bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1H, 13C and 15N NMR assignments of phenazopyridine derivatives
Authors: Burgueño‐Tapia Eleuterio , Mora‐Pérez Yolanda , Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: February 2005

Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (1), a drug in clinical use for many decades, and some derivatives were studied by one‐ and two‐dimensional 1H, 13C and 15N NMR methodology. The assignments, combined with DFT calculations, reveal that the preferred protonation site of the drug is the pyridine ring nitrogen atom. The chemoselective acetylation of phenazopyridine (2) and its influence on the polarization of the azo nitrogen atoms were evidenced by the 15N NMR spectra. Molecular calculations of the phenazopyridines 2–4 show that the pyridine and phenyl groups are oriented in an antiperiplanar conformation with intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the N‐b atom and the C‐2 amino group preserving the E‐azo stereochemistry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational study of the thermal rearrangement of acetoxy(methoxy)carbene
Authors: Czardybon Wojciech , Warkentin John , Werstiuk Nick Henry
Published: February 2005

Thermolysis of 2‐acetoxy‐2‐methoxy‐5,5‐dimethyl‐Δ3‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoline affords acetoxy(methoxy)carbene. Thermal rearrangement of acetoxy(methoxy)carbene to methyl pyruvate is a concerted 1,2‐migration, avoiding a potential radical‐pair mechanism. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An amino acid has two sides: A new 2D measure provides a different view of solvent exposure
Authors: Hamelryck Thomas
Published: February 2005

The concept of amino acid solvent exposure is crucial for understanding and predicting various aspects of protein structure and function. The traditional measures of solvent exposure however suffer from various shortcomings, like for example the inability to distinguish exposed, partly exposed, buried, and deeply buried residues. This article introduces a new measure of solvent exposure called Half‐Sphere Exposure that addresses many of the shortcomings of other methods. The new measure outperforms other measures with respect to correlation with protein stability, conservation among fold homologs, amino acid‐type dependency and interpretation. The measure consists of the number of Cα atoms in two half spheres around a residue's Cα atom. Conceptually, one of the half spheres corresponds to the side chain's neighborhood, the other half sphere being in the opposite direction. We show here that the two half spheres correspond to two regions around an amino acid that are surprisingly distinct in terms of geometry and energy. This aspect of protein structure introduced here forms the basis of the Half‐Sphere Exposure measure. The results strongly suggest that in many respects, a 2D measure is inherently much better suited to describe solvent exposure than the traditional 1D measures. Importantly, Half‐Sphere Exposure can be calculated from the Cα atom coordinates only, which abolishes the need for a full‐atom model to calculate solvent exposure. Hence, the measure can be used in protein structure prediction methods that are based on various simplified models. Half‐Sphere Exposure has great potential for use in protein structure prediction and analysis. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A theoretical DFT investigation of the lysozyme mechanism: Computational evidence for a covalent intermediate pathway
Authors: Bottoni Andrea , Miscione Gian Pietro , De Vivo Marco
Published: February 2005

A theoretical DFT(B3LYP) investigation of the catalytic cycle of lysozyme has provided further evidence for a mechanism involving a glycosil‐enzyme covalent intermediate, in agreement with recent experimental data. This type of intermediate has been located along two different pathways. Along the favored path the retention of the anomeric configuration of the peptidoglycan NAM unit involved in the reaction, is the result of two subsequent inversions at the C1 carbon. The other path involves the opening of the pyranose ring and a nucleophilic attack on the prochiral carbonyl group of the open aldehyde, restoring the original anomeric configuration. No evidence has been found for a pathway characterized by the formation of an oxocarbenium ion (stabilized by resonance and electrostatic interactions), as suggested in the most popular mechanistic schemes. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous wave pump–probe experiment on a planar microcavity
Authors: Sanvitto D. , Whittaker D. M. , Skolnick M. S. , Roberts J. S.
Published: February 2005

The effect of two CW laser beams resonant with the polariton dispersion of a GaAs planar microcavity is discussed. A new coherent polariton emission is observed when the pump and the probe beams are both resonant with the dispersion at finite k‐vectors. This feature is the idler of an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) and is generated by probe‐stimulated scattering of pairs of polaritons from the pump. OPA behaviour is also observed in the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) regime. A study is made of the effect of varying the probe power on the interaction between the pump OPO and the probe OPA states; the OPA idler is found to be a much stronger emission than the signal of the OPO on its own. A simple theoretical model is used to simulate the pump‐probe interactions. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of InN with stoichoimetry violation and indium clustering
Authors: Shubina T. V. , Ivanov S. V. , Jmerik V. N. , Glazov M. M. , Kalvarskii A. P. , Tkachman M. G. , Vasson A. , Leymarie J. , Kavokin A. , Amano H. , Akasaki I. , Butcher K. S. A. , Guo Q. , Monemar B. , Kop'ev P. S.
Published: February 2005

We demonstrate that nonstoichiometry is one of the main reason of strong deviation of the InN optical gap in the 0.7–2 eV range, with N/In < 1 and N/In > 1 corresponding to the lower and higher energies, respectively. The phenomenon is discussed in terms of atomic orbital energies, which are strongly different for indium and nitrogen, therefore both excess atom incorporation and elimination could change the optical gap. We estimate such trends using the approximation of the empirical nearest‐neighbor tight binding theory. It is also demonstrated that resonant absorption in In‐enriched regions is an additional factor lowering an effective absorption edge. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature‐dependent polarized luminescence of exciton polaritons in a ZnO film
Authors: Toropov A. A. , Nekrutkina O. V. , Shubina T. V. , Gruber Th. , Kirchner C. , Waag A. , Karlsson K. F. , Monemar B.
Published: February 2005

We report on the studies of linearly polarized photoluminescence (PL) in a (0001) oriented ZnO epitaxial film, grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on a GaN template. The emission of mixed longitudinal–transverse exciton polariton modes was observed up to 130 K that evidences polaritonic nature of the excitonic spectrum up to this elevated temperature. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
TDDFT from molecules to solids: The role of long‐range interactions
Authors: Sottile Francesco , Bruneval Fabien , Marinopoulos A. G. , Dash L. K. , Botti Silvana , Olevano Valerio , Vast Nathalie , Rubio Angel , Reining Lucia
Published: February 2005

Classical Hartree effects contribute substantially to the success of time‐dependent density functional theory, especially in finite systems. Moreover, exchange‐correlation contributions have an asymptotic Coulomb tail similar to the Hartree term, and turn out to be crucial in describing response properties of solids. In this work, we analyze in detail the role of the long‐range part of the Coulomb potential in the dielectric response of finite and infinite systems, and elucidate its importance in distinguishing between optical and electron energy loss spectra (in the long wavelength limit q → 0). We illustrate numerically and analytically how the imaginary part of the dielectric function and the loss function coincide for finite systems, and how they start to show differences as the distance between objects in an infinite array is decreased (which simulates the formation of a solid). We discuss calculations for the model case of a set of interacting and noninteracting beryllium atoms, as well as for various realistic systems, ranging from molecules to solids, and for complex systems, such as superlattices, nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoclusters. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
From quantum chemistry and the classical theory of polar liquids to continuum approximations in molecular mechanics calculations
Authors: Hassan Sergio A. , Mehler Ernest L.
Published: February 2005

Biological macromolecules and other polymers belong to the class of mesoscopic systems, with characteristic length scale of the order of a nanometer. Although microscopic models would be the preferred choice in theoretical calculations, their use in computer simulations becomes prohibitive for large systems or long simulation times. On the other hand, the use of purely macroscopic models in the mesoscopic domain may introduce artifacts, with effects that are difficult to assess and that may compromise the reliability of the calculations. Here is proposed an approach with the aim of minimizing the empirical nature of continuum approximations of solvent effects within the scope of molecular mechanics (MM) approximations in mesoscopic systems. Using quantum chemical methods, the potential generated by the molecular electron density is first decomposed in a multicenter‐multipole expansion around predetermined centers. The monopole and dipole terms of the expansion at each site create electric fields that polarize the surrounding aqueous medium whose dielectric properties can be described by the classical theory of polar liquids. Debye's theory allows a derivation of the dielectric profiles created around isolated point charges and dipoles that can incorporate Onsager reaction field corrections. A superposition of screened Coulomb potentials obtained from this theory makes possible a simple derivation of a formal expression for the total electrostatic energy and the polar component of the solvation energy of the system. A discussion is presented on the physical meaning of the model parameters, their transferability, and their convergence to calculable quantities in the limit of simple systems. The performance of this continuum approximation in computer calculations of amino acids in the context of an atomistic force field is discussed. Applications of a continuum model based on screened Coulomb potentials in multinanosecond simulations of peptides and proteins are briefly reviewed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Constrained TST MUSIC for joint spatio‐temporal channel parameter estimation in DS/CDMA systems
Authors: Lin Jen‐Der , Fang Wen‐Hsien , Chen Jiunn‐Tsair
Published: February 2005

In this paper, we present a blind and robust algorithm to jointly estimate the directions of arrival (DOAs) and propagation delays in DS/CDMA systems. The rationale of the proposed approach is a hybrid of one‐dimensional (1‐D)multiplesignalclassification (MUSIC) algorithms and constrained spatial/temporal filtering processes. As previously addressed TST MUSIC, two temporal (T)‐MUSIC and one spatial (S)‐MUSIC are employed alternatively in the proposed algorithm to estimate the group delays and the DOAs respectively. However, by utilizing the structure of the data model, no training sequences are required. Furthermore, a constrained temporal filtering process and a constrained spatial beamforming process, which minimize the filtered noise power under a set of judiciously chosen linear constraints, are now employed after the T‐MUSIC and S‐MUSIC respectively. These filtering processes aim to effectively partition the incoming rays and to be robust against the propagation errors in the tree‐structured estimation scheme so that the overall performance can be enhanced. Also, the incoming rays are grouped, isolated and estimated, and the pairing of the estimated delays and DOAs is automatically achieved without extra computational overhead. Furnished simulations show that the new approach can exhibit satisfactory performance with low complexity compared with previous works. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of channel conditions on the throughput optimization in 802.11 DCF
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Yin Jun , Agrawal Dharma P.
Published: February 2005

In this paper, we evaluate the impact of transmission error rate on the contention and the system throughput in IEEE 802.11 DCF. We identify the trade‐off between the desire to reduce the ratio of overhead in the data packet by adopting larger packet size and the need to reduce the packet error rate by using smaller packet length. Meanwhile, we provide a novel approach to model the different channel conditions incurred by different nodes. This work has applications in performance optimization by establishing trade‐offs between transmission error rate and transmission power, modulation, coding scheme, packet size. Our results substantiate the intuition that in a contention‐based system like 802.11 DCF, the channel variation of any single node in the system not only impacts the throughput of itself, but also affects the throughput of other nodes and the system throughput. Our work shows that to achieve maximum optimization of the throughput, the channel conditions of all the nodes in the system have to be taken into account. Otherwise the optimization is suboptimal. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief report: A quality of life instrument for adolescents with growth disorders
Authors: Cramer Joyce A. , Claude Simeoni Marie , Auquier Pascal , Robitail Stéphane , Brasseur Pascale , Beresniak Ariel
Published: February 2005

This study assessed the psychometric properties of a recently developed health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument (Vécu et Santé Perçue de l’Adolescent –Malade, VSP‐AM) in 172 adolescents receiving growth hormone. The VSP‐AM was cross‐culturally adapted into English and tested for internal consistency ( subscales, 0.74 Summary Score), construct and criterion validity, and responsiveness. Correlations with other scales demonstrated convergent validity. Adolescents who reported HRQOL as high or low had significantly different scores (all p<0.001). Adolescents receiving growth hormone therapy differed significantly from adolescents with medical, surgical or psychiatric disorders. The VSP‐AM shows reliability and validity for HRQOL measurement in adolescents with growth disorders.
Structure of a type II thymidine kinase with bound dTTP
Authors: Birringer Markus S. , Claus Michael T. , Folkers Gerd , Kloer Daniel P. , Schulz Georg E. , Scapozza Leonardo
Published: February 2005

The structure of human cytosolic thymidine kinase in complex with its feedback inhibitor 2′‐deoxythymidine‐5′‐triphosphate was determined. This structure is the first representative of the type II thymidine kinases found in several pathogens. The structure deviates strongly from the known structures of type I thymidine kinases such as the Herpes simplex enzyme. It contains a zinc‐binding domain with four cysteines complexing a structural zinc ion. Interestingly, the backbone atoms of the type II enzyme bind thymine via hydrogen‐bonds, in contrast to type I, where side chains are involved. This results in a specificity difference exploited for antiviral therapy. The presented structure will foster the development of new drugs and prodrugs for numerous therapeutic applications.
Ser475, Glu272, Asp276, Asp327, and Asp360 are involved in catalytic activity of human tripeptidyl‐peptidase I
Authors: Walus Mariusz , Kida Elizabeth , Wisniewski Krystyna E. , Golabek Adam A.
Published: February 2005

Tripeptidyl‐peptidase I (TPP I) is a lysosomal aminopeptidase that sequentially removes tripeptides from small polypeptides and also shows a minor endoprotease activity. Mutations in TPP I are associated with a fatal lysosomal storage disorder – the classic late‐infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. In the present study, we analyzed the catalytic mechanism of the human enzyme by using a site‐directed mutagenesis. We demonstrate that apart from previously identified Ser475 and Asp360, also Glu272, Asp276, and Asp327 are important for catalytic activity of the enzyme. Involvement of serine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid in the catalytic reaction validates the idea, formulated on the basis of significant amino acid sequence homology and inhibition studies, that TPP I is the first mammalian representative of a growing family of serine‐carboxyl peptidases.
Inhibition of human telomerase by oligonucleotide chimeras, composed of an antisense moiety and a chemically modified homo‐oligonucleotide
Authors: Tarkanyi Ilona , Horváth András , Szatmari Istvan , Eizert Helga , Vámosi György , Damjanovich Sándor , Ségal-Bendirdjian Evelyne , Aradi Janos
Published: February 2005

Most tumor cells attain their immortality by reactivating telomerase. We report here the telomerase inhibitory potential of chimeric oligonucleotides composed of a 13mer antisense sequence targeting the telomerase RNA template region and a (s4dU)
n
moiety at its 3′ or 5′‐end. The increase of the thiolated chain length enhances the telomerase inhibitory potential, but decreases specificity, indicated by HIV reverse transcriptase inhibition. Chimeras with 5′ (s4dU)
n
s were more potent inhibitors than the antisense alone or the 3′ modified ones. Cy5‐labeled (s4dU)4AS and (s4dU)8AS proved the internalization of the oligonucleotides, raising the possibility to be tested as cellular anti‐telomerase agents.
Successful treatment of cervical aplasia using a peritoneal graft
Authors: Alborzi S. , Momtahan M. , Parsanezhad M.E. , Yazdani M.
Published: February 2005

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a peritoneal graft for the treatment of cervical aplasia.

Method

Four patients with cervical aplasia who had a functioning endometrium and hematometra were recruited for this clinical trial. Through an abdominoperineal approach a plastic stent was inserted between the endometrial cavity and the upper part of the vagina; then, a graft of peritoneum was applied over the stent. In the absence of a vagina, grafts of skin or amniotic membrane were also used. The plastic stent was removed after 1 month in 2 patients and after 1 week in the 2 other patients.

Result

After more than 1 year of observation the 4 patients had regular menstrual cycles with normal menstruation. Sonographic examinations also showed empty uterine cavities.

Conclusion

Traditional gynecology textbooks recommend hysterectomy in cases of cervical aplasia. This report presents a new technique with 2 variations using a peritoneal graft. Although both variations were successful in the treatment of cervical aplasia in 4 women, more trials are needed to determine which one should be developed.
Clinical aspects and prognosis of pelvic recurrence of cervical carcinoma
Authors: Kasamatsu T. , Onda T. , Yamada T. , Tsunematsu R.
Published: February 2005

Objective

To identify which patients with locally recurrent cervical carcinoma are potentially curable.

Method

A total of 664 stage IB‐IVA patients were examined following surgery or radiotherapy.

Result

Among the 664 patients, 193 (29%) developed recurrence. Sixty‐seven (35%) of these recurrences were located in the pelvis alone. Among these 67 recurrences, 24 (35%) were central recurrences and the remaining 43 (65%) were pelvic side‐wall recurrences. Of the 24 patients with central recurrences, 8 were salvaged. Of these 8 patients, 3 underwent pelvic exenteration, and 5 received optimal radiotherapy. The recurrent tumor in these 5 survivors who received radiotherapy had consisted of a small (<2 cm) tumor. All 43 patients with pelvic wall recurrence developed progressive disease.

Conclusion

The following patients are potentially curable: patients with a resectable, centrally located tumor who are candidates for pelvic exenteration, and patients with a small central recurrence for whom complete radiation therapy is feasible.
Prognostic significance of Langerhans cell infiltration in cancer of the larynx
Authors: Yilmaz Taner , Gedikoglu Gökhan , Çelik Arzu , Önerci Metin , Turan Ergin
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

Determine the effect on prognosis of Langerhans cell infiltration in cancer of the larynx.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review of 72 surgically treated patients with T1–3 lesions. The streptavidin‐biotin method to determine Langerhans cell infiltration, which was graded as 1+, 2+, and 3+.

RESULTS

A higher degree of Langerhans cell infiltration was significantly associated with less cervical lymph node metastasis, longer disease‐free survival, less locoregional recurrence, and less clinical N‐positivity (P < 0.05). According to multivariant analysis, Langerhans cell infiltration was independently related to disease‐free survival and recurrence (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Langerhans cell infiltration is prognostically important in cancer of the larynx. More intense infiltration is significantly related to prolonged disease‐free survival, less locoregional recurrence, less cervical lymph node metastasis, and less clinical N‐positivity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Langerhans cell infiltration may be determined on a biopsy specimen and this information may be useful in deciding about elective neck dissection. Patients with mild infiltration may have a higher risk of locoregional recurrence, shorter disease‐free survival, and therefore they suggest a poor prognosis.
Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in 15,218 patients
Authors: Windfuhr J. P. , Chen Y. S. , Remmert S.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate potential risk factors and the incidence of bleeding following adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy requiring surgical treatment under general anesthesia.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective chart review of 15,218 patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 1988, and September 30, 2001, at our institution (St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg).

RESULTS

A total of 229 patients experienced post‐operative bleeding (1.5%). Patients of male gender and 70 years of age or older were significantly at risk for post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage. The incidence of bleeding increased with age. Of the bleeding episodes, 76% occurred on the day of surgery; immediate abscess‐tonsillectomy was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is rare and predominantly occurs early after surgery. Male patients, 70 years of age or older, infectious mononucleosis, and a history of recurrent tonsillitis were identified as risk factors for post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Delayed hemorrhage has the potential to be life‐threatening.
Facial palsy associated with acute otitis media
Authors: Popovtzer Aron , Raveh Eyal , Bahar Gideon , Oestreicher‐Kedem Yael , Feinmesser Rafael , Nageris Ben I.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

Facial palsy secondary to acute otitis media is rarely encountered today. The aim of the present study was to review the characteristics of the disease and propose the proper management.

STUDY DESIGN

File review.

SETTING

University‐affiliated tertiary referral center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Disease course, management and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty‐five children with facial palsy were identified, of whom 13 (20%) had acute otitis media. The otitis media preceded the facial palsy in all cases by 1 to 21 days (average 5 days). House‐Brackmann grade ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3.5). The recovery period was varied and unpredictable, ranging in duration from 1 to 180 days (average 68 days). Treatment was conservative, except for insertion of a ventilation tube in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that all the patients recovered, conservative treatment, including myringotomy and intravenous antibiotics, may be the correct approach to facial palsy associated with acute otitis media.
Vocal fold augmentation by autologous fat injection with lipostructure procedure
Authors: Cantarella Giovanna , Mazzola Riccardo F. , Domenichini Elena , Arnone Flavio , Maraschi Barbara
Published: February 2005

BACKGROUND

Fat is theoretically the ideal implant for vocal fold augmentation because it is soft, easily available and biocompatible. However, reabsorption is a frequent cause of long‐term failure.

OBJECTIVE

We prospectively tested Coleman's “li‐postructure” technique used for facial recontouring in the treatment of glottic incompetence.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Fourteen patients (aged 18–74 years, mean 48) with breathy dysphonia secondary to laryngeal hemiplegia (7) or anatomical defects (7) underwent vocal fold lipoinjection. Fat harvested by liposuction was centrifuged, and the fat cell layer injected into the vocalis muscle. The patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative videolaryngostroboscopy, maximum phonation time (MPT) measurements, GRBAS perceptual evaluations, and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) self‐assessments.

RESULTS

Voice quality improved soon after surgery and remained stable over 3–26 months (mean 10.6), being confirmed by the GRBAS, MPT and VHI evaluations (P < 0.005). The results were best in the seven patients with paralytic dysphonia.

CONCLUSION

Lipostructure is a valuable technique for voice rehabilitation in glottic incompetence.
Uncommon anatomic variations in patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis
Authors: Chao Ting‐Kuang
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

Some uncommon anatomic variations would be encountered with the increasing number of patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis who have undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The correct identification and proper treatment for these variations are important.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective study of serial computed tomography scan images was conducted in 100 patients collected randomly. Uncommon anatomic variations were recorded and clinical features were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five (5%) cases with uncommon anatomic variations were found. These variations included bilateral pneumatization of uncinate process (1%), large uncinate process mimics the middle turbinate (1%), nontraumatic protrusion of orbital contents through dehiscence of lamina papyracea (1%), and nasal septal pneumatization (2%). Two of these 5 cases caused some modifications of routine functional endoscopic sinus surgery procedures and another 2 variants commanded further caution during routine uncinectomy.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Uncommon anatomic variations, though unusual, are not rare in chronic paranasal sinusitis patients. Procedures should be tailored for most of these special conditions.
Psychiatric distress amplifies symptoms after surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Davis Greg E. , Yueh Bevan , Walker Edward , Katon Wayne , Koepsell Thomas D. , Weymuller Ernest A.
Published: February 2005

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders are associated with increased symptom burden when combined with chronic medical conditions. However, there are no reports of how psychiatric distress influences outcomes with surgical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We hypothesized that subjects with psychiatric distress (somatization, anxiety, and depression) would report more severe long‐term sinus symptoms and worse quality of life (QOL) than subjects without psychiatric distress.

METHODS

This is a community‐based, prospective, observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRS presenting for surgery. Patients were interviewed before surgery; CT scans were reviewed, and questionnaires were completed about sinusitis‐related symptoms (SNOT‐16), general health status and QOL (SF‐36), and psychiatric distress (BSI and PHQ). Outcomes were also assessed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Ninety‐five patients had complete records for analysis. Psychiatric distress was prevalent, with 31% screening positive for somatization, 17% positive for anxiety, and 25% positive for depressive disorders. Subjects with somatization had significantly worse SNOT‐16 scores at each time point compared with those without somatization (P < 0.05). Subjects with depression reported more severe symptoms at 6 and 12 months after surgery than those without depression (P < 0.05). The presence of somatization preoperatively was also independently associated with worse symptom severity 12‐months after surgery, even after adjusting for prior sinus surgery, CT stage, Charlson Index, and deviated septum. In addition, subjects with psychiatric distress reported significantly worse SF‐36 physical and mental component summary scores 12‐months after surgery than subjects without psychiatric distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric distress is associated with worse reported sinus symptoms and lower QOL throughout surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Despite this, subjects with psychiatric distress report a similar degree of improvement in sinus symptoms after surgery compared with those without distress.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Psychiatric distress should be considered in patients with persistent symptoms after surgery. Psychiatric distress should also be considered in efforts to design a chronic sinusitis staging system.
Opening plugged tympanostomy tubes: Effect of inner diameter and shaft length
Authors: Mehta Ajay J. , Stevens Gary R. , Antonelli Patrick J.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether tympanostomy tube (TT) inner diameter or shaft length impacts the rate of mucoid plug clearance.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Ex vivo model. Silicone TTs with different inner‐diameters (ID) and shaft‐length (SL) pairings (1.14 mm ID × 12 mm SL versus 1.14 mm ID × 1 mm SL; 1.14 mm ID × 4.8 mm SL versus 1.32 mm ID × 4.8 mm SL) were plugged with middle‐ear mucus (n = 15 per group) and placed in a model ear chamber. Ofloxacin otic solution was instilled into the chamber to cover the plugged TT, and the time to clearance of each plug was recorded.

RESULTS

TTs with larger IDs (P = 0.019) and greater SLs (P = 0.033) cleared plugs more rapidly. However, the difference in the percentage of tubes that unplugged was not significant (P = 0.151).

CONCLUSIONS

Rate of ex vivo TT plug clearance may be altered by changing TT ID and SL.
Development of questionnaires to measure patient preferences for intranasal corticosteroids in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meltzer Eli O. , Hadley James , Blaiss Michael , Benninger Michael , Kimel Miriam , Kleinman Leah , Dupclay Leon , Garcia Jorge , Leahy Michael , Georges George
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To develop a questionnaire to evaluate preferences for attributes of intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) in clinical trials with allergic rhinitis (AR) patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Established questionnaire development practices were used, including performance of a literature review and use of patient and physician focus groups, cognitive debriefing interviews, and pilot testing before validation.

RESULTS

Findings from patient and physician focus groups suggest that sensory attributes are relevant to AR patients when choosing INSs. Physician focus groups identified the need for 2 distinct preference instruments, a clinical trial patient preference questionnaire (CTPPQ) and a clinical practice preference questionnaire (CPPPQ). A pilot study suggests that the CTPPQ is capable of discriminating between 2 INSs in the clinical trial setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial findings suggest that items in the CTPPQ and CPPPQ are easy to understand and relevant to patients. Further validation studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the psychometric properties of both questionnaires. EBM rating: B‐20.
Polysomnography indexes are discordant with quality of life, symptoms, and reaction times in sleep apnea patients
Authors: Weaver Edward M. , Woodson B. Tucker , Steward David L.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether polysomnography (PSG) indexes were associated with sleepiness, quality of life, or reaction times at baseline and as outcome measures following surgical or sham treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Mild‐moderate OSAS subjects were measured before and 8 weeks after surgical or sham treatment in this prospective longitudinal study. Measures included standard PSG indexes, sleepiness, quality of life, and reaction times. Associations were examined with Spearman correlations and multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Correlations between baseline PSG and non‐PSG measures ranged from −0.22 to 0.25 (n, 87 subjects; mean correlation, 0.00 ± 0.11), with one positive association significant of 56 tested (arousal index and SF36 Mental Component Summary, r, 0.25; P = 0.03). Correlations between change in PSG and non‐PSG measures ranged from −0.37 to 0.35 (n, 54 subjects; mean correlation, −0.05 ± 0.19), with no significant positive association of 56 tested. Regression analyses confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

PSG indexes are not consistently associated with sleepiness, quality of life, or reaction time, both at baseline and as outcome measures in patients with mild‐moderate OSAS. PSG indexes may not quantify some important aspects of OSAS disease burden or treatment outcome. Clinically important outcomes should be measured directly. EBM rating: A.
The Cooperative Outcomes Group for ENT: A multicenter prospective cohort study on the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatment for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Witsell David L. , Stewart Michael G. , Monsell Edwin M. , Hadley James A. , Terrell Jeffrey E. , Hannley Maureen T. , Holzer Susan Sedory
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective, multicenter study; 31 otolaryngologists enrolled 276 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis; patients completed surveys at 3‐month intervals, and physicians provided clinical and treatment data. The primary outcome measure was the Chronic Sinusitis Survey‐Duration (CSS‐D).

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen adult patients completed 12‐month follow‐up. Most patients reported sinus symptoms lasting longer than 3 years (74%). Patients showed significant improvement (group P < 0.0001) in the CSS‐D score at each follow‐up interval. Baseline CSS‐D (P < 0.0001), surgical intervention (P < 0.003), and Lund‐McKay score (P < 0.04) were predictive of clinical success in regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients referred to an otolaryngologist have a severe sinus illness. Treatment by an otolaryngologist was associated with significant improvement in sinus‐related symptoms.

SIGNIFICANCE

The study demonstrated the feasibility of multicenter outcome studies in chronic rhinosinusitis and generated testable hypotheses for future investigation. EBM rating: C.
The Cooperative Outcomes Group for ENT: A multicenter prospective cohort study on the outcomes of tympanostomy tubes for children with otitis media
Authors: Witsell David L. , Stewart Michael G. , Monsell Edwin M. , Hadley James A. , Terrell Jeffrey E. , Yueh Bevan , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Hannley Maureen T. , Holzer Susan Sedory
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

Outcomes for patients with otitis media were assessed in this prospective, multicenter study.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty‐one otolaryngologists enrolled 272 pediatric patients with otitis media; caregivers completed surveys at 3‐month intervals, and clinical and treatment data was also collected. The Otitis Media 6 (OM‐6) was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy‐seven patients (mean age 2.0 years) completed 3‐month follow‐up. One hundred thirty‐seven patients underwent tympanostomy tube placement. Large improvements in disease‐specific quality of life (QOL) were seen up to 9 months of follow‐up. Baseline OM‐6 score was the best predictor of clinical success in regression modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients referred to an otolaryngologist for treatment of otitis media see large improvements in disease‐specific QOL regardless of treatment rendered.

SIGNIFICANCE

The study demonstrates the feasibility of multicenter outcomes studies and confirms appropriate triage of patients with otitis media into surgical versus medical interventions. EBM rating: C.
Late Pleistocene and Holocene climate and geomorphic histories as interpreted from a 23,000 14C yr B.P. paleosol and floodplain soils, southeastern West Virginia, USA
Authors: Driese Steven G. , Li Zheng-Hua , Horn Sally P.
Published: February 2005

Field, micromorphological, pollen, whole soil (XRF), and stable isotope geochemical methods were used to evaluate the latest Pleistocene to Holocene climate record from a floodplain–terrace system in southeastern West Virginia. A late Pleistocene (22,940 ± 150 14C yr B.P.) silt paleosol with low-chroma colors formed from fluviolacustrine sediment deposited during the last glacial maximum (Wisconsinan) and records a cooler full-glacial paleoclimate. Fluvial gravel deposited between the latest Pleistocene and earliest Holocene (prior to 6360 ± 40 14C yr B.P.) was weathered in the middle Holocene under warmer, drier climate conditions, possibly correlated with the Hypsithermal and Altithermal Events of the eastern and southwestern United States, respectively. The glacial to interglacial climate shift is recorded by: (1) changes from a poorly drained landscape with fine-textured soil, characterized by high organic C and redoximorphic features related to Fe removal and concentration, to a well-drained, coarse-textured setting without gley and with significant argillic (Bt) horizon development; (2) changes from a high Zr and Ti silt-dominated parent material to locally derived, coarse fluvial gravels lower in Zr and Ti; (3) a shift from dominantly conifer and sedge pollen in the paleosol to a modern oak/hickory hardwood assemblage; and (4) a shift in δ13C values of soil organic matter from −28‰ to −24‰ PDB, suggesting an ecosystem shift from cooler, C3-dominated flora to one that was mixed C3 and C4, but still predominantly composed of C3 plants. A root-restrictive placic horizon developed between the late Pleistocene silt paleosol and the overlying fluvial gravel because of the high permeability contrast between the two textures of soil materials. This layer formed a barrier that effectively isolated the Pleistocene paleosol from later Holocene pedogenic processes.
SIDNEY HOOK, ROBERT NOZICK, AND THE PARADOXES OF FREEDOM
Authors: Diggins John Patrick
Published: February 2005

Diggins observes in this essay that, while Nozick and Hook shared a
passion for freedom and for understanding liberty in all its complexities,
the two philosophers, one a libertarian and the other a democratic socialist,
occupied different worlds when it came to how they viewed property and power.
Nozick believed that freedom and justice depended upon a minimal state that
would be severely restricted in its exercise of power. Sidney Hook never
renounced his conviction, born of his early attraction to Marxism, that truly
dangerous power is wielded not principally by government but by private
individuals of great material wealth: by industrialists. Diggins examines the
divergent views of these two seminal thinkers on such issues as human rights,
private property, democracy, and judicial review. The differences are
profound, yet they shared a common interest in the life of the mind and in
exploring such hoary philosophical topics as free will versus determinism and
the grounding of moral values.
THE SHAPE OF LOCKEAN RIGHTS: FAIRNESS, PARETO, MODERATION, AND
CONSENT
Authors: Arneson Richard J.
Published: February 2005

In chapter four of Anarchy, State, and Utopia, Robert Nozick raised
interesting questions about whether or not it is ever morally acceptable
to act against what are agreed to be an individual's natural moral
rights. The pursuit of these questions opens up issues concerning the
specific content of these individual rights. This essay explores
Nozick's questions by posing examples and using our considered
responses to them to specify the shape of individual rights. The
exploration provisionally concludes that a conception of individual
moral rights quite different from Nozick's looks attractive and
merits further development.
ONE STEP BEYOND NOZICK'S MINIMAL STATE: THE ROLE OF FORCED
EXCHANGES IN POLITICAL THEORY
Authors: Epstein Richard A.
Published: February 2005

In Anarchy, State, and Utopia, Robert Nozick seeks to demonstrate that
principles of justice in acquisition and transfer can be applied to justify
the minimal state, and no state greater than the minimal state. That approach
fails to acknowledge the critical role that forced exchanges play in
overcoming a range of public goods and coordination problems. These ends are
accomplished by taking property for which the owner is compensated in cash
or in kind in an amount that leaves him better off (by his own lights) than
before the transaction. Forced exchanges use coercion to form the state, but
the just compensation requirement guards against redistribution state imposed
redistribution for collateral purposes. Once these forced exchanges are
allowed to form a state, then they may be used thereafter to justify the
powers of taxation and eminent domain used to support infrastructure (roads,
sewers, public utilities) that neither the minimal state nor private markets
can supply.
NATURAL RIGHTS AND POLITICAL LEGITIMACY
Authors: Morris Christopher W.
Published: February 2005

If we have a natural right to liberty, it is hard to see how a state
could be legitimate without first obtaining the (genuine) consent of the
governed. I consider the threat natural rights pose to state legitimacy.
I distinguish minimal from full legitimacy and explore different
understandings of the nature of our natural rights. Even though I conclude
that natural rights do threaten the full legitimacy of states, I suggest
that understanding our natural right to liberty to be grounded in our
interests in a certain way might not commit us to requiring consent for
minimal legitimacy. Thus, even if natural rights effectively block the full
legitimacy of states - on the assumption that rarely, if ever, the requisite
consent will be forthcoming - they may allow minimal state legitimacy.
CONSENT THEORY FOR LIBERTARIANS
Authors: Simmons A. John
Published: February 2005

This paper argues that libertarian political philosophers, including
Robert Nozick, have erred in neglecting the problem of political obligation
and that they ought to embrace an actual consent theory of political
obligation and state legitimacy. It argues as well that if they followed
this recommendation, their position on the subject would be correct. I
identify the tension in libertarian (and especially Nozick's) thought
between its minimalist and its consensualist strains and argue that, on
libertarianism's own terms, the consensualist strain ought to prevail.
I then describe the form of the consent theory that I recommend to
libertarians. The paper concludes with an extended defense of this form of
consent theory against contemporary liberal-egalitarian criticisms of it
(both explicit and implicit), including those of Dworkin, Rawls, and their
followers.
Effect of Interferon-α on cognitive functioning in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: HILSABECK ROBIN C. , HASSANEIN TAREK I. , ZIEGLER ELIZABETH A. , CARLSON MEGHAN D. , PERRY WILLIAM
Published: February 2005

Treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-α) has been shown to adversely affect cognitive functioning in patients with a variety of medical disorders, but information about the effects of IFN-α on cognitive functioning in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of IFN-α on neuropsychological test performance in CHC patients. Participants were 30 patients with CHC, 11 who underwent IFN-α therapy and 19 who did not. All participants were tested at baseline (i.e., pretreatment) and approximately 6 months later with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and Trail Making Test. Results revealed that the treatment group performed significantly worse than untreated CHC patients on Part B of the Trail Making Test after approximately 6 months of treatment. No significant group differences were found on Part A of the Trail Making Test or Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Findings suggest that CHC patients undergoing treatment with IFN-α may experience reduced abilities to benefit from practice but suffer no decrements in performance after 6 months of treatment. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings and to explore risk factors for susceptibility to IFN-α-induced effects. (JINS, 2005,11, 16–22.)
A prospective study of the recovery of attention from acute to 2 years following pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: CATROPPA CATHY , ANDERSON VICKI
Published: February 2005

Limited research has investigated specific attentional sequelae following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as sustained, selective, and shifting attention, as well as speed of processing. Little is known about the pattern of recovery of these skills or their interaction with ongoing development. The present study examined attentional abilities at acute, 6-, 12-, and 24-month time points postinjury in a group of 71 children who had sustained a mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Results indicated that children who sustained a severe TBI generally performed poorest, but showed most recovery over time. The pattern of recovery was dependent on the attentional component being measured. Specifically, deficits were most evident on more complex and timed tasks. While a number of areas showed recovery over time, for some attentional components, difficulties persisted to 24 months postinjury. (JINS, 2005,11, 84–98.)
Changes in JINS
Authors: Haaland Kathleen Y.
Published: February 2005

This marks the official beginning of my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of
JINS though the transition has been ongoing for more than a
year. The change you will notice most is the cover, but I have also
instituted a new section, Neurobehavioral Grand Rounds, which
is a way to emphasize the importance of case studies by including an
introduction by an expert in the field who will put the case in a
broader context. Other sections will remain the same except I have
changed the name of Research Letters to Rapid
Communications, and I want to encourage you to submit such papers
that are short, and are put on a fast track for review. Electronic
submission and review is still in its infancy, but I am optimistic that
it will speed the review process. Speedy publication is in all of our
interests, but rapid, high quality reviews are the cornerstone of that
speed. Therefore, when JINS asks you to review a manuscript, please
agree to do it. We will be relying heavily on your help in order
to improve the review lag.
A Practical Guide for Independent Practice
Authors: Kurlychek Robert T.
Published: February 2005

Review of Successful Private Practice in Neuropsychology:
A Scientist-Practitioner Model by Mary Pepping. 2003. San Diego:
Academic Press. 206 pp., $44.95.