bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polycyclic N‐Heterocyclic Compounds, Part 71: Synthesis and Bronchodilator Evaluation of 5‐Substituted 1,2‐Dihydrofuro[3,2‐f][1,7]naphthyridines and Related Compounds
Authors: Okuda Kensuke , Matsushita Tetsuo , Hirota Takashi , Sasaki Kenji
Published: September 2012

Several 5‐substituted 1,2‐dihydrofuro[3,2‐f][1,7]naphthyridines were synthesized as part of our research to develop new effective bronchodilators. Amines, sulfanyls, and alcohols were used as substituents at the fifth position. Tetracyclic compounds were also obtained. Evaluation of the effects of the newly synthesized compounds on carbamoylcholine chloride‐induced contractions of trachea revealed one promising bronchodilator candidate with potency comparable to that of 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine.
Utility of Enaminonitriles in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Synthesis of Some New Pyrazole, Pyridine, and Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Etman Hassan A. , El‐Seidy Mohamed Y. , Elattar Khaled M.
Published: September 2012

The starting (1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)carbonohydrazonoyl dicyanide (2) was used as key intermediate for the synthesis of 3‐amino‐2‐(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐ylazo)‐[3‐substituted]‐1‐yl‐acrylonitrile derivatives (3–10). In addition, nitrile derivative 2 reacted with hydrazine hydrate or malononitrile to afford the corresponding 3,5‐diaminopyrazole 11 and enaminonitrile derivative 13, respectively. On the other hand, compound 3 was subjected to react with malononitrile, acetic anhydride, triethylorthoformate, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐dimethylacetal, thiourea, and hydroxylamine hydrchloride to afford antipyrine derivatives 16–21. Moreover, the reaction of enaminonitrile 3 with carbon disulfide in pyridine afforded the pyrimidine derivative 22, whereas, in NaOH/DMF followed by the addition of dimethyl sulphate afforded methyl carbonodithioate 24. The reaction of enaminonitrile derivatives 3–5 with phenylisothiocyanate afforded the thiopyrimidine derivatives 25a–c. Finally, the enaminonitrile 4 reacted with 3‐(4‐chloro‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone to afford the pyridine derivative 27. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, 13C‐NMR, 1H–NMR, and MS).
A Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines via New Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Rineh Amir , Khalilzadeh Mohammad A. , Hashemi Mohammad M. , Rajabi Medí , Karimi Fatemeh
Published: September 2012

An efficient synthesis of quinoline derivatives is described via the reaction between ethyl chloropyruvate or alkyl 4‐chloroacetoacetate and activated acetylenic compounds in the presence of nucleophilic form of isatin in water as the solvent. Nucleophilic form of isatin is produced from the reaction of isatin and triethylamin.
Benzimidazole Annulated New Heterocyclic Compounds: Synthesis of New Polycyclic Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Ali A.
Published: September 2012

Several (3) new benzimidazole based polycyclic compounds of potential pharmaceutical interest have been prepared starting from 2‐benzimidazolelyl (1,3‐dioxo‐2‐indenylidene) acetonitrile. Unhypothesized, the C≡N function of the plausible intermediates was released as HCN rather than a classical nucleophilic addition when treated with bidentate reagents such as hydrazines, 5‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole, 5‐amino‐4‐cyano‐1H‐pyrazole and 2‐aminobenzimidazole. When compound 3 reacted with active acetonitrile derivatives it afforded new polyfunctional pyridines via elimination of HCN in addition to, new pyrimidine, pyrazine and azepine derivatives.
(Bromodimethyl)sulfonium Bromide Catalyzed Solvent‐Free Friedlander Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines
Authors: Venkatesham R. , Manjula A. , Vittal Rao B.
Published: September 2012

A simple and efficient (bromodimethyl)sulfonium bromide catalyzed synthesis of quinolines, by condensation of α‐amino carbonyl, that is, 2‐aminobenzophenone and 2‐aminoacetophenone with α‐methylene containing carbonyl like 1,3‐dicarbonyls has been developed. The reaction is versatile, solvent‐free protocol for generation of structurally diverse quinolines.
Practical and Green Protocol for the Synthesis of Substituted 4H‐Chromenes Using Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Choline Chloride–Urea
Authors: Revanna C. N. , Swaroop T. R. , Raghavendra G. M. , Bhadregowda D. G. , Mantelingu K. , Rangappa K. S.
Published: September 2012

An efficient and convenient synthesis of substituted 4H‐chromenes is described using room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) choline chloride–urea in one pot under solvent free conditions. Three‐component Knoevenagel condensation of an aromatic aldehyde, with an active methylene compound, and a cyclohexane dione is reported. This new approach has advantage of excellent yields (82–96%), clean reaction, and short reaction time (15–30 min) at room temperature.
Methanesulfonic Acid‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of 12‐Aryl or 12‐Alkyl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen‐11‐one Derivatives
Authors: Liu Yu‐Heng , Li Lei
Published: September 2012

An efficient synthesis of 12‐aryl or 12‐alkyl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen‐11‐one derivatives has been developed under solvent‐free conditions by one‐pot condensation of aldehydes, 2‐naphthol, and cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of methanesulfonic acid. The protocol has advantages of mild condition, short reaction time, high yield, and operational simplicity.
Synthesis of N‐Substituted‐6‐alkoxypteridin‐4‐amine
Authors: Duan Chonggang , Jia Jiong , Zhu Rongxiu , Wang Jianwu
Published: September 2012

A novel seven‐step methodology for the synthesis of N‐substituted‐6‐alkoxypteridin‐4‐amine has been developed with the total yields of 35.4–41%. Twenty new compounds were synthesized by heterocyclization of easily prepared 3‐amino‐6‐bromopyrazine‐2‐carboxamide, subsequent alkoxylation, chlorination, and nucleophilic substitution. Their structures were confirmed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, ESI‐MS, and elemental analysis. The structure of N‐(3‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl)‐6‐ethoxypteridin‐4‐amine was further determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. It was found that different chlorinating reagents gave different products. The possible chlorination mechanism was discussed.
A Mild and Highly Efficient Synthesis of Chiral N‐Dichloroacetyl‐4‐ethyl‐1,3‐oxazolidines
Authors: Zhao Li‐Xia , Fu Ying , Ye Fei , Gao Shuang
Published: September 2012

Chiral 2‐amino‐butanols (4 and 5) were obtained via the isolation of diastereomeric salt. Then, chiral compounds (6–9) were synthesized by a sequential procedure involving condensation of chiral 2‐amino‐butanol with ketone and dichloroacetyl chloride. All the compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and element analysis. The absolute configurations of (S)‐8 was determined by X‐ray crystallography.
Conversion of Some 2(3H)‐Furanones into Pyrrolinotriazine and Oxazolopyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Abou‐Elmagd Wael S. I. , Hashem Ahmed I.
Published: September 2012

2(3H)‐Furanones 1 were utilized for the construction of pyrrolinotriazine and oxazolopyrimidine derivatives 4 and 9. Thus, 1 reacted with glycine in ethanol at 70°C to give the acids 2, which were cyclized into the pyrrolin‐5‐one derivatives 3 by the action of HCl/AcOH. The later compounds 3 were also obtained by refluxing the furanones 1 with glycine in glacial AcOH for 10 h. The carboxy functionality in 3 was used for the construction of a triazinone ring by treatment with thionyl chloride followed by refluxing the acid chloride with hydrazine in ethanol. The conversion of the furanones 1 into the oxazolopyrimidine derivatives 9 involved the following steps: (i) ring opening of the lactone ring with hydrazine hydrate to give the acid hydrazides 5, (ii) conversion of the hydrazides 5 into the corresponding acyl azides 6 by action of NaNO2/AcOH, (iv) base‐catalyzed decomposition of the azides in the presence of glycine, (v) ring closure of the urea derivatives 7 into the pyrimidine derivatives 8, and finally (vi) condensing 8 with benzaldehyde in the presence of NaOAc/AcOH mixture.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 4,7‐Diaryl‐5‐oxo‐4H‐benzo[b]pyran Derivatives
Authors: Cui Bin , Chen Li‐Zhuang , Hu Xiao‐Lei , Wang Ming , Han Guang‐Fan
Published: September 2012

A green and convenient approach to the synthesis of a series of 4,7‐diaryl‐5‐oxo‐4H‐benzo[b]pyran derivatives from appropriate aromatic aldehydes and 5‐aryl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione with malononitrile in the presence of dilute HCl as catalyst (30 mmol/L) is described. This method provides several advantages such as environmental friendliness, low cost, high yields, and simple work up procedure. The structures of all compounds were characterized by infrared (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of trans/cis‐2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐7‐(4′‐methoxo‐phenyl)‐4‐phenyl‐5‐oxo‐4H‐benzo[b]pyran, g, was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The crystal of compound g belongs to monoclinic with space group P 21/c, a = 8.477(3) nm, b = 18.948(6) nm, c = 24.915(7) nm, α = 90.00°, β = 107.388(11)°, γ= 90.00°, Z = 8, V = 3.819(2) nm3, R1 = 0.0754, wR2 = 0.2042.
Regioselective Synthesis of New Bibracchial Lariat Ethers
Authors: Ebrahimi Sattar , Mobinikhaldei Akbar , Foroughifar Naser
Published: September 2012

A practical and regioselective synthetic method for the synthesis of cis‐diastereomers of bibracchial lariat ethers (BiBLEs) bearing ester and amide groups is reported. The novel BiBLEs 3a and 4a–e with neutral side arms were prepared by reaction of the corresponding aza‐crown macrocycles 1a–c with ethylchlroacetate and chloroacetamide. The structures of the new compounds have been confirmed by FTIR, 1H, 13C, DEPT, and MS spectroscopy.
Raman scattering studies of spin‐waves in hexagonal BaFe12O19
Authors: Hien Nguyen Thi Minh , Han Kiok , Chen Xiang‐Bai , Sur Jung Chul , Yang In‐Sang
Published: September 2012

We present the results of polarized Raman spectroscopy of hexagonal BaFe12O19 single crystal. The spectra, recorded from 200 to 800 cm–1 and 1100 to 1700 cm–1 in the 20–250 K temperature range, are analyzed on the basis of both crystal vibrations and spin‐waves. In the low wavenumber range, the Γ‐point phonons are observed. In the high wavenumber range, phonon mixings are observed; more interestingly, four modes of spin‐waves are identified in hexagonal BaFe12O19. Both have not been studied previously. Our analyses of the spin‐waves provide an optical method for quantitatively estimating the spin exchange interactions in hexagonal BaFe12O19. The four strong exchange integrals are found to have the values of Jce = 1.31 meV, Jae = 1.36 meV, Jcd = 1.46 meV, and Jbd = 1.71 meV. Our results also indicate that at ~200 and ~80 K, there would be additional spin‐ordering transitions in hexagonal BaFe12O19. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global health initiatives of US otolaryngology residency programs: 2011 global health initiatives survey results
Authors: Volsky Peter G. , Sinacori John T.
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objectives of this work were to quantify the involvement of US otolaryngology residency programs in global health endeavors, identify goals and services provided, and determine the participation of residents and fellows.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional survey of US otolaryngology faculty.

Methods:

A 10‐point online questionnaire was distributed to 103 US otolaryngology residency program directors; all faculty involved in global health volunteerism were invited to participate.

Results:

Twenty‐nine global health initiatives were represented. Most of the 24 residency programs involved (66%) had organized global health offices at their institutions; only 4% actually cooperated with these offices. Most often, only one attending (55%) was involved at each institution. Residents/fellows participated 65% of the time. Abroad, US otolaryngologists worked with freestanding hospitals or clinics (24%), American nongovernmental organizations (17%), academic centers (14%), and remote locations (14%). Most (96%) provided specialty surgical services, but some provided primary care (28%) and general surgical services (14%); 72% trained foreign surgeons. Most respondents (79%) reported that the clinical work done abroad was substantial enough for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards. Only one fifth of respondents knew the name of the nearest otolaryngology training institution. Humanitarian aid was the most prevalent goal (100%), followed by resident/fellow exchange (45%) and faculty exchange (21%).

Conclusions:

At least a quarter of US otolaryngology residency programs engage in global health volunteerism. Most do not utilize institutional global health resources and are unaware of otolaryngology training programs abroad. There may be a role for global health education within the ACGME competency of systems‐based practice. Laryngoscope, 2012
Bilateral sinonasal polyposis in a patient with unilateral choanal atresia
Authors: Lee Brian , Patel Nimish , Ferguson Berrylin J.
Published: September 2012

Sinonasal polyposis is a disorder of hyperplastic mucosal inflammation that subsequently leads to the development of smooth, pale, non‐neoplastic masses. The theories on its pathogenesis are diverse and remain debated within the medical community. A distinct, widely accepted, and unifying theory is absent, and probably unrealistic given the varying possible causes. The case reported here, which demonstrates nasal polyp formation within an atretic nasal cavity, suggests that nasal airflow or aerodynamics may have little to no effect on its etiology. It also seems to provide evidence that at least in some individuals nasal polyps appear to be due to an inflammatory disorder independent of inhalant allergen challenge. Laryngoscope, 2013
Scalp as split thickness skin graft donor site for congenital atresia repair
Authors: Goldsztein Hernan , Ort Stuart , Roberson Joseph B. , Reinisch John
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Describe the use of the scalp as a donor site for split thickness skin grafts in otologic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Review of the literature with detailed description of surgical technique and authors' experience.

Results:

One hundred and forty‐ four scalp split thickness skin grafts were obtained between 2007 and 2011. No significant complications were observed with optimal cosmetic results.

Conclusions:

The scalp is a viable option as a split thickness skin graft donor site for otologic and other head and neck surgery. Advantages include improved cosmetic results at the donor site, quick healing with low complication rates, and easy accessibility in the operative field. Laryngoscope, 2012
Tongue coblation via the ventral approach for obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome surgery
Authors: Hou Tiening , Hu Sunhong , Jiang Xiaohua
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the safety and efficacy of tongue Coblation via the ventral approach in the treatment of hypopharyngeal obstruction for patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Study Design:

Prospective case–control study.

Methods:

Tongue Coblation was performed under local anesthesia in one session in 40 inpatients diagnosed with OSAHS with predominant hypopharyngeal obstruction after failed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. In the ventral approach (n = 20), only one puncture point was applied at the center of lingual frenulum, and 12 radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) lesions were implanted in the tongue. In the dorsal approach (n = 20), eight RFVTR lesions were distributed on the tongue. Using portable polysomnography (PSG) and the Epworth sleepiness questionnaire (ESQ), we followed 36 patients for 1 year after the operation. Good outcome was defined as apnea–hypopnea index <20 or reduction >50%.

Results:

In the ventral approach, total energy was accumulated to 23,000 J in 12 lesions, with postoperative pain 2–3 by visual analog scale (VAS). There was only one case of moderate venous bleeding and hematoma. The ESQ comparison indicated subjective improvements in patients, and PSG showed a curative effect in 11 of 19 (61.11%, eight of 19 success plus three of 19 responders), with a failure rate of eight of 19. By contrast, in the dorsal approach, total energy was 16,000 J, with postoperative pain 3–4 (VAS). Complications included mild to moderate tongue venous hematoma, severe infection of tongue, and temporary mild glossal deviation. A curative effect was seen in six of 17, with a failure rate of 11 of 17.

Conclusions:

Tongue Coblation via the ventral approach is an effective and safe technique to treat hypopharyngeal obstruction in OSAHS surgery. Laryngoscope, 2012
Primary surgical treatment of T3 glottic carcinoma: Long‐term results and decision‐making aspects
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Psychogios Georgios , Bohr Christopher , Zenk Johannes , Kapsreiter Markus , Waldfahrer Frank , Iro Heinrich
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of primary surgical treatment in the management of T3 glottic carcinomas.

Study Design:

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods:

A retrospective evaluation of the records for all patients treated with primary surgery for T3 glottic carcinomas at a tertiary referral center between 1980 and 2005 was carried out. Data for the 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) were assessed, as well as local control rates in relation to vocal cord immobility, N classification, choice of surgical modality, and adjuvant therapy. Patients who underwent partial laryngectomy were also evaluated in relation to organ preservation and the rate of permanent tracheotomies.

Results:

The 5‐year DSS in the 120 patients was 78.3%. Positive neck disease was shown to be a significant negative prognostic factor. Organ preservation was achieved in 90.1% of the patients who underwent partial laryngectomy and in 50% of the overall patient group. The occult metastasis rate was 14%.

Conclusions:

Primary surgical treatment is an effective modality against T3 glottic carcinomas. Partial laryngectomy is a reliable method in carefully selected cases. Low complication rates can be expected. Laryngoscope, 2012
The impact of nimodipine administration combined with nerve‐muscle pedicle implantation on long‐term denervated rat thyroarytenoid muscle
Authors: Nishimoto Kohei , Kumai Yoshihiko , Sanuki Tetsuji , Minoda Ryosei , Yumoto Eiji
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the impact of nimodipineon reinnervation of the long‐term denervated rat thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle following nerve‐muscle pedicle flap (NMP) implantation.

Study design:

Quantitative histologic and physiologic assessments.

Methods:

Using 120 Wistar rats, we performed NMP implantation at different times after transection of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Sixty animals received nimodipine treatment (NIMO [+] group), and the remaining 60 animals received no nimodipine treatment (NIMO [−] group). As a control, an additional 28 animals were subjected only to transection of the left RLN (DNV group). Subgroups were assigned based on the period after RLN transection (0 [immediate], 8, 16, and 32 weeks). In the DNV group, we assessed histologically the muscle area, axons, neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and myosin heavy chains (MyHC) type IIA and IIB in the TA muscle. In the NIMO (−) and NIMO (+) groups, histologic assessments and evoked electromyography were performed on the TA muscle at 10 weeks post‐NMP implantation.

Results:

In 8‐week interval subgroups, the muscle fiber area and the number of NMJs in the NIMO (+) group were significantly greater than in the NIMO (−) group (P < 0.05, each). In the 0‐week and 32‐week interval subgroups, the muscle fiber subtype changed significantly, from IIA to IIB (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively); and, at all time‐points the muscle fiber area, number of NMJs, and action potentials in the TA muscle tended to be greater in the NIMO (+) group than in the NIMO (−) group.

Conclusions:

Nimodipine expedited the effects of NMP implantation on reinnervation of the long‐term denervated TA muscle. Laryngoscope, 2012
Room temperature all‐silicon photonic crystal nanocavity light emitting diode at sub‐bandgap wavelengths
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Lo Savio Roberto , Cardile Paolo , Portalupi Simone L. , Gerace Dario , Welna Karl , Boninelli Simona , Franzò Giorgia , Priolo Francesco , Krauss Thomas F. , Galli Matteo , O'Faolain Liam
Published: September 2012

Silicon is now firmly established as a high performance photonic material. Its only weakness is the lack of a native electrically driven light emitter that operates CW at room temperature, exhibits a narrow linewidth in the technologically important 1300–1600 nm wavelength window, is small and operates with low power consumption. Here, an electrically pumped all‐silicon nano light source around 1300–1600 nm range is demonstrated at room temperature. Using hydrogen plasma treatment, nano‐scale optically active defects are introduced into silicon, which then feed the photonic crystal nanocavity to enhance the electrically driven emission in a device via Purcell effect. A narrow ( nm) emission line at 1515 nm wavelength with a power density of is observed, which represents the highest spectral power density ever reported from any silicon emitter. A number of possible improvements are also discussed, that make this scheme a very promising light source for optical interconnects and other important silicon photonics applications.
Preparation of Biomimetic Hydrogels with Controlled Cell Adhesive Properties and Topographical Features for the Study of Muscle Cell Adhesion and Proliferation
Authors: Jun Indong , Kim Seok Joo , Choi Eunpyo , Park Kyung Min , Rhim Taiyoun , Park Jungyul , Park Ki Dong , Shin Heungsoo
Published: September 2012

Synthetic substrates with defined chemical and structural characteristics may potentially be prepared to mimic the living ECM to regulate cell adhesion and growth. Hydrogels with cell‐adhesive peptides (0.28 ± 0.03 nmol peptide · cm−2, TTA‐R‐0.5; and 0.91 ± 0.12 nmol peptide · cm−2, TTA‐R‐2.0) and/or micro‐scaled topographical patterns (10, 25, and 80 µm grooves) are prepared using enzymatic polymerization. The adherent morphology and proliferation of C2C12 skeletal myoblasts and human aortic smooth muscle cells (hAoSM) on the hydrogels are studied. The newly developed hydrogels may be useful in investigating the roles of cell adhesion and substrate surface properties in the communication of adherent cells with the ECM.

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Craving for cannabis in patients with psychotic disorder, their non‐affected siblings and healthy controls: psychometric analysis of the obsessive compulsive drug use scale
Authors: Dekker Nienke , Koeter Maarten , Van Den Brink Wim ,   GROUP Investigators
Published: September 2012

Cannabis use is more common in individuals with non‐affective psychotic disorder and their siblings compared to healthy controls. As cannabis use is associated with a greater risk to develop psychotic disorder and an adverse outcome in those who already developed psychosis, it is important to know the role of craving in continued cannabis use and relapse in these vulnerable subjects. Therefore, we examined the validity of the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale for cannabis (OCDUS‐CAN) in patients with non‐affective psychotic disorder, their siblings, and healthy controls who all used cannabis in the past year. Simultaneous component analysis (SCA) was used to determine component weights that optimally explained the (co)variance of the OCDUS‐CAN variables in these different populations simultaneously. A three‐component SCA solution explained 74.2 % of the total variance, and consisted of well‐interpretable subscales that could be best described as craving/urge, resistance, and impact. Reliability of the subscales was good. The three subscales significantly discriminated between frequent and infrequent cannabis users. Patients scored higher on the craving/urge and impact scale than siblings and controls, which could be related to primary and secondary symptoms of their disorder. The OCDUS‐CAN is well suitable for people with or without vulnerability for psychotic disorder. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment satisfaction and improvement in health‐related quality of life with onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Sussman David , Patel Vaishali , Del Popolo Giulio , Lam Wayne , Globe Denise , Pommerville Peter
Published: September 2012

Aims

OnabotulinumtoxinA significantly reduces urinary incontinence (UI) and improves bladder management in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). We evaluated the impact of onabotulinumtoxinA on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with UI due to NDO in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods

Patients with UI due to NDO (from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) were randomized to intradetrusor placebo (n = 92) or onabotulinumtoxinA 200 U (n = 92) or 300 U (n = 91). PROs included Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) Questionnaire to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), the 16‐item modified Overactive Bladder‐Patient Satisfaction with Treatment Questionnaire (OAB‐PSTQ) to assess treatment satisfaction, and Patient Global Assessment to assess treatment goal achievement.

Results

Mean improvement in I‐QOL total score at weeks 6 and 12 was significantly greater with both onabotulinumtoxinA 200 U and 300 U versus placebo (Δ12.3 for 200 U and Δ14.9 for 300 U vs. placebo; P < 0.001), and was clinically meaningful. For those patients who completed the OAB‐PSTQ, improvement in satisfaction at weeks 6 and 12 was significantly greater for onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo (P < 0.001, all comparisons). At 6 weeks, greater proportions of onabotulinumtoxinA‐treated patients than placebo reported being somewhat or very satisfied (200 U, 77.5% and 300 U, 67.8% vs. placebo, 39.5%), and significant progress toward or complete achievement of primary treatment goal (200 U, 62.9% and 300 U, 61.6% vs. placebo, 16.5%).

Conclusions

NDO patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA 200 or 300 U had significantly greater improvement in HRQoL and greater treatment satisfaction compared with placebo‐treated patients, with no clinically relevant differences between onabotulinumtoxinA doses. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 242–249, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in urodynamic study variables in adult patients with neurogenic bladder and myelomeningocele before and after augmentation enterocystoplasty
Authors: Vainrib Michael , Reyblat Polina , Ginsberg David A.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To evaluate urodynamic parameters in myelomeningocele patients with native bladders and after augmentation, continence rates and check the longevity of these parameters after lower urinary tract (LUT) reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult myelomeningocele patients with UDS.

Results

118 adult patients with NGB secondary to myelomeningocele were identified. 58/118 (49.1%) had UDS performed in our clinic: 18/58 (31%) after prior reconstruction (“Augment” group) and 40/58 (69%) during annual urologic follow up (“NoSx” group). Urodyanmic findings after augmentation included: Pdet@MCC 31.1 (1–95) cmH2O, MCC 495.9 ml, NDO in 3/18 (16.7%), mean DLPP 54.0 (48–60) cmH2O and mean ALPP 39.6 (20–110) cmH2O in 5/18 with an incompetent sphincter. Patients in “NoSx” group had the following findings: Pdet@MCC of 39.6 (1–60) cmH2O, MCC 407.5 ml, 18/40 (45%) had NDO, mean DLPP of 48.1 (15–95) cmH2O and mean ALPP = 51 (17–78) cmH2O in 10/40 with incompetent sphincter. In the “NoSx” group, 19/40 (47.5%) had normal bladder compliance. Mean time from the surgery to UDS was 10.4 years. Continent patients in the “NoSx” group had a significantly higher MCC than incontinent patients in the same group (475 vs. 352 ml, P = 0.029). 8/17 (47.1%) continent patients in “NoSx” group had normal UDS.

Conclusions

Most patients after augmentation maintain low bladder pressures for more than 10 years. Close long‐term follow up should be maintained, especially in those patients that have not had prior augmentation. Urinary incontinence may be secondary to poor sphincteric function in patients with and without prior augmentation. Moreover, we should continue to follow patients after reconstruction as elevated detrusor pressures can still be seen. Strict follow up after LUT reconstruction still continues to be important. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 250–253, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of female urinary incontinence
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Liu Shih‐Ping , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: September 2012

Aims

According to our knowledge, no study has attempted to explore the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to examine the relationship between TBI in Taiwanese women and their risk of developing UI.

Methods

The study was based on 2,416 female patients newly diagnosed with TBI together with 12,080 matched enrollees without a history of TBI as a comparison group. All patients were tracked for a 1‐year period from their index date to identify those who developed subsequent UI. The stratified Cox proportional hazards models were performed to compute the risk of UI between groups.

Results

Of 14,496 patients, 104 (4.30%) from the TBI group and 192 (1.59%) from the comparison group had a diagnosis of UI during the follow‐up period. The incidence rate of UI was 4.50 (95% CI: 3.69–5.43) per 100 person‐years in patients with TBI and 1.62 (95% CI: 1.40–1.86) per 100 person‐years in patients without TBI.

The stratified Cox proportional analysis showed that after adjusting for socioeconomic status, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hysterectomy, the increased UI risk of patients with TBI persisted at about the same level as in the unadjusted analysis (hazard ratio = 2.78; 95% CI = 2.16–3.53). In addition, although patients with severe and moderate TBI had higher incidence rates of UI than patients with mild TBI, the difference did not reach a statistically significant level (P = 0.090).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that an increased risk of UI exists at the first year follow‐up in patients with a TBI diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 354–358, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percolation threshold and conductivity of polymer electrolyte composites: Effect of dispersoid particle size
Authors: Diwan Puja , Chandra Amita
Published: September 2012

Silica particles of different diameters (0.007, 0.014, and 44 μm) have been dispersed in polymer electrolyte (PEO:NH4I) to form composites, and their electrical and thermal behavior have been studied. This article reports the occurrence of two peaks in the plot of conductivity as a function of the amount of dispersoid (SiO2). Further, it is shown that the percolation threshold and the extent of maximum conductivity enhancement in the composites depend on the particle size of the dispersoid. The role of degree of crystallinity/amorphicity of the composites in modifying the conductivity of the composites has also been discussed and a phenomenological explanation is being proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of silicone resin nanocomposite containing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Trung Nguyen Ngoc , Luu Quynh‐Phuong , Son Bui Thanh , Sinh Le Hoang , Bae Jin‐Young
Published: September 2012

We report the preparation of the core/shell cadmium selenide/Zinc sulfide quantum dots (CdSe/ZnS QDs)‐silicone resin nanocomposite through the solution‐mixing method, followed by thermal hydrosilylation. After dispersing QDs into Dow Corning two‐component silicone resins (OE6630A and OE6630B at 1:4 mixing ratio by weight), the resins were cured at 150°C for 1.5 h to produce QD‐silicone resin nanocomposites. The curing behavior of the silicone resins resulting from the thermal hydrosilylation was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The properties of the QD‐silicone resin nanocomposites were investigated by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), fluorescence, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. The QDs that contain trioctylamine (TOA) as the original ligand can poison the Pt catalyst in the resins and inhibit the curing process by increasing the exothermic peak temperature, at which a lower heat of hydrosilylation is observed. Incorporating a small amount of CdSe/ZnS QDs (0.1 wt%) can greatly improve the thermal stability of the silicone resins. Moreover, CdSe/ZnS QDs tend to form clusters that are relatively homogeneously distributed in a cured silicone resin, offering good optical properties of 11.2 lm W−1 luminous efficiency and 14.6% photoluminescence conversion efficiency (PCE) in light emitting device (LED) test. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Facile control of morphological characteristics of magnetite aggregates (nFe3O4) by the addition of bifunctional ligands
Authors: Kim Sung‐Eun , Lee Sang‐Wha
Published: September 2012

We demonstrated a facile method to control magnetite clusters with different size and surface morphology by adding bifunctional diamines. First, citrate‐capped magnetites (CFe3O4) were prepared by adding citrate ions into ferrofluid during the co‐precipitation process. The resulting CFe3O4 was subsequently treated by diamine molecules with different chain lengths (C‐4, C‐8, C‐12), consequently leading to the formation of diamine‐linked magnetite aggregates (DnFe3O4) with different size and surface morphology. The longer chain length of diamines increased the particle size of DnFe3O4 due to the enhanced crosslinking between CFe3O4. The excessive addition of C‐4 and C‐12 diamines induced the significant morphological changes from irregular‐shaped CFe3O4 to spherical and rod‐shaped DnFe3O4, respectively. Furthermore, DnFe3O4 retained their initial magnetism under a strong oxidative process, implicating the potential application to recyclable catalyst or active electrode materials in Li‐ion batteries.
A sol–gel approach to self‐formation of microtubular structures from metal alkoxide gel films
Authors: Järvekülg Martin , Välbe Raul , Jõgi Jakob , Salundi Aigi , Kangur Triin , Reedo Valter , Kalda Jaan , Mäeorg Uno , Lõhmus Ants , Romanov Alexey E.
Published: September 2012

A technique of preparing microtube shape oxide structures by metal alkoxide gel sheet rolling is presented and discussed. Zr(OBu)4 and Hf(OBu)4 precursors have been used for self‐formation of ZrO2 and HfO2 microrolls. The technique involves gelling the surface of concentrated sol, partition of gel film into segments by gel cracking and spontaneous rolling of obtained gel film segments. A phenomenological study of crack evolution in gel films has been conducted. The dependence of the thickness of formed gel film and rolling diameter on hydrolysis extent of metal alkoxide precursor and reaction time is reported.
Nanostructure–property relations for phase‐change random access memory (PCRAM) line cells
Authors: Kooi B.J. , Oosthoek J.L.M. , Verheijen M.A. , Kaiser M. , Jedema F.J. , Gravesteijn D.J.
Published: September 2012

Phase‐change random access memory (PCRAM) cells have been studied extensively using electrical characterization and rather limited by detailed structure characterization. The combination of these two characterization techniques has hardly been exploited and it is the focus of the present work. Particularly, for improving the reliability of PCRAM such combined studies can be considered indispensable. Here, we show results for PCRAM line cells after series of voltage pulses with increasing magnitude are applied, leading to the first minimum sized amorphous mark, maximum amorphous resistance and over‐programming, respectively. Furthermore, the crucial effect of electromigration limiting the endurance (cyclability) of the cells is demonstrated.
Peri‐eutectic transition during crystallization of undercooled ternary alloy melt
Authors: Ruan Y.
Published: September 2012

Peri‐eutectic transition was investigated in terms of the dependence of crystallization behavior on undercooling in Cu–Ag–Ge ternary alloy composed of (Ag), ζ(Cu5Ge), and ε2(Cu3Ge) phases. (Ag + ε2) pseudobinary eutectic is the product of both peri‐eutectic and subsequent pseudobinary eutectic transitions. Nanoscale structure of anomalous (Ag + ε2) pseudobinary eutectic forms at the maximum undercooling, which is ascribed to the independent nucleation and growth from the liquid. The decrease of (Ag + ε2) pseudobinary eutectic at a high undercooling is due to that the phase transition happening at the beginning solidification stage proceeds more thoroughly at a higher undercooling.
Crystallization kinetics and thermal stability in Ge–Sb–Se glasses
Authors: Wei Wen‐Hou , Fang Liang , Shen Xiang , Wang Rong‐Ping
Published: September 2012

The crystallization kinetics of Ge–Sb–Se chalcogenide glasses prepared by melt‐quenching method was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry under non‐isothermal conditions with several different heating rates. Kissinger's equation and Matusita model were employed to analyze kinetic crystallization behavior of the glasses. The crystallization parameters were calculated and the crystallization mechanism was studied. The results indicate that the crystallization activation energy increases rapidly at the glass with a mean coordination number (MCN) of 2.4, and reaches its maximum at MCN of 2.65. These two transition thresholds correspond to the structural phase transition in the glassy network. The evolution of the glass transition temperature (Tg), activation energy for crystallization (Ec), glass forming ability and thermal ability as functions of MCN and chemical composition might have substantial implication on screening the best glass for the application in photonics.
Predictive accuracy of risk factors and markers: a simulation study of the effect of novel markers on different performance measures for logistic regression models
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: September 2012

The change in c‐statistic is frequently used to summarize the change in predictive accuracy when a novel risk factor is added to an existing logistic regression model. We explored the relationship between the absolute change in the c‐statistic, Brier score, generalized R2, and the discrimination slope when a risk factor was added to an existing model in an extensive set of Monte Carlo simulations. The increase in model accuracy due to the inclusion of a novel marker was proportional to both the prevalence of the marker and to the odds ratio relating the marker to the outcome but inversely proportional to the accuracy of the logistic regression model with the marker omitted. We observed greater improvements in model accuracy when the novel risk factor or marker was uncorrelated with the existing predictor variable compared with when the risk factor has a positive correlation with the existing predictor variable. We illustrated these findings by using a study on mortality prediction in patients hospitalized with heart failure. In conclusion, the increase in predictive accuracy by adding a marker should be considered in the context of the accuracy of the initial model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Photocatalysis using Self‐organized TiO2 Nanotubes and Other Ordered Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Paramasivam Indhumati , Jha Himendra , Liu Ning , Schmuki Patrik
Published: September 2012

Photocatalytic approaches, that is the reaction of light‐produced charge carriers at a semiconductor surface with their environment, currently attract an extremely wide scientific interest. This is to a large extent due to the high expectations: i) to convert sunlight directly into an energy carrier (H2), ii) to stimulate chemical synthetic reactions, or iii) to degrade unwanted environmental pollutants. Since the early reports in 1972, TiO2 has been the most investigated photocatalytic material by far; this originates from its outstanding electronic properties that allow for a wide range of applications. Not only the material, but also its structure and morphology, can have a considerable influence on the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. In recent years, particularly 1D (or pseudo 1D) structures such as nanowires and nanotubes have received great attention. The present Review focuses on TiO2 nanotube arrays (and similar structures) that grow by self‐organizing electrochemistry (highly aligned) from a Ti metal substrate. Herein, the growth, properties, and applications of these tubes are discussed, as well as ways and means to modify critical tube properties. Common strategies are addressed to improve the performance of photocatalysts such as doping or band‐gap engineering, co‐catalyst decoration, junction formation, or applying external bias. Finally, some unique applications of the ordered tube structures in various photocatalytic approaches are outlined.
Challenges in simulating sea ice in Earth System Models
Authors: Notz Dirk
Published: September 2012

Sea ice is a key element of the Earth's climate system, and also of significant ecological, geo‐political, and economic importance. Understanding the ongoing changes of the Earth's sea‐ice cover is therefore not only scientifically interesting in itself, but also crucial for a large number of different stakeholders. Without such understanding, a reliable projection of possible future changes will be impossible. A main focus of ongoing sea‐ice research is therefore aimed at identifying the factors that modulate the ice's variability on seasonal and longer time scales. For such efforts, coupled Climate Models or Earth System Models are used. To give trustworthy results, these models must be able to realistically simulate the mechanical and thermodynamic interaction of sea ice with the atmosphere and the ocean, which determine the resulting sea‐ice thickness distribution. While the representation of such air–ice–sea interaction has seen some major advances in the most complex sea‐ice models during the past decade, a number of fundamental processes of air–ice–sea interaction are still only crudely understood and currently not realistically represented in models. This article provides a succinct description of these processes and discusses necessary research directions for their improved representation in models. WIREs Clim Change 2012, 3:509–526. doi: 10.1002/wcc.189

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Model Components
Assessment of Liver Stiffness Measurement: Novel Intraoperative Blood Loss Predictor?
Authors: Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Jeong‐Rim
Published: September 2012

Background

The risks of massive intraoperative blood loss are of major concern during liver surgery. Various predictors of massive intraoperative blood loss were reported for identifying patients preoperatively with high risk of suffering massive intraoperative blood loss during liver surgery. The assessment of the extent of fibrosis may be a way to predict the risk of the intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing liver surgery. Liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography is a noninvasive method for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. The purpose of this retrospective, single‐center study was to assess a correlation between liver stiffness measurement and intraoperative blood loss during liver surgery for determining the role of liver stiffness measurement as a predictor of intraoperative blood loss.

Methods

A total of 45 patients who underwent elective right hepatectomy from August 2007 to July 2011 were selected. Liver stiffness measurement, tumor size, intraoperative data, and perioperative laboratory data were retrospectively investigated. Correlation analysis was used to find the correlations between variables.

Results

Among the 45 patients enrolled in this study, 43 were ultimately investigated. A statistically positive correlation was found between the intraoperative blood loss and the median liver stiffness measurements (r = 0.420, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The liver stiffness measurement is a possible predictor of intraoperative blood loss through the correlation between liver stiffness measurement and the intraoperative blood loss during right hepatectomy.
Portal Venous System Thrombosis After Pancreatic Resection
Authors: Ansari David , Ansorge Christoph , Andrén‐Sandberg Åke , Ansari Daniel , Segersvärd Ralf
Published: September 2012

Background

Portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) is a rare, potentially fatal complication after pancreatic resection. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, presenting symptoms, management, and treatment of PVST in a large cohort of patients.

Methods

Prospectively collected data on patients undergoing pancreatic resection between 1997 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative imaging were analyzed for the presence or absence of venous thrombi. All patients received standard thromboprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH).

Results

Of 516 pancreatic resections performed, 18 (3.5 %) were complicated by PVST. The most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain (n = 9) and ascites (n = 5) but never any alarm symptoms. Other symptoms were vague and nonspecific (e.g., weight loss, fatigue, fever). Total pancreatectomy was a risk factor compared to hemipancreatectomy (p < 0.01), whereas the underlying disease per se did not make any difference. The median interval between surgery and diagnosis of PVST was 105 days (range 1–1,440 days). PVST was at least a contributing factor in the postoperative deaths of two patients. LMWH therapy did not significantly affect survival.

Conclusions

PVST remains a relatively infrequent complication after pancreatic resection. Because accurate diagnosis and timely intervention may reduce morbidity and mortality, the possibility of PVST should be considered in patients presenting with vague symptoms. Whether anticoagulant treatment is needed is still not clear; there were no obvious differences in outcome between treated and untreated patients.
Does Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury Induced by Hepatic Pedicle Clamping Affect Survival after Partial Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Authors: Xia Feng , Lau Wan‐Yee , Xu Yanmin , Wu Lin , Qian Cheng , Bie Ping
Published: September 2012

Background

Liver resection offers a chance of cure for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) is commonly used to reduce blood loss during hepatectomy. Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury has recently been reported to be a major factor in accelerated tumor growth. We therefore evaluated the effect of intermittent HPC on the prognosis of patients after liver resection.

Methods

The clinicopathological features and serum/tissue samples of 386 HCC patients who underwent curative liver resection were prospectively collected. The patients were divided into the HPC group (over 30 min) and the non‐HPC group. Disease‐free survival and overall survival were analyzed using multivariate analyses, Kaplan–Meier curves, and log‐rank tests. Matrix metalloproteinases and E‐selectin were measured to study hepatic I/R injury.

Results

The preoperative clinicopathological data were comparable between the HPC group (n = 224) and the non‐HPC group (n = 162). During the study period, 257 of the 386 patients (66.6 %) developed tumor recurrence. The overall tumor recurrence and intrahepatic tumor recurrence rates were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free and overall survival rates. Similarly, subgroup analyses also showed no marked difference in survival rates for patients with cirrhosis in the two groups. The levels of mRNA in liver tissues and serum concentrations of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and E‐selectin showed no significant differences between the pre‐ and post‐occlusion periods.

Conclusions

Intermittent HPC produced no adverse effect on disease‐free and overall survival for patients who underwent liver resection for HCC.