bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Balloon Fish Robot Based on Traveling Wave Equation
Authors: HASHIMOTO KAZUMA , UCHIDA MASAFUMI
Published: May 2015

Fish have excellent swimming ability underwater. Airship robots capable of performing low‐speed, low‐altitude flight with low energy have been investigated. Airship robots that perform “swimming in the air” in a manner similar to aquatic organisms by combining these features have been investigated and developed. The BFR (Balloon Fish Robot) is one such of type of robot. This paper deals with the simulated motion of the BFR and parameter optimization for the propulsion efficiency of an aquatic organism‐like airship robot propelled by traveling waves. The controlling expression of the BFR is written as a traveling‐wave equation. The equations of motion are defined by means of the controlling expression and the drag force. Comparative simulation and experimental investigation of the forward air speed of the BFR were used to evaluate its validity. The highest propulsion efficiency parameter was investigated by calculating using the experimental air speed, the maximum amplitude of the tail fin, and the traveling‐wave frequency.
Pharmacological inhibition of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 limits reperfusion injury in a porcine model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Lemarié Jérémie , Boufenzer Amir , Popovic Batric , Tran Nguyen , Groubatch Frederique , Derive Marc , Labroca Pierre , Barraud Damien , Gibot Sébastien
Published: May 2015

Aims

Limitation of ischemia/reperfusion injury is a major therapeutic target after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Toll‐like receptors are implicated in the inflammatory response that occurs during reperfusion. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)‐1 acts as an amplifier of the immune response triggered by toll‐like receptor engagement. We hypothesized that administration of a TREM‐1 inhibitory peptide (LR12) could limit reperfusion injury in a porcine model of AMI.

Methods and results

AMI was induced in 15 adult minipigs by a closed‐chest coronary artery occlusion‐reperfusion technique. Animals were randomized to receive LR12 or vehicle before reperfusion (LR12 n = 7, vehicle n = 8), and were monitored during 18 h.

AMI altered hemodynamics and cardiac function, as illustrated by a drop of mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, cardiac power index, ejection fraction, and real‐time pressure–volume loop‐derived parameters. TREM‐1 inhibition by LR12 significantly improved these dysfunctions (P < 0.03) and limited infarct size, as assessed by lower creatine phosphokinase and troponin I concentrations (P < 0.005).

Pulmonary, renal, and hepatic impairments occurred after AMI and were attenuated by LR12 administration as assessed by a better PaO2 to FiO2 ratio, a less positive fluid balance, and lower liver enzymes levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Inhibition of the TREM‐1 pathway by a synthetic peptide limited myocardial reperfusion injury in a clinically relevant porcine model of AMI.
Muscle wasting in ageing and chronic illness
Authors: Ebner Nicole , Sliziuk Veronika , Scherbakov Nadja , Sandek Anja
Published: May 2015

Purpose

As life expectancy increases, muscle wasting is becoming a more and more important public health problem. This review summarizes the current knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying muscle loss in ageing and chronic diseases such as heart failure and discusses evolving interventional strategies.

Recent findings

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength is a common phenomenon in a wide variety of disorders associated with ageing and morbidity‐associated catabolic conditions such as chronic heart failure. Muscle wasting in ageing but otherwise healthy human beings is referred to as sarcopenia. Unlike cachexia in advanced stages of chronic heart failure, muscle wasting per se is not necessarily associated with weight loss. In this review, we discuss pathophysiological mechanisms underlying muscle loss in sarcopenia and cachexia, highlight similarities and differences of both conditions, and discuss therapeutic targets and possible treatments, such as exercise training, nutritional support, and drugs. Candidate drugs to treat muscle wasting disease include myostatin antagonists, ghrelin agonists, selective androgen receptor molecules, megestrol acetate, activin receptor antagonists, espindolol, and fast skeletal muscle troponin inhibitors.

Present approaches to muscle wasting disease include exercise training, nutritional support, and drugs, although particularly the latter remain currently restricted to clinical studies. Optimizing skeletal muscle mass and function in ageing and chronic illness including heart failure is one of the chapters that are far from finished and gains future potential for new therapeutic interventions to come.
Heart failure in Southeast Asia: facts and numbers
Authors: Lam Carolyn S.P.
Published: May 2015

Southeast Asia is home to a growing population of >600 million people, the majority younger than 65 years, but among whom, rapid epidemiological transition has led to high rates of premature death from non‐communicable diseases (chiefly cardiovascular disease) (up to 28% in the Philippines vs. 12% in UK). There is a strikingly high prevalence of stage A heart failure (HF) risk factors in Southeast Asia, particularly hypertension (>24% in Cambodia and Laos vs. 13–15% in UK and USA), tobacco smoking (>36% in Indonesia), physical inactivity (>50% in Malaysia) and raised blood glucose (10–11% in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) in spite of a low prevalence of overweight/obesity (21–26% in Southeast Asia vs. 67–70% in UK and USA). Accordingly, the prevalence of symptomatic HF appears to be higher in Southeast Asian countries compared with the rest of the world. Epidemiologic trends in Singapore showed a sharp 38% increase in age‐adjusted HF hospitalizations (from 85.4 per 10 000 in 1991 to 110.3 per 10 000 in 1998) with notable ethnic differences (hospitalization rates ~35% higher in Malays and Indians vs. Chinese; mortality 3.5 times higher in Malays vs. Indians and Chinese). Furthermore, Southeast Asian patients present with acute HF at a younger age (54 years) compared with USA patients (75 years) but have more severe clinical features, higher rates of mechanical ventilation, longer lengths of stay (6 vs. 4.2 days) and higher in‐hospital mortality (4.8 vs. 3.0%). Finally, there is under‐usage of guideline‐recommended HF medical therapies (prescribed in 31–63% of patients upon discharge) and device therapies in Southeast Asia. Large gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed in Southeast Asia include the prevalence of HF with preserved ejection fraction, clinical outcomes, barriers to recommended therapies and their cost‐effectiveness, as well as possible ethnicity‐specific pathophysiologic mechanisms.
National trends in rate of patients hospitalized for heart failure and heart failure mortality in France, 2000–2012
Authors: Gabet Amélie , Juillière Yves , Lamarche‐Vadel Agathe , Vernay Michel , Olié Valérie
Published: May 2015

Aims

The objectives of this study were to describe annual trends in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) and HF‐associated mortality rates in France between 2000 and 2012.

Methods and results

Hospital discharge data were extracted from the French National Hospitalization Database (PMSI). Mortality data were obtained from the French National Mortality Database. HF events constituting the underlying or associated cause of death were selected. Rates were age standardized using the 2010 European census population as the standard population. Time trends were tested using a Poisson regression model. In 2012, the overall age‐standardized rate of patients hospitalized for HF was 246.2 per 100 000 inhabitants. The age‐standardized rate of HF‐associated mortality was 113.8 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2010. Hospitalized patient rates remained steady between 2002 and 2012, whereas mortality decreased by 3.3% annually from 2000 to 2010. Trends in hospitalized patients and mortality differed significantly between men and women, particularly among the 45‐ to 55‐ and 65‐ to 74‐year‐old age groups, with a smaller decrease observed in women.

Conclusion

Among men, a slight decrease in patients hospitalized for HF and a substantial reduction in mortality were observed. Among women, only a large decrease in HF mortality was observed. HF remains one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization in France, particularly in the elderly.
Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reactions with Nitroalkenes: A Case Study
Authors: Barbier Vincent , Couty François , David Olivier R. P.
Published: May 2015

We report on the use of a highly reactive super‐DMAP catalyst in Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reactions of nitroalkenes with ethyl glyoxylate, which result in excellent conversions and short reaction times with, importantly, very low catalyst loading. An extensive study of this particular reaction is presented, which examines all mechanistic and experimental details. Several critical points were hence uncovered that include the correlation between reaction efficiency and Lewis basicity of the catalyst; the double role played by the promoter, primarily as a nucleophilic activator towards the nitroalkene, and as a Brønsted base that triggers glyoxylate depolymerisation. More generally, the limitations in the choice of electrophiles that can engage efficiently in MBH‐type transformations are rationalized by the competition between a productive pathway and a nitroalkene polymerization process. Other aspects of this transformation, used as a case study, are presented in the light of physical organic chemistry.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C2‐Acylation of Indoles with α‐Diketones Assisted by the Removable N‐(2‐Pyrimidyl) Group
Authors: Li Chunpu , Zhu Wei , Shu Shuangjie , Wu Xiaoming , Liu Hong
Published: May 2015

An effective and practical palladium‐catalyzed C2‐acylation method was successfully developed for the synthesis of 2‐acylindoles. A variety of 2‐acylindoles were readily prepared from N‐pyrimidyl indoles in moderate to good yields. This methodology offers several advantages, which include ease of handling, mild reaction conditions, and use of an efficient and cheap catalyst. In particular, challenging 2‐acetylindoles were synthesized in good yields.
Sterically Congested Chiral 7,8‐Dioxa[6]helicene and Its Dihydro Analogues: Synthesis, Regioselective Functionalization, and Unexpected Domino Prins Reaction
Authors: Hasan Mohammed , Pandey Anita D. , Khose Vaibhav N. , Mirgane Nitin A. , Karnik Anil V.
Published: May 2015

A C2‐symmetric 7,8‐dioxa[6]helicene‐2,13‐diol was synthesized from readily available 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene on a gram scale. A high‐yielding synthetic strategy for the regioselective hydroxymethylation at the sterically most hindered C1 position of diol analogues was investigated. The dioxa[6]helicene backbone with configurationally stable helical enantiomers was synthesized, and these enantiomers were separated by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase. We also observed an unexpected domino Prins reaction. This is the first report of a domino Prins reaction occurring on a helicene. Along with the high‐yielding regioselective functionalization of dioxa[6]helicene analogues, the synthesis of a few cis‐7a,14c‐dihydro‐functionalized helicenoid diols substituted at the sterically most hindered C1 and C14 positions in their racemic forms was explored.
“What Appeals to the Students from My Odds and Ends of Knowledge”
Authors: Martus Steffen
Published: May 2015

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm saw science and the humanities as practised in research and teaching as a way of life which could also be highly political. As a result, in 1837 the brothers and five other professors joined together in protest as the “Göttingen Seven”, risking dismissal from their positions and banishment.
Slowed by Hunger
Authors: Gronemeyer Reimer , Fink Michaela
Published: May 2015

In southern Africa there are over 15 million AIDS orphans. In Namibia, as elsewhere, most are cared for by their extended families. But as traditional structures break down, new initiatives are emerging in civil society in an attempt to relieve hardship.
A Broad Approach
Authors: Blüher Matthias
Published: May 2015

The problem of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, but the factors and mechanisms that foster and trigger it still need to be better understood. In current studies, medical scientists are now concentrating on the role of the central nervous system, but also on adipose tissue, circulating hormones and inflammation.
The Determined Navigator
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: May 2015

Medical information scientist Lena Maier‐Hein, a Heinz Maier‐Leibnitz prizewinner, seeks to optimise assistance systems for minimally invasive procedures in cancer diagnosis and treatment. But the biggest challenge is transferring the technology to clinical practice.
The Hour Belongs to the Prizewinners … / … The Day Belongs to the Prize
Authors: Finetti Marco , Unterstell Rembert
Published: May 2015

The highest level of scientific achievement, individual degrees of freedom and repayment of the first instalments: the award ceremony for this year' s Leibniz Prizes at the beginning of March in Berlin / A colloquium offering more than just food for serious thought and a celebration that was more than just merrymaking — impressions of the DFG's Leibniz Day at the end of March in Bonn
Contributing sources to baseflow in pre‐alpine headwaters using spatial snapshot sampling
Authors: Fischer Benjamin M. C. , Rinderer Michael , Schneider Philipp , Ewen Tracy , Seibert Jan
Published: May 2015

Mountainous headwaters consist of different landscape units including forests, meadows and wetlands. In these headwaters it is unclear which landscape units contribute what percentage to baseflow. In this study, we analysed spatiotemporal differences in baseflow isotope and hydrochemistry to identify catchment‐scale runoff contribution. Three baseflow snapshot sampling campaigns were performed in the Swiss pre‐alpine headwater catchment of the Zwäckentobel (4.25 km2) and six of its adjacent subcatchments. The spatial and temporal variability of δ2H, Ca, DOC, AT, pH, SO4, Mg and H4SiO4 of streamflow, groundwater and spring water samples was analysed and related to catchment area and wetland percentage using bivariate and multivariate methods. Our study found that in the six subcatchments, with variable arrangements of landscape units, the inter‐ and intra catchment variability of isotopic and hydrochemical compositions was small and generally not significant. Stream samples were distinctly different from shallow groundwater. An upper spring zone located near the water divide above 1,400 m and a larger wetland were identified by their distinct spatial isotopic and hydrochemical composition. The upstream wetland percentage was not correlated to the hydrochemical streamflow composition, suggesting that wetlands were less connected and act as passive features with a negligible contribution to baseflow runoff. The isotopic and hydrochemical composition of baseflow changed slightly from the upper spring zone towards the subcatchment outlets and corresponded to the signature of deep groundwater. Our results confirm the need and benefits of spatially distributed snapshot sampling to derive process understanding of heterogeneous headwaters during baseflow. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical cancer screening in low‐resource settings: A cost‐effectiveness framework for valuing tradeoffs between test performance and program coverage
Authors: Campos Nicole G. , Castle Philip E. , Wright Thomas C. , Kim Jane J.
Published: May 2015

As cervical cancer screening programs are implemented in low‐resource settings, protocols are needed to maximize health benefits under operational constraints. Our objective was to develop a framework for examining health and economic tradeoffs between screening test sensitivity, population coverage and follow‐up of screen‐positive women, to help decision makers identify where program investments yield the greatest value. As an illustrative example, we used an individual‐based Monte Carlo simulation model of the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer calibrated to epidemiologic data from Uganda. We assumed once in a lifetime screening at age 35 with two‐visit HPV DNA testing or one‐visit visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). We assessed the health and economic tradeoffs that arise between (i) test sensitivity and screening coverage; (ii) test sensitivity and loss to follow‐up (LTFU) of screen‐positive women; and (iii) test sensitivity, screening coverage and LTFU simultaneously. The decline in health benefits associated with sacrificing HPV DNA test sensitivity by 20% (e.g., shifting from provider‐ to self‐collection of specimens) could be offset by gains in coverage if coverage increased by at least 20%. When LTFU was 10%, two‐visit HPV DNA testing with 80–90% sensitivity was more effective and more cost‐effective than one‐visit VIA with 40% sensitivity and yielded greater health benefits than VIA even as VIA sensitivity increased to 60% and HPV test sensitivity declined to 70%. As LTFU increased, two‐visit HPV DNA testing became more costly and less effective than one‐visit VIA. Setting‐specific data on achievable test sensitivity, coverage, follow‐up rates and programmatic costs are needed to guide decision making for cervical cancer screening.
Atypical Fractures Are Mainly Subtrochanteric in Singapore and Diaphyseal in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Schilcher Jörg , Howe Tet Sen , Png Meng Ai , Aspenberg Per , Koh Joyce SB
Published: May 2015

We have previously noted a dichotomy in the location of atypical fractures along the femoral shaft in Swedish patients, and a mainly subtrochanteric location of atypical fractures in descriptions of patients from Singapore. These unexpected differences were now investigated by testing the following hypotheses in a cross-sectional study: first, that there is a dichotomy also in Singapore; second, that the relation between subtrochanteric and diaphyseal location is different between the two countries; third, that the location is related to femoral bow. The previously published Swedish sample (n = 151) was re-measured, and a new Singaporean sample (n = 75) was established. Both samples were based on radiographic classification of all femoral fractures in women above 55 years of age. The distance between the fracture line and the lesser trochanter was measured. Femoral bow was classified as present or absent on frontal radiographs. Frequency distribution of the measured distances was analyzed using the Bayesian information criterion to choose the best description of the observed variable distribution in terms of a compilation of normally distributed subgroups. The analysis showed a clear dichotomy of the fracture location: either subtrochanteric or diaphyseal. Subtrochanteric fractures comprised 48% of all fractures in Singapore, and 17% in Sweden (p = 0.0001). In Singapore, femoral bow was associated with more fractures in the diaphyseal subgroup (p = 0.0001). This was not seen in Sweden. A dichotomous location of atypical fractures was confirmed, because it was found also in Singapore. The fractures showed a different localization pattern in the two countries. This difference may be linked to anatomical variations, but might also be related to cultural differences between the two populations that influence physical activity. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
S100A8, An Oocyte‐Specific Chemokine, Directs the Migration of Ovarian Somatic Cells During Mouse Primordial Follicle Assembly
Authors: Teng Zhen , Wang Chao , Wang Yijing , Huang Kun , Xiang Xi , Niu Wanbao , Feng Lizhao , Zhao Lihua , Yan Hao , Zhang Hua , Xia Guoliang
Published: May 2015

In the mammalian ovaries, the primordial follicle pool determines the reproductive capability over the lifetime of a female. The primordial follicle is composed of two cell members, namely the oocyte and the pre‐granulosa cells that encircle the oocyte. However, it is unclear what factors are involved in the reorganization of the two distinct cells into one functional unit. This study was performed to address this issue. Firstly, in an in vitro reconstruction system, dispersed ovarian cells from murine fetal ovaries at 19.0 days post coitum (dpc) reassembled into follicle‐like structures, independent of the physical distance between the cells, implying that either oocytes or ovarian somatic cells (OSCs) were motile. We then carried out a series of transwell assay experiments, and determined that it was in fact 19.0 dpc OSCs (as opposed to oocytes), which exhibited a significant chemotactic response to both fetal bovine serum and oocytes themselves. We observed that S100A8, a multi‐functional chemokine, may participate in the process as it is mainly expressed in oocytes within the cysts/plasmodia. S100A8 significantly promoted the number of migrating OSCs by 2.5 times in vitro, of which 66.9% were FOXL2 protein‐positive cells, implying that the majority of motile OSCs were pre‐granulosa cells. In addition, an S100A8‐specific antibody inhibited the formation of follicle‐like reconstruction cell mass in vitro. And, the primordial follicle formation was reduced when S100a8‐specific siRNA was applied onto in vitro cultured 17.5 dpc ovary. Therefore, S100A8 could be a chemokine of oocyte origin, which attracts OSCs to form the primordial follicles. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2998–3008, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling of omecamtiv mecarbil, a cardiac myosin activator, in healthy volunteers and patients with stable heart failure
Authors: Vu Thuy , Ma Peiming , Xiao Jim J. , Wang Yow‐Ming C. , Malik Fady I. , Chow Andrew T.
Published: May 2015

Data from 3 clinical trials of omecamtiv mecarbil in healthy volunteers and patients with stable heart failure (HF) were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed‐effects model to investigate omecamtiv mecarbil's pharmacokinetics and relationship between plasma concentration and systolic ejection time (SET) and Doppler‐derived left ventricular outflow tract stroke volume (LVOTSV). Omecamtiv mecarbil pharmacokinetics were described by a linear 2‐compartment model with a zero‐order input rate for intravenous administration and first‐order absorption for oral administration. Oral absorption half‐life was 0.62 hours, and absolute bioavailability was estimated as 90%; elimination half‐life was approximately 18.5 hours. Variability in pharmacokinetic parameters was not explained by patient baseline characteristics. Omecamtiv mecarbil plasma concentration was directly correlated with increases in SET and LVOTSV between healthy volunteers and patients with HF. The maximum increase from baseline in SET (delta SET) estimated by an Emax model was 137 milliseconds. LVOTSV increased linearly from baseline by 1.6 mL per 100 ng/mL of omecamtiv mecarbil. Model‐based simulations for several immediate‐release oral dose regimens (37.5, 50, and 62.5 mg dosed every 8, 12, and 24 hours) showed that a pharmacodynamic effect (delta SET ≥20 milliseconds) could be maintained in the absence of excessive omecamtiv mecarbil plasma concentrations.
Cores of Imprimitive Symmetric Graphs of Order a Product of Two Distinct Primes
Authors: Rotheram Ricky , Zhou Sanming
Published: May 2015

A retract of a graph Γ is an induced subgraph Ψ of Γ such that there exists a homomorphism from Γ to Ψ whose restriction to Ψ is the identity map. A graph is a core if it has no nontrivial retracts. In general, the minimal retracts of a graph are cores and are unique up to isomorphism; they are called the core of the graph. A graph Γ is G‐symmetric if G is a subgroup of the automorphism group of Γ that is transitive on the vertex set and also transitive on the set of ordered pairs of adjacent vertices. If in addition the vertex set of Γ admits a nontrivial partition that is preserved by G, then Γ is an imprimitive G‐symmetric graph. In this paper cores of imprimitive symmetric graphs Γ of order a product of two distinct primes are studied. In many cases the core of Γ is determined completely. In other cases it is proved that either Γ is a core or its core is isomorphic to one of two graphs, and conditions on when each of these possibilities occurs is given.
The Pseudo‐Michael Reaction of 2‐Hydrazinylidene‐1‐Arylimidazolidines with Diethyl Ethoxymethylenemalonate
Authors: Aletańska‐Kozak M. , Kaczor A. A. , Wróbel T. M. , Kozioł A. E. , Suwińska K. , Dybała I. , Pihlaja K. , Matosiuk D.
Published: May 2015

The pseudo‐Michael reaction of 2‐hydrazinylidene‐1‐arylimidazolidines with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (DEEM) was investigated. The reaction yields the chain adduct, namely diethyl{[2‐(1‐arylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)hydrazinyl]methylidene}propanedioates. This is contrary to the pseudo‐Michael reaction of DEEM with 1‐aryl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐amines that does not allow isolation of chain derivatives and leads to cyclic imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine derivatives while even at thermodynamic control. At first cyclization of diethyl{[2‐(1‐arylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)hydrazinyl]methylidene}propanedioates leads to ethyl 1‐aryl‐5(1H,8H)oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐imidazo[2,1‐c][1,2,4]triazepine‐6‐carboxylates. 1,5‐Sigmatropic shift, following the cyclization, caused isomerization of 5(1H,8H)oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐imidazo[2,1‐c][1,2,4]triazepine‐6‐carboxylates to ethyl 1‐aryl‐5(1H)hydroxy‐2,3‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐c][1,2,4]triazepine‐6‐carboxylates. Presence of both isomers in the reaction product was detected in the NMR spectra. The structure of all the compounds was confirmed with spectroscopic studies (1H NMR and MS). The structure of diethyl{[2‐(1‐phenylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)hydrazinyl]methylidene}propanedioate was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. In the addition reaction, thermodynamics and HOMO–LUMO orbitals of the reactants were studied by using quantum chemical calculations.
Clinical features of human metapneumovirus genotypes in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Changsha, China
Authors: Zeng Sai‐Zhen , Xiao Ni‐Guang , Zhong Li‐Li , Yu Tian , Zhang Bing , Duan Zhao‐Jun
Published: May 2015

To explore the epidemiological and clinical features of different human metapneumovirus (hMPV) genotypes in hospitalized children. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) or PCR was employed to screen for both hMPV and other common respiratory viruses in 2613 nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens collected from children with lower respiratory tract infections from September 2007 to February 2011 (a period of 3.5 years). The demographics and clinical presentations of patients infected with different genotypes of hMPV were compared. A total of 135 samples were positive for hMPV (positive detection rate: 5.2%). Co‐infection with other viruses was observed in 45.9% (62/135) of cases, and human bocavirus was the most common additional respiratory virus. The most common symptoms included cough, fever, and wheezing. The M gene was sequenced for 135 isolates; of these, genotype A was identified in 72.6% (98/135) of patients, and genotype B was identified in 27.4% (37/135) of patients. The predominant genotype of hMPV changed over the 3.5‐year study period from genotype A2b to A2b or B1 and then to predominantly B1. Most of clinical features were similar between patients infected with different hMPV genotypes. These results suggested that hMPV is an important viral pathogen in pediatric patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Changsha. The hMPV subtypes A2b and B1 were found to co‐circulate. The different hMPV genotypes exhibit similar clinical characteristics. J. Med. Virol. 87:1839–1845, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New advancements in SERS dye detection using interfaced SEM and Raman spectromicroscopy (μRS)
Authors: Prikhodko Sergey V. , Rambaldi Diana C. , King Andrew , Burr Elizabeth , Muros Vanessa , Kakoulli Ioanna
Published: May 2015

In the past decade Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) has emerged as a powerful technique for the analysis of artistic, historical and archaeological material culture. However, the identification of organic compounds in complex samples using SERS can be challenging owing to the complexity in optimizing the adsorption of target analytes onto the plasmonic substrate and the difficulty to identify proper areas on the sample for robust SERS analysis using optical systems. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) interfaced with Raman spectromicroscopy (μRS) provides an ideal hyphenated system to overcome the last challenge by: (1) evaluating the nanoparticles coverage/distribution on the sample and (2) locating suitable areas for successful and reproducible SERS analysis. In this paper we demonstrate the potential of a system interfacing SEM and μRS for single fiber, extractionless analysis in the characterization of dyes from reference collections and archaeological textiles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using clustering and dynamic mutual information for topic feature selection
Authors: Xu Jian‐min , Wu Shu fang , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2015

A good feature selection method should take into account both category information and high‐frequency information to select useful features that can effectively display the information of a target. Because basic mutual information (BMI) prefers low‐frequency features and ignores high‐frequency features, clustering mutual information is proposed, which is based on clustering and makes effective high‐frequency features become unique, better integrating category information and useful high‐frequency information. Time is an important factor in topic detection and tracking (TDT). In order to improve the performance of TDT, time difference is integrated into clustering mutual information to dynamically adjust the mutual information, and then another algorithm called the dynamic clustering mutual information (DCMI) is given. In order to obtain the optimal subsets to display topics information, an objective function is proposed, which is based on the idea that a good feature subset should have the smallest distance within‐class and the largest distance across‐class. Experiments on TDT4 corpora using this objective function are performed; then, comparing the performances of BMI, DCMI, and the only existed topic feature selection algorithm Incremental Term Frequency‐Inverted Document Frequency (ITF‐IDF), these performance information will be displayed by four figures. Computation time of DCMI is previously lower than BMI and ITF‐IDF. The optimal normalized‐detection performance (Cdet)norm of DCMI is decreased by 0.3044 and 0.0970 compared with those of BMI and ITF‐IDF, respectively.
Hemostatic glues in tonsillectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Sproat Rhona , Radford Peter , Hunt Alison
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare use of hemostatic glues to conventional techniques of intraoperative hemostasis for tonsillectomy.

Study Design

A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis.

Methods

All published prospective controlled trials that compared hemostatic glues to conventional techniques of hemostasis were identified. We performed a meta‐analysis of articles comparing fibrin sealant to electrocautery, and of those comparing electrocautery to electrocautery plus fibrin hemostasis.

Results

Seven studies were identified that made qualifications for review, with a total of 748 patients. Outcome measures were postoperative hemorrhage recorded by investigators, and visual analogue scores of pain for day 1, day 3, and day 10 postoperatively. Use of fibrin sealant was not associated with a reduction in hemorrhage rates following tonsillectomy when compared to electrocautery (pooled relative risk [RR] 0.315; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.047‐2.093, 224 patients). No statistical difference in bleeding rate was seen between electrocautery hemostasis alone, compared to electrocautery with fibrin sealant (pooled RR 1.742; 95% CI: 0.433‐7.005, 108 patients). No statistically significant difference in pain was identified.

Conclusions

Pain and bleeding are significant causes of morbidity post‐tonsillectomy. We conclude that there is no significant evidence to support hemostatic glues over current techniques for reducing severity of these outcomes. Consequently, we do not recommended hemostatic glues for routine use in current clinical practice. Studies were generally of low quality and inadequately powered to detect a statistical difference, even when pooled. We advocate further research to facilitate future meta‐analysis.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:236–242, 2016
The use of ultrasound imaging in evaluation of peritonsillar infections
Authors: Nogan Stephen , Jandali Dan , Cipolla Michael , DeSilva Brad
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objectives of this study were to evaluate safety and patient tolerance of intraoral ultrasound and to evaluate efficacy of intraoral ultrasound in the diagnosis of peritonsillar infections.

Study Design

Prospective single‐cohort study involving adult patients (age >18 years) with evaluation consistent with possible peritonsillar abscess.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients were evaluated in the emergency department for peritonsillar infection. Signs and symptoms were recorded including uvular deviation, trismus, and fluctuance. Intraoral ultrasound was performed, and presence or absence of abscess was recorded. Eight patients had a computed tomography (CT) scan. Needle aspiration was performed by the otolaryngology physician in appropriate patients. Presence of purulence confirmed peritonsillar abscess.

Results

Intraoral ultrasound was successfully performed on 87.5% (21/24) of patients. The probe could not access the peritonsillar space in 12.5% (3/24) of patients due to trismus. The positive predictive value of ultrasound in diagnosing abscess was 78.6% (11/14). The negative predictive value was 100% (7/7). The specificity was 70% (7/10), and the sensitivity was 100% (11/11). CT scan of the neck was obtained in 8/24 patients and found to be 100% sensitive and specific in diagnosing abscess.

Conclusions

Intraoral ultrasound is a sensitive imaging modality at our institution, making it a strong initial imaging choice in patients with peritonsillar infections. Ultrasound can reliably rule out the presence of abscess and make CT of the neck unnecessary in most patients. Although ultrasound is generally well tolerated, diagnosis in patients with severe trismus can be made clinically or with CT scan. Intraoral ultrasound is a useful tool in diagnosing and treating peritonsillar infections when imaging is required.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:2604–2607, 2015
Inner ear deficits in irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors
Authors: Chi Fan‐Hsiang , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Despite the advancement of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, inner ear symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo/dizziness are still experienced in irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors. This study utilized an inner ear test battery to assess the causes and sequence of inner ear deficits in irradiated NPC survivors with a mean interval of 10 years after radiotherapy.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Thirty‐six irradiated NPC survivors were enrolled. Otoscopy and an inner ear test battery comprising audiometry were performed, as well as ocular vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), cervical VEMP (cVEMP), and caloric tests.

Results

Otoscopic examination revealed middle ear complications in 37 ears (51%), including radiation‐induced otitis media in 32 ears and otitis media with effusion in five ears. Percentages of abnormal cVEMP test, oVEMP test, bone‐conducted mean hearing level, and caloric test were 91%, 75%, 67%, and 39%, respectively, exhibiting a significantly declining sequence in inner ear deficits. Most (67%) NPC survivors had inner ear deficit originated from peripheral vestibular lesion, mainly due to sequela of otitis media. In contrast, 33% of them had inner ear deficit caused by central vestibular disorder.

Conclusions

A significant sequential decline in inner ear function of irradiated NPC survivors was observed from the saccule to the utricle, cochlea, and semicircular canals. Most of them were due to sequela of otitis media, followed by central vestibular disorder.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:2565–2571, 2015
Use of continuous positive airway pressure after rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and sinus surgery: A survey of current practice patterns
Authors: Cohen Justin C. , Larrabee Yuna C. , Weinstein Andrew L. , Stewart Michael G.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To explore current practice patterns in the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) following nasal or sinus surgery.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An electronic 24‐question survey was created to evaluate surgeon practice patterns for restarting CPAP after nasal surgery. We also explored factors contributing to their decisions (1–5 Likert scale) and complications believed to be directly related to restarting CPAP. Factors with a median rating score greater than 3 out of 5 were deemed “important.” Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of practice setting and clinical experience.

Results

A total of 407 physicians completed the survey (27.4% response rate for those that opened the e‐mail). The majority of surgeons temporarily stop CPAP after nasal surgery, generally for 1 to 2 weeks, although the range of time is wide. There are also many surgeons who do not stop CPAP after any of these procedures and who reported that complications were fairly minimal. Severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was deemed important for all procedures. There were additional patient and surgery‐specific factors considered important for each individual surgery. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in physician practice setting and clinical experience.

Conclusion

Regarding the use of CPAP after nasal surgery, considerable variation existed in the practice patterns of physicians. Severity of OSA was universally considered important, but the remaining factors were less consistent. A comparative study investigating the outcomes of various protocols is necessary.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2612–2616, 2015
Implications of intraglandular lymph node metastases in primary carcinomas of the parotid gland
Authors: Nisa Lluís , Salmina Cinzia , Dettmer Matthias Stephan , Arnold Andreas , Aebersold Daniel Matthias , Borner Urs , Giger Roland
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Assess the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of intraglandular lymph node (IGLN) metastases in primary parotid gland carcinomas (PGCs).

Study Design

Retrospective study at a tertiary referral university hospital.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 95 patients with primary PGCs, treated at least surgically, between 1997 and 2010. We assessed the clinicopathological associations of IGLN metastases, their prognostic significance, and predictive value in the diagnosis of occult neck lymph node metastases

Results

Twenty‐four (25.26%) patients had IGLN metastases. This feature was significantly more prevalent in patients with advanced pT status (P = .01), pN status (P < .01), and overall stage (P < .001); high‐risk carcinomas (P = .01); as well as in patients with treatment failures (P < .01). IGLN involvement was significantly associated with decreased univariate disease‐free survival (P < .001). Positive and negative predictive values and accuracy for IGLN involvement in the detection of occult neck lymph node metastases were 63.64%, 90.48%, and 84.91%, respectively. The diagnostic values were generally higher in patients with low‐risk subtype of PGCs.

Conclusions

IGLN involvement provides prognostic information and is associated with advanced tumoral stage and higher risk of recurrence. This feature could be used as a potential readout to determine whether a neck dissection in clinically negative neck lymph nodes is needed or not.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:2099–2106, 2015
Sleep and health implications of snoring: A populational analysis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the prevalence of snoring and if snoring is associated with negative effects on sleep patterns and other health conditions.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of large‐scale national risk‐factor survey.

Methods

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the 2012 sleep health component was analyzed to determine the relationships between respondents' sleep patterns including average hours slept, days of insufficient sleep, falling asleep while driving, and the presence of snoring. The associations between snoring and coronary artery disease, stroke, and depressive disorder were also determined.

Results

Among 8,137,604 weighted respondents (raw N = 22,745), 52.8% (95% confidence interval, 51.9%‐53.8%) reported that they snored. Males were more likely to report snoring than females (59.0% vs. 46.9%, respectively, P < .001) and increasing body mass index was associated with a higher prevalence of snoring (normal weight, 36% snoring vs. obese, 71%; P < .001). Snorers reported decreased sleep time, more lack of sleep days, and unintentional falling asleep days than nonsnorers (6.97 vs. 7.15 hours, 9.1 vs. 7.6 days, and 3.3 vs. 2.1 days, respectively; all P < .001). Snorers were more likely to have fallen asleep while driving than nonsnorers (odds ratio, 1.49; P < .001). Snorers also demonstrated increased odds ratios for coronary artery disease and depressive disorder (odds ratios 1.40 and 1.39; respectively, P < .001), but not for stroke (P = .421).

Conclusions

Self‐reported snoring is associated with significant negative sleep pattern behaviors as well as coronary artery disease and depressive disorders. Further study of snoring as a risk factor for poor sleep and other diseases is warranted.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 125:2413–2416, 2015
Isolating the hydrodynamic triggers of the dive response in eastern oyster larvae
Authors: Wheeler Jeanette D. , Helfrich Karl R. , Anderson Erik J. , Mullineaux Lauren S.
Published: May 2015

Understanding the behavior of larval invertebrates during planktonic and settlement phases remains an open and intriguing problem in larval ecology. Larvae modify their vertical swimming behavior in response to water column cues to feed, avoid predators, and search for settlement sites. The larval eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) can descend in the water column via active downward swimming, sinking, or “diving,” which is a flick and retraction of the ciliated velum to propel a transient downward acceleration. Diving may play an important role in active settlement, as diving larvae move rapidly downward in the water column and may regulate their proximity to suitable settlement sites. Alternatively, it may function as a predator‐avoidance escape mechanism. We examined potential hydrodynamic triggers to this behavior by observing larval oysters in a grid‐stirred turbulence tank. Larval swimming was recorded for two turbulence intensities and flow properties around each larva were measured using particle image velocimetry. The statistics of flow properties likely to be sensed by larvae (fluid acceleration, deformation, vorticity, and angular acceleration) were compared between diving and non‐diving larvae. Our analyses showed that diving larvae experienced high average flow accelerations in short time intervals (approximately 1–2 s) prior to dive onset, while accelerations experienced by non‐diving larvae were significantly lower. Further, the probability that larvae dove increased with the fluid acceleration they experienced. These results indicate that oyster larvae actively respond to hydrodynamic signals in the local flow field, which has ecological implications for settlement and predator avoidance.
Efficacy of different modes of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of primary cutaneous amyloidosis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Esmat Samia M. , Fawzi Marwa M. , Gawdat Heba I. , Ali Heba S. , Sayed Safinaz S.
Published: May 2015

Background

Primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) comprises three main forms: macular, lichen, and nodular amyloidosis. The current available treatments are quite disappointing.

Objectives

Assess and compare the clinical and histological changes induced by different modes of Fractional CO2 laser in treatment of PCA.

Patients and Methods

Twenty five patients with PCA (16 macular and 9 lichen amyloidosis) were treated by fractional CO2 using; superficial ablation (area A) and deep rejuvenation (area B). Each patient received 4 sessions with 4 weeks intervals. Skin biopsies were obtained from all patients at baseline and one month after the last session. Patients were assessed clinically and histologically (Congo red staining, polarized light). Patients were followed‐up for 3 months after treatment.

Results

Both modes yielded significant reduction of pigmentation, thickness, itching, and amyloid deposits (P‐value < 0.001). However, the percentage of reduction of pigmentation was significantly higher in area A (P‐value = 0.003). Pain was significantly higher in area B. Significant reduction in dermal amyloid deposits denotes their trans‐epidermal elimination induced by fractional photothermolysis.

Conclusion

Both superficial and deep modes of fractional CO2 laser showed comparable efficacy in treatment of PCA. Superficial mode being better tolerated by patients, is recommended as a valid therapeutic option. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:388–395, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rigid‐Rod Polyamides from 3,3′‐bis­(trifluoromethyl)‐4,4′‐diamino‐1,1′‐biphenyl
Authors: Kim Sun Dal , Byun Taejoon , Lee Byungyong , Kim Sang Youl , Chung Im Sik
Published: May 2015

A diamine monomer with trifluoromethyl groups, 3,3′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐4,4′‐diamino‐1,1′‐biphenyl, is synthesized from 5‐bromo‐2‐nitrobenzotrifluoride with two steps. The model reaction with monofunctional benzoyl chloride at room temperature gives the model compound with a quantitative yield. The results of the model reaction indicate that the amine groups have sufficient reactivity in spite of the presence of electron‐withdrawing and bulky trifluoromethyl group at the ortho position. The monomer is polymerized with terephthaloyl chloride and isophthaloyl chloride in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) or DMAc containing LiCl using pyridine as an acid acceptor at room temperature. All synthesized polymers are somewhat crystalline and colorless. While the meta‐linked polyamide (PA2) shows excellent solubility in polar aprotic solvents, the para‐linked one (PA1) is dissolved in polar aprotic solvents containing LiCl and concentrated H2SO4. They show good thermal and thermooxidative stability as well as high melting temperatures.

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Facile Route for the Synthesis of Adamantane‐Containing Polypeptides through Polycondensation of Activated Urethane Derivative of α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Goto Mitsuaki , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2015

A facile route has been discovered for the synthesis of polypeptides containing adamantane moieties in the side chain, poly(Nδ‐adamantyl‐l‐glutamine) P1 and poly(Nγ‐adamantyl‐l‐asparagine) P2, through polycondensation of an N‐phenoxycarbonyl derivative of the corresponding Nδ‐adamantyl‐l‐glutamine 1 and Nγ‐adamantyl‐l‐asparagine 2, respectively, along with the elimination of phenol and CO2. The urethane derivatives are readily synthesized by the N‐carbamylation of tetrabutylammonium salts of α‐amino acids with diphenyl carbonate. Polycondensation of the urethane derivative proceeds smoothly upon heating to 60 °C in N,N‐dimethylacetamide using n‐butylamine (n‐BuNH2) as an initiator. Size exclusion chromatography, 1H NMR spectra, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of flight mass spectrometry analyses reveal that polycondensation of 1 with n‐BuNH2 yields a well‐defined polypeptide in terms of molecular weight and terminal structure. On the other hand, polycondensation of 2 affords poor molecular weight control and leads to the formation of oligopeptides. Furthermore, using amine‐terminated poly(ethylene‐glycol) in place of n‐BuNH2 yields a diblock copolymer composed of polyether and polypeptide segments bearing an adamantane moiety through polycondensation of the urethane derivative.

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