bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the max‐cut problem for a planar, cubic, triangle‐free graph, and the Chinese postman problem for a planar triangulation
Authors: Thomassen Carsten 
Published: May 2006

AbstractEvery 3‐connected planar, cubic, triangle‐free graph with n vertices has a bipartite subgraph with at least 29n/24 − 7/6 edges. The constant 29/24 improves the previously best known constant 6/5 which was considered best possible because of the graph of the dodecahedron. Examples show that the constant 29/24 = 1.2083… cannot be raised to more than 47/38 = 1.2368…. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 53: 261–269, 2006
Effects of penconazole on two yeast strains: Growth kinetics and molecular studies
Authors: Jawich Dalal , Lteif Roger , Pfohl‐Leszkowicz Annie , Strehaiano Pierre 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study consisted to evaluate the impact of a pesticide (penconazole) on the growth kinetics and genotoxicity on two yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Metschnikowia pulcherrima). When the penconazole was added at different phases of the growth of M. pulcherrima, no effect was noticed on the kinetics of yeast growth but DNA adducts were observed when penconazole was added in the exponential phase. Increasing doses (1–15 maximum residue limit) of the pesticide added at the beginning of the fermentation did not induce DNA adducts while kinetics were affected.
Molecular basis of water proton relaxation in gels and tissue
Authors: Chávez Fabian Vaca , Halle Bertil 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAn extensive set of water‐1H magnetic relaxation dispersion (MRD) data are presented for aqueous agarose and gelatin gels. It is demonstrated that the EMOR model, which was developed in a companion paper to this study (see Halle, this issue), accounts for the dependence of the water‐1H spin‐lattice relaxation rate on resonance frequency over more than four decades and on pH. The parameter values deduced from analysis of the 1H MRD data are consistent with values derived from 2H MRD profiles from the same gels and with small‐molecule reference data. This agreement indicates that the water‐1H relaxation dispersion in aqueous biopolymer gels is produced directly by exchange‐mediated orientational randomization of internal water molecules or labile biopolymer protons, with little or no role played by collective biopolymer vibrations or coherent spin diffusion. This ubiquitous mechanism is proposed to be the principal source of water‐1H spin‐lattice relaxation at low magnetic fields in all aqueous systems with rotationally immobile biopolymers, including biological tissue. The same mechanism also contributes to transverse and rotating‐frame relaxation and magnetization transfer at high fields. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapy preference and decision‐making among patients with severe sickle cell anemia and their families&
Authors: Hankins Jane , Hinds Pamela , Day Sara , Carroll Yvonne , Li Chin‐Shang , Garvie Patricia , Wang Winfred 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundPatients with severe sickle cell anemia (SCA) may benefit from therapeutic intervention with hydroxyurea (HU), chronic red cell transfusion (CT), or stem cell transplantation (SCT). Determination of best treatment is complicated by the tradeoff between each treatment's risks and benefits and the lack of data comparing them to determine efficacy. We explored factors that influenced making decisions regarding interventions and examined the relations between treatment preference and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).MethodsChildren with severe SCA and their parents received brochures describing each treatment, discussed risk/benefits with a nurse‐educator, and answered questions regarding HRQOL and the factors influencing treatment preference. Severe SCA was defined as ≥3 pain events requiring ER visits or hospitalizations within 12 months, ≥2 acute chest syndrome (ACS) events within 24 months, or a combination of the two.ResultsThirty parents and 7 patients participated. HU was preferred by 21 parents and 4 children, CT by 5 parents and 1 child, and SCT by 3 parents and 1 child. One parent was undecided and one child preferred no treatment. Interviewees were most influenced by perceived efficacy and safety, but no factors differed significantly among treatment preference groups. HRQOL median scores (0–100 scale) for parents (56; range, 28–91) and children (61; range, 31–96) did not differ significantly among treatment preference groups.ConclusionsPatients with severe SCA and their parents can identify their treatment preferences. Improved understanding of their preferences and decision‐making process will aid in the design of future clinical trials and in medical decision‐making. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:705–710. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose response and local control using radiotherapy in non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Paulino Arnold C. , Nguyen Thanh X. , Mai Wei Y. , Teh Bin S. , Wen B‐Chen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo determine prognostic factors for local control in the radiotherapeutic management of non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma.ProcedureForty patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) were treated with primary site RT at one institution. Median RT dose was 55.8 Gy (range, 25.5–76 Gy). Chemotherapy was given to 34 patients (85%) with the most common regimen being vincristine, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (VACA + IE) in 10. Median follow‐up for surviving patients was 12.3 years (range, 1.7–26.4 years).ResultsThe 5‐ and 10‐year local control rate was 78.2%. On multivariate analysis, RT dose was the only prognostic factor to impact on local control. The 5‐ and 10‐year local control rate was 88.7% for RT dose ≥49 Gy and was 37.5% for <49 Gy (P = 0.0002, log‐rank test). For tumors ≤8 cm, the 5‐ and 10‐year local control rate was 94.1% for RT dose ≥49 Gy and 50.0% for RT dose <49 Gy (P = 0.01, log‐rank test). For tumors >8 cm, the 5‐ and 10‐year local control rate was 85.7% for RT dose ≥54 Gy and 26.7% for RT dose <54 Gy (P = 0.006, log‐rank test).ConclusionsRadiotherapy dose was found to influence local control in ES. In particular, patients who received RT doses ≥49 Gy for tumor size ≤8 cm and ≥54 Gy for tumor size >8 cm had improved local control. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:145–148. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sister Mary Joseph's nodule as presenting sign of a desmoplastic small round cell tumor
Authors: Doros Leslie , Kaste Sue C. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos 
Published: May 2006

AbstractUmbilical metastases, also named Sister Mary Joseph's nodules, are well documented in the adult population and most often represent an underlying intra‐abdominal malignancy, usually a carcinoma of gastrointestinal or gynecologic origin. They are indicative of widespread abdominal disease and are associated with a poor prognosis. An extensive review of the literature reveals only two such presentations in the pediatric population. A 14‐year‐old male presented with an umbilical mass, which was found to be a metastatic lesion of a desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) of the abdomen. The diagnosis of an intra‐abdominal malignancy, most commonly a DSRCT, should be considered in the presence of an umbilical mass in a child. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:388–390. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A predictive approach based on the Simha–Somcynsky free‐volume theory for the effect of dissolved gas on viscosity and glass transition temperature of polymeric mixtures
Authors: Di Maio Ernesto , Iannace Salvatore , Mensitieri Giuseppe , Nicolais Luigi 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe gas concentration and pressure effects on the shear viscosity of molten polymers were modeled by using a unified approach based on a free volume theory. A concentration and pressure dependent “shift factor,” which accounts for free volume changes associated with polymer‐gas mixing and with variation of absolute pressure as well as for dilution effects, has been herein used to scale the pure polymer viscosity, as evaluated at the same temperature and atmospheric pressure. The expression of the free volume of the polymer/gas mixture was obtained by using the Simha and Somcynsky equation of state for multicomponent fluids. Experimental shear viscosity data, obtained for poly(ε‐caprolactone) with nitrogen and carbon dioxide were successfully predicted by using this approach. Good agreement with predictions was also found in the case of viscosity data reported in the literature for polystyrene and poly(dimethylsiloxane) with carbon dioxide. Free volume arguments have also been used to predict the Tg depression for polystyrene/carbon dioxide and for poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon dioxide mixtures, based on calculations performed, again, with the Simha and Somcynsky theory. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1863–1873, 2006
Effects of filler–polymer interactions on cold‐crystallization kinetics in crosslinked, silica‐filled polydimethylsiloxane/polydiphenylsiloxane copolymer melts
Authors: Chien Allen , Maxwell Robert S. , DeTeresa Steve , Thompson Lisa , Cohenour Rebecca , Balazs Bryan 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCrystallization in a series of variable crosslink density poly(dimethyl‐diphenyl)siloxanes random block copolymers reinforced through a mixture of precipitated and fumed silica fillers has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The silicone composite studied was composed of 94.6 mol % dimethoylsiloxane, 5.1 mol % diphenylsiloxane, and 0.3 mol % methyl‐vinyl siloxane (which formed crosslinking after peroxide cure). The polymer was filled with a mixture of 21.6 wt % fumed silica and 4.0 wt % precipitated silica previously treated with 6.8 wt % ethoxy‐end‐blocked siloxane processing aid. Molecular weight between crosslinks and filler–polymer interaction strength were modified by exposure to γ‐irradiation in either air or in vacuo. Isothermal DMA experiments illustrated that crystallization at −85 °C occurred over a 1.8 hour period in silica‐filled systems and 2.2–2.6 hours in unfilled systems. The crystallization kinetics for irradiated samples were found to be dependent on crosslink density. Irradiation in vacuo resulted in faster overall crystallization rates compared to air irradiation for the same crosslink density, likely due to a reduction in the interaction between the polymer chains and the silica filler surface for samples irradiated in air. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1898–1906, 2006
Structure and hydrolysis of the heavy alkaline earth cations: Relativistic studies
Authors: Barysz Maria , Kȩdziera Dariusz , Leszczyński Jerzy , Bilewicz Aleksander 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe relativistic spin‐averaged Douglas–Kroll theory at the level of the MP2 and CCSD(T) approximations has been applied to explain the hydrolysis trends for the Group 2 dications through the investigation of the structure and energetics of the model complexes with the water molecule. The parallel nonrelativistic calculations have been performed to show the possible role of the relativistic effect on the structure and hydrolysis of the heaviest metal cations. The calculated data are compared with the recent experimental results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Predictors of preterm birth
Authors: Krupa F.G. , Faltin D. , Cecatti J.G. , Surita F.G.C. , Souza J.P. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective: This is a systematic review to assess published scientific evidence on preterm birth predictors. Methods: An Internet search for predictors of preterm birth was performed and the evidence level of each method was evaluated. Results: There is strong evidence that preterm birth can be predicted using vaginal sonography to evaluate cervical characteristics, fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions and interleukin‐6 in amniotic fluid. There is consistent evidence that digital cervical examination is a weak predictor, and controversy regarding home uterine activity monitoring. There is scanty evidence about the predictive ability of maternal history and perceptions of symptoms since the study design fails to provide high evidence level. Conclusion: Cervical evaluation by vaginal sonography, fetal fibronectin and interleukin‐6 are the best methods for predicting preterm birth.
Saline irrigation and wound infection in abdominal gynecologic surgery
Authors: Al ‐Ramahi M. , Bata M. , Sumreen I. , Amr M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective: To evaluate whether saline wound irrigation decreases the incidence of wound infection following abdominal gynecologic surgery. Method: In this prospective randomized study, 104 patients underwent wound irrigation before wound closure following abdominal gynecologic surgery and 102 patients did not. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in patient characteristics or in factors influencing the incidence of wound infection after abdominal gynecologic surgery. The incidence of wound infection was 10.6% among women who underwent wound irrigation and 9.8% among those who did not, and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Saline wound irrigation before abdominal wall closure is not helpful in decreasing the incidence of wound infection after abdominal gynecologic surgery.
The Implications of “Pay‐for‐Performance” Reimbursement for Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Cognetti David M. , Reiter David 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVETo introduce otolaryngologists to outcomes‐linked reimbursement (“pay‐for‐performance”), identify clinical practice implications, and recommend changes for successful transition from the traditional “pay‐for‐effort” reimbursement model.STUDY DESIGNPolicy review.RESULTSPayers are actively linking reimbursement to quality. Since the Institute of Medicine issued its report on medical errors in 1999, there has been much public and private concern over patient safety. In an effort to base health care payment on quality, “pay‐for‐performance” programs reward or penalize hospitals and physicians for their ability to maintain standards of care established by payers and regulatory groups. More than 100 such programs are operational in the United States today. This reimbursement model relies on detailed documentation in specific patient care areas to facilitate evaluation of outcomes for purposes of determining reimbursement. Because performance criteria for reimbursement have not yet been proposed within otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, otolaryngologists must be involved to ensure the adoption of reasonable goals and development of reasonable systems for documentation.CONCLUSION“Pay‐for‐performance” reimbursement is increasingly common in the current era of outcomes‐based medicine. It will assume an even greater role over the next 3 years and will directly affect most otolaryngologists.
Combined Transtemporal Access for Large (>3 cm) Meningiomas of the Cerebellopontine Angle
Authors: Leonetti John P. , Anderson Douglas E. , Marzo Sam J. , Origitano Thomas C. , Schuman Rita 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVESLarge meningiomas of the cerebellopontine angle present a formidable surgical challenge due to tumor vascularity, neural attachment, and brain stem compression. The purpose of this paper is to present our use of the combined transtemporal approach in the surgical treatment of 29 large meningiomas.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGTwenty‐nine patients with large meningiomas of the CPA were surgically treated through a combined retrosigmoid‐transpetrosal‐transcochlear approach at our tertiary care academic medical center from July 1995 through July 2004. Data was collected from a retrospective medical records review.RESULTSTotal tumor removal was achieved in 19 of 29 (67%) of the patients and the facial nerve was anatomically preserved in 26 of 29 (89%) of the cases. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was seen in 3.5% of the patients and additional transient cranial nerve deficits were noted in 14% of the cases, but no significant neurologic sequelae occurred. Of the 10 patients with residual tumor, 6 have been stable without growth, 2 were treated with reoperation for regrowth of disease, and 2 were controlled with localized radiotherapy.CONCLUSIONSThis combined lateral transtemporal approach provided wide exposure to the cerebellopontine angle and optimized the surgical extirpation of 29 large meningiomas presented in this series.
The Utility of Bipolar Electrocautery in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Ghaheri Bobak A. , Fong Karen J. , Hwang Peter H. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVEThe surgical treatment of epistaxis associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is varied. Laser therapy is often inadequate for larger complex lesions. This study sought to determine if bipolar cautery can be effectively and safely used in treating HHT‐associated epistaxis.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRecords from all patients with HHT treated surgically over 8 years were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes or complications were noted in the clinic on follow‐up evaluation.RESULTSTwenty‐seven patients with HHT who underwent surgical treatment of epistaxis were evaluated; 18 were treated with bipolar cautery. Forty‐two separate bipolar treatments were performed. No new septal perforations or synechiae were noted. Twenty‐two of 42 treatments were coupled with ancillary laser treatments. The bipolar was also used as the sole technique in 20 procedures.CONCLUSIONBipolar electrocautery is a safe and effective tool for the intraoperative control of HHT‐related epistaxis.SIGNIFICANCEBipolar electrocautery may be used as an adjunct to laser techniques or as a stand‐alone technique.
Conductive Hearing Loss and Otopathology in Cleft Palate Patients
Authors: Goudy Steven , Lott David , Canady John , Smith Richard J.H. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVESAssess incidence of conductive hearing loss, ear pathology, and associated communicative disorders in cleft palate patients.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective chart review of 101 patients all treated at a tertiary facility since birth.RESULTSThe median patient age was 19 years old (range 8–25) at last follow‐up, 35% female. Median age of cleft palate repair was 16 months (range 12–60). Median number of myringotomy tubes was 3 (range 1–7). Conductive hearing loss (CHL) greater than 20 db PTA was found in 25% of patients at last follow‐up. Severity of CHL was mild in 75%, moderate in 21%, and severe in 4%. Cholesteatoma was identified in 5.9%. The mean age at resolution of CHL was 5 years (range 3–19). Risk factors associated with CHL at last follow‐up included middle ear surgery (P = 0.016), cholesteatoma (P = 0.003), and 4 or more myringotomy tube insertions (P = 0.030). Associations between CHL and age at cleft repair, speech impairment, or learning disabilities were not found.CONCLUSIONSChildren requiring increased number of myringotomy tubes and middle ear surgery and found to have cholesteatoma are at increased risk for long‐standing CHL.EBM rating: C‐4SIGNIFICANCECleft palate children requiring multiple tube insertions should be monitored closely for CHL.
Gerbilline Cholesteatoma Development. Part II: Temporal Histopathologic Changes in the Tympanic Membrane and Middle Ear
Authors: Tinling Steven P. , Chole Richard A. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVEDetermine the sequence of gross and histopathologic change to the normal middle ear (ME), tympanic membrane (TM), and external auditory canal (EAC) during spontaneous gerbilline cholesteatoma development.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGSixty‐six gerbils were examined weekly and periodically sacrificed for analysis.RESULTSCholesteatoma development followed this sequence: 1) slightly thickened pars flaccida (PF) without ME effusion, 2) thickened PF with ME effusion, 3) continuous buildup of EAC debris, and 4) complete occlusion of the lateral EAC. In the cholesteatoma group, keratinizing epithelium (KE) thickness was increased in all regions over normal controls and regional gradations in the TM remained the same.CONCLUSIONSpontaneous cholesteatoma formation was significantly associated with middle ear effusion, a failure to clear canal debris with resultant retrograde thickening of the EAC, PF, and then pars tensa.SIGNIFICANCEInflammatory insult and alteration of the epithelial clearance mechanism appears to result in spontaneous cholesteatoma formation in gerbils as hypothesized for humans.
Contemporary Surgical Management of HIV‐Associated Facial Lipoatrophy
Authors: Funk E. , Bressler F.J. , Brissett A.E. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study is to describe our experience with facial volume restoration in 39 HIV‐associated facial lipoatrophy patients, and formulate a treatment algorithm that can be utilized for these patients based on their disease severity.METHODSPreoperative and postoperative photographs were evaluated by 2 experienced facial plastic surgeons using grading scales. The reviewers' scores were then compared and the distribution of scores was analyzed.RESULTSThirty‐nine patients underwent malar silastic implantation. Seven patients required postoperative adjuvant filler injection. Most patients' results were rated good to excellent. There were 4 late complications.CONCLUSIONHIV‐associated facial lipoatrophy is a socially disabling condition that causes noticeable disfigurement and stigmatizes the patient. We demonstrate the importance of combining a reliable grading scale with a strategic treatment algorithm that utilizes multiple modalities for volume restoration.
Patient Tolerance of In‐Office Pulsed Dye Laser Treatments to the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Authors: Rees Catherine J. , Halum Stacey L. , Wijewickrama Rohan C. , Koufman Jamie A. , Postma Gregory N. 
Published: May 2006

INTRODUCTIONRecent advances in technology have facilitated a movement toward unsedated in‐office treatment of laryngeal, tracheal, and esophageal lesions. The objective of this study was to determine patient tolerance of inoffice pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) treatment of upper aerodigestive tract pathoses via the transnasal esophagoscope.METHODSThree hundred twenty‐eight unsedated in‐office PDL cases were performed at a university‐based tertiary referral center in 131 patients. These procedures were performed for various upper aerodigestive pathoses, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, chronic granulomas, and recurrent leukoplakia. Eighty‐nine subjects completed a phone survey concerning their discomfort level after the PDL procedure. They were also asked specific questions about recovery time, pain medication, and preference of operating room versus inoffice procedures.RESULTSThe average comfort score was 7.4 (10 being minimal discomfort). Eighty‐four percent did not use any pain medication; 87% stated that, if possible, they would prefer to undergo unsedated inoffice procedures rather than surgeries under general anesthesia for further treatment of their upper aerodigestive tract pathosis.CONCLUSIONSUnsedated transnasal treatment of upper aerodigestive tract pathoses is readily accepted and well‐tolerated by otolaryngology patients. Patients overwhelmingly prefer the inoffice PDL over surgeries under general anesthesia.