bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibody against granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor inhibits inflammatory response in experimental otitis media
Authors: Kariya Shin , Okano Mitsuhiro , Higaki Takaya , Makihara Seiichiro , Haruna Takenori , Eguchi Motoharu , Nishizaki Kazunori 
Published: November 2012

Objectives/HypothesisGranulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor is important in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. We hypothesized that granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor plays a pivotal role in middle ear inflammation and that neutralization of granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor would inhibit neutrophil migration into the middle ear and production of inflammatory mediators.Study DesignAnimal experiment.MethodsWe used transtympanic administration of lipopolysaccharide, a major component of gram‐negative bacteria, into mice to induce an experimental otitis media. Control mice received injection of phosphate‐buffered saline into the middle ear cavity. Mice were systemically treated with granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor neutralizing antibody or control immunoglobulin G via intraperitoneal injection 2 hours before transtympanic injection of lipopolysaccharide or phosphate‐buffered saline. Middle ear effusions were collected. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, keratinocyte chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 in middle ear effusions were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic examination of the middle ear was also performed.ResultsTranstympanic injection of lipopolysaccharide upregulated levels of granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, keratinocyte chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 in the middle ear. Concentrations of cytokines and chemokines were significantly decreased in mice injected with granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor neutralizing antibody. Infiltration of inflammatory cells into the middle ear cavity induced by lipopolysaccharide was also significantly reduced by neutralization of granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor.ConclusionsSystemic injection of granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor neutralizing antibody inhibits the middle ear inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. Our findings suggest that granulocyte/macrophage colony–stimulating factor may offer a novel therapeutic target for the management of intractable otitis media.
Standardized letter of recommendation for otolaryngology residency selection
Authors: Perkins Jonathan N. , Liang Conan , McFann Kim , Abaza Mona M. , Streubel Sven‐Olrik , Prager Jeremy D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Develop a standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) for otolaryngology residency application that investigates the qualities desired in residents and the letter writer's experience. Compare this SLOR to narrative letters of recommendation (NLORs).Study Design:Prospective SLOR/NLOR comparison.Methods:The SLOR was sent to an NLOR writer for each applicant. The applicant's NLOR/SLOR pair was blinded and ranked in seven categories by three reviewers. Inter‐rater reliability and NLOR/SLOR rankings were compared. Means of cumulative NLOR and SLOR scores were compared to our departmental rank list.Results:Thirty‐one SLORs (66%) were collected. The SLORs had higher inter‐rater reliability for applicant's qualifications for otolaryngology, global assessment, summary statement, and overall letter ranking. Writer's background, comparison to contemporaries/predecessors, and letter review ease had higher inter‐rater reliability on the NLORs. Mean SLOR rankings were higher for writer's background (P = .0007), comparison of applicant to contemporaries/predecessors (P = .0031), and letter review ease (P < .0001). Mean SLOR writing time was 4.17 ± 2.18 minutes. Mean ranking time was significantly lower (P < .0001) for the SLORs (39.24 ± 23.45 seconds) compared to the NLORs (70.95 ± 40.14 seconds). Means of cumulative SLOR scores correlated with our rank list (P = .004), whereas means of cumulative NLOR scores did not (P = .18). Means of cumulative NLOR and SLOR scores did not correlate (P = .26).Conclusions:SLORs require little writing time, save reviewing time, and are easier to review compared to NLORs. Our SLOR had higher inter‐rater reliability in four of seven categories and was correlated with our rank list. This tool conveys standardized information in an efficient manner. Laryngoscope, 2013
Nanoscale Inhomogeneities in Thermoresponsive Polymers
Authors: Kurzbach Dennis , Junk Matthias J. N. , Hinderberger Dariush 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article highlights the occurrence and nature of nanoscale inhomogeneities in thermoresponsive polymers and focuses on different experimental techniques for their observation and characterization. Such inhomogeneities can be regarded as nanoscopic domains of collapsed polymer segments (or of a small number of unimers), which provide a nonpolar, hydrophobic interior. Continuous wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy on amphiphilic reporter molecules (spin probes) as an intrinsically local technique is particularly emphasized. In combination with different ensemble‐averaging methods, it provides a holistic understanding of the often inhomogeneous nanoscale processes during the temperature‐induced collapse of a thermoresponsive polymer.
Fibromyalgia Family and Relationship Impact Exploratory Survey
Authors: Marcus Dawn A. , Richards Karen Lee , Chambers Janet F. , Bhowmick Amrita 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundFibromyalgia is frequently associated with impairments in activities of daily living and work disability. Limited data have investigated the impact of fibromyalgia on relationships with family and friends.ObjectivesThis exploratory study was designed to survey a large community sample of adults with fibromyalgia about the impact on the spouse/partner, children and close friends.MethodsA 40‐question, multiple‐choice survey was made available online for a two‐month period, with potential participants recruited through fibromyalgia and migraine community websites. Items included questions about demographics, fibromyalgia symptoms, comorbid mood disturbance and relationship impact, including the Relationship Assessment Scale.ResultsThe survey was completed by 6,126 adults who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Using updated diagnostic criteria from the American College of Rheumatology, 91% satisfied the criteria for fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia Severity score ≥13 and pain ≥3 months). Half of participants endorsed that fibromyalgia had mildly to moderately damaged relationship(s) with their spouse(s)/partner(s) or contributed to a break‐up with a spouse or partner. Half of participants scored as not being satisfied with their current spouse/partner relationship, with satisfaction negatively affected by the presence of mood disturbance symptoms and higher fibromyalgia severity. Relationships with children and close friends were also negatively impacted for a substantial minority of participants.ConclusionsIn addition to physical impairments that are well documented among individuals with fibromyalgia, fibromyalgia can result in a substantial negative impact on important relationships with family and close friends. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel FHL1 mutation in a family with reducing body myopathy
Authors: Schreckenbach Tobias , Henn Wolfram , Kress Wolfram , Roos Andreas , Maschke Matthias , Feiden Wolfgang , Dillmann Ulrich , Schulz Jörg B. , Weis Joachim , Claeys Kristl G. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Reducing body myopathy is a rare X‐linked myopathy. It is characterized by intracytoplasmic inclusions that stain with menadione–nitroblue tetrazolium. It is caused by mutations in the FHL1 gene, which encodes the four‐and‐a‐half LIM domain 1 protein (FHL1). Methods: We performed a clinical, muscle MRI, and histopathological characterization and immunoblot and genetic analysis of the FHL1 protein in a family with 4 individuals affected by reducing body myopathy. Results: We identified a novel missense mutation in FHL1 (c.449G>C; p.C150S). The patients presented with asymmetric proximal weakness and scoliosis. Both of the boys had a more severe course with earlier onset, contractures, and death due to heart failure at 14 and 18 years of age, respectively. MRI revealed fatty infiltration of posteromedial thigh and paraspinal muscles. Histopathological findings showed FHL1‐immunoreactive inclusions. Immunoblot analysis revealed a 50% reduction of FHL1 protein. Conclusion: In this study we highlighted diagnostic clues in this myopathy and compared our data with the literature. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Chronic bilateral T1 denervation in women with macromastia
Authors: Ansell Jacqueline R. , Buchholz Michael C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The objective of this study was to identify the pattern of neurological deficits and document electrophysiological changes in women with macromastia. Methods: Patients with macromastia and neurological complaints underwent clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies of the upper limbs. Results: Findings include low‐amplitude medial antebrachial cutaneous (MACN) sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) and median compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and chronic denervation changes in the bilateral abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles on needle electrode examination (NEE), indicating axonal loss in the bilateral T1 distribution. Conclusions: The EDx data are in keeping with lesions involving bilateral T1 anterior primary rami (APR). Potential sites of compromise of the T1 APR are discussed. Further study of the effect of treatment for macromastia on the clinical and EDx findings is proposed. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Myositis with antimitochondrial antibodies diagnosed by rectus abdominis muscle biopsy
Authors: Uenaka Takeshi , Kowa Hisatomo , Sekiguchi Kenji , Nagata Kakuya , Ohtsuka Yoshihisa , Kanda Fumio , Toda Tatsushi 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionAntimitochondrial antibodies are autoantibodies detected in 90% of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients. Some PBC cases are complicated by myositis, which is difficult to confirm due to minimal histological evidence of inflammation in limb muscles.MethodsOur aim was to determine the extent of inflammatory changes in a truncal muscle biopsy specimen from a PBC patient.ResultsA 48‐year‐old woman with a 5‐year history of atrial fibrillation and chronic heart failure was evaluated for elevated serum creatine kinase level. Antimitochondrial M2 antibodies were detected, and PBC was diagnosed. A biceps brachii biopsy specimen showed mild, non‐specific myogenic changes; a second biopsy was performed on the rectus abdominis muscle, which showed typical inflammatory changes. Myositis with antimitochondrial M2 antibodies was confirmed.ConclusionsIn myositis patients with antimitochondrial M2 antibodies, muscles of the extremities are involved to a lesser extent. Radiological and histological examination focusing on truncal muscles, including a biopsy, is important. Muscle Nerve 47: 766–768, 2013
A nomogram for perioperative prognostic risk‐assessment in twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Stirnemann J. J. , Nasr B. , Essaoui M. , Bussieres L. , Ville Y. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivePrognostic assessment in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is ill‐defined. The objective of this study is to define a perioperative prognostic score for TTTS treated by percutaneous laser coagulation.MethodsConsecutive cases of TTTS treated by percutaneous fetoscopic laser coagulation over a 6‐year period were reviewed. Twin survival at 28 days was considered using a 3‐level polytomous variable defined by 0, 1, or 2 fatal events. A multivariate prognostic analysis with internal validation was conducted using gestational age at diagnosis, weight discordance, umbilical artery, and ductus venosus abnormalities in the donor and the recipient respectively, cervical length, selectivity of surgery, and transplacental approach.ResultsOn the basis of 507 cases, the perinatal survival rate of 2 and 1 twin was 46.2% and 31.5%, respectively. Statistically significant factors included umbilical artery abnormalities in the donor, gestational age, and transplacental approach, but with different effects regarding survival of 0, 1, or 2 twins. A scoring chart was subsequently constructed together with a nomogram for both a preoperative and immediate post‐operative prognostic assessment.ConclusionPart of the prognosis can be anticipated by perioperative findings. Although further validation is required, the presented nomogram should help unify the prognostic assessment in TTTS. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical goal setting in aneuploidy screening: within person biological variability of first trimester biochemical markers
Authors: Spencer Kevin , Cowans Nicholas J. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the average within person biological variability of free‐β human chorionic gonadotrophin (free hCGβ), intact hCG and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), and to establish analytical goals for the measurement of these markers when used in first trimester screening.MethodsFree hCGβ, PAPP‐A and intact hCG were measured on paired first trimester samples collected during the same pregnancy. Results were converted to Multiple of the Median (MoMs).The overall total variation at each day log was determined from a correlation of the marker MoMs in the log domain. Biological variation was calculated after taking into account analytical variation.ResultsThe within person biological variability for free hCGβ varied from 1.30% at 2 days separation to 5.25% at 5 days. For PAPP‐A this was 1.96% and 5.03%, respectively, and for intact hCG this was 14.59% and 21.09%. All markers exhibit a rapid increase in biological variability as the time separation increased.ConclusionsSetting analytical goals for precision of measurement of first trimester biochemical markers from within person biological variability would suggest that free hCGβ and PAPP‐A needs to be measured with a precision of 2.5%, targets close to those set empirically by the Fetal Medicine Foundation and achieved in practice by some analytical system in routine use. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical assessment of short‐term variability from utility‐scale solar PV plants
Authors: van Haaren Rob , Morjaria Mahesh , Fthenakis Vasilis 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTVariability of solar power is a key driver in increasing the cost of integrating solar power into the electric grid because additional system resources are required to maintain the grid's reliability. In this study, we characterize the variability in power output of six photovoltaic plants in the USA and Canada with a total installed capacity of 195 MW (AC); it is based on minute‐averaged data from each plant and the output from 390 inverters. We use a simple metric, “daily aggregate ramp rate” to quantify, categorize, and compare daily variability across these multiple sites. With this metric, the effect of geographic dispersion is observed, while controlling for climatic differences across the plants. Additionally, we characterized variability due to geographical dispersion by simulating a step by step increase of the plant size at the same location. We observed maximum ramp rates for 5, 21, 48, and 80 MWAC plants, respectively, as 0.7, 0.58, 0.53, and 0.43 times the plant's capacity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing thermopower on the microscale
Authors: Ziolkowski Pawel , Karpinski Gabriele , Dasgupta Titas , Müller Eckhard 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThermoelectric (TE) generators provide electrical energy from direct conversion of heat by means of the Seebeck effect; without moving parts, completely silent, and with negligible maintenance. As any other heat engine this conversion exploits only a fraction of the Carnot efficiency (Rowe (ed.), CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics (CRC Press Inc., 1995), p. 19 1). The TE efficiency is linked to the thermoelectric figure of merit Z, which itself is given by basic material properties: Z = S2σ/κ. These are the electrical conductivity σ, the thermal conductivity κ and the Seebeck coefficient or thermopower S, which is known as the factor of proportionality between voltage output and applied temperature difference in a given TE sample. A distinct sensitivity to the carrier concentration and structural variations make the control and stabilisation of thermopower very challenging in complex material structures since degradation by diffusion, decomposition or evaporation can be observed in many cases during synthesis, operation and even in the process of characterisation of TE semiconductors; particularly at elevated temperatures. Investigating structural and compositional properties, stability, and performance of TE materials, and consequently aiming to understand their interaction, mainly methods like X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or integral temperature dependent measurements of particular transport properties are used. Although TE materials research satisfies highest requirements on accuracy, the above mentioned techniques are not perfectly qualified to investigate promising material classes thoroughly. Against the background of usually complex material structures this article aims to show, that an efficient characterisation of TE materials becomes accessible for several questions by use of a spatially resolved determination of the thermopower.
Fabrication of fast and sensitive IR‐detectors based on PbS quantum dots passivated by organic ligands
Authors: Miri S. , Rostami A. , Dolatyari M. , Baghban H. , Rasooli H. , Amini E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractFunctional molecules have been combined with colloidal quantum dots to build robust, closely packed, conductive solid state devices. In this research work, we report on the fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of infrared (IR) photodetectors based on lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots capped with thioacetamide and L‐cystein ligands. Results indicate that thioacetamide treatment increases responsivity by a factor of 100. The fabricated detector based on PbS–thioacetamide nanomaterials shows fast temporal response with rise and decay times of 140 and 180 µs, respectively.
CONTROLS ON THE LONGITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHANNEL‐SPANNING LOGJAMS IN THE COLORADO FRONT RANGE, USA
Authors: Wohl E. , Beckman N. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTChannel‐spanning logjams completely span the active channel and create longitudinal discontinuities of the water surface and stream bed across at least two‐thirds of the channel width. These jams disproportionately affect channel process and form relative to smaller jams that do not span the entire channel width. We analyze a spatially extensive dataset of 859 channel‐spanning jams distributed along 124 km of 16 distinct rivers on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, with drainage areas spanning 2.6 to 258 km2 and diverse valley geometry and forest stand age. We categorized valley geometry in terms of lateral confinement (confined, partly confined, or unconfined), which correlates with gradient. Jams exhibit substantial downstream variability in spacing at channel lengths of 102–103 m. The number of jams within a reach is explained by a statistical model that includes drainage area, valley type (lateral confinement), and channel width. Longitudinal spacing of jams drops substantially at drainage areas greater than ~20 km2, although jam spacing exhibits tremendous variability at smaller drainage areas. We interpret the lack of jams at larger drainage areas to reflect increasing transport capacity for instream wood. We interpret the variability in jam spacing at small drainage areas to reflect local controls of valley geometry and associated wood recruitment and fluvial transport capacity. Our results suggest that management of instream wood designed to facilitate the formation of channel‐spanning jams can be most effectively focused on smaller drainage areas where these jams are most abundant in the absence of management that alters instream wood recruitment or retention. Unmanaged streams in the study region with drainage area <60 km2 have ~1.1 channel‐spanning jams per 100 m length of stream. The cumulative effects of these jams on instream storage of sediment and organic matter, hyporheic exchange, instream habitat, stream metabolism, and channel–floodplain connectivity are likely to be enormous. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Do the Electrical Properties of Graphene Change with its Functionalization?
Authors: Sreeprasad T. S. , Berry Vikas 
Published: November 2012

AbstractFunctionalization of graphene is essential to interface it with other moieties to expand the scope of its electrical/electronic applications. However, chemical functionalization and/or molecular interactions on graphene sensitively modulate its electrical properties. To evaluate and take advantage of the properties of functionalized graphene, it is important to understand how its electrical attributes (such as carrier scattering, carrier concentration, charge polarity, quantum‐capacitance enhanced doping, energy levels, transport mechanisms, and orbital hybridization of energy‐bands) are influenced by a change in carbon's structural conformation, hybridization state, chemical potential, local energy levels, and dopant/interface coupling induced via functionalization or molecular interactions. Here, a detailed and integrated model describes factors influencing these electrical characteristics of functionalized graphene (covalent bonds, adsorption, π–π bonds, and lattice incorporation). The electrical properties are governed via three mechanisms: (a) conversion of carbon's hybridized state, (b) dipole interactions enhanced via quantum capacitance, and (c) orbital hybridization with an interfacing molecule. A few graphenic materials are also identified where further studies are essential to understand the effect of their functionalization.
Interactions of Polymer/Coke Blends with Molten Steel at 1823 K: Interfacial Phenomena
Authors: Kongkarat Somyote , Khanna Rita , Sahajwalla Veena 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWith an aim to recycle waste polymers as a carbon resource in steelmaking, in‐depth investigations have been carried out on polymer/coke blends and molten steel at 1823 K. Three polymers, namely high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and bakelite were blended with metallurgical coke and devolatilized at 1473 K using a drop tube furnace. High temperature interactions of various chars with molten steel were investigated at 1823 K using the sessile drop technique in argon atmosphere; the influence of polymers on the interfacial phenomena and carbon dissolution was determined. While the residual volatiles from HDPE did not affect the chemical composition of interfacial products, the coverage of the interfacial region was somewhat slower than metallurgical coke. Oxygen present in PET was found to oxidize liquid steel leading to the formation of FeO at the interface modifying both the chemical composition and the morphology of the interfacial region. CaCO3, present as a filler impurity in bakelite was found to act as a fluxing agent and lowered the melting point of the ash layer at the metal/carbon interface. The addition of polymers improved the overall carbon dissolution into molten steel by a small extent as compared to metallurgical coke. This study has shown that a variety of waste polymers can be utilized to partially replace metallurgical coke in steelmaking.