bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoforming of a PMMA transparency near glass transition temperature
Authors: Gilormini Pierre , Chevalier Luc , Régnier Gilles
Published: May 2010

To simulate the thermoforming of a transparency, constitutive equations are proposed for the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) near glass transition temperature, which include large deformations. In a first step, they are fitted on a set of uniaxial tension‐relaxation tests at various strain levels and strain rates. In a second step, their implementation in a finite element code is performed. Finally, the thermoforming of a transparency at a constant and uniform temperature is simulated and compared with experimental results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:2004–2012, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
A comparison of seven filling to packing switchover methods for injection molding
Authors: Kazmer David O. , Velusamy Suganya , Westerdale Sarah , Johnston Stephen , Gao Robert X.
Published: May 2010

The effectiveness of seven methods for controlling switchover from the filling to packing stage were investigated, including: (1) screw position, (2) injection time, (3) machine pressure, (4) nozzle pressure, (5) runner pressure near the sprue, (6) cavity pressure near the gate, and (7) cavity temperature at the end of flow. The activation threshold for each of the seven switchover methods was iteratively determined so as to produce similar part weights relative to a standard process. A design of experiments was implemented for each of the seven switchover methods that perturbs the process settings by an amount equal to six standard deviations of the standard process so as to replicate the expected long‐term process variation. The results suggest that conventional switchover methods (e.g., screw position) had lower short‐term variation, but other methods were more robust with respect to rejecting long‐term process variation. The merits of different dimensional measurements for quality control are also discussed relative to the society of the plastics industry (SPI) standard tolerances. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:2031–2043, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Exploration of the morphological transition phenomenon of polyaniline from microspheres to nanotubes in acid‐free aqueous 1‐propanol solution in a single polymerization process
Authors: Huang Yu‐Fong , Lin Chi‐Wen
Published: May 2010

Polyaniline micro‐ or nanostructures have been widely investigated due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Although several studies have reported the synthesis of polyaniline microspheres and nanotubes, their mechanisms of formation remain controversial. This study reports our observation of the morphological transition of polyaniline from microspheres to nanotubes in a single polymerization process and also tries to propose their mechanisms of formation. The polymerization of aniline monomer in acid‐free aqueous 1‐propanol solutions (1 and 2 mol L−1) produces polyaniline microspheres and nanotubes at different reaction stages through a morphology transition process with treatment using ultrasound. In the initial reaction stage, Fourier transform infrared spectra indicate that the aniline monomers form phenazine‐like units, producing polyaniline microspheres with an outside diameter of 1–2 µm. The hydrogen bonds between 1‐propanol and polyaniline serve as the driving force for the polyaniline chains to build microspheres. As the reaction continues, observation indicates the microspheres decompose and reform one‐dimensional nanotubes. In this stage, a structure consisting of a head of phenazine‐like units and a tail of acid‐doping para‐linked aniline units develops. The protonation of the para‐linked aniline units provides the driving force for the formation of nanotubes through a self‐curling process. We report here the unique morphology transition of polyaniline from microspheres to nanotubes in a single polymerization process. The results indicate that the structural change of polyaniline leads to this morphological change. The mechanisms of formation of the microspheres and nanotubes in a polymerization process are also well explained. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Referral patterns and psychosocial distress in cancer patients accessing a psycho‐oncology counseling service
Authors: Nekolaichuk Cheryl L. , Cumming Ceinwen , Turner Jill , Yushchyshyn Audrey , Sela Rami
Published: May 2010

Objective: One in three cancer patients will experience significant psychosocial distress, yet less than 10% will seek formal counseling. Who are the patients accessing counseling and what are their presenting needs? The purpose of this study was to identify referral patterns and psychosocial distress in cancer patients newly referred to a psycho‐oncology counseling service.

Methods: Consecutive new referrals were tracked over 1 year (n=361). On initial visit, 145 patients completed a demographic survey, Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18), Cancer Coping Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey.

Results: Approximately one in five newly referred patients never attended counseling, with a significant representation of men (p=0.016) and lung cancer patients (p=0.010). Of 361 referrals, 295 patients attended initial counseling, 259 were approached, and 145/259 (56%) completed the survey. Most were women (79%), urban‐dwelling (73%), diagnosed with non‐advanced cancer (72%), well‐educated (68%) and married (56%); average age of 52 years (SD=12.3). Two most common diagnoses were breast (36%) and genitourinary (14%) cancers. A total of 59% were significantly distressed (BSI‐18 global severity index T‐score⩾63) with less available social support than non‐distressed patients (p=0.022). Coping strategy use did not differ significantly between distressed and non‐distressed groups. Two of five patients were not significantly distressed.

Conclusions: Most cancer patients attending counseling are well‐educated urban residing women, with significant psychosocial distress. Further research is needed to better understand barriers and appropriate screening methods for accessing counseling, as well as the needs of men, advanced cancer patients, rural residents, and less well‐educated people. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermite Type Reactions of Different Metals with Iron‐Oxide and the Influence of Pressure
Authors: Weiser Volker , Roth Evelin , Raab Angelika , del Mar Juez‐Lorenzo Maria , Kelzenberg Stefan , Eisenreich Norbert
Published: May 2010

Thermite type reactions are usually used when high quantities of heat should safely be produced with low gas release. Stoichiometric samples of aluminium, magnesium and titanium particles in μm‐scale were mixed with iron(III) oxide and filled into small test tubes maintaining a constant bulk density. The metals were chosen regarding their heat release, melting and boiling point, the latter also important for the metal oxides. The samples were burnt in a window bomb pressurised from 0.1 to 13 MPa with nitrogen. The reaction was observed using a colour high‐speed camera equipped with a macro object lens and different fast scanning emission spectrometers in UV/Vis and NIR to determine burning velocity, emitting species and reaction temperatures. The residues were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). The samples burnt in a reproducible way at a linear regression rate. A strong influence of pressure on the burning velocity and reaction zone temperatures was observed. The burning velocity varied by a factor of 3 forming a maximum at a certain pressure that is characteristic to the type of metal. In correlation, temperatures varied by several hundred Kelvin. Results were discussed regarding the decomposition, melting and boiling behaviour also including thermodynamic equilibrium calculations resulting in a qualitative two‐step model of interacting and reacting droplets.
Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles allow detection of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation on greenhouse tomato plants
Authors: Miresmailli Saber , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard , Zamar Ruben H , Isman Murray B
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of insect populations is an important component of integrated pest management and typically is based on the presence and number of insects in various development stages. Yet plants respond to insect herbivory and release herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), which could be exploited in monitoring systems. The present objective was to investigate whether the information associated with HIPVs has potential to become part of advanced technologies for monitoring pest insect populations.

RESULTS: In a laboratory experiment, it was determined that tomato plants, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. clarence, each infested with 20 caterpillars of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), emit HIPVs, of which (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, (E)‐β‐ocimene and β‐caryophyllene were selected as chemicals indicative of herbivory. Using an ultrafast portable gas chromatograph (zNose™) in a research greenhouse and in a commercial greenhouse, it was possible (i) to reveal differential emissions of these three indicator chemicals from plants with or without herbivory, (ii) to detect herbivory within 6 h of its onset, (iii) to track changes in indicator chemical emissions over time and (iv) to study the effect of environmental and crop‐maintenance‐related factors on the emission of indicator chemicals.

CONCLUSION: HIPVs appear to be promising as reliable indicators of plant health, but further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of this concept. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Ab initio and DFT study of the electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of pyrene ligands and their cyclometalated complexes
Authors: Yang Bao‐Zhu , Zhou Xin , Liu Tao , Bai Fu‐Quan , Zhang Hong‐Xing
Published: May 2010

Two ligands 1‐diphenylphosphinopyrene (1‐PyP) (L1), 1,6‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐pyrene (1,6‐PyP) (L2) and their cyclometalated complexes [Pt(dppm)(1‐PyP‐H)]+ (1), [Pt2(dppm)2(1,6‐PyP‐H2)]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (2), and [Pd(dppe)(1‐PyP‐H)+ (dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) (3) are investigated theoretically to explore their electronic structures and spectroscopic properties. The ground‐ and excited‐state structures are optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) and single‐excitation configuration interaction method, respectively. At the time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) and B3LYP level, the absorption and emission spectra in solution are obtained. As revealed from the calculations, the lowest‐energy absorptions of 1 and 3 are attributed to the mixing ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (CT)/intraligand (IL)/ligand‐to‐ligand CT transitions, while that of 2 is attributed to the IL transition. The lowest‐energy phosphorescent emissions of the cyclometalated complexes are attributed to coming from the 3ILCT transitions. With the increase of the spin‐orbit coupling effect, the phosphorescence intensities and the emissions wavelength are correspondingly increased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical study with vibration–rotation and dipole moment calculations of quartet states of the CrCl molecule
Authors: Hamdan A. , Korek M.
Published: May 2010

The potential energy curves have been investigated for the 10 lowest quartet electronic states in the 2s+1Λ± representation below 30,000 cm−1 of the molecule CrCl via CASSCF and MRCI (singly and doubly excitation with Davidson correction) calculations. The harmonic frequency ωe, the internuclear distance re, the rotational constant Be, the electronic energy with respect to the ground state Te, and the permanent dipole moment μ have been calculated. By using the canonical functions approach, the eigenvalues Ev, the rotational constant Bv, and the abscissas of the turning points rmin and rmax have been calculated for the considered electronic states up to the vibrational level v = 19. Seven electronic states have been studied here theoretically for the first time. The comparison of these values to the theoretical results available in the literature shows a good agreement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Electronic structure and stability of C86 fullerene Isolated‐Pentagon‐Rule isomers
Authors: Khamatgalimov Ayrat R. , Kovalenko Valeri I.
Published: May 2010

All 19 Isolated‐Pentagon‐Rule isomers of fullerene C86 were investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods with B3LYP functional at 6‐31G, 6‐31G*, and 6‐31+G* levels. Preliminary distribution of single, double, and delocalized pi‐bonds in molecules of these isomers of fullerene C86 is fulfilled. Obtained results are perfectly supported by DFT quantum–chemical calculations of electronic and geometrical structures of these isomers. The main reason of instability of isomers 1, 3–15, 18, and 19 are phenalenyl‐radical substructures. Thus, there is a possibility to obtain them only as endohedral metallofullerenes or exohedral derivatives. Isomer 2 (C2) is unstable due to higher local molecular strain. It is shown that empty C86 may be produced and extracted only as isomers 16 (Cs) and 17 (C2). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Stable isotope ratios of carbon and hydrogen to distinguish olive oil from shark squalene‐squalane
Authors: Camin Federica , Bontempo Luana , Ziller Luca , Piangiolino Cristiana , Morchio Gianni
Published: May 2010

Squalene and its hydrogenated derivate squalane are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. The two compounds are mainly produced from the liver oil of deep sea sharks and from olive oil distillates. Squalene and squalane from shark cost less than the same compounds derived from olive oil, and the use of these shark‐derived compounds is unethical in cosmetic formulations. In this work we investigate whether 13C/12C and 2H/1H ratios can distinguish olive oil from shark squalene/squalane and can detect the presence of shark derivates in olive oil based products. The 13C/12C ratios (expressed as δ13C values) of bulk samples and of pure compounds measured using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) were significantly lower in authentic olive oil squalene/squalane (N: 13; −28.4 ± 0.5‰; −28.3 ± 0.8‰) than in shark squalene/squalane samples (N: 15; −20.5 ± 0.7‰; −20.4 ± 0.6‰). By defining δ13C threshold values of −27.4‰ and −26.6‰ for olive oil bulk and pure squalene/squalane, respectively, illegal addition of shark products can be identified starting from a minimum of 10%. 2H/1H analysis is not useful for distinguishing the two different origins.

δ13C analysis is proposed as a suitable tool for detecting the authenticity of commercial olive oil squalene and squalane samples, using IRMS interfaced to an elemental analyser if the purity is higher than 80% and IRMS interfaced to a gas chromatography/combustion system for samples with lower purity, including solutions of squalane extracted from cosmetic products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employing three ratio indices for ecological effect assessment of Manwan Dam construction in the Lancang River, China
Authors: Cui Baoshan , Hu Bo , Zhai Hongjuan
Published: May 2010

The Lancang River, located in the upper reach of the Mekong River, has attracted worldwide attention for the large‐scale development of hydropower on its main stream, In the paper, taking Manwan dam as a case study, we adopt emergy analysis method for three ratio indices, i.e. the emergy yield ratio (EYR), environmental loading ratio (ELR) and ecosystem index for sustainability (EIS), to analyse the beneficial contribution of dam construction and operation (DCP) to regional social system, and environmental pressure as well as sustainability of river ecosystem (reservoir area and downstream channel). Different from traditional researches, the loss for ecosystem service of terrestrial ecosystem around reservoir (STER) as a significant cost is integrated into holistic analysis for ecological effect of Manwan dam construction (DC). The result show that the emergy yield of river ecosystem after Manwan DC is equal to 4.58 × 1021 sej/yr, of which the majority is from electricity generation (4.52 × 1021 sej/yr), i.e. 98.7% of the total emergy yield. The gross emergy cost of the ecosystem in the Manwan reservoir area is 6.75 × 1020 sej/yr, with the primary one being derived from sediment deposition (3.72 × 1020 sej/yr), which accounts for 55.11% of the total emergy cost. The loss of STER (1.71 × 1020 sej/yr) follows and accounts for 25.33% of the total emergy cost. We conclude that no matter whether sediments and the loss of STER are included or not, EYR of present system after DC is higher than that of former system without DC, indicating that hydropower exploitation plays an important role in improvement of the emergy yield of regional system. However, the sediment deposition and loss of STER would result in a much higher environmental pressure (increased by 44.53 times) and a lower sustainability (the index decreased by 14.43 times) to the present system. Especially, this is an underestimated conclusion due to the limitation of data available without considering the emergy loss of ecological heritage and hydrological process as well as river continuum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reply to discussion of ‘Empirical vs natural weighting in random effects meta‐analysis’
Authors: Shuster Jonathan J. , Hatton Randy C. , Hendeles Leslie , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: May 2010

Three discussion papers raise interesting points, but at the end of the day, we continue to recommend that past meta‐analyses which have influenced public policy or clinical paradigms be reanalyzed by unweighted methods. For all future meta‐analyses that employ either (a) fixed effects where concomitant treatment and/or eligibility are diverse or (b) classical random effects weighted methods, unweighted methods should serve as the primary analysis. Other analyses would be reasonable as secondary approaches. Two commentaries suggest that weights are only random to the extent of estimation errors in the between study and within study variance components. We shall demonstrate that even if these components are known, there is still considerable random variability in the weights. In fact, methods that try to weight the estimates inversely proportional to the variance have a number of undesirable properties, including bias, incorrect standard errors, inconsistency (including coverage of confidence intervals), and counter‐intuitive properties that the expectation of the estimator changes both with the number of studies sampled and with constant multiples of sample size across all studies. These adverse properties do not exist for the unweighted approach. From the numerical example of phenylephrine 10 mg, despite the arguments of Waksman, the proper conclusion is that the collection of studies does not constitute evidence‐based support for efficacy in terms of lowering nasal airway resistance. In the final section, we present two compelling examples where questionable inferences were made, with potential major public implications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐component nonlinear mixed effects model for longitudinal data, with application to gastric emptying studies
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Cohen Noah D. , Roussel Allen , Wang Naisyin
Published: May 2010

Gastric emptying studies are of great interest in human and veterinary medical research to evaluate effects of medications or diets for promoting gastrointestinal motility and to examine unintended side‐effects of new or existing medications, diets, or procedures. Summarizing gastric emptying data is important to allow easier comparison between treatments or groups of subjects and comparisons of results among studies. The standard method for assessing gastric emptying is by using scintigraphy and summarizing the nonlinear emptying of the radioisotope. A popular model for fitting gastric emptying data is the power exponential model. This model can only describes a globally decreasing pattern and thus has the limitation of poorly describing localized intragastric events that can occur during emptying. Hence, we develop a new model for gastric emptying studies to improve population and individual inferences using a mixture of nonlinear mixed effects models. One mixture component is based on a power exponential model which captures globally decreasing patterns. The other is based on a locally extended power exponential model which captures both local bumping and rapid decay. We refer to this mixture model as a two‐component nonlinear mixed effects model. The parameters in our model have clear graphical interpretations that provide a more accurate representation and summary of the curves of gastric emptying pattern. Two methods are developed to fit our proposed model: one is the mixture of an Expectation Maximization algorithm and a global two‐stage method and the other is the mixture of an Expectation Maximization algorithm and the Monte Carlo Expectation Maximization algorithm. We compare our methods using simulation, showing that the two approaches are comparable to one another. For estimating the variance and covariance matrix, the second approach appears approximately more efficient and is also numerically more stable in some cases. Our new model and approaches are applicable for assessing gastric emptying in human and veterinary medical research and in many other biomedical fields such as pharmacokinetics, toxicokinetics, and physiological research. An example of gastric emptying data from equine medicine is used to demonstrate the advantage of our approaches. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are joint ventures positive sum games? The relative effects of cooperative and noncooperative behavior
Authors: Kumar M. V. Shyam
Published: May 2010

Are joint ventures (JVs) characterized mainly by cooperative behavior or noncooperative behavior? In this research, we address this question by examining the interrelationship between the values created for two partners when they announce a JV. We argue that, on average, if cooperative behavior and common benefits are more influential than noncooperative behavior and private benefits, there will be a positive association between the values created for the two partners. Conversely, if private benefits and noncooperative behavior are more influential, there will be a negative association as partners derive value at the expense of each other rather than by creating new opportunities through the JV. Using a sample of 344 JVs we find evidence of a positive association between the values created for the two partners after controlling for various factors. This suggests that the stock market perceives JVs to be positive sum games rather than zero sum games, and that value creation in JVs is mainly attributable to synergies rather than appropriation of resources. Our analysis also reveals other conditions under which cooperative behavior and noncooperative behavior become dominant, such as the strength of the resources of the two partners, product market competition, and JV experience. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing management theories: critical realist philosophy and research methods
Authors: Miller Kent D. , Tsang Eric W. K.
Published: May 2010

This study identifies the practical and philosophical difficulties associated with testing strategic management and organization theories. Working from a critical realist perspective, we affirm the importance of falsification and verification efforts for progress in theory development. We advocate a four‐step approach for advancing theory testing that prioritizes identifying and testing for the presence and effects of hypothesized causal mechanisms, rather than solely focusing on correlational methods to jointly test the set of effects composing a theoretical system. Going beyond prior critical realist writings, we provide practical guidance for deploying established research methods to test management theories. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer‐Cell‐Specific Induction of Apoptosis Using Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug‐Delivery Vectors
Authors: Rosenholm Jessica M. , Peuhu Emilia , Bate‐Eya Laurel Tabe , Eriksson John E. , Sahlgren Cecilia , Lindén Mika
Published: May 2010

Targeted delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate (MTX) to cancer cells using poly(ethyleneimine)‐functionalized mesoporous silica particles as drug‐delivery vectors is reported. Due to its high affinity for folate receptors, the expression of which is elevated in cancer cells, MTX serves as both a targeting ligand and a cytotoxic agent. Enhanced cancer‐cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) relative to free MTX is thus observed at particle concentrations where nonspecific MTX‐induced apoptosis is not observed in the nontargeted healthy cell line, while corresponding amounts of free drug affect both cell lines equally. The particles remain compartmentalized in endo‐/lysosomes during the time of observation (up to 72 h), while the drug is released from the particle only upon cell entry, thereby inducing selective apoptosis in the target cells. As MTX is mainly attached to the particle surface, an additional advantage is that the presented carrier design allows for adsorption (loading) of additional drugs into the pore network for therapies based on a combination of drugs.
Large luteinized follicular cyst of pregnancy
Authors: Mavromatidis G. , Sotiriadis A. , Dinas K. , Mamopoulos A. , Rousso D.
Published: May 2010

A large (165 × 235 × 250 mm) solitary, unilocular cyst with a thin, smooth wall and homogeneous anechoic content was detected during a routine ultrasound scan at 24 weeks of gestation in an asymptomatic 39‐year‐old woman with a singleton pregnancy. The cyst was aseptate, lacked mural blood flow and was not associated with ascites. It was located in the central abdominal area above and anterior to the uterus. Gradually increasing abdominal discomfort developed, and a laparotomy was performed at 27 weeks; the cyst was removed after aspiration of 6.3 L of serous fluid and the ipsilateral ovary was preserved. Pathological examination indicated a large luteinized follicular cyst of pregnancy. A healthy male infant was delivered vaginally at term. A rapidly enlarging ovarian mass in pregnancy poses significant diagnostic problems. Large luteinized cysts of pregnancy are uncommon and thought to involve stimulation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or increased tissue sensitivity to hCG. A literature search identified four previous cases that had been detected prenatally. With one exception, the cysts appeared to enlarge during pregnancy, eventually becoming symptomatic, and two previous cases also required removal of the cyst before birth. Adverse pregnancy outcome was only reported in one of the previous cases. In summary, large luteinized cysts of pregnancy are an uncommon type of cystic mass particular to pregnancy, characterized by the combination of a benign appearance and a tendency to enlarge rapidly, eventually becoming symptomatic and most often necessitating surgery. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Advantages, Shortcomings, and Existential Issues of Zhuangzi’s Use of Images
Authors: Zhaohui BAO
Published: May 2010

Zhuangzi is considered a creative poet-philosopher because of his use of imaginative images. He used the imaginative images of his system to construct the world of the Dao. He left the essence of material things as they are to speak for the mystery of existence itself, and let them express both the state of and the dream for human freedom. Zhuangzi’s way of using images shows his own lack of the understanding about images, and his lack of adequate assessments. He used images in accord with his own personal preferences and fixed characteristics. He also had a tendency to equate the Dao which he experienced in his mind with the Dao itself. These shortcomings limit his improving and understanding of the Dao, so that his Dao failed to become more open to a wider existence.
Time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy as a diagnostic instrument in head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Meier Jeremy D. , Xie Hongtao , Sun Yang , Sun Yinghua , Hatami Nisa , Poirier Brian , Marcu Laura , Farwell D. Gregory
Published: May 2010

Objective

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine differences in lifetime fluorescence between normal and malignant tissue of the upper aerodigestive tract, and 2) evaluate the potential of time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR‐LIFS) as a diagnostic instrument for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University‐based medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Nine patients with suspected HNSCC were included. In the operating room, a nitrogen pulse laser (337 nm, 700‐picosecond pulse width) was used to induce tissue autofluorescence of normal tissue and suspected malignant lesions. Spectral intensities and time‐domain measurements were obtained and compared with the histopathology at each site. A total of 53 sites were measured. The fluorescence parameters that provided the most discrimination were determined.

Results

Differences in spectral intensities allowed for discrimination between malignant and normal tissue. The spectral intensity of malignant tissue was lower than that of normal tissue, and a shift of peak intensity to a longer wavelength was observed in the normalized spectrum of malignant tissue in the range of 360 to approximately 660 nm. Multiple time‐resolved fluorescence parameters provided the best diagnostic discrimination between normal tissue and carcinoma, including average lifetimes (i.e., at 390 nm: 1.7 ± 0.06 ns [not significant] for normal and 1.3 ± 0.06 ns for tumor, P = 0.0025) and the second‐order Laguerre expansion coefficient (LEC‐2) (i.e., at 460 nm: 0.135 ± 0.001 for normal and 0.155 ± 0.007 for tumor, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings highlight some of the differences in lifetime fluorescence between normal and malignant tissue. TR‐LIFS has potential as a noninvasive diagnostic technique for HNSCC.
Lymphatic malformations: Current cellular and clinical investigations
Authors: Perkins Jonathan A. , Manning Scott C. , Tempero Richard M. , Cunningham Michael J. , Edmonds Joseph L. , Hoffer Fredric A. , Egbert Mark A.
Published: May 2010

Objective

Summarize current knowledge of lymphatic malformation development, biology, and clinical outcome measures.

Methods

Panel presentation of lymphatic malformation biology and measurement of head and neck malformation treatment outcomes.

Results

Characterization of lymphatic malformation endothelial and stromal cells may lead to biologically based treatment. Traditionally, lymphatic malformation treatment outcomes have been measured according to reduction of malformation size. Currently, methods to measure functional outcomes following lymphatic malformation treatment are lacking. This is particularly apparent when the malformation directly involves the upper aerodigestive tract.

Conclusions

The etiology and pathogenesis of head and neck lymphatic malformations are poorly understood, but understanding is improving through ongoing investigation. Reduction of lymphatic malformation size is generally possible, but further work is necessary to optimize methods for measuring therapeutic outcomes in problematic areas.
Historical Knowledge and Quantitative Analysis: The Case of the Origins of Proportional Representation
Authors: KREUZER MARCUS
Published: May 2010

Political scientists commonly draw on history but often do not read actual historians carefully. This limited engagement with historians, and with contextual information more generally, contributes to a loss of historical knowledge that can undermine the validity of quantitative analysis. This article makes this argument by means of an examination of the qualitative evidence underlying the important quantitative arguments about the origins of electoral systems advanced by Carles Boix and by Thomas Cusack, Torben Iversen, and David Soskice. The article explores how their respective attention to historical knowledge affects the quality of their data, the plausibility of their hypotheses, and, ultimately, the robustness of their statistical findings. It also analyzes how such knowledge sheds new light on the causal direction between institutions and their economic effects.
Electoral Markets, Party Strategies, and Proportional Representation
Authors: BOIX CARLES
Published: May 2010

Following Kreuzer's (2010) methodological pleas, I first reflect, at the conceptual level, on the ways in which historical research and political science should be related to each other. I then apply some of those considerations to examine two key “moments” in the theory (and history) of institutional choice that I first presented in Boix (1999): the underlying conditions that shaped the interests of different parties toward proportional representation, and the process through which those interests were translated into actual legislative decisions.
Differences in sheep and goats milk fatty acid profile between conventional and organic farming systems
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Kotrotsios Vaios , Hadjigeorgiou Ioannis , Zervas George
Published: May 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in chemical composition and particularly in fatty acid (FA) profile, with emphasis oncis-9,trans-11 CLA, of milk obtained from conventional and organic dairy sheep and goats farms under the farming conditions practiced in Greece. Four dairy sheep and four dairy goat farms, representing common conventional production systems and another four dairy sheep and four dairy goat farms, organically certified, representing organic production and feeding systems were selected from all over Greece. One hundred and sixty two individual milk samples were collected from those farms in January–February 2009, about three months after parturition. The milk samples were analyzed for their main chemical constituents and their FA profile. The results showed that the production system affected milk chemical composition: in particular fat content was lower in the organic sheep and goats milk compared with the corresponding conventional. Milk from organic sheep had higher content in MUFA, PUFA, α-LNA,cis-9,trans-11 CLA, and ω-3 FA, whereas in milk from organic goats α-LNA and ω-3 FA content was higher than that in conventional one. These differences are, mainly, attributed to different feeding practices used by the two production systems. The results of this study show that the organic milk produced under the farming conditions practiced in Greece has higher nutritional value, due to its FA profile, compared with the respective conventional milk.
On fluid flows in precessing narrow annular channels: asymptotic analysis and numerical simulation
Authors: ZHANG KEKE , KONG DALI , LIAO XINHAO
Published: May 2010

We consider a viscous, incompressible fluid confined in a narrow annular channel rotating rapidly about its axis of symmetry with angular velocity Ω that itself precesses slowly about an axis fixed in an inertial frame. The precessional problem is characterized by three parameters: the Ekman number E, the Poincaré number ε and the aspect ratio of the channel Γ. Dependent upon the size of Γ, precessionally driven flows can be either resonant or non-resonant with the Poincaré forcing. By assuming that it is the viscous effect, rather than the nonlinear effect, that plays an essential role at exact resonance, two asymptotic expressions for ε ≪ 1 and E ≪ 1 describing the single and double inertial-mode resonance are derived under the non-slip boundary condition. An asymptotic expression describing non-resonant precessing flows is also derived. Further studies based on numerical integrations, including two-dimensional linear analysis and direct three-dimensional nonlinear simulation, show a satisfactory quantitative agreement between the three asymptotic expressions and the fuller numerics for small and moderate Reynolds numbers at an asymptotically small E. The transition from two-dimensional precessing flow to three-dimensional small-scale turbulence for large Reynolds numbers is also investigated.
Outcome of surgical closure of nasal septal perforation
Authors: Wong S , Raghavan U
Published: May 2010

Objective:

To assess success rates and symptom control after surgical treatment of nasal septal perforation.

Method:

A prospective study was undertaken of 28 consecutive patients with symptomatic nasal septal perforation treated surgically by one surgeon between 2005 and 2007. All patients underwent an open rhinoplasty approach with bilateral superior and inferior nasal mucosal advancement flaps and acellular porcine collagen placed in between. Symptom severity was assessed pre- and post-operatively using a validated visual analogue score. The nasal valve angle was assessed pre- and post-operatively by two independent assessors.

Results:

Patients comprised 12 women and 16 men, with a mean age of 45 years (range: 21–76). The mean follow up was 16 months (range: 6–24). The mean vertical and horizontal diameters of the perforations were 22 mm (range: 10–35) and 27 mm (range: 10–37), respectively. Twenty-seven (96 per cent) patients had complete closure of nasal septal perforation. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-operative mean visual analogue scale scores for epistaxis (p < 0.001), crusting (p < 0.001), whistling (p < 0.001) and nasal obstruction (p < 0.001). Epistaxis, crusting and whistling resolved in all patients, and 92 per cent reported improvement in nasal blockage.

Conclusion:

Closure of nasal septal perforation using an open rhinoplasty approach with nasal mucosal advancement flaps and a porcine collagen sandwich is a pertinent and reliable technique for the management of nasal septal perforation.
Maxillary sinusitis of dental origin due to oroantral fistula, treated by endoscopic sinus surgery and primary fistula closure
Authors: Hajiioannou J , Koudounarakis E , Alexopoulos K , Kotsani A , Kyrmizakis D E
Published: May 2010

Aim:

To present the current treatment approach for oroantral fistula causing maxillary sinusitis.

Design:

Case series. Four cases of oroantral fistula (diameters: 6, 9, 11 and 13 mm) due to chronic maxillary sinusitis were treated by excision of all diseased oroantral fistula tissue, followed by endoscopic creation of a large middle antrostomy and closure of the fistula using buccal flaps. A synthetic surgical glue and local alveolar bone were used.

Results:

Patients were followed up for six months to three years; all were considered cured.

Conclusion:

Most surgeons use buccal or palatal flaps, combined with the Caldwell–Luc procedure, to treat chronic odontogenic sinusitis and to repair fistulae more than 5 mm in diameter. This study supports the hypothesis that an endoscopic technique could be successfully used in patients with oroantral fistula causing chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin, instead of the Caldwell–Luc procedure, at least in patients with a small to medium-sized oroantral fistula.
Tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to chemical trauma: is there a place for planned conservative management?
Authors: Biswas D , Majumdar S , Ray J , Bull P
Published: May 2010

Objective:

We present a unique case in which closure of a large tracheoesophageal fistula was achieved with planned conservative management.

Method:

The literature was reviewed for other documented cases of spontaneous closure of traumatic tracheoesophageal fistula.

Results:

Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula may result secondary to a chemical burn from an alkaline disc battery impacted in the oesophagus, particularly when the presentation, and thus diagnosis, are delayed. This condition is rare. The majority of such cases occur in children, and are conventionally managed with surgical repair. We found only three previously reported cases in which conservative management was attempted.

Conclusion:

Non-interventional management should be tried initially for the management of paediatric acquired tracheoesophageal fistula, to permit closure by secondary intention.
Long-term stenting for chronic frontal sinus disease: case series and literature review
Authors: Hunter B , Silva S , Youngs R , Saeed A , Varadarajan V
Published: May 2010

Objective:

The frontal sinus outflow tract consists anatomically of narrow channels prone to stenosis. Following both endonasal and external approach surgery, up to 30 per cent of patients suffer post-operative re-stenosis of the frontal sinus outflow tract, with recurrent frontal sinus disease. This paper proposes the surgical placement of a long-term frontal sinus stent to maintain fronto-nasal patency, as an alternative to more aggressive surgical procedures such as frontal sinus obliteration and modified Lothrop procedures.

Design:

We present a series of three patients with frontal sinus disease and significant co-morbidity, the latter making extensive surgery a significant health risk. We also review the relevant literature and discuss the use of long-term frontal sinus stenting.

Results:

These three cases were successfully treated with long-term frontal sinus stenting. Stents remained in situ for a period ranging from 48 to over 60 months.

Conclusion:

Due to the relatively high failure rates for both endonasal and external frontal sinus surgery, with a high post-operative incidence of frontal sinus outflow tract re-stenosis, long-term stenting is a useful option in carefully selected patients.
Potential distribution around a charged dust grain in an electronegative plasma
Authors: SHUKLA P. K. , STENFLO L.
Published: May 2010

The potential distribution around a charged dust grain in an electronegative plasma is obtained by using the appropriate dielectric susceptibilities for the Boltzmann distributed electrons and negative ions, and for the inertial positive ions that are streaming from the bulk plasma into the electronegative plasma sheath. The existence of oscillatory ion wakefields is shown. Positive ions are trapped/focused in the ion wakefields, and subsequently the negative dust particles are attracted to each other, forming ordered dust structures.
A closed-form algorithm for the least-squares trilateration problem
Authors: Zhou Yu
Published: May 2010

Trilateration is the most adopted external reference-based localization technique for mobile robots, given the correspondence of external references. The nonlinear least-squares trilateration formulation provides an optimal position estimate from a general number (greater than or equal to the dimension of the environment) of reference points and corresponding distance measurements. This paper presents a novel closed-form solution to the nonlinear least-squares trilateration problem. The performance of the proposed algorithm in dealing with erroneous inputs of reference points and distance measurements has been analyzed through representative examples. The proposed trilateration algorithm has low computational complexity, high operational robustness, and reduced systematic error and uncertainty in position estimation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been further verified through an experimental test.
Fragmented authority from Ancien Régime to modernity: a quantitative analysis
Authors: DINCECCO MARK
Published: May 2010

This paper performs a systematic analysis that examines institutional fragmentation in terms of customs tariffs within states west of the Rhine from 1700 to 1815 and between states east of the Rhine from 1815 to 1871. Internal customs zones are measured in two ways: physical size and urban population. Both methods use 175 sample cities as described by De Vries (1984) in England, France, the Netherlands, and Spain as the basic unit of account. The results indicate that customs zones west of the Rhine were small prior to the French Revolution but grew dramatically from 1789 onwards. They thus provide definitive evidence of divided authority in Ancien Régime Europe. The measurement of external customs zones uses 117 sample cities in the German and Italian territories. The findings indicate a remarkable degree of institutional consolidation between states east of the Rhine over the 1800s.
Firms as social actors
Authors: ADELSTEIN RICHARD
Published: May 2010

This essay asks what firms are, whether they are ‘real’ social actors, and whether their actions can be traced without remainder to the actions of living people or whether there is some irreducible aspect of their existence or operation that must be attributed to the organization itself. It describes firms as ongoing, multilateral relational contracts from whose operation – that is, from performance over time by specific individuals in the roles and relationships defined by the contract – emerge the firm's idiosyncratic routines and capabilities. It emphasizes the role of entrepreneurs in the creation of firms and the close dependence of organizational capabilities on human performance, and argues that this account is consistent with a reasonable individualism that allows for social outcomes to be determined by the actions and interaction of individuals. It then proposes that firms are nonethelessinstitutional factsand thus ontologically subjective but epistemically objective components of reality, and concludes with directions for future work.
Maternal supplementation with vitamin A or β-carotene and cardiovascular risk factors among pre-adolescent children in rural Nepal
Authors: Stewart C. P. , Christian P. , Katz J. , Schulze K. J. , Wu L. S. F. , LeClerq S. C. , Shakya T. R. , Khatry S. K. , West K. P.
Published: May 2010

Vitamin A plays an important role in fetal renal and cardiovascular development, yet there has been little research on its effects on cardiovascular risk factors later in childhood. To examine this question, we followed the children of women who had been participants in a cluster-randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of weekly supplementation with 7000 μg retinol equivalents of preformed vitamin A or 42 mg of β-carotene from 1994 to 1997 in rural Nepal. Women received their assigned supplements before, during and after pregnancy. Over a study period of 3 years, 17,531 infants were born to women enrolled in the trial. In 2006–2008, we revisited and assessed 13,118 children aged 9–13 years to examine the impact of maternal supplementation on early biomarkers of chronic disease. Blood pressure was measured in the entire sample of children. In a subsample of 1390 children, venous blood was collected for plasma glucose, Hb1Ac and lipids and a morning urine specimen was collected to measure the ratio of microalbumin/creatinine. Detailed anthropometry was also conducted in the subsample. The mean ±s.d.systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 97.2 ± 8.2 and 64.6 ± 8.5 mm Hg, respectively, and about 5.0% had high-blood pressure (⩾120/80 mm Hg). The prevalence of microalbuminuria (⩾30 mg/g creatinine) was also low at 4.8%. There were no differences in blood pressure or the risk of microalbuminuria between supplement groups. There were also no group differences in fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides or cholesterol. Maternal supplementation with vitamin A or β-carotene had no overall impact on cardiovascular risk factors in this population at pre-adolescent age in rural Nepal.