bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic and conformational properties of a novel T‐cell antigen receptor transmembrane peptide in model membranes
Authors: Amon Michael A. , ALI Marina , Bender Veronika , Hall Kristopher , Aguilar Marie‐Isabel , Aldrich‐Wright Janice , Manolios Nicholas 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCore peptide (CP; GLRILLLKV) is a 9‐amino acid peptide derived from the transmembrane sequence of the T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) α‐subunit. CP inhibits T‐cell activation both in vitro and in vivo by disruption of the TCR at the membrane level. To elucidate CP interactions with lipids, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and circular dichroism (CD) were used to examine CP binding and secondary structure in the presence of either the anionic dimyristoyl‐L‐α‐phosphatidyl‐DL‐glycerol (DMPG), or the zwitterionic dimyristoyl‐L‐α‐phoshatidyl choline (DMPC).Using lipid monolayers and bilayers, SPR experiments demonstrated that irreversible peptide–lipid binding required the hydrophobic interior provided by a membrane bilayer. The importance of electrostatic interactions between CP and phospholipids was highlighted on lipid monolayers as CP bound reversibly to anionic DMPG monolayers, with no detectable binding observed on neutral DMPC monolayers.CD revealed a dose‐dependent conformational change of CP from a dominantly random coil structure to that of β‐structure as the concentration of lipid increased relative to CP. This occurred only in the presence of the anionic DMPG at a lipid : peptide molar ratio of 1.6:1 as no conformational change was observed when the zwitterionic DMPC was tested up to a lipid : peptide ratio of 8.4 : 1. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal behavior and flame retardancy of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) treated with zinc hydroxystannate and zinc stannate
Authors: Wu Weihong , Qu Hongqiang , Li Zhi , Yuan Huijie 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppressant properties of inorganic tin compounds such as zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS) and zinc stannate (ZS) were studied in comparison with those of alumina trihydrate and magnesium hydroxide through the limiting oxygen index test and a smoke density test. The thermal degradation in air of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) treated with the above compounds was studied by thermal analysis from ambient temperature to 800°C. The activation energy was calculated by using the Vyazovkin model‐free kinetic method and the Kissinger method. The results showed that tin compounds such as ZHS and ZS could be used as highly effective flame retardants for flexible PVC; these flame retardants enhanced the stability and the activation energy of the oxidation of the char. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tragal cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty: A viable alternative in the graft‐depleted patient
Authors: Cochran C. Spencer , DeFatta Robert J. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo describe a simple technique for harvesting tragal cartilage and describe its use in rhinoplasty.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review.SUBJECTS AND METHODSRhinoplasties performed between January 2005 and June 2007 in which tragal cartilage grafts were utilized by the senior author (CSC) were reviewed to assess type of graft, preservation of tragal contour, and donor‐site morbidity.RESULTSTragal cartilage grafts were used in three primary and three secondary rhinoplasty patients. Postoperative follow‐up ranged from six months to 12 months. Tragal cartilage was used as five alar contour grafts, one lateral crural onlay graft, one dorsal onlay graft, and one infratip lobule graft. Tragal cartilage was used to close the septal perforation of one patient. Tragal contour was preserved in all patients, and there were no complications noted with this procedure.CONCLUSIONThe tragus provides a simple, convenient alternative source of cartilage for rhinoplasty in graft‐depleted patients.
Resource utilization in the management of subglottic stenosis
Authors: Shah Rahul K. , Lander Lina , Choi Sukgi S. , Zalzal George H. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to determine resource utilization in managing subglottic stenosis.STUDY DESIGNThe Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 2003 was analyzed.SUBJECTS AND METHODSInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 478.74 was the inclusion criteria.RESULTSTwo thousand forty‐six admissions with subglottic stenosis were sampled; there were 10 deaths (0.49%). States with the most admissions were Ohio, California, and Illinois; these did not have the highest spending per admission. Two hundred eighteen (10.7%) underwent a laryngeal graft procedure; states with the most were Ohio (35.8%), Texas, California, and Florida. Indicators of increased resource utilization include length of stay, nonelective admission, race, primary payer, hospital location, and type.CONCLUSIONSFor subglottic stenosis, three states account for 37% of admissions, and four states account for 56% of laryngeal graft procedures in 2003. The mean total charges were $53,787; 90% of admissions had total charges less than $139,253. Patients who underwent surgical procedures had total charges of $76,409.
Pilot study of an objective structured clinical examination (“the Six Pack”) for evaluating clinical competencies
Authors: Franzese Christine B. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) designed to examine all six competencies and provide meaningful results to improve resident performance.STUDY DESIGNA prospective, observational study.METHODSThe OSCE consists of 1 hour for examination of a simulated patient, documentation, and feedback, with 30 minutes for an evidence‐based medicine (EBM) test. Eight otolaryngology residents participated. Digital recordings and written documentation were evaluated on all competencies except practice‐based learning. An EBM test was scored to assess practice‐based learning.RESULTSOverall, senior residents scored better. Seniors scored better on performing a focused history, whereas juniors scored better for thoroughness. Seniors coded better than juniors, although seniors tended to undercode and juniors tended to over‐code. Two cases of “insurance fraud” were also discovered.CONCLUSIONSThe “Six Pack” successfully evaluated all competencies while providing valuable information. A clinical practicum was added to improve history and physical examination skills. The discussion of coding and a billing seminar also resulted. Residents believed the OSCE was valuable. Faculty members were impressed with the useful information obtained.
Medial maxillectomy: A comparative study as a surgical procedure
Authors: Parida Pradipta Kumar , Gupta Ashok Kumar 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to compare the long‐term results of endoscopic and conventional medial maxillectomy.STUDY DESIGNA prospective study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis study was conducted on 28 patients. No patient had intracranial or intraorbital extension. Thirteen patients (4 with adenocarcinoma, 5 with inverted papilloma, and 4 with malignant melanoma) underwent endoscopic medial maxillectomy, and 15 patients (5 with adenocarcinoma, 5 with inverted papilloma, and 5 with malignant melanoma) underwent conventional medial maxillectomy with a postoperative follow‐up of 12 to 48 months.RESULTSIn group 1 (the endoscopic group), recurrence was seen in one case (7.6%) with malignant melanoma 3 months after the surgery and was managed by revision endoscopic removal of the disease. The overall success rate in this group was 92.4%. In group 2 (the conventional group), the disease recurred in one (6.6%) patient with malignant melanoma. The overall recurrence rate was 7.2%.CONCLUSIONSThe precise determination of tumor origin and extent of tumor during the surgery is the key to a successful outcome.
Palatal implants for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Friedman Michael , Schalch Paul , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Kakodkar Kedar A. , Joseph Ninos J. , Mazloom Narges 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVERandomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of palatal implants for treatment of mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGSixty‐two non‐obese adults with history of snoring, daytime sleepiness, and mild/moderate OSAHS, were randomized to receive palatal implants (n = 31) or placebo procedure (n = 31). Complete follow‐up including quality of life (QOL, SF‐36), snoring visual analog scale (VAS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) data were obtained in 62 patients. Seven patients refused follow‐up polysomnography for a total of 55 patients (29 implant and 26 placebo).RESULTSThe treatment group (change in score of −7.9 ± 7.7) was significantly improved compared with the placebo group (change in score of 0.9 ± 4.3) for apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (P < 0.0001), QOL, SF‐36 (P < 0.0001), snoring VAS (P < 0.0001), and ESS (P = 0.0002).CONCLUSIONSPalatal implants improve AHI, QOL, snoring intensity, and daytime sleepiness for selected patients with mild/moderate OSAHS.
The coblation tonsillectomy learning curve
Authors: Carney A. Simon , Harris Penelope K. , MacFarlane Patricia L. , Nasser Simon , Esterman Adrian 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo establish if there is a learning curve for coblation tonsillectomy.STUDY DESIGNRegression analysis of data obtained from surgeons identified from the Australian Tonsillectomy Survey.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThirty otolaryngologists were invited to contribute audit data. Data were stratified into groups of 10 procedures and analysed with regression analysis.RESULTSNineteen (70%) surgeons responded. Complete data were obtained for 1700 cases and return to theatre data on 2062 cases. There was a significant learning curve with respect to both primary (P = 0.050) and secondary (P = 0.028) hemorrhage rates. Mean rates were 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.7%) and 2.1% (95% CI 1.5% to 2.9%) for primary and secondary bleeds, respectively, with return to theatre in 0.2% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.9% to 1.9%), respectively.CONCLUSIONThe introduction of coblation tonsillectomy into Australia was associated with a statistically significant learning curve with respect to both primary and secondary hemorrhage rates.
Reduction surgeries for delayed cases with isolated blowout fractures
Authors: Hinohira Yasuyuki , Yumoto Eiji , Hyodo Masamitsu , Shiraishi Atsushi 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo show the effectiveness of endoscopic reduction surgeries for delayed cases with blowout fractures, and to determine the cause of persisting diplopia based on surgical findings.DESIGNRetrospective study.SETTINGBetween 1997 and 2006, 114 patients with isolated blowout fractures underwent surgery. In 6 of 114 patients, there were delayed cases in which over 3 months had elapsed since the initial trauma. For persisting diplopia, surgeries were performed using an endoscopic endonasal approach.RESULTSAdhesion between the protruded periorbita and the paranasal sinus mucosa was remarkable in the delayed cases. Dissection of the adhesion and removal of the bone fragments were performed. The ocular motility improvement was confirmed by intraoperative eye traction tests. Postoperatively, diplopia disappeared in five patients.CONCLUSIONEndoscopic reduction surgeries for delayed cases are available in the treatment of blowout fractures. The main cause of diplopia was determined to be the adhesion.
Advanced access to otolaryngology: Lessons learned
Authors: Baugh Reginald F. , Alpard Craig R. , Colon Elizabeth 
Published: January 2008

Reports of experience with implementing advanced access techniques in specialty practices are few in number. In our facility, we were able to demonstrate that patients' access to care improved from >100 days to 72 hours, patient satisfaction increased 22%, and productivity increased 29%. The lessons we learned after the successful implementation of advanced access in an academic otolaryngology practice are presented here.
A reliable surface landmark for localizing supratrochlear artery: Medial canthus
Authors: Ugur Mehmet Birol , Savranlar Ahmet , Uzun Lokman , Küçüker Hüdaverdi , Cinar Fikret 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine the reliability of medial canthus as a surface landmark to locate supratrochlear vascular pedicle.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThe distance from medial canthal line to supratrochlear vascular pedicle was measured in 57 healthy volunteers (Doppler imaging study) and also in 15 fresh cadavers.RESULTSIn the Doppler study, the pedicle was found at most 3 mm lateral or medial to medial canthus (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.7 mm). SVP mark tended to be medial to the medial canthus mark in females (males, 6; females, 42), whereas it was lateral to it in males (males, 20; females, 5). In the cadaver study, the pedicle was found 0.7 mm away from medial canthus on average.CONCLUSIONMedial canthus can be used as a reliable landmark for paramedian forehead flaps. When Doppler examination fails, pedicle may be found at most 3 mm away from medial canthus. SVP is more commonly located lateral to medial canthus in males and medial to it in females.
Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome
Authors: Kanerva Mervi , Moilanen Kirsi , Virolainen Susanna , Vaheri Antti , Pitkäranta Anne 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVESTo study characteristics of Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) patients with facial palsy (FP) and differences in patients treated at the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Dermatology.METHODSClinical picture of MRS was studied from patient charts at two departments. Patients with FP received a questionnaire and were examined. Tissue biopsies were searched for non‐necrotizing granulomatous infiltrations typical of MRS and blood DNA for UNC‐93B1 gene mutations predisposing to herpesvirus infection.RESULTSAt the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, all 18 MRS patients had FP, 9 the triad form. Two patients revealed non‐necrotizing granulomatous infiltrations during acute edema episodes; another two had association with uveitis. Edema was rarely persistent and did not dominate the clinical picture. No UNC‐93B1 mutations were found. At the Department of Dermatology, 2 patients had triad MRS and 15 had monosymptomatic granulomatous cheilitis with persistent edema and typical MRS histology.CONCLUSIONThe clinical picture of MRS with FP differed from the current knowledge of edema‐dominated MRS. More studies focusing on MRS with FP would broaden our understanding of the syndrome.
Striving for growth, bypassing the poor? A critical review of Rwanda's rural sector policies
Authors: Ansoms An 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTEquity is complementary to the pursuit of long-term prosperity. Greater equity is doubly good for poverty reduction. It tends to favour sustained overall development, and it delivers increased opportunities to the poorest groups in a society. (François Bourguignon, speech at the launching of the World Development Report, 2006)This paper studies the Rwandan case to address some of the challenges and pitfalls in defining pro-poor strategies. The paper first looks at the danger of a purely growth-led development focus (as in Rwanda's first PRSP), and evaluates the extent to which the agricultural sector has been a pro-poor growth engine. It then studies Rwanda's current rural policies, which aim to modernise and ‘professionalise’ the rural sector. There is a high risk that these rural policy measures will be at the expense of the large mass of small-scale peasants. This paper stresses that the real challenge to transform the rural sector into a true pro-poor growth engine will be to value and incorporate the capacity and potential of small-scale ‘non-professional’ peasants into the core strategies for rural development. The lessons drawn from the Rwandan case should inspire policy makers and international donors worldwide to shift their focus away from a purely output-led logic towards distribution-oriented rural development policies. In other words, the challenge is to reconcile efficiency in creating economic growth with equity, and perhaps, to put equity first.
Making sense of violence: voices of soldiers in the Congo (DRC)
Authors: Baaz Maria Eriksson , Stern Maria 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTDuring the last years the DRC has made itself known in the world for terrible acts of violence committed by armed men – militia and the regular army – against the civilian population. The voices of the soldiers and combatants have so far been absent in the accounts of this violence. This silence is problematic, both because it makes it harder to understand such violence, but also because it reinforces stereotypes of African warriors as primitive and anarchic, driven by innate violence and tribal hatred. Enquiry into the particular discursive as well as material circumstances of the armed conflict in the DRC, which might better redress the complex and interrelated context in which ‘people in uniforms’ commit violence, is consequently impeded. The story we recount here emerges from soldiers within the main perpetrator of violence in the DRC today: the Integrated Armed Forces. The soldiers' interview texts challenge the dominant representation of soldiers and combatants in the DRC. The soldiers made sense of the prevalence of violence (in which they too had participated) in several interrelated ways, none of which reflected any expression of ‘natural’ (if dormant) violent tendencies, hatred or vengefulness for the enemy.
The domestication of the mobile phone: oral society and new ICT in Burkina Faso
Authors: Hahn Hans Peter , Kibora Ludovic 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThis article addresses the topic of the recent boom in mobile phones in Burkina Faso. Mobile phones are placed in the theoretical framework of domestication and, more particularly, of cultural appropriation. They are therefore regarded not only as devices to communicate, but also as material objects which cause economic problems and may affect social relations through the uneven disposition over such objects. As in many other African countries, the growth of mobile phone usage in Burkina Faso is higher than in Western countries, reflecting the particular appreciation of these devices. This development contrasts sharply with the difficult economic situation of many of the users. This context may explain some particular patterns of usage, and is discussed against the background of the communication principles ruling in societies still adequately described as ‘oral societies’. Domestication leads to a partial usage of the devices' technical possibilities. Nevertheless, it transforms mobile phones into socially meaningful means of communication.
Spectral rigidity and discreteness of 2233-groups
Authors: BUSER PETER , FLACH NICOLE , SEMMLER KLAUS-DIETER ,   with an Appendix, MACLACHLAN COLIN , ROSENBERGER GERHARD 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this paper we describe methods for dealing with the trace spectrum of a subgroup of PSL(2,$\mathbb{R}$) generated by four elliptic elements α, β, γ, δ of respective orders 2, 2, 3, 3, satisfying αβγδ = 1. We give a parametrization and a fundamental domain in the parameter space of such groups. Furthermore we construct an algorithm that decides whether or not a given group is discrete and which moves the discrete groups into the fundamental domain. Our main result is that any two discrete such groups are isospectral if and only if they are conjugate in (2,$\mathbb{R}$).In the Appendix we consider pairs of subgroups of (2,$\mathbb{R}$) that arise from non-conjugate maximal orders in a quaternion algebra over a number field. We show that for the isospectrality of such pairs there is a peculiar exception in the case where the groups contain elements of both orders 2 and 3.
Extending the surgical boundaries in the management of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in discordant ventriculo-arterial connections – a surgical and morphological study
Authors: Martins Paula , Tran Vi , Price Gemma , Tsang Victor , Cook Andrew C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWhen there is obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, there are several surgical approaches to the repair of discordant ventriculo-arterial connections in the setting of concordant atrioventricular connections. Choosing the optimal technique demands not only knowledge of the different surgical procedures, but also the understanding of the particular anatomic features present in a specific patient. These requisites are then essential to plan the operation, to foresee some difficult situations, and to avoid post-operative complications. In this review, we assess all these surgical and anatomic aspects, focussing on their relative importance in clinical assessment.
Toward a mechanistic understanding of how natural bacterial communities respond to changes in temperature in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Hall Edward K , Neuhauser Claudia , Cotner James B 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We examine how heterotrophic bacterioplankton communities respond to temperature by mathematically defining two thermally adapted species and showing how changes in environmental temperature affect competitive outcome in a two-resource environment. We did this by adding temperature dependence to both the respiration and uptake terms of a two species, two-resource model rooted in Droop kinetics. We used published literature values and results of our own work with experimental microcosms to parameterize the model and to quantitatively and qualitatively define relationships between temperature and bacterioplankton physiology. Using a graphical resource competition framework, we show how physiological adaptation to temperature can allow organisms to be more, or less, competitive for limiting resources across a thermal gradient (2–34 °C). Our results suggest that the effect of temperature on bacterial community composition, and therefore bacterially mediated biogeochemical processes, depends on the available resource pool in a given system. In addition, our results suggest that the often unclear relationship between temperature and bacterial metabolism, as reported in the literature, can be understood by allowing for changes in the relative contribution of thermally adapted populations to community metabolism.