bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four‐handed, two‐surgeon microsurgery in neurotology
Authors: Arriaga Moisés A. , Scrantz Kelley 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIntroduction:Since the early 1960s, microsurgical removal has been the standard for curative treatment of vestibular schwannomas and neurotologic skull base lesions. The narrow operative corridor with only one surgeon actively operating sometimes interferes with simultaneous application of standard surgical principles such as suction, counter tension, and dissection and makes attempts at “co‐surgery” into “sequential” surgery. Surgical efficiency is often delayed by the need to change surgical instruments and reorient the surgical field.Methods:In this four‐handed technique, the microscope is arranged with binocular microscope heads and the surgeons facing each other at the head of the patient and operating simultaneously.Results:Since 2006, the authors have operated 97 lesions using the four‐handed technique. The distinct visualization advantage of the 180° binocular arrangement over use of a side arm is that both surgeons have the same stereoscopic perspective. Specific ergonomic advantages were identified for rapid debulking in large tumors, simultaneous neurologic mapping for sharp facial nerve dissection, counter traction for tumor dissection, neurologic tissue retraction/protection for safe bipolar cautery, and real‐time intraoperative consultation/collaboration.Conclusions:Specific technical and microscope arrangements are necessary to utilize the four‐handed technique; however, distinct advantages in tissue handling and surgical efficiency are facilitated.
Nasal tip projection and facial attractiveness
Authors: Devcic Zlatko , Rayikanti Benjamin A. , Hevia Jesse P. , Popenko Natalie A. , Karimi Koohyar , Wong Brian J.F. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Six nasal tip projection (NTP) ratios from Goode, Simons, Baum, Powell, and Crumley guide clinical and academic practice on quantifying NTP, but none have been empirically correlated with facial attractiveness. This study's objectives were to determine: 1) if there is a correlation between these ratios and facial attractiveness; and 2) which of the six ratios has the greatest linkage to overall facial attractiveness.Study Design:Basic research study.Methods:There were 300 digital portraits of women (ages 18–25 years) randomly paired and morphed to create 300 synthetic lateral facial images rated by 78 raters in the community. NTP ratios were measured in each portrait.Results:None of the ratios correlated with facial attractiveness. For the Baum, Powell, and Simons ratio, facial attractiveness increased as NTP deviated 1 and 2 standard deviations from the ideal, whereas facial attractiveness decreased as NTP deviated from the Goode and Crumley ideal ratios. The most attractive faces had NTP ratios consistent with previous expert opinion findings.Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically correlate these six landmark NTP ratios with facial attractiveness. Although there was no correlation with any of the six ratios, the ideal ratios proposed by Goode and Crumley impacted facial aesthetics the most. Although the ideal ratios are useful in establishing rhinoplasty guidelines, they should only be used as a part of the management in achieving an aesthetic face on the whole, as they may not be robust enough to correlate with overall facial attractiveness.
Outcomes and adverse events of enlarged tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A. , Lewin Jan S. , Sturgis Erich M. , Risser Jan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Enlargement of the tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) results in aspiration around the voice prosthesis (VP) and may lead to pneumonia. The primary objective was to summarize control of leakage around the VP after conservative management of enlarged TEP.Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Methods:This 5‐year cohort included 194 patients who underwent total laryngectomy (with or without pharyngectomy) and TEP at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Control of leakage around the VP was analyzed at last follow‐up after enlarged TEP. Adverse events were compared in patients with and without enlarged TEP.Results:The incidence of enlarged TEP was 18.6% (36 of 194, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0%‐24.1%). Conservative methods commonly attempted in lieu of complete TEP closure included placement of an enlarged‐flange VP (34 of 36, 94%), temporary VP removal (14 of 36, 39%), and TEP‐site injection (8 of 36, 22%). At last follow‐up, conservative methods controlled leakage around the VP in 81% (29 of 36) of patients. Only two patients required complete TEP closure due to persistent leakage after enlarged TEP. Unresolved leakage was more common in patients with recurrent cancer after laryngectomy (P = .081) and irregular TEP contour (P = .003). Relative to controls without TEP enlargement, patients with enlarged TEP had a three‐fold higher risk of pneumonia (relative risk: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.9–6.2) and aspiration of the prosthesis (relative risk: 3.3, 95% CI: 0.8–14.1).Conclusions:Although the rate of enlarged TEP is relatively low, the complication significantly elevates risk of pneumonia. Prosthetic leakage related to TEP enlargement can often be managed conservatively to avoid complete closure of the TEP.
Olfactory outcomes after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Rotenberg Brian W. , Saunders Samantha , Duggal Neil 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:Olfaction has been demonstrated to have a great impact on patients' lives. Transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary surgery is associated with potentially significant damage to olfactory tissues, but to date this issue has been only poorly documented in the literature.Study Design:Prospective cohort study comparing olfactory outcomes pre‐ and postpituitary surgery.Method:Patients were administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) preoperatively and again at 6 months postoperatively. The endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery was carried out using a full middle turbinate preservation protocol. A Hadad‐Bassagasteguy (HB) vascularized septal flap was raised in each case. Secondary outcomes included Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy scores (LKES) and patient self‐report of olfactory disturbance. The results were analysed using a paired t‐tests.Results:Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Mean preoperative UPSIT value was 37.2 (normosmia), and mean postoperative UPSIT value was 30.8 (moderate hyposmia) (P < .001). All patients were fully healed with normal LKES scores by 6 months. All patients complained of their olfactory dysfunction.Conclusions:This study is the first to describe postoperative olfactory perturbations suffered by patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. We hypothesize that olfactory impairment results from use of the HB flap. We recommend that the possibility of permanent olfactory changes be added to routine patient counseling and consent for this procedure, and that HB flaps be raised judiciously during trannssphenoidal endoscopic procedures.
Extrusion of Nanocellulose‐Reinforced Nanocomposites Using the Dispersed Nano‐Objects Protective Encapsulation (DOPE) Process
Authors: Lemahieu Louis , Bras Julien , Tiquet Pascal , Augier Sylvain , Dufresne Alain 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCross‐linked alginate capsules a few millimeters in diameter have been formed by immersion in a CaCl2 solution. When adding cellulose whiskers or microfibrillated cellulose to the aqueous alginate solution, nanocomposite capsules containing 40 wt.% cellulosic nanoparticles were obtained. The morphology and compression strength of these capsules were investigated by microscopic observations and crushing tests, respectively. The capsules were extruded with a thermoplastic polymer. Visual inspection of the ensuing films shows a nonhomogeneous dispersion of the capsules that kept their integrity after extrusion. It results in preliminary disappointing mechanical properties of the composite films. However, further investigation is in progress to optimize this simple and ecofriendly process. magnified image
Remarkable Change in Fluorescence Emission of Poly(diphenylacetylene) Film via in situ Desilylation Reaction: Correlation with Variations in Microporous Structure, Chain Conformation, and Lamellar Layer Distance
Authors: Lee Wang‐Eun , Han Dong‐Cheul , Han Dong‐Hee , Choi Heung‐Jin , Sakaguchi Toshikazu , Lee Chang‐Lyoul , Kwak Giseop 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFluorescence (FL) emission properties, microporous structures, energy‐minimized chain conformations, and lamellar layer structures of the silicon‐containing poly(diphenylacetylene) derivative of p‐PTMSDPA before and after desilylation were investigated. The nitrogen‐adsorption isotherms of p‐PTMSDPA film before and after desilylation were typical of type I, indicating microporous structures. The BET surface area and pore volume of the p‐PTMSDPA film were significantly reduced after the desilylation reaction, simultaneously, its FL emission intensity remarkably decreased. The theoretical calculation on both model compounds of p‐PTMSDPA and its desilylated polymer, PDPA, showed a remarkable difference in chain conformation: The side phenyl rings of p‐PTMSDPA are discontinuously arranged in a zig‐zag pattern, while the PDPA is continuously coiled in a helical manner. The lamellar layer distance (LLD) in the p‐PTMSDPA film significantly decreased after the desilylation reaction. magnified image
“Click” Synthesis of Fatty Acid Derivatives as Fast‐Degrading Polyanhydride Precursors
Authors: Lluch Cristina , Lligadas Gerard , Ronda Joan C. , Galià Marina , Cadiz Virginia 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFast‐degrading linear and branched polyanhydrides are obtained by melt‐condensation of novel di‐ and tri‐carboxylic acid monomers based on oleic and undecylenic acid synthesized using photoinitiated thiol‐ene click chemistry. 1H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and FT‐IR spectroscopy have been used to fully characterize these polymers. The hydrolytic degradation of these polymers was studied by means of weight loss, anhydride bond loss, and changes in molecular weight, showing fast degrading properties. Drug release studies from the synthesized polyanhydrides have also been conducted, using rhodamine B as a hydrophobic model drug, to evaluate the potential of these polymers in biomedical applications. magnified image
Continuous Production of Functionalized Polymer Particles Employing the Phase Separation in Polymer Blend Films
Authors: Park ChooJin , Hyun Dong Choon , Lim Min‐Cheol , Kim Su‐Jeong , Kim Young‐Rok , Paik Hyun‐Jong , Jeong Unyong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study reports a continuous prepartion of spherical or hemispherical polymer particles simply utilizing the phase separation in polymer blend films during the coating process. We took an advantage of the strong phase separation between a water‐soluble crystalline polymer as a matrix and hydrophobic polymers as minor components. We demonstrated the prepartion of water‐soluble polystyrene (PS) particles, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)‐functionalized PS particles for protein separation, and semiconducting poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) particles. The sizes of the particles could be controlled by adjusting the film thickness and weight fraction of the minor component polymers in the blend film. It provides a simple facile way to prepare polymer particles in a continous process. magnified image
Step‐Growth Radical Addition‐Coupling Polymerization (RACP) for Synthesis of Alternating Copolymers
Authors: Zhang Chengyu , Wang Qi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe report a new type of step‐growth radical addition‐coupling polymerization (RACP) involving consecutive addition of carbon‐centered radical derived from α,α′‐dibromo dibasic ester to NO double bond of C‐nitroso compound followed by cross‐coupling of carbon‐centered radical and in situ formed nitroxyl radical, which produces alternating copolymers with high molecular weight and unimodal molecular weight distribution from saturated and unsaturated monomers. magnified image
Preparation for the end of life in patients with advanced cancer and association with communication with professional caregivers
Authors: Wentlandt Kirsten , Burman Debika , Swami Nadia , Hales Sarah , Rydall Anne , Rodin Gary , Lo Christopher , Zimmermann Camilla 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies regarding patients' end of life (EOL) preparation have focused mainly on practical tasks, such as advance directives. In this study, we investigate the relational and personal aspects of EOL preparation, using a patient‐completed questionnaire, and examine associations with clinician–patient communication (CPC) and other variables.MethodsPatients with advanced cancer but with good performance status were recruited from 24 medical oncology clinics, to participate in a cluster‐randomised controlled trial of early palliative care intervention. Measures included the Quality of Life at the End of Life preparation for EOL subscale, and measures of CPC, functional status, comorbidity, spiritual well‐being and symptom severity. Using chi‐squared tests, t‐tests and multivariate regression analyses, we examined the variables associated with preparation for EOL. We also examined the frequency distributions of individual EOL preparation items and used logistic regression to examine their associations with adequacy of CPC.ResultsIn the 469 patients, characteristics associated with better EOL preparation were better CPC, older age, living alone, less symptom burden and better spiritual well‐being. Thirty‐one per cent agreed that they worried ‘quite a bit’ or ‘completely’ about their family's preparation to cope with the future, and 27% agreed that they would be a burden to their family. All preparation items except regrets about life were associated with adequacy of communication.ConclusionsA substantial minority of patients with advanced cancer but with good performance status are concerned about EOL preparation, particularly in relation to their families. Better CPC may help patients prepare not only practically but also personally and socially in relation to the dying process and the welfare of their families. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding sleep disturbances in African‐American breast cancer survivors: a pilot study
Authors: Taylor Teletia R. , Huntley Edward D. , Makambi Kepher , Sween Jennifer , Adams‐Campbell Lucile L. , Frederick Wayne , Mellman Thomas A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe goals of this study were (i) to report the prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances, as determined by clinically significant insomnia symptoms, in a sample of African‐American breast cancer survivors; (ii) to assess the extent to which intrusive thoughts about breast cancer and fear of recurrence contributes to insomnia symptoms; and (iii) to assess the extent to which insomnia symptoms contribute to fatigue.MethodsAfrican‐American breast cancer survivors completed surveys pertaining to demographics, medical history, insomnia symptoms, and intrusive thoughts about breast cancer, fear of cancer recurrence, and fatigue. Hierarchical regression models were performed to investigate the degree to which intrusive thoughts and concerns of cancer recurrence accounted for the severity of insomnia symptoms and insomnia symptom severity's association with fatigue.ResultsForty‐three percent of the sample was classified as having clinically significant sleep disturbances. The most commonly identified sleep complaints among participants were sleep maintenance, dissatisfaction with sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and early morning awakenings. Intrusive thoughts about breast cancer were a significant predictor of insomnia symptoms accounting for 12% of the variance in insomnia symptom severity. After adjusting for covariates, it was found that insomnia symptom severity was independently associated with fatigue accounting for 8% of variance.ConclusionsA moderate proportion of African‐American breast cancer survivors reported significant problems with sleep. Sleep disturbance was influenced by intrusive thoughts about breast cancer, and fatigue was associated with the severity of participants' insomnia symptoms. This study provides new information about sleep‐related issues in African‐American breast cancer survivors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of pKa in proteins with the microenvironment modulated‐screened coulomb potential
Authors: Shan Jufang , Mehler Ernest L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe MM‐SCP has been applied to predict pKa values of titratable residues in wild type and mutants of staphylococcal nuclease (SNase). The calculations were based on crystal structures made available by the Garcia‐Moreno Laboratory. In the mutants, mostly deeply buried hydrophobic residues were replaced with ionizable residues, and thus their pKa values could be measured and calculated using various methods. The data set used here consisted of a set of WT SNase for which His pKa at several ionic strengths had been measured, a set of mutants for which measured pKa were available and a set of 11 mutants for which the measured pKa were not known at the time of calculation. For this latter set, blind predictions were submitted to the protein pKa cooperative, 2009 workshop at Telluride, where the results of the blind predictions were discussed (the RMSD of the submitted set was 1.10 pH units). The calculations on the structures with known pKa indicated that in addition to weaknesses of the method, structural issues were observed that led to larger errors (>1) in pKa predictions. For example, different crystallographic conditions or steric clashes can lead to differences in the local environment around the titratable residue, which can produce large differences in the calculated pKa. To gain further insight into the reliability of the MM‐SCP, pKa of an extended set of 54 proteins belonging to several structural classes were carried out. Here some initial results from this study are reported to help place the SNase results in the appropriate context. Proteins 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LARGE WOODY DEBRIS IN URBAN STREAM CHANNELS: REDEFINING THE PROBLEM
Authors: Lassettre N. S. , Kondolf G. M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTLarge woody debris (LWD) is an important ecological element in rivers and streams. Despite its importance, LWD is often removed from urban stream channels for flood control or road maintenance purposes, an approach with high economic and ecological costs and one that is largely unsuccessful. We propose an approach to conserve LWD in channels by modifying infrastructure (culverts and bridges) to allow LWD passage, maintaining aquatic habitat and reducing flooding and road maintenance costs. In Soquel Creek (California, USA), which has a history of LWD‐related flooding, we compared long‐term LWD management costs of historical, current and a LWD‐passing approach whereby infrastructure is enlarged to accommodate LWD passage downstream. We estimated costs of infrastructure replacement, programmatic flood control (LWD removal), LWD‐related flood damage and lost aquatic habitat. The amount of lost aquatic habitat was determined by comparing LWD loading (pieces m−1) in Soquel Creek (0.007 pieces m−1) to nearby unmanaged streams (0.054 to 0.106 pieces m−1). Estimated costs of infrastructure able to pass LWD were nearly double that of historical costs but comparable to current costs. The LWD‐passing approach was comparable to removal approaches in the short term (1 to 50 years) but much less in the long term (51 to 100 years), as expenditures in infrastructure replacement to accommodate LWD yielded reductions in flooding costs and habitat loss. Given the urgency to maintain and restore aquatic habitat, the proposed approach may be broadly applicable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Porous 4d–4f Heterometallic Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Physical Properties
Authors: Liu Guang‐Xiang , Li Xin‐Long , Zha Xiao‐Chun , Zhang Chun‐You , Wang Yan , Ren Xiao‐Ming 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA 4d–4f heterometallic coordination polymer, [AgLa(pydc)2]·3H2O (1) (H2pydc = pyridine‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, and further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 features a three‐dimensional (3D) framework containing one‐dimensional (1D) channels occupied by free water molecules, which is constructed from 1D inorganic heterometallic chains and linear pydc linkers. To the best of our knowledge, complex 1 represents a rare example of 3D open‐framework 4d–4f heterometallic coordination polymer. Moreover, after removal of the water molecules from complex 1, the remaining material has high thermal stability and good adsorption behavior towards nitrogen gas.
dl‐Aspartic Acid‐Mediated Hydrothermal Synthesis of β‐ZnS Microspheres and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Li Pinjiang , Pan Chuncai , Zheng Zhi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractZnS hollow microspheres were synthesized by a dl‐aspartic acid mediated hydrothermal route. dl‐aspartic acid plays an important role as crystal growth soft template, which regulates the release of Zn2+ ions for the formation of ZnS hollow spheres. The formation of these hollow spheres was mainly attributed to an Ostwald ripening process. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), electron diffraction (ED), UV/Vis spectroscopy (UV), and photoluminescence (PL). The shells of the microspheres were composed of ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with the average size of 2.31 nm. The average microspheres diameter is 0.5–3.5 μm. The shell thickness of the hollow sphere is ≈︁300 nm. The optical bandgap energy increased significantly compared to the bulk ZnS material due to the strong quantum confinement effect. Two strong emissions at ≈︁425 nm and ≈︁472 nm in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of ZnS hollow microspheres indicate strong quantum confinement because of the presence of QDs.
Geographical Classification of Turkish Virgin Olive Oils from the Aegean Region for Two Harvest Years Based on Their Fatty Acid Profiles
Authors: Dıraman Harun , Saygı Hülya , Hışıl Yaşar 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, the fatty acid compositions of Turkish virgin olive oils produced in the Aegean region, the major olive production zone of Turkey, were classified by chemometric methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA). A total of 268 oil samples were examined over the course of two harvest years (2001–2002 and 2002–2003). The samples were divided into six groups according to the olive growing zones: Edremit Gulf (Ayvalik cultivar), Izmir province (Ayvalık, Memeli, Memecik and Gemlik), Aydın province (Memecik, Manzanilla and Gemlik), Muğla (Memecik), Manisa (Gemlik, Domat, Uslu, Ayvalık), İzmir Peninsula (Erkence cultivar) and Firms (poly‐cultivar or commercial blends). Consistent with discriminant analysis (DA), the predicted grouping in terms of the two harvest years were correctly separated as 74.5 and 74.8%, respectively. The highest levels of predicted grouping for the two harvest years were found in the Edremit Gulf (Ayvalık cultivar), Muğla province (Memecik cultivar) and İzmir peninsula (Erkence cultivar) groups (as 90–100%). In addition to oleic, linoleic, linolenic, margaric, margoleic, total trans isomers of linoleic, oleic/linoleic and palmitic/linoleic were determined to be the best descriptive components for the oil samples.