bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential w‐right continuity and summing operators
Authors: Diestel Joe , Peralta Antonio M. , Puglisi Daniele
Published: March 2011

We continue the study of the w‐right and strong* topologies in general Banach spaces started in 36, 37 and 35. We show that in L1(μ)‐spaces the w‐right convergence of sequences admits a simpler control. Some considerations about these topologies will be contemplated in the particular cases of C*‐algebras and JB*‐triples in connection with summing operators. We also study (sequential) w‐right‐norm and strong*‐norm continuity for holomorphic mappings. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Well‐defined Syndiotactic Polystyrene‐b‐Atactic Polystyrene Stereoblock Polymers
Authors: Annunziata Liana , Sarazin Yann , Duc Michel , Carpentier Jean‐François
Published: March 2011

New well‐defined syndiotactic polystyrene–atactic polystyrene (sPS‐b‐aPS) stereoblock polymers were synthesized in a two‐step process using a combination of “pseudo‐living” Ziegler‐Natta and atom transfer radical polymerizations. Under specific conditions, the one‐pot termination with N‐bromosuccinimide of syndioselective styrene polymerization catalyzed by Cp*Ti(CH2Ph)3/B(C6F5)3/Al(n‐Oct)3 (1:1:1) provided sPS‐Br polymers almost perfectly (97%) end‐capped with bromine atoms. These sPS‐Br were used as macroinitiators in the ATRP of styrene affording sPS‐b‐aPS with a broad range of compositions. Characterizations by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, HT‐GPC and DSC confirmed the formation and identity of the new materials. Preliminary studies on the crystallization behavior under both isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions showed that these sPS‐b‐aPS stereoblock polymers crystallize faster than the corresponding blends made of sPS and aPS with a similar composition; this effect is amplified at high contents (80%) of aPS in the stereoblock materials.

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Decades of delayed diagnosis in 4 levodopa‐responsive young‐onset monogenetic parkinsonism patients
Authors: Ling Helen , Braschinsky Mark , Taba Pille , Lüüs Siiri‐Merike , Doherty Karen , Hotter Anna , Poewe Werner , Lees Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

Background:

We report 4 patients with young‐onset monogenetic parkinsonism, each of whom was misdiagnosed with either a psychogenic movement disorder or chronic fatigue syndrome for 10 to 23 years after the onset of their first symptoms.

Results:

Once the diagnosis was eventually made, they all had a rapid and excellent response to levodopa, albeit with the early appearance of interdose dyskinesias in 3.

Conclusions:

We discuss possible reasons for the missed diagnosis despite the relentless progression of their motor handicap. DAT scanning supported the revised clinical diagnosis of parkinsonism. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Obtaining legacies ‘face‐to‐face’
Authors: Ford David
Published: March 2011

This paper is a general overview on how to obtain legacies. It must be remembered that the element of legacy fundraising which involves face‐to‐face techniques is the culmination of a properly organised and researched campaign, and cannot in any circumstances be done without a great deal of other essential preparatory work. Legacies account for nearly a half of all voluntary income in the UK, yet even now very few charities have developed a really effective all round legacy campaign integrated into their overall fundraising strategy. This paper is an attempt to give some insight into this potentially important income stream and is designed to give every fundraiser some helpful ideas, whether working for a large established national charity or a very small, local, recently formed voluntary group.
HelpAd: A marketing system
Authors: Doyle Bob
Published: March 2011

HelpAd is a simple idea, Brand A allows Brand B to advertise on its packaging thereby creating an effective and targeted medium to reach Brand A's consumers. The new dimension is that the advertisement is placed inside a space given by Brand A for the use of the International Red Cross.

Immediately several benefits accrue to all parties; Brand A makes a statement of its ‘corporate caredness’ at point of sale, Brand B gets to reach a specifically targeted audience with little or no waste, and the International Red Cross receive payment based on the sale of valuable commercial media.

The core product ‘the world's most ethical advertising’ is simply embellished by line extension through Help Ad's involvement in sport and entertainment sponsorship.

The following paper sets out not only the reasoning behind this cause‐related marketing but the synergies needed to make it successful.
A systemic approach to the application of marketing theory for charitable organisations
Authors: Lindsay Graeme , Murphy Alan
Published: March 2011

This paper will examine the contribution which core marketing concepts and ideas can make to an examination of the nonprofit‐making sector, specifically charitable organisations. Using systemic theory as a framework it will be argued that core marketing concepts and ideas developed in, and specific to, the private sector, cannot be easily transferred to an examination of the charitable sector. At the same time however it will be stressed that these core concepts and ideas can provide a useful initial framework of reference against which further developments can be undertaken. The paper will propose a new dynamic approach to examining the charitable sector which facilitates a more discriminating approach to the application of marketing constructs.
Soluble polymers of monosubstituted acetylenes with quaternary ammonium pendant groups: structure and morphology
Authors: Venditti Iole , Fratoddi Ilaria , Battocchio Chiara , Polzonetti Giovanni , Cametti Cesare , Vittoria Russo Maria
Published: March 2011

Soluble conjugated polymers were obtained in the presence of Pd(II), Pt(II) and Rh(I) complexes from monosubstituted acetylene 3‐dimethylamino‐1‐propyne (HC≡CCH2N(CH3)2, 1) and the corresponding hydrochloride (HC≡CCH2N(CH3)2·HCl, 2) and hydrobromide (HC≡CCH2N(CH3)2·HBr, 3) derivatives. A series of reactions were performed to achieve the optimization of the polymerization conditions. The highest yields were found for polymers synthesized using Pd(II) bisacetylides specially prepared, i.e. trans‐[Pd(PPh3)2(C≡CCH2N(CH3)2)2], trans‐[Pd(PPh3)2(C≡CCH2N(CH3)2)2HCl] and trans‐[Pd(PPh3)2(C≡CCH2N(CH3)2)2HBr], respectively. The dimension and size distribution of the polymers were investigated using dynamic light scattering. Polymers containing quaternary ammonium groups showed evidence of a hydrodynamic radius of about 300 nm if prepared with the Rh(I) catalyst and of 160 nm if prepared with the Pd(II) catalysts. Polymers obtained from 1 showed smaller hydrodynamic radius compared to polymers obtained from 2 and 3, regardless the polymerization catalyst. The ionic polymeric materials were soluble in organic solvents and, more interestingly, in water. The formation of nanoparticles with pearl‐like morphology was achieved using a recently developed osmosis‐based method, with dimensions varying from 60 nm up to micrometres. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List
Authors: Gunnarsdottir S. , Thorvaldsdottir G. H. , Fridriksdottir N. , Bjarnason B. , Sigurdsson F. , Skulason B. , Smari J.
Published: March 2011

Objective: While a significant number of cancer patients experience distress only a minority are offered appropriate psychosocial interventions. Untreated distress can interfere with compliance to treatment and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and feasibility of the Icelandic translation of the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List, a tool developed to screen for distress in cancer patients.

 Methods: Participants were 149 cancer patients receiving treatment at outpatient oncology clinics at Landspítali‐The National University Hospital of Iceland, mean±SD age 59.06 years±12.92. Participants answered the DT, HADS and GHQ‐30, demographic questions and questions regarding the DT.

 Results: Scores on the DT ranged from 0 to 10 with a mean±SD score of 3.09±2.40, 7.30 ± 4.86 on HADS and 5.28 ± 5.60 on GHQ‐30. Significant correlations were between the DT and all categories on the Problem List as well as between the DT and HADS (r = 0.45), and between DT and GHQ‐30 (r = 0.57). ROC‐analysis supported that a cut‐off point of 3 gives the best sensitivity and specificity for the DT predicting depression or anxiety according to the HADS and GHQ. Sixty‐nine (48.3%) patients scored ⩽2 on DT and 74 (51.7%) scored ≥3.

 Conclusion: The Icelandic version of the DT is a valid instrument to screen for distress in clinical practice. The study adds to a growing literature suggesting that this brief instrument may aid in identifying cancer patients suffering from distress and consequently providing appropriate treatment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PETN Coarsening – Predictions from Accelerated Aging Data
Authors: Maiti Amitesh , Gee Richard H.
Published: March 2011

Ensuring good ignition properties over long periods of time necessitates maintaining a good level of flow porosity in powders of initiator materials and preventing particle coarsening. To simulate flow porosity changes of such powder materials over long periods of time a common strategy is to perform accelerated aging experiments over shorter time spans at elevated temperatures. In this paper, we examine historical accelerated‐aging data on powders of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, an important energetic material, and make predictions for long‐term aging under ambient conditions. We develop an evaporation–condensation‐based model to provide some mechanistic understanding of the coarsening process.
Compatibility of spinosad with predaceous mites (Acari) used to control Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Rahman Touhidur , Spafford Helen , Broughton Sonya
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Spinosad is a biopesticide widely used for control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). It is reported to be non‐toxic to several predatory mite species used for the biological control of thrips. Predatory mites Typhlodromips montdorensis (Schicha), Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) and Hypoaspis miles (Berlese) have been used for control of F. occidentalis. This study investigated the impact of direct and residual toxicity of spinosad on F. occidentalis and predatory mites. The repellency of spinosad residues to these predatory mites was also investigated.

RESULTS: Direct contact to spinosad effectively reduced the number of F. occidentalis adults and larvae, causing > 96% mortality. Spinosad residues aged 2–96 h were also toxic to F. occidentalis. Direct exposure to spinosad resulted in > 90% mortality of all three mite species. Thresholds for the residual toxicity (contact) of spinosad (LT25) were estimated as 4.2, 3.2 and 5.8 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. When mites were simultaneously exposed to spinosad residues and fed spinosad‐intoxicated thrips larvae, toxicity increased. Residual thresholds were re‐estimated as 5.4, 3.9 and 6.1 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. Residues aged 2–48 h repelled T. montdorensis and H. miles, and residues aged 2–24 h repelled N. cucumeris.

CONCLUSION: Predatory mites can be safely released 6 days after spinosad is applied for the management of F. occidentalis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The quasi‐randomness of hypergraph cut properties
Authors: Shapira Asaf , Yuster Raphael
Published: March 2011

Let
$\alpha_1,\ldots,\alpha_k$
satisfy $\sum_i\alpha_i=1$
and suppose a k‐uniform hypergraph on n vertices satisfies the following property; in any partition of its vertices into k sets $A_1,\ldots,A_k$
of sizes $\alpha_1n,\ldots,\alpha_kn$, the number of edges intersecting $A_1,\ldots,A_k$
is (asymptotically) the number one would expect to find in a random k‐uniform hypergraph. Can we then infer that H is quasi‐random? We show that the answer is negative if and only if $\alpha_1=\cdots=\alpha_k=1/k$. This resolves an open problem raised in 1991 by Chung and Graham [J AMS 4 (1991), 151–196].

While hypergraphs satisfying the property corresponding to
$\alpha_1=\cdots=\alpha_k=1/k$
are not necessarily quasi‐random, we manage to find a characterization of the hypergraphs satisfying this property. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that (essentially) there is a unique non quasi‐random hypergraph satisfying this property. The proofs combine probabilistic and algebraic arguments with results from the theory of association schemes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Security analysis and enhancement for three‐party password‐based authenticated key exchange protocol
Authors: Zhao Jianjie , Gu Dawu , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2011

Recently, Tzung‐Her Chen, Wei‐Bin Lee, and Hsing‐Bai Chen (CLC) proposed a new three‐party password‐based authenticated key exchange (3PAKE) protocol. This CLC protocol needs not store the security‐sensitive table on the server side, which reduces the danger of the server being compromised; also, it has the advantage in terms of the round efficiency and computational cost. However, we find that the leakage of values VA and VB in the CLC protocol will make a man‐in‐the‐middle attack feasible in practice. On the basis of this finding, we present a modified 3PAKE protocol called I‐CLC protocol, which is essentially an improved CLC protocol. I‐CLC can resist attacks available, including the man‐in‐the‐middle attack that we mentioned on the initial CLC protocol. Meanwhile, the new protocol allows that the participants choose their own passwords by themselves; additionally, the computation cost of I‐CLC is lower than that of CLC protocol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A key distribution scheme using network coding for mobile ad hoc network
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Du Ruiying , Chen Jing , He Kun
Published: March 2011

Network coding offers an excellent solution for maximizing throughput in various networks. Because of its simplicity and high efficiency, the idea of network coding can also be used for designing lightweight key distribution schemes for wireless ad hoc network. This paper presents a key distribution scheme that exploits the inherent security properties of network coding. The new scheme relies on simple XOR network coding operations to provide data confidentiality and uses message authentication codes to guarantee the integrity of the distributed keys. We also show that our scheme can resist a series of attacks in wireless ad hoc network and has better performance compared with previous schemes proposed in the literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LiFePO4 Mesocrystals for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Popovic Jelena , Demir‐Cakan Rezan , Tornow Julian , Morcrette Mathieu , Su Dang Sheng , Schlögl Robert , Antonietti Markus , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: March 2011

Olivine LiFePO4 is considered one of the most promising cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries. A simple one‐step, template‐free, low‐temperature solvothermal method is developed for the synthesis of urchinlike hierarchical mesocrystals of pristine LiFePO4 as well as carbon‐coated LiFePO4 composites. Each urchinlike mesocrystal consists of LiFePO4 sheets self‐assembled via a dipolar field in spheres during a solvothermal process under the influence of Cl− anions. The obtained primary sheets of LiFePO4 are single crystalline in nature and can be coated in situ with an amorphous nitrogen‐doped carbonaceous layer several nanometers in thickness. To increase the conductivity of the carbon coating, the materials are subjected to further temperature treatment (700 °C) under an inert atmosphere. The lithium storage performance of the pure LiFePO4 is compared with that of its carbon‐coated counterparts.
Response of lesser prairie‐chickens on leks to aerial surveys
Authors: McRoberts Jon T. , Butler Matthew J. , Ballard Warren B. , Wallace Mark C. , Whitlaw Heather A. , Haukos David A.
Published: March 2011

Aerial surveys can be used to detect and monitor lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) leks, but the need exists to understand the response of lesser prairie‐chickens to survey aircraft. We conducted lek surveys in Texas and New Mexico, USA, using an R‐22 Beta II helicopter and R‐44 Raven II helicopter. We observed the behavior of lesser prairie‐chickens at 44 leks during aerial lek surveys. We observed flush responses of 38.5% (20.2–59.4%; 95% CI) and 50.0% (26.0–74.0%) from the R‐22 and R‐44, respectively. We found no difference in flush response between helicopter types (P = 0.326). We used logistic regression models to predict lesser prairie‐chicken flush response to aerial surveys. We found that distance from the transect was the most important flush response predictor during helicopter surveys. When flushed, lesser prairie‐chickens returned to the lek and resumed predisturbance behavior in 7.0 ± 2.6 min (mean ± 95% CI). Our results suggest aerial surveys can be conducted without disruption to the lesser prairie‐chicken lek dynamic. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Modifying elk (Cervus elaphus) behavior with electric fencing at established fence‐lines to reduce disease transmission potential
Authors: Fischer Justin W. , Phillips Gregory E. , Baasch David M. , Lavelle Michael J. , Vercauteren Kurt C.
Published: March 2011

Direct and indirect contact through fences at cervid farms with only a single perimeter fence may play a role in transmission of diseases such as chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis). We report a case study examining effectiveness of a baited electric fence, as an addition to an existing single woven‐wire fence (2.4 m high), for altering behavior and reducing fence‐line contact between elk (Cervus elaphus). We used a video‐surveillance system to monitor one 20‐m‐long test fence at an elk ranch in north‐central Colorado, USA from 2006 to 2007. We conducted 26 trials (11 without electric fence during 48.2 total cumulative days and 15 with electric fence during 63.7 days) with different levels of motivation for contact between groups of elk separated by the test fence. We documented 426 contacts between elk (direct transmission risk) or the woven‐wire fence (indirect transmission risk) during trials without the electric fence. We documented 0 contacts between adult elk or the woven‐wire fence during trials when the electric fence was in place. During our case study, 24 of 25 elk exposed to the electric fence were completely deterred. We emphasize that our approach targets behavior modification of farmed elk routinely exposed to the electric fence, not wild elk that may occasionally approach from the outside. Our results suggest that adding a baited electric fence inside an existing woven‐wire–fenced enclosure has potential to provide a cost‐effective means to minimize contacts between farmed and wild elk. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Modeling habitat potential for Canada lynx in Michigan
Authors: Linden Daniel W. , Campa Henry , Roloff Gary J. , Beyer Dean E. , Millenbah Kelly F.
Published: March 2011

In the ruling to list Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) as a federally threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified the Great Lakes region as an area that historically contained lynx and, hence, could potentially contribute to population recovery. More recent critical habitat designations by the USFWS only recognize Minnesota, USA as important to recovery in the Great Lakes. Although there is no current evidence of a resident lynx population in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan, USA, trapping and track records over the past century suggest the region was periodically invaded after lynx population irruptions in Canada. In support of state and federal agency efforts in Michigan to provide and conserve lynx habitat, we quantified habitat potential using a spatially explicit, landscape‐level model based on relationships among lynx, their primary prey, snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and vegetation attributes. Outputs from the model indicated that habitat in the UP supports low hare densities (<0.07–0.75 hares/ha). Corresponding potential lynx densities ranged from 0/100 km2 in the southern and northeast UP to 5/100 km2 in the central–eastern UP. Model estimates of potential hare density were correlated with winter track‐surveys (R2 = 0.4, P < 0.001). Current absence of a resident lynx population in Michigan is likely attributed to confounding factors (e.g., habitat, competition, status of source population) but our results indicate that current habitat quality, quantity, and spatial configuration are exerting large‐scale negative influences. These results are generally consistent with the USFWS determination that Michigan's UP most likely functions as dispersal habitat. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of road construction noise on the endangered golden‐cheeked warbler
Authors: Lackey Melissa A. , Morrison Michael L. , Loman Zachary G. , Fisher Nancy , Farrell Shannon L. , Collier Bret A. , Wilkins R. Neal
Published: March 2011

Noise pollution can mask or distort bird songs, which can inhibit mating success, predator detection, and parental response to begging calls. Using an impact assessment design, we examined the potential influence of road construction and road noise on territory placement, reproductive success, and density of the federally endangered golden‐cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) at 3 sites: adjacent to road construction, adjacent to road‐noise only, and a control with no noise or activity. Although not statistically significant, reproductive success was about 20% higher and stable at road‐noise‐only sites relative to other treatments. Warbler density was similar among sites (construction = 0.305 birds/ha; road‐noise = 0.357 birds/ha; and control = 0.328 birds/ha). Average distance from road was similar for territories with paired adults (road‐noise = 291 m [SE = 26], construction = 263 m [SE = 19]) and those with successful pairs (road‐noise = 292 m [SE = 27]), construction = 243 m [SE = 21]). Overall noise levels were low: ambient noise was similar in the construction and road‐noise‐only sites ( = 32 dB) and showed little auditory difference from the control ( = 28 dB). Our results indicate that construction activities and road‐noise did not appear to impact territory placement, reproductive success, or local densities of golden‐cheeked warblers under the treatment regime we studied. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of Sonic Dissuader® to reduce damage by pileated woodpeckers
Authors: Tupper Shelagh K. , Cummings John L. , Andelt William F. , Werner Scott J. , Harness Richard E.
Published: March 2011

Woodpecker damage to utility poles results in significant monetary losses to utility companies worldwide. Most techniques for repelling woodpeckers from utility poles are costly, difficult to install, effective for a limited time, or ineffective. We evaluated the Sonic Dissuader for detecting and deterring pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) damage to wooden utility poles in controlled flight pens. The Sonic Dissuader emits pileated woodpecker and avian predator calls contingent upon pecking by woodpeckers. Ratios of departure were lower and woodpeckers spent more time after a pecking event on the pole with the Sonic Dissuader compared to the control pole (paired t = 6.26, df = 7, P < 0.001, and F1,4 = 5.00, P = 0.089, respectively). This may substantiate observed behavior of pileated woodpeckers to freeze when confronted with a predator. We did not observe differences in amount of time spent on poles, amount of time spent pecking on poles, and weight of wood chips removed from poles with and without the Sonic Dissuader. We propose that testing distress calls or other repellents as potential deterrents in combination with detection technology is warranted. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Structural Studies of Several Ru3 and Ru4 Carbonyl Clusters
Authors: Bruce Michael I. , Humphrey Paul A. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H.
Published: March 2011

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of the three Ru3 carbonyl clusters attached to carbon ligands, Ru3(μ‐H)3(μ3‐CBr)(CO)9 (1), Ru3(μ‐H)(μ‐dppm){μ‐C(OMe)}(CO)8 (2) and AuRu3(μ‐H)2(μ3‐C=C=CHPh)(CO)10 (3) are reported, together with the structures of the tetranuclear hydrido‐carbonyls Ru4(μ‐H)4–2x(CO)11+x(PPh3) (x = 0 4, 1 5).
Laparoscopic Liver Resection in Patients with a History of Upper Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Ahn Keun Soo , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Cho Jai Young , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: March 2011

Background

The liver is the organ where tumors most frequently metastasize. Hepatic recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma also occasionally occurs. With the increasing use of laparoscopic surgery for hepatic tumors, there may be a high probability that laparoscopic liver resection can be performed in patients with a surgical history. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection in patients a history of upper abdominal surgery.

Methods

Of 202 laparoscopic liver resections, 47 patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection after previous upper abdominal surgery between January 2004 and July 2009. Fifty‐five previous surgeries were performed in the 47 patients. The previous types of surgical procedures included hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) procedures (n = 25) and non‐HPB procedures (colorectal malignancies, subtotal gastrectomy, and splenectomy; n = 22).

Results

In patients with a history of surgery, the mean operative time for laparoscopic liver resection was 312.3 min and the mean blood loss was 481.0 ml. In 42 patients (89.4%), there were severe adhesions in the hepatoduodenal ligament and hilar areas. Transfusion was required in 7 patients (14.9%). There was one conversion to a laparotomy due to severe adhesions. Complications occurred in 11 patients (23.4%) and the mean hospital stay was 10.6 days. When we compare patients with and without a history of surgery, there were no differences in the above‐mentioned perioperative results. However, among patients with a history of surgery, patients who underwent HPB procedures had longer operative times and higher postoperative morbidities than those who had not undergone HPB procedures.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic liver resection in patients with a history of upper abdominal surgery is feasible and safe.
The Role of Liver‐directed Surgery in Patients with Hepatic Metastasis from a Gynecologic Primary Carcinoma
Authors: Kamel Sarah I. , de Jong Mechteld C. , Schulick Richard D. , Diaz‐Montes Teresa P. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Hirose Kenzo , Edil Barish H. , Choti Michael A. , Anders Robert A. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2011

Background

The management of patients with liver metastasis from a gynecologic carcinoma remains controversial, as there is currently little data available. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of liver‐directed surgery for hepatic metastasis from gynecologic primaries.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2010, 87 patients with biopsy‐proven liver metastasis from a gynecologic carcinoma were identified from an institutional hepatobiliary database. Fifty‐two (60%) patients who underwent hepatic surgery for their liver disease and 35 (40%) patients who underwent biopsy only were matched for age, primary tumor characteristics, and hepatic tumor burden. Clinicopathologic, operative, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 87 patients, 30 (34%) presented with synchronous metastasis. The majority of patients had multiple hepatic tumors (63%), with a median size of the largest lesion being 2.5 cm. Of those patients who underwent liver surgery (n = 52), most underwent a minor hepatic resection (n = 44; 85%), while 29 (56%) patients underwent concurrent lymphadenectomy and 45 (87%) patients underwent simultaneous peritoneal debulking. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 37% and 0%, respectively. Median survival from time of diagnosis was 53 months for patients who underwent liver‐directed surgery compared with 21 months for patients who underwent biopsy alone (n = 35) (p = 0.01). Among those patients who underwent liver‐directed surgery, 5‐year survival following hepatic resection was 41%.

Conclusions

Hepatic surgery for liver metastasis from gynecologic cancer can be performed safely. Liver surgery may be associated with prolonged survival in a subset of patients with hepatic metastasis from gynecologic primaries and therefore should be considered in carefully selected patients.
Investigating the Performance of Alternate Regression Weights by Studying All Possible Criteria in Regression Models with a Fixed Set of Predictors
Authors: Waller Niels , Jones Jeff
Published: March 2011

We describe methods for assessing all possible criteria (i.e., dependent variables) and subsets of criteria for regression models with a fixed set of predictors, x (where x is an n×1 vector of independent variables). Our methods build upon the geometry of regression coefficients (hereafter called regression weights) in n-dimensional space. For a full-rank predictor correlation matrix, Rxx, of order n, and for regression models with constant R2 (coefficient of determination), the OLS weight vectors for all possible criteria terminate on the surface of an n-dimensional ellipsoid. The population performance of alternate regression weights—such as equal weights, correlation weights, or rounded weights—can be modeled as a function of the Cartesian coordinates of the ellipsoid. These geometrical notions can be easily extended to assess the sampling performance of alternate regression weights in models with either fixed or random predictors and for models with any value of R2. To illustrate these ideas, we describe algorithms and R (R Development Core Team, 2009) code for: (1) generating points that are uniformly distributed on the surface of an n-dimensional ellipsoid, (2) populating the set of regression (weight) vectors that define an elliptical arc in ℝn, and (3) populating the set of regression vectors that have constant cosine with a target vector in ℝn. Each algorithm is illustrated with real data. The examples demonstrate the usefulness of studying all possible criteria when evaluating alternate regression weights in regression models with a fixed set of predictors.
Protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 expression in lung cancer
Authors: Kluge Amy , Dabir Snehal , Vlassenbroeck Ilse , Eisenberg Rosana , Dowlati Afshin
Published: March 2011

Protein Inhibitor of Activated Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription 3 (PIAS3) is an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3 transcriptional activity. We have previously demonstrated the concentration‐dependent negative regulatory effect of PIAS3 on STAT3 signaling and its capacity to decrease lung cancer proliferation and synergize with epidermal growth factor inhibition. We now investigate PIAS3 expression in both non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and human resected NSCLC specimens. We also investigated the mechanism by which some lung cancers have significantly decreased PIAS3 expression. Expression of PIAS3 is variable in lung cancer cells lines with 2 of 3 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines having no or little PIAS3 protein expression. Similarly, the majority of human SCCs of the lung lack PIAS3 expression by immunohistochemistry; this despite the finding that SCCs have significantly higher levels of PIAS3 mRNA compared to adenocarcinomas. High PIAS3 expression generally correlates with decreased phosphorylated STAT3 in both SCC cell lines and human specimens compatible with the negative regulatory effect of this protein on STAT3 signaling. To investigate this variable expression of PIAS3 we first performed sequencing of the PIAS3 gene that demonstrated single nucleotide polymorphisms but no mutations. Exposure of lung cancer cells to 5‐azacytidine and trichostatin A results in a significant increase in PIAS3 mRNA and protein expression. However, methylation‐specific PCR demonstrates a lack of CpG island methylation in the promoter region of PIAS3. Exposure of cells to an agent blocking proteosomal degradation results in a significant increase in PIAS3. Our data thus shows that SCC of the lung commonly lacks PIAS3 protein expression and that post‐translational modifications may explain this finding in some cases. PIAS3 is a potential therapeutic molecule to target STAT3 pathway in lung cancer.
The influence of selenium-enriched milk proteins and selenium yeast on plasma selenium levels and rectal selenoprotein gene expression in human subjects
Authors: Hu Ying , McIntosh Graeme H. , Le Leu Richard K. , Upton Jane M. , Woodman Richard J. , Young Graeme P.
Published: March 2011

Certain forms of dietary Se may have advantages for improving human Se status and regulating the risk for disease, such as cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study compared the effects of a Se-enriched milk protein (dairy-Se) with a Se-rich yeast (yeast-Se) on plasma Se levels and rectal selenoprotein gene expression since we reasoned that if these genes were not regulated, there was little potential for regulating the risk for CRC in this organ. A total of twenty-three healthy volunteers with plasma Se in the lower half of the population range were supplemented with dairy-Se (150 μg/d) or yeast-Se (150 μg/d) for 6 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of washout period. Blood was sampled every 2 weeks, and rectal biopsies were obtained before and after Se supplementation and after the washout period. Plasma Se levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and rectal mRNA of selenoprotein P (SeP), cytosolic GPx-1 (GPx-1), gastrointestinal GPx-2 (GPx-2) and thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR-1) were measured. Plasma Se levels increased rapidly in both Se groups (P < 0·001); plasma GPx activity was not significantly changed. RectalSePmRNA increased at 6 weeks compared with baseline in both Se groups (P < 0·05); only dairy-Se resulted in a sustained elevation ofSePafter the washout period (P < 0·05). RectalGPx-1andGPx-2mRNA were higher with dairy-Se (P < 0·05) than with yeast-Se at 6 weeks. In conclusion, three rectal selenoprotein mRNA were differentially regulated by dairy-Se and yeast-Se. Changes in rectal selenoproteins are not predicted by changes in plasma Se; dairy-Se effectively regulates the expression of several rectal selenoproteins of relevance to the risk for CRC.
Black tea is not significantly different from water in the maintenance of normal hydration in human subjects: results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ruxton Carrie H. , Hart Valerie A.
Published: March 2011

There is a belief that caffeinated drinks, such as tea, may adversely affect hydration. This was investigated in a randomised controlled trial. Healthy resting males (n21) were recruited from the general population. Following 24 h of abstention from caffeine, alcohol and vigorous physical activity, including a 10 h overnight fast, all men underwent four separate test days in a counter-balanced order with a 5 d washout in between. The test beverages, provided at regular intervals, were 4 × 240 ml black (i.e. regular) tea and 6 × 240 ml black tea, providing 168 or 252 mg of caffeine. The controls were identical amounts of boiled water. The tea was prepared in a standardised way from tea bags and included 20 ml of semi-skimmed milk. All food taken during the 12 h intervention period was controlled, and subjects remained at rest. No other beverages were offered. Blood was sampled at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h, and a 24 h urine sample was collected. Outcome variables were whole blood cell count, Na, K, bicarbonate, total protein, urea, creatinine and osmolality for blood; and total volume, colour, Na, K, creatinine and osmolality for urine. Although data for all twenty-one participants were included in the analysis (mean age 36 years and mean BMI 25·8 kg/m2), nineteen men completed all conditions. Statistical analysis, using a factorial ANOVA approach within PROC MIXED, revealed no significant differences between tea and water for any of the mean blood or urine measurements. It was concluded that black tea, in the amounts studied, offered similar hydrating properties to water.
Early determinants for the development of undernutrition in an older general population: Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam
Authors: Schilp Janneke , Wijnhoven Hanneke A. H. , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Visser Marjolein
Published: March 2011

Undernutrition may be an important modifiable risk factor for poor clinical outcomes in older individuals. To achieve earlier detection or prevention of undernutrition, more information is needed about risk factors for the development of undernutrition in community-dwelling older individuals. The objective was to identify early determinants of incident undernutrition in a prospective population-based study. Baseline data (1992–3) on socio-economic, psychological, medical, functional, lifestyle and social factors of 1120 participants aged 65–85 years of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used. Undernutrition, defined as a BMI < 20 kg/m2 or self-reported involuntary weight loss ≥  5 % in the last 6 months, was assessed every 3 years during a 9-year follow-up period. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to investigate the association between early determinants at baseline and incident undernutrition. In 9 years, 156 participants (13·9 %) developed undernutrition. In univariate analyses, female sex, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, multiple chronic diseases, high medication use (women), poor appetite, no alcohol use v. light alcohol use, loneliness, not having a partner, limitations in performing normal activities due to a health problem, low physical performance (participants aged < 75 years) and reporting difficulties walking stairs (participants aged < 75 years) were statistically significantly associated with incident undernutrition. In a multivariate model, poor appetite and reporting difficulties walking stairs (participants aged < 75 years) remained early determinants. The results of the present study can be used to identify subgroups of older individuals with increased risk of undernutrition and to identify modifiable determinants for the purpose of prevention of undernutrition.
Curves of infinite length in labyrinth fractals
Authors: Cristea Ligia L. , Steinsky Bertran
Published: March 2011

We define an infinite class of fractals, called horizontally and vertically blocked labyrinth fractals, which are dendrites and special Sierpiński carpets. Between any two points in the fractal there is a unique arc α; the length of α is infinite and the set of points where no tangent to α exists is dense in α.
Very slow grow-up of solutions of a semi-linear parabolic equation
Authors: Fila Marek , King John R. , Winkler Michael , Yanagida Eiji
Published: March 2011

We consider large-time behaviour of global solutions of the Cauchy problem for a parabolic equation with a supercritical nonlinearity. It is known that the solution is global and unbounded if the initial value is bounded by a singular steady state and decays slowly. In this paper we show that the grow-up of solutions can be arbitrarily slow if the initial value is chosen appropriately.
Polystoma nacialtuneli n. sp. (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) from the eastern spadefoot, Pelobates syriacus (Pelobatidae) in Turkey
Authors: Yildirimhan H.S. , Du Preez L.H. , Verneau O.
Published: March 2011

Polystoma nacialtuneli n. sp. is described from the urinary bladder of the eastern spadefoot, Pelobates syriacus from Turkey. This is the fifth polystome species known from Turkey and the third species in Pelobates. We show that this new parasite species can be distinguished from other polystome species in the area by a combination of characteristics, including parasite size and the shape and size of the hamuli. Polystoma pelobatis from Pelobates cultripes has a pair of well-developed hamuli, while P. fuscus from Pe. fuscus characteristically has a pair of underdeveloped hamuli barely larger than the marginal hooklets. Polystoma nacialtuneli n. sp. has well-developed hamuli that vary significantly in shape. Phylogenetic relationships of P. nacialtuneli n. sp. within Polystoma, supplemented with molecular divergences estimated from internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences, indicate that they are well separated from their closest relatives, i.e. P. fuscus and P. pelobatis from Pe. fuscus and Pe. cultripes, respectively.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: report of 18 cases
Authors: Choussy O , Bertrand M , François A , Blot E , Hamidou H , Dehesdin D
Published: March 2011

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical course and pathological characteristics of basaloid head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Method:

Retrospective study of 18 cases of basaloid head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Epidemiological, clinical and histological data were analysed and the Kaplan–Meier test used to estimate survival rates.

Results:

The majority of lesions were at an advanced stage. These lesions were primarily localised in the larynx, hypopharynx and oropharynx. Routine pre-therapeutic assessment of squamous cell carcinoma was performed. Pathological diagnosis was difficult, although immunostaining was extremely useful. Positive staining for KL1, MNF 116 and 34βE12 and negative immunostaining for chromogranin and synaptophysin were also important factors in obtaining a definitive diagnosis. In the majority of cases, treatment involved surgery and radiotherapy. The five-year survival rate was 5 per cent.

Conclusion:

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon head and neck lesion, with a challenging histological diagnosis. These lesions must be carefully monitored due to their aggressive course, and require multimodality treatment.
Dietary and nutritional considerations for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lomer Miranda C. E.
Published: March 2011

Nutritional assessment and dietary advice are fundamental to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient management and all patients should have access to a dietitian. Newly diagnosed patients often think that their pre-illness diet has contributed to the development of their IBD. However, epidemiological evidence to support diet as a risk factor is lacking. How the diet contributes to the gastrointestinal microbiota is interesting, although the role is not yet clearly defined. Nutritional problems in IBD are common. Malnutrition occurs in up to 85% of patients and weight loss affects up to 80% of patients with Crohn's disease and 18–62% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent, particularly in relation to anaemia and osteoporosis. Intestinal strictures can be problematic in Crohn's disease and limiting fibrous foods that may cause a mechanical obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract is helpful. Patients often explore dietary exclusion to alleviate symptoms but such changes may be self-directed or inappropriately advised and can lead to further nutritional deficiencies. Some patients experience concurrent functional symptoms (e.g. abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhoea) that can significantly affect quality of life. Recently, a group of poorly absorbed carbohydrates that occur naturally in the diet called fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols have been associated with functional symptoms by intestinal bacterial fermentation leading to rapid gas production, and an osmotic effect increasing fluid delivery to the colon. Emerging evidence indicates that a diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols can alleviate functional symptoms in IBD.
Glucose sensing and signalling; regulation of intestinal glucose transport
Authors: Shirazi-Beechey S. P. , Moran A. W. , Batchelor D. J. , Daly K. , Al-Rammahi M.
Published: March 2011

Epithelial cells lining the inner surface of the intestinal epithelium are in direct contact with a lumenal environment that varies dramatically with diet. It has long been suggested that the intestinal epithelium can sense the nutrient composition of lumenal contents. It is only recently that the nature of intestinal nutrient-sensing molecules and underlying mechanisms have been elucidated. There are a number of nutrient sensors expressed on the luminal membrane of endocrine cells that are activated by various dietary nutrients. We showed that the intestinal glucose sensor, T1R2+T1R3 and the G-protein, gustducin are expressed in endocrine cells. Eliminating sweet transduction in micein vivoby deletion of either gustducin or T1R3 prevented dietary monosaccharide- and artificial sweetener-induced up-regulation of the Na+/glucose cotransporter, SGLT1 observed in wild-type mice. Transgenic mice, lacking gustducin or T1R3 had deficiencies in secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and, glucose-dependent insulinotrophic peptide (GIP). Furthermore, they had an abnormal insulin profile and prolonged elevation of postprandial blood glucose in response to orally ingested carbohydrates. GIP and GLP-1 increase insulin secretion, while glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) modulates intestinal growth, blood flow and expression of SGLT1. The receptor for GLP-2 resides in enteric neurons and not in any surface epithelial cells, suggesting the involvement of the enteric nervous system in SGLT1 up-regulation. The accessibility of the glucose sensor and the important role that it plays in regulation of intestinal glucose absorption and glucose homeostasis makes it an attractive nutritional and therapeutic target for manipulation.
When the decision is what to decide: Using evidence inventory reports to focus health technology assessments
Authors: Mitchell Matthew D. , Williams Kendal , Kuntz Gretchen , Umscheid Craig A.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Health systems frequently make decisions regarding acquisition and use of new technologies. It is desirable to base these decisions on clinical evidence, but often these technologies are used for multiple indications and evidence of effectiveness for one indication does not prove effectiveness for all. Here, we describe two examples of evidence inventory reports that were performed for the purposes of identifying how much and what type of published clinical evidence was available for a given technology, and the contexts in which those technologies were studied.

Methods: The evidence inventory reports included literature searches for systematic reviews and health technology assessment (HTA) reports, and systematic searches of the primary literature intended to count and categorize published clinical studies. The reports did not include analysis of the primary literature.

Results: The inventory reports were completed in 3 to 4 days each and were approximately ten pages in length, including references. Reports included tables listing the number of reported studies by specific indication for use, and whether or not there were randomized trials. Reports also summarized findings of existing systematic reviews and HTA reports, when available. Committees used the inventory reports to decide for which indications they wanted a full HTA report.

Conclusions: Evidence inventory reports are a form of rapid HTA that can give decision makers a timely understanding of the available evidence upon which they can base a decision. They can help HTA providers focus subsequent reports on topics that will have the most influence on healthcare decision making.