bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do palatal implants really reduce snoring in long‐term follow‐up?
Authors: Saylam Guleser , Korkmaz Hakan , Firat Hikmet , Tatar Emel Çadalli , Özdek Ali , Ardic Sadik 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate the efficacy of palatal implants in primary snoring patients and to determine the long‐term results.Study design:Retrospective clinical trial.Methods:Twenty‐one adult primary snorers treated with palatal implants were reviewed. Apnea‐hypopnea indexes of all the patients were <5. Patients and their partners were evaluated together at 0, 30, and 90 days and at 6, 12, and 18 months. The partners' visual analog scale (VAS) for snoring intensity and the patients' overall satisfaction, along with the Epworth sleepiness scale, were used for assessments.Results:The mean VAS score was reduced from 9.1 ± 1.1 to 5.4 ± 2.7 at the 3rd month, and to 5.1 ± 3.15 at the 1st year (P < .05). At the 6th month, VAS scores of snoring intensity were reduced >50% in 13 of the patients (61.9%) and 52.3% (n = 11) at the 12th month. Eleven successfully treated patients and their partners were revisited at the 18th month, and both recommended the implant to others. The patient satisfaction rate was over 80% in 14 of the patients after 1 year. The mean ESS scores decreased from 7.8 to 5.5 after 180 days (P < .05). There was a strong correlation between low oxygen desaturation index and treatment success (coefficient, 0.779; P < .001). There were no postprocedure complications, such as bleeding, infection, and extrusion.Conclusions:In primary snoring patients, pillar implant is a safe and easy single procedure. At the 18th‐month follow‐up, partners' VAS score improvement was 53%, along with 80% patient satisfaction.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Novel Amphiphilic Six‐Armed Star Copolymers TP[PDMAEMA‐b‐PSt]6
Authors: Tao Kang , Wang Yanxue , Wang Wenda , Lu Dairen , Wang Yun , Bai Ruke 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA triphenylene (TP)‐based hexafunctional initiator was prepared and used in successive ATRP of DMAEMA and St. Well‐defined six‐armed star block copolymers TP[PDMAEMA‐b‐PSt]6 bearing hydrophilic backbones inside and hydrophobic blocks outside were successfully synthesized. The self‐assembly behaviors of the novel amphiphilic copolymer were further investigated. Co‐existing spherical and bowl‐shaped aggregates were observed from their neutral aqueous solution, while large spherical structures with different dimensions were obtained from their diluted HCl and CF3COOH aqueous solution, respectively. Dynamic light scattering in different aqueous solutions were conducted to give further confirmation. The possible mechanism of the morphology formation was proposed.magnified image
Investigation of Oxygen Permeation through Composites of PMMA and Surface‐Modified ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Hess Sandra , Demir Mustafa M. , Yakutkin Vladimir , Baluschev Stanislav , Wegner Gerhard 
Published: February 2009

AbstractOxygen permeabilities of nanocomposite films consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and different amounts of spherical zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were determined to investigate the barrier effect of this material with respect to particle content. A method was applied which is based on quenching of an excited phosphorescent dye by oxygen. Possible effects of the nanoparticles on the response of the dye molecules were investigated and were ruled out.magnified image
Factors predicting improvement in primary generalized dystonia treated by pallidal deep brain stimulation
Authors: Vasques Xavier , Cif Laura , Gonzalez Victoria , Nicholson Claire , Coubes Philippe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDespite the beneficial effects of Globus Pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with primary generalized dystonia (PGD), the degree of improvement varies from one patient to another. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of clinical, anatomical (volume of the GPi), and electrical variables on the postoperative Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) motor score to identify which factors may be predictive of the degree of improvement. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records of 40 steady‐state patients with PGD who had been treated by bilateral GPi lead implantation. The follow‐up period was 2 to 8 years. The correlation between the electrical parameters (voltage, impedance, and current) and the clinical outcome was studied. An analysis of covariance was performed to identify factors predictive of the magnitude of improvement. The most influential factors according to the model are as follows: the preoperative BFMDRS score (P < 0.0001); age at surgery (P < 0.0001); the right GPi volume (P = 0.002); the left stimulated GPi volume (P = 0.005). No significant correlation was found between the electrical parameters used and the mean motor scores in steady state. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Association of restless legs syndrome with nocturnal eating: A case‐control study
Authors: Provini Federica , Antelmi Elena , Vignatelli Luca , Zaniboni Anna , Naldi Giulia , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Vetrugno Roberto , Plazzi Giuseppe , Montagna Pasquale 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe investigated the prevalence of nocturnal eating (sleep‐related eating disorder—SRED or night‐eating syndrome—NES) in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). One hundred RLS patients living in Emilia‐Romagna (Northern Italy) and 100 matched controls randomly selected from the general population received two telephone interviews, and were investigated for socio‐demographic characteristics, general health status, and presence of nocturnaleating. Additionally, subjects underwent interviews for psychopathological traits [by means of the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2), the Maudsley Obsessive‐Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)], excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and subjective sleep quality. Compared with controls, RLS patients had more frequently pathological MOCI scores (24% versus 10%, P = 0.03), used significantly more drugs for concomitant diseases and had more nocturnal sleep impairment and EDS. SRED was more prevalent in RLS patients than controls (SRED: 33% versus 1%, P < 0.001). Medication use and pathological MOCI scores were more prevalent in RLS patients with SRED than among RLS patients without SRED. Use of dopaminergic or hypnotic drugs for RLS was not correlated with the presence of SRED. We demonstrate an association between RLS and SRED. Prospective studies are needed to establish the mechanisms underlying such association and whether it is causal. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
TheTOR1Apolymorphism rs1182 and the risk of spread in primary blepharospasm
Authors: Defazio Giovanni , Matarin Mar , Peckham Elizabeth L. , Martino Davide , Valente Enza M. , Singleton Andrew , Crawley Anthony , Aniello Maria Stella , Brancati Francesco , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Girlanda Paolo , Livrea Paolo , Hallett Mark , Berardelli Alfredo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe studied the influence of the rs1182 polymorphism of theTOR1Agene on the risk of dystonia spread in two representative cohorts of patients presenting with primary blepharospasm (BSP), one from Italy and the other from the United States of America. The relationship between rs1182 polymorphism and spread was estimated by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted by age and sex, age of BSP onset. In both series, patients carrying the T allele (G/T or T/T) in the rs1182 polymorphism were more likely to have dystonia spread as compared with the homozygous carriers of the common G allele. The comparable findings obtained in two independent cohorts support a genetic contribution to BSP spread. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Identification of hydrogen peroxide as a major cytotoxic component in Maillard reaction mixtures and coffee
Authors: Hegele Jörg , Münch Gerald , Pischetsrieder Monika 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe cytotoxic activity of Maillard reaction products and coffee was studied using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the neutral red uptake (NRU) assay. Equimolar mixtures of sugars and lysine were heated at 120°C and used to stimulate bovine aorta endothelial cells for 24 h. The cytotoxic activity increased with increase in educt concentration and heating time. Mixtures containing ribose were most active, followed by lactose and glucose. Hydrogen peroxide, which was present in the Maillard mixtures in concentrations between 7 and 87 μM, was identified as one of their major cytotoxic components. H2O2‐concentrations increased further up to 130 μM under cell culture conditions. Filter coffee, espresso, and green coffee extract reduced cell viability significantly to 10, 19, and 83% of PBS‐treated control. The effect was largely attenuated by the addition of catalase. Nil, 33, and 41 μM H2O2 was measured in green coffee extract, filter coffee, and espresso, respectively, increasing to 13, 369, and 333 μM during cell culture conditions. No additional H2O2 formation was detected when coffee was incubated for up to 5 h without further treatment. In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide is a major product in Maillard mixtures and coffee inducing cell death in vitro.
On time integration in the XFEM
Authors: Fries Thomas‐Peter , Zilian Andreas 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe extended finite element method (XFEM) is often used in applications that involve moving interfaces. Examples are the propagation of cracks or the movement of interfaces in two‐phase problems. This work focuses on time integration in the XFEM. The performance of the discontinuous Galerkin method in time (space–time finite elements (FEs)) and time‐stepping schemes are analyzed by convergence studies for different model problems. It is shown that space–time FE achieve optimal convergence rates. Special care is required for time stepping in the XFEM due to the time dependence of the enrichment functions. In each time step, the enrichment functions have to be evaluated at different time levels. This has important consequences in the quadrature used for the integration of the weak form. A time‐stepping scheme that leads to optimal or only slightly sub‐optimal convergence rates is systematically constructed in this work. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐pineal supratentorial primitive neuro‐ectodermal tumors (sPNET) in teenagers and young adults: Time to reconsider cisplatin based chemotherapy after cranio‐spinal irradiation?
Authors: Biswas Swethajit , Burke Amos , Cherian Sheen , Williams Denise , Nicholson James , Horan Gail , Jefferies Sarah , Williams Michael , Earl Helena M. , Burnet Neil G. , Hatcher Helen 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundSupratentorial PNET (sPNET) are rare CNS tumors of embryonal origin arising in children and adults. The treatment of sPNET for all age groups at our cancer center has been based on the management of medulloblastoma (MB), involving neurosurgical debulking followed by cranio‐spinal irradiation (CSI) and systemic chemotherapy.MethodsMedical records were reviewed to gather demographic and clinical data about all embryonal CNS tumors in children and adults from 2001 to 2007. Tumor pathology, clinical management and survival data were also assessed, particularly as regards those patients who received the Packer chemotherapy regimen for either sPNET or MB.ResultsEleven patients (five children and six adults) were identified with non‐pineal sPNET, three children with pineal sPNET, and 19 patients (18 children and 1 adult) with MB. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) rates between pediatric and adult sPNET. When all sPNET were compared to all MB, 5‐year OS was 14% versus 73%, respectively, but was only 9% for non‐pineal sPNET. When only considering those patients treated with the Packer chemotherapy regimen, the 5‐year OS was 12% for sPNET versus 79% for MB.ConclusionThis retrospective study demonstrates that non‐pineal sPNET are clinically distinct from MB and are resistant to the Packer chemotherapy regimen. We suggest that it is time to reconsider the use of this regimen in teenage and young adult non‐pineal sPNET and to investigate the utility of alternative approaches. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:796–803. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Children and traumatic events: Therapeutic techniques for psychologists working in the schools
Authors: Little Steven G. , Akin‐Little Angeleque , Gutierrez Gabriel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is clear that exposure to traumatic events is not uncommon in childhood and adolescence, and psychologists working in schools should have some training in meeting the needs of this segment of the population. One intervention that has been empirically supported in the trauma field is Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF‐CBT). This article seeks to provide an overview of research on the efficacy of TF‐CBT with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma with a primary focus on psychologists working in the schools. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect on structural relaxation of the poly(methyl‐methacrylate) copolymers chain flexibility
Authors: Della Sciucca Stefania , Spagnoli Gloria , Penco Maurizio , Battiato Salvatore , Samperi Filippo , Mendichi Raniero 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe structural relaxation of poly(methyl‐methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based copolymers with different chain flexibility has been studied by DSC with the classical procedure of the isothermal and dynamical approach. Modified PMMA with different chain flexibility have been prepared by free radical polymerization in solution using a mixture of monomers containing 10 mol % of alkyl methacrylate (i.e., ethyl, buthyl, and hexyl methacrylate). The molecular characteristics of all the prepared copolymers have been performed by a multiangle laser light scattering (MALS) photometer on‐line to a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) system (SEC‐MALS) after and before the thermal treatments, NMR (1H and 13C) and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. A comparison of the apparent relaxation rate (RH) was appraised from the enthalpy loss by annealing the different samples at the same level of undercooling (Ta = Tg − 18 °C). It was found an increase of RH increasing the chain flexibility in the copolymers. Dynamical tests, performed at different cooling rates, have been used to estimate the apparent activation energy of the relaxation process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 596–607, 2009
Kinetics study on melt compounding of carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Sun Yurong , Zhang Ming 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polypropylene nanocomposites (PP/CNTs) were prepared by melt mixing using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (mPP) as the compatibilizer. The effect of mPP on dispersion of CNTs was then studied using the tool of rheology, aiming at relating the viscoelastic behaviors to the mesoscopic structure of CNTs. To further explore the kinetics of hybrid formation, a multilayered sample with alternatively superposed neat mPP and binary PP/CNTs microcomposites (without addition of mPP) sheets was prepared and experienced dynamic annealing in the small amplitude oscillatory shear flow. The results show that melt blending CNTs with PP can only yield the composites with microscale dispersion of CNTs, while adding mPP promotes nanoscale dispersion of CNTs as smaller bundles or even as individual nanotubes, reducing percolation threshold as a result. However, the values of apparent diffusivities of the composites are in same order with that of self‐diffusion coefficients of the neat PP, indicating that the presence of detached CNTs nearly does not inhibit PP chain motion. Hence, the activation energy of hybrid formation is close to the self‐diffusion of PP. This also indicates that although addition of mPP can improve the compatibility between CNTs and PP thermodynamically, those dynamic factors, such as shear flow, however, may be the dominant role on hybrid formation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 608–618, 2009
Interfacial properties of compressible polymer solutions
Authors: Ghiass Majid , Rey Alejandro D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA chemomechanical model for the interfacial concentration and density in compressible polymer solutions is formulated using variational principles. The nonlinear model with boundary conditions obtained from phase equilibrium calculations gives the coupled concentration and density profiles. The couplings between chemical and mechanical balances are identified and efficient ways to calculate the interfacial structure is identified. A specific model appropriate to high‐pressure processing of the polyolefins is developed using the modified Sanchez Lacombe equation of state. Bakker's formula for the interfacial tension is adapted to compressible polymer solutions. The structure and tension of a flat interface is characterized using the developed model and material properties of three molecular weight hydrogenated polybutadiene; the main variables of interest were the pressure, polymer molecular weight, and temperature. The relation between the pressure profile across the interface and the interfacial tension is characterized. Scaling power laws for interfacial tension and interfacial thickness as a function of pressure are obtained and contrasted with the corresponding laws observed and predicted for incompressible polymer solutions. It is found that the modified Sanchez Lacombe‐based power law prediction predictions for compressible solutions in terms of pressure quenches are similar to those from those obtained by the Flory‐Huggins incompressible model for temperature quenches. The present results provide the basis for the future study of the kinetics of pressure‐induced phase separation in compressible polymer solutions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 640–654, 2009
Design and Testing of a Semi‐Continuous Measurement System for Ionic Species in PM2.5
Authors: Hong Sang bum , Kim Dae seong , Ryu Sung yun , Lee Ken W. , Kim Young jun , Lee Jai hoon 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA semi‐continuous measurement system was constructed to investigate ionic species of fine particles less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) in ambient air and at ca. 30 min time resolution. An intercomparison study was also performed with a typical integrated measurement technique (12‐h filter measurements) at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea. The system was composed of three main parts, i.e., a PM2.5 cyclone inlet connected to annular coating denuders, particle collection components and an ion chromatograph. Particle collection efficiencies in the range of 0.05 – 0.15 μm and 0.15 – 2.5 μm were 80 – 90 % and ca. 100 %, respectively, under the following conditions: distilled water (DW) flow rates, injected into the rectangular coil type air/liquid separator, over 0.23 mL min–1, with aerosol sampling and DW flow rates for steam generation of 2 L min–1 and 0.17 mL min–1, respectively. The limits of detection (3s of the blank value) of the system under the field experimental conditions were as follows: Na+ and NH4+: 0.20 μg m–3, K+: 0.25 μg m–3, Ca2+ and Mg2+: 0.50 μg m–3, and Cl–, NO3– and SO42–: 0.10 μg m–3. The intercomparison studies showed that the results of the semi‐continuous measurement system generally correlated with those of the 12‐h filter measurements for NH4+, SO42–, NO3– and Cl– (r = 0.82 ∼ 0.96, P < 0.0001, 95 % confidence limit). The correlation was best for SO42– (r = 0.96), but was relatively low for NO3– (r = 0.87) and Cl– (r = 0.82). The results indicated that the correlations between the two methods were mainly dependent upon the thermodynamic stability of the species in the fine particles and the sampling artifacts associated with the filter method.
Thermal analysis of buried heterostructure quantum cascade lasers for long‐wavelength infrared emission using 2D anisotropic heat‐dissipation model
Authors: Lee H. K. , Chung K. S. , Yu J. S. , Razeghi M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe have theoretically investigated and compared the thermal characteristics of γ ∼ 10.6 μm InGaAs/InAlAs/InP buried heterostructure (BH) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with different heat‐sinking configurations by a steady‐state heat‐transfer analysis. The heat‐source densities were obtained from laser threshold power densities measured experimentally under room‐temperature continuous‐wave mode. The two‐dimensional anisotropic heat‐dissipation model was used to calculate the temperature distribution, heat flux, and thermal conductance (Gth) inside the device. For good thermal characteristics, the QCLs in the long‐wavelength infrared region require the relatively narrow BH structure in combination with epilayer‐down bonding due to thick active core/cladding layers and high insulator losses. The single‐ridge BH structure results in slightly higher thermal conductance by ∼2–4% than the double‐channel (DC) ridge BH structure. For W = 12 μm with 5 μm thick electroplated Au, the single‐ridge BH laser with epilayer‐down bonding exhibited the highest Gth value of 201.9 W/K cm2, i.e. increased by nearly 36% with respect to the epilayer‐up bonded DC ridge waveguide laser. This value is improved by ∼50% and ∼62% with respect to the single‐ridge BH laser and DC ridge waveguide laser with W = 20 μm in the epilayer‐up bonding scheme, respectively. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preface: Phys. Status Solidi A 206/2
Authors: Allerman Andrew , Dupuis Russell D. , Khan Asif , Ponce Fernando A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Seventh International Symposium on Semiconductor Light Emitting Devices (ISSLED 2008) was held in Phoenix, Arizona, on the week of 27 April to 2 May 2008. This Symposium is a new edition of the International Symposium on Blue Laser and Light Emitting Diodes (ISBLLED) series which has been held biannually to provide a platform for scientists and engineers to discuss progress and future trends in the rapidly advancing wide band gap semiconductor science and technologies and their applications into visible and ultraviolet light emitting diodes and diode lasers.The first symposium in the series was organized by Prof. Akihiko Yoshikawa and was held in Chiba, Japan, in 1996. The following symposia were held in Chiba, Japan, in 1998; Berlin, Germany, in 2000; Cordoba, Spain, in 2002; Geongju, Korea, in 2004; and more recently in Montpellier, France, in 2006.The participants were 33 from Asia (16 from Japan), 19 from Europe, and 66 from North America. The ISSLED 2008 scientific program included a total of 14 invited talks and 63 contributed talks.This symposium covered materials and their devices based on GaN, ZnSe, and ZnO semiconductors. The topics included materials growth and characterization, optoelectronic properties, device design and fabrication, white light emitting diodes, ultraviolet emitters and detectors, photonics, device performance and reliability, novel optoelectronic devices and applications, spintronics, and biological applications.The next meeting in this series was proposed, and accepted by the International Advisory Committee, to be held in China, in May 2010, to be organized by Prof. Guoyi Zhang of Peking University (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)