bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel image‐guided surgery of hepatocellular carcinoma by indocyanine green fluorescence imaging navigation
Authors: Gotoh Kunihito , Yamada Terumasa , Ishikawa Osamu , Takahashi Hidenori , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yano Masahiko , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Tomita Yasuhiko , Miyamoto Yasuhide , Imaoka Shingi
Published: March 2009

Background and Objectives

The clear delineation between tumor and normal tissue is ideal for real‐time surgical navigation imaging. We present a novel indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging technique to visualize hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Ten patients with solitary HCC underwent hepatectomy between February and September 2007 at Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. ICG had been injected intravenously several days before surgery at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight. After laparotomy, the liver was inspected with intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS), and then with a near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging system (PDE; Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Hamamatsu, Japan).

Results

All the 10 primary tumors showed bright fluorescent signals and could be completely removed with negative margins under the guide of PDE. In four cases (40.0%), new HCC nodules that were not detected by use of any preoperative examinations including IOUS were detected by PDE. These newly identified HCC nodules were very small in size and most of the tumors were well‐differentiated HCCs.

Conclusions

This novel technique is simple and safe, and is therefore considered to be a promising tool for routine intraoperative imaging during a hepatic resection and further clinical exploration for HCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:75–79. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On‐line multi‐enzymatic approach for improved sequence coverage in protein analysis
Authors: Temporini Caterina , Calleri Enrica , Cabrera Karin , Felix Guy , Massolini Gabriella
Published: March 2009

The development of a new mixed bioreactor for proteomic studies based on trypsin and chymotrypsin is described. Trypsin and chymotrypsin were simultaneously bonded to an epoxy monolithic silica column (100 mm×4.6 mm id) in a one‐step reaction via epoxy‐groups. In order to compare the catalytic properties of the two enzymes in the isolated and in the multi‐enzymatic approach, two other single enzyme bioreactors based on trypsin and chymotrypsin were prepared following the same immobilization protocol. The kinetic parameters of the multi‐enzymatic bioreactor were derived and it was demonstrated that it retains the individual catalytic activity of the two enzymes. To prove the power of this experimental approach the new mixed bioreactor was integrated in an LC‐ESI‐MS/MS system for digestion, enrichment, separation and identification of the test protein insulin‐like growth factor binding‐protein 1 (IGFBP‐1). The peptide map and protein sequence coverage obtained with the three bioreactors were compared. The results clearly indicate that the proposed multi‐enzyme approach can reduce both digestion and analysis time, accelerate data interpretation and increase the confidence degree in protein identification.
Anxiety sensitivity and aspects of alexithymia are independently and uniquely associated with posttraumatic distress
Authors: Zahradnik Marc , Stewart Sherry H. , Marshall Grant N. , Schell Terry L. , Jaycox Lisa H.
Published: March 2009

Using a sample of adult survivors of physical trauma requiring hospitalization (N = 677), we examined the relationship of aspects of alexithymia and anxiety sensitivity to symptoms of posttraumatic distress (PTD). At the bivariate level, both aspects of alexithymia and anxiety sensitivity were positively associated with acute PTD symptomatology, but anxiety sensitivity was more strongly related to PTD symptoms. At the multivariate level, both anxiety sensitivity and aspects of alexithymia made unique and independent contributions to both total PTD symptoms and the majority of PTD symptom clusters. At the facet level, anxiety sensitivity–physical concerns and anxiety sensitivity–psychological concerns, and the alexithymic dimension of difficulty identifying feelings, were uniquely associated with acute PTD symptoms. Findings are discussed in terms of potential clinical implications.
Comparison of transnasal endoscopic and open craniofacial resection for malignant tumors of the anterior skull base
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Vivero Richard J. , Hoang Kimberly , Civantos Frank J. , Weed Donald T. , Morcos Jacques J. , Casiano Roy R.
Published: March 2009

Objective/Hypothesis:

Craniofacial resection (CFR) represents the traditional approach for resection of anterior skull base (ASB) malignancies. However, this past decade has witnessed the emergence of transnasal endoscopic ASB resection (TER) as a feasible alternative. The aim of this study was to compare TER and CFR for ASB malignancy resection.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis at a tertiary care medical center on 66 patients undergoing ASB malignant tumor resection between September 1997 and December 2006.

Results:

Eighteen patients were treated with TER, whereas 48 patients underwent CFR. The two groups showed no significant difference in complication rate (27.8% for TER and 25.0% for CFR, P > 0.05), survival (94.4% for TER and 83.3% for CFR, P > .05), and metastasis (11.1% for TER and 8.3% for CFR, P > .05). A significant difference was observed in hospital stay with an average of 3.8 days in the TER group compared to 8.1 days in the CFR group (P < .05). Local recurrence approximated significance (5.6% for TER and 29.2% for CFR, P = .051)

Conclusions:

TER of ASB malignancy is associated with a decreased hospital stay and faster recovery when compared to open CFR. Lower local recurrence rate in the TER group may reflect a discrepancy in histology and clinical stage. We found no significant differences in survival, metastatic, or complication rates in the two groups, whereas patients in the TER group had the added benefit of a desirable cosmetic outcome. Overall, TER seems to be an excellent alternative to CFR in properly selected cases. Laryngoscope, 2009
Eotaxin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 immunoreactivity and protein concentration in the nasal polyps of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Yao Toru , Kojima Yuko , Koyanagi Akemi , Yokoi Hidenori , Saito Tatsuya , Kawano Kenji , Furukawa Masayuki , Kusunoki Takeshi , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by the accumulation of numerous eosinophils in the sinus mucosa and nasal polyps, which are frequently difficult to control, even with surgery. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression and localization of eotaxins, which are well known to be potent and selective chemoattractants for eosinophils in CRS.

Study Design:

Randomized study.

Methods:

The patients were classified into eosinophilic and noneosinophilic groups. Histopathological profiles of the nasal polyp were observed with hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Eotaxin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 were immunohistochemically stained in the nasal polyps. Furthermore, the protein content of eotaxin subtypes inside the nasal polyp and sinus effusion was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

In the nasal polyps, immunoreactivities of the eotaxin subfamily, eotaxin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3, were noted in most of the infiltrating eosinophils, as well as in other inflammatory cells, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. Compared with noneosinophilic CRS groups, eosinophilic CRS groups had a significant expression of eotaxins in their eosinophils. The eotaxin concentrations of nasal polyp and sinus effusion as measured by ELISA were significantly increased in the eosinophilic CRS group compared to the noneosinophilic CRS group.

Conclusions:

The present findings suggest that enhanced eotaxin family production by eosinophils results in the recruitment of eosinophils into the tissue by a self‐amplifying process. Laryngoscope, 2009
Absolutely continuous spectrum of discrete Schrödinger operators with slowly oscillating potentials
Authors: Kim Ahyoung , Kiselev Alexander
Published: March 2009

We show that when a potential bn of a discrete Schrödinger operator, defined on l2(ℤ+), slowly oscillates satisfying the conditions bn ∈ l∞ and ∂bn = bn +1 – bn ∈ lp, p < 2, then all solutions of the equation Ju = Eu are bounded near infinity at almost every E ∈ [–2 + lim supn →∞ bn, 2 + lim supn →∞ bn ] ∩ [–2 + lim infn →∞ bn, 2 + lim infn →∞ bn ]. We derive an asymptotic formula for generalized eigenfunctions in this case. As a corollary, the absolutely continuous spectrum of the corresponding Jacobi operator is essentially supported on the same interval of E (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Versatility of the vertical designed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap
Authors: Tan Onder
Published: March 2009

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the most commonly used perforator flaps. However, when horizontally oriented, it has certain pitfalls such as sacrifice of the contralateral donor site, the need to discard soft tissue that will not be adequately perfused, and long operating times. To overcome these handicaps, the flap in a vertical orientation was designed and demonstrated the versatility of this technique in a number of different anatomical tissue restorations in this study. The vertical DIEP flaps were used in 8 patients (7 males and 1 female) in 3 years. Defects were located in the lower limb (4 cases), face (3 cases), and hip (1 cases). All flaps were transferred as free, except one in the hip that was pedicled. Flap sizes varied from 7 × 5 cm to 13 × 9 cm. All donor defects were closed primarily. The mean follow‐up time was 13.6 months. All flaps survived totally, but one which had partial necrosis. A hematoma developed postoperatively in the donor site of the pedicled DIEP flap. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. All donor site scars were acceptable with minimal contour irregularities. The vertical DIEP flap offers diverse opportunities in various soft tissue reconstructions and is candidate to be an important choice of free flap repertoire. The method can be proposed particularly for restoration of moderate sized defects rather than that of large defects as in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Free vascularized fibula grafts for salvage of failed oncologic long bone reconstruction and pathologic fractures
Authors: Friedrich Jeffrey B. , Moran Stephen L. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: March 2009

Vascularized bone grafts, particularly the free fibula transfer, have incited revolutionary changes in the field of skeletal reconstruction. In no place has this been more evident than in oncologic reconstruction. The free vascularized fibula graft has been used to good effect for primary long‐bone reconstruction, long‐bone allograft complication salvage, and pathologic fracture salvage of the long bones. Although many of these procedures often entail significant complications, limb salvage has been made possible in a majority of patients using transfers of free vascularized fibula grafts. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the technique of onlay free vascularized fibula grafts for salvage of allograft complications and pathologic fractures of the long bones. This will be accomplished by reviewing the problem of allograft complications and pathologic fractures, the current treatment modalities available, the outcomes of these treatments, and future directions of treatment for this particular problem. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
The in vivo anatomy of the deep circumflex iliac artery perforators: Defining the role for the DCIA perforator flap
Authors: Ting Jeannette W. C. , Rozen Warren M. , Grinsell Damien , Stella Damien L. , Ashton Mark W.
Published: March 2009

The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) provides a dependable option for use as an osteo‐musculo‐cutaneous flap, particularly in mandibular reconstruction. Modifications to flaps based on DCIA perforators have been sought to prevent donor site morbidity as a consequence of muscle cuff harvest. Previous studies have been inconsistent in their descriptions of perforator anatomy, and means of assessing these preoperatively have not been widely described. A clinical anatomical study was undertaken, with a cohort of 44 hemiabdominal walls in 22 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) before free flap surgery. The feasibility of CTA and the regional vascular anatomy were both assessed. The use of CTA was shown to demonstrate DCIA perforators with high resolution and to be able to assess vessel size and location. In 44 hemiabdominal walls, there were 44 perforators of >0.8 mm diameter. There were no suitable perforators in 40% of sides, with 32% of sides having one perforator >0.8 mm diameter, 16% having two perforators, <10% had three perforators, and only one side had over four perforators. Perforators emerged from the deep fascia on an average of 5.1 cm cranial and 3.9 cm posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Of the 44 perforators identified, 82% of perforators were located within a 4 cm by 4 cm area, 3 cm superior, and 2 cm posterior to the ASIS. The current study has demonstrated the utility of preoperative CTA for identifying DCIA perforators, and for selecting patients who may be suitable for a DCIA perforator flap given the variable perforator anatomy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Improvement of peripheral nerve regeneration in acellular nerve grafts with local release of nerve growth factor
Authors: Yu Hailong , Peng Jiang , Guo Quanyi , Zhang Li , Li Zhi , Zhao Bin , Sui Xiang , Wang Yu , Xu Wenjing , Lu Shibi
Published: March 2009

Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of growth factors in peripheral nerve regeneration. A method was developed for sustained delivery of nerve growth factor (NGF) for nerve repair with acellular nerve grafts to augment peripheral nerve regeneration. NGF‐containing polymeric microspheres were fixed with fibrin glue around chemically extracted acellular nerve grafts for prolonged, site‐specific delivery of NGF. A total of 52 Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups for treatment: autografting, NGF‐treated acellular grafting, acellular grafting alone, and acellular grafting with fibrin glue. The model of a 10‐mm sciatic nerve with a 10‐mm gap was used to assess nerve regeneration. At the 2nd week after nerve repair, the length of axonal regeneration was longer with NGF‐treated acellular grafting than acellular grafting alone and acellular grafting with fibrin glue, but shorter than autografting (P < 0.05). Sixteen weeks after nerve repair, nerve regeneration was assessed functionally and histomorphometrically. The percentage tension of the triceps surae muscles in the autograft group was 85.33 ± 5.59%, significantly higher than that of NGF‐treated group, acellular graft group and fibrin‐glue group, at 69.79 ± 5.31%, 64.46 ± 8.48%, and 63.35 ± 6.40%, respectively (P < 0.05). The ratio of conserved muscle‐mass was greater in the NGF‐treated group (53.73 ± 4.56%) than in the acellular graft (46.37 ± 5.68%) and fibrin glue groups (45.78 ± 7.14%) but lower than in the autograft group (62.54 ± 8.25%) (P < 0.05). Image analysis on histological observation revealed axonal diameter, axon number, and myelin thickness better with NGF‐treated acellular grafting than with acellular grafting alone and acellular grafting with fibrin glue (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between NGF‐treated acellular grafting and autografting. This method of sustained site‐specific delivery of NGF can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration across short nerve gaps repaired with acellular nerve grafts. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Changes in muscle force–length properties affect the early rise of force in vivo
Authors: Blazevich Anthony J. , Cannavan Dale , Horne Sara , Coleman David R. , Aagaard Per
Published: March 2009

Changes in contractile rate of force development (RFD), measured within a short time interval from contraction initiation, were measured after a period of strength training that led to increases in muscle fascicle length but no measurable change in neuromuscular activity. The relationship between training‐induced shifts in the moment–angle relation and changes in RFD measured to 30 ms (i.e., early) and 200 ms (i.e., late) from the onset of isometric knee extension force were examined; shifts in the moment–angle relation were used as an overall measure of changes in quadriceps muscle fascicle length. A significant proportion of the variance in RFD measured only in the initial contraction phase (0–30 ms) could be explained by shifts in the moment–angle relation (r = −0.66–0.71; R2 = 0.44–0.50). Training‐induced increases in muscle fascicle length may lead to a reduced or complete lack of adaptive gains in contractile RFD, especially in the early contraction phase. Muscle Nerve 39: 512–520, 2009
Long‐term dietary administration of valproic acid does not affect, while retinoic acid decreases, the lifespan of G93A mice, a model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Crochemore Cristophe , Virgili Marco , Bonamassa Barbara , Canistro Donatella , Pena‐Altamira Emiliano , Paolini Moreno , Contestabile Antonio
Published: March 2009

Mice bearing the mutated gene for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (G93A) are a good model for human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They develop progressive limb paralysis paralleled by loss of motor neurons of the cervical and lumbar spinal cord, which starts at 3–3.5 months of age and ends with death at 4–5 months. Several treatments have been attempted to delay clinical symptoms and to extend lifespan, and some have had modest beneficial effects. One such treatment, based on long‐term administration of valproic acid (VPA), resulted in controversial results. We report here that, while dietary supplementation with high VPA dosage slows down motor neuron death, as assessed by measurement of a specific marker for cholinergic neurons in the spinal cord, it has no significant effect on lifespan. Recently, the hypothesis has been put forward that a deficiency of retinoic acid (RA) and its signaling may have a role in ALS. We report that long‐term dietary supplementation with RA has no effect on the decrease of the cholinergic marker in the spinal cord, but it significantly shortens lifespan of G93A mice. Muscle Nerve 39: 548–552, 2009
Quantitative gray‐scale analysis in skeletal muscle ultrasound: A comparison study of two ultrasound devices
Authors: Pillen Sigrid , van Dijk Johannes P. , Weijers Gert , Raijmann Wilma , de Korte Chris L. , Zwarts Machiel J.
Published: March 2009

Muscle ultrasound is a useful technique to detect neuromuscular disorders. Quantification of muscle echo intensity (EI) using gray‐scale analysis is more reliable and more sensitive compared with visual evaluation of the images. We devised a method to reliably use EI normal values established with one ultrasound device for use with another device. Based on measurements in a dedicated phantom and in 7 healthy subjects, a conversion equation was calculated to convert the mean EI. The reliability of this equation was next evaluated in a follow‐up study of 22 healthy children. Mean muscle EI could be reliably converted from one ultrasound device to another. This allows for normal values obtained with one device to be used with other devices, which is an important step forward toward the use of quantitative muscle ultrasound in daily clinical care. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Survival in local voluntary associations
Authors: Wollebaek Dag
Published: March 2009

This article uses longitudinal data to explore the antecedents of survival among local voluntary associations. The literature distinguishes between deterministic and voluntaristic accounts of organizational survival. In a deterministic perspective, external selection processes determine whether organizations persevere. In a voluntaristic approach, strategic choices and organizational design are paramount. The analyses show that both perspectives have explanatory power. When it comes to avoiding organizational death, organizations can influence their destiny substantially by being extroverted, selecting a diverse and qualified board, and establishing ties to higher organizational levels.
Isotopes and rocks: geographical organisation of southern Patagonian hunter‐gatherers
Authors: Borrero L. A. , Barberena R. , Franco N. V. , Charlin J. , Tykot R. H.
Published: March 2009

We present an archaeological study of hunter‐gatherer home ranges on the basis of two lines of evidence. Firstly, we discuss information related to the mobility of individuals, which was approached by stable isotope studies. Secondly, we present data related to the transport and discard of artefacts, since the distribution of these items may be determined by the movement of people. Our main goal is to integrate these two lines of research in the analysis of an archaeological case from southern Patagonia (Argentina and Chile, South America), that involves the hinterland, the Atlantic coast and the Strait of Magellan. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palaeodietary inferences based on isotopic data for pre‐Hispanic populations of the Central Mountains of Argentina
Authors: Laguens A. G. , Fabra M. , Santos G. M. , Demarchi D. A.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of palaeodiet diversification through isotopic measurements (δ13CCOL and δ15N) from individuals who inhabited the Central Mountains of Argentina during the Holocene. Isotopic measurements were obtained from bone and tooth samples from ten human skeletons, corresponding to the Middle and Late Holocene (4500–300 14C BP). Isotopic results show the consumption of C3, C4 and CAM plants, which reflects a mixed diet. Variation observed among hunter‐gatherer sites could be associated with differences in the availability of animal resources. On the other hand, evidence from agricultural sites could be indicating a more omnivorous diet, with greater emphasis on vegetable resources. Regarding spatial variation, the δ13C results suggest modest regional differences in diet in the later periods of the regional sequence. This study provides a first step to evaluating the role played by maize agriculture and the dietary variability in time and space for populations that inhabited the Central Mountains during the Holocene. Although preliminary, the evidence suggests that adoption of agriculture was complementary to hunter‐gatherer subsistence strategies. However, the incorporation of cultigens seems to show regional differences. These results confirm the mixed character of the economy, previously inferred from other archaeological indicators. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamically cured natural rubber/EVA blends: influence of NR‐g‐poly(dimethyl (methacryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate) compatibilizer
Authors: Intharapat Punyanich , Derouet Daniel , Nakason Charoen
Published: March 2009

Graft copolymer of natural rubber and poly(dimethyl(methacryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate) (NR‐g‐PDMMMP) was prepared in latex medium via photopolymerization. It was then used to promote the blend compatibility of dynamically cured 40/60 natural rubber (NR)/ethylene vinylacetate copolymer (EVA) blends using various loading levels at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 15 wt%. It was found that the increasing loading levels of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the blends caused the increasing elastic modulus and complex viscosity until reaching the maximum values at a loading level of 9 wt%. The properties thereafter decreased with the increasing loading levels of NR‐g‐PDMMMP higher than 9 wt%. The smallest vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in the EVA matrix with the lowest tan δ value was also observed at a loading level of 9 wt%. Furthermore, the highest tensile strength and elongation at break (i.e., 17.06 MPa and 660%) as well as the lowest tension set value (i.e., 27%) were also observed in the blend using this loading level of the compatibilizer. Addition of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the dynamically cured NR/EVA blends also improved the thermal stability of the blend. That is, the decomposition temperature increased with the addition of the graft copolymer. However, the addition of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the blends caused the decreasing degree of crystallinity of the EVA phase in the blend. However, the strength properties of the blend are still high because of the compatibilizing effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of platelet recovery following Helicobacter pylori eradication in childhood chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A multi‐center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Treepongkaruna Suporn , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Kanjanapongkul Somjai , Winaichatsak Angkana , Sirithorn Suebsuk , Sumritsopak Rungtip , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan
Published: March 2009

Objective

To investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on platelet recovery in childhood chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Patients and Methods

A multi‐center randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients aged 4–18 years, diagnosed with chronic ITP, defined by platelet count below 100 × 109/L lasting more than 6 months without identified causes, were enrolled and underwent 13C‐urea breath test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Patients who received prednisolone more than 0.5 mg/kg per day or received other platelet‐enhancing therapy were excluded. Patients with H. pylori infection were randomized into two groups: treatment and control groups. Treatment group received a standard protocol for H. pylori eradication and repeated 13C‐UBT at 4–6 weeks to confirm successful therapy while the control group received no specific treatment. Monthly platelet count was monitored for 6 months in both groups. Primary outcome was platelet recovery, defined by platelet count over 100 × 109/L for at least 3 months.

Results

Of the 55 ITP children, 16 (29.1%) had H. pylori infection. There were no differences in age, sex, duration of disease, platelet count, and the dose of prednisolone between the treatment group (n = 7) and control group (n = 9). One patient in control group was withdrawn due to massive gastrointestinal bleeding requiring a high dose prednisolone. At 6 months, platelet recovery was demonstrated in one patient in the treatment group as well as one in the control group.

Conclusion

No beneficial effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet recovery in childhood chronic ITP was identified. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:72–77. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of neuroblastoma stage on serum‐based detection of MYCN amplification
Authors: Combaret Valerie , Hogarty Michael D. , London Wendy B. , McGrady Patrick , Iacono Isabelle , Brejon Stephanie , Swerts Katrien , Noguera Rosa , Gross Nicole , Rousseau Raphael , Puisieux Alain
Published: March 2009

Background

MYCN oncogene amplification has been defined as the most important prognostic factor for neuroblastoma (NB), the most common solid extracranial neoplasm in children. High copy numbers are strongly associated with rapid tumor progression and poor outcome, independently of tumor stage or patient age, and this has become an important factor in treatment stratification.

Procedure

By real‐time quantitative PCR analysis, we evaluated the clinical relevance of circulating MYCN DNA of 267 patients with locoregional or metastatic NB in children less than 18 months of age.

Results

For patients in this age group with INSS stage 4 or 4S NB and stage 3 patients, serum‐based determination of MYCN DNA sequences had good sensitivity (85%, 83%, and 75% respectively) and high specificity (100%) when compared to direct tumor gene determination. In contrast, the approach showed low sensitivity patients with stages 1 and 2 disease.

Conclusion

Our results show that the sensitivity of the serum‐based MYCN DNA sequence determination depends on the stage of the disease. However, this simple, reproducible assay may represent a reasonably sensitive and very specific tool to assess tumor MYCN status in cases with stage 3 and metastatic disease for whom a wait and see strategy is often recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:329–331. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural bioinformatics mutation analysis reveals genotype–phenotype correlations in von Hippel‐Lindau disease and suggests molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis
Authors: Forman Julia R. , Worth Catherine L. , Bickerton G. Richard J. , Eisen Tim G. , Blundell Tom L.
Published: March 2009

Mutations in the VHL gene lead to von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease, a clinically heterogeneous cancer syndrome. Here, we use software and database tools to understand and predict the phenotypes associated with missense mutations in the VHL gene product, pVHL. The protein product pVHL is known to interact with elongin B, elongin C, and the HIF substrate. By analyzing known and predicted interaction sites and predictions of thermodynamic stability change upon mutation, we generate new hypotheses regarding the molecular etiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and pheochromocytoma (PCC) in VHL disease. We find that the molecular causes of RCC and PCC appear to be decoupled. RCC may arise through two distinct mechanisms: disruption of HIF interactions or binding at the elongin B interface. PCC is triggered by mutations which disrupt interactions at the elongin C binding site. These findings have important implications for VHL disease and for nonfamilial RCC, because most cases of clear cell RCC are linked with VHL inactivation. Additionally, predicting effects of genetic variation will be critical as genetic sequencing accelerates; the analytical strategy presented here may elucidate other systems as further data on genetic variation become available. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carrier dynamics in Fe‐doped GaN epilayers
Authors: Aleksiejunas Ramunas , Azize Mohamed , Bougrioua Zahia , Malinauskas Tadas , Nargelas Saulius , Jarasiunas Kestutis
Published: March 2009

Light induced transient grating technique is applied to study the recombination and transport properties of the excess carriers in the iron‐doped highly resistive GaN/sapphire epilayers, grown by MOCVD and doped using the modulation doping technique. Carrier lifetime, ambipolar diffusion coefficient, and threshold of the stimulated recombination are compared between Fe‐doped (NFe <1019 cm–3 and (0.5‐1)×1020 cm–3) and intentionally undoped epilayers. For comparison, undoped μ‐ELO GaN is also included into the study. In the Fe‐doped layers, we observe an increase in carrier lifetime, an increase in hole mobility, and a decrease in stimulated recombination efficiency. The lower‐doped layer exhibits the properties comparable to those of the high quality μ‐ELO GaN: carrier lifetime of 1.5 ns and diffusion coefficient of 1.9 cm2/s at 295 K; it is remarkable that the diffusion coefficient in the doped samples remains higher within the whole 30‐300 K temperature range. The enhanced mobility and lifetime in the iron‐doped samples we attribute to the inhibited electrical activity of the dislocations. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient calculation of the energy of a molecule in an arbitrary electric field
Authors: Pulay Peter , Janowski Tomasz
Published: March 2009

In thermodynamic (e.g., Monte Carlo) simulations with electronic embedding, the energy of the active site or solute must be calculated for millions of configurations of the environment (solvent or protein matrix) to obtain reliable statistics. This precludes the use of accurate but expensive ab initio and density functional techniques. Except for the immediate neighbors, the effect of the environment is electrostatic. We show that the energy of a molecule in the irregular field of the environment can be determined very efficiently by expanding the electric potential in known functions, and precalculating the first and second order response of the molecule to the components of the potential. These generalized multipole moments and polarizabilities allow the calculation of the energy of the system without further ab initio calculations. Several expansion functions were explored: polynomials, distributed inverse powers, and sine functions. The latter provide the numerically most stable fit but require new types of integrals. Distributed inverse powers can be simulated using dummy atoms, and energies calculated this way provide a very good approximation to the actual energies in the field of the environment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Synthesis of Catalytically Active Porous Platinum Nanoparticles by Transmetallation Reaction and Proposition of the Mechanism
Authors: Pasricha Renu , Bala Tanushree , Biradar Ankush V. , Umbarkar Shubhangi , Sastry Murali
Published: March 2009

A facile method for the synthesis of porous platinum nanoparticles by transmetallation reactions between sacrificial nickel nanoparticles and chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) in solution, as well as at the constrained environment of the air–water interface, using a Langmuir–Blodgett instrumental setup is presented. To carry out the transmetallation at the air–water interface hydrophobized nickel nanoparticles are assembled as a monolayer on the sub phase containing platinum ions. The porous Pt nanoparticles obtained as a result of the reaction are found to act as extremely good catalysts for hydrogenation reaction. The products are well characterized by TEM, HRTEM, EDAX, and STEM. Attempts are made to postulate the plausible mechanism of this reaction to generate this kind of nanoparticle with controllable geometric shape and structure. This simple strategy has the potential to synthesize other nanomaterials of interest too.
A systems science approach to enterprise resources planning systems
Authors: Tejeida‐Padilla Ricardo , Badillo‐Piña Isaias , Morales‐Matamoros Oswaldo
Published: March 2009

The enterprise resources planning systems (ERP) have received considerable attention recently, not only in the management of manufacturing industry but also within the services industries and their financial management. The viable system model (VSM) is recursive and helps explaining the general production management model of the ERP system. The recursion level explains the development starting from warehouse management to material requirement planning (MRP), to manufactory requirement planning (MRPII), to ERP and to supply chain management (SCM). In each recursion level, the emergent concepts help explaining the discovery of the two categories of demand: independent demand and dependent demand, the feedback concept helps explaining the closed cycles in MRPII, the local, future and total environment concept helps explaining the interactions between the market and the production system and the law of requisite variety helps to manage complexity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positron emission tomography imaging of D2/3agonist binding in healthy human subjects with the radiotracer [11C]‐N‐propyl‐norapomorphine: Preliminary evaluation and reproducibility studies
Authors: Narendran Rajesh , Frankle W. Gordon , Mason N. Scott , Laymon Charles M. , Lopresti Brian J. , Price Julie C. , Kendro Steve , Vora Shivangi , Litschge Maralee , Mountz James M. , Mathis Chester A.
Published: March 2009

Objective:

(−)‐N‐[11C]‐propyl‐norapomorphine (NPA) is a full dopamine D2/3receptor agonist radiotracer suitable for imaging D2/3receptors configured in a state of high affinity for agonists using positron emission tomography. The aim of the present study was to define the optimal analytic method to derive accurate and reliable D2/3receptor parameters with [11C]NPA.

Methods:

Six healthy subjects (four females/two males) underwent two [11C]NPA scans in the same day. D2/3receptor‐binding parameters were estimated using kinetic analysis (using one‐ and two‐tissue compartment models) as well as simplified reference tissue method in the three functional subdivisions of the striatum (associative striatum, limbic striatum, and sensorimotor striatum). The test–retest variability and intraclass correlation coefficient were assessed for distribution volume (VT), binding potential relative to plasma concentration (BPP), and binding potential relative to nondisplaceable uptake (BPND).

Results:

A two‐tissue compartment kinetic model adequately described the functional subdivisions of the striatum as well as cerebellum time‐activity data. The reproducibility ofVTwas excellent (≤10%) in all regions, for this approach. The reproducibility of both BPP(≤12%) and BPND(≤10%) was also excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficients of BPPand BPNDwere acceptable as well (>0.75) in the three functional subdivisions of the striatum. Although SRTM led to an underestimation of BPNDvalues relative to that estimated by kinetic analysis by 8–13%, the values derived using both the methods were reasonably well correlated (r2= 0.89,n= 84). Both methods were similarly effective in detecting the differences in [11C]NPA BPNDbetween subjects.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that [11C]NPA can be used to measure D2/3receptors configured in a state of high affinity for the agonists with high reliability and reproducibility in the functional subdivisions of the human striatum. Synapse 63:574–584, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydromagnetic flow of viscous incompressible fluid past a wedge with permeable surface
Authors: Mahmood M. , Asghar S. , Hossain M.A.
Published: March 2009

Flow of a viscous, electrically conducting fluid past a wedge having permeable surface is analyzed. A constant transpiration through the wedge surface is assumed. The equations governing the flow and the magnetic field being reduced to local non‐similarity equations are solved numerically. The implicit finite difference method, as well as the local non‐similarity method is being used in finding the solutions of the reduced equations against the transpiration parameter, ξ. Perturbation solutions for small and large ξ values are also obtained. Effect of the physical parameters, such as, the magnetic force parameter, S, the magnetic Prandtl number, Pm and free stream velocity gradient, n, on the local skin‐friction coefficient, f'' (0, ξ), and the local current density coefficient, g'' (0, ξ ), are shown graphically. It is found that the perturbation solutions agreed excellently with other solutions at the two extreme ranges of ξ values. From the present investigation we further observe that, incase of withdrawal of fluid both the momentum and magnetic boundary layers decrease with the increase of ξ. On the other hand these layers increase with ξ value when fluid is being injected trough the surface. Further we notice that there is an onset of reverse flow in the down‐stream region in case of blowing of fluid and the starting point of this flow, approximately, is ξ = ‐0.6.
Static‐kinematic fractional operators for fractal and non‐local solids
Authors: Carpinteri A. , Cornetti P. , Sapora A.
Published: March 2009

Two fractional calculus approaches in the framework of continuum mechanics are revisited and compared. The former is a local approach, which has been proposed to investigate the behaviour of fractal media. The latter is a non‐local approach, according to which long‐range interactions between material particles are opportunely modelled in the equilibrium equations. Analogies and differences between the two models are outlined.
Frost and forest stand effects on the population dynamics of Asplenium scolopendrium
Authors: Bremer Piet , Jongejans Eelke
Published: March 2009

Our objective was to analyze which factors are critical for the dynamics of terrestrial Asplenium scolopendrium populations at the northern edge of its distribution. Therefore, a long‐term study (1978–1999) on the performance and demography of this fern species has been carried out in three different forest stands (Piceasitchensis with Fagussylvatica, P.sitchensis with thinning, and Fraxinusexcelsior) in the Netherlands. We used the recorded demographic data to parameterize 37 transition matrices. The number of frost days in severe winters correlated closely with frond damage and resulted in increased mortality and retrogression. Landslip on the trench banks and intraspecific competition were also found to increase mortality. In the F. excelsior plot, plants grew faster and bigger, produced more fronds and formed a more closed fern cover than in the P.sitchensis stands, likely due to higher light levels. Life‐table response experiments revealed that reproduction contributed greatly to the differences in projected population growth rates: reproduction was importantly higher in the F.excelsior and in the thinned P. sitchensis plots than in the P. sitchensis–F. sylvatica plot. These differences can be attributed to an initial difference in light climate and to the accumulation of F. sylvatica litter which reduced recruitment. Recruitment occurred on bare soil but also in open moss carpets. We expect that the fern Asplenium scolopendrium will profit at its northern distribution edge when severe winters will occur less frequently, which is one of the expectations for global climate change.
An Investigation of Relationships among Genetic Counselors’ Supervision Skills and Multicultural Counseling Competence
Authors: Kyung Lee Hyun , McCarthy Veach Patricia , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: March 2009

As racial and ethnic diversity increase in the U.S., genetic counselor multicultural competence is growing in importance. In mental health counseling, supervisor multicultural competence has been shown to promote supervisees’ multicultural competence. Moreover, developmentally‐advanced supervisors tend to be more effective. This study was designed to investigate relationships among genetic counselor supervisors’ perceived multicultural counseling competence and development as supervisors, and their ability to evaluate a supervisee's multicultural skills. One hundred twenty‐two supervisors completed an online survey of demographics, the Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale, the Supervisor Development Scale, and a hypothetical vignette in which they evaluated a supervisee's multicultural skills and provided written feedback. Stepwise multiple regression yielded five significant predictors accounting for 31% of the variance in accuracy of supervisor evaluations of the student: multicultural awareness, multicultural knowledge, age, supervision experience, and supervisor development. Six feedback themes were identified from written responses. Practice and research suggestions are provided.
Analysis and History of Political Thought
Authors: STEINBERGER PETER J.
Published: March 2009

Criticisms of Quentin Skinner's approach to the study of the history of
political thought have generally failed to directly address the
philosophical presuppositions on which Skinner himself relies. Those
presuppositions involve, primarily, theories of language associated most
closely with Austin, Searle, and Grice. An investigation of the uses that
Skinner makes of philosophical pragmatics raises serious doubts about a
number of his central claims. Moreover, those philosophical resources
actually point toward a decidedly non-Skinnerian approach that focuses not
primarily on discovering or reconstructing historical circumstances, but on
uncovering and explicating structures of argumentation.
Spatial Voting in the 2004 Presidential Election
Authors: JESSEE STEPHEN A.
Published: March 2009

The theory of spatial voting has played a large role in the development
of important results across many areas of political science. Directly
testing the foundational assumptions of spatial voting theory, however, has
not been possible with existing data. Using a novel survey design, this
article obtains estimates of voter ideology on the same scale as candidate
positions. The results of this scaling demonstrate that voters possess
meaningful ideologies and, furthermore, that these beliefs are strongly
related to the sorts of policy proposals considered in Congress. These
ideology estimates are then used to uncover the actual relationships between
ideology and vote choice for citizens of various types in the 2004
presidential election. Although the choices of independent voters are shown
to be largely consistent with the assumptions of spatial voting theory, the
decision rules used by partisans differ strongly from what unbiased spatial
voting would imply. Although partisans do converge toward the behavior of
independents, and hence toward the assumptions of spatial voting theory, as
information levels increase, we see that even highly informed partisans show
significant differences from what would be implied by unbiased spatial
voting theory.
Bird schistosome diversity in Iceland: molecular evidence
Authors: Aldhoun J.A. , Kolářová L. , Horák P. , Skírnisson K.
Published: March 2009

During the years 2002–2007, Icelandic freshwater snails and birds from different orders were examined for bird schistosomes. Only the snail Radix peregra and anatid birds proved to be infected. In total, 32 samples of bird schistosome cercariae from seven localities and four samples of adults of Anas platyrhynchos and Mergus serrator from two localities were used for sequencing of the internal transcibed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Based on the sequence and position in the phylogenetic tree, five species/genotypes of bird schistosomes were identified. Three of them correspond to the sequences in GenBank for Trichobilharzia franki, Trichobilharzia sp. JR-2007 from Anas penelope (isolates Pl7 and Pl10) and schistosomatid sp. JR-2004 from Physa fontinalis. The other two species/genotypes belong to the genus Trichobilharzia, but their further determination was not possible due to lack of data. All of these species/genotypes develop in R. peregra, probably the only suitable intermediate host species in Iceland. As T. franki and schistosomatid sp. JR-2004 were previously reported from other snail species, the findings from Iceland proved that, under some circumstances, bird schistosomes are able to adapt to a different snail species; some of them can even adapt to a snail belonging to a different gastropod family. High diversity of bird schistosomes in Iceland is probably linked with migratory flyways of birds, as several bird species from Iceland overwinter in western Europe as well as in North America.
Laser fusion with nonlinear force driven plasma blocks: Thresholds and dielectric effects
Authors: Hora H.
Published: March 2009

Anomalous interaction of picosecond laser pulses of terawatt to petawatt power is due to suppression of relativistic self-focusing if prepulses are cut-off by a contrast ratio higher than 108, resulting in quasi-neutral directed plasma blocks with deuterium tritium ion current densities above 1011A/cm2. This is still not high enough for ignition of solid-state density deuterium tritium because the energy flux densityE* has to be higher than the threshold of 4 ×108J/cm2obtained within the theory of Chu (1972). A revision of this evaluation shows a reduction of this threshold by a factor 20 if the later discovered inhibition factors for thermal conduction because of double layer effects as well as the shorter stopping lengths of the alpha particles due to collective effects are taken into account. Under these relaxed conditions, the parameters of nonlinear force generated blocks of dielectrically increased thickness for deuterium tritium ignition with directed ions of energies near the 80 keV resonances are discussed.