bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voice and swallowing after partial laryngectomy: Factors influencing outcome
Authors: Alicandri–Ciufelli Matteo , Piccinini Alessia , Grammatica Alberto , Chiesi Andrea , Bergamini Giuseppe , Luppi Maria Pia , Nizzoli Federica , Ghidini Angelo , Tassi Sauro , Presutti Livio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing swallowing and phonatory results after partial laryngectomy.MethodsWe carried out a medical chart review of patients who underwent partial laryngectomies between June 2003 and November 2010, focusing on functional outcomes.ResultsThirty‐two patients were enrolled. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of phonatory outcomes of patients with preservation of both arytenoids; the results of the Yanagihara classification were significantly different (p = .015) in patients with an atypical neoglottis; radiotherapy statistically significantly influenced only the mean fundamental frequency (p = .035). The type of partial laryngectomy does not seem to affect the deglutition results; radiotherapy statistically significantly affected the dysphagia score (DS; p = .03), penetration aspiration (p = .02), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI; p = .02).ConclusionHorizontal supraglottic laryngectomy and supracricoid partial laryngectomy give the same swallowing results. The presence of both arytenoids does not influence the final outcome compared to patients in whom only 1 arytenoid is preserved. Postoperative radiotherapy only influences the swallowing function. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx. A series of 4 cases reported and a review of the literature
Authors: Angouridakis Nikolaos , Goudakos John , Karayannopoulou Georgia , Triaridis Stefanos , Nikolaou Angelos , Markou Konstantinos 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundNeuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms arising from neural and epithelial origin.Methods and ResultsThe case records of 4 patients with the diagnosis of neuroendocrine laryngeal tumor were retrospectively reviewed. In this analysis of our medical records, we describe a series of 4 men with neuroendocrine laryngeal tumors treated in our department since 1994, including the first extremely aggressive and lethal laryngeal paraganglioma reported in the English‐language literature. We also discuss the classification, the macro and microscopical characteristics, clinical and pathologic findings, and treatment of these neoplasms.ConclusionAlthough neuroendocrine laryngeal tumors account for approximately 1% of all neoplasms in the larynx, its majority represents very aggressive tumors showing a capacity for metastasis and portending poor outcome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
In vivo measurements of diffuse reflectance and time‐resolved autofluorescence emission spectra of basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Thompson Alex J. , Coda Sergio , Sørensen Mikkel Brydegaard , Kennedy Gordon , Patalay Rakesh , Waitong‐Brämming Ulrika , De Beule Pieter A. A. , Neil Mark A. A. , Andersson‐Engels Stefan , Bendsøe Niels , French Paul M. W. , Svanberg Katarina , Dunsby Chris 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe present a clinical investigation of diffuse reflectance and time‐resolved autofluorescence spectra of skin cancer with an emphasis on basal cell carcinoma. A total of 25 patients were measured using a compact steady‐state diffuse reflectance/fluorescence spectrometer and a fibre‐optic‐coupled multispectral time‐resolved spectrofluorometer. Measurements were performed in vivo prior to surgical excision of the investigated region. Singular value decomposition was used to reduce the dimensionality of steady state diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectra. Linear discriminant analysis was then applied to the measurements of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and used to predict the tissue disease state with a leave‐one‐out methodology. This approach was able to correctly diagnose 87% of the BCCs. With 445 nm excitation a decrease in the spectrally averaged fluorescence lifetime was observed between normal tissue and BCC lesions with a mean value of 886 ps. Furthermore, the fluorescence lifetime for BCCs was lower than that of the surrounding healthy tissue in all cases and statistical analysis of the data revealed that this decrease was significant (p = 0.002). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Production and characterization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) co‐polymer by a N2‐fixing cyanobacterium, Nostoc muscorum Agardh
Authors: Bhati Ranjana , Mallick Nirupama 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB‐co‐3HV)] co‐polymer has immense potential in the field of environmental and biomedical sciences as biodegradable and biocompatible material. The present study examines a filamentous N2‐fixing cyanobacterium, Nostoc muscorum Agardh as a potent feedstock for P(3HB‐co‐3HV) co‐polymer production and characterization of co‐polymer film for commercial applications.RESULTS: Under photoautotrophic growth conditions, N. muscorum Agardh accumulated the homopolymer of poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), whereas synthesis of P(3HB‐co‐3HV) co‐polymer was detected under propionate‐ and valerate‐supplemented conditions. Exogenous carbons such as acetate, fructose and glucose supplementation with propionate/valerate was found highly stimulatory for the co‐polymer accumulation; the content reached 58–60% of dry cell weight (dcw) under P‐/N‐deficiencies with 0.4% acetate + 0.4% valerate supplementation, the highest value reported so far for P(3HB‐co‐3HV) co‐polymer‐producing cyanobacterial species. The material properties of the films were studied by mechanical tests, surface analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).CONCLUSION: N. muscorum Agardh, a photoautotrophic N2‐fixing cyanobacterium, emerged as a potent host for production of P(3HB‐co‐3HV) co‐polymer with polymer content 60% of dry cell weight. The material properties of the films were found to be comparable with that of the commercial polymer, thus advocating its potential applications in various fields. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of municipal and olive mill wastewater co‐treatment in activated sludge–powdered activated carbon (AS‐PAC) systems
Authors: Nesseris George K. , Stasinakis Athanasios S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the co‐treatment of olive‐mill wastewater (OMW) and municipal wastewater in activated sludge systems operating in the absence and presence of different adsorbent materials and to study the role of sorption and biodegradation in total phenols removal.RESULTS: Batch experiments were initially conducted to investigate total phenols' adsorption capacity on activated sludge (AS), olive pomace (OP) and powdered activated carbon (PAC). According to the results, PAC presented the best adsorption capacity. Three sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were also operated, treating municipal wastewater and different amounts of OMW. The first SBR contained AS (AS‐System), the second AS and OP (AS‐OP System) and the third AS and PAC (AS‐PAC System). All SBRs operated sufficiently in the presence of 1% v/v OMW, achieving mean COD and total phenols removal efficiency higher than 86% and 85%, respectively, and satisfactory settling capacity. Increase of OMW concentration to 5% v/v affected the performance of SBRs, resulting in mean COD removal efficiencies that ranged between 61% (AS‐OP System) and 80% (AS‐PAC System).CONCLUSION: Among the SBRs used, the AS‐PAC System operated with highest performance in the presence of 1 and 2.5% v/v OMW, and showed better stability in the presence of 5% v/v OMW. Calculation of total phenols mass flux revealed that biodegradation was the principal mechanism of their removal. The highest values of mean biotransformation rates were calculated for the AS‐PAC System and ranged between 2.0 and 40.6 d−1 for different experimental phases. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Variation in the Thermal Parameters of Odontophrynus occidentalis in the Monte Desert, Argentina: Response to the Environmental Constraints
Authors: SANABRIA EDUARDO ALFREDO , QUIROGA LORENA BEATRIZ , MARTINO ADOLFO LUDOVICO 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe studied the variation of thermal parameters of Odontophrynus occidentalis between season (wet and dry) in the Monte desert (Argentina). We measured body temperatures, microhabitat temperatures, and operative temperatures; while in the laboratory, we measured the selected body temperatures. Our results show a change in the thermal parameters of O. occidentalis that is related to environmental constraints of their thermal niche. Environmental thermal constraints are present in both seasons (dry and wet), showing variations in thermal parameters studied. Apparently imposed environmental restrictions, the toads in nature always show body temperatures below the set point. Acclimatization is an advantage for toads because it allows them to bring more frequent body temperatures to the set point. The selected body temperature has seasonal intraindividual variability. These variations can be due to thermo‐sensitivity of toads and life histories of individuals that limits their allocation and acquisition of resources. Possibly the range of variation found in selected body temperature is a consequence of the thermal environmental variation along the year. These variations of thermal parameters are commonly found in deserts and thermal bodies of nocturnal ectotherms. The plasticity of selected body temperature allows O. occidentales to have longer periods of activity for foraging and reproduction, while maintaining reasonable high performance at different temperatures. The plasticity in seasonal variation of the thermal parameters has been poorly studied, and is greatly advantageous to desert species during changes in both seasonal and daily temperature, as these environments are known for their high environmental variability. J. Exp. Zool. 317:185–193, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporation of pulse flours of different particle size in relation to pita bread quality
Authors: Borsuk Yulia , Arntfield Susan , Lukow Odean M , Swallow Kevin , Malcolmson Linda 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: To increase pulse consumption, pita bread was fortified with pulse flours milled from green lentils, navy beans and pinto beans, which were ground to produce fine and coarse flours. Pita breads were prepared using composite flours containing pulse flours (25, 50, 75%) and wheat flour or 100% pulse flours and adjusting the amount of water required for mixing based on farinograph water absorption. Pita bread quality was evaluated according to diameter, pocket height, specific loaf volume, texture and crust colour.RESULTS: Blends made from pulse flours with coarse particle size showed higher rates of water absorption. All composite flours and 100% pulse flours produced pitas with pockets, confirming their suitability for this product. Crust colour of pitas was affected less by navy bean flour than by lentil flour. Pita breads made with pinto bean flour were superior in texture. Overall, navy and pinto bean flours appeared more suitable for pita bread. Flours with coarse particle sizes produced pitas with better colour and texture. Sensory parameters of pitas containing 25% coarse pinto or navy bean flour were as good as or better than those from the wheat control.CONCLUSION: Acceptable pita breads can be made using pulse flours, although the substitution level is limited to 25%. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Successful adult willow grouse are exposed to increased harvest risk
Authors: Asmyhr Lasse , Willebrand Tomas , Hörnell‐Willebrand Maria 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAge and sex ratios in bag records are frequently used as indices of population composition for harvested populations. However, vulnerability to harvest may differ by age and sex thereby producing bias in population estimates. We assessed whether age and sex affected vulnerability to harvest for willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) where adult density and brood size were known in the harvested populations. We collected bag records during 2 days of controlled hunting in 4 areas in 2 years (2007 and 2008) in Jämtland county, Sweden. We found that vulnerability to harvest was different for chicks and adults, but not between male and female adults. Hunters encountered broods at a higher rate than single birds compared to personnel conducting pre‐harvest counts along line transects. Furthermore, the probability of shooting a grouse was higher in encounters of broods than individual grouse. Proportionally, we calculated about a 50% probability of a hunter shooting either a chick or an adult independent of encountering a single bird or broods of 2–10 grouse. Increasing adult density also increased the vulnerability to harvest for adults relative to chicks, independent of the chick to adult ratio in the pre‐harvest population. The different vulnerability of adults and chicks to harvest observed in this study will dampen variation in age classes in bag records compared to the population, and we caution against extrapolation of age ratios in bag records to harvested populations. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Efficacy of firearms for bear deterrence in Alaska
Authors: Smith Tom S. , Herrero Stephen , Layton Cali Strong , Larsen Randy T. , Johnson Kathryn R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe compiled, summarized, and reviewed 269 incidents of bear–human conflict involving firearms that occurred in Alaska during 1883–2009. Encounters involving brown bears (Ursus arctos; 218 incidents, 81%), black bears (Ursus americanus; 30 incidents, 11%), polar bears (Ursus maritimus; 6 incidents, 2%), and 15 (6%) unidentified species provided insight into firearms success and failure. A total of 444 people and at least 367 bears were involved in these incidents. We found no significant difference in success rates (i.e., success being when the bear was stopped in its aggressive behavior) associated with long guns (76%) and handguns (84%). Moreover, firearm bearers suffered the same injury rates in close encounters with bears whether they used their firearms or not. Bears were killed in 61% (n = 162) of bear–firearms incidents. Additionally, we identified multiple reasons for firearms failing to stop an aggressive bear. Using logistic regression, the best model for predicting a successful outcome for firearm users included species and cohort of bear, human activity at time of encounter, whether or not the bear charged, and if fish or game meat was present. Firearm variables (e.g., type of gun, number of shots) were not useful in predicting outcomes in bear–firearms incidents. Although firearms have failed to protect some users, they are the only deterrent that can lethally stop an aggressive bear. Where firearms have failed to protect people, we identified contributing causes. Our findings suggest that only those proficient in firearms use should rely on them for protection in bear country. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Proton‐Conducting Poly(phenylene oxide)–Poly(vinyl benzyl phosphonic acid) Block Copolymers via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Kumar Avneesh , Pisula Wojciech , Markova Dilyana , Klapper Markus , Müllen Klaus 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBlock copolymers containing poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(vinyl benzyl phosphonic acid) segments are synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Monofunctional PPO blocks are converted into ATRP active macroinitiators, which are then used to polymerize a diethyl p‐vinylbenzyl phosphonate monomer in order to obtain phosphonated block copolymers bearing pendent phosphonic ester groups. Poly(phenylene oxide‐b‐vinyl benzyl phosphonic ester) block copolymers are hydrolyzed to corresponding acid derivatives to investigate their proton conductivity. The effect of the relative humidity (RH) is investigated. The proton conductivity at 50% RH and one bar of vapor pressure approaches 0.01 S cm−1.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly Behavior of Organic–Inorganic Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐Poly(MA POSS)‐block‐Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Zheng Yaochen , Wang Lei , Yu Rentong , Zheng Sixun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this work, the synthesis of 3‐methacryloxypropylheptaphenyl POSS, a new POSS macromer (denoted MA‐POSS) is reported. The POSS macromer is used to synthesize PEO‐b‐P(MA‐POSS)‐b‐PNIPAAm triblock copolymers via sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The organic‐inorganic, amphiphilic and thermoresponsive ABC triblock copolymers are characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that the hybrid ABC triblock copolymers are microphase‐separated in bulk. Cloud point measurements show that the effect of the hydrophiphilic block (i.e. PEO) on the LCSTs is more pronounced than the hydrophobic block (i.e. P(MA‐POSS)). Both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) show that all the triblock copolymers can be self‐organized into micellar aggregates in aqueous solutions. The sizes of the micellar aggregates can be modulated by changing the temperature. The temperature‐tunable self‐assembly behavior is interpreted using a combination of the highly hydrophobicity of P(MA‐POSS), the water‐solubility of PEO and the thermoresponsive property of PNIPAAm in the triblock copolymers.
A new model of experimental fibrosis in hindlimb skeletal muscle of adult mdx mouse mimicking muscular dystrophy
Authors: Desguerre Isabelle , Arnold Ludovic , Vignaud Alban , Cuvellier Sylvain , Yacoub‐youssef Houda , Gherardi Romain K. , Chelly Jamel , Chretien Fabrice , Mounier RÉmi , Ferry Arnaud , Chazaud BÉnÉdicte 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the lack of dystrophin that leads to severe myofiber degeneration. We have shown that endomysial fibrosis is correlated with age at ambulation loss in DMD patients. However, the dystrophin‐deficient mdx mouse does not have fibrotic lesions in adult limb muscles. Here, we describe a model of chronic mechanical muscle injury that triggers chronic lesions in mdx hindlimb muscle.Methods:Micromechanical injuries were performed daily in tibialis anterior muscles for 2 weeks.Results:Endomysial fibrosis appeared beginning 1 week post‐injury, remained stable for 3 months and was associated with loss of specific maximal force. Fibrosis was associated with an increased expression of factors involved in fibrogenesis including α‐smooth muscle actin, connective tissue growth factor, and lysyl oxidase, which colocalized with collagen deposits.Conclusions:This induced fibrotic dystrophic model may be useful to study mechanisms of fibrosis in dystrophinopathies and to evaluate antifibrotic treatments. Muscle Nerve 45: 803–814, 2012
On the influence of the prebuckling behavior of elastic structures on their initial postbuckling behavior
Authors: Mang Herbert A. , Höfinger Gerhard , Jia Xin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDepending on whether or not bending and/or torsion are part of the prebuckling deformation state of elastic structures, the initial postbuckling behavior is either completely general or characterized by specific restrictions [1]. In this context, the term ‘completely general’ means (a) no restriction to monotonic improvement or deterioration of the initial postbuckling behavior in consequence of a monotonic change of a design parameter and (b) the impossibility of ‘zero‐stiffness postbuckling’ characterized by a postbuckling path at a constant load level.The mathematical reason for restrictions of the postbuckling behavior is a constraint condition for the eigenvector ν1 appearing in the classical static stability condition

where $\tilde {\bf K}_T$ denotes the tangent stiffness matrix [2]. This condition contains the first and the second derivative of $\tilde {\bf K}_T$ with respect to the dimensionless load parameter λ. The theoretical findings will be verified numerically. (© 2011 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of matrix on the ballistic impact of aramid fabric composite laminates by armor piercing projectiles
Authors: Nayak N. , Sivaraman P. , Banerjee A. , Madhu V. , Dutta A.L. , Mishra V.S. , B.C. Chakraborty  
Published: February 2012

AbstractBallistic impact performance of aramid fiber fabric‐epoxy and aramid fiber fabric‐polypropylene (PP)‐based composite laminates has been studied against 7.62 mm armor piercing projectiles. Twaron® was used as aramid fiber fabric in the composites. Role of matrix on the damage pattern has been investigated by impacting the composites of different thickness with projectiles having different strike velocity (SV). Ballistic limit (BL) for each composite has been estimated through correlation of SV and residual velocity (RV) of the projectile by usual V50 method. Ballistic limit was found to vary linearly with composite laminate thickness. Twaron®‐PP composites exhibited higher ballistic limit compared toequivalent thickness of Twaron®‐epoxy composites. Epoxy‐based composites exhibited localized damage mode compared to a global mode of failure in PP‐based composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that fibers in Twaron®‐epoxy composites failed largely by shear while tensile mode of failure was observed for Twaron®–PP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Syndiotactic‐specific radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide in toluene at low temperatures in the presence of silyl alcohols
Authors: Hirano Tomohiro , Kamikubo Takahiro , Ute Koichi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide was carried out in toluene at low temperatures in the presence of silyl alcohols, such as triethylsilanol. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) with a racemo dyad content of 75% was obtained at − 80 °C with a 4:1 triethylsilanol to monomer ratio loading. NMR analysis suggests that the mechanism for syndiotactic induction, in the presence of silyl alcohols, may be similar to that observed with alkyl alcohols. In this case, a 1:2 complex formation, via hydrogen bonding interactions, leads to the induction of syndiotactic specificity. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of different copolymer sequences in low band gap polymers on their performance in organic solar cells
Authors: Lange Alexander , Krueger Hartmut , Ecker Bernhard , Tunc Ali Veysel , von Hauff Elizabeth , Morana Mauro 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe chemical design of a polymer can be tailored by a random or a block sequence of the comonomers in order to influence the properties of the final material. In this work, two sequences, PCPDTBT and F8BT (F8), were polymerized to form a block or a random copolymer. Differences between the various polymers were examined by exploring the surface topography and charge carrier mobility. A distinct surface texture and a higher charge carrier mobility was found for the block copolymer with respect to the other materials. Solar cells were prepared with polymer:PC71BM blend active layers and the best performance of up to 2% was found for the block copolymer, which was a direct result of the fill factor. Overall, the sequences of different copolymers for solar cell applications were varied and a positive impact on efficiency was found when the block copolymer structure was utilized. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012