bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Effects of Nasal Septal Deviation and its Surgery on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance in Both Nasal Cavities
Authors: Ulusoy Bulent , Arbag Hamdi , Sari Oktay , Yondemli Fuat 
Published: March 2007

Background In this study the effects of nasal septal deviation (NSD) and its surgery on nasal mucociliary clearance velocity (NMCV) in both nasal cavities were evaluated. Methods This study included 20 patients with NSD and 20 healthy subjects as a control group who had no complaint related to the nose. NMCV was measured with rhinoscintigraphy using technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m-MAA). Results Before the septal surgery, the NMCV of concave (10.24 ± 3.96 mm/minute) and convex sides (10.78 ± 3.53 mm/minute) of the patients were significantly lower than the control group (17.94 ± 2.89 mm/minute). There is no statistically significant difference between the NMCV of the concave and convex sides. After septal surgery, the NMCVs of the concave (16.34 ± 4.40 mm/minute) and convex sides (17.21 ± 3.43 mm/minute) were not significantly different from control groups (17.94 ± 2.89 mm/minute). Postoperative NMCVs of the concave and convex sides was significantly better than preoperative NMCVs. Conclusion The results of this study showed that NSD significantly impaired NMCVs in both sides and that septoplasty significantly improved NMCVs in both sides.
Outpatient Intravenous Antibiotics for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Sinusitis
Authors: Tabaee Abtin , Anand Vijay K. , Yoon Caroline 
Published: March 2007

Background The widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has resulted in an increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Its presence in sinonasal cultures in patients with sinusitis suggests its pathogenicity. However, the efficacy and safety of treatment modalities for MRSA sinusitis remain incompletely described. Methods A retrospective chart review of six patients treated for MRSA sinusitis with outpatient intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics was performed for patient demographics, history of antibiotic use, history of prior sinus surgery, and treatment-related complications. A quality-of-life survey and endoscopically guided cultures before and after therapy were used to measure treatment outcomes. Results The cohort consisted of five women and one man with a mean age of 50.8 years. All patients had undergone multiple sinus procedures with a mean number of 2.7 procedures per patient (range, 1–6 procedures). Five patients (83.3%) experienced negative cultures after outpatient i.v. antibiotics. The single patient who had persistent cultures experienced clinical and endoscopic improvement in her symptoms. The quality-of-life scores improved in five of the six patients (83.3%) after therapy. Four patients (66.7%) experienced five adverse events including allergic reaction (four events) and neutropenia (one event), all of which resolved with a change in medication. Conclusion Outpatient i.v. antibiotics may be an effective therapy for the treatment of MRSA sinusitis. The occurrence of adverse events requires a dedicated protocol to therapy. Future studies are required to investigate long-term efficacy.
Reduced Nasal Resistance after Simple Tonsillectomy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Nakata Seiichi , Miyazaki Soichiro , Ohki Motofumi , Morinaga Mami , Noda Akiko , Sugiura Tatsuki , Sugiura Makoto , Teranishi Masaaki , Katayama Naomi , Nakashima Tsutomu 
Published: March 2007

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simple tonsillectomy on nasal resistance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods Conventional tonsillectomy was performed in 20 patients who were refractory to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. The subjects consisted of 17 men and 3 women (mean age, 32.9 ± 6.3 years). The effects of tonsillectomy were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative polysomnography and nasal resistance. Results After tonsillectomy, nasal resistance decreased significantly from 0.39 ± 0.30 Pa/cm3 per second to 0.27 ± 0.16 Pa/cm3 per second (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the apnea–hypopnea index decreased significantly from 55.7 ± 22.5 to 21.2 ± 14.2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between tonsillar weight and percentage of change in bilateral nasal resistance (p > 0.05). Conclusion The reduction in nasal resistance induced by simple tonsillectomy could play an important role in improving OSAS, as does nasal surgery or adenotomy.
STAT1 is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Murine Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Hattori Hisashi , Rosas Lucia E. , Okano Mitsuhiro , Durbin Joan E. , Nishizaki Kazunori , Satoskar Abhay R. 
Published: March 2007

Background Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 signaling pathway mediates biological functions of interferon (IFN) γ, which is a key cytokine-regulating T helper 1 (Th1) differentiation. Although constitutive activation of STAT1 has been reported in the airway epithelium of patients with chronic asthma, its in vivo role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis is not clear. We determined the role of STAT1 in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in vivo using STAT1 gene-deficient (STAT1–/–) mice and a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA)–induced allergic rhinitis. Methods STAT1 –/– BALB/c and wild-type (WT) mice were sensitized by intranasal administration of SEA, and their immunologic responses were examined. Results STAT1 –/– mice showed impaired nasal eosinophilia and markedly reduced histamine-induced nasal hyperresponsiveness after SEA sensitization. Moreover, levels of Th2-associated SEA-specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies were lower in STAT1 –/– mice. Anti-CD3–stimulated nasal lymphocytes from STAT1–/–mice also produced less amounts of Th2-associated cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 compared with WT mice, but both produced comparable levels of IFN-γ. Conclusion These results show that STAT1 is involved in the pathogenesis of SEA-induced allergic rhinitis in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, they reveal a surprising role of STAT1 in induction of nasal eosinophilia, and Th2-type cytokine production from nasal lymphocytes during allergic rhinitis.
Use of a Hypodense Sodium Fluorescein Solution for the Endoscopic Repair of Rhinogenic Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulae
Authors: Demarco Ricardo Cassiano , Tamashiro Edwin , Pereira Valera Fabiana Cardoso , Anselmo-Lima Wilma T. 
Published: March 2007

Background Hypodense fluorescein solution can be used intrathecally to facilitate and accelerate the identification of the fistulous site. Methods Eighteen patients were submitted for nasal endoscopic correction of rhinogenic cerebrospinal fluid fistulas after their identification with a hypodense sodium fluorescein solution. Results Intrathecal injection of hypodense fluorescein permitted a rapid and safe identification of the leak and did not present significant side effects. The fistulous site was identified in all patients, and the time needed for staining was <30 minutes in all cases. Surgery was successful in 88% of the patients after only one intervention, with the rate reaching 100% after a secondary intervention in cases of recurrence. Conclusion Intrathecal injection of a hypodense sodium fluorescein solution permits a more precise, rapid, and safe endoscopic approach, with no need to place the patient in the Trendelenburg position or to wait for a long period of time before starting the surgical procedure.
Synechia Formation after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Middle Turbinate Medialization with and without FloSeal
Authors: Shrime Mark G. , Tabaee Abtin , Hsu Amy K , Rickert Scott , Close Lanny Garth 
Published: March 2007

Background The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for synechia formation after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and middle turbinate medialization with and without FloSeal. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent primary ESS with middle turbinate medialization, with or without the placement of FloSeal. Medialization was performed with the placement of an absorbable conchopexy suture and silastic splint. Operative variables and outcomes were analyzed to identify risk factors for synechia formation. Results One hundred thirty-five patients underwent medialization alone and 37 patients underwent medialization with placement of FloSeal. Overall, synechia formation was noted in 16 patients (9.3%). A statistically significant higher incidence of synechia formation was noted in patients who underwent middle turbinate medialization with the placement of FloSeal versus medialization alone (18.9% versus 6.7%). The incidences of intraoperative complications (6.2% versus 4.7%) and postoperative complications (6.2% versus 7%) were similar between patients with and without synechia, respectively. Patients experiencing synechia, however, underwent a statistically significant higher rate of revision procedures (25% versus 5.1%). Conclusion Despite adequate prevention with middle turbinate medialization, synechia formation after ESS may result in higher rates of revision procedures. The placement of FloSeal in conjunction with middle turbinate medialization may result in a higher incidence of synechia formation.
Smoking and Improvement after Nasal Surgery in Snoring Men
Authors: Virkkula Paula , Hytönen Maija , Bachour Adel , Malmberg Henrik , Hurmerinta Kirsti , Salmi Tapani , Maasilta Paula 
Published: March 2007

Background The aim of this study was to compare subgroups of smokers and nonsmokers undergoing nasal surgery and to evaluate improvement of nasal stuffiness, snoring, and symptoms related to sleep-disordered breathing after nasal surgery. Methods A cross-sectional prospective study was performed. The study population included 40 consecutive snoring men scheduled for surgical treatment of nasal obstruction. The patients completed nasal and sleep questionnaires, an Epworth sleepiness scale, and a visual analog scale of snoring intensity. They underwent polysomnography, anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and cephalometric analysis. Results The smokers were younger, they snored longer and louder, and they had higher nasal resistance with decongestion and longer soft palates than the nonsmokers. Nasal stuffiness improved well after surgery, but a decrease of nasal resistance was not related to improvement of subjective snoring. Conclusion Smoking was associated with increased snoring, nasal obstruction, and pharyngeal soft tissue volume. Expectations of patients may influence subjective assessment of snoring after nasal surgery.
Choanal Polyps: An Evaluation of 53 Cases
Authors: Aydin Ömer , Keskin Gürkan , Üstündağ Emre , İşeri Mete , Özkarakaş Haluk 
Published: March 2007

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience on the diagnosis and treatment of choanal polyps (CP). Methods This study consists of 53 patients with CP diagnosed by means of rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, computerized tomography, surgical, and histologic findings between 1996 and 2005. Results The origins of the CPs were the unilateral maxillary sinus in 47 patients, simultaneously bilateral maxillary sinus in 2 patients, septum in 2 patients, sphenoid sinus in 1 patient, anterior ethmoid sinus in 1 patient. The most common presenting symptoms were unilateral nasal obstruction, snoring, and rhinorrhea. In the cases of the antrochoanal polyps, the most common preoperative radiological finding was the total opacification of the maxillary sinus. Conclusion Endoscopic approach for complete removal of the CPs is an extremely safe and effective procedure. It should be focused on the detection of the exact origin and the extent of the polyp to prevent recurrence.
Interfacial adhesion enhancement of polyethylene–polypropylene mixtures by adding synthesized diisocyanate compatibilizers
Authors: Ubonnut Lerdlaksana , Thongyai Supakanok , Praserthdam Piyasan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractImmiscible and incompatible binary blends of commercial polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene (PE) display poor mechanical properties. The addition of compatibilizer to reinforce and enhance an adhesion at the interfaces between PE–PP mixtures has been conducted. The compatibilizer chosen was in the group of Ziegler–Natta's PE–PP block copolymer with diisocyanate linkage. The effects of adding the compatibilizers were assessed by morphology studies, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing. DSC curves of crystallization and FTIR provided evidences to support the formation of PP/PE block copolymer. Significant improvements in the mechanical properties of 50/50 PE/PP blends containing compatibilizer have been noted. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3766–3773, 2007
Surface free energy analysis of poly(vinyl alcohol) films having various molecular parameters
Authors: Kim Joon Ho , Shin Dong Soo , Han Man Ho , Kwon Oh Wook , Lee Hyun Kyu , Lee Se Geun , Ghim Han Do , Park Joo Min , Han Sung Soo , Noh Seok Kyun , Lyoo Won Seok 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe molecular parameters of poly(vinyl alcohol) have enormous effects on its physical and chemical properties. Therefore, the surface characteristics of poly(vinyl alcohol) films are also determined by the molecular parameters. In this study, the dependence of the surface free energy on the molecular weight, degree of saponification, and stereoregularity of poly(vinyl alcohol) films has been evaluated with contact‐angle measurements. The surface free energy of poly(vinyl alcohol) films increases with decreases in the syndiotactic dyad content, molecular weight, and degree of saponification. The polar component of the surface energy is not affected by the deviation of the molecular weight and degree of saponification very much. However, it decreases with increases in the syndiotactic dyad content and ranges from 11.64 to 4.35 dyn/cm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Biodegradable polyurethane based on random copolymer of L‐lactide and ϵ‐caprolactone and its shape‐memory property
Authors: Wang Wenshou , Ping Peng , Chen Xuesi , Jing Xiabin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) are synthesized from the copolymer diols prepared from L‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone (CL), 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol. Their thermal and mechanical properties are characterized via FTIR, DSC, and tensile tests. Their Tgs are in the range of 28–53°C. They have high modulus, tensile strength, and elongation ratio at break. With increasing CL content, the PU changes from semicrystalline to completely amorphous. Thermal mechanical analysis is used to determine their shape‐memory property. When they are deformed and fixed at proper temperatures, their shape‐recovery is almost complete for a tensile elongation of 150% or a compression of 2‐folds. By changing the content of CL and the hard‐to‐soft ratio, their Tgs and their shape‐recovery temperature can be adjusted. Therefore, they may find wide applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 4182–4187, 2007
Grafting of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) onto nylon and polystyrene surfaces by atmospheric plasma treatment followed with free radical graft copolymerization
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , McCord Marian G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractStimuli‐responsive polymer materials (SRPs) have potential uses in drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioreactors, and cell‐surface adhesion control. Temperature‐responsive surfaces were fabricated by grafting poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) onto nylon and polystyrene surfaces via a new procedure, i.e., He atmospheric plasma treatment followed by free radical graft copolymerization. The atmospheric plasma exhibits the activation capability to initiate graft copolymerization. The procedure is suitable for integration into a continuous manufacturing process. To reduce homopolymerization and enhance graft yield, Mohr's salt was added. The graft of PNIPAM was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Dramatic water contact angle increase was found for PNIPAM‐grafted polymers at about 32°C, indicating the temperature sensitivity of the grafted surface, i.e., the change of surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when temperature increases above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The addition of Mohr's salt enhances the grafting reaction and the magnitude of temperature sensitivity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3614–3621, 2007
PET/PP blending by using PP‐g‐MA synthesized by solid phase
Authors: Akbari M. , Zadhoush A. , Haghighat M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn attempts to improve the compatibility of polypropylene (PP) with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MA) was evaluated as a compatibilizer in a blend of 30/70 wt % PP/PET. PP‐g‐MA was produced from isotactic homopolymer PP utilizing the technique of solid phase graft copolymerization. Qualitative confirmations of the grafting were made by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Three different weight percent of compatibilizer, PP‐g‐MA, i.e., 5, 10, and 15 wt % have been used in PP/PET blends. The compatibilizing efficiency for PP/PET blend was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of crycrofractured surfaces, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum (EDAX). The results show that the grafted PP promotes a fine dispersed phase morphology, improves processability, and modifies the crystallization behavior of the polyester component. These effects are attributed to enhance phase interaction resulting in reduced interfacial tension. Also, the results show that the compatibilizing effects of the three amounts of grafted PP in blend are different and dependent on the amount used. Adding 10 wt % of compatibilizer into blend produced the finest dispersed morphology. Elemental analysis results show that PP is matrix. DSC determination revealed that the melting temperature (Tm) of the PET component declined to some extent by comparison with neat PET. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104, 3986–3993, 2007
Supramolecular Triad and Pentad Composed of Zinc–Porphyrin(s), Oxoporphyrinogen, and Fullerene(s): Design and Electron‐Transfer Studies
Authors: Schumacher Amy Lea , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Hill Jonathan P. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Karr Paul A. , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , D'Souza Francis 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBy adopting a “covalent–coordinate” bonding approach, novel supramolecular pentad and triad molecules composed of zinc–porphyrin(s), fullerene(s), and oxoporphyrinogen redox‐/photoactive entities have been constructed, and also characterized by means of spectral and electrochemical techniques. The geometry and electronic structures of the pentad and the triad were deduced by means of DFT calculations. Free‐energy calculations suggested that the photoinduced electron/energy transfer from the zinc–porphyrin (ZnP) singlet‐excited state to the imidazole modified fullerene (ImC60) acceptor and oxoporphyrinogen (OxP) entities is feasible for both the triad and the pentad. The charge‐separation rates (kCS) determined from picosecond time‐resolved emission studies were higher for pentad (C60Im:ZnP)2–OxP than for the corresponding triad, C60Im:ZnP–OxP. A comparison of the kCS values previously reported for the covalently linked bis(zinc–porphyrin)–oxoporphyrinogen triad suggests that employing a fullerene acceptor improves the electron‐transfer rates. Nanosecond transient absorption studies provide evidence for the occurrence of electron‐transfer processes. Lifetimes of the radical ion pairs (τRIP) are in the range of hundreds of nanoseconds, which indicates that there is charge stabilization in the supramolecular systems.
Competitive flow control in general multi‐node multi‐link communication networks
Authors: Sahin Ismet , Simaan Marwan A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the flow control in a general multi‐node multi‐link communication network with competing users. Each user has a source node, a destination node, and an existing route for its data flow over any set of links in the network from its source to its destination node. The flow rate for each user is a control variable that is determined by optimizing a user‐specific utility function which combines maximizing the flow rate and minimizing the network congestion for that user. A preference parameter in the utility function allows each user to adjust the trade‐off between these two objectives. Since all users share the same network resources and are only interested in optimizing their own utility functions, the Nash equilibrium of game theory represents a reasonable solution concept for this multi‐user general network. The existence and uniqueness of such an equilibrium is therefore very important for the network to admit an enforceable flow configuration. In this paper, we derive an expression for the Nash equilibrium and prove its uniqueness. We illustrate the results with an example and discuss some properties and observations related to the network performance when in the Nash equilibrium. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Nanoarray for Hydrazine Detection Using a Combinatorial Approach
Authors: Baron Ronan , Šljukić Biljana , Salter Chris , Crossley Alison , Compton Richard G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe combinatorial screening of different metallic nanoparticles as electrocatalysts was investigated and efficiently applied for the detection of hydrazine. In a first step, glassy carbon microspheres decorated with metallic nanoparticles (Au, Pd, and Ag) were abrasively attached on the surface of a basal plane pyrolytic electrode giving a ‘multi–metal’ nanoarray. In a second step, electrodes modified with only one type of metallic nanoparticles allowed the identification of Pd as the unique catalytic material. In addition, a carbon‐epoxy composite electrode loaded with the Pd nanoparticles was then constructed for a practical use. The carbon‐epoxy composite nanoarray electrode was found to have excellent characteristics as for the sensing of hydrazine with a limit of detection of 2 μM.
An alternative single‐step algorithm for dynamic problems
Authors: Zienkiewicz O. C. , Wood W. L. , Taylor R. L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper we consider a one‐step form of the weighted residual method for solving equations of motion for discrete structural problems. The resulting time integration algorithm is equivalent to the Newmark method for a restricted but important range of the parameters. The weighted residual treatment of the forcing function permits use of time increments based solely on the expected periods of the structural response, instead of the usual additional restrictions based on the periods of the forcing function. A numerical example is included to illustrate the behaviour of the algorithm for a forced ground motion with both low‐ and high‐frequency components.
Structural identification using linear models and earthquake records
Authors: Beck James L. , Jennings Paul C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe problem of determining linear models of structures from seismic response data is investigated using ideas from the theory of system identification. The approach is to determine the optimal estimates of the model parameters by minimizing a selected measure‐of‐fit between the responses of the structure and the model. Because earthquake records are normally available from only a small number of locations in a structure, and because of noise in the records, it is necessary in practice to estimate parameters of the dominant modes in the records, rather than the stiffness and damping matrices of the linear model. A new algorithm is developed to determine the optimal estimates of the modal parameters. After tests with simulated data, the method is applied to a multi‐storey building using records from the 1971 San Fernando earthquake in California. New information is obtained concerning the properties of the lower modes of the building and the time‐varying character of the equivalent linear parameters.