bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of middle turbinate lateralization after axillary flap approach to the frontal recess
Authors: Chen Philip G. , Bassiouni Ahmed , Wormald Peter‐John 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe axillary flap approach (AFA) to the frontal recess improves visualization and clearance while minimizing use of angled endoscopes. However, some argue that it destabilizes the middle turbinate (MT) and increases risk of MT lateralization (MTL). We aimed to establish rates of MTL after AFA, as well as to determine whether other surgical or disease factors affect lateralization.MethodsThis study was a retrospective chart review. Endoscopic postoperative videos between 3 and 9 months (short‐term) and greater than 9 months (long‐term) were reviewed blind to surgery performed. Presence of MTL, ability to pass an endoscope into the middle meatus, and ability to evaluate the frontal recess were recorded. Surgical characteristics obtained from the chart review included: MT conchopexy, septoplasty, concha bullosa, and primary vs revision surgery. Patient characteristics included age, sex, polyposis, asthma, and smoking. Cases were excluded if the MT was absent.ResultsA total of 124 patients (248 operated sides) were included in the short‐term cohort. Similar numbers of primary (52.4%) and revision (47.6%) cases were performed, 42.3% had polyposis, and 38% asthmatics. Overall rate of MTL was 14.5%, with an inability to examine the frontal recess in 12.1%. Suture conchopexy of the MT through the septum did not affect lateralization. Results were statistically similar in the long‐term cohort.ConclusionThe AFA yielded a 14.5% and 17.4% MTL in the short‐term and long‐term cohorts, respectively. This rate appears consistent with reports in the literature that did not use the axillary flap. No patient or surgical factor was found to affect rates of lateralization.
Sinonasal alterations in computed tomography scans in cystic fibrosis: a literature review of observational studies
Authors: Kang Suzie Hyeona , Piltcher Otávio Bejzman , de Tarso Roth Dalcin Paulo 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlmost all cystic fibrosis (CF) patients reveal upper airway involvement in computed tomography (CT) scans. Sinonasal pathology has become a challenging issue because there are few studies to guide appropriate management. The objective of this study was to provide information about paranasal sinus CT manifestations in CF patients, mainly in adulthood.MethodsWe performed a literature review of descriptive studies about CT sinonasal findings in CF patients using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, Scielo, and Cochrane.ResultsEighteen articles were included in this review. There was a high variability in methodological aspects for most of the studies. The most prevalent findings reported were opacification of sinuses, presence of frontal and sphenoidal aplasia or hypoplasia, underdevelopment of paranasal sinuses, and medial bulging of the lateral nasal wall in CT scans.ConclusionThere are few studies in the CF adult population regarding sinonasal CT alterations. Many studies report specific pathological features in CF upper airways that could help in the diagnosis of doubtful cases.
Carbon nanotubes‐filled thermoplastic polyurethane–urea and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber blend nanocomposites
Authors: Mahmood Nasir , Khan Asad Ullah , Stöckelhuber Klaus Werner , Das Amit , Jehnichen Dieter , Heinrich Gert 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis article reports the preparation and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐filled thermoplastic polyurethane–urea (TPUU) and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) blend nanocomposites. The dispersion of the MWCNTs was carried out using a laboratory two roll mill. Three different loadings, that is, 1, 3, and 5 wt % of the MWCNTs were used. The electron microscopy image analysis proves that the MWCNTs are evenly dispersed along the shear flow direction. Through incorporation of the nanotubes in the blend, the tensile modulus was increased from 9.90 ± 0.5 to 45.30 ± 0.3 MPa, and the tensile strength at break was increased from 25.4 ± 2.5 to 33.0 ± 1.5 MPa. The wide angle X‐ray scattering result showed that the TPUU:XNBR blends were arranged in layered structures. These structures are formed through chemical reactions of NH group from urethane and urea with the carboxylic group on XNBR. Furthermore, even at a very low loading, the high degree of nanotubes dispersion results in a significant increase in the electrical percolation threshold. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40341.
x86‐Android performance improvement for x86 smart mobile devices
Authors: Choi Min , Lim Seung‐Ho 
Published: January 2014

SummaryWith more and more smartphones with Intel inside available, the compatibility issues of Android applications have been rising. The efficiency on the emulated architecture is best translated into efficiency on the target machine if target instructions also operated on register operands. However, conventional binary translators of popular binary translators do not take into account instruction dependency among two or more basic blocks. This results in performance degradation because of intertranslation block dependency. Actually, x86 binary translators do not take into account instruction dependency within a basic block. Binary translation makes use of one or two registers for the majority of translation blocks. This is because the translation block corresponds to a guest instruction, which in turn the amount of work is not large. Even though there are no dependencies between translation blocks, false dependencies are generated by the same register usage order. In order to maximize the parallelism within a basic block, we maintain two different register usage orders, applying them in turn. This approach resolves the problem and outperforms conventional approach by up to around 27% for some cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual role of dams in fragmentation and support of fish diversity across the Godavari River basin in India
Authors: Khedkar Gulab Dattarao , Lutzky Sigal , Rathod Sandeep , Kalyankar Amol , David Lior 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTFreshwater systems are among the habitats most sensitive to environmental changes and human interference. The increasing needs in India for supplies of both fresh water and fish as a food source under the pressure of a rapidly growing population mandate identification of ways to conserve natural resources while meeting these human needs. Dams provide a partial solution for both water and food fish supplies, especially in monsoonal areas, although disruption of natural fish habitats may offset these benefits. To examine this phenomenon, the Godavari River basin in India was sampled at 32 sites, and the effects dams might have on fish species assemblages and distribution at these sites were analysed. Although the river basin was rich in species, their representation and distribution was fragmented. The surveyed fish fauna included 114 species that were classified into 12 orders. Cyprinids dominated the fauna. Few introduced and cultured species were widely distributed in the river. Some native species were barely captured, suggesting they might be at risk of loss. The presence of the Godavari dams, as has been the case elsewhere, does appear to have disturbed the species distribution. However, here, the dams also appear to have positive effects. Some dam reservoirs supported the highest levels of species diversity, and as low as five dam sites contained over 95% of all species found. The dam reservoirs may therefore represent preferred sites for conservation, and the proper management of such reservoirs may be critical to balancing human needs with sustainable conservation of fish biodiversity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous topology and sizing optimization of viscous dampers in seismic retrofitting of 3D irregular frame structures
Authors: Lavan Oren , Amir Oded 
Published: January 2014

SUMMARYA new methodology for performance‐based optimal seismic retrofitting using a limited number of size groups of viscous dampers is presented. The damping coefficient of each size group of dampers is taken as a continuous variable and is determined by the optimization algorithm. Furthermore, for each potential location, a damper of a single size group is optimally assigned, if any. Hence, the formulation presents a large step forward towards practical optimal design of dampers. The key for achieving an efficient optimization scheme is the incorporation of material interpolation techniques that were successfully applied in other structural optimization problems of discrete nature. This results in a very effective optimization methodology that is expected to be very efficient for large‐scale structures. The proposed approach is demonstrated on several example problems of 3D irregular frame structures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide Attenuates Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Injury in Cardiomyocytes via Heme Oxygenase‐1
Authors: Man Wang , Ming Ding , Fang Du , Chao Liang , Jing Cang 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe antioxidant property of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was formerly attributed to its direct effects. Our former study showed that DMSO is able to induce heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression in endothelial cells, which is a potent antioxidant enzyme. In this study, we hypothesized that the antioxidant effects of DMSO in cardiomyocytes are mediated or partially mediated by increased HO‐1 expression. Therefore, we investigated whether DMSO exerts protective effects against H2O2‐induced oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes, and whether HO‐1 is involved in DMSO‐imparted protective effects, and we also explore the underlying mechanism of DMSO‐induced HO‐1 expression. Our study demonstrated that DMSO pretreatment showed a cytoprotective effect against H2O2‐induced oxidative damage (impaired cell viability, increased apopototic cells rate and caspase‐3 level, and increased release of LDH and CK) and this process is partially mediated by HO‐1 upregulation. Furthermore, our data showed that the activation of p38 MAPK and Nrf2 translocation are involved in the HO‐1 upregulation induced by DMSO. This study reports for the first time that the cytoprotective effect of DMSO in cardiomyocytes is partially mediated by HO‐1, which may further explain the mechanisms by which DMSO exerts cardioprotection on H2O2 injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1159–1165, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applying models of employee identity management across cultures: Christianity in the USA and South Korea
Authors: Lyons Brent , Wessel Jennifer , Ghumman Sonia , Ryan Ann Marie , Kim Sooyeol 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIdentity management refers to the decisions individuals make about how they present their social identities to others. We examined cross‐cultural differences in distancing and affirming identity management strategies of Christian‐identified employees utilizing samples from the USA and South Korea. Religious centrality, risks of disclosure, pressure to assimilate to organizational norms, and nation were key antecedents of chosen identity management strategies. Risks of disclosure and pressure to assimilate related to more distancing and less affirming strategies when religious centrality was low, but nation served as a boundary condition for the moderating effects of religious centrality. Distancing strategies related to negative outcomes regardless of religious centrality, but affirming strategies only related to positive outcomes when religious centrality was low. We discuss how this work contributes to theoretical and practical understanding of identity management in the workplace and across cultures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early detection of factual knowledge deficiency and remediation in otolaryngology residency education
Authors: Platt Michael P. , Davis Elizabeth M. , Grundfast Kenneth , Grillone Gregory 
Published: January 2014

Objectives/HypothesisWithin otolaryngology residency training, the annual Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE) is the primary method used to assess, quantify, and compare the factual knowledge acquired by each resident. The objective of this study was to develop a more frequent method for tracking of factual knowledge to prevent educational delay.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of educational scores.MethodsFor each didactic lecture within a single otolaryngology residency training program, multiple choice questions were provided before and after each lecture. Questions were based on lecture objectives that were derived from the American Board of Otolaryngology curriculum. Scores were tracked over the course of 1 academic year and compared to the scores of residents on the OTE administered in that year to determine correlation with a validated measure of factual knowledge. The effect of remedial measures on improvement in OTE scores was determined.ResultsOver the course of 1 academic year, there were 328 questions presented to 12 residents before and after 32 lectures in the didactic program. Ten residents completed an average of 244 questions. Overall OTE scores demonstrated a significant and very strong correlation to lecture question scores (Pearson r = 0.86, P = .002). Remedial measures for residents during the previous 5 years who had inadequate OTE scores were successful in improving scores (P = .002).ConclusionsA structured didactic program that uses review questions to assess knowledge can be used to track acquisition of factual knowledge. Early identification of residents with deficiencies facilitates the development of individualized learning plans that result in successful remediation.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 124:E309–E311, 2014
Nasal nitric oxide is dependent on sinus obstruction in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Suojalehto Hille , Vehmas Tapio , Lindström Irmeli , Kennedy David W. , Kilpeläinen Maritta , Plosila Tuomas , Savukoski Sauli , Sipilä Jukka , Varpula Matti , Wolff Henrik , Alenius Harri , Toskala Elina 
Published: January 2014

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between nasal nitric oxide and nasal symptoms, sinus opacification, and markers of allergic inflammation in allergic and in nonallergic rhinitis while taking into account the effect of sinus obstruction.Study DesignWe studied 175 young adult subjects divided into three groups: 1) allergic rhinitis, 2) nonallergic rhinitis, and 3) controls.MethodsWe measured nasal nitric oxide using the breath‐holding method and exhaled nitric oxide and scored semiquantitatively nasal computed tomography scans for opacification and obstruction. We also assessed the visual analogue scores of nasal symptoms, eosinophil count, and interleukin‐13 mRNA levels in nasal biopsies.ResultsThe level of nasal nitric oxide correlated with exhaled nitric oxide (r = 0.377, P < .001). In allergic rhinitis, nasal nitric oxide was elevated when compared to the controls, and an inverse correlation existed between the nasal nitric oxide level and sinus ostial obstruction (r = −0.272, P = .013). In nonallergic rhinitis, the level of nasal nitric oxide was similar to that of the controls. In allergic rhinitis, nasal nitric oxide correlated positively with the opacification score (r = 0.250, P = .033) and the nasal eosinophil count (r = 0.293, P = .030) of patients without a marked sinus ostial obstruction.ConclusionsSinus ostial obstruction lowers the level of nasal nitric oxide and reduces its value as an indicator of allergic mucosal inflammation. A high nasal nitric oxide level may be a useful marker of eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal cavity and indicate the absence of marked sinus ostial obstruction.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:E213–E218, 2014
Diallyl sulfide as a potential dietary agent to reduce TNF‐α‐ and histamine‐induced proinflammatory responses in A7r5 cells
Authors: Ho Cheng‐Ying , Weng Chia‐Jui , Jhang Jhih‐Jia , Cheng Yu‐Ting , Huang Shang‐Ming , Yen Gow‐Chin 
Published: January 2014

ScopeOxidative stress‐aggravated chronic inflammatory diseases of the airway are well documented; hence, treatment with antioxidants to ameliorate oxidative stress might be an effective strategy to reduce airway complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of diallyl sulfide (DAS), which is a natural organosulfuric compound found in garlic, on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐ or histamine‐induced inflammation in rat aortic smooth muscle A7r5 cells.Methods and resultsA7r5 cells were coincubated with DAS before exposure to TNF‐α or histamine. DAS significantly blocked the accumulation of the nuclear p65 protein in TNF‐α‐induced A7r5 cells by attenuating the TNF‐α receptor complex through the dissociation of the TNF receptor‐associated death domain and TNF receptor‐associated factor 2. Moreover, DAS inhibited histamine‐induced inflammation by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by enhancing the nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2‐related antioxidative enzyme. DAS also inhibited inflammation by suppressing interleukin‐1β and TNF‐α through the inhibition of ROS‐induced PI3K/Akt and the downstream NF‐κB and activator protein‐1.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that DAS is a potential phytochemical to inhibit TNF‐α‐ and histamine‐induced inflammation, suggesting that DAS might be an effective dietary agent for the prevention of oxidative stress‐induced inflammation of the airway.
The association between fasting hypoglycemia and methylated mercaptopurine metabolites in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Melachuri Samyuktha , Gandrud Laura , Bostrom Bruce 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundSymptomatic fasting hypoglycemia has been reported as an unusual side effect in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on maintenance therapy. We evaluated the relation of the red cell 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) metabolite 6‐methyl‐mercaptopurine (6MMP) with hypoglycemia.ProcedureWe retrospectively reviewed charts of three patients with ALL and symptomatic hypoglycemia while fasting who were noted to have high levels of 6MMP. All patients had an empiric trial of switching from evening to morning 6‐MP administration, and two patients were subsequently switched to twice daily dosing. Patients also received complex carbohydrates at bedtime.ResultsSwitching 6‐MP from evening to morning administration reduced 6MMP levels yet preserved adequate levels of the active metabolite red cell 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6TGN). All patients had decreased hypoglycemic events when changed from evening to morning dosing. Two patients showed a rebound in 6MMP levels with return of hypoglycemic symptoms. Both were then switched to twice daily 6‐MP dosing with one having a decrease in 6MMP and hypoglycemic symptoms.ConclusionsHigh levels of 6MMP are associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia which may be mitigated by switching to morning or twice daily 6‐MP dose administration. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1003–1006. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Motif‐directed redesign of enzyme specificity
Authors: Borgo Benjamin , Havranek James J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractComputational protein design relies on several approximations, including the use of fixed backbones and rotamers, to reduce protein design to a computationally tractable problem. However, allowing backbone and off‐rotamer flexibility leads to more accurate designs and greater conformational diversity. Exhaustive sampling of this additional conformational space is challenging, and often impossible. Here, we report a computational method that utilizes a preselected library of native interactions to direct backbone flexibility to accommodate placement of these functional contacts. Using these native interaction modules, termed motifs, improves the likelihood that the interaction can be realized, provided that suitable backbone perturbations can be identified. Furthermore, it allows a directed search of the conformational space, reducing the sampling needed to find low energy conformations. We implemented the motif‐based design algorithm in Rosetta, and tested the efficacy of this method by redesigning the substrate specificity of methionine aminopeptidase. In summary, native enzymes have evolved to catalyze a wide range of chemical reactions with extraordinary specificity. Computational enzyme design seeks to generate novel chemical activities by altering the target substrates of these existing enzymes. We have implemented a novel approach to redesign the specificity of an enzyme and demonstrated its effectiveness on a model system.
Small‐angle X‐ray scattering of BAMLET at pH 12: A complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid
Authors: Rath Emma M. , Duff Anthony P. , Håkansson Anders P. , Knott Robert B. , Church W. Bret 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTBAMLET (Bovine Alpha‐lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumors) is a member of the family of the HAMLET‐like complexes, a novel class of protein‐based anti‐cancer complexes that incorporate oleic acid and deliver it to cancer cells. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was performed on the complex at pH 12, examining the high pH structure as a function of oleic acid added. The SAXS data for BAMLET species prepared with a range of oleic acid concentrations indicate extended, irregular, partially unfolded protein conformations that vary with the oleic acid concentration. Increases in oleic acid concentration correlate with increasing radius of gyration without an increase in maximum particle dimension, indicating decreasing protein density. The models for the highest oleic acid content BAMLET indicate an unusual coiled elongated structure that contrasts with apo‐α‐lactalbumin at pH 12, which is an elongated globular molecule, suggesting that oleic acid inhibits the folding or collapse of the protein component of BAMLET to the globular form. Circular dichroism of BAMLET and apo‐α‐lactalbumin was performed and the results suggest that α‐lactalbumin and BAMLET unfold in a continuum of increasing degree of unfolded states. Taken together, these results support a model in which BAMLET retains oleic acid by non‐specific association in the core of partially unfolded protein, and represent a new type of lipoprotein structure. Proteins 2014; 82:1400–1408. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Key Predistribution Scheme for Clustered Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks based on Combinatorial Designs
Authors: Javanbakht Masoumeh , Erfani Hossein , Javadi Hamid Haj Seyyed , Daneshjoo Parisa 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTCombinatorial designs are powerful mathematical tools with comprehensive and simple algebraic structures. Recently, many researchers have used combinatorial designs as key predistribution schemes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Previous studies on security of WSNs are mainly concentrated on those networks containing nodes with the same capabilities. Further, investigations reveal that high reliability and lifetime on networks can be achieved through hierarchical heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, where a small number of sensor nodes have more energy, memory, and transmission capability. Inspired by scheme due to Lee and Stinson, we propose a key predistribution scheme for a clustered heterogeneous WSN using transversal designs. This proposed scheme assigns key chains to sensor nodes before deployment and separates key pool of each cluster by adding a pseudo‐random generated number after deployment. The performance evaluation and security analysis show that our proposed scheme can provide better security with significant reductions on communication overhead and storage space than other key management schemes without compromising connectivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.