bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of laryngeal premalignant lesions in the netherlands
Authors: Fleskens Stijn A.J.H.M. , van der Laak Jeroen A.W.M. , Slootweg Pieter J. , Takes Robert P.
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the current clinical management of laryngeal mucosal premalignant lesions (LMPLs) among otorhinolaryngologists working in university hospitals (tertiary referral centers) and nonuniversity hospitals (secondary referral centers) in The Netherlands. Then to compare the investigated practice with the results published in the literature.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

A survey was conducted to assess the management of LMPLs. The questionnaire consisted of a systematic series of figures representing the initial presentation of a patient with a leukoplakic lesion at 12 different anatomical locations. The study group consisted of otorhinolaryngologists at all eight tertiary referral centers in The Netherlands (n = 22) and a random selection of otorhinolaryngologists (n = 25) from secondary referral centers throughout the country.

Results:

Comparing the initial management (surgical excision versus biopsy) preferred by otorhinolaryngologists at tertiary referral centers with that preferred by those at secondary referral centers, significant differences were found for seven anatomical locations. Notable differences were observed concerning the treatment of glottic lesions and the management of mild to moderate dysplasia after biopsy. Among the different tertiary referral centers, no uniform preference in management was noticed.

Conclusions:

There are significant differences in the management of LPMLs between otorhinolaryngologists at tertiary and secondary referral centers, depending on the location and histopathology of the lesions. Consensus on and development of guidelines concerning the management of LMPLs could be useful to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of these lesions. Laryngoscope, 2010
Inferior nasal turbinate wound healing after submucosal radiofrequency tissue ablation and monopolar electrocautery: Histologic study in a sheep model
Authors: Gouveris Haralampos , Nousia Christina , Giatromanolaki Alexandra , Riga Maria , Katotomichelakis Michael , Ypsilantis Petros , Sivridis Efthimios , Danielides Vassilios
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To study differences in inferior nasal turbinate (INT) mucosal and submucosal wound‐healing histology after radiofrequency tissue ablation (RTA) and monopolar electrocautery (MEC).

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

Experimental study in sheep. Using hematoxylin‐ and eosin‐stained sections, stromal fibrosis, submucosal interstitial space volume (ISV), mucosal epithelial cell necrosis, submucosal inflammation, and vascularization in inferior turbinate samples were compared after RTA and MEC. Twelve turbinate samples were studied for each technique after 1, 3, and 8 weeks postoperatively (four samples at each time point) and there were five samples of controls. A 4‐point semiquantitative histologic grading scale (0 = absence, 1 = mild, 2 = medium, 3 = pronounced) was used to assess changes. Comparisons were performed using the Mann‐Whitney test and the Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

At postoperative week 8, the RTA group had more extensive fibrosis (P = .061) and ISV reduction (P = .127), less epithelial cell necrosis (P = .131), and significantly less submucosal inflammation (P = .036) and vascularization (P = .011) compared with the MEC group. Epithelial cell necrosis and submucosal inflammation at week 8 did not differ significantly between RTA and control group (P = 1.000 and P = .356, respectively). A significant decrease in submucosal layer vascularization in RTA‐treated INTs has been observed (P = .003 compared with controls).

Conclusions:

RTA is more effective (although not significantly) and less invasive than MEC for INT volume reduction. Tissue damage and wound healing were dominated by inflammation and associated epithelial cell necrosis in MEC and by a disturbance in the INT submucosal microcirculation in RTA in the studied sheep model. Laryngoscope, 2010
Powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with selective stenting
Authors: Callejas Claudio A. , Tewfik Marc A. , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To compare surgical outcomes of primary powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with selective or routine silicone stenting in anatomic and functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).

Study Design:

Prospective nonrandomized cohort study with historical control group.

Methods:

Thirty‐one consecutive primary powered endoscopic DCR procedures with selective stenting were performed for anatomic or functional NLDO. No stenting was used unless a tight Rosenmuller valve was appreciated when probing nasolacrimal system during surgery. Nasolacrimal system irrigation, dacryocystography, and lacrimal scintigraphy were used for preoperative assessment. Success was defined as absence of symptoms and patent nasolacrimal system. Comparisons were made with a historical cohort of 31 consecutive primary powered endoscopic DCR procedures with routine stenting.

Results:

The overall success rate was 79% (49/62), with 96.3% (26/27) success for anatomic and 65.7% (23/35) for functional NLDO. Success rates for anatomic NLDO were 100% (8/8) with selective stenting and 94.7% (18/19) with routine stenting (P > .05). Success rates for functional NLDO were 60.9% (14/23) with selective stenting and 75% (9/12) with routine stenting (P > .05). In the selective stenting group, 2/8 of the anatomic obstructions and 8/23 of the functional obstructions required stents.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that there is no difference in surgical outcomes of primary powered endoscopic DCR with selective or routine stenting in both anatomic and functional NLDO. We advocate a selective stenting approach for primary endoscopic DCR, whereby stents are only inserted when a tight common canaliculus opening is found during surgery. Laryngoscope, 2010
An electron microscopic study—Correlation of gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Park Sanghoon , Chun Hoon Jai , Keum Bora , Uhm Chang‐Sub , Baek Seung‐Kuk , Jung Kwang‐Yoon , Lee Sung Joon
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) originates from regurgitation of gastric contents, a mechanism seemingly identical to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some researchers postulate a connection between LPR and GERD, whereas some assert LPR is a disease apart from GERD. We examined symptoms of GERD from LPR patients, and performed gastrointestinal endoscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate GERD findings from these patients.

Study Design:

Prospective study at an academic tertiary care center.

Methods:

Control subjects had no symptoms or signs of LPR/GERD. LPR was diagnosed with a Reflux Symptom Index >13 and Reflux Finding Score >7, and were questioned for GERD‐related symptoms and examined with esophagogastroduodenoscopy, then allocated into either an LPR without GERD or LPR with GERD group. Esophageal tissues were obtained from the squamocolumnar junction and managed for TEM, and the intercellular space (IS) was measured to find dilatation, a characteristic GERD finding.

Results:

About 30% (8/26) of LPR patients showed GERD‐related symptoms, connecting LPR with the GERD group. Most of the LPR patients showed grossly normal endoscopic findings. On TEM, IS of control group (n = 15) was measured as 0.35 ± 0.27 μm, whereas the LPR without GERD group (n = 18) and LPR with GERD group (n = 8) revealed a dilated IS of 0.61 ± 0.47 μm and 0.95 ± 0.44 μm, respectively. This difference was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The mean IS of LPR was significantly increased, suggesting common pathogenesis between LPR and GERD. Laryngoscope, 2010
Laryngoscopy of vocal fold paralysis: Evaluation of consistency of clinical findings
Authors: Rosow David E. , Sulica Lucian
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Laryngoscopy is the principal tool for the clinical assessment of vocal fold paralysis (VFP). Yet no consistent, unified vocabulary to describe laryngoscopic findings exists, compromising the evaluation and comparison of cases, outcomes, and treatment. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate laryngoscopic findings in VFP for inter‐ and intra‐rater consistency.

Study Design:

Prospective survey‐based study.

Methods:

Half‐minute excerpts from stroboscopic exams of 22 patients with VFP were mailed to 22 fellowship‐trained laryngologists. Each reviewer was sent exams in randomized order, with three random repeats included to determine intra‐rater reliability. Twelve laryngoscopic criteria were assessed and recorded on preprinted sheets. Eleven criteria were binary in nature (yes/no); glottic insufficiency was rated on a four‐point scale (none/mild/moderate/severe). Raters were blinded to clinical history, each other's ratings, and to their own previous ratings. Inter‐rater agreement was calculated by Fleiss' kappa.

Results:

Twenty reviewers (91%) replied. Intra‐rater reliability by reviewer ranged from 66% to 100% and by laryngoscopic criterion from 77% to 100%. Of the laryngoscopic criteria used, glottic insufficiency (κ = 0.55), vocal fold bowing (κ = 0.49), and salivary pooling (κ = 0.45) showed moderate agreement between reviewers. Arytenoid stability (κ = 0.1), arytenoid position (κ = 0.12), and vocal fold height mismatch (κ = 0.12) showed poor agreement. The remainder showed slight to fair agreement.

Conclusions:

Inter‐rater agreement on commonly used laryngoscopic criteria is generally fair to poor. Glottic insufficiency, vocal fold bowing, and salivary pooling demonstrated the most agreement among responding laryngologists. These findings suggest a need for a standardized descriptive scheme for laryngoscopic findings in VFP. Laryngoscope, 2010
Head and neck radiotherapy compliance in an underserved patient population
Authors: Sethi Rajni A. , Stamell Emily F. , Price Leah , DeLacure Mark , Sanfilippo Nicholas
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Compliance to intensive multiweek radiation therapy (RT) regimens in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is challenging, particularly among medically underserved patients with fewer financial and social resources. Treatment prolongation reduces local control and overall survival rates, making adherence to treatment a key factor in optimal outcome. We evaluated factors affecting compliance in medically underserved patients who received RT for HNC in a large municipal hospital setting in New York City.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Treatment records of patients treated between July 2004 and August 2008 were reviewed. Number of and reasons for missed treatments were identified. Several demographic, toxicity, and treatment variables were analyzed for impact on compliance.

Results:

Eighty consecutive HNC patients who underwent RT with a 5‐ to 7‐week regimen were identified. Thirty‐two patients (40%) missed no treatments, 36 (45%) missed one to six treatments, six (8%) missed seven to 14 treatments, two (3%) missed more than 14 treatments, and four (5%) did not complete treatment. Reasons for missed treatments were hospitalization (31% of events) and toxicity (20%). Patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube were more likely to miss treatments (P = .01, χ2 test). No other variable showed a significant association with missed treatments (χ2 test).

Conclusions:

Intensive RT for HNC can be delivered with very good adherence within a medically underserved population. Eighty‐five percent of patients completed treatment with 0 to 6 days of interruption. Efforts to further improve adherence in this population are ongoing. Laryngoscope, 2010
Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in septorhinoplasty
Authors: Angelos Patrick C. , Wang Tom D.
Published: June 2010

Objectives:

Review the literature on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection following septorhinoplasty, identify patient groups at risk for MRSA complications following septorhinoplasty, and evaluate the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in these patients.

Discussion:

Patients who are susceptible to MRSA infections may also be at higher risk for nasal colonization, and this includes elderly patients, patients recently hospitalized or treated in a rehabilitation center, and healthcare workers. Few cases of MRSA infection following septorhinoplasty have been reported in the literature. Prevention of nosocomial and postsurgical MRSA infections has been well studied, and it seems that elimination of nasal colonization is a major step in preventing these infections.

Conclusions:

Patients at increased risk for MRSA colonization should be screened prior to septorhinoplasty and if positive treated with antibiotic prophylaxis consisting of elimination of nasal carriage prior to surgery. Perioperative systemic antibiotic use should be considered, especially in revision cases. Laryngoscope, 2010
Histological differences between the mucosa on the medial and lateral sides of the normal uncinate process
Authors: She Wenyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Han Demin , Zhang Luo
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine whether histological differences exist between the medial and lateral sides of the normal mucosa of the uncinate process (UP).

Study Design:

Retrospective histological analysis.

Methods:

Twenty UPs from the nasal cavities of 17 patients with no evidence of sinus disease were harvested during endoscopic sinus surgery. The dissected mucosa was stained with hematoxylin and eosin, chromotrope 2R, alcian blue–periodic acid‐Schiff, and toluidine blue.

Results:

The thickness of the nasal mucosa was significantly greater on the medial side of the UPs than on the lateral side (173 ± 72 μm vs. 157 ± 14 μm). The thickness of the basement membrane of the lamina propria of the mucosa was significantly greater on the medial side of the UPs than on the lateral side (2.8 ± 2.5 μm vs. 0.8 ± 1.0 μm). The thickness of the epithelium was greater on the lateral side than on the medial side (14 ± 3 μm vs. 12 ± 3 μm). The area of mucous glands was larger on the medial side than on the lateral side (43 ± 13 × 10−2 mm2 vs. 33 ± 12 × 10−2 mm2). Meanwhile, the number of mast cells (4.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.2) and goblet cells (23.1 ± 12.3 vs. 10.5 ± 10.2) were both found to be higher on the lateral side than on the medial side.

Conclusions:

There are histological differences between the mucosa on the medial and lateral sides of the normal UP. Laryngoscope, 2010
Human papillomavirus‐active head and neck cancer and ethnic health disparities
Authors: Weinberger Paul M. , Merkley Mark A. , Khichi Sunny S. , Lee Jeffrey R. , Psyrri Amanda , Jackson Lana L. , Dynan William S.
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Mortality for black males with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is twice that of white males or females. Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐active HNSCC, defined by the concurrent presence of high‐risk type HPV DNA and host cell p16INK4a expression, is associated with decreased mortality. We hypothesized that prevalence of this HPV‐active disease class would be lower in black HNSCC patients compared to white patients.

Study Design:

Multi‐institutional retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods:

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate for high‐risk HPV DNA presence. Immunohistochemistry for p16INK4a protein was used as a surrogate marker for HPV oncoprotein activity. Patients were classified as HPV‐negative (HPV DNA‐negative, p16INK4a low), HPV‐inactive (HPV DNA‐positive, p16INK4a low), and HPV‐active (HPV DNA‐positive, p16INK4a high). Overall survival and recurrence rates were compared by Fisher exact test and Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Results:

There were 140 patients with HNSCC who met inclusion criteria. Self‐reported ethnicity was white (115), black (25), and other (0). Amplifiable DNA was recovered from 102/140 patients. The presence of HPV DNA and the level of p16INK4a expression were determined, and the results were used to classify these patients as HPV‐negative (44), HPV‐inactive (33), and HPV‐active (25). Patients with HPV‐active HNSCC had improved overall 5‐year survival (59.7%) compared to HPV‐negative and HPV‐inactive patients (16.9%) (P = .003). Black patients were less likely to have HPV‐active disease (0%) compared to white patients (21%) (P = .017).

Conclusions:

The favorable HPV‐active disease class is less common in black than in white patients with HNSCC, which appears to partially explain observed ethnic health disparities. Laryngoscope, 2010
Central auditory processing deficiency with anatomic deficit in left superior temporal lobe
Authors: Grindle Christopher R. , O'Reilly Robert C. , Morlet Thierry , Finden Stephen
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Describe the clinical presentation and treatment of a patient with central auditory processing deficiency associated with an anatomic deficit in the left superior temporal lobe.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods:

We report a case and the treatment of an 8‐year‐old boy with abnormal speech development and auditory processing disorder who was found to have a large cystic lesion of his left superior temporal lobe.

Results:

An otherwise healthy 8‐year old male presented to our department with a history of abnormal speech development. He began acquiring speech at a normal rate until 18 months of age, when he stopped speaking and reverted to unintelligible babbling. At approximately 3 years of age, he began to re‐acquire speech at a normal rate, beginning where he had stopped 18 months earlier. Upon work‐up, it was discovered that he had a 2.7 × 2.9 × 4.5 cm cystic lesion in the left Sylvian fissure with no associated soft tissue component. Findings were most consistent with arachnoid cyst. Central auditory processing testing was abnormal, particularly regarding the patient's ability to manage competing auditory information.

Conclusions:

Central auditory processing disorders are a diverse group of disorders. Regardless of etiology, management focuses on modifying those factors that most affect the individual in an attempt to enhance the access to auditory information. Laryngoscope, 2010
Pediatric otolaryngology: The maturation of a pediatric surgical subspecialty
Authors: Cunningham Michael J. , Lin Aaron C.
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review the historical development of pediatric otolaryngology as a surgical subspecialty and to compare and contrast this historical development with that of pediatric surgery and pediatric urology.

Study Design:

Literature search.

Methods:

A sequential comparison of these three surgical subspecialties was undertaken in terms of their early origins and founding physicians, sections and societies, standardization of training and accreditation, official recognition, and certification. Supportive materials were obtained via a literature search using the PubMed database from 1950 to the present, supplemented by archived material from the libraries of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Countway Library of the Harvard Medical School.

Results:

Pediatric surgery, urology, and otolaryngology have taken somewhat parallel but also disparate paths toward surgical subspecialty establishment.

Conclusions:

Pediatric otolaryngology, despite its many accomplishments, lags behind its surgical and urologic brethren from both an accreditation and certification standpoint. Laryngoscope, 2011
Surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis may improve sleep and sexual function
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Khalid Ayesha N. , Benninger Ryan M. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of surgery on the sexual function and sleep function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design:

A retrospective review of a cohort of prospectively enrolled patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods:

Each patient completed the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) prior to surgery and at least nine months following endoscopic sinus surgery, and the preoperative and postoperative scores for the questions related to sleep and sexual activity were evaluated. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to assess the magnitude and direction of change between observation points.

Results:

Mean response scores regarding sexual activity between preoperative (1.1 ± 1.0) and postoperative scores (0.7 ± 0.8) are significantly different (P < .001). Mean response scores regarding sleep dysfunction between preoperative (2.4 ± 1.0) and postoperative scores (1.5 ± 1.1) are also significantly different (P < .001). For both questions, a higher frequency of subjects responded “never” and “almost never” in the postoperative period compared with preoperative measures.

Conclusions:

Using the questions from the RSDI, there is an improvement in scores of sexual function and sleep after surgery for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Further, more in‐depth evaluations of these potential benefits are needed. Laryngoscope, 2010
Recurrent liver failure in a 25-year-old female
Authors: Salek Jefrey , Byrne Janice , Box Terry , Longo Nicola , Sussman Norman
Published: June 2010

Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined as severe and sudden liver dysfunction leading to coagulopathy and encephalopathy in a previously healthy person without preexisting liver disease. Almost half of adult cases of ALF are due to acetaminophen toxicity, with 21% labeled indeterminate or other. We present a patient with a second episode of ALF, both episodes being initiated by catabolic stress. Elevated aminotransferases, jaundice, an elevated international normalized ratio, and confusion were typical of idiopathic ALF, and a low serum ceruloplasmin level initially led to a misdiagnosis of acute Wilson disease. Citrullinemia type I, a urea cycle defect caused by a deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase, was diagnosed on the basis of plasma amino acids and was confirmed by molecular testing. Urea cycle defects are not generally considered causes of ALF in adults and are described rarely in children beyond the neonatal period. Our case illustrates the importance of screening patients with idiopathic ALF for a metabolic disorder. A prompt diagnosis and timely treatment enabled her to recover fully without the need for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 16:1049-1053, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Extra-anatomical hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation: Can this procedure save hepatic grafts?
Authors: Uchiyama Hideaki , Shirabe Ken , Taketomi Akinobu , Soejima Yuji , Ninomiya Mizuki , Kayashima Hiroto , Ikegami Toru , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2010

Graft hepatic arteries (HAs) are usually reconstructed with a recipient HA branch (anatomical HA reconstruction) in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Surgeons often encounter difficulties in reconstructing HAs, particularly when a recipient artery other than an HA branch must be used; this is known as extra-anatomical HA reconstruction. The outcomes of LDLT recipients with extra-anatomical HA reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Between October 1996 and October 2009, we performed primary LDLT 335 times, re-LDLT 8 times, and HA re-reconstruction 5 times for patients with HA complications. Thirty-three extra-anatomical HA reconstructions were performed in 22 patients with primary LDLT (6.6%), 4 patients with re-LDLT (50%), and 4 patients with HA re-reconstructions for HA complications (80%). In extra-anatomical HA reconstructions, we used 12 right gastroepiploic arteries, 6 right gastric arteries, 5 gastroduodenal arteries, 2 left gastric arteries, 2 splenic arteries, 2 cystic arteries, and 4 interposition grafts as recipient inflow arteries. Only 1 HA-related complication, the formation of an aneurysm, occurred after extra-anatomical HA reconstruction. The overall graft and patient survival probabilities after primary LDLT with extra-anatomical HA reconstruction were comparable to those after LDLT with anatomical HA reconstruction, although approximately half of the patients with extra-anatomical HA reconstruction suffered anastomotic biliary strictures. Therefore, extra-anatomical HA reconstruction can be safely performed through the proper selection of recipient arteries and the use of interposition grafts. These procedures can save hepatic grafts, even when recipient HAs cannot be used as inflow arteries. Liver Transpl 16:1054-1061, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Gender disparity in liver transplant waiting-list mortality: The importance of kidney function
Authors: Mindikoglu Ayse L. , Regev Arie , Seliger Stephen L. , Magder Laurence S.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies of men and women on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list, without taking transplantation rates into account, have suggested a higher risk of mortality for women on the waiting list. The objective of this study was to compare men and women with respect to dying within 3 years of registration on the LT waiting list and to take into account both the immediate mortality risks and the transplantation rates. The analysis was based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) on the waiting list who were registered between February 2002 and August 2009. Competing risk survival analysis was performed to assess the gender disparity in waiting-list mortality; 42,322 patients and 610,762 person-months of waiting-list experience were included in the analysis. The risk of dying within 3 years of listing was 19% and 17% in women and men, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among patients with kidney disease and especially those not on dialysis with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 and <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2, women had a substantially higher risk of dying on the waiting list within 3 years of registration versus men (26% versus 20%, P = 0.001). This disparity was related to lower transplantation rates in women (transplantation rate ratio = 0.68, P < 0.0001). Controlling for eGFR and other variables related to mortality risk, we found that the overall female-male disparity disappeared. In conclusion, among patients with ESLD and kidney dysfunction who are not on dialysis, there is a substantial gender disparity in LT waiting-list mortality. Our analysis suggests as an explanation the fact that women have lower transplantation rates than men in this group. The lower transplantation rates can be explained in part by the fact that Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores tend to be lower for women versus men because they are based on serum creatinine rather than the glomerular filtration rate. Liver Transpl 16:1147–1157, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Effects of brand personality on brand trust and brand affect
Authors: Sung Yongjun , Kim Jooyoung
Published: June 2010

Given the potential utility of brand personality for marketers, the present research conceptualizes and investigates the relationships between five brand personality dimensions and brand trust as well as brand affect. This research proposes that some brand personality dimensions relate more to brand trust, whereas other dimensions relate more to brand affect. The results suggest that Sincerity and Ruggedness brand personality dimensions are more likely to influence the level of brand trust than brand affect, whereas the Excitement and Sophistication dimensions relate more to brand affect than to brand trust. The Competence dimension appears to have similar effects on both brand trust and brand affect. The research findings are consistent with marketing and consumer researchers' assertions that brand personality can increase levels of brand trust and evoke brand affect, which in turn builds the level of brand loyalty. Theoretical and practical contributions and implications are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design for synergy with brand or price information
Authors: Chitturi Ravindra , Chitturi Pallavi , Raghavarao Damaraju
Published: June 2010

Customers' preference for the hedonic benefits (e.g., aesthetics) and utilitarian benefits (e.g., functionality) offered by a product varies depending on the context—buying versus selling, and choice versus willingness‐to‐pay. However, a customer's preference formation could involve brand information or price information in addition to the benefits offered by the product. It is unclear how the consideration of brand or price information influences customers' relative preference for hedonic and utilitarian product benefits. Does this information alter preference in favor of a product that offers greater utilitarian or greater hedonic benefits, and why? The results show that (1) hedonic (utilitarian) attributes have a significantly stronger influence on consumer preference when accompanied by a strong (weak) versus a weak (strong) brand; and (2) in the presence of price information, hedonic attributes have a dominant influence on consumer preference compared to in the absence of price information. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical contributions and managerial implications of design for synergy with brand or price information. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mathematicsversuscommon sense: the problem of how to communicate dynamic meteorology
Authors: Persson Anders
Published: June 2010

The problems of communicating essential processes in dynamic meteorology are discussed, with examples. It is argued that the difficulty in conveying the concepts is not a result of the non‐linearity of atmospheric and ocean motions, but their counter‐intuitive nature. Although this might motivate the highly mathematical way dynamic meteorology is communicated, issues arise when the mathematics is poorly or wrongly interpreted. It is suggested that communication would be improved by laboratory experiments and observational evidence, while an historical background could help explain why a particular phenomenon is important. © Crown Copyright 2010. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Visualization of the weather—past and present
Authors: Keeling Simon J.
Published: June 2010

All consumers of the media are seeking information. The weather forecast is merely one part of this media. Initially, an artist's visual interpretation of weather conditions (real or imagined), the weather forecast has now evolved into the all‐encompassing visual and audio experience viewed through television today, although weather images continue to illicit emotions from viewers similar to those found when viewing other works of art. This paper examines how the weather has been visualized in times past, and how these techniques have been employed, culminating in the television weather forecast of today. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Design of compact triple‐mode bandpass filter using double center stubs‐loaded resonator
Authors: Zhang Long , Yu Zhi‐Yuan , Mo Shao‐Guo
Published: June 2010

A compact microstrip triple‐mode bandpass filter using half‐wavelength (λ/2) open‐ended microstrip line with double center loaded stubs is proposed in this article.By introducing a radial‐line stub to the traditional dual‐mode resonator, a triple‐mode resonator is realized and the mode characteristics of the resonator are discussed. Also, an equivalent lumped circuit is proposed and the method of parameters extracting is given. The proposed filter exhibits a quasi‐elliptic function response with a compact circuit dimension. At last, an experimental filter is fabricated and a good agreement between simulations and measurements is reached. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2109–2111, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25364
2.4 GHz bio‐radar system with improved performance by using phase‐locked loop
Authors: Myoung Seong‐Sik , Park Jae‐Hyung , Yook Jong‐Gwan , Jang Byung‐Jun
Published: June 2010

This letter presents a novel bio‐radar system with phase‐locked loop (PLL) for noncontact measurement of vital sign. As the leakage of the phase noise of local oscillator (LO) through antenna is dominant factor for the distances larger than about 30 cm, the performance of a bio‐radar system can be improved with the PLL employment. The proposed bio‐radar and PLL are implemented by using conventional commercial components, and the measured result shows that the bio‐radar system performance is greatly improved with a PLL without any additional digital signal processing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2074–2076, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25366
60‐GHz MHMIC six‐port model analysis
Authors: Hammou D. , Moldovan E. , Wu Ke , Tatu S.O.
Published: June 2010

New passive millimeter wave circuits built on thin alumina substrate are presented. A six‐port model is generated using measurement results of a 90° hybrid coupler. Good correlations between model and circuit measurements are proven. The proposed model is suitable for advanced system simulations of V‐band wireless personal area networks. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2104–2108, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25377
A novel compact CPW‐fed planar monopole antenna with modified stair‐style ground for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Yang Y.‐B. , Zhang F.‐S. , Zhang F. , Zhang L. , Jiao Y.‐C.
Published: June 2010

In this article, a simple and compact CPW‐fed planar monopole antenna for ultra‐wideband applications is presented and investigated.The proposed antenna with a small size of 26 mm × 26 mm × 1 mm is composed of a gourd‐like radiation element fed by a CPW feed line, and a modified stair‐style ground. The proposed antenna has been successfully designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that the antenna achieves a wide impendence bandwidth from 3.1 to 15.2 GHz with return loss less than −10 dB. In addition, it exhibits a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern, stable antenna gain, and good time‐domain characteristics across the operation band. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2100–2104, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25378
High‐performance interstacked transformers for mm‐wave ICs
Authors: Ragonese Egidio , Sapone Giuseppina , Palmisano Giuseppe
Published: June 2010

In this letter, a novel structure for mm‐wave integrated transformers is presented. The proposed transformers, namely, interstacked, exploit mixed interleaved/stacked coils, which allow increasing the magnetic coupling with respect to stacked devices, providing full geometrical/electrical symmetry. An extensive comparison between interstacked and conventional structures demonstrates the benefits of the proposed configuration in terms of the most significant figures of merit for integrated transformers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2160–2163, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25385
Novel three‐dimensional dyadic diffraction coefficient for wireless channel
Authors: Soni Sanjay , Bhattacharya Amitabha
Published: June 2010

A novel three‐dimensional dyadic diffraction coefficient is presented.The proposed coefficient shows significant improvement when compared with published measurement. Further, three‐dimensional rooftop scenario is considered and measurement of the electric field in the vicinity of the building is carried out. The measurement result, thus obtained, is compared with predictions using proposed coefficient. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2132–2136, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25402
Simple methods to measure partial polarization parameters in the Terahertz band using THz‐TDS
Authors: Yandong Gong , Hui Dong , Paulose Varghese
Published: June 2010

Polarization measurement is important in the Terahertz (THz) band as certain samples may have polarization‐related fingerprints. Due to some limitations, obtaining complete polarization measurements is still quite difficult. In this article, we propose several simple methods to measure partial polarization parameters in the THz band by using a THz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2005–2007, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25407
Continuously tunable, equivalent multiple‐tap negative‐tap microwave photonic notch filter
Authors: Chan E. H. W.
Published: June 2010

A novel coherence‐free microwave photonic notch filter is presented.It is based on an off‐loop‐centre phase modulator Sagnac loop with an unbalanced Mach Zehnder interferometer at the loop output. Experimental results are presented, which demonstrate the filter tunability and show an equivalent negative‐tap notch filter response with a wide passband. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1923–1926, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25424
Comparison of the Ewald and Wolf methods for modeling electrostatic interactions in nanowires
Authors: Gdoutos Eleftherios E. , Agrawal Ravi , Espinosa Horacio D.
Published: June 2010

Ionic compounds pose extra challenges with the appropriate modeling of long‐range coulombic interactions. Here, we study the mechanical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires using molecular dynamic simulations with Buckingham potential and determine the suitability of the Ewald (Ann. Phys. 1921; 19) and Wolf (J. Chem. Phys. 1999; 110(17):8254–8282) summation methods to account for the long‐range Coulombic forces. A comparative study shows that both the summation methods are suitable for modeling bulk structures with periodic boundary conditions imposed on all sides; however, significant differences are observed when nanowires with free surfaces are modeled. As opposed to Wolf's prediction of a linear stress–strain response in the elastic regime, Ewald's method predicts an erroneous behavior. This is attributed to the Ewald method's inability to account for surface effects properly. Additionally, Wolf's method offers highly improved computational performance as the model size is increased. This gain in computational time allows for modeling realistic nanowires, which can be directly compared with the existing experimental results. We conclude that the Wolf summation is a superior technique when modeling non‐periodic structures in terms of both accuracy of the results and computational performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal modal reduction of dynamic subsystems: Extensions and improvements
Authors: Tayeb Shaul , Givoli Dan
Published: June 2010

The problem of optimal reduction of a linear dynamic subsystem is revisited. The subsystem may represent, for example, a complex but minor part of a large elastic structure. The goal is to drastically reduce the number of degrees of freedom of a subsystem attached through an interface to a main system in such a way as to affect the dynamic behavior of the main system in the least possible way. In a recent publication, the Optimal Modal Reduction (OMR) algorithm was developed to this end. This algorithm seeks a reduction of the subsystem that will have minimal effect, in the L2 norm, on the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann (DtN) map on the interface. Here this algorithm is extended and improved in a number of ways. First, a family of alternative formulations are derived for the DtN map, which lead to alternative OMR algorithms; one of them, called OMR j=2, is shown to yield better results than the original formulation. Second, the OMR algorithm, which was originally developed for undamped subsystems, is extended to subsystems undergoing Rayleigh damping. In addition, an enhanced derivation of the original OMR algorithm is presented, and the good pointwise performance of OMR is explained by relating to minimization with respect to the H1 norm. The extensions mentioned above are discussed theoretically as well as demonstrated via numerical examples. Experiments and discussion include comparison of the OMR algorithm to simple coarsening of the subsystem discretization. In all cases, central finite difference discretization in space and explicit time‐stepping are employed to solve the scalar wave equation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonmetric dental characteristics of the early modern population of Okinawa Island in Nansei Islands, Japan
Authors: Manabe Y. , Oyamada J. , Kitagawa Y. , Igawa K. , Kato K. , Matsushita T. , Rokutanda A.
Published: June 2010

Dental morphological characteristics of the early modern population (c. 17–19th century AD) of Okinawa Island, Nansei Islands, were investigated to clarify their genealogical characteristics. We observed and classified 25 nonmetric traits of tooth crowns and roots from human remains (106 individuals) excavated from tombs of the early modern period in Okuma, Ginowan City, Okinawa. The incidences of these traits were compared with the incidences in the populations of the other Nansei Islands, of Japan, and of Asia overall. Univariate analysis of each trait and multivariate biological distance analysis based on the frequencies of the traits showed that the Okinawa population in the early modern period more closely resembled the migrant Yayoi populations than it did the native Jomon populations. It is difficult to support the “Ainu‐Ryukyu common origin theory” with regard to the early modern population in Okinawa without some modification of the theory, as well as the modern populations in Tanegashima and Okinawa Island. The geographical cline in the modern period from the northern Kyushu to the Okinawa Island via Tanegashima was confirmed in this analysis. Considering the major temporal changes in northern Kyushu and Tanegashima in addition to the geographical cline, the southward gene flow of the migrant Yayoi elements from northern Kyushu to the central Nansei Islands via the northeast end of the Nansei Islands is suggested. In addition, this study detected some temporal changes from the early modern to the modern period in Okinawa Island. Although the minor temporal change may be attributed to some genetic drift, gene flow from the Japanese main islands or China might be considered one of the causes of the change. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dependence of mechanical properties on β‐form content and crystalline morphology for β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Luo Feng , Wang Ke , Ning Nanying , Geng Chengzhen , Deng Hua , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang , Qian Yuying , Zheng De
Published: June 2010

As part of a continuous effort to develop high performance isotactic polypropylene (iPP) based on β‐form crystalline and morphological change induced by rare earth nucleator (WBG), various WBG contents (from 0.025 to 1.0 wt%) were adopted to prepare β‐nucleated iPP at a fixed final molten temperature (240°C) in this study. The crystallinity, polymorphic composition, and crystalline morphology were inspected in detail by a series of crystallographic characterizations, including calorimeter, X‐ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy (PLM), and electron microscopy. Furthermore, the self‐organization and re‐crystallization behavior of β‐nucleating agent occurred during cooling was characterized by rheometry. Finally, the dependence of mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength, on WBG content was discussed based on the variations in β‐form content and crystalline morphology. Interestingly, it is found that while the WBG content is below 0.1 wt%, the toughness of β‐nucleated iPP increases with increase in WBG content due to additional β‐form content; as the WBG content is in range of 0.1–0.5 wt%, the toughness increases at a lower rate with increase in WBG content due to β‐crystalline morphological change. However, a decrease in toughness is observed while nucleator content is above 0.5 wt% as WBG remains undissolved in iPP upon the adopted processing conditions. The result of this study provides valuable information for potential industrial applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of PEGylated doxorubicin‐E‐[c(RGDfK)2] conjugate for integrin‐targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Polyak Dina , Ryppa Claudia , Eldar‐Boock Anat , Ofek Paula , Many Ariel , Licha Kai , Kratz Felix , Satchi‐Fainaro Ronit
Published: June 2010

Doxorubicin (DOX) is extensively used in cancer therapy; however, it is cardiotoxic in cumulative doses and chemoresistance can evolve with prolonged use. Conjugation of a chemotherapeutic agent to a water‐soluble polymeric carrier prolongs the circulation life of the drug, promotes its accumulation at the tumor site due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and prevents the drug from extravasating into healthy tissues. We designed and synthesized a delivery system that enables the conjugation of a targeting moiety, Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptidomimetic, on one end of a linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain, and DOX on the other end. The drug was bound to the polymer through an acid‐sensitive (6‐maleimidocaproyl)hydrazone linker. The resulting PEG‐DOX‐E‐[c(RGDfK)2] conjugate actively and selectively targets endothelial and tumor cells overexpressing αvβ3 integrin. Alternatively, we conjugated the PEG‐DOX with a control c(RADfK) peptide that does not bind to αvβ3 integrin, resulting in a PEG‐DOX‐c(RADfK) conjugate. The PEG‐DOX‐E‐[c(RGDfK)2] conjugate and free DOX exhibited similar cytotoxic effect on U87‐MG human glioblastoma cells. Interestingly, treatment with the conjugate inhibited the proliferation of DOX‐resistant M109 murine lung carcinoma cells at a lower IC50 compared with free DOX and PEG‐DOX‐c(RADfK). In addition, PEG‐DOX‐E‐[c(RGDfK)2] inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and their attachment to fibrinogen‐coated wells. Preliminary in vivo near‐infrared studies revealed that a PEG‐E‐[c(RGDfK)2]‐cyanine conjugate preferentially accumulated in mCherry‐labeled‐DA3 murine mammary tumors inoculated orthotopically in female BALB/c mice. Altogether, our results show a proof of principle for a selective delivery of DOX to endothelial and cancer cells overexpressing αvβ3 integrin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological investigations of block sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) copolymers as potential proton exchange membranes
Authors: Zhao Chengji , Lin Haidan , Li Xianfeng , Na Hui
Published: June 2010

A series of block sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) copolymers with different block lengths and ionic contents were synthesized by a two‐stage process. The morphology of these block SPAEK copolymers was investigated by various methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Dark colored ionic domains of hundreds of nanometers spreading as a cloud‐like belt were observed in TEM images. The sizes of the ionic domains as a function of block copolymer composition were determined from SAXS curves. The results for the evolution of ionic domains revealed that the block copolymers exhibited more clearly phase‐separated microstructure with increasing ionic contents and hydrophobic sequence lengths. Proton conductivity is closely related to the microstructure, especially the presence of large interconnected ionic domains or ionic channels. Block SPAEK membranes have interconnected ionic clusters to provide continuous hydrophilic channels, resulting in higher proton conductivity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.