ear canal, temporal bone, or lateral skull base. The specialty of otologic oncology is emerging as a defined area of practice.
Botulinum toxin in the treatment of facial synkinesis and hyperkinesis
Authors: Filipo Roberto , Spahiu Irma , Covelli Edoardo , Nicastri Maria , Bertoli Gian Antonio
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Facial synkinesis and hyperkinesis commonly impair the outcome of facial nerve palsy. Botulinum toxin type A has shown positive results in the treatment of these symptoms. Our experience is reported in this article.

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Methods:

Forty‐one patients affected by facial synkinesis and hyperkinesis due to facial palsy were treated. The etiology of the facial palsy was: 28 Bell's palsy cases, nine iatrogenic cases (seven acoustic neuroma surgeries, one tympano‐jugular glomus tumor removal, and one middle ear surgery), three herpes zoster virus cases, and one case of Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome. Botulinum toxin type A was used in the treatment. Clinical evaluation was obtained through the Sunnybrook Grading Scale and an author's modification of this method purposely designed for evaluation of hyperkinesis. Further evaluation through a self‐administered synkinesis questionnaire was also performed.

Results:

All patients showed some improvement of synkinesis and hyperkinesis after treatment. The mean values of the data obtained, regardless of the method of evaluation, gave statistically significant results. Correlation between objective and subjective evaluation methods was also statistically positive.

Conclusions:

This work stresses the importance of considering synkinesis and hyperkinesis separately because they are different conditions. These two symptoms showed improvement after botulinum toxin treatment, but only hyperkinesis showed a positive correlation when objective and subjective evaluations were performed. This treatment is effective in the management of facial synkinesis and hyperkinesis due to facial palsy, thus improving quality of life. It is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that can be repeated.
Incidence of laryngospasm and bronchospasm in pediatric adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Orestes Michael I. , Lander Lina , Verghese Susan , Shah Rahul K.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate and describe airway complications in pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design:

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods:

A chart review of patients that underwent adenotonsillectomy between 2006 and 2010 was performed. Perioperative complications, patient characteristics, and surgeon and anesthesia technique were recorded.

Results:

A total of 682 charts were reviewed. Eleven cases (1.6%) of laryngospasm were identified: one was preoperative, seven occurred in the operating room postextubation, and three occurred in the recovery area. Four patients were given succinylcholine, one was reintubated, and the other cases were managed conservatively. Mean age of patients with laryngospasm was 5.87 years (standard deviation [SD], 4.01; 1.9–15.8 years). There were 12 cases (1.8%) of bronchospasm; all were treated with nebulized albuterol. Mean age of patients with bronchospasm was 5.81 years (SD, 4.17; 1.8–14.1 years). Overall, 22 patients required antiemetics (3.3%), 19 required albuterol (2.9%), and five required racemic epinephrine (0.8%). Compared to the children without airway complications, there was no difference in age, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, length of surgery, need for admission, and anesthesia technique in those that had laryngospasm. Patients with bronchospasm, compared to the patients without complications, had faster surgeries (P < .05), were more likely to have underlying asthma (P < .05), and were more likely to be admitted (P < .05). There were no unexpected admissions or other morbidities.

Conclusions:

The rates of laryngospasm (1.6%) and bronchospasm (1.8%) are significantly lower than reported in the literature, reflecting refinements in modern anesthesia/surgical technique. Knowledge of at‐risk patients can facilitate planning to potentially reduce the incidence of perioperative airway complications during adenotonsillectomy.
Saccular cysts: A current review of characteristics and management
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Smith Libby J.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review a large cohort of adult saccular cyst patients and update current management of saccular cysts.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of treatment of adult patients with saccular cysts.

Methods:

Medical records were reviewed of all adult patients with saccular cysts identified between July 1, 2005 and August 31, 2009 at a tertiary care voice center.

Results:

Sixteen patients were identified. All complained of dysphonia. Saccular cysts were predominantly left‐sided (62.5%). The majority were anterior (85.7%); 14.3% were combined anterior/lateral. There were no isolated lateral saccular cysts. Surgical intervention was performed in 13 patients (81%); 100% were endoscopic. No patient required an external approach. Two patients recurred (15%), both within 2 months, and were managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

Saccular cyst is uncommonly encountered but can cause debilitating or even life‐threatening symptoms. Over time, management of these lesions has changed dramatically. With current, improved endoscopic techniques, most saccular cysts can be managed endoscopically with great success rates, often without the need for an external approach.
Posterior pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency patients: A New Technique for Flap Inset
Authors: Emara Tarek Abdelzaher , Quriba Amal Saeed
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe a modification of the originally described superiorly based pharyngeal flap as a secondary operation to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in patients with nonsyndromic repaired cleft palate.

Study Design:

Prospective clinical trial at university medical center.

Methods:

Twenty‐six patients with VPI after cleft palate repair underwent a modified posterior pharyngeal flap procedure. Patients with submucous cleft palate or associated with syndromic VPI or Pierre Robin sequence were excluded from the study. Flap was harvested high up in the nasopharynx and inserted into the soft palate through a transverse full‐thickness palatal incision. Lateral pharyngeal ports were determined by 45‐degree nasoendoscopy. Speech assessment was done preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The flap integrity and lateral pharyngeal ports were evaluated with postoperative nasoendoscopy.

Results:

Postoperative speech assessment showed significant improvement in the overall velopharyngeal function, nasal emission, resonance, and articulation defects. The pattern of velopharyngeal closure was circular in 15 patients, coronal in six patients, and sagittal in five patients. Eighteen patients received medium to wide flap, five patients had narrow flap, and three patients had near obstructing flap. Velopharyngeal function was normal or borderline insufficiency in 24 patients (92%). Partial flap dehiscence was seen in two patients and was considered as failure despite the significant improvement in their preoperative VPI.

Conclusions:

The minimal complication and ease of flap design with precise flap inset make this modified superior flap technique easily applicable with a high success rate for patients with VPI after cleft palate repair.
Hypertrophied tonsils impair velopharyngeal function after palatoplasty
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Mosaad
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

When tonsillar hypertrophy obstructing the airway is encountered in a child with a repaired cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency, the surgeon may opt for tonsillectomy to relieve the airway obstruction, with possible effects on velopharyngeal closure. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hypertrophied tonsils on velopharyngeal function in children with repaired cleft palate and to measure the effect of tonsillectomy on velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance.

Study Design:

Case series.

Methods:

Twelve children with repaired cleft palate and tonsillar hypertrophy underwent tonsillectomy to relieve airway obstruction. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function was performed. Auditory perceptual assessment of speech and nasalance scores were measured, and velopharyngeal closure was evaluated by flexible nasopharyngoscopy.

Results:

Preoperative impairment of velopharyngeal function was detected. However, significant postoperative improvement of speech parameters (hypernasality, nasal emission of air, and weak pressure consonants measured with auditory perceptual assessment) was achieved, and the overall postoperative nasalance score was improved significantly for nasal and oral sentences. Reduction of velopharyngeal gap size was detected after removal of hypertrophied tonsils. Although the improvement of velopharyngeal closure was not significant, three cases demonstrated complete postoperative closure with no gap.

Conclusions:

Hypertrophied tonsils may impair velopharyngeal function in children with repaired cleft palate, and tonsillectomy is beneficial for such patients as it can improve the velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance. Secondary corrective surgery may be avoided in some cases after tonsillectomy.
Laryngeal mask airway versus endotracheal tube in pediatric adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Sierpina David I. , Chaudhary Hamad , Walner David L. , Villines Dana , Schneider Karen , Lowenthal Marissa , Aronov Yuri
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Evaluation of safety and postoperative outcomes of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) during pediatric tonsil surgery compared to use of the endotracheal tube (ETT).

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

A population‐based sample of 117 patients ages 2 to 18 years requiring adenotonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or tonsillectomy was studied. Evaluation forms covering 36 safety, surgery duration, and patient comfort variables were given to the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and phase I and phase II recovery nurses to collect data on the intra‐ and postoperative course. A phone survey was conducted 24 hours after surgery.

Results:

At the α level following Bonferroni correction, LMA showed less coughing or gagging during the anesthesia phase for all surgeries combined (48% for ETT vs. 20% for LMA; χ2 = 10.153, P = .002), and for ETT nontonsillectomy vs. LMA nontonsillectomy (48% for ETT vs. 3% for LMA; χ2 = 15.196, P = .000), spontaneous ventilation was used more often in the LMA group when comparing all surgeries (χ2 = 19.493, P = .000), and when comparing ETT tonsillectomy and LMA tonsillectomy (χ2 = 11.131, P = .000).

Conclusions:

Use of the LMA during pediatric tonsil surgery does not appear to have any major disadvantages compared to use of the ETT. In fact, analysis of safety, comfort, complications, and postoperative problems suggests that LMA may be superior for some outcome variables such as coughing and gagging. Use of spontaneous ventilation is more common among LMA patients, although the significance of this finding is uncertain.
Differential management of scaphocephaly
Authors: Tatum Sherard A. , Jones Lamont R. , Cho Minji , Sandu Ranjit
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objective of this study was to review the outcomes of scaphocephaly management. We hypothesized that differential treatment of scaphocephaly based on age at correction and degree of severity yields consistently satisfying results while reducing the operative morbidity.

Study Design:

Retrospective patient record review.

Methods:

Three cranial vault–remodeling procedures with varying levels of aggressiveness (limited‐access, partial, and total cranial‐vault remodeling) were performed on patients with scaphocephaly from 1995 to 2010. More‐aggressive procedures were performed on older patients and patients having more‐severe deformities. Patient records were reviewed for age, weight, blood loss, and length of hospital stay, and cephalic indices (CIs) were calculated from computed tomography scans and clinical photographs.

Results:

Fifty‐one patients underwent surgery for scaphocephaly during the study period. The average estimated blood volume fraction lost was 0.41. The average length of hospital stay was 4.49 days. Pre‐ and postoperative CIs were calculable for 36 patients. The average preoperative CI was 68.7. The average postoperative CI was 79.3, for an average operative change of 15%. The three procedures had statistically different values for average length of stay. A trend was suggested for estimated blood loss and volume fraction lost. There was no statistically significant difference in CI outcomes.

Conclusions:

This study supports the concept of a proportionate response in the management of scaphocephaly. Less‐aggressive procedures do not yield less‐desirable results when properly selected to match the clinical situation of the individual patient.
Lateral oropharyngeal wall and supraglottic airway collapse associated with failure in sleep apnea surgery
Authors: Soares Danny , Sinawe Hadeer , Folbe Adam J. , Yoo George , Badr Safwan , Rowley James A. , Lin Ho‐Sheng
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To identify patterns of airway collapse during preoperative drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) as predictors of surgical failure following multilevel airway surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Study Design:

Retrospective clinical chart review.

Methods:

Medical records of patients who underwent site‐specific surgical modification of the upper airway for treatment of OSHAS were reviewed. Patients were included in this study if they had a preoperative airway evaluation with DISE as well as preoperative and postoperative polysomnography. Airway obstruction on DISE was described according to airway level, severity, and axis of collapse. Severe airway obstruction was defined as >75% collapse on endoscopy. Surgical success was described as a postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of <20 and a >50% decrease in preoperative AHI.

Results:

A total of 34 patients were included in this study. The overall surgical success rate was 56%. Surgical success (n = 19) and surgical failure (n = 15) patients were similar with regard to age, gender, body mass index, preoperative AHI, Friedman stage, adenotonsillar grades, and surgical management. DISE findings in the surgical failure group demonstrated greater incidence of severe lateral oropharyngeal wall collapse (73.3% vs. 36.8%, P = .037) and severe supraglottic collapse (93.3% vs. 63.2%, P = .046) as compared to the surgical success group.

Conclusions:

The presence of severe lateral pharyngeal wall and/or supraglottic collapse on preoperative DISE is associated with OSAHS surgical failure. The identification of this failure‐prone collapse pattern may be useful in preoperative patient counseling as well as in directing an individualized and customized approach to the treatment of OSHAS.
Liver transplantation in septuagenarians receiving model for end-stage liver disease exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma: The national experience#*
Authors: Schwartz Jason J. , Pappas Lisa , Thiesset Heather F. , Vargas Gabriela , Sorensen John B. , Kim Robin D. , Hutson William R. , Boucher Kenneth , Box Terry
Published: January 2012

Current liver allocation policy in the United States grants liver transplant candidates with stage T2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a priority Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 22, regardless of age. Because advanced age may portend an increase in all-cause mortality after transplantation for any diagnosis, the aim of this study was to examine overall posttransplant survival in elderly patients with HCC versus younger cohorts. Based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data, Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival rates were compared. Recipients undergoing primary liver transplantation were stratified into cohorts based on age (<70 or ≥70 years) and the receipt of MELD exception points for HCC. Log-rank and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical comparisons. In 2009, 143 transplants were performed for patients who were 70 years old or older. Forty-two percent of these patients received a MELD exception for HCC. Regardless of the diagnosis, the overall survival rate was significantly attenuated for the septuagenarians versus the younger cohort. After 5 years of follow-up, this disparity exceeded 10% to 15% depending on the populations being compared. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 88.4%, 83.2%, 79.6%, 76.1%, and 72.7%, respectively, for the patients who were younger than 70 years and 81.1%, 73.8%, 67.1%, 61.9%, and 55.2%, respectively, for the patients who were 70 years old or older. Five-year survival was negatively affected for patients with HCC who were younger than 70 years; this disparity was not observed for patients with HCC who were 70 years old or older. In conclusion, although patients who are 70 years old or older compose a small fraction of transplant recipients in the United States, patients in this group undergoing transplantation for HCC form an even smaller subset. Overall, transplantation in this age group yields outcomes inferior to those for younger cohorts. However, unlike patients who are less than 70 years old and receive MELD exception points, overall liver transplant survival is not affected by HCC at an advanced age. Liver Transpl 18:423–433, 2012. © 2011 AASLD.
Sea urchin spermatozoa generate at least two reactive oxygen species; the type of reactive oxygen species changes under different conditions
Authors: Kazama Makoto , Hino Akiya
Published: January 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause oxidative stress and act as signal transduction molecules in many cells. Spermatozoa from several mammals generate ROS, which are involved in male infertility and signaling during capacitation. In the present study, we investigated ROS generation by sea urchin spermatozoa at the initiation of motility, during dilution with seawater, and following egg jelly treatment. In seawater containing an ROS indicator, 5‐(and 6‐)chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM‐H2DCFDA), fluorescence increased after the addition of spermatozoa. The ROS generation rate was dependent upon the dilution ratio and respiratory rate of the spermatozoa. Spermatozoa in sodium‐free seawater did not increase fluorescence, but fluorescence did increase with the addition of NaCl. Sodium chloride also led to the initiation of sperm motility and respiration. Using the indicator MitoSOX Red, ROS generation was detected from spermatozoa exposed to egg jelly dissolved in seawater, but not in normal seawater. Moreover, the respiratory inhibitor antimycin A prevented CM‐H2DCFDA‐detectable ROS and increased MitoSox‐detectable ROS at a higher concentration. These findings revealed that the ROS generated were of different species, possibly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (${\rm O}_{{\rm 2}}^{- } $), and their detected levels were altered by egg jelly. We concluded that sea urchin spermatozoa generate at least two species of ROS depending on the physiological conditions to which they are exposed. It is possible that the major ROS from sea urchin spermatozoa changes during the course of fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 283–295, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo waveguide elastography of white matter tracts in the human brain
Authors: Romano Anthony , Scheel Michael , Hirsch Sebastian , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf
Published: January 2012

White matter is composed primarily of myelinated axons which form fibrous, organized structures and can act as waveguides for the anisotropic propagation of sound. The evaluation of their elastic properties requires both knowledge of the orientation of these waveguides in space, as well as knowledge of the waves propagating along and through them. Here, we present waveguide elastography for the evaluation of the elastic properties of white matter tracts in the human brain, in vivo, using a fusion of diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance elastography, spatial‐spectral filtering, a Helmholtz decomposition, and anisotropic inversions, and apply this method to evaluate the material parameters of the corticospinal tracts of five healthy human volunteers. We begin with an Orthotropic inversion model and demonstrate that redundancies in the solution for the nine elastic coefficients indicate that the corticospinal tracts can be approximated by a Hexagonal model (transverse isotropy) comprised of five elastic coefficients representative of a medium with fibers aligned parallel to a central axis, and provides longitudinal and transverse wave velocities on the order of 5.7 m/s and 2.1 m/s, respectively. This method is intended as a new modality to assess white matter structure and health by means of the evaluation of the anisotropic elasticity tensor of nerve fibers. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multigrid methods for two‐player zero‐sum stochastic games
Authors: Akian Marianne , Detournay Sylvie
Published: January 2012

We present a fast numerical algorithm for large scale zero‐sum stochastic games with perfect information, which combines policy iteration and algebraic multigrid methods. This algorithm can be applied either to a true finite state space zero‐sum two‐player game or to the discretization of an Isaacs equation. We present numerical tests on discretizations of Isaacs equations or variational inequalities. We also present a full multilevel policy iteration, similar to full multigrid algorithm (FMG), which allows one to improve substantially the computation time for solving some variational inequalities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerizable ionic liquids for the preparation of polystyrene/clay composites
Authors: Pucci Andrea , Liuzzo Vincenzo , Melai Bernardo , Pomelli Christian Silvio , Chiappe Cinzia
Published: January 2012

Polymerizable ionic liquids (ILs) 1‐methyl‐3‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)imidazolium chloride, 1‐hexyl‐3‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)imidazolium chloride and 1‐dodecyl‐3‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)imidazolium chloride were prepared and used as new surfactants for the modification of montmorillonite (MMT). Functionalized MMTs were prepared by cationic exchange between sodium MMT and each of the ILs. Polystyrene (PS)/MMT composites were subsequently prepared by in situ intercalative free radical polymerization of styrene containing dispersed organophilic MMT. Exfoliation of MMT in the PS matrix was achieved only for MMT functionalized with the 1‐dodecyl‐3‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)imidazolium‐based IL as revealed by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The exfoliated composites showed good transparency and higher decomposition temperature than virgin polymer matrix, particularly pronounced under air atmosphere (ΔTmax = 66 °C), data comparable to or even greater than those reported in the literature for exfoliated PS nanocomposites. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
3‐D optical modeling of thin‐film silicon solar cells on diffraction gratings
Authors: Isabella Olindo , Solntsev Serge , Caratelli Diego , Zeman Miro
Published: January 2012

An effective rigorous 3‐D optical modeling of thin‐film silicon solar cells based on finite element method (FEM) is presented. The simulation of a flat single junction thin‐film silicon solar cell on thick glass (i.e., superstrate configuration) is used to validate a commercial FEM‐based package, the High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). The results are compared with those of the reference software, Advanced Semiconductor Analysis (ASA) program, proving that the HFSS is capable of correctly handling glass as an incident material within very timely, short, and numerically stable calculations. By using the HFSS, we simulated single junction thin‐film silicon solar cells on glass substrates textured with one‐dimensional (1‐D) and two‐dimensional (2‐D) trapezoid‐shaped diffraction gratings. The correctness of the computed results, with respect to an actual device, is discussed, and the impact of different polarizations on spectral response and optical losses is examined. From the simulations carried out, optimal combinations for period and height in both 1‐D and 2‐D grating configurations can be indicated, leading to short‐circuit current percentage increase with respect to a flat cell of, respectively, 25.46% and 32.53%. With very limited computer memory usage and computational time in the order of tens of minutes for a single simulation, we promote the usage of 3‐D FEM as a rigorous and efficient way to simulate thin‐film silicon solar cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making visible teacher reports of their teaching experiences: The Early Childhood Teacher Experiences Scale
Authors: Fantuzzo John , Perlman Staci , Sproul Faith , Minney Ashley , Perry Marlo A. , Li Feifei
Published: January 2012

The study developed multiple independent scales of early childhood teacher experiences (ECTES). ECTES was co‐constructed with preschool, kindergarten, and first grade teachers in a large urban school district. Demographic, ECTES, and teaching practices data were collected from 584 teachers. Factor analyses documented three teacher experience constructs: Teacher Efficacy, Job Stress, and School Support. Findings showed differences in teaching practices based on ECTES dimensions in hypothesized directions. Teachers experiencing higher levels of stress spent less time teaching literacy and numeracy and interacting with parents, whereas teachers experiencing higher levels of efficacy spent increased time teaching both cognitive skills and social‐emotional skills and communicating with parents. Analyses of program differences in these measures showed that first grade teachers reported the highest level of stress and that kindergarten and Head Start teachers were more likely to feel efficacious than were first grade teachers or other preschool teachers in child care settings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of the mystery motivator and theGet 'Em On Taskinterventions for off‐task behaviors
Authors: Kraemer Elisabeth E. , Davies Susan C. , Arndt Kelli Jo , Hunley Sawyer
Published: January 2012

Attending to instruction is a critical behavior for academic success. Many elementary school teachers, however, identify disruptive and inattentive classroom behaviors as key barriers to students' successful educational performance. This study examined the impact of two class‐wide positive behavior support programs. The Mystery Motivator andGet 'Em On Taskinterventions were implemented in an alternating treatments design with fifth grade participants to decrease off‐task behaviors. Results indicated that both interventions effectively decreased off‐task behavior at the class‐wide level. Implications and suggestions for future research on evidence‐based behavioral interventions are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselective synthesis of fully protected (2S,4S,6S)‐2‐amino‐6‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐8‐oxodecanoic acid (AHMOD)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Xiangpeng , Ding Ning , Li Yingxia
Published: January 2012

The stereocontrolled synthesis of fully protected (2S,4S,6S)‐2‐amino‐6‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐8‐oxodecanoic acid was accomplished using a glutamate derivative as starting material. The key steps of this stereochemical synthetic pathway involved an Evans asymmetric alkylation, a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, and a Grignard reaction. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of counter‐ions in synthetic peptides by ion chromatography, capillary isotachophoresis and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Mrozik Wojciech , Markowska Aleksandra , Guzik Łukasz , Kraska Bartłomiej , Kamysz Wojciech
Published: January 2012

The utility of three various analytical techniques [ion chromatography (IC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and isotachophoresis (ITP)] was tested in the determination of counter‐ions in synthetic peptides. The analyzed ions were acetates, trifluoroacetates and chlorides. IC provided the best results; CE, except limit of detection and limit of quantification, exhibited the comparable results. ITP was classified as the less useful because of the problem with the determination of the chloride ions. Nevertheless, all the three techniques were able to analyze trifluoroacetates and acetates ions with satisfactory results. Except analytical methods, three procedures using hydrochloric acid (HCl) (at two different concentrations) and acetic acid as sample solvents processed by lyophilization were tested. It has been found that the lyophilization not only by HCl but also by acetic acid is a simple and cheap procedure for removal of toxic trifluoroacetic counter‐ions from peptides on satisfactory levels. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, evaluation and molecular modeling of cyclic tetrapeptide histone deacetylase inhibitors as anticancer agents
Authors: Huang Dawei , Li Xiaohui , Sun Lei , Xiu Zhilong , Nishino Norikazu
Published: January 2012

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a promising class of anticancer agents. To examine whether a slight change in the recognition domain could alter their inhibitory activity, we synthesized a series of cyclo(−l‐Am7(S2Py)‐Aib‐l‐Phe(n‐Me)‐d‐Pro)derivatives and evaluated their HDAC inhibitory and anticancer activities. The peptides exhibited potent HDAC inhibitory activity and inhibited three human cancer cell lines with IC50 in the micromolar range. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to explore the interaction mechanisms of class I and II HDACs with these inhibitors. It revealed that the zinc ion in the active site coordinated five atoms of HDACs and the sulfur atom of the inhibitor. The metal binding domains of these compounds interacted with HDAC2, and the surface recognition domains of these compounds interacted with HDAC4 through hydrogen bonding. The hydrophobic interactions also provided favorable contributions to stabilize the complexes. The results obtained from this study would be helpful for us to design some novel cyclic tetrapeptides that may act as potent HDACIs. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Robustness Approach to Reliability
Authors: Johannesson Pär , Bergman Bo , Svensson Thomas , Arvidsson Martin , Lönnqvist Åke , Barone Stefano , de Maré Jacques
Published: January 2012

Reliability of products is here regarded with respect to failure avoidance rather than probability of failure. To avoid failures, we emphasize variation and suggest some powerful tools for handling failures due to variation. Thus, instead of technical calculation of probabilities from data that usually are too weak for correct results, we emphasize the statistical thinking that puts the designers focus on the critical product functions.

Making the design insensitive to unavoidable variation is called robust design and is handled by (i) identification and classification of variation, (ii) design of experiments to find robust solutions, and (iii) statistically based estimations of proper safety margins.

Extensions of the classical failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) are presented. The first extension consists of identifying failure modes caused by variation in the traditional bottom–up FMEA analysis. The second variation mode and effect analysis (VMEA) is a top–down analysis, taking the product characteristics as a starting point and analyzing how sensitive these characteristics are to variation.

In cases when there is sufficient detailed information of potential failure causes, the VMEA can be applied in its most advanced mode, the probabilistic VMEA. Variation is then measured as statistical standard deviations, and sensitivities are measured as partial derivatives. This method gives the opportunity to dimension tolerances and safety margins to avoid failures caused by both unavoidable variation and lack of knowledge regarding failure processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐Stage Reliability Sampling Plans with Bogey Tests
Authors: Jang J. S. , Ahn J. J. , Kim C. M.
Published: January 2012

This article considers the design of two‐stage reliability test plans. In the first stage, a bogey test was performed, which will allow the user to demonstrate reliability at a high confidence level. If the lots pass the bogey test, the reliability sampling test is applied to the lots in the second stage. The purpose of the proposed sampling plan was to test the mean time to failure of the product as well as the minimum reliability at bogey. Under the assumption that the lifetime distribution follows Weibull distribution and the shape parameter is known, the two‐stage reliability sampling plans with bogey tests are developed and the tables for users are constructed. An illustrative example is given, and the effects of errors in estimates of a Weibull shape parameter are investigated. A comparison of the proposed two‐stage test with corresponding bogey and one‐stage tests was also performed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotational capacity of castellated steel beams
Authors: Daryan Amir Saedi , Sadri Mohammadreza , Saberi Hamid , Saberi Vahid , Moghadas Ahmad Baleh , Karimlu Mohammadjavad
Published: January 2012

This paper numerically studies the behavior of castellated beams with two simply supported ends under moment gradient loading and investigates the effect of beam and braced lengths on rotational capacity of castellated beams. To assure the ability of numerical models in predicting the complex behavior (especially at the location of opening) as well as the failure modes, numerical models of two experimentally tested specimens are developed. Comparison of force–displacement curves and failure modes shows that neglecting the boundary condition of the specimens, the numerical method can properly predict the behavior of castellated beams. All geometrical properties of the beams are the same as the study parameters so that the finite element model of the corresponding plain‐webbed beams can be easily created by filling the web openings in castellated beams. The accuracy of finite element models of plain‐webbed beams is evaluated by comparing the moment–rotation behavior with that of numerical models developed by other researchers. Rotational capacity of castellated beams derived from numerical models is compared with that of the corresponding I‐shaped plain‐webbed steel beams, and it is observed that in the case of short beams, web openings reduce energy absorption and plastic moment capacity of the beams compared with that of long ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of cerebellar contributions to cognition in humans
Authors: Bellebaum Christian , Daum Irene , Suchan Boris
Published: January 2012

The role of the human cerebellum in cognitive processes is the subject of ongoing debate. On the basis of neuroanatomical findings of closed cerebro‐cerebellar loops in monkeys, which originate not only in motor but also in nonmotor regions of the cerebral cortex, this article addresses mechanisms of the involvement of the human cerebellum in two well‐studied cognitive domains, executive function, working memory in particular, and associative learning, with special emphasis on the nature of a potential cerebellar contribution to these cognitive processes. The uniform organization of cortico‐cerebellar connections suggests parallels in cerebellar information processing in motor‐ and nonmotor contexts. Taking into account recent models on cerebellar function, it is suggested that the main contribution of the cerebellum to motor as well as to cognitive tasks may be to provide accurate predictions of future sensations, actions, and events. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:171–184. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1161

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition
Object‐based attention: strategy versus automaticity
Authors: Shomstein Sarah
Published: January 2012

This article begins with a description of space‐ and object‐based guidance of attentional selection. It goes on to discuss the most influential, two‐rectangle, paradigm for demonstrating the existence of space‐ and object‐based attentional effects. The article then considers two different mechanisms, attentional spreading and attentional prioritization, that can potentially explain how object representations come to guide attentional selection. Finally, it discusses several empirical findings that have emerged in support of the two different mechanisms. It concludes by putting forth a new framework for investigating object‐based effects. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:163–169. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1162

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention
Effects of browsing by sika deer (Cervus nippon) on subalpine vegetation at Mt. Kita, central Japan
Authors: Nagaike Takuo
Published: January 2012

The effects of browsing by sika deer (Cervus nippon) on subalpine vegetation (Betula forests and tall grasslands) were investigated in the South Alps National Park, Japan. The browsing ratio (the number of browsed quadrats to the number of quadrats occurring in each plot) was significantly higher in Betula forests than in grasslands. A significant negative correlation was found between the browsing ratio and some species diversity indices (number of species and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index) in the Betula forests, but not in grasslands. The frequency of occurrence and the number of preferred browse species were significantly higher in Betula forests than in grasslands. Browsing was not always the most serious on the most frequent vegetation. For example, Polemonium caeruleum L. subsp. yezoense var. nipponicum, which is listed as vulnerable on Japan's red list of threatened species and was low in occurrence in Betula forests compared to grasslands, was more browsed in Betula forests than in grasslands. Less frequently occurring species subjected to more browsing could easily disappear. The disappearance of such species would exert a strong effect on the species pool in the area.