bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Septins at the annulus of mammalian sperm
Authors: Toure Aminata , Rode Baptiste , Hunnicutt Gary R. , Escalier Denise , Gacon Gérard 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The annulus is an electron-dense ring structure connecting the midpiece and the principal piece of the mammalian sperm flagellum. Proteins from the septin family have been shown to localize to the annulus. A septin complex is assembled early in spermiogenesis with the cochaperone DNAJB13 and, in mature sperm, associates with Testis Anion Transporter 1; SLC26A8 (Tat1), a transmembrane protein of the SLC26 family. Studies in mice have shown that the annulus acts as a barrier to protein diffusion and controls correct organization of the midpiece. Consistent with these findings, absence of the annulus is associated with flagellum differentiation defects and asthenozoospermia in humans.
Einsatz der Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ionisation-Time of Flight Massenspektrometrie (MALDI-TOF MS) in der mikrobiologischen Routinediagnostik/Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in clinical microbiological routine diagnostics
Authors: Schubert Sören , Wieser Andreas 
Published: July 2011

Zusammenfassung
In der jüngsten Vergangenheit hat ein vollkommen neuartiger Ansatz zur Differenzierung von Bakterien und Pilzen die mikrobiologische Diagnostik erweitert: Die Identifikation von Keimen mittels MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie, die auf der Analyse ribosomaler Proteine beruht, ist bei vergleichbarer Validität der Untersuchungsergebnisse, wesentlich schneller als konventionelle, biochemische Differenzierungsverfahren. Neben der Identifizierung von Bakterienkolonien auf Festnährmedien können Bakterien und Sprosspilze aus positiven Blutkulturen oder direkt aus Urinproben analysiert werden. Derzeitige Weiterentwicklungen umfassen den Nachweis von β-Laktamase- und Carbapenemase-Aktivität der Bakterien sowie deren Genotypisierung unterhalb der Speziesebene.
Cluster Ion Beam Processing: Review of Current and Prospective Applications
Authors: Yamada Isao , Khoury Joseph 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTCluster ion beam processes which employ ions comprised of a few hundred to several thousand atoms are being developed into a new field of ion beam technology. The processes are characterized by low energy surface interaction effects, lateral sputtering phenomena and high-rate chemical reaction effects. This paper reviews the current status of studies of the fundamental cluster ion beam characteristics as they apply to nanoscale processing and present industrial applications. As new prospective applications, techniques are now being developed to employ cluster ions in surface analysis tools such as XPS and SIMS and to modify surfaces of bio-materials. Results related to these new projects will also be reviewed.
Fabrication of Subsurface Metallic Nanoparticles For Enhanced Carrier Generation in Silicon-based Photovoltaics
Authors: Kadakia Nirag , Huang Mengbing , Bakhru Hassaram 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTDue to the low absorption coefficient of silicon in the bulk of the solar spectrum, the majority of silicon-based photovoltaic cells are at least 300 micrometers thick, limiting their economic feasibility. To achieve cost parity with conventional sources of energy, silicon-based photovoltaics have begun to move towards thinner substrates, on the order of a few micrometers; such thinner cells necessitate the use of light-trapping methods to increase the optical path length. Much research has begun investigating the use of trapped electromagnetic waves, or surface plasmons, to increase light scattering and interband carrier transition rates in the surrounding material. In one scheme, plasmonic modes can be supported through polarization of metallic nanoparticles. Past research has focused on the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the surface, and has shown that light absorbance can be increased markedly for certain bandwidths. Here, the relevant mechanism is increased lateral light scattering, which tends to guide the light into directions that are then totally internally reflected. When such metallic nanoparticles are polarized by incoming radiation, in addition to increased light scattering, the electric field in the vicinity of the nanoparticle is highly magnified. Such high fields can increase the carrier transition rates, and therefore the absorbance, in the surrounding silicon by orders of magnitude. The enhancement however decreases rapidly with the radial distance and is virtually diminished by 10 nm from the nanoparticle surface. Deposition on the surface of the solar cell, therefore, cannot exploit this effect, being isolated from the silicon by the passivating layer. It has been suggested that instead, such particles might be embedded into the silicon itself. To that end, we have developed a method to create subsurface silver nanospheres, using a combination of ion implantation, thermal deposition, and subsequent thermal annealing. By tailoring the implantation parameters, we can localize the layer of nanospheres and even create various bands at various depths. Through Rutherford backscattering and secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization, we have found that the Ag has indeed annealed into the desired location. To ensure that the Ag has agglomerated to nanoparticles, we have confirmed this with TEM images and selected area diffraction patterns that indicate that such nanoparticles are indeed bulk phase silver and have diameters of 20-35 nanometers. This method can help realize more efficient surface plasmon-enhanced Si-based photovoltaics.
Solid phase epitaxy of Germanium on Silicon substrates
Authors: Lieten R.R. , Ma Q.-B. , Guzman J. , Ager J.W. , Haller E.E. , Locquet J.-P. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTWe demonstrate the possibilities of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and solid phase epitaxy to obtain germanium on silicon with excellent crystalline properties, even for very thin layers (< 100 nm). Amorphous germanium layers are deposited by PECVD on silicon substrates. Deposition of an amorphous layer, without the presence of crystalline seeds, is critical. Crystalline inclusions must be avoided to obtain high crystal quality and a smooth surface after crystallization. PECVD is well suited for deposition of amorphous layers because low temperature deposition and high growth rates are possible. Additional experiments with molecular beam epitaxy show that it is not mandatory to have hydrogen present inside the germanium layer to obtain highly crystalline germanium. Atomic hydrogen plays, however, an important role during deposition by lowering the surface adatom mobility and consequently increasing the disorder of the deposited layer. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction shows no germanium diffraction, indicating that the layer does not contain crystalline seeds. Crystallization can be performed at limited temperatures: Raman measurements show crystallization between 400 and 425 °C. Another important advantage of the proposed method is the scalability: germanium layers of larger diameter can be obtained by simply using larger silicon substrates.
Erroneous or Arrhenius—Potential Impact of Oven Temperature Variations on Laboratory Aging of Tires
Authors: Altman R. , Beutler E. , Kohler J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
During the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F09.30 Tire Aging Task Group’s development of a test standard for the accelerated oven aging of tires, seemingly erroneous results were obtained from a single test method being conducted by multiple facilities. Ultimately, these differences were associated with variations in oven temperature among the sites involved. The Arrhenius Law provides a means of understanding the potential impact of oven temperature variation on thermal oxidative aging of tires and is used to draw inferences with respect to both laboratory oven aging and local ambient temperatures. Limitations of applying the Arrhenius equation, possible actions to compensate for oven-to-oven and within-an-oven temperature variation, and suggestions for potential validating experiments are also discussed.
What is the Role of Partial Middle Turbinectomy in Endocanalicular Laser-assisted Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy?
Authors: Basmak Hikmet , Cakli Hamdi , Sahin Afsun , Gursoy Huseyin , Ozer Ahmet , Colak Ertugrul 
Published: July 2011

Background This study was designed to compare outcomes of endocanalicular laser-assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without partial anterior middle turbinectomy. Methods A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted on 91 subjects with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, undergoing endocanalicular (ECL) procedures. Group 1 was composed of 44 (7 bilateral) patients undergoing ECL diode laser-assisted endonasal DCR without partial anterior middle turbinectomy and group 2 was composed of 47 (7 bilateral) patients undergoing partial anterior middle turbinectomy and ECL diode laser-assisted endonasal DCR. Follow-up period was 11.0 (6.0–14.5 months) months for group 1 and 9.2 (5.0–14.2 months) months for group 2. Functional success was defined as absence of epiphora and anatomic success was defined as ability to irrigate the lacrimal system. Anatomic and functional success at the 1st week, 3rd month, and final postoperative examinations of two groups were compared using chi-square tests. Results Final anatomic successes were 39/51 (76%) cases for group 1 and 51/54 (94%) cases for group 2. Final functional successes were 36/51 (%71) patients in group 1 and 48/54 (88%) patients in group 2. Group 2 had higher success at the final examination and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion We recommend partial anterior middle turbinectomy in all laser ECL laser-assisted endonasal DCR, but further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to strengthen our hypothesis.
Epidemiology of Allergic Rhinitis Caused by Grass Pollen or House-dust Mites in Spain
Authors: Valero Antonio , Justicia José L. , Antón Encarna , Dordal Teresa , Fernández-Parra Beatriz , Lluch Magdalena , Montoro Javier , Navarro Ana M. 
Published: July 2011

Background Although the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing, relatively little is known about patient characteristics in Spain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical profile and therapeutic strategies in patients attending Spanish specialists for AR caused by grass pollen or house-dust mites (HDMs. Methods This was a multicenter cross-sectional epidemiological study of consecutive patients aged ≥5 years with confirmed diagnosis of AR caused by grass pollen or HDMs attending allergy specialists throughout Spain. Demographic and clinical data and information on treatment were collected. Results Data from 1043 patients were analyzed (524 with grass pollen allergy and 519 with HDM allergy; mean age, 27.1 years). Three-quarters had persistent AR as per the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) definition, with disease duration of >2 years in 94.3% of those with pollen allergy and 85.5% of those with HDM allergy. Approximately 38% had concurrent asthma. Over one-half of the patients were considered to have gotten worse since the first onset of symptoms. In total, 51.5% did not achieve good disease control with pharmacotherapy and 47.7% were treated with immunotherapy (52.2% of HDM allergic patients and 43.2% of grass pollen-allergic patients. Conclusion The duration of AR in patients attended for the first time by specialists is long and, in general, the disease does not improve over time and is often not well controlled with pharmacologic interventions. Less than one-half of patients receive allergen-specific immunotherapy that is more often prescribed in HDM allergy.
Comparison of the Effect of Corticosteroid Therapy and Decongestant on Reducing Rhinoplasty Edema
Authors: Saedi Babak , Sadeghi Mohammad , Fekri Khaveh 
Published: July 2011

Background Comparison of the two methods of decongestant and three doses of dexamethasone on reducing edema and ecchymosis after septorhinoplasty. Methods Seventy-four patients who were candidates for rhinoplasty were randomly divided into three groups. Group A received 8 mg of i.v. dexamethasone preoperatively and again after 24 and 48 hours after surgery, group B received three pseudoephedrine tablets (60 mg) per day for 1 week, and group C received three pseudoephedrine tablets (60 mg) per day for 2 weeks. Finally, their effects on the eye, tip and dorsal edema, and ecchymosis were evaluated. Results Our findings showed that both decongestant and corticosteroid had significant short-term effects on edema and ecchymosis, but only continuation of pseudoephedrine could reduce the evaluated variables after 1 week. Conclusion Pseudoephedrine can be effective for reducing eyelid edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. Also, administration of three doses of dexamethasone in the postoperative care of nasal plastic surgery harmlessly diminished postsurgical edema.
Dog Allergen Levels in Homes with Hypoallergenic Compared with Nonhypoallergenic Dogs
Authors: Nicholas Charlotte E. , Wegienka Ganesa R. , Havstad Suzanne L. , Zoratti Edward M. , Ownby Dennis R. , Johnson Christine Cole 
Published: July 2011

Background Despite the public interest in hypoallergenic dogs, few scientific, including epidemiological studies have attempted to evaluate claims of hypoallergenicity. This study was designed to determine whether dog breeds reported as hypoallergenic correspond to lower dog allergen in the home versus nonhypoallergenic dogs. Methods A web search was conducted to identify breeds cited as hypoallergenic. Four separate classification schemes using combinations of purebred and mixed breed dogs were used to compare the levels of Canis familiaris 1 in dust samples collected from homes with hypoallergenic versus nonhypoallergenic dogs from an established birth cohort. Results No classification scheme showed that the level of dog allergen in homes with hypoallergenic dogs differed from other homes. Conclusion Dog-allergic individuals should have access to scientifically valid information on the level of allergen shedding of different breeds of dogs.
The Candy Smell Test in Clinical Routine
Authors: Haxel Boris R. , Bertz-Duffy Shannon , Faldum Andreas , Trellakis Sokrates , Stein Bernhard , Renner Bertold , Kobal Gerd , Letzel Stephan , Mann Wolf J. , Muttray Axel 
Published: July 2011

Background The “Candy Smell Test” (CST) has been introduced as a new testing method for the evaluation of the human sense of smell. In contrast to other established orthonasal smell tests, the CST addresses the retronasal application of odors, typical for food aroma effects during mastication and swallowing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CST in a clinical setting in patients with olfactory dysfunction and normal controls against the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Furthermore, cutoff points for normal and pathological results in the CST should be determined. Methods The olfactory performance of 96 patients presenting with olfactory disorders and 71 healthy controls was evaluated with the CST—comprised of 23 different aromatized smell candies and the extended Sniffin’ Sticks test (threshold, discrimination, and identification). The control group was gender matched but included also younger persons. Results The tested subjects could easily understand the procedures and were motivated to participate. The CST correlated well with the Sniffin’ Sticks for all tested subjects and for patients (n = 96) and controls (n = 71). The proposed cutoff value to differentiate normosmia from hyposmia in the CST was a score of <16 (i.e., 16 correctly identified odors) of 23. A score below 13 in the CST was the cutoff value for anosmia. Conclusion The CST is an easy-to-handle reliable tool to investigate retronasal olfaction suited for clinical determination of normosmia, hyposmia, and ansomia. In addition, it can be used for investigation where self-application is necessary such as in large survey studies.
Association between Severity of Asthma and Degree of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lin David C. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Tan Bruce K. , Zirkle Whitney , Conley David B. , Grammer Leslie C. , Kern Robert C. , Schleimer Robert P. , Peters Anju T. 
Published: July 2011

Background There is a clinical association between asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study was designed to determine whether severity of coexistent asthma affects the clinical presentation of CRS. Methods Cross-sectional analysis was performed of prospectively collected data in 187 patients with CRS who were evaluated in a large, tertiary academic nasal and sinus center. Patients were stratified into three groups based on asthma status using National Institutes of Health criteria: (1) nonasthmatic, (2) intermittent/mild asthma, (3) or moderate/severe asthma. Results Mean Lund-Mackay scores were 9.7, 11.6, and 15.6, respectively. ANOVA testing with post-hoc Tukey analysis revealed that Lund-MacKay scores were significantly greater in group 3 than either group 1 (p < 0.05) or group 2 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of allergic sensitization was 72.4, 82.8, and 100% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.03). The prevalence of nasal polyposis was 31.4% in group 1, 48.3% in group 2, and 94.4% in group 3 (p < 0.0001). No differences were observed regarding demographic factors or the incidence of the triad of aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyposis among those with different severities of asthma. Conclusion Increasing severity of asthma is associated with advancing radiological severity of CRS and a greater prevalence of allergic sensitization and nasal polyposis. This large adult series shows that asthma severity may have a significant correlation with the presentation of CRS. This study adds to the growing support for the unified airway theory.
The Natural History of Epistaxis in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in the Norwegian population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dheyauldeen Sinan , Abdelnoor Michael , Bachmann-Harildstad Gregor 
Published: July 2011

Background Epistaxis is usually the first and most common symptom in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), which is known also as Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome. The severity of HHT-associated epistaxis is highly variable and can affect the patient's quality of life. In the literature, the natural history of epistaxis in HHT patients has been described in a few countries but not from the Norwegian population. Objective This work focused on the natural history of epistaxis in the Norwegian population in a cross-sectional study. Material and Methods Ninety-eight patients with three or four Curaçao criteria were included. The severity of epistaxis was graded depending on epistaxis intensity, frequency, and the amount of blood transfusion during a period of 4 weeks. The epistaxis grades were studied in association with age, gender, gene mutation, age of onset, and whether the patient had or had not been treated for epistaxis during the last 2 years. Results Most of the HHT patients (90%) complained of mild-to-moderate epistaxis. Seventy-seven percent of the patients started epistaxis by or before the age of 20 years. The progression of HHT-associated epistaxis with age could not be proved statistically in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in the grades of epistaxis between HHT1 and HHT2 type, neither between female and male patients. Most of the patients started epistaxis by or before the age of 20 years. There was a significant difference in the grade of epistaxis between non-ENG, non-ALK1 carrier patients, and ENG or ALK1 carrier patients. Conclusion Compared with other populations, the grading of epistaxis in Norwegian patients with HHT gave generally similar results. A multicenter epidemiological study is required to get a larger study population. A common internationally accepted grading or classification system for epistaxis in HHT is highly recommended.
Effects of Methotrexate on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Angiopoietin 1, and Angiopoietin 2 in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Park Seong Kook , Kim Hyeong In , Yang Young Il , Hur Dae Young 
Published: July 2011

Background Methotrexate (MTX) is a very effective treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, which are often associated with increased angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is dependent on a perfectly coordinated balance between endogenous-positive and -negative regulatory factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the angiopoietins (Ang). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MTX on levels of VEGF, Ang-1, and Ang-2 in organ-cultured nasal polyps (NPs. Methods To determine the effects of MTX, NP tissues were cultured using an air-liquid interface method. Cultures were maintained in the absence or presence of MTX (10 or 100 micromoles) for 24 hours. Hematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase [Tdt]-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling) staining were performed to observe apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify tissue concentrations of VEGF, Ang-1, and Ang-2. Results MTX treatment resulted in marked alterations in inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils. In contrast, the mucosal epithelium, microvessels including arterioles, veins and capillaries, and fibroblasts maintained their structure. TUNEL+ cells (apoptotic cells) were seen in the MTX-treated specimens. The more induction of TUNEL+ cells was observed 100-micromolar MTX-treated specimens. VEGF and Ang-1 levels were significantly lower, and Ang-2 levels were significantly higher in NPs treated with 100-micromolar MTX than in nontreated NPs (p < 0.01. Conclusion MTX may inhibit the growth of NPs via local regulation of VEGF, Ang-1, and Ang-2 protein levels. We suggest that MTX can be used to treat NPs.
Microporous Polysaccharide Hemospheres do not Increase Synechiae after Sinus Surgery: Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Antisdel Jastin L. , Matijasec Jackie L. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Sindwani Raj 
Published: July 2011

Background Many surgeons use absorbable packing materials after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Despite their popularity, some of these agents have been shown to contribute to synechiae formation. Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) is a plant-based hemostatic powder that does not interfere with regenerating sinus mucosa in the animal model. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of MPH on healing and synechiae formation after ESS in human subjects. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study was performed. Forty consenting adult patients with chronic sinusitis requiring symmetric ESS were randomized to receive MPH unilaterally at the conclusion of surgery. The opposite side was untreated. Standard postoperative care was performed bilaterally. Outcomes measured included blinded observer ratings for synechiae formation, edema, and infection. Each side was examined endoscopically and scored at postoperative days 7, 14, and 30. Results Twenty men and 20 women with an average age of 48.2 years were included. There were no complications and all patients were discharged home the same day. There was no significant difference in synechiae formation at any point postoperatively. The rate of synechiae formation was determined to be 10% (4/40) on the MPH-treated side versus 7.5% (3/40) on the untreated side (p = 0.7639). In addition, there were no significant differences observed in edema (p = 0.7480) or infection (p = 0.5533). Conclusion The use of MPH after sinus surgery does not increase synechiae formation and does not appear to deleteriously affect the healing of postoperative sinus cavities.