bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cochlear Nerve Canal and Internal Auditory Canal in Children with Normal Cochlea but Cochlear Nerve Deficiency
Authors: Yan Fei , Li Jianhong , Xian Junfang , Wang Zhenchang , Mo Lingyan
Published: January 2013

Background

There is an increasing frequency of requests for cochlear implantation (CI) in deaf children and more detailed image information is necessary for selecting appropriate candidates. Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is a contraindication to CI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to evaluate the integrity of the cochlear nerve. The abnormalities of the cochlear nerve canal (CNC) and internal auditory canal (IAC) have been reported to be associated with CND.

Purpose

To correlate CNC manifestation, size, and IAC diameter on high-resolution CT (HRCT) with CND diagnosed by MRI in children.

Material and Methods

HRCT images from 35 sensorineurally deaf children who had normal cochlea but bilateral or unilateral CND diagnosed by MRI were studied retrospectively. The CNC and IAC manifestation and size were assessed and correlated with CND.

Results

CND was diagnosed by MRI in 54/70 ears (77.1%). Thirty-two ears had an absent cochlear nerve (59.3%), while 22 ears had a small cochlear nerve (40.7%). The CNC diameter was, 1.5 mm in 36 ears (66.7%). The CNC diameter ranged between 1.5 and 2.0 mm in seven ears (13.0%) and was .2.0 mm in 11 ears (20.4%). The IAC diameter was, 3.0 mm in 25 ears (46.3%) and .3.0 mm in 29 ears (53.7%).

Conclusion

The hypoplastic CNC might be more highly indicative of CND than that of a narrow IAC.
Superparamagnetic Perfluorooctylbromide Nanoparticles as a Multimodal Contrast Agent for Us, Mr, and Ct Imaging
Authors: Li Ao , Zheng Yuanyi , Yu Jinhong , Wang Zhigang , Yang Yang , Wu Wei , Guo Dajing , Ran Haitao
Published: January 2013

Background

Multimodal contrast agents usually containing two or more signal components can be used for several imaging modalities. Thus, complimentary information can be obtained by using just one kind of contrast agents.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of superparamagnetic perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles (M-PFOBNP) as a multimodal contrast agent for ultrasonography (US)/magnetic resonance (MR)/computed tomography (CT) multimodality imaging.

Material and Methods

The composite agent M-PFOBNP was developed by introducing superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles into perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles (PFOBNP). Several analytical tools were employed to characterize the agent. The potential of M-PFOBNP for US/MR/CT multimodality imaging were assessed in vivo. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the agent were studied in vitro.

Results

M-PFOBNP with well-defined spherical morphology and homogeneous size of 200-250 nm was obtained. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully integrated into PFOBNP and preserved their superparamagnetic characteristics after encapsulation. The in vivo studies showed that M-PFOBNP produced higher echogenicity than PFOBNP and possessed strong magnetic susceptibility and radiopacity for multimodality imaging. Macrophages incubated with different concentrations of M-PFOBNP resulted in a dose-dependent cellular uptake, which did not affect the viability of the cells.

Conclusion

M-PFOBNP may potentially serve as a multimodal contrast agent for enhanced US, MR, and CT imaging.
Evaluation of two different vacuum-assisted breast biopsy systems: Mammotome® system 11G/8G vs. ATEC® system 12G/9G
Authors: Order Berndt-Michael , Schaefer Philipp J , Peters G , Eckmann-Scholz Christel , Hilpert Felix , Strauss Alexander , Warneke Viktoria , Mathiak Micaela , Heller Martin , Jonat Walter , Schaefer Fritz KW
Published: January 2013

Background

Breast cancer screening programs have been established worldwide and early detection of breast cancer has increased steadily. The most common way to confirm dignity of non-palpable and sonographically-occult suspicious findings on mammography is the stereotactically-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

Purpose

To compare two stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy systems measuring time effectiveness and quality of harvested material in clinical practice.

Material and Methods

One hundred and forty-six patients presenting with suspicious microcalcifications on mammography were included in the study. Biopsies were carried out with either the Mammotome® system (11-gauge and 8-gauge) or the ATEC® system (12-gauge and 9-gauge). Lesions with a diameter <15 mm on mammography were biopsied with 11-gauge or 12-gauge devices whereas lesions >15 mm were targeted with 8-gauge and 9-gauge. Mammotome® system 8-gauge device was used in 34 patients, the 11-gauge system in 37 patients. The ATEC® system 9-gauge system was used in 37 patients and 12-gauge in 38 patients. Time was taken, focusing on preparing the system, time of collecting the samples, preparing the samples, and cleaning the site. During the biopsies 24 samples were taken. The histologic quality of the tissue samples was judged by a pathologist in a blinded fashion according to a specimen grading classification concerning tissue fragmentation, artefacts, and the adequacy of the tissue for diagnosis.

Results

The median overall time for the Mammotome® system was 879 s (11-gauge) and 934 s (8-gauge) and for the ATEC® system 671 s (12-gauge) and 673 s (9-gauge). The ATEC® system displays a significantly shorter overall time for small and large biopsy devices (U-test, P < 0.001). Concerning the mean time difference of the overall time comparing small and large systems the ATEC® system was 267.6 s faster using the small and 244.8 s faster using the large system. Comparing the histologic quality of tissue samples the Mammotome® system shows significantly higher values for the large and the small system (Chi-square test, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both biopsy systems meet all requirements for daily practice and confirm the diagnosis of suspicious microcalcifications. The ATEC® system was observed to be faster but this difference of about 250 s might not be relevant in daily practice. The Mammotome® system provides a better histologic quality of tissue samples.
Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Wrist MRI at 3.0t: Comparison between Isotropic 3d Turbo Spin Echo and Isotropic 3D Fast Field Echo and 2D Turbo Spin Echo
Authors: Jung Jee Young , Yoon Young Cheol , Jung Jin Young , Choe Bong-Keun
Published: January 2013

Background

Isotropic three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been applied to various joints. However, comparison for image quality between isotropic 3D MRI and two-dimensional (2D) turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence of the wrist at a 3T MR system has not been investigated.

Purpose

To compare the image quality of isotropic 3D MRI including TSE intermediate-weighted (VISTA) sequence and fast field echo (FFE) sequence with 2D TSE intermediate-weighted sequence of the wrist joint at 3.0 T.

Material and Methods

MRI was performed in 10 wrists of 10 healthy volunteers with isotropic 3D sequences (VISTA and FFE) and 2D TSE intermediate-weighted sequences at 3.0 T. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was obtained by imaging phantom and noise-only image. Contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated between fluid and cartilage, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and the scapholunate ligament. Two radiologists independently assessed the visibility of TFCC, carpal ligaments, cartilage, tendons and nerves with a four-point grading scale. Statistical analysis to compare CRs (one way ANOVA with a Tukey test) and grades of visibility (Kruskal-Wallis test) between three sequences and those for inter-observer agreement (kappa analysis) were performed.

Results

The SNR of 2D TSE (46.26) was higher than those of VISTA (23.34) and 3D FFE (19.41). CRs were superior in 2D TSE than VISTA (P = 0.02) for fluid-cartilage and in 2D TSE than 3D FFE (P < 0.01) for fluid-TFCC. The visibility was best in 2D TSE (P < 0.01) for TFCC and in VISTA (P = 0.01) for scapholunate ligament. The visibility was better in 2D TSE and 3D FFE (P = 0.04) for cartilage and in VISTA than 3D FFE (P < 0.01) for TFCC. The inter-observer agreement for the visibility of anatomic structures was moderate or substantial.

Conclusion

Image quality of 2D TSE was superior to isotropic 3D MR imaging for cartilage, and TFCC. 3D FFE has better visibility for cartilage than VISTA and VISTA has superior visibility for TFCC to 3D FFE and the visibility for scapholunate ligament was best on VISTA.
Quantitative assessment of microcirculation and diffusion in the bone marrow of osteoporotic rats using VCT, DCE-MRI, DW-MRI, and histology
Authors: Liu Yifei , Cao Liji , Hillengass Jens , Delorme Stefan , Schlewitz Gudrun , Govindarajan Parameswari , Schnettler Reinhard , Heiß Christian , Bäuerle Tobias
Published: January 2013

Background

Etiologic and pathophysiologic role of functional bone marrow processes is not fully understood especially in the case of osteoporosis.

Purpose

To investigate the role of vascularization and diffusion in rat models of osteoporosis through a cross-correlation between non-invasive in-vivo imaging and invasive ex-vivo imaging of bone, bone marrow, and in particular of microcirculation.

Material and Methods

Osteoporosis was induced in rats by combining ovariectomy (OVX) with calcium and Vitamin D3 deficiency, or with glucocorticoid (dexamethasone). For comparison, controls underwent a sham surgery. In in-vivo investigations, animals ( n = 36) were examined by volumetric CT (VCT) and MRI at 1, 3, or 12 months post surgery. Using VCT, bone morphology was monitored and relative bone density r within pelvis was extracted. With DCE-MRI and DW-MRI, parameters A (amplitude), Kep (exchange rate constant), and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) were acquired for regions of lumbar vertebrae, pelvis, and femur. In ex-vivo investigations, selective histological sections of pelvis were either stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE stain) for quantifying vessel size and density or immunostained for collagen IV and a-smooth muscle actin to assess vessel maturity (SMA/collagen IV ratio).

Results

After 12 months, decrease in DCE-MRI parameter Kep was found in all locations of osteoporotic rats (strongest in femur and lumbar vertebrae) while no significant differences were seen for parameter A and DW-MRI parameter ADC. Furthermore, vessel rarefication and maturation were observed on the histological level in animals with osteoporotic phenotype. In particular in the pelvis, the osteoporotic individuals (irrespective of the osteoporosis inducers applied) exhibited decreased Kep, significantly reduced vessel density, significantly increased vessel maturity, as well as statistically unaltered A, ADC, and vessel diameter.

Conclusion

Changes in microcirculation but not diffusion in the bone marrow of osteoporotic rats are detected by DCE-MRI and DW-MRI due to vessel rarefication and maturation.
Cancer and Diverticulitis of the Sigmoid Colon. Differentiation with Computed Tomography Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Preliminary Experiences
Authors: Öistämö Emma , Hjern Fredrik , Blomqvist Lennart , Von Heijne Anders , Abraham-Nordling Mirna
Published: January 2013

Background

Both colon cancer and diverticular disease are common in the Western world. A challenge when patients present with clinical findings is that both diseases can present with symptoms that may mimic the other.

Purpose

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be helpful to differentiate between diverticulitis and cancer of the sigmoid colon compared to the differentiation offered by evaluation of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in a clinical situation.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients were consecutively included. Fifteen patients were under work-up for a recently diagnosed sigmoid cancer and 15 patients had recently been treated in hospital due to first-time acute sigmoid diverticulitis. All patients underwent CT, T2-weighted MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI. Anonymized examinations were retrospectively presented in random order to one experienced radiologist.

Results

With contrast-enhanced CT, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of cancer and diverticulitis were 66.7% (10/15) and 93.3% (14/15), respectively. Using T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MR images, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of cancer and diverticulitis were 100% (14/14) and 100% (14/14), respectively.

Conclusion

MRI provides information that may contribute to improve the differentiation between sigmoid cancer and diverticulitis that is offered by CT. These encouraging results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
Is there a role for PET-CT and SPECT-CT in pediatric oncology?
Authors: Biermann Martin , Schwarzlmüller Thomas , Fasmer Kristine Eldevik , Reitan Bernt C , Johnsen Boel , Rosendahl Karen
Published: January 2013

During the last decade, hybrid imaging has revolutionized nuclear medicine. Multimodal camera systems, integrating positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT) now combine the contrast provided by tumor-avid radioactive drugs with the anatomic precision of CT.

While PET-CT to a great extent has replaced single-modality PET in adult oncology, the use of PET-CT in children has been controversial, since even the lowest dose CT protocols adds approximately 2 mSv to the radiation dose of about 4 mSv from the PET-study with F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG).

The article describes the current techniques used, discusses radiation doses and gives an overview of current indications for PET-CT and SPECT-CT in children. Hybrid imaging with a tumor-avid radioactive drug provides extremely high contrast between tumor and background tissues, while the CT component helps to locate the lesion anatomically. Currently both PET-CT and SPECT-CT play a role in pediatric oncology; PET-CT using F-18-FDG particularly for staging and follow-up of lymphoma and brain cancer, bone and soft tissue sarcomas; SPECT-CT with I-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) for tumors of the sympathetic nervous system such as neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma while the remaining neuroendocrine tumors are imaged with radioactively labeled somatostatin analogues. To reduce radiation dose, a low-dose CT in combination with ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of anatomy is often preferred.
Optimal Routing and Assignment of Consultants for Energy Education, Inc.
Authors: Yu Junfang , Hoff Randy
Published: January 2013

Energy Education, Inc. (EEI), a US management consulting firm, specializes in implementing energy conservation programs for schools, universities, and large churches. Similar to many consulting firms, travel expenses are among its largest budget items. Managing consultant travel for minimum cost and in a manner that meets client needs is critical. Typically, a subject matter expert at the company produces a consultant routing and assignment schedule using a labor-intensive, time-consuming, manual process; the schedule produced is usually far from optimal. The objective of our research is to minimize the total cost of consultant travel and staffing. Our models use a cluster-first, route-second methodology. We developed a set-covering binary integer programming heuristic to cluster clients based on geographic location. The relaxed consultant routing and assignment problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model using cluster locations and demand with consultant skills and availability.

In a recent 12-week period, the results of our research reduced EEI costs by 24 percent and provided several qualitative benefits. We conducted sensitivity analysis to provide EEI with improved decision analytics for additional modification of its existing processes and business routines.
When Social Media Can Be Bad for You: Community Feedback Stifles Consumer Creativity and Reduces Satisfaction with Self-Designed Products
Authors: Hildebrand Christian , Häubl Gerald , Herrmann Andreas , Landwehr Jan R.
Published: January 2013

Enabling consumers to self-design unique products that match their idiosyncratic preferences is the key value driver of modern mass customization systems. These systems are increasingly becoming “social,” allowing for consumer-to-consumer interactions such as commenting on each other's self-designed products. The present research examines how receiving others' feedback on initial product configurations affects consumers' ultimate product designs and their satisfaction with these self-designed products. Evidence from a field study in a European car manufacturer's brand community and from two follow-up experiments reveals that receiving feedback from other community members on initial self-designs leads to less unique final self-designs, lower satisfaction with self-designed products, lower product usage frequency, and lower monetary product valuations. We provide evidence that the negative influence of feedback on consumers' satisfaction with self-designed products is mediated by an increase in decision uncertainty and perceived process complexity. The implications of socially enriched mass customization systems for both consumer welfare and seller profitability are discussed.
Status Locality on the Web: Implications for Building Focused Collections
Authors: Pant Gautam , Srinivasan Padmini
Published: January 2013

Topical locality on the Web is the notion that pages tend to link to other topically similar pages and that such similarity decays rapidly with link distance. This supports meaningful Web browsing and searching by information consumers. It also allows topical Web crawlers, programs that fetch pages by following hyperlinks, to harvest topical subsets of the Web for applications such as those in vertical search and business intelligence. We show that the Web exhibits another property that we call “status locality.” It is based on the notion that pages tend to link to other pages of similar status (importance) and that this status similarity also decays rapidly with link distance. Analogous to topical locality, status locality may also be exploited by Web crawlers. Collections built by such crawlers include pages that are both topically relevant and also important. This capability is crucial because of the large numbers of Web pages addressing even niche topics. The challenge in exploiting status locality while crawling is that page importance (or status) is typically recognized through global measures computed by processing link data from billion of pages. In contrast, topical Web crawlers depend on local information based on previously downloaded pages. We solve this problem by using methods developed previously that utilize local characteristics of pages to estimate their global status. This leads to the design of new crawlers, specifically of utility-biased crawlers guided by a Cobb-Douglas utility function. Our crawler experiments show that status and topicality of Web collections present a trade-off. An adaptive version of our utility-biased crawler dynamically modifies output elasticities of topicality and status to create Web collections that maintain high average topicality. This can be done while simultaneously achieving significantly higher average status as compared to several benchmarks including a state-of-the-art topical crawler.
Development of an Analytical Approach to Study a Three-Component Hetero-Association by Means of Spectrophotometry
Authors: Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Khrustalev Alexander F. , Evstigneev Maxim P.
Published: January 2013

A case of 1: m:n complexation in a three-component system containing any possible heterocomplexes formed between the non-self-aggregating, absorbing ligand A and two self-aggregating, non-absorbing ligands B and C was considered for the first time in an application for molecular spectroscopy. All expressions necessary for full quantitative analysis of experimental data in three-component mixtures were obtained, viz., the law of conservation of mass and the expression for an experimentally observed parameter. These expressions can be directly utilized in mathematical software for performing standard curve-fitting procedures or solutions of specific tasks such as calculations of the concentration of various types of complexes. The numerical test of the 1:m:n model, accomplished with the aid of ultraviolet-visible light experimental data in a three-component system (proflavine-caffeine-nicotinamide), proved the validity of the developed approach.
Analysis of Starch Distribution in the Paper Cross-Section by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Pigorsch Enrico , Finger Matthias , Thiele Steffen , Brunner Eike
Published: January 2013

A new Raman microscopy approach was developed to analyze the starch distribution of paper cross-sections in a faster and more specific way than is possible with the currently used iodine-staining method. Raman images were recorded and analyzed from cross-sections of cellulose hand sheets surface-sized with 1% or 2% starch solutions and with different film thicknesses. In addition, Raman imaging analysis of the starch distribution was performed on two industrial papers, an abrasive base paper and a surface-sized recycling paper. The visualization and the quantitative analysis of the starch distribution were performed by using the intensity changes of the Raman starch band at 855 cm−1 and by principal component analysis. Distribution curves were calculated from the intensity data and compared for the samples with different starch concentrations and with results obtained from iodine-stained crosssections of the same samples. The results of this study demonstrate the great potential and the new possibilities of Raman microscopy for studying the z-distribution of chemical components and additives in paper.
A Sensitive Spectrofluorometric Method for Determination of Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-Tetraen-3-One in Rat Plasma, Feces, and Urine for Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies Using Cerium(III) as a Probe
Authors: Sun Yang , Liang Xuhua , Zhao Yingyong , Fan Jun
Published: January 2013

Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (ergone) isolated from Polyporus umbellatus possesses a variety of pharmacological activities in vivo and in vitro, including cytotoxic, diuretic, and immunosuppressive effect. The interaction of cerium ions (Ce3+) with ergone was studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Spectra data revealed that Ce3+ ions exhibited emission maxima around 350 nm when the excitation wavelength was fixed at 255 or 290 nm, and the fluorescence of Ce3+ ions was quenched by the addition of ergone, indicating that a Ce3+-ergone complex was formed. According to the modified Benesi-Hildebrand equation, the binding constant of interaction of Ce3+ ions with ergone was obtained at room temperature. Based on this, a sensitive spectrofluorometric method using Ce3+ ions as a probe was applied for the identification and quantification of ergone in rat plasma, feces, and urine. The linear ranges of the calibration curves were 1.31 to 4.50 μM for plasma, 1.12–9.87 μM for feces, and 1.28–3.42 μM for urine, and the ergone recoveries were found to be 97.1 ± 0.9%, 98.2 ± 0.7% and 96.5 ± 1.4% for plasma, feces, and urine, respectively. The intraday and interday relative standard deviations were less than 9.7%. The proposed spectrofluorometric method is simple and rapid for the quantitative determination of ergone in rat plasma, feces, and urine, and it is affordable for most laboratories because it has few requirements and uses low cost, easy to operate equipment.
Y RNAs: recent developments
Authors: Hall Adam E. , Turnbull Carly , Dalmay Tamas
Published: January 2013

Non-coding RNAs have emerged as key regulators in diverse cellular processes. Y RNAs are ∼100-nucleotide-long non-coding RNAs that show high conservation in metazoans. Human Y RNAs are known to bind to the Ro60 and La proteins to form the Ro ribonucleoprotein complex. Their main biological function appears to be in mediating the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication, regulating the autoimmune protein Ro60, and generating smaller RNA fragments following cellular stress, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these functions remain elusive. Here, we aim to review the most recent literature on Y RNAs and gain insight into the function of these intriguing molecules.
Periconceptional use of folic acid and risk of miscarriage – findings of the Oral Cleft Prevention Program in Brazil
Authors: Vila-Nova Camila , Wehby George L. , Queirós Fernanda C. , Chakraborty Hrishkesh , Félix Temis M. , Goco Norman , Moore Janet , Gewehr Eduardo V. , Lins Lorene , Affonso Carla M.C. , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: January 2013

Objective: We report on the risk of miscarriage with high- and low-dosage periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation from a double-blind randomized clinical trial for prevention of orofacial cleft recurrence in Brazil.

Methods: Women at risk of recurrence of orofacial clefts in their offspring were randomized into high (4 mg/day) and low (0.4 mg/day) doses of FA supplementation. The women received the study pills before pregnancy, and supplementation continued throughout the first trimester. Miscarriage rates were compared between the two FA groups and with the population rate.

Results: A total of 268 pregnancies completed the study protocol, with 141 in the 4.0-mg group and 127 in the 0.4-mg group. The miscarriage rate was 14.2% in the low-dose FA group (0.4 mg/day) and 11.3% for the high-dose group (4 mg/day) (P=0.4877). These miscarriage rates are not significantly different from the miscarriage rate in the Brazilian population, estimated to be around 14% (P=0.311).

Conclusions: These results indicate that high-dose FA does not increase miscarriage risk in this population and add further information to the literature on the safety of high FA supplementation for prevention of birth defect recurrence.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applied to cancer diagnosis and detection of pesticides, explosives, and drugs
Authors: Aoki Pedro H.B. , Furini Leonardo N. , Alessio Priscila , Aliaga Alvaro E. , Constantino Carlos J.L.
Published: January 2013

The inelastic scattering of light, Raman scattering, presents a very low cross section. However, the signal can be amplified by several orders of magnitude, leading to the so-called surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) phenomenon. Basically, the SERS effect is achieved when the target molecule (analyte) is adsorbed onto metallic nanoparticles, usually noble metals. This article presents an overview of the applications of SERS to cancer diagnosis and the detection of pesticides, explosives, and drugs (illicit and pharmacological). SERS is routinely applied nowadays to detect and identify analytes at very low concentrations, including for single-molecule detection. However, the application of SERS as an analytical tool requires reliable and reproducible SERS substrates, in terms of enhancement factors, which depends on the size, shape, and aggregation of the metallic nanoparticles. Therefore, the production of reliable and reproducible SERS substrates is a challenge in the field. Besides, the metallic nanoparticles can also induce changes in the system by possible interactions with the analyte under investigation, which must be taken into account. This review will present work in which, under certain specific experimental conditions, SERS has been analytically applied.
Crystal structure of (4-nitrophenyl)methanol, C7H7NO3
Authors: Zou Pei , Wu Hao , Xie Min-Hao , Liu Ya-Ling , Huang Biao
Published: January 2013

C7H7NO3, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 6.211(3) Å, b = 7.402(4) Å, c = 7.773(4) Å, α = 110.878(7)°, β = 93.694(4)°, γ = 90.730(6)°, V = 333.0 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0494, wRref(F2) = 0.1023, T = 153 K.
Cyclodextrin Inclusion Interferes with Trolox Oxygen Radical Scavenging Capacity Measurement
Authors: Sueishi Yoshimi , Ishikawa Misa , Hori Masashi , Inazumi Naoya
Published: January 2013

The interference of cyclodextrin solubilization with the measurement of oxygen radical scavenging capacity was investigated. Cyclodextrin (CD) that can solubilize water-insoluble compounds has been used in the oxygen radical scavenging capacity assay called oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. A vitamin E analog, trolox (2-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) has been employed as a standard compound in ORAC methods and the results were often expressed in the trolox equivalent unit. We found that trolox ORAC values measured with electron spin resonance-based ORAC method, were markedly dependent on the CD concentration, i.e., it decreased by 50% when [CD]/[Trolox]=100 was present. 2D ROESY NMR study of trolox/CD inclusion complex revealed that trolox resided within the CD cavity. The reactive phenoxyl group in trolox is shielded from the attack by the oxygen radical, suggesting that this hindrance was causal for the decrease in ORAC values.
Mixed Micellization Behavior of Gemini (Cationic Ester-Bonded) Surfactants with Conventional (Cationic, Anionic and Nonionic) Surfactants in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Prinz Eva-Marie , Szamocki Rafael , Nica Valentin , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: January 2013

Two cationic ester-bonded cleavable gemini surfactants of different hydrophobic chain length ethane-1,2-diyl bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammoniumacetoxy)dichloride, C
n
H2n+1(CH3)2N+(CH2COOCH2)2N+(CH3)2C
n
H2n+1. 2Cl- (n-E2-n, n=12, 16), having ester linkage in the spacer, were synthesized adopting the reported procedure. Physicochemical properties of the single and binary gemini-conventional mixed micelles of different mole fractions were studied by conductivity measurements at 30 ºC. The conventional surfactants used were: DTAC (dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride), CTAC (hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride), CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride), SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), SDBS (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate), TX-100 (t-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol) and Brij 58 (polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether). Whereas the critical micelle concentration (cmc) values for the dicationic geminis (12-E2-12 and 16-E2-16) were found to be very low as compared to the respective monomeric surfactant with the same number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic chain per hydrophilic head group, those for all the binary systems were found to be less than the ideal cmc values studied at different mole fractions of the geminis. This synergistic interaction between the surfactants has been analyzed in the light of various theoretical models such as Clint, Rubingh, Motomura and Maeda.
Characteristics and Electrochemical Reaction Kinetics of Polyaniline Nanofibers as a Promoter of Pt Electrode for Methanol Electrocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Wang Jun , Ning Yege , Wen Yufeng , Wen Yang , Dong Ting , Wang Dongmei , Chen Jinmei , Zhang Lijun
Published: January 2013

The addition of La2O3 to an aniline polymerizing system to promote the formation of polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-La2O3) is herein demonstrated. The fiberization rate is significantly increased by the inducing of La2O3. Only trace amounts of lanthanum advantageously remain in the product, which therefore negligibly influence the electrochemical characteristics of the resulting polyaniline fibers. Research for the electrochemical reaction kinetics of PANI-La2O3 nanofiber indicates that the redox rate of polyaniline between leucoemeraldine and emeraldine is controlled by electron transfer and proton (H
+
) diffusion. The standard rate constants of the redox and the diffusion coefficients of H
+
are measured at 20 ºC. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) results indicate that PANI-La2O3 nanofibers are resistant against electrochemical degradation. Moreover, the modification of Pt electrode with PANI-La2O3 nanofibers promotes the efficiency of methanol electro-oxidation.
Torquato Tasso and Lighter Musical Genres: Canzonetta Settings of the Rime
Authors: Ricciardi Emiliano
Published: January 2013

Scholars of the madrigal have often emphasized Torquato Tasso’s role in the emergence of a serious musical manner that differed sharply from the widespread canzonetta style of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. This emphasis is grounded in Tasso’s endorsement of musical gravitas in the dialogue La Cavaletta from the mid-1580s, as well as in some settings of Gerusalemme liberata, the musical style of which matched the heroic tone of the poetry.

Tasso, however, produced many poems that were suitable to lighter musical styles. In particular, he wrote several short strophic compositions of light tone, that is, canzonetta poems. Numerous composers set these as such or as canzonetta madrigals, the hybrid genre that became popular in the late sixteenth century. This poetic-musical repertoire counters Tasso’s and scholars’ emphasis on gravitas and prompts a reconsideration of his impact on music that takes into greater account his substantial contribution to lighter genres.
Cerberus Barks in Vain: Poetic Asides in the Artusi–Monteverdi Controversy
Authors: Carter Tim
Published: January 2013

The numerous documents associated with the controversy launched in 1600 by the Bolognese music theorist Giovanni Maria Artusi (1546–1613) against the madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643) have been well studied by scholars. But no one has yet engaged with the encomia included in the front and back matter of the printed books lying at the heart of the dispute: three sonnets (two by Vicenzo Maria Sandri and one by Mutio Manfredi) and a Latin carmen (by Erycius Puteanus) in the treatise L’Artusi, overo Delle imperfettioni della moderna musica (1600), and two madrigals by the poet and theologian Cherubino Ferrari in Monteverdi’s Il quinto libro de madrigali a cinque voci (1605). Although one might dismiss them as mere “occasional” poetry flattering Artusi, on the one hand, and Monteverdi, on the other, as well as their respective patrons, close reading suggests that these encomia represent attempts to claim the high ground not just on musical but also on philosophical and even religious terms. Ferrari’s praise of the composer finds a clear echo in Alessandro Striggio the Younger’s libretto for Monteverdi’s opera Orfeo (1607). All this provides an intriguing footnote, and perhaps something more, both to the controversy over the seconda pratica madrigal and to Orfeo in their broader Ferrarese and Mantuan contexts.
Virtually Audible in Diaspora
Authors: Cannon Alexander M.
Published: January 2013

This essay explores the performance and pedagogical practices of Master Musician [Nhạc Sư] Nguyễn Vĩnh Bảo, a musician of nhạc tài tử Nam bộ [music of talented amateurs] who lives and works in Hồ Chí Minh City, but whose students reside primarily in diaspora. By critically engaging with the concept of “trans-nation”—a term coined by Yan Haiping—and invoking theories of transnational competence, the essay examines the processes by which Nhạc Sư Nguyễn Vĩnh Bảo creates a virtual diasporic community based around the performance and appreciation of traditional music practices.
“Over There”
Authors: Small Ivan V.
Published: January 2013

In Vietnam, international remittances from the diaspora are a significant input into the national economy. Yet beyond capital transfer, remittance economies are also key social nodes offering insight into the extension of imaginations, expectations, and desires that accompany them. This article examines the role of gifting remittances in reestablishing, maintaining, and straining kinship networks disrupted by refugee exile, and catalyzing shifting aspirations and mobile horizons. Drawing on fieldwork from Vietnam's southern and central coast regions, this essay interrogates the anthropological question of the mediatory role of gifts in social exchange relations. It argues that the long-distance nature of remittance exchanges in the contemporary global political economy juxtaposes the mobility and exchangeable value of money and its senders against the experiences of local bodies confined within the nation state. This contradiction reveals a liminal space for emergent social imaginaries in which the characteristics of the gifting medium itself come to partially affect and embody the relationships between and identities among givers and receivers. Such imaginaries draw awareness to spatial and ontological margins, borders, and horizons associated with migratory and financial flows and opportunities and are displaced into diverse sociocultural forms reflecting phenomenological degrees of aspiration, realization, and frustration.
Antineoplastic effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its analogs in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer
Authors: Leyssens Carlien , Verlinden Lieve , Verstuyf Annemieke
Published: January 2013

The active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), is mostly known for its importance in the maintenance of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. However, next to its classical effects on bone, kidney and intestine, 1,25(OH)2D3also exerts antineoplastic effects on various types of cancer. The use of 1,25(OH)2D3itself as treatment against neoplasia is hampered by its calcemic side effects. Therefore, 1,25(OH)2D3-derived analogs were developed that are characterized by lower calcemic side effects and stronger antineoplastic effects. This review mainly focuses on the role of 1,25(OH)2D3in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying signaling pathways. 1,25(OH)2D3and its analogs inhibit proliferation, angiogenesis, migration/invasion and induce differentiation and apoptosis in malignant cell lines. Moreover, prostaglandin synthesis and Wnt/b-catenin signaling are also influenced by 1,25(OH)2D3and its analogs. Human studies indicate an inverse association between serum 25(OH)D3values and the incidence of certain cancer types. Given the literature, it appears that the epidemiological link between vitamin D3and cancer is the strongest for CRC, however more intervention studies and randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to unravel the beneficial dose of 1,25(OH)2D3and its analogs to induce antineoplastic effects.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Web-Based Tobacco Cessation Education Program
Authors: Gordon Judith S. , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda , Andrews Judy A. , Christiansen Steven M. , Byron David J.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES:

We report the results of a randomized clinical trial of a 3-hour, web-based, tobacco cessation education program, the Web-Based Respiratory Education About Tobacco and Health (WeBREATHe) program, for practicing pediatric respiratory therapists (RTs), registered nurses (RNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).

METHODS:

Two hundred fifteen RTs (n = 40), RNs (n = 163), and NPs (n = 12) employed at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children’s Hospital, University of Colorado at Denver, participated in this study. All study activities were completed online. After consenting, participants were randomly assigned to either the training (intervention) or delayed training (control) condition. The training condition consisted of a 3-hour continuing education unit course plus ongoing online resources. Participants were assessed at baseline, 1 week, and 3 months after enrollment.

RESULTS:

Participants in the training condition were more likely to increase their tobacco cessation intervention behaviors than their delayed training counterparts (F[1, 213] = 32.03, P < .001). Training participants showed significantly greater levels of advise (F[1, 213] = 7.22, P < .001); assess (F[1, 213] = 19.56, P < .001); and particularly assist/arrange (F[1213] = 35.52, P < .001). In addition, training condition participants rated the program highly on measures of consumer satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

The WeBREATHe program is the first evidence-based education program in tobacco cessation designed specifically for pediatric RTs, RNs, and NPs. Engagement in WeBREATHe increased participants’ tobacco cessation-related behaviors.
Physical Activity and 3-Year BMI Change in Overweight and Obese Children
Authors: Trinh Andrew , Campbell Michele , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Gerner Bibi , Wake Melissa
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Targeting physical activity (PA) is a mainstay in obesity treatment, but its BMI benefits are poorly quantified. We studied long-term predictive PA-BMI relationships in overweight/obese children presenting to primary care.

METHODS:

Three-year follow-up of 182 overweight/obese 5- to 10-year-olds recruited from 45 Melbourne general practices. Predictor: 7-day accelerometry (counts per minute, cpm). Outcomes: change in BMI z score, BMI category, and clinically significant BMI improvement (z score change ≥0.5). Analysis: Linear and logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Mean (SD) baseline and 3-year BMI z scores were 1.8 (0.6) and 1.8 (0.7), and mean (SD) activity scores 334 (111) and 284 (104) cpm, respectively. Baseline activity did not predict BMI change. However, for every 100 cpm increase in change in activity over 3 years, BMI z score fell by 0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.20; P = .006). There were also trends toward greater odds of staying in the same, versus moving to a higher, BMI category (odds ratio 1.85, 95% CI 0.99–3.46) and clinically significant BMI improvement (odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 0.90–4.27; P = .09). Change in percentage time spent in moderate-vigorous (P = .01), but not sedentary (P = .39) or light (P = .59), activity predicted reduced BMI z score.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sustained increase in moderate-vigorous PA predicts reducing BMI z score over 3 years in overweight/obese children presenting to primary care. However, the small BMI change associated with even the largest activity changes may explain disappointing BMI outcomes of brief primary care interventions targeting PA.
Successful Treatment With Enoxaparin of Glans Ischemia Due to Local Anesthesia After Circumcision
Authors: Efe Erkan , Resim Sefa , Bulut Burak Besir , Eren Mustafa , Garipardic Mesut , Ozkan Fuat , Ozkan Keramettin Ugur
Published: January 2013

The severe ischemia or necrosis of the glans penis is a rarely seen complication after circumcision. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy with severe glans penis ischemia occurring 24 hours after circumcision with local anesthesia (0.1% xylocaine containing ephedrine). His hemogram and levels of proteins C and S and fibrinogen were normal, but the D-dimer level was higher than normal (2.57 mg/L; normal level 0–0.5 mg/L). Normal blood flow was indicated on color Doppler ultrasonography. The severe ischemia in the glans penis was successfully treated with subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin (low-molecular-weight heparin) for 5 days, and the appearance of the glans was close to normal on the fifth day. The patient did not require any surgical intervention and was discharged without sequelae. As a result, we consider that ischemia of the glans penis may initially be managed with enoxaparin, especially in cases in which the D-dimer level is higher than normal.
Memory and Health-Related Quality of Life in Severe Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Hrabok Marianne , Sherman Elisabeth M.S. , Bello-Espinosa Luis , Hader Walter
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the contributions of sociodemographic, neurologic, and neuropsychological variables to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with epilepsy and high seizure burden. Focus was placed on the relationship between memory and HRQoL, which has not been previously investigated.

METHODS:

Ninety children with epilepsy receiving clinical care at a tertiary-level children’s hospital were retrospectively identified. Primary assessment measures were verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test–Children’s Version) and HRQoL. Other neuropsychological variables included intellectual function, executive function, emotional and behavioral function, and adaptive function. Sociodemographic and neurologic variables were extracted from chart review.

RESULTS:

No significant correlations were found between HRQoL and sociodemographic or neurologic variables. Moderate correlations were found between neuropsychological variables and HRQoL. Emotional function (Child Behavior Checklist) and verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test–Children’s Version) emerged as significant predictor variables of HRQoL. Low verbal memory was associated with a twofold risk of low HRQoL, emotional and behavioral difficulty with a 10-fold risk, and the combination of emotional and behavioral difficulty and low verbal memory with a 17-fold risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

Verbal memory and emotional and behavioral difficulty are associated with increased risk of low HRQoL, even when other important variables are considered in children with high seizure burden. The results reinforce the importance of neuropsychological assessment in clinical care in pediatric epilepsy and suggest important areas of focus for psychological intervention.
Intestinal Microbiota of Infants With Colic: Development and Specific Signatures
Authors: de Weerth Carolina , Fuentes Susana , Puylaert Philippe , de Vos Willem M.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To provide a comprehensive analysis of the fecal microbiota in infants with colic, as compared with control infants, during their first 100 days of life.

METHODS:

Microbial DNA of >200 samples from 12 infants with colic and 12 age-matched control infants was extracted and hybridized to a phylogenetic microarray.

RESULTS:

Microbiota diversity gradually increased after birth only in the control group; moreover, in the first weeks, the diversity of the colic group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The stability of the successive samples also appeared to be significantly lower in the infants with colic for the first weeks. Further analyses revealed which bacterial groups were responsible for colic-related differences in microbiota at age 1 or 2 weeks, the earliest ages with significant differences. Proteobacteria were significantly increased in infants with colic compared with control infants, with a relative abundance that was more than twofold. In contrast, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were significantly reduced in infants with colic. Moreover, the colic phenotype correlated positively with specific groups of proteobacteria, including bacteria related to Escherichia, Klebsiella, Serratia, Vibrio, Yersinia, and Pseudomonas, but negatively with bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla, the latter of which includes some lactobacilli and canonical groups known to produce butyrate and lactate.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate the presence of microbial signatures in the first weeks of life in infants who later develop colic. These microbial signatures may be used to understand the excessive crying. The results offer opportunities for early diagnostics as well as for developing specific therapies.