bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma Correlates with Prognosis
Authors: Bluemke Karen , Bilkenroth Udo , Meye Axel , Fuessel Susanne , Lautenschlaeger Christine , Goebel Steffen , Melchior Andres , Heynemann Hans , Fornara Paolo , Taubert Helge
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the presence of disseminated tumor cells in peripheral blood (so-called circulating tumor cells) for renal cell carcinoma patients.

Methods: Two hundred thirty-three peripheral blood samples from 154 renal cell carcinoma patients were investigated for the presence of disseminated tumor cells by autoMACS technique and immunocytochemical staining of cytokeratin. The frequency of circulating tumor cells was analyzed statistically for correlation with relevant clinical data.

Results: Two kinds of tumor cells were detected: those with expression of cytokeratin 8/18 (CK+) and cells without a detectable cytokeratin expression, which we called large blue-stained cells with a tumorlike morphology. After following the CD45 autoMACS depletion protocol, we identified circulating tumor cells in 96 (41%) of 233 peripheral blood samples, which originated from 81 (53%) of 154 renal cell carcinoma patients. A significant correlation between the detection of circulating tumor cells and positive lymph node status (P < 0.001; χ2 test) and the presence of synchronous metastases at the time of primary tumor resection (P = 0.014; χ2 test) was found. In a multivariate Cox's regression hazard model, presence of CK+ circulating tumor cells was significantly correlated with poor overall survival for renal cell carcinoma patients (relative risk, 2.3; P = 0.048).

Conclusions: The presence of circulating tumor cells correlated to lymph node status and presence of synchronous metastases in renal cell carcinoma. It is important to evaluate CK+ and blue-stained tumor cells together to determine the role of circulating tumor cells in tumor behavior and disease progression. Detection of CK+ circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood is a significant and independent prognostic factor for renal cell carcinoma.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2190–4)
Plasma Levels of B Vitamins and Colorectal Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Le Marchand Loïc , White Kami K. , Nomura Abraham M.Y. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Selhub Jacob S. , Tiirikainen Maarit , Goodman Marc T. , Murphy Suzanne P. , Henderson Brian E. , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: August 2009

B vitamins, such as folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, play an important role as coenzymes in one-carbon metabolism and may affect colorectal cancer risk. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the relationships of plasma folate, pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP, the active form of vitamin B6), vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, and cysteine with colorectal cancer risk, accounting for suspected modifiers (alcohol intake, MTHFR C677T genotype, and plasma C-reactive protein) and potential confounders. We conducted a case-control study nested within the Multiethnic Cohort study and analyzed prospectively collected blood samples from 224 incident colorectal cancer cases and 411 controls matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, study site, date/time of blood draw, and hours of fasting. We found an inverse association between plasma PLP levels and colorectal cancer, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for increasing quartiles of 1.00, 0.84 (0.51-1.40), 0.62 (0.37-1.03), and 0.49 (0.29-0.83), with P trend = 0.009. This association was not explained by an association with plasma folate, seemed to be stronger at low levels of alcohol intake and among individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, and was independent of plasma C-reactive protein levels. An inverse association with plasma folate was also observed among individuals with a low level of alcohol intake. These data suggest an independent role for vitamin B6 in reducing colorectal cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2195–201)
Maternal Immunoglobulin E and Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Chang Jeffrey S. , Buffler Patricia A. , Metayer Catherine , Chokkalingam Anand P. , Patoka Joe , Kronish Daniel , Wiemels Joseph L.
Published: August 2009

Childhood leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has long been hypothesized to be affected by abnormal immune responses to microbial challenges stemming from a lack of immune modulation in early childhood. Studies of allergies suggest that a child's immune development may be modulated by maternal immune status. We conducted a study to explore the relationship between maternal immunoglobulin E (IgE) and childhood leukemia and to investigate whether maternal immune status can influence childhood leukemia risk. Serum total and specific IgE (respiratory and food) were measured in biological mothers of 352 children (193 healthy controls and 159 leukemia cases, including 139 ALL cases) ages <8 years who were enrolled in the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study. Odds ratios associated with maternal IgE were calculated using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for child's age, sex, race/ethnicity, and annual household income. A positive association between childhood leukemia or ALL and elevated levels of maternal serum total IgE was observed, especially among Hispanics. In addition, a positive association was observed between childhood leukemia or ALL and maternal respiratory or food IgE status. These results suggest that maternal immune function may play a crucial role in the etiology of childhood leukemia, although additional studies need to be conducted to confirm the results of this study and provide a perspective on mechanisms.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2221–7)
The Use of Herbal Preparations to Alleviate Climacteric Disorders and Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer in a German Case-Control Study
Authors: Obi Nadia , Chang-Claude Jenny , Berger Jürgen , Braendle Wilhelm , Slanger Tracy , Schmidt Martina , Steindorf Karen , Ahrens Wolfgang , Flesch-Janys Dieter
Published: August 2009

Background:The use of herbal preparations (HEP) to alleviate climacteric disorders is expected to increase as women seek alternatives to menopausal hormone therapy to avoid the associated breast cancer risk. Data are sparse on the long-term effects of HEP containing phytoestrogens and black cohosh on breast cancer risk.

Methods: Within a German case-control study, associations between patterns of HEP use and incident breast cancer were investigated in 10,121 postmenopausal women (3,464 cases, 6,657 controls). Information on HEP use was collected in face-to-face interviews supported by a list of brand names. Multivariate logistic and polytomous regression analyses were done.

Findings: Ever use of HEP (9.9%) was inversely associated with invasive breast cancer [odds ratio (OR), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63-0.87] in a dose-dependent manner (OR, 0.96 per year of use; P = 0.03). Classes of HEP did not differ significantly (Pheterogeneity = 0.81). Risks for invasive ductal (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.87) and combined lobular/mixed/tubular tumors (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.58-1.01) were similarly reduced by any HEP use but not for in situ carcinomas (1.34; 95% CI, 0.86-2.09). There were no substantial differences in associations of HEP use by estrogen receptor status (ER+ OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.89; ER− OR, 0.68, 95% CI, 0.50-0.93) and progesterone receptor status of the tumor.

Interpretation: Our findings support the hypothesis that HEP use protects from invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Among conceivable modes of action, those independent of estrogen receptor–mediated pathways seem to be involved (i.e., cytotoxicity, apoptosis). (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2207–13)
Breast Cancer Receptor Status: Do Results from a Centralized Pathology Laboratory Agree with SEER Registry Reports?
Authors: Ma Huiyan , Wang Yaping , Sullivan-Halley Jane , Weiss Linda , Burkman Ronald T. , Simon Michael S. , Malone Kathleen E. , Strom Brian L. , Ursin Giske , Marchbanks Polly A. , McDonald Jill A. , Spirtas Robert , Press Michael F. , Bernstein Leslie
Published: August 2009

We investigated the extent to which estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status results from a centralized pathology laboratory agree with ER and PR results from community pathology laboratories reported to two Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries (Los Angeles County and Detroit) and whether statistical estimates for the association between reproductive factors and breast cancer receptor subtypes differ by the source of data. The agreement between the centralized laboratory and SEER registry classifications was substantial for ER (κ = 0.70) and nearly so for PR status (κ = 0.60). Among the four subtypes defined by joint ER and PR status, the agreement between the two sources was substantial for the two major breast cancer subtypes (ER−/PR−, κ = 0.69; ER+/PR+, κ = 0.62) and poor for the two rarer subtypes (ER+/PR−, κ = 0.30; ER−/PR+, κ = 0.05). Estimates for the association between reproductive factors (number of full-term pregnancies, age at first full-term pregnancy, and duration of breastfeeding) and the two major subtypes (ER+/PR+ and ER−/PR−) differed minimally between the two sources of data. For example, parous women with at least four full-term pregnancies had 40% lower risk for ER+/PR+ breast cancer than women who had never been pregnant [centralized laboratory, odds ratio, 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.92); SEER, odds ratio, 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.85)]; no association was observed for ER−/PR− breast cancer (both Ptrend > 0.30). Our results suggest that conclusions based on SEER registry data are reasonably reliable for ER+/PR+ and ER−/PR− subtypes. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2214–20)
Circulating Estrogen Metabolites and Risk for Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Arslan Alan A. , Shore Roy E. , Afanasyeva Yelena , Koenig Karen L. , Toniolo Paolo , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne
Published: August 2009

Background: It has been proposed that a shift toward 2-hydroxyestrone from 16α-hydroxyestrone metabolic pathway may be inversely associated with breast cancer risk because 2-hydroxyestrone is thought to be less genotoxic and estrogenic than 16α-hydroxyestrone.

Methods: We examined the associations of invasive breast cancer risk with circulating 2-hydroxyestrone, 16α-hydroxyestrone, and the 2-hydroxyestrone:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio in a case-control study on premenopausal women nested within a prospective cohort the New York University Women's Health Study. The serum levels of 2-hydroxyestrone and 16α-hydroxyestrone were measured in 377 incident premenopausal breast cancer cases and 377 premenopausal controls, who were matched on age at enrollment, number and dates of blood donations, and day and phase of menstrual cycle.

Results: Overall, no significant associations were observed between breast cancer risk and serum levels of 2-hydroxyestrone, 16α-hydroxyestrone, or their ratio. The 2-hydroxyestrone:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio was positively associated with risk for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer in the analyses controlling for matching factors. However, the association was attenuated and not significant after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio for the highest versus the lowest quartile, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.88-5.27; Ptrend = 0.09).

Conclusions: The results of the current study do not support the hypothesis that a metabolic shift from 16α-hydroxyestrone toward 2-hydroxyestrone in premenopausal women is associated with reduced risk for breast cancer. The association between the 2-hydroxy:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio and estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer needs to be explored in future studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2273–9)
Modulation of the Effect of Prenatal PAH Exposure on PAH-DNA Adducts in Cord Blood by Plasma Antioxidants
Authors: Kelvin Elizabeth A. , Edwards Susan , Jedrychowski Wieslaw , Schleicher Rosemary L. , Camann David , Tang Deliang , Perera Frederica P.
Published: August 2009

The fetus is more susceptible than the adult to the effects of certain carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Nutritional factors, including antioxidants, have been shown to have a protective effect on carcinogen-DNA adducts and cancer risk in adults. We investigated whether the effect of prenatal airborne PAH exposure, measured by personal air monitoring during pregnancy, on the level of PAH-DNA adducts in a baby's cord blood is modified by the concentration of micronutrients in maternal and cord blood. The micronutrients examined were: retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol (vitamin E), and carotenoids. With the use of multiple linear regression, we found a significant interaction between prenatal PAH exposure and cord blood concentration of α-tocopherol and carotenoids in predicting the concentration of PAH adducts in cord blood. The association between PAH exposure and PAH adducts was much stronger among those with low α-tocopherol (β = 0.15; P = 0.001) and among those with low carotenoids (β = 0.16; P < 0.001) compared with babies with high levels of these micronutrients (among those with high α-tocopherol: β = 0.05; P = 0.165; among those with high carotenoids: β = 0.06; P = 0.111). These results suggest a protective effect of micronutrients on the DNA damage and potential cancer risk associated with prenatal PAH exposure.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2262–8)
Ethnicity and Health Care in Cervical Cancer Survival: Comparisons between a Filipino Resident Population, Filipino-Americans, and Caucasians
Authors: Redaniel Maria Theresa , Laudico Adriano , Mirasol-Lumague Maria Rica , Gondos Adam , Uy Gemma Leonora , Toral Jean Ann , Benavides Doris , Brenner Hermann
Published: August 2009

Few studies have assessed and compared cervical cancer survival between developed and developing countries, or between ethnic groups within a country. Fewer still have addressed how much of the international or interracial survival differences can be attributed to ethnicity or health care. To determine the role of ethnicity and health care, 5-year survival of patients with cervical cancer was compared between patients in the Philippines and Filipino-Americans, who have the same ethnicity, and between Filipino-Americans and Caucasians, who have the same health care system. Cervical cancer databases from the Manila and Rizal Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 13 were used. Age-adjusted 5-year survival estimates were computed and compared between the three patient groups. Using Cox proportional hazards modeling, potential determinants of survival differences were examined. Overall 5-year relative survival was similar in Filipino-Americans (68.8%) and Caucasians (66.6%), but was lower for Philippine residents (42.9%). Although late stage at diagnosis explained a large proportion of the survival differences between Philippine residents and Filipino-Americans, excess mortality prevailed after adjustment for stage, age, and morphology in multivariate analysis [relative risk (RR), 2.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68-2.55]. Excess mortality decreased, but persisted, when treatments were included in the multivariate models (RR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.41-2.23). A moderate, marginally significant excess mortality was found among Caucasians compared with Filipino-Americans (adjusted RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.47). The differences in cervical cancer survival between patients in the Philippines and in the United States highlight the importance of enhanced health care and access to diagnostic and treatment facilities in the Philippines. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2228–34)
Passive Smoking and Pancreatic Cancer in Women: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bao Ying , Giovannucci Edward , Fuchs Charles S. , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: August 2009

Background: Active smoking is an established risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but the role of passive smoking in pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether environmental tobacco smoke is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods: We prospectively examined 86,673 women in the Nurses' Health Study. History of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was assessed through questionnaires in 1982. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: During 24 years of follow-up (1982-2006), 384 women were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Maternal smoking significantly increased the risk of pancreatic cancer (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07-1.89), whereas paternal smoking was not related to the risk (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.77-1.21). The risk associated with maternal smoking remained elevated, albeit not significant, among never smokers (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.97-2.39). No association was found for adult passive exposure at work or at home.

Conclusions: The positive association with maternal smoking suggests that environmental tobacco smoke, potentially in utero or in early life, may be associated with pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2292–6)
Mean Telomere Length and Risk of Incident Colorectal Carcinoma: A Prospective, Nested Case-Control Approach
Authors: Zee Robert Y.L. , Castonguay Amy J. , Barton Nathaniel S. , Buring Julie E.
Published: August 2009

Recent studies have shown telomere length shortening in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, to date, no prospective, epidemiologic data are available on examining mean leukocyte telomere length as a risk predictor. Using leukocyte DNA samples collected at baseline in a prospective cohort of 14,916 initially healthy American men, we examined the relationship of mean telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number (T/S ratio), using a modified quantitative PCR protocol, among 191 incident CRC cases (all white males), matched to 306 controls by age, smoking status, and length of follow-up. An inverse correlation between T/S ratio and age was observed in our sample population (P = 0.038). However, the T/S ratios were similar between cases and controls (P = 0.650). Furthermore, in a multivariable adjusted analysis, we found no evidence for an association of the observed T/S ratios with CRC risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.249; 95% confidence interval, 0.863-1.808; P = 0.238). In summary, the present investigation found no evidence for an association of leukocyte mean telomere length with risk of incident CRC and further suggests that leukocyte mean telomere length may not be a useful indicator for risk assessment.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2280–2)
Missense Polymorphisms inBRCA1andBRCA2and Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Dombernowsky Sarah Louise , Weischer Maren , Freiberg Jacob Johannes , Bojesen Stig Egil , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne
Published: August 2009

Purpose: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are key tumor suppressors with a role in cellular DNA repair, genomic stability, and checkpoint control. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 often cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer; however, missense polymorphisms in these genes pose a problem in genetic counseling, as their impact on risk of breast and ovarian cancer is unclear.

Experimental Design: We resequenced BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 194 women with a familial history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and identified nine possibly biologically relevant polymorphisms (BRCA1 Gln356Arg, Pro871Leu, Glu1038Gly, Ser1613Gly, and Met1652Ile. BRCA2 Asn289His, Asn372His, Asp1420Tyr, and Tyr1915Met). We evaluated risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer by these polymorphisms in a prospective study of 5,743 women from the general population followed for 39 years and in a case-control study of 1,201 breast cancer cases and 4,120 controls.

Results: We found no association between heterozygosity or homozygosity for any of the nine polymorphisms and risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer in either study. We had 80% power to exclude hazard/odds ratios for heterozygotes and/or homozygotes for all nine missense polymorphisms above 1.3 to 3.3 in the prospective study, and above 1.2 to 3.2 in the case-control study.

Conclusions: Heterozygosity and homozygosity of any of the examined nine BRCA1 and BRCA2 missense polymorphisms cannot explain the increased risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer observed in families with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer. Therefore, genetic counseling of such families safely can disregard findings of these missense polymorphisms. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2339–42)
Maternal Pelvic Size Not Predictive of Daughter's Breast Cancer or Ovarian Cancer in a Large Swedish Cohort
Authors: Goodman Anna , Mishra Gita D. , dos Santos Silva Isabel , Koupil Ilona
Published: August 2009

Recent studies from Finland reported that maternal pelvic size predicted daughters' breast and ovarian cancer, possibly because maternal pelvic size is a marker for in utero hormone exposure. We sought to replicate this association in 3,845 women born between 1915 and 1929 in Uppsala, Sweden, and followed from 1960 to 2002. Archived obstetric records provided the standard measures of maternal pelvic size (intercristal distance, interspinous distance, the intercristal-interspinous difference, and the external conjugate distance). The Swedish Cancer Registry ascertained cancer incidence, with 273 cohort members developing primary breast cancer, and 52 developing primary ovarian cancer during the follow-up period. There was no evidence (P > 0.1) of an association between any measure of maternal pelvic size and incidence of either breast or ovarian cancer. This was true both before and after adjustment for various characteristics of the women and their mothers, and in analyses stratified by age at diagnosis (<50 versus ≥50 years of age, as a proxy for premenopausal and postmenopausal ages). There was also no evidence of an association in subgroup analyses restricted specifically to those groups in which the Finnish data found the greatest effect. Our study is of comparable size to the Finnish studies and was highly powered (>99%) to detect effects of the magnitude they reported. Our nonreplication therefore casts doubt on the link between maternal pelvic size and risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the offspring. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2333–5)
Predicting Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Borleffs C. Jan Willem , Scherptong Roderick W.C. , Man Sum-Che , van Welsenes Guido H. , Bax Jeroen J. , van Erven Lieselot , Swenne Cees A. , Schalij Martin J.
Published: August 2009

Background—

In patients with primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), the incidence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias resulting in ICD therapy is relatively low, prompting for better risk stratification. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the QRS-T angle for prediction of ICD therapy and mortality in primary prevention patients with ischemic heart disease.

Methods and Results—

ICD patients (n=412, 361 men; age, 63�11 years) with ischemic heart disease and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% were included. After device implantation, the occurrence of appropriate ICD therapy and mortality was noted. A survival analysis was performed comparing patients with a planar QRS-T angle ≤90� (n=124, 30%) with patients with a planar QRS-T angle >90� before device implantation. Furthermore, patients with a spatial QRS-T angle ≤100� (n=56, 14%) were compared with patients with a spatial QRS-T angle >100�, before implantation. For patients with a planar QRS-T angle >90� as compared with ≤90�, the adjusted hazard ratio for the occurrence of appropriate device therapy was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1 to 5.2); a spatial QRS-T angle >100� was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 7.3 (95% CI, 1.0 to 53.8). Furthermore, a spatial QRS-T angle ≤100� exhibited a positive predictive value of 98% (95% CI, 95 to 100) for the prediction of an appropriate therapy-free follow-up.

Conclusions—

A wide QRS-T angle is a strong predictor of appropriate device therapy in primary prevention ICD recipients with ischemic heart disease. Furthermore, a spatial QRS-T angle ≤100� might be of value in the identification of patients in whom, although currently indicated, ICD treatment should be reconsidered.
Multi-objective Optimal Design of Hybrid Laminate Composite Structures Using Scatter Search
Authors: Rao A. Rama Mohan , Lakshmi K.
Published: August 2009

In this article, a new algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization problems is proposed by extending the single objective scatter search template to deal with multiple objectives. The features like Pareto dominance, density estimation, and an external archive to store the nondominated solutions are added. The traditional solution combination of scatter search template is however replaced with two-point crossover operator being used in evolutionary algorithms in order to improve the convergence characteristics of the proposed scatter search algorithm. The resulting hybrid scatter search algorithm is employed to solve stacking sequence optimization of hybrid fiber-reinforced composite plate, cylindrical shell, and pressure vessel. Performance metrics are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm over other popular evolutionary algorithms like NSAGA-II, PAES, Micro-GA, and MOPSO.
Mechanical and Abrasive Wear Behavior of Coleus Spent Filled Unsaturated Polyester/Polymethyl Methacrylate Semi Interpenetrating Polymer Network Composites
Authors: Syed Murtuza Ali , Siddaramaiah  , Suresha B. , Syed Akheel Ahmed
Published: August 2009

Mechanical properties and three-body abrasive wear behavior of 5 and 10% w/w bio-based coleus spent (CS) filled and unfilled semi interpenetrating polymer network composites of unsaturated polyester/polymethyl methacrylate (80/20) have been studied. The tensile strength and elongation at break has been evaluated using 4302 Hounsfield Universal testing machine. The effect of abrading distances viz., 150, 300, 450, and 600 m and different loads of 22 and 32 N at 200 rpm on the abrasive wear behavior have been studied using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasive test rig. The CS filler lowered the mechanical properties and improved abrasion resistance of USP/PMMA SIPN. The tensile strength of the composites lies in the range of 25.0-33.1 MPa. The wear volume loss and specific wear rate as a function of abrading distance and load were determined. The wear volume loss increases with increased abrading distance/load for all composites tested. However, the specific wear rate decreased with an increase in abrading distance/load. CS filled USP/PMMA SIPN composites showed better abrasion wear resistance as compared to unfilled USP/PMMA SIPN. The worn surface features have been examined using scanning electron microscope. Also, the wear volume loss was correlated with the product of tensile strength and elongation at break.
Scattering of Thermal Waves and Unsteady Effective Thermal Conductivity of Particular Composites with Functionally Graded Interface
Authors: Fang Xue-Qian , Liu Jin-Xi , Zhang Ting , Wang Xiao-Hua
Published: August 2009

In this study, thermal wave method is applied to investigate the unsteady effective thermal conductivity of particular composites with a functionally graded interface, and the analytical solution of the problem is obtained. The Fourier heat conduction law is applied to analyze the propagation of thermal waves in the particular composite. The scattering and refraction of thermal waves by a spherical particle with an inhomogeneous interface layer in the matrix are analyzed, and the results of the single scattering problem are applied to the composite medium. The wave fields in different material layers are expressed by employing spherical wave function expansion method, and the expanded mode coefficients are determined by satisfying the boundary conditions of the layers. The theory of Waterman and Truell is applied to obtain the effective propagating wave number and the unsteady effective thermal conductivity of composites. Through the numerical examples, it is found that in different region of wave frequency, the effect of the thickness of the interface on the unsteady effective thermal conductivity of composites shows great difference. The effect of the thermal conductivity ratio of the particles and matrix on the unsteady effective thermal conductivity is closely related to the incident frequency of thermal waves. The variation of the interface properties between the particles and matrix also expresses great effect on the unsteady effective thermal conductivity of composites. Finally, comparison with the results obtained from other methods is made.
Thermal Conductivity Properties and Heat Transfer Analysis of Multi-re-entrant Auxetic Honeycomb Structures
Authors: Innocenti P. , Scarpa F.
Published: August 2009

In this work, the static and transient conductivity properties of a novel centersymmetric honeycomb structure are evaluated using analytical and finite element (FE) models. The honeycomb structure features a unit cell geometry allowing in-plane auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) deformations, and geometry parameters to be used to design the honeycomb configurations for multifunctional applications. The equivalent thermal conductivity along the two principal directions of the multi-re-entrant unit cell is calculated using a theoretical approach based on Fourier’s law and electric-thermal analogy. To validate the theoretical models, a FE analysis has been carried out on periodic unit cells under thermal steady-state conditions, showing an excellent agreement with the theoretical results. A transient thermal analysis, considering convection and radiation, has been performed numerically to evaluate the possible use of this honeycomb configuration for sandwich panels in thermal protection systems. Parametric analysis on the thermal conductivity and maximum temperatures acquired during convection-radiation is performed vs. the nondimensional geometry parameters of the honeycomb cell. The auxetic honeycomb configurations show higher out-of-plane conductivity, strong in-plane thermal anisotropy, and the lowest peak temperatures during heat transfer between the bottom and top faces of honeycomb panels.
Thermal Dependence of Young’s Modulus of Wood/Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Hetzer Max , Naiki June , Zhou Hongxia , Poloso Tony , De Kee Daniel
Published: August 2009

The dependence of Young’s modulus on temperature and clay content of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites (PCN) and wood/polymer/clay nanocomposites (WPCN) is investigated. It is found that the moduli of PCN and WPCN vary linearly with temperature within 25 and 80°C. The addition of nanoclay in the presence of a maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) compatibilizer blend results in an increase of the modulus and strength of the composites. The Young’s moduli of the PCN and WPCN decrease linearly with increase in temperature.
Time Dependence of Material Properties of FRP Composites in Fire
Authors: Bai YU , Keller Thomas
Published: August 2009

Temperature dependence of physical and mechanical properties is considered in most thermal and mechanical response models for composite materials. Based on thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis conducted at different heating rates, it is demonstrated that thermophysical and thermomechanical properties are not univariate functions of temperature, but also functions of time. Temperature- and time-dependent models for physical and mechanical properties at elevated and high temperatures are proposed, which show good accordance with experimental results. Based on a finite difference method, complex realistic thermal loading programs such as the ISO fire curve can be taken into account.
Analysis of Underlying Organization in Randomized Fiber Arrays
Authors: Brennan Kelly P. , Walrath David E.
Published: August 2009

This work quantifies geometric effects of randomness in unidirectional fiber packing arrays over a 0.1-0.9 fiber volume fraction range. Investigated parameters are equivalent symmetry angle, nearest neighbor distance, number of touches per fiber, and specific fiber volume fraction. Ten-thousand different fiber array configurations were analyzed to generate statistical results. These results are presented as plots and least squares approximating functions. It is shown that, for fiber volume fractions exceeding 0.6, truly random fiber packing is unlikely to occur. A sample problem is also included to illustrate benefits of accounting for random behavior in simple models.
Can Nature Make Us More Caring? Effects of Immersion in Nature on Intrinsic Aspirations and Generosity
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Przybylski Andrew K. , Ryan Richard M.
Published: August 2009

Four studies examined the effects of nature on valuing intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations. Intrinsic aspirations reflected prosocial and other-focused value orientations, and extrinsic aspirations predicted self-focused value orientations. Participants immersed in natural environments reported higher valuing of intrinsic aspirations and lower valuing of extrinsic aspirations, whereas those immersed in non-natural environments reported increased valuing of extrinsic aspirations and no change of intrinsic aspirations. Three studies explored experiences of nature relatedness and autonomy as underlying mechanisms of these effects, showing that nature immersion elicited these processes whereas non-nature immersion thwarted them and that they in turn predicted higher intrinsic and lower extrinsic aspirations. Studies 3 and 4 also extended the paradigm by testing these effects on generous decision making indicative of valuing intrinsic versus extrinsic aspirations.
How to measure balance in clinical practice. A systematic review of the psychometrics and clinical utility of measures of balance activity for neurological conditions
Authors: Tyson SF , Connell LA
Published: August 2009

Objective: To identify psychometrically robust and clinically feasible measurement tools of balance activity in people with neurological conditions to recommend for use in clinical practice.

Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and AMED.

Review methods: Independent reviewers selected and extracted data from articles that assessed the reliability, validity, sensitivity to change and clinical utility of measures of balance activity in adult neurological conditions. Quality assessment was based on Jorstad et al. Measures with ‘good' psychometrics and ≥9/10 clinical utility scores were recommended.

Results: Nineteen measurement tools were selected. Of these, the Brunel Balance Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, arm raise and forward reach tests in sitting and standing, weight shift, step/tap and step-up tests reached the required standards and are usable in clinical practice. The Brunel Balance Assessment and its associated functional performance tests have the additional advantages of being a hierarchical scale with established lack of redundancy.

Conclusion: The measurement tools identified above are psychometrically robust and feasible to use in clinical practice. Future objective measure development should consider the theoretical construct of the measure, the minimal detectable change and use in clinical populations other than stroke.
The effect of two exercise regimes; motor control versus endurance/strength training for patients with whiplash-associated disorders: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Ask Tove , Strand Liv I , Sture Skouen Jan
Published: August 2009

Objective: To compare the effect of exercise regimes with focus on either motor control training or endurance/strength training for patients with whiplash-associated disorders in subacute phase.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: An outpatient spine clinic in Norway.

Participants: Twenty-five subjects with a whiplash-associated disorder still having symptoms or disability six weeks after injury.

Interventions: The participants received 6—10 sessions of physiotherapy for six weeks with focus on either motor control or endurance and strength of neck muscles.

Measurements: The primary outcome measure was the Neck Disability Index. Secondary outcome measures were pain intensity, neck functioning and sick leave.

Results: No statistical significant differences concerning primary and secondary outcome measures were demonstrated between the groups. Approximately half of the participants in both groups obtained a clinically important change (improvement) on perceived disability assessed by Neck Disability Index at six weeks and one-year follow-up. The changes within both groups were statistically significant at six weeks, but not at one-year follow-up. For most pain-related variables clinical significant improvement was demonstrated in both groups at six weeks, but for fewer participants at one year. There was also statistical significant improvement within groups in some of the physical performance tests at one-year follow-up.

Conclusion: The changes associated with motor control training and endurance/ strength training of neck muscles were similar for reduced disability, pain and for improving physical performance. With a low number of participants and no control group, however, we cannot be sure whether the improvements are due to interventions or other reasons.
Measurement structure of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in a sample of Chinese patients with chronic pain
Authors: Vong Sinfia KS , Cheing Gladys LY , Chan Chetwyn CH , Chan Fong , Leung Arran SL
Published: August 2009

Objective: To examine the factorial structure of the Chinese translation of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in a sample of Chinese patients with chronic pain.

Setting: Outpatient physiotherapy department in a local hospital and a local rehabilitation clinic.

Participants: One hundred and twenty patients with chronic pain in physiotherapy treatment.

Methods: Each participant was asked to complete the Chinese version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The test structure of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Highly correlated paths were added onto the initial structure for improving the final construct for the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. The correlations between the Chinese Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and related measurements were computed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-factor model provided the best fit between the model and data, with the chi-square of the respecified model computed to be 36.79 (33, N = 120), the goodness-of-fit index 0.940, cumulative fit index 0.996, and the root mean square error of approximation 0.031. The item-total correlations ranged from 0.70 to 0.85. Cronbach’s alpha of the Chinese version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire was computed to be 0.94. The total scores also correlated significantly with the modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and six subscales of SF-36.

Conclusion: A single-factor model confirmed the unidimensionality of the Chinese version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in a sample of Chinese patients with chronic pain. It demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and construct-related validity.
Sustaining river ecosystems: balancing use and protection
Authors: O'Keeffe Jay
Published: August 2009

Sustainable management of natural resources is a well-accepted concept, but there are few practical guidelines for its application. This paper suggests methods for the sustainable operation of water resource use and protection. Environmental flows (EF) for rivers are used to illustrate some of the opportunities and problems inherent in managing rivers sustainably. In particular, there is a requirement for agreeing on clear and measurable environmental objectives for which a modified flow regime can be set. Knowledge from a number of different disciplines, including hydrology, ecology, hydraulics, geomorphology, water quality and socio-economics has to be integrated to provide holistic levels of understanding if sustainable management is to be achieved. Methods for EF assessment have been developed to provide an effective framework for integration leading to a clear end-point. The implementation of EF has been hampered in the past by a concentration on the ecohydrological technicalities of the process. More recently, it has been realized that achieving a consensus in the socio-economic and political context is of overriding importance for successful implementation. Case studies from South African river research over the past 20 years are used to illustrate the policies, methods, impediments and successes of sustainable river management. In particular, a recognition of complexity and change, both in ecosystems and in human thinking and behaviour, is emphasized. Timeframes of decades are required for both types of change, but there is evidence that patience is being rewarded by gradual success.
Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus
Authors: Choi Woo Jin , Park Kwan Kyu , Kim Bom Soo , Lee Jin Woo
Published: August 2009

Background

Identifying factors associated with favorable or unfavorable outcomes would provide patients with accurate expectations of the arthroscopic marrow stimulation techniques.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic significance and optimal measures of defect size in osteochondral lesion of the talus as treated with arthroscopy.

Hypothesis

A critical, or threshold, defect size may exist at which clinical outcomes become poor in the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

In sum, 120 ankles underwent arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment for osteochondral lesion of the talus and were evaluated for prognostic factors. Clinical failure was defined as patients’ having osteochondral transplantation or an American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score less than 80. Linear regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to identify optimal cutoff values of defect size.

Results

Eight ankles (6.7%) required osteochondral transplantation, and 22 ankles (18.4%) were considered failures because of AOFAS scores less than 80, which indicated fair or poor results. Linear regression analysis showed a high prognostic significance of defect area and suggested a cutoff defect size of 150 mm 2 for the optimum identification of poor clinical outcomes ( P < .001). Only 10 of 95 ankles (10.5%) with a defect area <150 mm 2 showed clinical failure, whereas in patients with an area ≥150 mm 2 , the clinical failure rate was significantly higher (80%, 20/25). There was no association between outcome and the patient’s age, duration of symptoms, trauma, associated lesions, and location of lesions ( P > .05).

Conclusion

Initial defect size is an important and easily obtainable prognostic factor in osteochondral lesions of the talus and so may serve as a basis for preoperative surgical decisions. A cutoff point exists regarding the risk of clinical failure at a defect area of approximately 150 mm 2 as calculated from magnetic resonance imaging.
The COL5A1 Gene Is Associated With Increased Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in Female Participants
Authors: Posthumus Michael , September Alison V. , O’Cuinneagain Dion , van der Merwe Willem , Schwellnus Martin P. , Collins Malcolm
Published: August 2009

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, especially to young female athletes, are a cause of major concern in the sports medicine fraternity. The major structural constituents of ligaments are collagens, specifically types I and V. Recently, the gene that encodes for the α1 chain of type I collagen ( COL1A1) has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cruciate ligament ruptures. The COL5A1 gene, which encodes for the α1 chain of type V collagen, has been shown to be associated with Achilles tendon injuries.

Purpose

The study was conducted to determine (1) if 2 sequence variants ( BstUI and DpnII restriction fragment length polymorphisms [RFLPs]) within the COL5A1 gene are associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, and (2) if there were any gender-specific positive associations between the 2 COL5A1 sequence variants and risk of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 129 white participants (38 women) with surgically diagnosed anterior cruciate ligament ruptures and 216 physically active control participants (84 women) without any history of ACL injury were included in this case-control genetic association study. All participants were genotyped for the COL5A1 BstUI and DpnII RFLPs.

Results

There was a significant difference in the BstUI RFLP genotype frequency between the anterior cruciate ligament rupture and physically active control groups among the female participants, but not the male participants. The CC genotype in the female participants was significantly underrepresented in the anterior cruciate ligament rupture group compared with the controls (27.4% vs 5.6%; odds ratio = 6.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–29.7; P = .006). There were no differences in the DpnII RFLP genotype distributions between the anterior cruciate ligament rupture and physically active control groups.

Conclusion

The CC genotype of the COL5A1 BstUI RFLP was underrepresented in female participants with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

Clinical Relevance

This is the first study to show that there is a specific genetic risk factor associated with risk of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in female athletes.
The Ethical Significance of Eastern Europe, Twenty Years On
Authors: Snyder Timothy
Published: August 2009

Twenty years after the end of communism in Eastern Europe, the region seems to have lost its sheen of moral appeal. What has happened to the dissidents, the heroes, the ethical lessons? Yet the Eastern Europe of today has become, in new and surprising ways, the test case of three of the largest questions of political morality in the early twentieth century: free elections, energy independence, and the divisiveness of national memory.
Assessment of Slovene secondary school students’ attitudes to biotechnology in terms of usefulness, moral acceptability and risk perception
Authors: Črne-Hladnik Helena , Peklaj Cirila , Košmelj Katarina , Hladnik Aleš , Javornik Branka
Published: August 2009

Quantitative and qualitative studies among 469 high school students of average age 17 years were conducted. The students’ attitudes to four practical applications of biotechnology were examined: genetically modified plants (Bt corn), genetically modified animals (salmon), and hemophilia germ line and somatic gene therapy. Each of the four applications was examined from three different viewpoints: usefulness, moral acceptability and risk perception. Bt corn production proved to be the most acceptable in terms of both usefulness and risk perception. Values for genetically modified salmon and germ line gene therapy were comparable, but much lower than those for the other two applications; this was true for both usefulness and moral acceptability. In addition, students found genetically modified salmon to be ethically much less acceptable than Bt corn. Significant gender differences were observed in the case of germ line gene therapy and genetically modified salmon.