bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of ecologically relevant hydrological variables influencing a cold‐region river and its delta: the Athabasca River and the Peace–Athabasca Delta, northwestern Canada
Authors: Monk Wendy A. , Peters Daniel L. , Baird Donald J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNatural and anthropogenically driven changes in upstream watershed conditions strongly influence the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological processes within downstream riverine and deltaic ecosystems. The goal of our study was to examine temporal trends and spatial patterns in ecologically relevant hydrological variables within the Athabasca River watershed and the downstream Peace–Athabasca Delta (PAD), located in northwestern Canada. Temporal trends for a suite of indicators of hydrologic alteration, appropriate for cold regions environments, were explored using non‐parametric Mann–Kendall trend analysis. Results in the Lower Athabasca River (LAR) watershed were placed in a watershed‐scale context. Across the two study periods (A – 1958–2009 and B – 1974–2009), results indicated decreasing trends in several key drivers of deltaic system hydrology, including short‐term and long‐term maximum and minimum runoff. In addition, an increasing trend in hydrograph variability was observed within the watershed. A spatially discrete pattern was apparent from the data, with a greater number of significant trends noted within the headwater region as compared with other areas of the watershed. Although earlier dates of annual freeze‐up were observed across the watershed, there were few observable patterns in ice‐on/ice‐off conditions on the river. If these historical trends in freeze‐up continue on the LAR, water levels in the PAD channels and inland wetlands could be affected, leading to reduced habitat diversity and altered ecosystem productivity. The study illustrates significant natural variability in the hydrological regime within the LAR that should be considered in future water management frameworks to ensure the preservation and maintenance of this Ramsar wetland site, particularly in the context of projected climate change and the increased water demands arising from upstream development associated with the Alberta Oil Sands. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benchmarking the thermodynamic analysis of water molecules around a model beta sheet
Authors: Huggins David J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWater molecules play a vital role in biological and engineered systems by controlling intermolecular interactions in the aqueous phase. Inhomogeneous fluid solvation theory provides a method to quantify solvent thermodynamics from molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo simulations and provides an insight into intermolecular interactions. In this study, simulations of TIP4P‐2005 and TIP5P‐Ewald water molecules around a model beta sheet are used to investigate the orientational correlations and predicted thermodynamic properties of water molecules at a protein surface. This allows the method to be benchmarked and provides information about the effect of a protein on the thermodynamics of nearby water molecules. The results show that the enthalpy converges with relatively little sampling, but the entropy and thus the free energy require considerably more sampling to converge. The two water models yield a very similar pattern of hydration sites, and these hydration sites have very similar thermodynamic properties, despite notable differences in their orientational preferences. The results also predict that a protein surface affects the free energy of water molecules to a distance of approximately 4.0 Å, which is in line with previous work. In addition, all hydration sites have a favorable free energy with respect to bulk water, but only when the water–water entropy term is included. A new technique for calculating this term is presented and its use is expected to be very important in accurately calculating solvent thermodynamics for quantitative application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of lymph node metastasis and their influence on outcomes in patients with submandibular gland carcinoma
Authors: Han Myung Woul , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLittle is known about lymph node metastasis and the extent of neck dissection (ND) in patients with submandibular gland (SMG) carcinoma. We therefore evaluated the metastatic topography of neck lymph nodes in patients with SMG carcinoma and the influence of metastases on tumor recurrence and patient survival.MethodsThe pattern of lymph node spread was analyzed in 64 patients with SMG carcinoma treated from January 1994 to January 2009. Disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were calculated, and the clinicopathological factors associated with each were analyzed.ResultsPositive pathological lymph nodes were detected in 31 (48.4%) patients and was found to correlate significantly with histologic grade (P < 0.001) on univariate analysis. Eight patients (19.5%) had occult cervical metastases. The 5‐year DFS, OS, and DMFS rates were 46.8, 56.2, and 58.5%, respectively, and 23 patients (35.9%) experienced systemic failure. Multivariate analyses revealed that T‐classification (P = 0.043) and N‐classification (P = 0.006) were significantly independent predictors of DFS, whereas only N‐classification (P = 0.049) was significantly associated with DMFS.ConclusionsElective ND should be recommended for preoperatively suspected high‐grade malignancy in SMG carcinoma. Patients with nodal metastasis should receive more effective therapy to hinder recurrence and distant metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:475–480. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of prognostic factors after primary tumor resection in metastatic colon cancer patients: A Veteran's Affairs Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) analysis, 1995–2008
Authors: Gonsalves Wilson I. , Wolpert Joseph , Tashi Tsewang , Ganti Apar K , Subbiah Shanmuga , Ternent Charles , Silberstein Peter T. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundResection of the primary tumor in metastatic colon cancer may occur for palliation of bleeding or obstruction despite distant metastases. This study evaluates clinicopathologic features that serve as prognostic markers in those patients with stage IV colon cancer who undergo resection of their primary tumor.MethodsRetrospective analysis of stage IV colon cancer patients who underwent surgical resection of the primary tumor from 1995 to 2008 was done via the Veteran's Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Age, Charlson co‐morbidity index score, extent of metastases, sex, number of lymph nodes examined, lymph node ratio (LNR), type of surgery, use of adjuvant chemotherapy, primary tumor site, and grade were studied with respect to overall survival by using log‐rank and Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsThere were 2,625 patients with stage IV colon cancer who had primary tumor resection. Age at diagnosis, Charlson co‐morbidity index score, lymph node ratio, and use of chemotherapy were found to be independent predictors of survival by multivariate analysis.ConclusionClinicopathologic factors such as LNR, use of chemotherapy, age, co‐morbidities, site of primary colon tumor, and number of sites of metastasis are all independent predictors of overall survival in patients who undergo primary colon tumor resection in the metastatic setting. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:486–490. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Results of surgical resection in pelvic Ewing's sarcoma
Authors: Puri Ajay , Gulia Ashish , Jambhekar N.A. , Laskar S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the results of patients with non‐metastatic Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis treated with surgical resection as part of their multimodality treatmentMethodsTwenty‐six patients treated between September 2000 and September 2009 were evaluated. Thirteen resections included the acetabulum and 13 did not. Thirteen resections excluding the acetabulum had no reconstruction. Arthrodesis was done in two, extracorporeal radiation and reimplantation in two, and pseudarthrosis in nine patients.ResultsThree patients had involved margins. Seventeen patients had good response to chemotherapy and nine were poor responders. Twenty‐one patients were available for follow‐up. The follow‐up ranged from 4 to 129 months (mean 36 months). Thirteen patients are currently alive. There was one local recurrence. On Kaplan–Meier analysis the overall survival was 72% at 5 years. The 3‐year survival in good responders to chemotherapy was 94% compared to 30% in poor responders. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score ranged from 23 to 29, with patients in whom the acetabulum was retained having better function compared to patients in whom acetabulum was resected.ConclusionSurgery provides good local control and oncologic outcomes with acceptable function in these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:417–422. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observations of bromine explosions in smog chamber experiments above a model salt pan
Authors: Buxmann Joelle , Balzer Natalja , Bleicher Sergej , Platt Ulrich , Zetzsch Cornelius 
Published: March 2012

AbstractReactive halogen species (RHS), such as Cl, Br, or BrO, can have significant influence on chemical processes in the troposphere, including the destruction of ozone, change in the chemical balance of OH and HO2, and increased deposition of toxic compounds (like mercury), with potential consequences for the global climate. Previous studies have shown that salt lakes can provide a significant source for gaseous RHS. Environmental conditions, such as salt composition, relative humidity (RH), pH, and temperature (T), might have a strong influence on reactive bromine levels. In our laboratory experiments, NaCl salt containing 0.33% NaBr by weight was exposed to simulated sunlight in a Teflon smog chamber under various conditions of RH and ozone concentrations. BrO levels were observed by a differential optical absorption spectrometer in combination with a multireflection cell (White cell). The concentrations of OH and Cl radicals were quantified by the radical clock method. We present the first direct observation of BrO from the “bromine explosion” (autocatalytic release of reactive bromine from salt surfaces—key to ozone destruction) in the laboratory above a simulated salt pan. The maximum BrO mixing ratio of 6419 ± 71 ppt at 60% RH was observed to be one order of magnitude higher than at 37% RH and 2% RH. The release of RHS from the salt pan is possibly controlled by the thickness of the quasi‐liquid layer, covering the reactive surface of the halide crystals, as the layer thickness strongly depends on RH. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 312–326, 2012
Diagnostic modalities for distant metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Are we changing life expectancy?
Authors: Spector Matthew E. , Chinn Steven B. , Rosko Andrew J. , Worden Francis P. , Ward P. Daniel , Divi Vasu , McLean Scott A. , Moyer Jeffrey S. , Prince Mark E. P. , Wolf Gregory T. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Bradford Carol R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To determine if the various imaging modalities for distant metastasis (DM) diagnosis alters life expectancy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Study Design:Retrospective.Methods:One hundred seventy patients (mean age, 59.1 years; male:female, 135:35) with HNSCC who developed DM were reviewed. The main outcome measures were the method of DM diagnosis and time from DM diagnosis to death while controlling for clinical parameters (age, gender, tobacco status, primary tumor site, initial TNM classification, number and site of DM, administration of palliative chemotherapy).Results:Tumor subsites were: 40 oral cavity, 75 oropharynx, 36 larynx, 10 hypopharynx, one nasopharynx, and eight unknown primary. Of the patients, 16.5% (28/170) had distant metastasis at presentation; the remaining 142 patients were diagnosed with DM at a median of 324 days from diagnosis. Although patients diagnosed with DM by positron‐emission tomography (PET) scan were more likely to have multiple DM sites (P = .0001), there were no differences in life expectancy in patients who were diagnosed with or without PET scan (median, 185 vs. 165 days, P = .833). There were no differences in life expectancy based on age, gender, site of primary tumor, or number/site of DM. The use of palliative chemotherapy resulted in a significantly longer life expectancy (median, 285 vs. 70 days; P = .001).Conclusions:Although a PET scan is more likely to diagnose multiple DM sites, there was no difference in life expectancy based on imaging modality. Patients who are symptomatic from their distant metastasis have a worse life expectancy, and palliative chemotherapy was able to increase life expectancy, even in patients who were symptomatic from the distant metastasis.
Minimally invasive options for salivary calculi
Authors: Witt Robert L. , Iro Heinrich , Koch Michael , McGurk Mark , Nahlieli Oded , Zenk Johannes 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to review the advantages, limitations, and international interdisciplinary expert perspectives and contrasts of salivary gland endoscopy and transoral techniques in the diagnosis and management of salivary gland calculi and their adaptation in North America. The transition from transcervical approaches to strictly sialendoscopic approaches is a broad chasm and often not feasible. Sialendoscopy, sialendoscopy‐assisted, intraoral, and transcervical approaches all have surgical value. Diagnostic sialendoscopy, interventional sialendoscopy, sialendoscopy‐assisted, and transoral techniques have been a major step forward, not only in providing an accurate means of diagnosing and locating intraductal obstructions, but also in permitting minimally invasive surgical treatment that can successfully manage blockages precluding sialoadenectomy in most cases. A flexible methodology is required. Multiple or combined measured may prove effective.
Involvement of physician extenders in ambulatory otolaryngology practice
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Determine the penetration and point‐of‐care patterns for physician extenders in ambulatory otolaryngology practice.Study Design:Cross‐sectional analysis of national database.Methods:The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was examined for 2008 and 2009, extracting all cases of ambulatory visits to an otolaryngology outpatient setting. Visit types were then segregated according to providers seen including physician, advanced practice clinicians (APCs) (nurse practitioner and/or physician assistant) and nurses. Visit types were determined (physician alone, physician with APC, or APC alone) as well as type of patient seen (new vs. established patient). The top 10 diagnoses were compiled according to provider visit type.Results:An estimated 38.6 ± 3.7 million outpatient office otolaryngology visits were studied. An APC was seen in 6.3 ± 2.0% of visits (physician assistant, 4.6 ± 1.9% visits; nurse practitioner, 1.7 ± 0.9% of visits), and a nurse was involved in 25.1 ± 7.6% of visits. Nurse practitioners were more likely see patients independently (47.7%) than were physician assistants (23.3%). APCs were more likely to be involved with established patient visits (7.2 ± 2.3%) rather than new patient visits (4.3 ± 1.8%, P = .08). Disorders of the external and middle ears were the most common diagnoses seen by APCs.Conclusions:Although APCs are expected to expand numbers in otolaryngology, contemporary data indicate that current penetration of APCs into ambulatory otolaryngology care remains relatively limited. These data provide an initial assessment for future modeling of APCs and otolaryngologic care.
Chondroitin Sulfate and Epidermal Growth Factor Immobilization after Plasma Polymerization: A Versatile Anti‐Apoptotic Coating to Promote Healing Around Stent Grafts
Authors: Charbonneau Cindy , Ruiz Juan‐Carlos , Lequoy Pauline , Hébert Marie‐Josée , De Crescenzo Gregory , Wertheimer Michael R. , Lerouge Sophie 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBioactive coatings constitute an interesting approach to enhance healing around implants, such as stent‐grafts used in endovascular aneurysm repair. Three different plasma techniques, namely NH3 plasma functionalization and atmospheric‐ or low‐pressure plasma polymerization, are compared to create amino groups and covalently bind CS and EGF bioactive molecules on PET. The latter presents the greatest potential. CS + EGF coating is shown to strongly decrease cell apoptosis and cell depletion in serum‐free medium, while increasing cell growth compared to unmodified PET. This versatile biomimetic coating holds promise in promoting vascular repair around stent‐grafts, where resistance to apoptosis is a key issue.magnified image
LKB1 mutations and their correlation with LKB1 and Rheb expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Tigli Hatice , Seven Didem , Tunc Murat , Sanli Oner , Basaran Serife , Ulutin Turgut , Buyru Nur 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough there are extensive studies on the genetics of bladder cancer, several questions remain unanswered. One of the pathways which are altered in bladder cancer is the mTOR signaling pathway. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of Rheb gene and genetic alterations in the LKB1 gene which are the key components of mTOR pathway. Nine exons of the LKB1 gene were analyzed by direct sequencing in 51 bladder cancer patients. To investigate the expression of Rheb and LKB1, real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR was performed in bladder tumor and normal bladder tissue samples. We did not observed a statistically significant difference in Rheb or LKB1 expression between the tumor and normal tissue samples. We detected a novel missense mutation creating stop codon in a high percent of the tumor samples. Five different single nucleotide substitutions were also observed in the introns. Our results indicate that LKB1 gene may play a role in the progression of bladder cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automatic off‐resonance correction in spiral imaging with piecewise linear autofocus
Authors: Smith Travis B. , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOff‐resonance generates blurring artifacts in spiral images. Applications that often utilize spiral trajectories, such as fine‐resolution imaging and rapid scanning, typically preclude the measurement of accurate field maps needed for effective off‐resonance correction. Automatic deblurring, or autofocus, algorithms have been developed to estimate the field map directly from the corrupted data prior to off‐resonance correction, eliminating the need for field map measurements. These algorithms rely in whole or in part on optimizing an objective function, and suffer from problems related to the accurate minimization and utility of the function. Here, a new method is presented to correct off‐resonance blurring automatically without an objective function using a piecewise linear framework. Local linear field maps are estimated with a combination of k‐space spectral analysis and mapdrift, an image feature‐based correlation technique, for subsequent piecewise linear deblurring. This approach enables field map estimation without optimization, provides accurate off‐resonance correction, is suitable for low signal‐to‐noise ratio and fine‐resolution applications, and does not require access to the raw data. Deblurred images from fine‐resolution spiral scans of a phantom and healthy volunteers at 3T show that the proposed method can be superior to conventional autofocus and comparable to field map‐based correction. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelin ETB Receptors Are Involved in the Relaxation to the Pig Urinary Bladder neck
Authors: Arteaga José Luis , Orensanz Luis M. , Martínez María Pilar , Barahona María Victoria , Martínez‐Sáenz Ana , Fernandes Vítor S. , Bustamante Salvador , Carballido Joaquín , Benedito Sara , García‐Sacristán Albino , Prieto Dolores , Hernández Medardo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimsThe involvement of endothelin receptors in the contraction of the lower urinary tract smooth muscle is well established. There is scarce information, however, about endothelin receptors mediating relaxation of the bladder outlet region. The current study investigates the possible existence of endothelin ETB receptors involved in the relaxation of pig bladder neck.MethodsETB receptor expression was determined by immunohistochemistry and urothelium‐denuded bladder neck strips were mounted in organ baths for isometric force recording.ResultsETB‐immunoreactivity (ETB‐IR) was observed within nerve fibers among smooth muscle bundles and urothelium. BQ3020 (0.01–300 nM), an ETB receptor agonist, produced concentration‐dependent relaxations which were reduced by BQ788, an ETB receptor antagonist, and by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) and large (BKCa)‐ or small (SKCa)‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels. Pretreatment with BKCa or SKCa channel inhibitors plus PKA blocking did not cause further inhibition compared with that exerted by inhibiting BKCa or SKCa channels only. BQ3020‐induced relaxation was not modified by blockade of either nitric oxide (NO) synthase, guanylyl cyclase, cyclooxygenase (COX) or of intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated‐(IKCa), ATP‐dependent‐(KATP), or voltage‐gated‐(Kv) K+ channels. Under non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic (NANC) conditions, electrical field stimulation (0.5–16 Hz) evoked frequency‐dependent relaxations, which were reduced by BQ788 and potentiated by threshold concentrations of BQ3020.ConclusionsThese results suggest that BQ3020 produces relaxation of the pig bladder neck via activation of muscle endothelin ETB receptors, NO/cGMP‐ and COX‐independent‐, cAMP–PKA pathway‐dependent‐mechanisms, and involving BKCa and SKCa channel activation. ETB receptors are also involved in the NANC inhibitory neurotransmission. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:688–694, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Household income and spiritual well‐being but not body mass index as determinants of poor self‐rated health among African American adolescents
Authors: Powell‐Young Yolanda M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractVery little is known about predictors of subjective health status among African American adolescents. This study was designed to determine whether selected anthropometric, psychological, lifestyle behavioral, and structural variables predicted poor self‐rated general health in a cross‐sectional nonclinical sample of 310 female African American adolescents, 14–18 years old. The odds of reporting poor self‐rated health were 2–3 times greater for African American teens from lower socioeconomic households when compared to teens residing in higher socioeconomic households and for those reporting infrequent participation in activities that promote spiritual well‐being compared to those who participate more frequently in activities that enhance spiritual health. Findings indicate that socioeconomic level and engagement in behaviors that enhance healthy spirituality appear to be the most salient predictors of self‐rated health. In addition to biodiversity considerations that influence perceptions of health status, culturally focused interventions should integrate variables shown to influence self‐rated health among African American teens. These inclusions may inform a more integrated understanding of health, health outcomes, and health disparities in this vulnerable population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:219–230, 2012