bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Mississippi River induced circulation on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill transport
Authors: Kourafalou Vassiliki H. , Androulidakis Yannis S.
Published: June 2013

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion caused ∼7 × 105 m3 of oil gushing from the Northern Gulf of Mexico bottom. The close proximity of the rig to the Mississippi Delta raised early questions from disaster managers about possible influence of river induced circulation on oil patch evolution. In particular, it was hypothesized that the high Mississippi River (MR) discharge in May 2010 might have helped to initially keep oil from reaching coastal marshes. We have explored this intriguing hypothesis, quantifying similar and connecting patterns in the evolution of riverine and oil covered waters. We used numerical simulations, satellite and in situ data to show the unique influence of a large river plume on a surface oil patch resulting from a deep oil release. The MR induced circulation, modified by shelf and slope flows, was found to substantially influence the near surface transport of oil. The MR plume buoyancy‐driven effects on oil transport had different aspects east and west of the Mississippi Delta. Anticyclonic circulation within the upstream plume region (east of the Delta, extending over the Mississippi‐Alabama‐Florida shelf) created a front that restrained onshore transport. Conversely, the shoreward tendency within the downstream plume region (west of the Delta, dominated by the westward, buoyancy‐driven narrow coastal current) guided oil transport along the Louisiana‐Texas shelf. Periods of low discharge reduced the dominance of buoyancy‐driven effects, but an interval of sustained downwelling‐favorable winds, combined with river induced stratification, resulted in a strong westward current and surface oil patch extension along the Louisiana coast.
Foraminiferal radiocarbon record of northeast Pacific decadal subsurface variability
Authors: Roach Lydia D. , Charles Christopher D. , Field David B. , Guilderson Thomas P.
Published: June 2013

The decadal dynamics of the subsurface North Pacific Ocean are largely inaccessible beyond sparse instrumental observations spanning the last 20 years. Here we present a ∼200 year long record of benthic foraminiferal radiocarbon (Δ14C), extracted at biennial resolution from the annually laminated sediments at the Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) depocenter (∼600 m). The close match between core top benthic foraminiferal Δ14C values and the Δ14C of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) suggests that benthic foraminifera faithfully capture the bottom water radiocarbon concentrations, as opposed to that of the deeper (>0.5 cm) sediment porewater zone. The full time series of benthic foraminiferal Δ14C displays significant variability on decadal timescales, with excursions on the order of 40‰. These excursions are overprinted by a unidirectional trend over the late 20th century that likely reflects the sedimentary incorporation of bomb radiocarbon (via remineralized particulate organic carbon). We isolate this trend by means of a one‐dimensional oxidation model, which considers the possible contribution of remineralized particles to the total ambient carbon pool. This oxidation model also considers the possible influence of carbon with a variety of sources (ages). Though variable oxidation of preaged carbon could exert a strong influence on benthic foraminiferal radiocarbon variability, the totality of evidence points to the vertical density structure along the Southern California Margin (SCM) as the primary driver of the SBB benthic foraminiferal Δ14C record. For example, intervals characterized by significantly lower Δ14C values correspond to periods of enhanced upwelling and subsurface equatorward flow along the SCM.
Assessing the quality of humidity measurements from global operational radiosonde sensors
Authors: Moradi Isaac , Soden Brian , Ferraro Ralph , Arkin Phillip , Vömel Holger
Published: June 2013

The quality of humidity measurements from global operational radiosonde sensors in upper, middle, and lower troposphere for the period 2000–2011 were investigated using satellite observations from three microwave water vapor channels operating at 183.31±1, 183.31±3, and 183.31±7 GHz. The radiosonde data were partitioned based on sensor type into 19 classes. The satellite brightness temperatures (Tb) were simulated using radiosonde profiles and a radiative transfer model, then the radiosonde simulated Tb's were compared with the observed Tb's from the satellites. The surface affected Tb's were excluded from the comparison due to the lack of reliable surface emissivity data at the microwave frequencies. Daytime and nighttime data were examined separately to see the possible effect of daytime radiation bias on the sonde data. The error characteristics among different radiosondes vary significantly, which largely reflects the differences in sensor type. These differences are more evident in the mid‐upper troposphere than in the lower troposphere, mainly because some of the sensors stop responding to tropospheric humidity somewhere in the upper or even in the middle troposphere. In the upper troposphere, most sensors have a dry bias but Russian sensors and a few other sensors including GZZ2, VZB2, and RS80H have a wet bias. In middle troposphere, Russian sensors still have a wet bias but all other sensors have a dry bias. All sensors, including Russian sensors, have a dry bias in lower troposphere. The systematic and random errors generally decrease from upper to lower troposphere. Sensors from China, India, Russia, and the U.S. have a large random error in upper troposphere, which indicates that these sensors are not suitable for upper tropospheric studies as they fail to respond to humidity changes in the upper and even middle troposphere. Overall, Vaisala sensors perform better than other sensors throughout the troposphere exhibiting the smallest systematic and random errors. Because of the large differences between different radiosonde humidity sensors, it is important for long‐term trend studies to only use data measured using a single type of sensor at any given station. If multiple sensor types are used then it is necessary to consider the bias between sensor types and its possible dependence on humidity and temperature.
Effects of spatial resolution in the simulation of daily and subdaily precipitation in the southwestern US
Authors: Tripathi Om P. , Dominguez Francina
Published: June 2013

We evaluate the effects of spatial resolution on the ability of a regional climate model to reproduce observed extreme precipitation for a region in the Southwestern United States. A total of 73 National Climate Data Center observational sites spread throughout Arizona and New Mexico are compared with regional climate simulations at the spatial resolutions of 50 km and 10 km for a 31 year period from 1980 to 2010. We analyze mean, 3‐hourly and 24‐hourly extreme precipitation events using WRF regional model simulations driven by NCEP‐2 reanalysis. The mean climatological spatial structure of precipitation in the Southwest is well represented by the 10 km resolution but missing in the coarse (50 km resolution) simulation. However, the fine grid has a larger positive bias in mean summer precipitation than the coarse‐resolution grid. The large overestimation in the simulation is in part due to scale‐dependent deficiencies in the Kain‐Fritsch convective parameterization scheme that generate excessive precipitation and induce a slow eastward propagation of the moist convective summer systems in the high‐resolution simulation. Despite this overestimation in the mean, the 10 km simulation captures individual extreme summer precipitation events better than the 50 km simulation. In winter, however, the two simulations appear to perform equally in simulating extremes.
Factors affecting isotopic composition of the rainwater in the Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Dody Avraham , Ziv Baruch
Published: June 2013

The study examines the δ18O of rain observed in the middle of the Negev Desert, Israel, based on seven rainstorms, associated with convective clouds resulting from midlatitude cyclones found over Trans‐Jordan. The analysis is based on synoptic maps, vertical atmospheric cross sections, and air back trajectories. The rainwater sampling was done in temporal scale of hours. Four known factors were addressed here: the temperature effect, the amount effect, and two geographical effects: the marine and continental effects. The temperature effect is expressed by a positive relation between the lower level temperature and the isotopic composition. The amount effect, related to rainfall, is negative. The marine effect, expressed by a relation between the time the rain‐producing air spends above the Mediterranean Sea, is positive and the continental effect, associated with the passage over land is negative. The linear relationships found in this study met the expectations, although only the amount effect was statistically significant. A fifth effect, entitled cloud top effect proposed here, relates to the height of the convective cloud layer top. It assumes that lower top prevents entrainment of upper cold air into the clouds, so the isotopic composition is enriched. The cloud top effect was found most statistically significant.
Isolation and characterization of humic substances‐degrading bacteria from the subarctic Alaska grasslands
Authors: Park Ha Ju , Kim Dockyu
Published: June 2013

Humic substances (HS), an important fraction of soil organic carbon, are distributed widely throughout cold environments. A total of cold‐adapted 122 bacterial strains were isolated from 66 Alaska grassland soil samples based on their ability to grow on humic acids (HA), a main fraction of HS, as a carbon and energy source. These isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with class Bacilli (79.5%) and γ‐Proteobacteria (17.1%) comprising the largest groups. Among them, 45 strains, mainly Paenibacillus (27 strains) and Pseudomonas (15 strains), were selected for further screening. Two strains (Pseudomonas sp. PAMC 26793 and Paenibacillus sp. PAMC 26794) most efficiently degraded HA, but showed significant differences in their ability to grow on various monocyclic aromatics, which are putative degradative metabolites of HS. Fourier transform infrared spectra also showed substantial but different changes in HA chemical structure after incubation with each strain. Gel permeation chromatography demonstrated that depolymerization and polymerization of HA occurred during HS degradation by these newly isolated microbes.
Adjusting inhomogeneous daily temperature variability using wavelet analysis
Authors: Li Zhen , Yan Zhongwei , Cao Lijuan , Jones Phil
Published: June 2013

A wavelet‐analysis‐based homogenization method (WHM) is developed for detecting and adjusting biases of variability in a daily climate observation series, which are influential in the estimation of climate extremes and relevant trends in the time series. WHM is applied to the Central England daily mean temperature series (CET, 1772–2010) and the daily mean temperature series at Henan station in mountainous western China (HNT, 1960–2008) in order to demonstrate the usefulness of the new technique. The changes of methods for calculating daily mean temperature for CET in 1878 caused significantly reduced daily variability (DV) in the subsequent sub‐series of CET. The relocation of the Chinese station in 1981 to a higher mountainous site resulted in not only enhanced DV but also in weather (weekly) time‐scale variability (WV) in the subsequent sub‐series of HNT. The adjustments based on WHM in the present cases improve the estimates of the long‐term trends of climate extremes such as hot days, cold days, heat waves, and cold surges. A few widely applied methods of homogenization such as multiple analysis of series for homogenization (MASH), higher‐order moment (HOM), RHtestsV3 with quantile‐matching (QM) adjustments and two‐phase regression (TPR) are also applied to HNT for comparison. TPR is not aimed at improving the homogeneity of variability in the time series; MASH does not improve daily variability either; HOM improves it in a small way; and with RHtestsV3 with QM adjustments it is considerably improved, but biases remain. In contrast, WHM improves the homogeneity of the short‐term variability in the time series, resulting in reasonable assessments of climate extremes and trends in the daily observations.
Changes in climate extremes in the Arabian Peninsula: analysis of daily data
Authors: AlSarmi Said Hamed , Washington Richard
Published: June 2013

This article presents an analysis of observed climate extremes over the Arabian Peninsula (AP); a region for which little such analysis has been available. A set of climate extremes indices developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) were computed and analysed for trends including the periods 1970–2008 and 1986–2008 at 23 stations covering six countries (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE) and for Bahrain (1950–2008), Kuwait (1962–2008), Masirah and Salalah (1943–2008). The results indicate a general decreasing trend of cold temperature extremes and increasing trends of the warm temperature extremes during the periods of analysis. Over the whole region, a remarkable and highly significant increase in very warm nights during 1986–2008 has occurred. In general higher temperature trends (magnitudes/significance) are reported over the northern AP in the day‐time extremes while for the night‐time extremes the trends are higher and significant for the southern region especially during the recent decades. The precipitation indices trends are weak and insignificant except for the annual count of days when precipitation exceeds 10 mm which shows a significant decrease during 1986–2008.
The Impact of National Culture on E‐commerce Acceptance: the Italian Case
Authors: Capece Guendalina , Calabrese Armando , Di Pillo Francesca , Costa Roberta , Crisciotti Valentina
Published: June 2013

Despite the internationalization of e‐commerce, it is our contention that national cultures still play an important role in affecting online customers' behaviours. Nevertheless, few researchers have studied the impact of national cultures on e‐commerce. To fill this gap, this paper explores the role that culture plays with respect to consumers' acceptance of e‐commerce in Italy.

Using a previous model as a foundation on our work, we study the effect of culture on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and intention to use of e‐commerce in Italy. Moreover, by employing Hofstede's cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long‐term orientation) as moderators, our empirical results show that power distance and individualism affect significantly the relationship between trust and intention to use e‐commerce in Italy. Contrary to expectations masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long‐term orientation have no significant effect on the diffusing of e‐commerce. Lastly, a comparison with a similar study carried out in China provides a further support of our results and underlines the influence of national cultures on e‐commerce acceptance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of endoscopic techniques designed for posterior glottic stenosis—A cadaver morphometric study
Authors: Sztanó Balázs , Szakács László , Madani Shahram , Tóth Ferenc , Bere Zsófia , Castellanos Paul F. , Rovó László
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Posterior glottic stenosis may cause more or less severe dyspnea. The popular endoscopic procedures have only a limited role in the treatment. Considering our clinical experiences, endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) after proper mobilization of the fixed joints provides an effective option even in high‐grade stenoses.

Study Design

To confirm these clinical observations, a morphometric study was performed in 100 cadaver larynges (50 male, 50 female) to objectively compare the endoscopic glottis‐widening procedures.

Methods

The postoperative measurements of the posterior commissure following EAAL, classic vocal cord laterofixation (VCL), transverse cordotomy (TC), and arytenoidectomy (AE) were assessed by a digital image analyzer program. The distance between the vocal process of the lateralized vocal fold and the midline, the angle between the axis of the posterior commissure midpoint, and the vocal process and laryngeal median sagittal line were measured.

Results

EAAL was found to be more effective in improving the posterior glottis configuration; however, AE and VCL were beneficial as well.

Conclusions

Our morphometric study proved that organ‐preserving EAAL provided more space in the posterior glottic area. Fibrous reconnection and contraction of the scar can be minimized in this way, which may be the clinical efficacy explanation.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:705–710, 2014
Canine fossa puncture for severe maxillary disease in unilateral chronic sinusitis with nasal polyp
Authors: Byun Jang Yul , Lee Jae Yong
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the efficacy of canine fossa puncture (CFP) by comparing patients with unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) accompanying nasal polyposis (NP) who underwent CFP with those who underwent maxillary sinus clearance through a middle meatal antrostomy (MMA).

Study Design

Prospective randomized study.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients were randomly assigned to the CFP and MMA groups. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) established that all patients had severely diseased maxillary sinuses. Subjective outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT‐20) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, mucosal thickening was measured as a percentage of total maxillary sinus volume on CT images taken 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Twenty‐five patients who completed the follow‐up, questionnaires, and postoperative CT evaluation were included in the analysis. SNOT‐20 and VAS scores improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months postprocedure in both groups. However, significant improvement of SNOT‐20 at 12 months and VAS scores for purulent discharge, foul odor, and postnasal drip at 6 and 12 months were observed in the CFP group compared with the MMA group. In addition, the volume of mucosal thickening was significantly greater in the MMA group than in the CFP group on postoperative CT images.

Conclusions

CFP is a useful method for the removal of severe maxillary mucosal disease that cannot be reached through MMA, and is superior to conventional MMA for improving subjective and objective outcomes in patients with unilateral CRS accompanying NP.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 123:E79–E84, 2013
Outcome measurements in obstructive sleep apnea: Beyond the apnea‐hypopnea index
Authors: Tam Samantha , Woodson B. Tucker , Rotenberg Brian
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) is overwhelmingly used as the main therapeutic metric in the assessment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in surgical studies. However, using AHI as the sole measure is problematic. This study investigates the utility of other outcome measures for patients with OSA undergoing surgery.

Study Design

Systematic review of cohort and review studies.

Methods

A review was performed using the PubMed database. English articles focusing on outcome measures in adults with OSA were included. Studies in pediatric populations, those combining obstructing and central sleep apnea, and those without the use of outcome measures were excluded. Articles were categorized according to level of evidence. The Downs and Black scale and AMSTAR scale were used to assess quality.

Results

Of a total of 10,454 retrieved articles, 21 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most articles related to continuous positive airway pressure outcomes. Many categories of outcome measures were found: general quality of life, OSA‐specific quality of life, measurements of sleepiness, performance, and physiological. Subjects with OSA scored differently in measurement tools in all categories compared to control populations or after treatment, and generally a poor correlation with AHI was seen.

Conclusions

The literature shows a range of tools based on symptoms and physiology of OSA that can assess effects of treatment. Assessment of surgical treatment for OSA should neither be limited to AHI as an outcome, nor should this be the only outcome stressed.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 124:337–343, 2014
Resveratrol attenuates radiation‐induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice
Authors: Xu Liping , Yang Xi , Cai Jing , Ma Jianxin , Cheng Hongyan , Zhao Kuiling , Yang Liping , Cao Yuandong , Qin Qin , Zhang Chi , Zhang Qu , Sun Xinchen
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

In our study we investigated the radioprotective effect of resveratrol (RES) in a murine model of radiation‐induced salivary gland dysfunction.

Study Design

Ninety‐six Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly divided into four groups: solvent (group I), RES treated (group II; 20mg/kg/d), 15 Gy irradiation with solvent treatment (group III), and 15 Gy irradiation with RES treatment (group IV; 15 Gy and 20 mg/kg/d RES). RES (group II and IV) was administered intraperitoneally 3 days prior to irradiation through the conclusion of the experiment.

Methods

Saliva and submandibular gland tissues were obtained for biochemical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses at 8 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days after localized irradiation.

Results

Radiation caused a reduction of saliva secretion, salivary amylase activity, superoxide dismutase, and an elevation of malondialdehyde. Administration of RES reversed the reduction of saliva secretion induced by irradiation and restored salivary amylase and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, RES could inhibit increases in transforming growth factor‐β1 expression induced by radiation.

Conclusions

RES can protect salivary glands against the negative effects of irradiation and has great potential as a treatment for successful radiotherapy in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:E23–E29, 2013
Combined percutaneous ultrasound and fluoroscopic‐guided recanalization of stensen's duct
Authors: Basheeth Naveed , Sheahan Patrick , Murphy Michael
Published: June 2013

Laryngoscope, 124:659–661, 2014
Epiglottopexy with and without lingual tonsillectomy
Authors: Oomen Karin P. Q. , Modi Vikash K.
Published: June 2013

Laryngoscope, 124:1019–1022, 2014
Factors influencing referral of patients with voice disorders from primary care to otolaryngology
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Kim Jaewhan , Roy Nelson , Courey Mark
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the frequency, timing, and factors that influence referral of patients with laryngeal/voice disorders to otolaryngology following initial evaluation by a primary care physician (PCP).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a large, national administrative US claims database.

Methods

Patients with a laryngeal disorder based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008, seen by a PCP as an outpatient (with or without otolaryngology involvement), and continuously enrolled for 12 months were included. Patient age, gender, geographic region, last PCP laryngeal diagnosis, comorbid conditions, time from first PCP visit to first otolaryngology visit, number of PCP outpatient visits, and number of PCP laryngeal diagnoses were collected. Cox and generalized linear regressions were performed.

Results

A total of 149,653 unique patients saw a PCP as an outpatient for a laryngeal/voice disorder, with 136,152 (90.9%) only seeing a PCP, 6,013 (4.0%) referred by a PCP to an otolaryngologist, and 3,820 (2.6%) self‐referred to an otolaryngologist. Acute laryngitis had a lower hazard ratio (HR) for otolaryngology referral than chronic laryngitis, nonspecific dysphonia, and laryngeal cancer. Having multiple comorbid conditions was associated with a greater HR for otolaryngology referral than having no comorbidities. Patient age, gender, and geographic region also affected otolaryngology referral. The time to otolaryngology evaluation ranged from <1 month to >3 months. PCP‐referred patients had less time to the otolaryngology evaluation than self‐referred patients.

Conclusions

Multiple factors affected otolaryngology referral for patients with laryngeal/voice disorders. Further education of PCPs regarding appropriate otolaryngology referral for laryngeal/voice disorders is needed.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:214–220, 2014
Prevalence of radiologic superior canal dehiscence in normal ears and ears with chronic otitis media
Authors: Cho Young W. , Shim Byoung S. , Kim Ji W. , Kim Tae S. , Ahn Joong H. , Chung Jong W. , Lee Kwang‐Sun , Yoon Tae H. , Park Hong J.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although labyrinth fistulae are caused mostly by cholesteatoma, they can occur in long‐standing chronic otitis media (COM) without cholesteatoma. We aimed to compare the prevalence of radiologic SCD on computed tomography (CT) between normal ears and contralateral COM ears in patients with unilateral COM and to assess the prevalence of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) according to the age.

Study Design

Case series with comparison performed at a tertiary care academic referral center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive temporal bone CT scans of 759 patients with unilateral COM between 2009 and 2011. The mean (± standard deviation) age was 48 years (±14 years). Images were independently evaluated by two otologists, and the bone overlying the superior canal was characterized as normal, suspicious, or definite SCD.

Results

The prevalence (3.4%) of definite SCD in COM ears was significantly higher than that (0.3%) in normal ears. The prevalence (6.6%) of suspicious or definite SCD in COM ears was also higher than that (1.2%) in normal ears. There was no correlation between the prevalence of SCD and age in either normal or COM ears. All of the normal ears with suspicious or definite SCD also showed contralateral suspicious or definite SCD (bilateral involvement).

Conclusions

Our present findings suggest that the COM is related to the presence of SCD. The roof of the temporal bone may become thin by the failure of postnatal bone development and susceptible to chronic brain pulsation and pressure exerted by the temporal lobe in COM ears.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 124:746–750, 2014
Corticosteroids in peritonsillar abscess treatment: A blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Chau Jason K. M. , Seikaly Hadi R. , Harris Jeffery R. , Villa‐Roel Cristina , Brick Craig , Rowe Brian H.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sore throat is a common, benign emergency department (ED) presentation; however, peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a complication that requires aggressive management. Use of systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) in PTA is occurring without clear evidence of benefit. This study examined the efficacy and safety of SCS treatment for patients with PTA.

Study Design

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

A controlled trial with concealed allocation and double‐blinding was conducted at two Canadian EDs. Following written informed consent, eligible patients received 48 hours of intravenous clindamycin and a single dose of the study drug (dexamethasone [DEX] or placebo [PLAC], intravenously [IV]). Follow‐up occurred at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days. The primary outcome was pain; other outcomes were side effects and return to normal activities/diet.

Results

A total of 182 patients were screened for eligibility; 41 patients were enrolled (21 DEX; 20 PLAC). At 24 hours, those receiving DEX reported lower pain scores (1.4 vs. 5.1; P = .009); however, these differences disappeared by 48 hours (P = .22) and 7 days (P = .4). At 24 hours, more patients receiving DEX returned to normal activities (33% vs. 11%) and dietary intake (38% vs 25%); however, these differences were not significant and disappeared by 48 hours and 7 days. Side effects were rare and did not differ between groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

Combined with PTA drainage and IV antibiotics, 10 mg IV DEX resulted in less pain at 24 hours when compared to PLAC, without any serious side effects. This effect is short‐lived, and further research is required on factors associated with PTA treatment success.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 124:97–103, 2014
Tunneling‐induced transparency in a chaotic microcavity
Authors: Xiao Yun‐Feng , Jiang Xue‐Feng , Yang Qi‐Fan , Wang Li , Shi Kebin , Li Yan , Gong Qihuang
Published: June 2013

A new form of induced transparency enabled by dynamical tunneling coupling of continuous chaos and discrete regular modes in a slightly deformed optical microcavity is demonstrated experimentally. An optical beam is focused on the cavity boundary and tuned on resonance with a high‐Q mode, which leads to destructive interference for the excitation of chaotic field and induces a transparency in the transmission. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with a model based on quantum scattering theory. This tunneling‐induced transparency is accompanied by extremely steep normal dispersion, and holds great potential in slow light and enhanced nonlinear interactions.
Mitigate B1+ inhomogeneity using spatially selective radiofrequency excitation with generalized spatial encoding magnetic fields
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Chern I‐Liang , Zhao Wei , Gagoski Borjan , Witzel Thomas , Lin Fa‐Hsuan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

High‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the challenge of inhomogeneous B1+, and consequently inhomogeneous flip angle distribution, which causes spatially dependent contrast and makes clinical diagnosis difficult.

Method

We propose a two‐step pulse design procedure in which (1) a combination of linear and nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) is used to remap the B1+ map in order to reduce the dimensionality of the problem, (2) the locations, amplitudes, and phases of spoke pulses are estimated in one dimension. The advantage of this B1+ remapping is that when the isointensity contours of a linear combination of SEMs are similar to the isointensity contours of B1+, a simple pulse sequence design using time‐varying SEMs can achieve a homogenous flip‐angle distribution efficiently.

Results

We demonstrate that spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) excitation with generalized SEMs (SAGS) using both linear and quadratic SEMs in a multi‐spoke k‐space trajectory can mitigate the B1+ inhomogeneity at 7T efficiently. Numerical simulations based on experimental data suggest that, compared with other methods, SAGS provide a formulation allowing multiple‐pulse design, a similar average flip‐angle distribution with less RF power, and/or a more homogeneous flip‐angle distribution.

Conclusion

Without using multiple RF coils for parallel transmission, SAGS can be used to mitigate the B1+ inhomogeneity in high‐field MRI experiments. Magn Reson Med 71:1458–1469, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the Contemporaneity of Households at the Eden‐Farson site
Authors: O'Brien M.
Published: June 2013

Archaeologists often rely on absolute dating methods, but the standard deviations associated with these approaches often leave us wondering what to make of spatially related archaeological units, such as adjacent sites, clusters of features or regional‐scale investigations. This issue is particularly relevant to the Shoshone Protohistoric site of Eden‐Farson located in southwest Wyoming. The campsite consists of at least 11 discrete excavation units and is associated with a successful communal game drive of over 156 pronghorn. Yet the sheer number of pronghorn and the ambiguous nature of the near‐surface cultural deposits have left researchers debating whether it represents a single occupation associated with a single successful game drive. Using a multivariate refit model, I have performed a bilateral refit analysis to identify links between the excavation units. Strong evidence for contemporaneity of Eden‐Farson excavation units comes from 38 linkages between 10 of the 11 proveniences. Coeval occupation of the separate houses also allows for an analysis of food‐sharing behaviours. With the last game drive occurring in the 1870s, the Eden‐Farson site provides a rare opportunity to examine the social organisation of communal hunting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of obesity on functional capacity
Authors: Pataky Zoltan , Armand Stéphane , Müller‐Pinget Solange , Golay Alain , Allet Lara
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the relationships between BMI and walking speed, balance control, sit‐to‐stand performance (a measure of mass specific lower limb power), and endurance.

Design and Methods

Thirty‐six women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2and 10 women with normal body weight (BMI between 18 kg/m2and 25 kg/m2) were enrolled in this observational study. The obese group comprised 12 persons with a BMI ≥ 30 and <35 (obese), 14 subjects with a BMI ≥ 35 and <40 (severe obesity) and 10 people with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2(morbid obesity). All subjects underwent a clinical examination, a gait test, an endurance test (6 minutes walking test), a mass specific lower limb power test (five times sit‐to‐stand) and a balance test.

Results

Obese women exhibited slower fast gait speeds (P< 0.05) with correspondingly shorter stride lengths, poorer sit‐to‐stand performance (P< 0.05), and endurance (P< 0.05). However, once the state of severe obesity was reached, additional weight gain (morbid obesity) does not seem to decrease these functional capacities any further.

Conclusion

This study underlines the importance of assessing obese patients' related physical problems in an early stage of obesity in order to focus exercise regimens and promote appropriate health behaviors.
School‐based obesity prevention programs: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sobol‐Goldberg Shira , Rabinowitz Jonathan , Gross Revital
Published: June 2013

Objective

Attempts have been made to reduce childhood obesity through school‐based programs. Systematic reviews of studies until 2006 reported a lack of consistency about effectiveness of such programs. Presented is an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Design and Methods

Replication of methodology used in previous comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials of school‐based obesity prevention programs covering studies until 2006 to review studies thru January 2012.

Results

Based on 32 studies (n = 52,109), programs were mildly effective in reducing BMI relative to controls not receiving intervention. Studies of children had significant intervention effects, those of teenagers did not, though the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Meta‐regression showed a significant linear hierarchy of studies with the largest effects for comprehensive programs more than 1 year long that aimed to provide information on nutrition and physical activity, change attitudes, monitor behavior, modify environment, involve parents, increase physical activity and improve diet, particularly among children.

Conclusions

Unlike earlier studies, more recent studies showed convincing evidence that school‐based prevention interventions are at least mildly effective in reducing BMI in children, possibly because these newer studies tended to be longer, more comprehensive and included parental support.
Gene‐by‐age effects on BMI from birth to adulthood: The fels longitudinal study
Authors: Choh Audrey C. , Lee Miryoung , Kent Jack W. , Diego Vincent P. , Johnson William , Curran Joanne E. , Dyer Thomas D. , Bellis Claire , Blangero John , Siervogel Roger M. , Towne Bradford , Demerath Ellen W. , Czerwinski Stefan A.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Genome wide association studies have shown 32 loci to influence BMI in European‐American adults but replication in other studies is inconsistent and may be attributed to gene‐by‐age effects. The aims of this study were to determine if the influence of the summed risk score of these 32 loci (GRS) on BMI differed across age from birth to 40 years, and to determine if additive genetic effects other than those in the GRS differed by age.

Methods

Serial measures of BMI were calculated at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 28 months, and 4, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 30, and 40 years for 1,176 (605 females, 571 males) European‐American participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study. SOLAR was used for genetic analyses.

Results

GRS was significant (P < 0.05) at ages: 6, 9 months, 4‐15 years, and 23‐40 years. Remaining additive genetic effects independently influenced BMI (P < 5.3 × 10−5, 0.40 < h2 < 0.76). Some genetic correlations between ages were not significant. Differential GRS effects did not retain significance after multiple comparisons adjustments.

Conclusions

While well‐known BMI variants do not appear to have significant differential effects, other additive genes differ over the lifespan.
Polymeric biomaterials with engineered degradation
Authors: Deshayes Stéphanie , Kasko Andrea M.
Published: June 2013

Polymeric biomaterials are widely used as carriers for cells and therapeutic agents. Until recently, most research has been limited to a relatively narrow number of monomers and chemistries. A fundamental challenge in developing clinically relevant polymeric biomaterials is to independently control their chemical and physical properties across multiple scales in both time and space. Control over a biomaterial's chemical and physical properties is critical to recapitulate the complex cascades of signals and complex microenvironments found in nature. Typically, dynamically responsive biomaterials either degrade in the presence of a stimulus (i.e., water induces hydrolysis) or experience a change in solubility on application of the stimulus (i.e., temperature induces gelation via lower critical solution temperature LCST). This highlight discusses recent advances in stimulated and controlled degradation of polymeric biomaterials. The goal of this review is to provide a broad overview of physiologically relevant stimuli used to control the degradation of a wide range of polymeric biomaterials with varying architectures and physical forms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3531–3566
Multiblock copolymers of ε–caprolactone and ethylene glycol containing periodic side‐chain carboxyl groups: Synthesis, characterization, and nanoparticle preparation
Authors: Lapi Anna Maria , Altomare Angelina , Alderighi Michele , Corti Andrea , Dessy Alberto , Chiellini Federica , Solimando Antonella , Solaro Roberto
Published: June 2013

Multiblock copolymers containing periodically spaced side‐chain carboxyl groups were obtained by a two‐step synthesis involving the preparation of ABA triblock prepolymers of ε‐caprolactone (A blocks) and ethylene glycol (B block) followed by chain extension to ABAn multiblock copolymers by reaction with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). NMR analysis demonstrated the incorporation of PMDA in polymer chain and revealed the possibility of PMDA units to exist in two isomers, cisoid and transoid forms. Chain extension resulted in the incorporation of free carboxylic groups in polymer backbone and in an almost twofold increase of molecular weight. Thermal analysis indicated that the presence of PMDA residues interferes with the formation of crystalline phases by the chain‐extended polymers. The polymers were found to slowly degrade in buffer solution at 37 °C. Further, the carboxylated polymers can be processed into nanoparticulates by nanoprecipitation. Depending on the selected organic solvent, the particulate was constituted by either a monodispersed nanoparticles with average size of 150 nm or a bimodal distribution centered at about 100 nm and 7 μm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3800–3809
Imide‐functionalized naphthodithiophene based donor‐acceptor conjugated polymers for solar cells
Authors: Dutta Tanmoy , Li Yong , Thornton Aaron L. , Zhu Da‐Ming , Peng Zhonghua
Published: June 2013

Donor‐acceptor conjugated polymers containing a new imide‐functionalized naphthodithiophene (INDT) as the acceptor unit and a 2,2'‐bithiophene with varied substituents as the donor unit have been synthesized. The bandgaps of these polymers depend strongly on the dihedral angle of the 2,2'‐bithiophene unit. The 3,3'‐dialkoxy substitution (polymers PDOR/PBOR) leads to near planar bithiophene conformation due to the well‐known S–O short contact, while the 3,3'‐dialkyl substitution (polymer PDR) results in significant twisting due to the steric effect. Consequently PDOR/PBOR shows the lowest bandgap of 1.82/1.85 eV while PDR has a bandgap of 2.38 eV. Bulk‐heterojunction solar cells of the polymer/fullerene blends have been fabricated. Preliminary results show that PBOR gives the best device performance with power conversion efficiencies as high as 2.45% in air without any thermal annealing treatment, indicating the promising potential of INDT‐containing conjugated polymers for efficient solar cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3818–3828
Synthesis of transparent and thermally stable polycyanurates and their thermal rearrangement
Authors: Saito Yoshitaka , Matsumoto Hidetoshi , Higashihara Tomoya , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: June 2013

Transparent and thermally stable polycyanurates, whose solubility can be changed by thermal rearrangement, have been synthesized as functional films used in the multilayer coating process. Before the synthesis of polycyanurates, the model compound, 2,6‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)−6‐methoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine as a cyanurate is prepared and rearranged to an isocyanurate, 1,3‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)−5‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triazinane‐2,4,6‐trione in an excellent yield by thermal treatment. Based on this result, polycyanurates are prepared by the phase‐transfer‐catalyzed polycondensation of 2,4‐dichloro‐6‐methoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine with bisphenol monomers in the presence of quaternary ammonium salts. The polycyanurate obtained from 9,9‐bis(hydroxyphenyl)fluorene exhibits a high glass transition temperature at 251 °C. The solubility of polycyanurate films containing 1 wt % of tetrabutylammonium bromide can be changed by thermal rearrangement. The partially rearranged films keep high transparency and low birefringence. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3950–3955
Synthesis of high‐performance polyurethanes with rigid 5‐6‐5‐fused ring system in the main chain from naturally occurring myo‐inositol
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Shibata Yoshiya , Miyamoto Ayano
Published: June 2013

A bisketal of myo‐inositol was used as a diol‐type monomer for synthesis of polyurethanes. The monomer was obtained by treatment of myo‐inositol with 1,1‐dimethoxycyclohexane in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The ketalization resulted in the formation of a 5‐6‐5‐fused ring system, which endowed the diol‐type monomer with high rigidity. The diol readily reacted with diisocyanate to give the corresponding polyurethane, which exhibited excellent heat resistance due to the rigid 5‐6‐5 system in the main chain. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3956–3963
Formation of star‐like and linear nanofibers via controlled crystallization of poly(3‐dodecylthiophene)
Authors: Pan Zhongcheng , Ge Jing , Yang Hui , Peng Juan , Qiu Feng
Published: June 2013

We report the crystalline behavior of poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) in aged toluene solution and link structure differences with the nature of seed nuclei related to various dissolution way. By directly stirring the P3DDT toluene solution for dissolution, the surviving fragments served as seed nuclei and star‐like nanofibers were formed upon aging. While by heating the P3DDT solution for complete dissolution followed by cooling, the seed nuclei came from the π–π stacking of the planarized P3DDT chains and linear nanofibers were formed upon aging. Formation mechanisms and kinetics of different nanofibers are discussed in detail. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1268–1272
Surface and bulk ordering in thin films of a symmetrical diblock copolymer
Authors: Ma Wei , Vodungbo Boris , Nilles Katja , Theato Patrick , Lüning Jan
Published: June 2013

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers have the ability to adapt their surface's molecular composition to the hydrophilicity of their environment. In the case of about equal volume fractions of the two polymer blocks, the bulk of these polymers is known to develop a laminar ordering. We report here our investigation of the relationship between bulk ordering and surface morphology/chemical composition in thin films of such an amphiphilic diblock copolymer. Upon annealing in vacuum, the expected lamella ordering in the bulk of the film is observed and we find the morphology of the film surface to be defined by the thickness of the as‐deposited film: If the as‐deposited thickness matches the height of a lamella stack, then the film exhibits a smooth surface. Otherwise, an incomplete lamella forms at the film surface. We show that the coverage of this incomplete layer can be quantified by X‐ray reflectivity. To establish the lamella ordering in the bulk, the film needs to be annealed above the glass temperature of the two blocks. Molecular segregation at the film surface, however, is already occurring at temperatures well below the glass temperature of the two blocks. This indicates that below the glass temperature of the blocks the bulk of the thin film is “frozen,” whereas the polymer chains composing the surface lamella have an increased mobility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys., 2013, 51, 1282–1287
Minimal killing unit of the mitochondrial targeting domain of Noxa
Authors: Kim Ji‐Young , Han Ji Hye , Moon Ae‐Ran , Park Jung Hee , Chang Jeong Hwan , Bae Jeehyeon , Kim Tae‐Hyoung
Published: June 2013

Noxa is a key player in p53‐induced cell death via mitochondrial dysfunction, and the mitochondrial‐targeting domain (MTD) of Noxa is responsible for the translocation of Noxa to mitochondria and for the induction of necrotic cell death. The purpose of this study was to define the minimal killing unit of MTD in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the peptides R8:MTD(10), R8:MTD(9), and R8:MTD(8) can kill various human tumor cells (HCT116, HeLa, MCF‐7, BJAB), but that R8:MTD(7) abolishes the killing activity of MTD mainly because of the loss of mitochondrial targeting activity. We find it interesting that R8:MTD(8) was found to kill tumor cells but showed a limited killing activity on normal peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, R8:MTD(10), R8:MTD(9), and R8:MTD(8) limitedly suppressed tumor growth when injected i.v. into BalB/C mice bearing CT26 cell‐derived tumors. These results indicate that MTD(8) is the minimal killing unit of MTD. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.