bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy
Authors: Radford Peter D. , Ferguson Mark S. , Magill Jennifer C. , Karthikesalingham Alan P. , Alusi Ghassan
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to compare minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) to conventional thyroidectomy.

Study Design:

A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis.

Methods:

All published prospective controlled trials that compared MIVAT to conventional thyroidectomy were identified. The trials data were extracted and statistical analyzed using Statsdirect 2.5.7.

Results:

Five trials were identified. The total number of patients was 318. The primary outcome measures were pain, postoperative hypocalcaemia, and postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. There was no difference in rates of postoperative hypocalcaemia or postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy between the techniques. Reported pain scores at 24 hours were significantly lower in MIVAT compared to conventional surgery. Pooled effect size was −4.496 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −7.146 to −2.045, P = .0004). The secondary outcome measures were operative time, blood loss, and cosmesis. There was significant improvement in patient reported scores for cosmesis with MIVAT. The pooled effect size was 3.669 (95% CI 0.636–60.702, P = .0178). MIVAT was associated with a significant increase in operative time. Pooled effect size was 1.681 (95% CI 0.600–2.762, P = .0023). There was no difference in blood loss between the groups.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that MIVAT is as safe as the existing gold standard operation. Furthermore, it has better cosmetic and pain outcomes for patients when compared to conventional surgery. MIVAT is a promising new technique, with obvious benefits over the established surgery, for small‐volume thyroid disease that mainly affects a young female patient population.
Sutureless repair of the facial nerve using biodegradable glass fabric
Authors: Starritt Nicola E. , Kettle Sarah A. J. , Glasby Michael A.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To compare a sutureless method of facial nerve repair using a biodegradable glass fabric with the standard method of microsurgical suture.

Study Design:

The facial nerve was transected in groups of six sheep and repaired by either entubulation with a biodegradable glass fabric or standard microsurgical epineurial suture repair.

Methods:

Both methods of repair were compared with each other and with a normal control group using electrophysiological and morphometric analysis.

Results:

Maximum conduction velocity, axon and fiber diameter, and myelin‐sheath thickness were all reduced in the repaired nerves when compared with the normal nerves. There was no significant difference among any of the outcome variables between the repair groups.

Conclusions:

Repair of nerve injuries by entubulation has several theoretical advantages over standard suture repair: less trauma to nerve ends, no need for microsurgical skills, and delivery of neurotrophic growth factors. It is concluded that repair of the facial nerve by glass‐wrap entubulation offers an alternative to standard suture repair without the demands of microsurgery on both time and surgical expertise.
Phonation threshold pressure and flow in excised human larynges
Authors: Mau Ted , Muhlestein Joseph , Callahan Sean , Weinheimer Kent T. , Chan Roger W.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and phonation threshold flow (PTF) in excised human larynges; determine the effects of posterior glottal width, glottal area, and gender on PTP and PTF; test the hypothesis that hysteresis is present in excised human laryngeal phonation; and compare these results to those from canine experiments and human subject measurements.

Study Design:

Induced phonation of excised human larynges in the laboratory.

Methods:

Nine human larynges were harvested within 24 hours postmortem. PTP and PTF at phonation onset and offset were measured on a bench apparatus. The effects of posterior glottal width, glottal area, and gender were examined.

Results:

Large intersubject variability was observed in PTP and PTF. PTP was comparable to those measured in vivo, whereas PTF was substantially higher. One‐way ANOVA showed no significant dependence of PTP and PTF on posterior glottal width. Hysteresis was observed, with offset PTP and PTF lower than onset values. Offset measurements had significantly less variability than onset measurements (P = .012 for PTP, P = .0001 for PTF).

Conclusions:

This study is one of the first to report onset and offset PTP and PTF in fresh excised human larynges. The high PTF observed likely reflects a large direct current flow component due to vocal fold bowing. Offset PTP and PTF values may be intrinsically more reliably measured than onset values. The large intersubject variability in PTP and PTF may have implication for the clinical application of these aerodynamic parameters of phonation.
Anterior pedicle lateral nasal wall flap: A novel technique for the reconstruction of anterior skull base defects
Authors: Hadad Gustavo , Rivera‐Serrano Carlos M. , Bassagaisteguy Luis H. , Carrau Ricardo L , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan , Prevedello Daniel M. , Kassam Amin B.
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

Expansion of the clinical indications for ablative endoscopic endonasal approaches has behooved us to search for new reconstruction alternatives. We present the anatomic foundations of a novel anterior pedicled lateral wall flap (Hadad‐Bassagaisteguy 2 or HB2 flap) for the vascularized reconstruction of anterior skull base defects.

Study Design:

Anatomic description. Feasibility study. Technical report

Methods:

Using a cadaveric model, we investigated the feasibility of harvesting an anteriorly based mucoperiosteal flap from the lateral nasal wall. We then applied the techniques developed in the anatomical laboratory to reconstruct two patients with defects resulting from the endoscopic endonasal resection of esthesioneuroblastomas and one patient with an extensive meningoencephalocoele of the anterior cranial fossa.

Results:

HB2 flaps were harvested and transposed to reconstruct anterior skull base defects in cadaveric specimens, and subsequently, in three patients. The HB2 flap provided adequate coverage in the cadaveric model, as well as clinically in our three patients. Their postoperative healing was uneventful.

Conclusions:

The HB2 flap is a feasible alternative for the reconstruction of anterior skull base defects in select patients.
Crystalline and Conductive Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Fibers
Authors: Fanous Jean , Schweizer Michael , Schawaller Dirk , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: July 2011

Intrinsically conducting polymer fibers are prepared from P3HT by melt spinning. High crystallinity is achieved by drawing the fibers after the spinning process, applying a draw ratio of 1:2. DSC and XRD measurements confirm the continuous increase of crystalline phases with drawing. For comparison, poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers are coated with P3HT and drawn as well. Again, the drawing of the coated fiber results in a significant increase in crystallinity of the P3HT coating. The high amount of crystalline phases is associated with a dramatic increase in conductivity (350 S · cm−1) after doping with FeCl3 in nitromethane.

magnified image
Preparing Exfoliated MMT/Polymer Nanocomposites by Combined Latex Compounding and Spray‐Drying
Authors: Lu Ming , Wang Yiqing , Wu Youping , Quan Yannan , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun , Guo Baochun
Published: July 2011

A facile and easily industrialized approach for preparing highly dispersed MMT/polymer nanocomposites is developed by combining the latex compounding method and a spray‐drying process. Clay particles are successfully delaminated into layers, and layer re‐stacking is effectively prevented. HR‐TEM and XRD results confirm that MMT layers achieve exfoliated or nearly exfoliated dispersion in both MMT/styrene‐butadiene rubber and MMT/PS nanocomposites. Compared with melt‐blended MMT/SBR composites, MMT/SBR nanocomposites prepared by this new strategy exhibit extremely high dynamic modulus.

magnified image
Therapeutic potential of Galectin‐9 in human disease
Authors: Wiersma Valerie R. , de Bruyn Marco , Helfrich Wijnand , Bremer Edwin
Published: July 2011

In recent years, an important role has emerged for the glycan‐binding protein Galectin‐9 (Gal‐9) in health and disease. In normal physiology, Gal‐9 seems to be a pivotal modulator of T‐cell immunity by inducing apoptosis in specific T‐cell subpopulations. Because these T‐cell populations are associated with autoimmunity, inflammatory disease, and graft rejection, it was postulated that application of exogenous Gal‐9 may limit pathogenic T‐cell activity. Indeed, treatment with recombinant Gal‐9 ameliorates disease activity in various preclinical models of autoimmunity and allograft graft rejection. In many solid cancers, the loss of Gal‐9 expression is closely associated with metastatic progression. In line with this observation, treatment with recombinant Gal‐9 prevents metastatic spread in various preclinical cancer models. In addition, various hematological malignancies are sensitive to apoptotic elimination by recombinant Gal‐9. Here, we review the biology and physiological role of this versatile lectin and discuss the therapeutic potential of Gal‐9 in various diseases, including autoimmunity, asthma, infection, and cancer.
Rigid cylinder in a transversely isotropic half‐space under lateral loads
Authors: Shahmohamadi M. , Khojasteh A. , Rahimian M. , Pak R. Y. S.
Published: July 2011

A boundary integral equation method is presented for a rigid cylindrical pipe‐pile of finite length embedded in a transversely isotropic half‐space under lateral loads. In the framework of three‐dimensional elastostatics, the complicated soil‐structure interaction problem is shown to be reducible to three coupled Fredholm integral equations. Through an analysis of the associated Cauchy singular kernels, the intrinsic singular characteristics of the radial, angular, and vertical interfacial load transfers are rendered explicit. By means of a complicated numerical procedure, detailed results on the three‐dimensional load–transfer process are provided for benchmark comparison and practical applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The three waves of corporate public affairs development in Asia
Authors: Burns Wayne
Published: July 2011

Development of the corporate public affairs management function in Asia over the past three decades has occurred in three waves, from one with a focus on basic public relations, market access and product regulation, to a sophisticated management function that is central to how the corporation interacts with and seeks to influence the socio‐political environment in which it operates. If this new millennium is indeed the ‘Asian Century’, the public affairs function will become more valuable to companies trading in Asia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Ki67/BCL2 index based on immunohistochemistry is highly prognostic in ER‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Ali H Raza , Dawson Sarah‐Jane , Blows Fiona M , Provenzano Elena , Leung Samuel , Nielsen Torsten , Pharoah Paul D , Caldas Carlos
Published: July 2011

There is an urgent need to improve prognostic classifiers in breast cancer. Ki67 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 protein (BCL2) are established prognostic markers which have traditionally been assessed separately, in a dichotomous manner. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that combinatorial assessment of these markers would provide superior prognostic information and improve their clinical utility. Tissue microarrays were used to assess the expression of Ki67 and BCL2 in 2749 cases of invasive breast cancer. We devised a Ki67/BCL2 index representing the relative expression of each protein and assessed its association with breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS) using a Cox proportional‐hazards model. Based on our findings, an independent cohort of 3992 cases was used to validate the prognostic significance of the Ki67/BCL2 index. All survival analyses were conducted on complete data as well as data where missing values were resolved using multiple imputation. This study complied with reporting recommendations for tumour marker prognostic studies (REMARK) criteria. The Ki67/BCL2 index showed a significant association with BCSS at 10 years in estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive disease. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for major clinical and molecular markers, the Ki67/BCL2 index retained prognostic significance, robustly classifying cases into three risk groups [intermediate‐ versus low‐risk hazard ratio (HR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.0–2.0; p = 0.031; high‐ versus low‐risk HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3–5.0; p = 0.005]. This finding was validated in an independent cohort of 3992 tumours containing 2761 ER‐positive tumours (intermediate‐ versus low‐risk HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.1; p < 0.001; high‐ versus low‐risk HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–2.9; p < 0.001). Ki67 and BCL2 can be effectively combined to produce an index which is an independent predictor of BCSS in ER‐positive breast cancer, enhancing their potential prognostic utility. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of children with poor risk solid tumors by further escalation of the VETOPEC regimen including very high‐dose cyclophosphamide and peripheral stem cell support: An Australian and New Zealand children's hematology and oncology group study
Authors: McCowage Geoffrey B. , Mrongovius Robert , Alvaro Frank , Cohn Richard J. , Ziegler David S. , Oswald Cecilia , White Les ,   for the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG)
Published: July 2011

Background

Children with solid tumors deemed to be poor risk at diagnosis and those who fail to respond or recur after chemotherapy have adverse outcomes. We sought to increase the dosage of cyclophosphamide (CPA) in the VETOPEC regimen (vincristine, etoposide, and CPA) with a view to improving the response rate and survival.

Procedure

Patients underwent peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest after standard dose VETOPEC (CPA 40 mg/kg/day for 3 days) followed by filgrastim. Those with sufficient PBSC received up to four intensive cycles (ICs) of VETOPEC with CPA dosages of 60–90 mg/kg/day for 3 days (escalated by 5 mg/kg/day in cohorts of at least five patients) followed by PBSC and filgrastim.

Results

Of the 59 enrolled patients, 58 were treated with mobilization chemotherapy and 57 proceeded to PBSC harvest. From 1 to 4 VETOPEC ICs were administered to 51 patients. The maximum tolerated dosage of CPA was not reached. The best response rate during the ICs for patients with recurrent or refractory/progressive disease was 67%; overall survival was 28% at 5 years and 25% at 10 years. The response rate for patients with newly diagnosed high‐risk tumors was 89%.

Conclusions

The VETOPEC regimen with CPA dosages up to 90 mg/kg/day for 3 days followed by PBSC and filgrastim can be given in a timely manner with manageable toxicity. Outcomes were not improved when compared to prior VETOPEC studies. VETOPEC produces high response rates and warrants further evaluation in appropriate patients with newly diagnosed high‐risk solid tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 958–964. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soft tissue sarcoma across the age spectrum: A population‐based study from the surveillance epidemiology and end results database
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Sultan Iyad , Huang Tseng Tien , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Shehadeh Ahmad , Meazza Cristina , Ness Kirsten K. , Casanova Michela , Spunt Sheri L.
Published: July 2011

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignancies that occur throughout the lifespan. The impact of age on disease features and outcome is unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical features and outcome of all STS cases registered between 1973 and 2006 in the SEER database.

Results

There were 48,012 cases that met the selection criteria. Individuals less than 20 years of age represented 5.6%, with rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common subtype. In adults, the most common types were Kaposi sarcoma, fibrohistiocytic tumors, and leiomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the only entity with a median age <20 years. Male predominance (male/female of 1.5:1) was noticed for almost all types of STS, except for alveolar soft part sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Tumor stage was similar across different age groups. Younger patients (<50 years) had significantly better survival than older patients (88.8 ± 0.2% vs. 40 ± 0.3%, P < 0.001), but for most histologies the survival decline with advancing age was gradual and did not occur abruptly at the onset of adulthood. The decline in survival with advancing age was particularly significant for rhabdomyosarcoma.

Conclusion

With few exceptions, the clinical features of STS are similar in children and adults. However, individuals over 50 years of age have an inferior survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 943–949. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparisons of outcomes after cordocentesis at mid‐pregnancy between singleton and twin pregnancies
Authors: Srisupundit Kasemsri , Wanapirak Chanane , Piyamongkol Wirawit , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Tongsong Theera
Published: July 2011

Objective

To compare the outcomes after mid‐pregnancy cordocentesis between singleton and twin pregnancies.

Methods

We compared immediate complications and pregnancy outcomes between a cohort of twin pregnancies undergoing mid‐pregnancy diagnostic cordocentesis between the years 1989 and 2010, and a control group of singleton pregnancies matched based on maternal age and years of the procedure with a ratio of 1:3.

Results

Among 6147 pregnancies undergoing cordocentesis during the study period, 122 twin fetuses met the study criteria and were matched with 336 singleton controls. Success rate of sampling was slightly higher in singleton than in twin gestations (98.8% vs 97.3%), and time required for the procedure was significantly longer in the twin group (8.1 vs 6.3 min, p = 0.02). Immediate complications, such as fetal bradycardia and transient bleeding from the puncture site, were significantly higher in twins (13% vs 6.0%, p = 0.001; and 34.8% vs 26.1%, p = 0.03, respectively). However, fetal loss rate within 2 weeks of cordocentesis was not different (1.4% and 1.1%, p = 0.42).

Conclusion

Immediate complications following cordocentesis are significantly higher in twin pregnancies, but fetal loss rate within 2 weeks of the procedure is comparable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the predictions of injection molding simulation software
Authors: Vietri U. , Sorrentino A. , Speranza V. , Pantani R.
Published: July 2011

Injection molding is one of the most widespread processes for plastic manufacturing. Software packages are often used in several steps of the production cycle, from mold design to the determination of processing conditions. In this work a method is reported to improve the predictions of the description of pressure profiles made by injection molding simulation software. The method is applied to two polymeric materials (a PolyStyrene and a PolyCarbonate) injection molded into line‐gated rectangular cavities adopting different molding conditions and cavity thickness. The method, that is independent of the software adopted, in this article is illustrated adopting the commercial code Moldflow®. It is shown that the predictions of the description of pressure curves inside the cavity can be significantly improved by introducing the effect of pressure on viscosity and the effect of cavity deformation during molding. The former effect is taken into account by finding an appropriate value for the parameter which takes into account the effect of pressure in the equation which describes material rheology. The latter effect can be introduced by defining and implementing an apparent material compressibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Formation and properties of polyester/copolyester conjugate fibers prepared by ultra‐high‐speed melt spinning technique
Authors: Ho Yo‐Seung , Kim Hak‐Yong , Jin Fan‐Long , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: July 2011

In this study, three types of conjugate fibers, sea‐islands type, orange split type, and side by side type, were prepared by using an on‐line steaming process through a high‐speed spinning technique in order to improve the processibility, efficiency, and properties of the fibers. It was found that the weight reduction ratios of orange split and sea‐island polyester/copolyester fibers were higher than that of polyester fibers. The SEM results indicate that the split time was shortened by using the ultra‐high‐speed melt spinning process. The nozzle‐draft increased and elongation decreased for side by side conjugate fibers after the spin speed was increased. The elasticity and crimp ratio of side by side conjugate fibers were significantly affected by the drawing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Temperature dependence of oxygen diffusion into polymer/carbon nanotube composite films
Authors: Yargı Önder , Ugur Şaziye , Pekcan Önder
Published: July 2011

This study examines the transport properties of polystyrene (PS)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composite films taking into consideration both MWNT composition and temperature, via fluorescence technique. Three different (3, 15, and 40 wt%) MWNT content films were prepared from PS/MWNT mixtures by annealing them at 170°C, above the glass transition temperature of PS for 10 min. The diffusivity of the PS/MWNT composite was determined by performing oxygen (O2) diffusion measurements within a temperature range of 24 to 70°C for each film and pyrene (P) was used as the fluorescent probe. The diffusion coefficients (D) of oxygen were determined by the fluorescence quenching method assuming Fickian transport. Results indicated that D values are strongly dependent on both temperature and the MWNT content in the film and it was also observed that D coefficients obey Arrhenius behavior, from which diffusion energies were produced and increased along with increases of MWNT content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tracer‐compatibilizer: Synthesis and applications in polymer blending processes
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Liang , Feng Lian‐Fang , Gu Xue‐Ping , Hoppe Sandrine , Hu Guo‐Hua
Published: July 2011

This article reports on a route to synthesizing fluorescent labeled graft copolymers, on the one hand; and on a concept of tracer‐compatibilizer for facile build‐up of emulsification curves of polymer blends, on the other hand. For these purposes, blends composed of polystyrene (PS) and polyamide 6 (PA6) are chosen. The synthesis of the corresponding tracer‐compatibilizer consists of three steps: (1) copolymerization of styrene with 3‐isopropenyl‐α,α'‐dimethybenzyl isocyanate (TMI); (2) conversion of a fraction of the isocyanate moieties of the resulting copolymer into anthracene ones upon reacting with 9‐(methylamino‐methyl)anthracene (MAMA); and (3) polymerization of ε‐caprolactam (CL) from the remaining isocyanate moieties. The resulting fluorescent labeled graft copolymer, denoted as PS‐g‐PA6‐Ant, is used to build up emulsification curves of PS/PA6 blends in a twin screw extruder (TSE), showing great usefulness of the concept of tracer‐compatibilizer. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Test–retest reliability of the parent behavior importance questionnaire‐revised and the parent behavior frequency questionnaire‐revised
Authors: Mowder Barbara A. , Shamah Renee
Published: July 2011

This study evaluated the test–retest reliability of two parenting measures: the Parent Behavior Importance Questionnaire‐Revised (PBIQ‐R) and Parent Behavior Frequency Questionnaire‐Revised (PBFQ‐R). These self‐report parenting behavior assessment measures may be utilized as pre‐ and post‐parent education program measures, with parents as well as nonparent respondents. The questionnaires are based on the parent development theory, with the parenting behaviors corresponding to theory and current parenting literature. Thus, respondents' relative weighting of importance (PBIQ‐R) or frequency (PBFQ‐R) of positive, supportive parenting as well as negative behaviors may be determined through questionnaire responses. Test–retest reliability estimates suggest psychometric strength. Results are discussed relative to parenting theory and research, as well as school psychology policy and practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Family relationships and perfectionism in middle‐school students
Authors: DiPrima Amy J. , Ashby Jeffrey S. , Gnilka Philip B. , Noble Christina L.
Published: July 2011

Several authors have suggested that perfectionism develops in the context of a person's family of origin. However, there are few empirical studies that address the relationship between family variables and perfectionism. This study examined the relationship between family variables and multidimensional perfectionism among a sample of 253 middle‐school students. The results indicated that adaptive perfectionism was correlated with numerous positive family variables, and adaptive perfectionists tended to have more balanced, cohesive, adaptable families, with a greater perception of parental nurturance than either maladaptive perfectionists or nonperfectionists. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spacer‐length‐dependent association in polymers with multiple‐hydrogen‐bonded end groups
Authors: De Greef Tom F. A. , Kade Matthew J. , Feldman Kathleen E. , Kramer Edward J. , Hawker Craig J. , Meijer E.W.
Published: July 2011

Herein, we investigate the influence of spacer length on the homoassociation and heteroassociation of end‐functionalized hydrogen‐bonding polymers based on poly(n‐butyl acrylate). Two monofunctional ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) end‐functionalized polymers were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization using self‐complementary UPy‐functional initiators that differ in the spacer length between the multiple‐hydrogen‐bonding group and the chain initiation site. The self‐complementary binding strength (Kdim) of these end‐functionalized polymers was shown to depend critically on the spacer length as evident from 1H NMR and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy. In addition, the heteroassociation strength of the end‐functionalized UPy polymers with end‐functionalized polymers containing the complementary 2,7‐diamido‐1,8‐naphthyridine (NaPy) hydrogen‐bond motif is also affected when the aliphatic spacer length is too short. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Blind, one‐eyed, or eagle‐eyed? pKa calculations during blind predictions with staphylococcal nuclease
Authors: Czodrowski Paul
Published: July 2011

In the current contribution, the performance of Poisson–Boltzmann‐based pKa calculations of SNase mutants as part of a blind prediction exercise facilitated by the pKa cooperative (“pKa_coop”) is described. A one parameter setting (“quick&dirty” approach) is used to provide an industry perspective where strong time constraints are frequently encountered. On the one hand, results are analyzed in terms of root mean square deviation performance. Furthermore, the pKa calculations are assessed for their ability to properly assign protonation state. For this purpose, a new measure called BIPS (binary protonation state at physiological pH) is introduced. Significant differences were found with both comparison measures based on the class of residues examined. In addition, the performance of PROPKA3 as well as the NULL model is examined on the same data set. Finally, pKa calculations on SNase mutants with available structural information have been performed and provide support for our calculation methods. The performance on this subset is better than on the pKa cooperative mutation data. In the pKa_coop data, no structural information on the generated mutants is available. This suggests the occurrence of a substantial structural rearrangement on the insertion of additional charged groups into SNase, which leads to improved prediction quality. Proteins 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preface: Phys. Status Solidi C 7–8/2011
Authors: Wetzel Christian , Khan Asif
Published: July 2011

This volume comprises the Proceedings of the International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors (IWN2010). All published articles have undergone an off‐site peer reviewing process according to the standards of the journal and have been formally accepted.

IWN2010 was held at the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel & Marina in Tampa, Florida, USA, September 19–24, 2010.

This biennial workshop was the sixth following those in Nagoya, Aachen, Pittsburgh, Kyoto and Montreux and will be followed by IWN2012 in Sapporo, Japan.

The workshop received some 700 abstracts, had 385 talks, 240 posters and attracted 800 attendees (North America 330, Asia 260, Europe 210) on the topics of Optical and Electronic Properties, Processing and Fabrication, Defect Characterization and Engineering, Structural Analysis, Theory and Simulation, Nanostructures, Light Emitting Devices, Electron Transport Devices, and New Materials and New Device Concepts.

Topics of the Rump Session were Group‐III‐Nitrides on silicon; Group‐III‐Nitride challenges for RF electronics; Ideal Group‐III‐Nitride substrate technology; LED roadmap for the internal quantum efficiency; and Group‐III‐Nitride nanowires.

Troy, NY, April 2011
A weighted prediction‐based selection criterion for response surface designs
Authors: Emmett M. , Goos P. , Stillman E. C.
Published: July 2011

The goal of response surface designs is typically to make precise predictions. A commonly used prediction‐based design selection criterion isitV‐optimality, which seeks designs that minimize the average prediction variance over the entire experimental region. We propose an alternative criterion, which seeks designs that yield small prediction variances particularly in those parts of the experimental region where a response is expected to be interesting, important, or desirable. The new criterion is a weightedV‐optimality criterion, which attaches higher weights to areas with such interesting outcomes. The weights in the new criterion are derived from a logistic regression model. We illustrate the value of the new criterion using an example from the automotive industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic consequences of foreign DNA insertions: de novo methylation and global alterations of methylation patterns in recipient genomes
Authors: Doerfler Walter
Published: July 2011

The insertion of foreign DNA into mammalian or plant genomes is a frequent event in biology. My laboratory has pursued a long‐standing interest in the structure of integrated adenovirus genomes and in the mechanism of foreign DNA insertions in mammalian cells. The long‐term consequences of the integration of alien DNA are only partly known, and even less well understood are the mechanisms that bring them about. Evidence from viral systems has contributed to the realization that foreign DNA insertions entail a complex of sequelae that have also become apparent in non‐viral systems: (i) The de novo methylation of integrated foreign DNA sequences has frequently been observed. (ii) Alterations of DNA methylation patterns in the recipient genome at and remote from the site of foreign DNA insertion have been demonstrated but it remains to be investigated how generally this phenomenon occurs. Many viral genomes find and have found entry into the genomes of present‐day organisms. A major portion of mammalian genomes represents incomplete retroviral genomes that frequently have become permanently silenced by DNA methylation. It is still unknown how and to what extent the insertion of retroviral or retrotransposon sequences into established genomes has altered and shaped the methylation and transcription profiles of present day genomes. An additional reason for concern about the effects of foreign DNA integration is the fact that in all fields of molecular biology and medicine, the generation of transgenic or transgenomic cells and organisms has become a ubiquitously applied experimental technique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing linear distributed algorithms with memory for fast convergence
Authors: Roy Sandip , Wan Yan , Saberi Ali , Xue Mengran
Published: July 2011

Motivated by both distributed computation and decentralized control applications, we studied the distributed linear iterative algorithms with memory. Specifically, we showed that the system of linear equations Gx  = b can be solved through a distributed linear iteration for arbitrary invertible G using only a single memory element at each processor. Further, we demonstrated that the memoried distributed algorithm can be designed to achieve much faster convergence than a memoryless distributed algorithm. Two small simulation examples were included to illustrate the results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin–orbit coupling and intersystem crossing in molecules
Authors: Marian Christel M.
Published: July 2011

Many light‐induced molecular processes involve a change in spin state and are formally forbidden in non‐relativistic quantum theory. To make them happen, spin–orbit coupling (SOC) has to be invoked. Intersystem crossing (ISC), the nonradiative transition between two electronic states of different multiplicity, plays a key role in photochemistry and photophysics with a broad range of applications including molecular photonics, biological photosensors, photodynamic therapy, and materials science. Quantum chemistry has become a valuable tool for gaining detailed insight into the mechanisms of ISC. After a short introduction highlighting the importance of ISC and a brief description of the relativistic origins of SOC, this article focusses on approximate SOC operators for practical use in molecular applications and reviews state‐of‐the‐art theoretical methods for evaluating ISC rates. Finally, a few sample applications are discussed that underline the necessity of studying the mechanisms of ISC processes beyond qualitative rules such as the El‐Sayed rules and the energy gap law. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Regulating iron storage and metabolism with RNA: an overview of posttranscriptional controls of intracellular iron homeostasis
Authors: Salvail Hubert , Massé Eric
Published: July 2011

Iron (Fe) is a double‐edged sword for most living organisms. Although it is essential for the catalytic activity of a large number of enzymes, ferrous iron (Fe2+) becomes cytotoxic in the presence of normal respiratory by‐products such as H2O2. Because of this toxicity, intracellular iron concentrations ought to be regulated by elaborated homeostasis systems that, despite decades of extensive studies, have not yet revealed all of their surprising arrays of mechanistic details. Within the last few years, our understanding of iron metabolism has revealed that posttranscriptional regulation represents a major contribution to iron homeostasis in a host of organisms. While the small RNA RyhB regulates iron homeostasis in bacteria, its functional homolog protein Cth2 performs a similar task in yeasts. Recent advances in the elucidation of the mechanism of action and functions of RyhB have been made in Escherichia coli. In addition, other RyhB‐like small RNAs have been identified in several bacterial species, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Shigella spp. These recent findings have shed light on the complexity of iron homeostasis. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:26–36. doi: 10.1002/wrna.102

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
LiSr2[TaN3]F – a Single Chain Nitridotantalate
Authors: Pust Philipp , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: July 2011

The chain type nitridotantalate LiSr2[TaN3]F was synthesized by reaction of strontium with AlF3, Eu(NH2)2, LiN3 and lithium metal as fluxing agent in weld shut tantalum ampoules. Single crystals were obtained as byproduct from reaction with the ampoule material. The crystal structure (Pbca (no. 61), a = 10.768(2), b = 5.5913(11), c = 15.891(3) Å, Z = 8) was solved on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. LiSr2[TaN3]F contains infinite chains of vertex sharing TaN4 tetrahedra running along [010]. The structure can be understood as an intercalation of Li+ and F– into Sr2TaN3. Lattice energy calculations (MAPLE) and EDX measurements confirmed the electrostatic bonding interactions and the chemical composition.
Synthesis, Structures, and Photophysics of Polynuclear Silver(I) Thiolate and Silver(I) Thiocarboxylate Complexes with Dppm Ligands
Authors: Chao Hsiu‐Yi , Wu Li , Li Cheng‐Luan , Lu Wei , Liu Li , Feng Xiao‐Long
Published: July 2011

Trinuclear silver(I) thiolate and silver(I) thiocarboxylate complexes [Ag3(μ‐dppm)3(μn‐SR)2](ClO4) [n = 2, R = C6H4Cl‐4 (1) and C{O}Ph (2); n = 3, R = tBu (3)], pentanuclear silver(I) thiolate complex [Ag5(μ‐dppm)4(μ3‐SC6H4NO2‐4)4](PF6) (4), and hexanuclear silver(I) thiolate complexes [Ag6(μ‐dppm)4(μ3‐SR)4]Y2 [Y = ClO4, R =C6H4CH3‐4 (5) and C10H7 (2‐naphthyl) (7); Y = PF6, R = C6H4OCH3‐4(6)], were synthesized [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane] and their crystal structures as well as photophysical properties were studied. In the solid state at 77 K, trinuclear silver(I) thiolate and silver(I) thiocarboxylate complexes 1 and 2 exhibit luminescence at 470–523 nm, tentatively attributed to originate from the 3IL (intraligand) of thiolate or thiocarboxylate ligands, whereas hexanuclaer silver(I) thiolate complexes 5 and 7 produce dual emission, in which high‐energy emission is tentatively attributed to come from the 3IL of thiolate ligands and low‐energy emission is tentatively assigned to come from the admixture of metal···metal bond‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MMLCT) and metal‐centered (MC) excited states.
Measuring Latent Quantities
Authors: McDonald Roderick P.
Published: July 2011

A distinction is proposed between measures and predictors of latent variables. The discussion addresses the consequences of the distinction for the true-score model, the linear factor model, Structural Equation Models, longitudinal and multilevel models, and item-response models. A distribution-free treatment of calibration and error-of-measurement is given, and the contrasting properties of measures and predictors are examined.
Management of chronic pain among older patients: Inside primary care in the US
Authors: Tai‐Seale Ming , Bolin Jane , Bao Xiaoming , Street Richard
Published: July 2011

Under‐treatment of pain is a worldwide problem. We examine how often pain was addressed and the factors that influence how much time was spent on treating pain.

We analyzed 385 videotapes of routine office visits in several primary care practices in the Southwest and Midwest regions of the United States. We coded the visit contents and the time spent on pain and other topics. Logistic regression and survival analyses examined the effects of time constraint, physician's supportiveness, patient's health, and demographic concordance. We found that discussion of pain occurred in 48% of visits. A median of 2.3 min was spent on addressing pain. The level of pain, physician's supportiveness, and gender concordance were significantly associated with the odds of having a pain discussion. Time constraints and racial concordance significantly influenced the length of discussion.

We conclude that despite repeated calls for addressing under‐treatment for pain, only a limited amount of time is used to address pain among elderly patients. This phenomenon could contribute to the under‐treatment of pain.
Volumetric and visual rating of magnetic resonance imaging scans in the diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shen Qian , Loewenstein David A. , Potter Elizabeth , Zhao Weizhao , Appel Jason , Greig Maria T. , Raj Ashok , Acevedo Amarilis , Schofield Elizabeth , Barker Warren , Wu Yougui , Potter Huntington , Duara Ranjan
Published: July 2011

Background

In the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have been used primarily to exclude non‐Alzheimer's causes of dementia. However, the pattern and the extent of medial temporal atrophy on structural MRI scans, which correlate strongly with the pathological severity of AD, can be used to support the diagnosis of a degenerative dementia, especially AD, even in its early predementia stage.

Methods

Elderly subjects (n = 224) were diagnosed with either no cognitive impairment (NCI), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), or AD. Hippocampal and hemispheric gray matter volumes were measured on structural MRI scans, and a new visual rating system was used to score the severity of medial temporal atrophy (VRS‐MTA) of the hippocampus (HPC), entorhinal cortex, and perirhinal cortex on a coronal image intersecting the mammillary bodies.

Results

Although both VRS‐MTA scores and HPC volumes distinguished between subjects with NCI, aMCI, and AD, subjects with aMCI and NCI could be better distinguished using right VRS‐MTA scores, in comparison with right HPC volumes. VRS‐MTA scores were more highly correlated with episodic memory and Clinical Dementia Rating scores. A combination of left sided VRS‐MTA scores and left sided hippocampal volume was the most predictive measure of diagnostic classification.

Conclusion

VRS‐MTA is a clinically convenient method or distinguishing aMCI or AD from NCI. As compared with volumetric measures, it provides better discriminatory power and correlates more strongly with memory and functional scores.
Steps to standardization and validation of hippocampal volumetry as a biomarker in clinical trials and diagnostic criterion for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jack Clifford R. , Barkhof Frederik , Bernstein Matt A. , Cantillon Marc , Cole Patricia E. , DeCarli Charles , Dubois Bruno , Duchesne Simon , Fox Nick C. , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Hampel Harald , Hill Derek L.G. , Johnson Keith , Mangin Jean‐François , Scheltens Philip , Schwarz Adam J. , Sperling Reisa , Suhy Joyce , Thompson Paul M. , Weiner Michael , Foster Norman L.
Published: July 2011

Background

The promise of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers has led to their incorporation in new diagnostic criteria and in therapeutic trials; however, significant barriers exist to widespread use. Chief among these is the lack of internationally accepted standards for quantitative metrics. Hippocampal volumetry is the most widely studied quantitative magnetic resonance imaging measure in Alzheimer's disease and thus represents the most rational target for an initial effort at standardization.

Methods and Results

The authors of this position paper propose a path toward this goal. The steps include the following: (1) Establish and empower an oversight board to manage and assess the effort, (2) adopt the standardized definition of anatomic hippocampal boundaries on magnetic resonance imaging arising from the European Alzheimer's Disease Centers–Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative hippocampal harmonization effort as a reference standard, (3) establish a scientifically appropriate, publicly available reference standard data set based on manual delineation of the hippocampus in an appropriate sample of subjects (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative), and (4) define minimum technical and prognostic performance metrics for validation of new measurement techniques using the reference standard data set as a benchmark.

Conclusions

Although manual delineation of the hippocampus is the best available reference standard, practical application of hippocampal volumetry will require automated methods. Our intent was to establish a mechanism for credentialing automated software applications to achieve internationally recognized accuracy and prognostic performance standards that lead to the systematic evaluation and then widespread acceptance and use of hippocampal volumetry. The standardization and assay validation process outlined for hippocampal volumetry was envisioned as a template that could be applied to other imaging biomarkers.
How golden is the gold standard of neuropathology in dementia?
Authors: Scheltens Philip , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: July 2011

Current Alzheimer's disease (AD) criteria state that a definite diagnosis can only be made by postmortem examination. The neuropathological confirmation is often referred to as the “gold standard.” In this article, we review what constitutes a gold standard and how the neuropathological examination of AD lives up to that standard. We conclude that there is no evidence for this notion because results between different laboratories differ to an important extent, especially when the clinical picture is in doubt, for example, when the dementia is mild. As an alternative, we propose to abandon thinking in standards and value neuropathology as any other biomarker, and to strive to use and integrate multiple sources of information to make the diagnosis of AD in all its complexity.
The underlying mechanism for the PARP and BRCA synthetic lethality: Clearing up the misunderstandings
Authors: Helleday Thomas
Published: July 2011

Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors effectively kill tumours defective in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes through the concept of synthetic lethality. It is suggested that PARP inhibitors cause an increase in DNA single‐strand breaks (SSBs), which are converted during replication to irreparable toxic DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in BRCA1/2 defective cells. There are a number of recent reports challenging this model. Here, alternative models that are not mutually exclusive are presented to explain the synthetic lethality between BRCA1/2 and PARP inhibitors. One such model proposes that PARP inhibition causes PARP‐1 to be trapped onto DNA repair intermediates, especially during base excision repair. This may in turn cause obstruction to replication forks, which require BRCA‐dependent homologous recombination to be resolved. In another model, PARP is directly involved in catalysing replication repair in a distinct pathway from homologous recombination. Experimental evidence supporting these novel models to explain the PARP‐BRCA synthetic lethality are discussed.
Unsteady deformations of a free liquid surface caused by radiation pressure
Authors: ISSENMANN B. , WUNENBURGER R. , CHRAIBI H. , GANDIL M. , DELVILLE J.-P.
Published: July 2011

We present an analytical model of the time-dependent, small-amplitude deformation of a free liquid surface caused by a spatially localized, axisymmetric, pulsed or continuous, acoustic or electromagnetic radiation pressure exerted on the surface. By exactly solving the unsteady Stokes equation, we predict the surface dynamics in all dynamic regimes, namely inertial, intermediate and strongly damped regimes. We demonstrate the validity of this model in all dynamic regimes by comparing its prediction to experiments consisting of optically measuring the time-dependent curvature of the tip of a hump created at a liquid surface by the radiation pressure of an acoustic pulse. Finally, we present a numerical scheme simulating the behaviour of a fluid–fluid interface subjected to a time-dependent radiation pressure and show its accuracy by comparing the numerical predictions with the analytical model in the intermediate and strongly damped regimes.