bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual, Area, and Provider Characteristics Associated With Care Received for Stages I to III Breast Cancer in a Multistate Region of Appalachia
Authors: Kimmick Gretchen G. , Camacho Fabian , Mackley Heath B. , Kern Teresa , Yao Nengliang , Matthews Stephen A. , Fleming Steven , Lipscomb Joseph , Liao Jason , Hwang Wenke , Anderson Roger T.
Published: February 2015

Notable variation in care by geographic and surgical provider characteristics provides targets for further research in underserved areas.
Surviving Surveys
Authors: Mazzarello Sasha , Clemons Mark , Graham Ian D. , Jacobs Carmel
Published: February 2015

The authors offer tips for investigators and potential respondents with regard to surveys and response rates.
Validation of a Simple Screening Tool for Identifying Unmet Palliative Care Needs in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Glare Paul A. , Chow Kimberly
Published: February 2015

The authors conclude an 11-item screening tool seems to be a valid method for identifying patients with cancer who have complex PC needs and could benefit from a PC consult.
Are Patients With Thoracic Malignancies at Risk for Uncontrolled Symptoms?
Authors: Patel Manali I. , Williams Donna C. , Wohlforth Carla , Fisher George , Wakelee Heather A. , Blayney Douglas W.
Published: February 2015

Analysis of call content and prior events leading to after-hours calls may predict hospital admissions in patients with lung cancer and can inform development of proactive interventions to improve quality of care and patient-centered outcomes.
Florida Initiative for Quality Cancer Care: Changes in Psychosocial Quality of Care Indicators Over a 3-Year Interval
Authors: Jacobsen Paul B. , Lee Ji-Hyun , Fulp William , Siegel Erin M. , Shibata David , Laronga Christine , Gray Jhanelle , Tanvetyanon Tawee , Schreiber Fred , Brown Richard , Levine Richard , Cartwright Thomas , Abesada-Terk Guillermo , Kim George , Alemany Carlos , Faig Douglas , Sharp Philip , Markham Merry-Jennifer , Malafa Mokenge
Published: February 2015

Findings suggest that more intensive efforts than audit and feedback will be required to improve the quality of psychosocial care, and that greater recognition of problems with emotional well-being may tax the ability of practices to link patients with appropriate services.
Reasons for Delay in Time to Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Authors: Wasserman David W. , Boulos Majdi , Hopman Wilma M. , Booth Christopher M. , Goodwin Rachel , Biagi James J.
Published: February 2015

In patients with no reason for delay, most experienced a delay of > 8 weeks. The authors say this likely reflects delays in referral, consultation, and chemotherapy booking. These health-system factors are modifiable, and future quality improvement initiatives should focus on how to reduce them.
A Decade of Research on the Quality of Systemic Cancer Therapy in Routine Care: What Aspects of Quality Are We Measuring?
Authors: Shen Shixin , Krzyzanowska Monika K.
Published: February 2015

Most studies evaluating quality of systemic cancer therapy have focused on access to cytotoxic chemotherapy in early-stage disease. Studies on other aspects of quality and in different clinical settings are needed.
Estimating the State-Level Supply of Cancer Care Providers: Preparing to Meet Workforce Needs in the Wake of Health Care Reform
Authors: Chandak Aastha N. , Loberiza Fausto R. , Deras Marlene , Armitage James O. , Vose Julie M. , Stimpson Jim P.
Published: February 2015

Increasing cancer incidence and improved access to cancer care through the Affordable Care Act could increase demand for cancer care workers. Lawmakers should consider these factors in policy making.
Wnt signaling downregulated after sonic hedgehog activation negatively associates with tumor repopulation
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Cheng Jin , Gong Yanping , Tian Ling , Huang Qian
Published: February 2015

Tumor repopulation after radiotherapy is a big obstacle for clinical cancer therapy. The molecular mechanisms of tumor cell repopulation after radiotherapy remain unclear. This study investigated the role of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and Wnt signaling pathways in tumor repopulation after radiotherapy in an in vitro repopulation model. In this model, irradiated dying tumor cells functioned as feeder cells, while luciferase-labeled living tumor cells acted as reporter cells. Proliferation of reporter cells was measured by bioluminescence imaging. Results showed that irradiated dying HT29 and Panc1 cells significantly stimulated the repopulation of their living cells. In HT29 and Panc1 cells, radiation significantly inhibited Wnt activity. In the irradiated dying HT29 and Panc1 cells, the activated nuclear β-catenin was significantly decreased. Wnt agonist 68166 significantly decreased, whereas Wnt antagonist significantly increased repopulation in HT29 and Panc1 tumor cells in a dose dependent manner. β-catenin shRNA significantly promoted tumor cell repopulation. The level of secreted frizzled related protein-1, hedgehog, and Gli1 were increased in irradiated cells. Our results highlighted the interaction between Wnt and SHH signaling pathways in dying tumor cells and suggested that downregulation of Wnt signaling after SHH activation is negatively associated with tumor repopulation.
Modeling autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1C (ARCL1C) in mice reveals distinct functions of Ltbp-4 isoforms
Authors: Bultmann-Mellin Insa , Conradi Anne , Maul Alexandra C. , Dinger Katharina , Wempe Frank , Wohl Alexander P. , Imhof Thomas , Wunderlich F. Thomas , Bunck Alexander C. , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Koli Katri , Bloch Wilhelm , Ghanem Alexander , Heinz Andrea , von Melchner Harald , Sengle Gerhard , Sterner-Kock Anja
Published: February 2015

Recent studies revealed an important role for LTBP-4 in elastogenesis. Its mutational inactivation in humans causes autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1C (ARCL1C), which is a severe disorder caused by defects of the elastic fiber network. Although the mechanisms underlying the disease were discovered based on similar elastic fiber abnormalities exhibited by mice lacking the short Ltbp-4 isoform (Ltbp4S-/-), the murine phenotype does not replicate ARCL1C. We therefore inactivated both Ltbp-4 isoforms in the mouse germline to model ARCL1C. Comparative analysis of Ltbp4S-/- and Ltbp4 null (Ltbp4-/-) mice identified Ltbp-4L as an important factor for elastogenesis and postnatal survival with distinct tissue expression patterns and specific molecular functions. We identified fibulin-4 as a novel interaction partner of both Ltbp-4 isoforms and demonstrated that at least Ltbp-4L expression is essential for ECM incorporation of fibulin-4. Overall, our results contribute to the current understanding of elastogenesis and provide of an animal model of ARCL1C.
Self-organization of core Golgi material is independent of COPII-mediated endoplasmic reticulum export
Authors: Schuberth Christian E. , Tängemo Carolina , Coneva Cvetalina , Tischer Christian , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: February 2015

The Golgi is a highly organized and dynamic organelle that receives and distributes material from and to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the endocytic pathway. One open question about Golgi organization is whether it is solely based on ER-to-Golgi transport. Here, we analyzed the kinetics of Golgi breakdown in the absence of COPII-dependent ER export with high temporal and spatial resolution using quantitative fluorescence microscopy. We found that Golgi breakdown occurred in two phases. While Golgi enzymes continuously redistributed to the ER, we consistently observed extensive Golgi fragmentation at the beginning of the breakdown, followed by microtubule-dependent formation of a Golgi remnant structure (phase 1). Further Golgi disintegration occurred less uniformly (phase 2). Remarkably, cisternal Golgi morphology was lost early in phase 1 and Golgi fragments instead corresponded to variably sized vesicle clusters. These breakdown intermediates were devoid of COPI-dependent recycling material, but contained typical ‘core’ Golgi components. Furthermore, Golgi breakdown intermediates were able to disassemble and reassemble following cell division, indicating that they retained important regulatory capabilities. Taken together, these findings support the view that Golgi self-organization exists independently of ER-to-Golgi transport.
Generating an In Vitro 3D Cell Culture Model from Zebrafish Larvae for Heart Research
Authors: Grunow Bianka , Mohamet Lisa , Shiels Holly A.
Published: February 2015

We describe here a novel, fast and inexpensive method for producing a 3D ‘heart’ structure that forms spontaneously, in vitro, from larval zebrafish (ZF). We have named these 3D ‘heart’ structures ‘zebrafish heart aggregate(s)’ (ZFHAs) and have characterised their basic morphology and structural composition using histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. After 2 days in culture the ZFHA spontaneously form and become a stable contractile syncytium consisting of cardiac tissue derived by in vitro maturation, which beats rhythmically and consistently for more than 8 days. We propose this model as a platform technology, which can be developed further to study in vitro cardiac maturation, regeneration, tissue engineering and safety pharmacological/toxicology testing.
Automotive Three Way Catalytic Activity of Fe–Ni/Ceria
Authors: Satsuma Atsushi , Ueda Kakuya , Ito Yoshihiro , Ang Cheen Aik , Ohyama Junya
Published: February 2015

Ceria-supported transition metals have been investigated as non-platinum group metal automotive three way catalysts. Fe–Ni/CeO2 catalyst was found to be active for the simultaneous removal of NO, C3H6, and CO above 300 °C under a simulated automotive exhaust.
Syntheses and Optical Properties of BODIPY Derivatives Based on Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine
Authors: Hu Jinfa , Li Yu , Wu Yuxiao , Liu Wei , Wang Yong , Li Yahong
Published: February 2015

A series of covalently linked dyads 3a–3e incorporating imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives with boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fragment have been synthesized by a concise procedure. The absorptions with high molar extinction coefficient for 3a–3e have been obtained in CH2Cl2 solution. With substituent groups of different electronic nature at the 3-position of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine moiety, the emission maxima of dyads 3a–3e change from yellow to red at solid state under ambient conditions.
System-and-Activity-Based Approach in Teaching to Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Мыльникова  , Mylnikova N.
Published: March 2015

The paper makes a case for efficiency of system-and-activity-based approach when implemented in the practice of primary school teaching.

The author highlights the unconventional educational methods and techniques, to be used by primary school children, such as: discussion of

problems and topical issues; hypothesizing; completion of creative tasks, aimed at enhancing learners’ communicative activities.
Perceived Autonomy in Old Age scale: Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation
Authors: Kroemeke Aleksandra
Published: February 2015

Cel

Poczucie autonomii – możliwość wyboru i decydowania – jest jednym z wyznaczników pozytywnego i aktywnego starzenia się. Celem badań było przeprowadzenie polskiej adaptacji Skali Postrzeganej Autonomii (SPA), określenie jej wewnętrznej struktury i właściwości psychometrycznych: rzetelności oraz trafności teoretycznej i różnicowej.

Metoda

W badaniu wzięło udział 277 seniorów (K=187; M=90), bez zaburzeń funkcji poznawczych, w wieku 60–100 lat (M=77,39; SD=9,20). Poza SPA wykorzystano skale ADL i IADL (ocena samodzielności funkcjonowania), Kwestionariusz Stanu Emocjonalnego (pomiar emocji pozytywnych i negatywnych) i WHOQoL-Brief (ocena jakości życia uwarunkowanej stanem zdrowia).

Wyniki

W efekcie eksploracyjnej i konfirmacyjnej analizy czynnikowej zbudowano jednowymiarowe narzędzie z pięcioma pozycjami. Współczynniki rzetelność skali liczone metodą zgodności wewnętrznej i test-retest przyjęły wartości ≥0,80. Odnotowano dodatnie korelacje skali ze wskaźnikami ADL, IADL, somatyczną i psychologiczną domeną jakości życia i emocjami pozytywnymi oraz ujemne – z emocjami negatywnymi.

Wnioski

Otrzymane wyniki wskazały na bardzo dobrą rzetelność i trafność polskiej adaptacji SPA. Narzędzie może być wykorzystywane jako predyktor i/lub wskaźnik pomyślnego starzenia się i jakości życia seniorów.
Psychotherapy for pregnant women with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Müldner-Nieckowski Łukasz , Cyranka Katarzyna , Smiatek-Mazgaj Bogna , Mielimąka Michał , Sobański Jerzy , Rutkowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

Ciąża stanowi dla większości kobiet znaczącą zmianę życiową. Związane z nią zmiany biologiczne, w tym szczególnie komplikacje jej przebiegu oraz w przebiegu porodu, niosą ze sobą ryzyko rozwinięcia rozmaitych trudności psychologicznych i zaburzeń psychicznych. Jednak ich leczenie stanowi niemałe wyzwanie ze względu na teratogenne działanie większości leków psychoaktywnych oraz szczególne wymagania przy kwalifikacji do uczestnictwa w różnych programach psychoterapeutycznych. Zaburzenia psychiczne występujące podczas ciąży są niewątpliwie ważnym zagadnieniem, zarówno w obszarze psychiatrii, jak i ginekologii. Nie ustają dyskusje dotyczące kwestii, czy psychoterapia stosowana podczas ciąży jest bezpieczna, choć nie opublikowano jak dotąd potwierdzonych naukowo danych wskazujących na istotne ryzyko z nią związane. Wraz z psychoterapią – jako leczeniem z wyboru – klinicyści akceptują inne, względnie bezpieczne, metody leczenia zaburzeń psychicznych u kobiet ciężarnych, w tym terapię światłem, ograniczoną farmakoterapię oraz, w przypadku głębokich zaburzeń, elektrowstrząsy. Celem tej pracy jest dokonanie przeglądu aktualnych opinii klinicystów i badaczy, w zakresie możliwości, wskazań i wyników leczenia metodami "psychologicznymi", jako sposobu udzielania pomocy ciężarnym kobietom, cierpiącym na różne zaburzenia psychiczne, także dlatego, że zagadnienie to nie zostało dotąd szerzej omówione w polskim piśmiennictwie psychiatrycznym.
Misuse and abuse of quetiapine
Authors: Piróg-Balcerzak Agnieszka , Habrat Bogusław , Mierzejewski Paweł
Published: February 2015

Kwetiapina jest atypowym lekiem przeciwpsychotycznym, często stosowanym w psychiatrii, w tym również objawowo do leczenia innych zaburzeń niż we wskazaniach rejestracyjnych. Jednym z zastosowań jest łagodzenie stanów klinicznych powodowanych używaniem różnych substancji psychoaktywnych. W pracy przedstawiono i omówiono doniesienia o niewłaściwym używaniu kwetiapiny, nadużywaniu, a nawet uzależnieniu psychicznym, a także o objawach zbliżonych do tak zwanego zespołu dyskontynuacji, często mylonego z zespołem abstynencyjnym występującym w przebiegu uzależnienia. Na podstawie analizy przedstawionych przypadków wykazano, że większość doniesień dotyczy mężczyzn, szczególnie nadużywających lub uzależnionych od innych, najczęściej licznych substancji psychoaktywnych, a także z zaburzeniami osobowości, często pozostających w konflikcie z prawem. Z tego względu należy pamiętać o ostrożności w przepisywaniu kwetiapiny tym osobom. W artykule dyskutowane są potencjalne mechanizmy, które mogą prowadzić do niewłaściwego używania kwetiapiny. Jest to prawdopodobnie związane z działaniem sedatywnym i przeciwlękowym co powoduje jej częste stosowanie z substancjami pobudzającymi. Również wysokie powinowactwo do receptora H 1 może powodować działanie nagradzające, podobnie jak leki przeciwhistaminowe.
Diagnosis and Management of Schwannomas Originating from the Cervical Vagus Nerve
Authors: Behuria S , Rout TK , Pattanayak S
Published: February 2015

Introduction

A schwannoma is a benign, slow growing, encapsulated nerve sheath tumour. Presentation of a schwannoma is a diagnostic and management challenge.

Methods

Internet searches of PubMed/MEDLINE®for all articles listing schwannomas of the vagus nerve in the cervical/neck region (1980–2012) were undertaken to ascertain diagnostic pitfalls. The references of all articles were cross-checked to include all pertinent contributions. Further articles were traced through reference lists.

Results

Schwannomas are solitary, well circumscribed and medial to the carotid sheath. Preoperative diagnoses of schwannomas in the lateral part of the neck can cause confusion with its nerve of origin (ie whether it arises from the vagus nerve or a sympathetic chain). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging reveal valuable information regarding the location and origin of the tumour as well as aiding surgical planning. The diagnosis can be confirmed intraoperatively. Postoperative recovery of neurological function is dependent on the type of surgery. Histopathological studies searching for classical features and immunohistochemical staining for S100 also confirm the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnoses of unusual masses in the neck. Preoperative imaging elicits valuable information regarding the location and origin of schwannomas and histopathology confirms the diagnosis.
Incidental Non-Inguinals Hernias in Totally Extra-Peritoneal Hernia Repair
Authors: Old OJ , Kulkarni SR , Hardy TJ , Slim FJ , Emerson LG , Bulbulia RA , Whyman MR , Poskitt KR
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair allows identification and repair of incidental non-inguinal groin hernias. We assessed the prevalence of incidental hernias during TEP inguinal hernia repair and identified the risk factors for incidental hernias.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TEP repair from May 2005 to November 2012 were the study cohort. Inspection for ipsilateral femoral, obturator and rarer varieties of hernia was undertaken during TEP repair. Patient characteristics and operative findings were recorded on a prospectively collected database.

Results

A total of 1,532 TEP repairs were undertaken in 1,196 patients. Ninety-three patients were excluded due to incomplete data, leaving 1,103 patients and 1,404 hernias for analyses (1,380 male; 802 unilateral and 301 bilateral repairs; median age, 59 years). Among the 37 incidental hernias identified (2.6% of cases), the most common type of incidental hernia was femoral (n=32, 2.3%) followed by obturator (n=2, 0.1%). Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of incidental hernia, with a significant linear trend (p<0.01). The risk for patients >60 years of age was 4.0% vs 1.4% for those aged <60 years (p<0.01). Incidental hernias were found in 29.2% of females vs 2.2% of males, (p<0.0001). Risk of incidental hernia in those with a recurrent inguinal hernia was 3.0% vs 2.6% for primary repair (p=0.79).

Conclusions

Incidental hernias during TEP inguinal hernia repair were found in 2.6% of cases and, though infrequent, could cause complications if left untreated. The risk of incidental hernia increased with age and was significantly higher in patients aged >60 years and in females.
Surgical Resection of a Liver Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Authors: Selvakumar D , Dube M , Matey P
Published: February 2015

We report a case of a solitary liver metastasis from breast cancer in a 65-year-old woman. The patient underwent a mastectomy and axillary lymph node clearance for right breast cancer in 1990. A solitary metastasis was found in the left lobe of the liver by ultrasonography, 20 years after the initial mastectomy. A left lateral segmentectomy was performed in January 2011 and adjuvant hormonal therapy was also initiated. At present, she remains disease free.

This case demonstrates the implementation of liver resection to provide an effective treatment for metachronous metastatic breast cancer. We encourage surgeons to offer suitable patients this surgical treatment option, which is shown to provide a survival benefit.
The Diagnostic Dilemma of a Parasympathetic Schwannoma in the Submandibular Gland
Authors: Patel M , Srinivasan B , Sharma S
Published: February 2015

Schwannomas are benign soft tissue tumours that arise from nerve sheath cells. They are rare in the salivary glands and are thought to arise from the parasympathetic nerves. We report the case of a 69-year-old man who presented with a painless right submandibular mass that appeared to resemble a pleomorphic adenoma on ultrasonography and, on this basis, proceeded to surgical excision of the gland. We review the relevant literature and highlight the diagnostic pitfalls.
Implications of the Index Cholecystectomy and Timing of Referral for Radical Resection of Advanced Incidental Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Tsirlis T , Ausania F , White SA , French JJ , Jaques BC , Charnley RM , Manas DM
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Advanced (pT2/T3) incidental gallbladder cancer is often deemed unresectable after restaging. This study assesses the impact of the primary operation, tumour characteristics and timing of management on re-resection.

Methods

The records of 60 consecutive referrals for incidental gallbladder cancer in a single tertiary centre from 2003 to 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Decision on re-resection of incidental gallbladder cancer was based on delayed interval restaging at three months following cholecystectomy. Demographics, index cholecystectomy data, primary pathology, CA19–9 tumour marker levels at referral and time from cholecystectomy to referral as well as from referral to restaging were analysed.

Results

Thirty-seven patients with pT2 and twelve patients with pT3 incidental gallbladder cancer were candidates for radical re-resection. Following interval restaging, 24 patients (49%) underwent radical resection and 25 (51%) were deemed inoperable. The inoperable group had significantly more patients with positive resection margins at cholecystectomy (p=0.002), significantly higher median CA19–9 levels at referral (p=0.018) and were referred significantly earlier (p=0.004) than the patients who had resectable tumours. On multivariate analysis, urgent referral (p=0.036) and incomplete cholecystectomy (p=0.048) were associated significantly with inoperable disease following restaging.

Conclusions

In patients with incidental, potentially resectable, pT2/T3 gallbladder cancer, inappropriate index cholecystectomy may have a significant impact on tumour dissemination. Early referral of breached tumours is not associated with resectability.
The Nottingham Prognostic Index: five- and ten-year data for all-cause Survival within a Screened Population
Authors: Fong Y , Evans J , Brook D , Kenkre J , Jarvis P , Gower-Thomas K
Published: February 2015

Introduction

The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) is an established prognostication tool in the management of breast cancers (BCs). Latest ten-year survival data have demonstrated an improved outlook for each NPI category and the latest UK five- and ten-year survival from BC has been reported to be 85% and 77%, respectively. We compared survival of each NPI category for BCs diagnosed within the national breast screening service in Wales (Breast Test Wales (BTW)) to the latest data, and reviewed its validity in unselected cases within a screened population.

Methods

All women screened between 1998 and 2001 within BTW were included. The NPI score for each cancer was calculated using the size, nodal status, and grade of the primary tumour. Survival data (all-cause) were calculated after ten years of follow-up.

Results

In the three-year screening period, 199,082 women were screened. A total of 1,712 cancers were diagnosed, and 1,546 had data available for calculating the NPI. Overall five-year and ten-year survival was 94% and 82%, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall five-year and ten-year survival (all-cause) has improved even when compared with UK data for BC-specific survival. We found that the NPI remains valid for BC treatment, and that our data provide a reference for updating the all-cause survival of women diagnosed with BCs within a screened population.
Tongue Metastasis from a Poorly Differentiated Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Kaleva AI , Hone RWA , Szakacs SM , Streeter E , Nixon IJ
Published: February 2015

Chemotherapy may cause oral ulceration but a thorough investigation of symptoms and signs is important to determine the underlying diagnosis accurately. We describe a case of a patient with a poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma of the bladder developing a tongue metastasis. This is a challenging diagnosis to make given the rarity of the presentation but it illustrates the need to evaluate any new symptoms fully.
How can helpful policy plus helpful professionals produce system failure? Exploring development interventions with active local professionals and active young people with life-limiting conditions
Authors: Marsh Sheila , Rodrigues Jeff
Published: February 2015

The paper reflects on the implications of selecting local multifunctional networks as a principal method of achieving improvement in the transition experience of young people with life-limiting conditions, given the range of blocking factors identified. It summarises a programme of work that aimed to tackle these blocks through developing local systems responses. It then offers a review of organisation development that sets a context for the work and helps consider its implications, including a five-part model that emerged. Finally, learning and insights for practitioners engaged with local complex systems are offered, taking account of leadership, emergent boundaries and actor-network dynamics.
Co-Expression of p16, Ki67 and COX-2 Is Associated with Basal Phenotype in High-Grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast
Authors: Perez Amanda Arantes , Balabram Débora , Rocha Rafael Malagoli , da Silva Souza Átila , Gobbi Helenice
Published: February 2015

We assessed the co-expression of cell cycle-related biomarkers in a series of 121 consecutive cases of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), pure or associated with invasive carcinoma, and their associations with the different immunoprofiles of DCIS. Cases were identified from the histopathology files of the Breast Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2003 to 2008. The expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2 overexpression, cytokeratin 5, epidermal growth factor receptor 1, cyclooxygenase-2, p16 and Ki67 were assessed. Tumors were placed into five subgroups according to their immunohistochemical profile: luminal A, luminal B, HER2, basal-like and “not classified”. We found that the basal phenotype was associated with a higher frequency of p16-positive cases (83%) and the luminal A phenotype showed a higher frequency of p16-negative cases (93%; p=0.000). The association of biomarkers p16+/Ki67+/COX2+ was expressed in 02/06 cases (33.3%) of the basal phenotype but in only 01/70 cases (1.4%) of the luminal A phenotype ( p=0.01). The co-expression of p16+/Ki67+/COX2- was associated with a basal phenotype ( p=0.004). P16 expression, p16+/Ki67+/COX2+ and p16+/Ki67+/COX2- co-expression showed significant associations with the basal phenotype and these profiles could be used to guide more aggressive treatment strategies in patients with high-grade DCIS.
Detection of Fetal Subchromosomal Abnormalities by Sequencing Circulating Cell-Free DNA from Maternal Plasma
Authors: Zhao Chen , Tynan John , Ehrich Mathias , Hannum Gregory , McCullough Ron , Saldivar Juan-Sebastian , Oeth Paul , van den Boom Dirk , Deciu Cosmin
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

The development of sequencing-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been largely focused on whole-chromosome aneuploidies (chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y). Collectively, they account for only 30% of all live births with a chromosome abnormality. Various structural chromosome changes, such as microdeletion/microduplication (MD) syndromes are more common but more challenging to detect. Recently, several publications have shown results on noninvasive detection of MDs by deep sequencing. These approaches demonstrated the proof of concept but are not economically feasible for large-scale clinical applications.

METHODS

We present a novel approach that uses low-coverage whole genome sequencing (approximately 0.2×) to detect MDs genome wide without requiring prior knowledge of the event's location. We developed a normalization method to reduce sequencing noise. We then applied a statistical method to search for consistently increased or decreased regions. A decision tree was used to differentiate whole-chromosome events from MDs.

RESULTS

We demonstrated via a simulation study that the sensitivity difference between our method and the theoretical limit was <5% for MDs ≥9 Mb. We tested the performance in a blinded study in which the MDs ranged from 3 to 40 Mb. In this study, our algorithm correctly identified 17 of 18 cases with MDs and 156 of 157 unaffected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The limit of detection for any given MD syndrome is constrained by 4 factors: fetal fraction, MD size, coverage, and biological and technical variability of the event region. Our algorithm takes these factors into account and achieved 94.4% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity.
Japanese marriage migrants in ‘imagined’ multicultural Australia: Facing gaps between expectation and reality
Authors: Takeda Atsushi
Published: February 2015

This article uses qualitative data to explore Japanese marriage migrants’ preconceptions of Australia prior to their emigration to Queensland. In particular, it focuses on two dominant images of Australia: its natural environment and its multicultural society. I argue that the preconceived images accord with Japanese media representations of Australia, providing examples of cultural texts that reflect such images. Second, I highlight the disparity between anticipated settlement experiences influenced by preconceived images of Australia and actual lived experience. In Japanese migrants’ imagination, multicultural Australia has no racial prejudice or discrimination, and therefore they do not expect to encounter any. However, some migrants have faced adverse experiences that ultimately contest the preconceived image of a harmonious Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and some informants avoided discussing racist experiences and some even adopted a defensive attitude. This article lastly explores why some participants find it difficult to share their negative experiences.
Relationship between Crop Growth Parameters and Seed Yield in CMS Analogues in Sunflower
Authors: Tyagi Vikrant , Dhillon S. K.
Published: February 2015

Nine newcmsanalogues on the base of diversifiedcmssources were developed and evaluated for morphological, agronomic, physiological and biochemical traits, including the field resistance to the prevalent diseases of sunflower under Punjab conditions. As a result of this study, the most prospectivecmsanalogues were designated for future use in hybrid breeding programme. The results revealed that selection for tall plants with large head size and high chlorophyll content may be associated with high grain yield as well as oil content and high oleic acid content in sunflower. Leaf dry weight, biological yield, harvest index, specific leaf weight and relative leaf water content had direct positive effect on grain yield. The harvest index, specific leaf weight/plant, leaf area index and leaf area had indirect effects (through leaf dry weight) on grain yield. These traits are advocated as selection criteria for grain yield improvement in sunflower.
Hydrophobic materials based on cotton linter cellulose and an epoxy-activated polyester derived from a suberin monomer
Authors: Li Dongfang , Iversen Tommy , Ek Monica
Published: February 2015

Suberin is a natural hydrophobic material that could be used to improve the water repellency of cellulose surfaces. It is also abundant in the outer bark of birch (Betula verrucosa); birch bark is a side-stream product in Scandinavia from the forest industry, which is generally burned for energy production. A suberin monomer, cis-9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, was isolated from birch outer bark and polymerized via lipase (immobilizedCandida antarcticalipase B). The resulting epoxy-activated polyester was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and size exclusion chromatography. Then the polyester was cured with tartaric or oxalic acid, and the crosslinked polyesters were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry. Hydrophobic materials were prepared by compression molding of polyester-impregnated cellulose sheets, and the final products were characterized by FTIR, cross-polarization magic angle spinning13C NMR, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The water contact angle was significantly increased from 0° for the original cellulose sheets to over 100° for the produced hydrophobic materials.
Is epidural analgesia during labor related to retained placenta?
Authors: Sarit Avraham , Sokolov Amit , Many Ariel
Published: February 2015

To explore the influence of epidural analgesia on the course of the third stage of labor and on the incidence of the complete retained placenta as well as retained parts of the placenta.

This is a population-based cohort study in a tertiary medical center. We collected data from all 4227 spontaneous singleton vaginal deliveries during 6 months and compared the incidence of retained placenta in deliveries with epidural analgesia with those without analgesia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for possible confounders.

More than two-thirds of the women (69.25%) used epidural analgesia during their delivery. A need for intervention due to placental disorder during the third stage of labor was noted in 4.2% of all deliveries. Epidural analgesia appeared to be significantly (P=0.028) related to placental disorders compared with no analgesia: 4.8% vs. 3%, respectively. Deliveries with manual interventions during the third stage, for either complete retained placenta or suspected retained parts of the placenta, were associated with the use of epidural analgesia (P=0.008), oxytocin (P=0.002) and older age at delivery (P=0.000), but when including all factors in a multivariable analysis, using a stepwise logistic regression, the factors that were independently associated with interventions for placental disruption during the third stage of delivery were previous cesarean section, oxytocin use and, marginally, older age.

Complete retained placenta and retained parts of the placenta share the same risk factors. Epidural analgesia does not directly influence the incidence of complete retained placenta or retained parts, though clinically linked through increased oxytocin use. The factors that were independently associated with interventions for placental disruption during the third stage of delivery were previous cesarean section, oxytocin use and older age.
The extrusion of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) in an extruder with a modified feed zone. Part 1: extrusion process
Authors: Sikora Janusz W. , Samujło Bronisław , Stasiek Andrzej
Published: February 2015

The work presents the results of experimental studies of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) extruded by a single-screw extruder with a modified feed section. The variable factors were the feed opening width, the feed pocket depth in the extruder barrel, and the rotational speed of the screw. The following parameters were studied: extrudate temperature Tw (°C), screw torque M (Nm), polymer mass flow rate G (kg/h), unit consumption of energy supplied to the extruder Ejc (J/g), and extrusion process energy efficiency κ (%). It was found that the increase in the depth of the pocket and the decrease in the width of the feed opening influence the extrusion process in a positive way.
Study on the deformation behavior of polyamide under the backward extrusion process
Authors: Manafi Babak , Saeidi Mehdi , Shatermashhadi Vahid , Abrinia Karen , Faraji Ghader
Published: February 2015

This study explores the deformation behavior of polyamide in the process of backward extrusion at room temperature by both finite element (FE) and design of experiment (DOE) procedures. The distributions of effective strain through the length and the thickness of processed polyamide tube by cold backward extrusion are investigated and compared with ductile metals. The die parameters are comprised of slope angle, corner radius of punch and container which are selected as input parameters. The Taguchi DOE approach is exploited in order to decrease repeated simulations, after which 16 results are carried out. Analysis of variance is performed on simulation results, and it is proved that the corner radius of punch has the greatest effect among die parameters in the mentioned process, in reducing the processing load. The influence of this parameter is obtained as 98%. Eventually, the optimum condition is proposed. Also, the deformation behavior and the probability of failure based on the normalized Cockroft-Latham criterion are studied under this condition.
Die Berechnung freier Schwingungen nach der Maxwellschen Theorie
Authors: Klein Eberhard , Jenckel Ernst
Published: March 2015

Es werden die Differentialgleichungen für die freie Schwingung verschiedener Maxwellscher Körper abgeleitet; die Lösungen dieser Differentialgleichungen sowie das logarithmische Dekrement werden angegeben. Die Berechnung freier Schwingungen mit Hilfe eines komplexen E-Moduls wird diskutiert.

Die theoretische Behandlung der Rückprallelastizität wird auf die freie Schwingung Maxwellscher Körper zurückgeführt.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen am Ranque-Wirbelrohr
Authors: Schmidt Karlheinz
Published: March 2015

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Meßergebnisse über den Wanddruck- und Wandtemperaturverlauf längs des Wirbelrohres mitgeteilt, um eine von Schultz-Grunow gegebene Erklärung des Ranque-Effektes zu prüfen. Es zeigt sich, daß die theoretischen Überlegungen mit den zwangsläufigen Folgerungen aus den Versuchen übereinstimmen.
Statistische Mechanik der Phasenumwandlungen II
Authors: Münster Arnold
Published: March 2015

Es wird gezeigt, daß das statistische Analogon einer Umwandlung r-ter Ordnung darin besteht, daß die relativen Schwankungsgrößen der Ordnung r + 1 einer Großen Gesamtheit groß werden. Im besonderen ergibt sich allgemein die Möglichkeit von Umwandlungen II. Ordnung nach Ehrenfest und vom Onsagerschen Typus. An der Stelle einer Umwandlung r-ter Ordnung hat die molekulare Verteilungsfunktion der Ordnung r + 1 eine Singularität derart, daß das Integral über dieselbe nicht konvergiert. In Gasen können Umwandlungen höherer Ordnung in hinreichender Entfernung vom kritischen Punkt nicht auftreten.
Ergebnisse der Tieftemperaturforschung XVI. Die Atom- und Elektronenwärme des Tantals zwischen 10° und 273° K
Authors: Clusjus Klaus , Losa Celso Gutierrez
Published: March 2015

An einem 250 g schweren Tantalzylinder wird die Atomwärme konstanten Druckes Cp zwischen 10° K und 0° C gemessen. Die Normalentropie bei 25° C ergibt sich zu 9,90 Clausius. Unterhalb von 19° K läßt sich die Atomwärme als Summe der Gitterwärme Cg, die dem T3-Gesetz folgt, und der Elektronenwärme Ce, die linear mit T verläuft, darstellen:

Tantal: Cp = Cʋ = Cg+Ce = 464,5(T/228)3+8,1 · 10-4 T.

Die Elektronenwärme zeigt somit einen für die Metalle der Übergangselemente charakteristisch hohen Wert, ist aber nach unseren Messungen kleiner als andere Autoren bei Heliumtemperaturen gefunden haben. Oberhalb von 20° K macht sich die Elektronenwärme in einem starken Abfall der Debyeschen Θ-Werte bemerkbar, wenn diese aus den auf Cv korrigierten Cp-Werten unmittelbar berechnet werden. Die Θ-Werte verschwinden bei T0 = 270°. Aus dieser Temperatur ergibt sich nach einer von Clusius und Bühler aufgestellten Formel γ zu 7,6 · 10-4 cal/g Atom Grad2. Mit diesem Wert erhält man für die Gitterwärme Cg = Cʋ-γT schließlich einen annähernd konstanten Verlauf der Θg-Werte zwischen den tiefsten Temperaturen und Zimmertemperatur, wobei der Θg-Wert nur zwischen 230° und 240° schwankt.
Die Unschärferelation in den Dirac-Gleichungen und in der relativistischen Schrödinger-Gleichung
Authors: Harmuth Henning
Published: March 2015

HEISENBERG’S uncertainty relation results as condition for convergence of the solution of a difference equation which is an analogue to the SCHROEDINGER equation. From DIRAC’S equations and the relativistic SCHROEDINGER equation (KLEIN-GORDON equation) — written as difference equations — one obtains in the same manner a generalized uncertainty relation, from which HEISENBERG’S is derived as a special case for negligible relativistic mass increase and not too precise position and time measurements.
Isotopen-Anreicherung beim Brom durch elektrolytische Überführung in geschmolzenem Bleibromid
Authors: Cameron A. E. , Herr W. , Herzog W. , Lunden A.
Published: March 2015

Vor einer Lösungsanode wurde 79Br durch elektrolytische Überführung in geschmolzenem Bleibromid angereichert. Bei einer Stromdichte von 5,3 A/cm2 wurde in 7,8 Tagen ein Trennfaktor 1,28 erreicht. Die relative Differenz der Wanderungsgeschwindigkeiten der Bromisotope betrug 0,11%; das entspricht einem Masseneffekt von μ= —0,044 ± 0,001. Die Isotopenhäufigkeiten wurden sowohl mit einem Massenspektrometer als auch durch Neutronenaktivierung gemessen.
Zur Komplanarität aromatischer Verbindungen
Authors: Preuss H.
Published: March 2015

Mit Hilfe des sogenannten Näherungsverfahrens werden in Näherung die Winkelabhängigkeiten der Torsionsenergien von π-Elektronensystemen bei der offenen Kohlenstoffkette, beim Triphenylmethyl und beim Diphenylmethyl abgeschätzt. Während sich in dieser Form der Näherung bei der Kohlenstoffkette eine reine Cosinus-Abhängigkeit ergeben kann, ist der Zusammenhang zwischen Resonanzenergie und Torsionswinkel bei den Radikalen komplizierter und zeigt, daß eine Verdrehung der Phenyle bis etwa 40° die Resonanzenergie um rund 32%, beim Triphenylmethyl um etwa 30% vermindert.
Absolute Wirkungsquerschnitte der Reaktionen K39(n, p) A39 und K39(n, α) Cl36 mit 2.6 MeV-Neutronen
Authors: Lindström G. , Neuert H.
Published: March 2015

Unter Verwendung einer verbesserten n-He3-Koinzidenzapparatur wurden bei einer Neutronenenergie von 2,59 MeV die Wirkungsquerschnitte der Reaktionen K39 (n, p)A39 zu 45 mbarn ± 10% und K39 (n, α)Cl36 zu 36 mbarn ± 10% bestimmt. Ein Vergleich mit den aus der Kontinuumtheorie näherungsweise berechneten Wirkungsquerschnitten würde als effektive Kernradien für den A39-Kern R= 3,65·10 -13 cm und für den Cl36-Kern R= 7,27·10-13 cm liefern.
Winkelverteilung resonant gestreuter γ-Quanten
Authors: Wittmann F.
Published: March 2015

Mit Hilfe des MössBAUER-Effektes wird das 129-keV-Niveau in Ir191 angeregt und die Winkelverteilung W(Θ) der Streustrahlung gemessen. Es ergibt sich:

W(Θ) =1+ (0,85 ±0,15) P2 (cos (Θ) + (0,02 ±0,18) P4 (cos (Θ).

Hieraus findet man zusammen mit Ergebnissen aus COULOMB-Anregungsmessungen das Mischungsverhältnis von Ml- und E2-Strahlung des Überganges sowie das Vorzeichen von δ.

Es ist δ = —0,36+0,04
-0,01.
The Half-life of 130Te Double β-decay
Authors: Takaoka N. , Ogata K.
Published: March 2015

In order to determine the half-life of the 130Te double β-decay, the amounts and isotopic composition of xenon extracted from tellurium ores, from the Oya gold mine in Japan, have been measured with a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer. Compared with atmospheric xenon an excess was definitely found at mass numbers 129, 130 and 131 in the extracted xenon. The excess of 130Xe is predominant, the average amount in three samples being (1.32 ± 0.09) × 10-11 ccSTP/g 130Te. Attributing the excess 130Xe to the double β-decay of 130Te, the half-life is estimated to be (8.20 ± 0.64) × 1020 years, assuming an age of (9.06 ± 0.29) × 107 years for the Te ores. The latter value is the K-Ar age of porphyrite, which is in close geological connection with the Te ores.

In order to investigate the other excesses than that of 130Xe, isotopic analyses were also carried out on Xe from three other Te ores from the same mine. The ratios (129Xe/131Xe) excess=1.58 and (129Xe/130Xe) excess = 2.1 were found to be the same for all samples. The origin of these excesses is discussed.

In addition a small excess of 128Xe was found. If this is attributed to 128Te double β-decay, the half-life of 128Te is estimated to be 3 × 1022 years, a value shorter by about three orders of magnitude than the theoretically expected half-life. The above estimated half-life may be a lower limit of the 128Te half-life.

The general tendency of the isotopic abundances (except for the above excesses), of the xenon extracted from Te ores seems to be to slightly increase in excess as one moves toward the lighter isotopes (as compared with atmospheric xenon).
Über das Schaltvermögen und den Zündmechanismus einer fremdausgelösten Niederdruckfunkenstrecke mit Hilfsfunken in der Kathode
Authors: Frie W. , Michel A.
Published: March 2015

Es wird über eine triggerbare Niederdruckfunkenstrecke großer Strombelastbarkeit, hoher Spannungsfestigkeit und kleiner Streuzeit berichtet, die in der Lage ist, 25 kV mit 0,6 ns mittlerer Streuzeit wiederholt zu schalten. Eine Theorie der Zündung von Haupt- und Triggerentladung wird angegeben und mit dem Experiment verglichen.
Die Bildung negativer Ionen aus SiCl4 und organischen Siliciumchloriden durch Elektronenstoß
Authors: Jäger K. , Henglein A.
Published: March 2015

Appearance potentials and ionization efficiency curves of negative ions formed in SiCl4, CH3SiCl3, (CH3)2SiCl2, (CH3)3) 3SiCl, C2H3SiCl3, and C6H5SiCl3 by electron impact have been measured by using a Fox ion source. Negative molecular ions were observed in SiCl4, C2H3SiCl3 and C6H5SiCl3 besides several fragment ions. The electron affinity of the SiCl3 radical was found to be about equal to the electron affinity of the chlorine atom. The electron affinity of SiCl2 is shown to be higher than 2.5 eV.

Dissociative electron capture processes from SF6
– have been found in mixtures of SFe and silicon compounds (such as SF6
–+SiCl4 ➝ Cl–+SiCl3+SF6). It is concluded that in these processes the electron in SF6
– behaves like a free electron of zero kinetic energy. Various reactions of the O–-ion with the silicon compounds have also been observed.
Über die Korrelation zwischen Partikellänge und Infektiosität beim Vergilbungsvirus der Rüben
Authors: Mundry Karl-Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Crude leaf sap of plants suffering from sugar beet yellows was partially purified by density gradient centrifugation in the cold at different values of pʜ (6,2-9,0). After standing over night at 2° C the material was dialysed against buffer of pʜ 6,8 at room temperature. - As estimated by electron microscopy the most frequent length of the threadlike particles (Fig. 2) which were believed to be the infectious agent of sugar beet yellows shows a gradual shift from longer to shorter ones with rising pʜ (Fig. 1 a-e). The infectivity of the suspensions depends upon the pʜ of the preparation too. From the distribution curve of the particle lengths the relative concentrations of particles with different given minimal lengths were estimated. The dependence from the pʜ of the preparation of these relative concentrations was compared with that of the infectivity. Best agreement was observed with particles of 12 700 - 12 800 A minimal length (Fig. 3). This length seems to be identical with the “normal length” of the particles found in exsudates (12 400 -12 500 A). From these results it was concluded that a) particles which possess the normal length as found in exsudates are the infective entities of this disease, b) shorter particles are non-infectious, c) the infectious entities of the sugar beet yellows virus are of the threadlike type. There is no evidence that spherical particles are necessary for starting an infection with the sugar beet yellows virus.