bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing living matter. Can we do better than evolution?
Authors: Schuster Peter
Published: July 2013

Thanks to substantial improvements in the theory of metabolic fluxes and the application of 13C isotope markers in experimental flux studies, Pareto efficiency of bacterial metabolism can now be determined and direct answers to the long standing questions of optimization according to multiple criteria in nature can be given. Cells or organisms operate close to Pareto optima but the performance with respect to every single criterion is almost always improvable. Rational design and evolutionary methods are routinely used for the production of biomolecules with optimized properties. Examples are proteins for technical applications, for example in detergents, and optimally binding nucleic acid molecules called aptamers. Among the various perspectives of synthetic biology, the usage of DNA for information storage is particularly promising: In a pilot experiment, an entire book including figures and a Java script, in total more than 5 megabit, were stored on a single DNA molecule. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 18: 21–31, 2013
Gamete production patterns, ploidy, and population genetics reveal evolutionary significant units in hybrid water frogs (Pelophylax esculentus)
Authors: Pruvost Nicolas B. M. , Hoffmann Alexandra , Reyer Heinz‐Ulrich
Published: July 2013

TheEuropean water frogPelophylax esculentusis a natural hybrid betweenP. lessonae(genotypeLL) andP. ridibundus(RR). It reproduces through hybridogenesis, eliminating one parental genome from its germline and producing gametes containing the genome of the other parental species. According to previous studies, this elimination and transmission pattern is very diverse. In mixed populations, where only diploid hybrids (LR) live in sympatry and mate with one or both parental species, the excluded genome varies among regions, and the remaining genome is transmitted clonally to haploid gametes. In all‐hybrid populations consisting of diploid (LR) and triploid (LLRand/orLRR) frogs, diploid individuals also produce gametes clonally (1n in males, 2n in females), whereas triploids eliminate the genome they have in single copy and produce haploid gametes containing the recombined other genome. However, here, too, regional differences seem to exist, and some triploids have been reported to produce diploid gametes. In order to systematically study such regional and genotype differences in gamete production, their potential origin, and their consequences for the breeding system, we sampled frogs from five populations in threeEuropean countries, performed crossing experiments, and investigated the genetic variation through microsatellite analysis. For four populations, one inPoland, two inGermany, and one inSlovakia, our results confirmed the elimination and transmission pattern described above. In oneSlovakian population, however, we found a totally different pattern. Here, triploid males (LLR) produce sperm with a clonally transmitted diploidLLgenome, rather than a haploid recombinedLgenome, andLRfemales clonally produce haploidReggs, rather than diploidLReggs. These differences among the populations in gamete production go along with differences in genomotype composition, breeding system (i.e., the way triploids are produced), and genetic variation. These differences are strong evidence for a polyphyletic origin of triploids. Moreover, our findings shed light on the evolutionary potential inherent to theP. esculentuscomplex, where rare events due to untypical gametogenetic processes can lead to the raise, the perpetuation, and the dispersion of new evolutionary significant lineages which may also deserve special conservation measures.
Heterogeneous Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aromatic Ethers by Solvent‐Free Dehydrogenative Aromatization: Mechanism, Scope, and Limitations Under Aerobic and Non‐Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Sutter Marc , Lafon Romain , Raoul Yann , Métay Estelle , Lemaire Marc
Published: July 2013

Starting from cyclohexanone derivatives and alcohols, both non‐aromatic precursors, aryl ethers could be synthesized in good yields and with good selectivities in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd/C, in one step, without added solvent, in a reaction vessel open to air. For less reactive substrates, the addition of 1‐octene in a closed system under non‐aerobic conditions improved the conversion. In addition, the catalyst could be recycled several times with no decrease in the yield of the aryl ether. The process was also used with tetralone derivatives and polyols. Several reactions were performed to propose a mechanism for this transformation. The formation of an enol ether followed by a dehydrogenation reaction seem to be the key steps of this reaction.
1,2‐Addition of Alkyl Grignard Reagents to the Nitro Group: Simple Access to 2‐[Alkyl(hydroxy)amino]pyridine N‐Oxides and 2‐Alkylaminopyridine N‐Oxides
Authors: Liu Kun‐Ming , Zhang Fang , Duan Xin‐Fang
Published: July 2013

The unexpected 1,2‐addition of various alkyl Grignard reagents to nitro groups is described. A simple treatment of a 2‐nitropyridine N‐oxide with an alkyl Grignard reagent results in a 2‐[alkyl(hydroxy)amino]pyridine N‐oxide as the result of a 1,2‐addition to the nitro group. Moreover, 2‐(alkylamino)pyridine N‐oxides can also be obtained from this 1,2‐addition after a reductive workup by using NaBH4/FeCl3. This work shows another facet of the reactions between alkyl Grignard reagents and nitro groups, and provides a simple method for the formation of carbon–nitrogen bonds without a transition metal catalyst.
A wave roughness Reynolds number parameterization of the sea spray source flux
Authors: Norris Sarah J. , Brooks Ian M. , Salisbury Dominic J.
Published: July 2013

Parameterizations of the sea spray aerosol source flux are derived as functions of wave roughness Reynolds numbers, RHa and RHw, for particles with radii between 0.176 and 6.61 µm at 80% relative humidity. These source functions account for up to twice the variance in the observations than does wind speed alone. This is the first such direct demonstration of the impact of wave state on the variability of sea spray aerosol production. Global European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts operational mode fields are used to drive the parameterizations. The source flux from the RH parameterizations varies from approximately 0.1 to 3 (RHa) and 5 (RHw) times that from a wind speed parameterization, derived from the same measurements, where the wave state is substantially underdeveloped or overdeveloped, respectively, compared to the equilibrium wave state at the local wind speed.
Number of central lymph node metastasis for predicting lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Rui‐chao , Zhang Wei , Gao Er‐li , Cheng Pu , Huang Guan‐li , Zhang Xiao‐hua , Li Quan
Published: July 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of the relationship between the number of positive central lymph nodes and lateral lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

Up to 141 patients with PTMC were divided into 3 groups according to different positive central lymph node classifications as follows: group A, no positive central lymph node; group B, 1 positive central lymph node; and group C, 2 or more positive central lymph nodes.

Results

Incidence of lateral lymph node metastasis was 30.5% (43 of 141). It was significantly high in group C compared with groups A and B, although there was no significant difference between groups A and B. Number of positive central lymph node ≥2, underlying Hashimoto thyroiditis, and extrathyroidal extension were the independent predictive factors for lateral lymph node metastasis on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Lateral lymph node metastasis was mainly observed in patients with ≥2 positive central lymph nodes, which is an independent predictive factor for lateral lymph node metastasis. Therefore, ≥2 positive central lymph nodes may be valuable in predicting lateral lymph node metastasis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 101–106, 2014
Claudin 18.2 is a target for IMAB362 antibody in pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Wöll Stefan , Schlitter Anna Melissa , Dhaene Karl , Roller Marc , Esposito Irene , Sahin Ugur , Türeci Özlem
Published: July 2013

The majority of pancreatic neoplasms are characterized by a generally lethal progress within a short period of time after primary diagnosis and the mortality of patients is expected to increase further. Due to lack of efficient screening programs and moderate response to treatments, novel compounds for treatment are needed. We investigated the CLDN18.2 expression in affected patients as in vitro feasibility study for a potential treatment with the novel antibody IMAB362. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of CLDN18.2 in normal pancreatic tissues (N = 24), primary lesions (N = 202), metastases (N = 84) and intra‐individually matched samples (N = 48) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) and acinar cell carcinoma. A standardized method for evaluation by immunohistochemistry was developed. The specific staining was evaluated by two independent raters and analysis of staining intensities (range 0–3+) and relative proportions of tumor cells were performed. One hundred three (59.2%) samples of primary PDAC were found positive. The vast majority of positive samples were characterized to highly express CLDN18.2: 54.6% (N = 95) with staining intensities of ≥2+. NEN were positive in 20% of cases (all ≥2+). Metastases of pancreatic neoplasms were also frequently found positive with comparable high rates (69.4% of lymph node and 65.7% of liver metastases). The rate of CLDN18.2 positivity is high in pancreatic neoplasms whereby the expression is not limited to the primaries but is also maintained upon metastasis. Thus, a considerable number of patients with pancreatic neoplasms would be in principle eligible for a CLDN18.2‐targeting approach.
Serving Highly Vulnerable Families in Home‐Visitation Programs
Authors: Azzi‐Lessing Lenette
Published: July 2013

Home‐visitation programs for families with young children are growing in popularity in the United States. These programs typically seek to prevent child abuse and neglect and/or promote optimal development for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool‐age children. This article focuses on improving the capacity of home‐visitation programs to meet the complex needs of highly vulnerable families with young children. Poverty, maternal depression and substance abuse, and domestic violence are noted as factors that place young children at risk for poor outcomes. The challenges of providing home‐visitation services to families in which these risk factors are present are discussed. Family engagement, matching services to families’ needs, and staff capabilities are highlighted as areas in which improvements can be made to enhance home‐visitation programs’ capacity to serve highly vulnerable families. Recommendations are given for improving the effectiveness of home‐visitation programs in serving these families as well as for addressing policy and research issues related to the further development and evaluation of these programs.
Briefly delayed reinforcement effects on variable‐ratio and yoked‐interval schedule performance
Authors: Holtyn August F. , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: July 2013

Most investigations of briefly delayed reinforcement have involved schedules that arrange a time‐plus‐response requirement. The present experiment examined whether briefly delaying reinforcement on schedules that have a ratio requirement differs from results with schedules that have a time‐plus‐response requirement. Four pigeons responded on a two‐component multiple schedule. One component arranged a variable‐ratio (VR) 50 and the other a variable‐interval (VI) schedule in which the distribution of reinforcers was yoked to the preceding VR schedule. Across a series of conditions, delays were imposed in both schedules. These delays were brief (0.25‐ or 0.5‐s) unsignaled delays and, as control conditions, a 5‐s unsignaled delay and a 0.5‐s delay signaled by a blackout of the chamber. In the yoked‐VI component, the brief unsignaled delay increased response rates in six of nine opportunities and increased the proportion of short interresponse times (IRTs) (<0.4 s) in eight of nine opportunities. In the VR component, the brief unsignaled delay increased response rates and the proportion of short IRTs in only two of nine opportunities. For two of the three pigeons that were exposed to the 5‐s unsignaled delay, response rates and the proportion of short IRTs decreased in both of the components. The 0.5‐s signaled delay did not systematically change response rates nor did it change the distribution of short IRTs relative to the immediate reinforcement condition. The results replicate effects reported with time‐based schedules and extend these observations by showing that changes commonly observed in VI performance with briefly delayed reinforcement are not characteristic of VR responding.
Timescale dependence of aeolian sand flux observations under atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Martin Raleigh L. , Barchyn Thomas E. , Hugenholtz Chris H. , Jerolmack Douglas J.
Published: July 2013

The transport of sand in saltation is driven by the persistently unsteady stresses exerted by turbulent winds. Based on coupled high‐frequency observations of wind velocity and sand flux on a desert dune during intermittent saltation, we show here how observations of saltation by natural winds depend significantly on the timescale and method used for determining shear stress and sand flux. The correlation between sand flux and excess shear stress (stress above a threshold value) systematically improves for longer averaging timescale, T, and is better for stress determined by the law‐of‐the‐wall versus the Reynolds stress method. Fitting parameters for the stress‐flux relationship do not converge with increasing T, which may be explained by the nonstationary nature of wind velocity statistics. We show how it may be possible, based on the scale‐dependent statistics of stress fluctuations, to rescale saltation flux predictions for wind observations made at different timescales. However, our observations indicate hysteresis and time lags in thresholds for initiation and cessation of saltation, which complicate threshold‐based approaches to predicting sediment transport at different timescales.
Functional morphology of the Andean climbing catfishes (Astroblepidae, Siluriformes): Alternative ways of respiration, adhesion, and locomotion using the mouth
Authors: De Crop Wannes , Pauwels Elin , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Geerinckx Tom
Published: July 2013

Astroblepidae or “climbing catfishes” encompass a single genus of species living in high altitude rivers in the Andes of South America. They are characterized by a specialized head morphology closely resembling their better known, widely radiated sister family Loricariidae, or armored suckermouth catfishes. Existent data show that even though both families share important traits, there are some striking differences as well. Albeit poorly known, Astroblepus species possess a duplicated gill opening, and have the ability to climb vertical rocks or waterfalls. In this study, morphological and kinematic data are combined to yield insights into the functions of the mobile elements of the astroblepid head, and to compare head morphology and biomechanics with those of Loricariidae. We found that, even though there is substantial similarity in head structure of both families, there are major differences in functionally important structures. These include a different lower lip muscle configuration, an alternative oral valve system, and an incurrent gill opening only found in astroblepids. Kinematic analyses confirm that the astroblepid suckermouth, freed from its inhalatory function, offers advantages for climbing in the high‐altitude environment, and is used alternately with the extremely mobile pelvic girdle, in a crawling, nonundulatory motion. J. Morphol. 274:1164–1179, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative study of bioactive compounds in primitive wheat populations from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria and Armenia
Authors: Giambanelli Elisa , Ferioli Federico , Koçaoglu Bike , Jorjadze Marjam , Alexieva Iordanka , Darbinyan Nune , D'Antuono L Filippo
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a considerable interest in the consumption of ancient wheats, often referred to as having superior health‐promoting properties than modern cultivars. The BaSeFood project allowed us to explore the use of primitive wheats in the Black Sea area region and in Italy, with special regard to emmer (Triticum dicoccum) and einkorn (T. monococcum), and to collect seed samples to be grown and compared for their bioactive content, together with some other primitive wheat genotypes (T. timopheevi, T. palaeo‐colchicum, T. macha).

RESULTS

The data show that genotype was an important factor controlling phytochemical content. Variability ranges were as follows: lipids (18.0–28.5 g kg−1), tocols (26.6–72.8 mg kg−1), carotenoids (1.6–8.4 mg kg−1), sterols (441–929 mg kg−1) and phenolic compounds (819–1465 mg kg−1) content (dry matter basis). The fraction of individual components, within each class, was also variable; however, the species were well discriminated by their overall composition.

CONCLUSIONS

The present research represents a further contribution to the available literature about the analytical composition of primitive wheats, including the complete range of relevant bioactives and lesser investigated species. The data do not support an overall superiority of primitive forms, but evidenced interesting, potentially exploitable, between‐ and within‐species variability. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of bioactive‐rich extracts of pomegranate, persimmon, nettle, dill, kale andSideritisand isolated bioactives on arachidonic acid induced markers of platelet activation and aggregation
Authors: Konić‐Ristić Aleksandra , Srdić‐Rajić Tatjana , Kardum Nevena , Aleksić‐Veličković Vesna , Kroon Paul A , Hollands Wendy J , Needs Paul W , Boyko Nadiya , Hayran Osman , Jorjadze Mariam , Glibetić Maria
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effect of fruit‐ and vegetable‐rich diets on cardiovascular health is partly attributed to the effect of their bioactive compounds on platelet function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bioactive‐rich plant extracts and isolated bioactive metabolites on platelet function. Blood samples from healthy subjects (n = 4) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 4) were treated with six extracts of bioactive‐rich plants consumed as traditional foods in the Black Sea region, or with human metabolites of the bioactives quercetin and sulforaphane. Markers of arachidonic acid induced platelet activation and platelet–leucocyte aggregation were assessed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In subjects with metabolic syndrome, kale extract significantly inhibited agonist induced P‐selectin expression (P = 0.004). Sulforaphane–cysteine–glycine, a human plasma metabolite of the related glucosinolate, glucoraphanin, significantly inhibited P‐selectin and GPIIb–IIIa expression (P = 0.020 and 0.024, respectively) and platelet–neutrophil aggregation (P = 0.027). Additionally, pomegranate extract significantly inhibited GPIIb–IIIa expression (P = 0.046) in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In healthy subjects only dill extract significantly inhibited agonist induced P‐selectin expression (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

These data show that bioactive‐rich extracts of kale and pomegranate that are consumed as traditional plant foods of Black Sea area countries were effective in modulating platelet function. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Aroma chemistry of African Oryza glaberrima and Oryza sativa rice and their interspecific hybrids
Authors: Cho Sungeun , Nuijten Edwin , Shewfelt Robert L , Kays Stanley J
Published: July 2013

Background

To increase rice production in Africa, considerable research has focused on creating interspecific hybrids between African (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) and Asian (O. sativa L.) rice in an attempt to obtain the positive attributes of each in new cultivars. Since flavor is a key criterion in consumer acceptance of rice, as an initial inquiry we characterized and compared the aroma chemistry of selected cultivars of African O. sativa ssp. japonica, O. sativa ssp. indica, O. glaberrima, and their interspecific hybrids grown in West Africa, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–olfactometry and descriptive sensory analysis.

Results

Of 41 volatiles identified across seven representative rice cultivars grown in West Africa, 3,5,5‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclopenten‐1‐one, styrene, eucalyptol, linalool, myrtenal and l‐α‐terpineol had not been previously reported in rice. Thirty‐three odor‐active compounds were characterized. 4‐Ethylphenol and (E,E)‐2,4‐heptadienal were unique to O. glaberrima, and pyridine, eucalyptol and myrtenal were described only in an interspecific hybrid. Descriptive sensory analysis indicated ‘cooked grain’, ‘barny’ and ‘earthy’ attributes were statistically different among the cultivars.

Conclusion

The aroma chemistry data suggest that it should be possible to separate African cultivars into distinct flavor types thereby facilitating selection of new cultivars with superior flavor in African rice breeding programs. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Aroma‐active components of yeast extract pastes with a basic and characteristic meaty flavour
Authors: Lin Meili , Liu Xiaosheng , Xu Qianqian , Song Huanlu , Li Pei , Yao Juan
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Aroma‐active compounds, together with sugars, amino acids, fat and nucleotides, are the main chemical species determining the characteristic aroma and taste of food. For selecting yeast extract pastes products with a less undesirable aroma, the aroma‐active compounds that affect the overall consumer acceptance of yeast extract pastes products were analysed in this work.

RESULTS

The aroma‐active compounds of yeast extract pastes were extracted by using dynamic headspace extraction or simultaneous distillation extraction, and were detected by gas chromatography–olfactrometry–mass spectrometry in conjunction with dynamic headspace dilution analysis or aroma extract dilution analysis. Sensory results revealed that a meaty, roasted aroma was the dominant of overall aroma. The important aroma‐active compounds referred in this work were mainly aldehydes, acids, ketones, furan derivatives, pyrazines, and sulfur‐containing compounds. Of these, six volatile compounds such as 3‐methylbutanal, 2,3‐butanedione, 2,3,5‐trimethyl‐pyrazin, acetic acid ethenyl ester, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline and (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal had never been reported before as key aroma‐active compounds of yeast extract pastes.

CONCLUSIONS

The key aroma‐active compounds were identified in basic and characteristic meaty flavour yeast extract pastes, and their characterisation was determined. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of captopril, piroxicam, and amlodipine in bulk drug, pharmaceutical formulation, and human serum by programming the detector
Authors: Sultana Najma , Arayne M. Saeed , Ali Saeeda Nadir
Published: July 2013

A highly sensitive LC method with UV detection has been developed for the simultaneous determination of coadministered drugs captopril, piroxicam, and amlodipine in bulk drug, pharmaceutical formulations, and human serum at the isosbestic point (235 nm) and at individual λmax (220, 255, and 238 nm, respectively) by programming the detector with time to match the individual analyte's chromophore, which enhanced the sensitivity with linear range. The assay involved an isocratic elution of analytes on a Bondapak C18 (10 μm, 25 × 0.46 cm) column at ambient temperature using a mobile phase of methanol/water 80:20 at pH 2.9 and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Linearity was found to be 0.25–25, 0.10–6.0, and 0.20–13.0 μg/mL with correlation coefficient >0.998 and detection limits of 7.39, 3.90, and 9.38 ng/mL, respectively, whereas calibration curves for wavelength‐programmed analysis were 0.10–6.0, 0.04–2.56, and 0.10–10.0 μg/mL with correlation coefficient >0.998 and detection limits of 5.79, 2.68, and 3.87 ng/mL, respectively. All the validated parameters were in the acceptable range. The recovery of drugs was 99.32–100.39 and 98.65–101.96% in pharmaceutical formulation and human serum, respectively, at the isosbestic point and at individual λmax. This method is applicable for the analysis of drugs in bulk drug, tablets, serum, and in clinical samples without interference of excipients or endogenous serum components.
The use of silica‐coated magnetic graphene microspheres as the adsorbent for the extraction of pyrethroid pesticides from orange and lettuce samples followed by GC–MS analysis
Authors: Hou Mengying , Zang Xiaohuan , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2013

Graphene‐grafted ferroferric oxide microspheres were used as the adsorbent to extract some pyrethroid pesticides (bifenthrin, λ‐cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and deltamethrin) from orange and lettuce samples prior to their determination by GC–MS. The main variables that could affect the extraction, including the amount of the adsorbent, pH of the sample solution, extraction time, concentration of salt, and desorption conditions, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, a linear response was obtained in the concentration range of 0.3–100.0 ng/g for the analytes with the coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9877 to 0.9925. The LODs for the pyrethroids ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 ng/g. The method provided a good repeatability with RSDs < 10.6%. The recoveries for the six pyrethroid pesticides were in the range from 90.0 to 103.7%. The method was applied to the determination of the pesticides in orange and lettuce samples with a satisfactory result.
Determining the threshold for asymmetry detection in facial expressions
Authors: Hohman Marc H. , Kim Sang W. , Heller Elizabeth S. , Frigerio Alice , Heaton James T. , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To quantify the threshold for human perception of asymmetry for eyebrow elevation, eye closure, and smile, and to ascertain whether asymmetry detection thresholds and perceived severity of asymmetry differ in distinct facial zones.

Study Design

Online survey.

Methods

Photographs of a female volunteer performing eyebrow elevation, eye closure, and smile were digitally manipulated to introduce left‐to‐right asymmetry in 1‐mm increments from 0 mm to 6 mm. One hundred and forty‐five participants viewed these photographs using an online survey, measuring accuracy of asymmetry detection and perceived expression unnaturalness (on a scale of 1–5).

Results

Photographs of facial asymmetries were correctly judged as asymmetrical over 90% of the time for 2 mm or more of asymmetry in eyelid closure, and 3 mm or more of asymmetry during smiling. Identification of eyebrow elevation asymmetry gradually rose from 23% correct to 97% correct across the range of 1 mm to 6 mm of asymmetry. Greater degrees of asymmetry were ranked as significantly more unnatural across all expressions (3 tests; X2 (6, N = 145) = 405.52 to 656.27, all P <0.001).

Conclusion

Thresholds for asymmetry detection vary across different zones of the face; once detected, asymmetry in eyelid position is perceived as more unnatural than asymmetries in either brow elevation or smile. These data will inform counseling of patients with segmental facial weakness and may provide more objective goals for facial reanimation procedures.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:860–865, 2014
Extent of sinus surgery, 2000 to 2009: A population‐based study
Authors: Pynnonen Melissa A. , Davis Matthew M.
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sinus surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations. The objective was to determine if rates of surgery have changed over the last 10 years.

Study Design

Secondary data analysis of the State Ambulatory Surgery Database of Florida.

Methods

We calculated population adjusted rates of ambulatory sinus surgery for all adults, 2000 to 2009.

Result

There was a substantial decrease in the proportion of patients who had surgery in a hospital setting and a substantial increase in patients who had surgery with image guidance. Population‐adjusted rates of sinus surgery increased over the study period, from a mean of 104 cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 129 per 100,000 in 2009 (P <0.001). Procedure rates also increased, from a mean of 226 per 100,000 in 2000 to 316 per 100,000 in 2009 (P <0.001). Rates of frontal sinus procedures more than doubled, and rates of cases in which all four sinuses were treated tripled during the same time period. A greater number of sinus procedures was associated with use of image guidance and high annual surgical case volume. The strongest predictor was the individual surgeon.

Conclusion

Rates of sinus surgery increased over the study period, with more patients undergoing surgery and more procedures per surgical case. The strong association of procedural patterns with specific surgeons in sinusitis care highlights the importance of future investigations to examine training, technological, and reimbursement factors that may influence surgeons' clinical decision making for this common condition.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:820–825, 2014
Mechanism of Associations of Neutral Semiflexible Biopolymers in Water: The Xyloglucan Case Reveals Inherent Links
Authors: Muller François , Jean Bruno , Perrin Patrick , Heux Laurent , Boué François , Cousin Fabrice
Published: July 2013

The mechanisms of association between neutral xyloglucan chains extracted from tamarind seeds are explored. Mesoscale structures involving a few chains are evidenced and monitored by static light scattering and low‐shear viscosity experiments as a function of the xyloglucan concentration, obtained from increasing the dilution of an initial dispersion. The mechanism of association is addressed by means of multiangle dynamic light scattering. The associations exist whether the chains are in the dilute regime or in the semi‐dilute regime and are characteristic of weak interactions. Their progressive loosening by dilution is evidenced and their level depends only on the xyloglucan concentration. The associations are due to a mechanism inherent to the nature of the chains.

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Modeling the effect of copper availability on bacterial denitrification
Authors: Woolfenden Hugh C. , Gates Andrew J. , Bocking Chris , Blyth Mark G. , Richardson David J. , Moulton Vincent
Published: July 2013

When denitrifying bacteria such as Paracoccus denitrificans respire anaerobically they convert nitrate to dinitrogen gas via a pathway which includes the potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). The copper‐dependent enzyme Nitrous Oxide reductase (Nos) catalyzes the reduction of N2O to dinitrogen. In low‐copper conditions, recent experiments in chemostats have demonstrated that Nos efficiency decreases resulting in significant N2O emissions. For the first time, a chemostat‐based mathematical model is developed that describes the anaerobic denitrification pathway based on Michaelis–Menten kinetics and published kinetic parameters. The model predicts steady‐state enzyme levels from experimental data. For low copper concentrations, the predicted Nos level is significantly reduced, whereas the levels for the non copper‐dependent reductases in the pathway remain relatively unaffected. The model provides time courses for the pathway metabolites that accurately reflect previously published experimental data. In the absence of experimental data purely predictive analyses can also be readily performed by calculating the relative Nos level directly from the copper concentration. Here, the model quantitatively estimates the increasing level of emitted N2O as the copper level decreases.
Medical treatment of dystonia
Authors: Jankovic Joseph
Published: July 2013

Medications such as anticholinergic drugs, dopamine modulators, baclofen, muscle relaxants, and other pharmacologic agents have been used for a long time to treat dystonia, but the introduction of botulinum toxin and deep brain stimulation clearly revolutionized the symptomatic treatment of this neurological movement disorder. Therapy of dystonia can be divided into the following categories: (1) physical, supportive, and ancillary therapy; (2) pharmacologic treatment; (3) chemodenervation with botulinum toxin; and (4) peripheral and central surgery (deep brain stimulation). Except in some cases of secondary dystonia, pathogenesis‐targeted or disease‐modifying therapy is currently not available. This review focuses on evidence‐based medical treatment of dystonia, highlighting recent advances, with emphasis on individualized approach. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The focal dystonias: Current views and challenges for future research
Authors: Jinnah H. A. , Berardelli Alfredo , Comella Cynthia , DeFazio Giovanni , DeLong Mahlon R. , Factor Stewart , Galpern Wendy R. , Hallett Mark , Ludlow Christy L. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Rosen Ami R. ,   for the Dystonia Coalition Investigators
Published: July 2013

The most common forms of dystonia are those that develop in adults and affect a relatively isolated region of the body. Although these adult‐onset focal dystonias are most prevalent, knowledge of their etiologies and pathogenesis has lagged behind some of the rarer generalized dystonias, in which the identification of genetic defects has facilitated both basic and clinical research. This summary provides a brief review of the clinical manifestations of the adult‐onset focal dystonias, focusing attention on less well understood clinical manifestations that need further study. It also provides a simple conceptual model for the similarities and differences among the different adult‐onset focal dystonias as a rationale for lumping them together as a class of disorders while at the same time splitting them into subtypes. The concluding section outlines some of the most important research questions for the future. Answers to these questions are critical for advancing our understanding of this group of disorders and for developing novel therapeutics. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Polarized light microscopy in reproductive and developmental biology
Authors: Koike‐Tani Maki , Tani Tomomi , Mehta Shalin B. , Verma Amitabh , Oldenbourg Rudolf
Published: July 2013

The polarized light microscope reveals orientational order in native molecular structures inside living cells, tissues, and whole organisms. It is a powerful tool used to monitor and analyze the early developmental stages of organisms that lend themselves to microscopic observations. In this article, we briefly discuss the components specific to a traditional polarizing microscope and some historically important observations on: chromosome packing in the sperm head, the first zygote division of the sea urchin, and differentiation initiated by the first asymmetric cell division in the sand dollar. We then introduce the LC‐PolScope and describe its use for measuring birefringence and polarized fluorescence in living cells and tissues. Applications range from the enucleation of mouse oocytes to analyzing the polarized fluorescence of the water strider acrosome. We end with new results on the birefringence of the developing chick brain, which we analyzed between developmental stages of days 12–20. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 548–562, 2015. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring Shear‐Induced Adhesion of Gecko‐Inspired Fibrillar Arrays Using Scanning Probe Techniques
Authors: Li Yasong , Zhang Cheng , Zhou James H.‐W. , Menon Carlo , Gates Byron D.
Published: July 2013

The natural ability of geckos and spiders to climb almost all surfaces using the compliant, nano‐structured components on their feet provides motivation for making bio‐inspired adhesives. The goal of the studies in this paper is to create an analytical technique for improving the ability to characterize dry adhesives modeled after these biological systems. The technique described herein uses a scanning probe microscope to manipulate a flat test surface in contact with biomimetic fibrillar arrays while monitoring the adhesion forces. Adhesion forces were measured after both normal contact and shear‐induced contact between the nano‐structured fibrils and the test surface. Results confirm that the adhesion forces are higher for bio‐inspired adhesives after a shear‐induced contact. Variations in these forces can be measured across the sample with micrometer‐scale lateral resolution. This method of analysis can be extended to evaluate bio‐inspired dry adhesives with realistic mechanisms of attachment utilized in robotic and similar applications of these materials.
Simplified cohesive zone analysis of mixed‐mode I–II delamination in composite beams
Authors: de Morais A.B.
Published: July 2013

A simplified Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) was developed for the analysis of mixed‐mode I–II delamination in composite beams. The present model applies to unidirectional laminates with half‐thickness delaminations. Besides its beam theory basis, the present CZM differs from the common formulation in the piecewise linear softening and in the definition of dissipated energy adopted. Moreover, the consistency condition needed to ensure accurate results is embedded in the model developed. In this article, the analysis focused on the Moment‐Loaded Cantilever Beam (MLCB) specimen for which an exact J‐integral based analytical solution exists. The present results agreed with the latter solution despite some features that have been recently reported to compromise the accuracy of CZM, that is, nonlinearity of the whole softening process, local mode‐mix variations along the cohesive zone and large cohesive zones. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1901–1911, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermally induced phase separation of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/diluent systems: Optical microscope and infrared spectroscopy studies
Authors: Yang Hao‐Cheng , Wu Qing‐Yun , Liang Hong‐Qin , Wan Ling‐Shu , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: July 2013

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) has been developed to prepare porous membranes. The porous structures are mainly dependent on diluents adopted in the TIPS process. We obtained two typical morphologies of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes using cyclohexanone (CO) and propylene carbonate (PC) as diluents, respectively. SEM observation displays that porous spherulites are formed from PVDF/CO system, whereas smooth particles result from PVDF/PC system. The TIPS processes of these two systems have been investigated in detail by optical microscope observation and temperature‐dependent FTIR combined with two‐dimensional infrared correlation analysis. Rapid crystallization of PVDF can be seen around 110 °C in the PVDF/CO system, which is consistent with the results of temperature‐dependent FTIR spectra. The spectral evolution indicates a transform of PVDF from amorphous to α‐phase after 110 °C. The νs(CO) band at 1712 cm−1 narrows and the νs(CF) band at 1188 cm−1 shifts to 1192 cm−1 before crystallization, which implies the destruction of interaction between PVDF and CO. In contrast, the PVDF/PC system shows slow crystallization with all‐trans conformation assigned to β‐phase and γ‐phase below 60 °C but no obvious change of polymer−diluent interaction. We propose two mechanisms for the different phase behaviors of PVDF/CO and PVDF/PC systems: a solid−liquid phase separation after destruction of polymer−diluent interaction in the former, and a liquid−liquid phase separation process coupled with rich‐phase crystallization in the later. This work may provide new insight into the relationship among morphologies, crystal forms, and phase separation processes, which will be helpful to adjust membrane structure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1438–1447
Interplay of dopants and native point defects in ZnO
Authors: Brillson L. J. , Zhang Z. , Doutt D. R. , Look D. C. , Svensson B. G. , Kuznetsov A. Yu. , Tuomisto F.
Published: July 2013

The controlled doping of ZnO required for a wide range of micro‐ and optoelectronic applications remains a major challenge. Recent studies of Li‐doped ZnO and degenerately Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) reveal a systematic interplay between dopant incorporation and native point defects. Using the optical signature of Zn vacancies and their clusters to monitor their densities with growth conditions, processing and doping, we demonstrate that migration of Li and Ga into VZn sites plays a significant role in forming substitutional dopants and native point defects are actively involved in both donor and acceptor doping of ZnO.
An estimate of some analysis‐error statistics using the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office observing‐system simulation framework
Authors: Errico Ronald M. , Privé Nikki C.
Published: July 2013

The observing‐system simulation experiment (OSSE) framework developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) is used to estimate some characteristics of analysis error. This is possible because, within the framework, the true state of the simulated atmosphere is known and, after suitable interpolation to a common grid, can be simply differenced with the analysis to compute errors explicitly. The only assumption is that the OSSE is sufficiently realistic so that error statistics derived from it adequately describe those obtained when analyzing observations of the real atmosphere. Attention here is restricted to the troposphere during the months of July and August at 0000 and 1200 UTC using an observation data set from 2011.

Analysis‐error statistics presented here include geographical distributions of temporal variances, power spectra of spherical harmonics and correlations in meridional, latitudinal and vertical directions. Our most noteworthy results include the revelation through spectral analysis that only synoptic scales are well analyzed and that horizontal correlation lengths in the extratropics are short, with little vertical variation, and the dominance of rotational wind errors in contrast to divergent ones.

Also examined are fractional reductions in background‐error variances due to analysis of observations. These reveal that in most geographical regions throughout the troposphere, errors are reduced by analyzing observations, as intended. The reductions are typically small, however (−10% in most regions), as should be expected from consideration of the equilibration of errors implied by the Kalman‐filter equations.
A note on calculating asymptotic confidence intervals for the adjusted risk difference and number needed to treat in the Cox regression model
Authors: Laubender Ruediger P. , Bender Ralf
Published: July 2013

Recently, Laubender and Bender (Stat. Med. 2010; 29: 851–859) applied the average risk difference (RD) approach to estimate adjusted RD and corresponding number needed to treat measures in the Cox proportional hazards model. We calculated standard errors and confidence intervals by using bootstrap techniques. In this paper, we develop asymptotic variance estimates of the adjusted RD measures and corresponding asymptotic confidence intervals within the counting process theory and evaluated them in a simulation study. We illustrate the use of the asymptotic confidence intervals by means of data of the Düsseldorf Obesity Mortality Study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission Electron Microscopy and the Science of Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Bingsen , Su Dang Sheng
Published: July 2013

Carbon is a unique and versatile element that is capable of forming different architectures at nanoscale. The element has become a key component in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) acts as “our eyes” enabling us not only to reveal the morphology, but also to provide structural, chemical and electronic information of nanocarbon on the atomic level. In fact, except for fullerene, nearly all types of carbon nanomaterials were discovered by TEM, such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanocones, and graphene‐like nanocarbon. It cannot be imagined what nanoscience and nanotechnology would be without the contributions of TEM. Herein, the “interaction” between TEM and the science of carbon nanomaterials is reviewed and it is demonstrated for some selected examples that TEM provides a dramatic driving force for the development of nanocarbon science.
Evaluation of seismic behavior improvement in RC MRFs retrofitted by controlled rocking wall systems
Authors: Zibaei H. , Mokari J.
Published: July 2013

Using rocking wall systems is a recent technique to improve seismic behavior in reinforced concrete structures. This paper compares three 10‐story and three 20‐story reinforced concrete frames (moment‐resisting frames) with intermediate ductility, reinforced concrete frames with shear wall, and reinforced concrete frames with controlled rocking wall (RCRW) by the use of pushover analysis. At the end of the research, the wall in a 20‐story RCRW system is post‐tensioned then analyzed, and its results were compared with RCRW results. Simulation and numerical analysis were performed with OpenSees software. The results show that plastic hinge formation and inter‐story drifts are well distributed in the structure with rocking wall system in comparison with the other systems. Meanwhile, energy dissipation and displacement ductility are increased in RCRW frames. With post‐tensioning wall in RCRW, the drift ratios are more uniformed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronological Improvement in Survival Following Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Large‐Scale, Single‐Center Study
Authors: Lee Jong Lyul , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Chan Wook , Yoon Yong Sik , Lim Seok‐Byung , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: July 2013

Background

Total mesorectal excision (TME) and preoperative chemoradiation therapy (PCRT) for rectal cancer are used sequentially in our center. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival of patients with stage II/III rectal cancer chronologically and to determine whether therapeutic advances associated with TME and PCRT have improved patient survival.

Methods

A retrospective review of 2,197 patients from July 1989 to December 2006 was conducted. The time period (P) for this study was divided into three groups: P1 (1989–1995), P2 (1996–2001) for TME, P3 (2002–2006) for PCRT. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and recurrences among the three periods were investigated.

Results

A total of 293 patients in P1, 836 patients in P2, and 1,068 patients in P3 were enrolled. The 5‐year CSS in stages II and III was statistically different between P1/P2 and P3 (stage II, p = 0.008; stage III, p < 0.001). The 5‐year DFS was significantly different between P1/P2 and P3 for stage III (p = 0.001). The local recurrence and systemic recurrence rates decreased during P3, but there was no significant difference between the three periods for stage II. For stage III, local recurrence was significantly different between the three periods (P1 vs. P2, p = 0.002; P1 vs. P3, p < 0.001; P2 vs. P3, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

We identified an improvement in survival for stage II/III rectal cancer and a decrease in local recurrence for stage III rectal cancer during P3, the most recent period. This may be due to frequent application of PCRT based on the TME.