bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive indices of executive hypercontrol in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Bucci P. , Galderisi S. , Catapano F. , Di Benedetto R. , Piegari G. , Mucci A. , Maj M.
Published: October 2006

Objective:  Cognitive impairment, more often involving memory and/or executive functions, has been reported in obsessive–compulsive (OC) patients. The present study aimed at: i) replicating, in an independent sample, previous findings by our group showing neurocognitive slowness limited to executive tasks; ii) assessing the influence of deficit in general cognitive abilities on executive dysfunction.

Method:  A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to 30 drug‐free OC patients and 30 healthy controls.

Results:  Obsessive–compulsive patients performed worse on visuospatial tests, were slower on executive tasks, and performed worse on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. After covarying for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised performance Intellectual Quotient, a lesser degree of executive dysfunction was observed.

Conclusion:  Obsessive–compulsive patients exhibit an impairment of executive functions, especially when tasks also require visuospatial abilities. The impairment might reflect a hyperactivity of the executive control.
THE LAST FARTHING
Authors: MacKenna Chris
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT
Forgiveness is powerfully enjoined within the Christian tradition, but how feasible is forgiveness and what are the consequences of non‐forgiveness? This paper explores these questions by considering the therapeutic experiences of three people for whom forgiveness was an issue. Their struggles suggest that part of the process of forgiveness may be working towards a ‘third position’, within ourselves, which transcends the instinct to portray our relationship with the person who has hurt us in terms of absolute goodness or badness, innocence or guilt. The significance of the ‘third position’ is that it provides a way of ‘seeing’ ourselves as we were at the time of the outrage, and the person who hurt us as they were at that time, and of continuing to live with both, while not being controlled by either. This understanding of forgiveness is then set alongside the experiences of two people who showed a remarkable capacity to use this ‘third position’; and also the author's experience, as priest and therapist, of hearing confessions which have arisen out of therapeutic work.
Lodalen slide: a probabilistic assessment
Authors: El-Ramly H , Morgenstern N R , Cruden D M
Published: October 2006

Conventional slope practice, based on the deterministic factor of safety, cannot address the uncertainty in the input parameters of slope analyses in any explicit way. It relies entirely on the subjective judgment of the designer, which varies substantially among geotechnical engineers. Probabilistic techniques are powerful tools that can be used to quantify and incorporate uncertainty into slope analysis and design. A probabilistic slope analysis methodology based on Monte Carlo simulation using Microsoft® Excel and @Risk software is applied to investigate the Lodalen slide that occurred in Norway in 1954. Starting with field and laboratory data, the study demonstrates the techniques used in quantifying the uncertainties in soil properties and pore-water pressure, conducting a probabilistic assessment, and estimating the probability of unsatisfactory performance. The probability of unsatisfactory performance of the Lodalen slope is estimated to be 0.70, indicating that failure was imminent. The inclination of the Lodalen slope is then flattened, hypothetically, to different angles and the relationships between the slope angle, the factor of safety, and the probability of unsatisfactory performance are investigated.Key words: probabilistic analysis, slope stability, Monte Carlo simulation, spatial variability, Lodalen slide.
Digestive tract and leaf processing capacity of the stream invertebrateTipula lateralis
Authors: Canhoto C. , Graça M.A.S.
Published: October 2006

We investigated the digestive potential of the stream detritivore Tipula lateralis Meigen, 1804 as a tool to understand and predict their ability to adapt to environmental changes, such as the nature of leaf resources reaching streams. The structure of larval digestive tracts and the presence of bacteria were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Gut sections were investigated with respect to pH, microbial counts, and ability to digest protein and carbohydrates of unconditioned leaves of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Alkaline conditions prevailed throughout the gut, with the highest values in the middle midgut (pH up to 10.8). An abundant microflora was closely associated with the caecum (~34 × 104colony forming units (cfu)) and hindgut (~50 × 104cfu), whereas the foregut and midgut seemed to be almost devoided of permanent bacteria (~0.45 × 104to ~2.1 × 104cfu). Digestion of T. lateralis seems to be optimized by compartmentalization: proteinase activity was limited to the midgut (0.017 ± 0.0054 change in absorbance units), while the capacity to release reducing substances was almost completely restricted to the caecum and being higher when alder was used as a substratum (0.437 ± 0.153 g glucose·mg–1·h–1). Eucalyptus oils resulted in a 25% reduction in enzymatic capability of gut extracts. Overall, the results suggest that T. lateralis has the enzymatic capability of feeding on recalcitrant leaves, but specific components of leaves such as oils have the potential to interfere with food intake by this leaf consumer. In a more general context, the results help to assess biological changes introduced by eucalyptus plantations in non-native areas.
Use of fine-scale current refuges by fishes in a temperate warm-water stream
Authors: Webb P.W.
Published: October 2006

Laboratory studies suggest that fishes are capable of using fine-scale structures to avoid swimming. Similar structures occur as dips, ripples, and eroded areas behind protruding rocky materials, within the riffle–run–pool–margin structure of streams. It is not known if laboratory-determined capabilities are used to avoid swimming in the field. I measured current speeds for in-stream structures from coarse-scale riffle–run–pool–margin to fine-scale substratum ripples and determined fish locations in these structural features during the day and night. During the day, most fishes were seen in pools, margins, and runs, which is consistent with indirect responses to predation. At night, fishes from runs and ripples moved to the lowest current speeds, including those provided by fine-scale structures in the bottom of runs and riffles with dimensions comparable to minima used in laboratory settings.
Innervation of ascidian siphons and their responses to stimulation
Authors: Mackie G.O. , Burighel P. , Caicci F. , Manni L.
Published: October 2006

The distribution of sensory cells and nerves was studied in the siphons of Corella inflata Huntsman, 1912 and Corella willmeriana Herdman, 1898 by immunohistology and electron microscopy. Each siphon has about 8000 primary sensory neurons. A coronal organ of the compound type is present on the oral tentacles. Convergence in the afferent pathway is estimated at >10:1. A new category of cells associated with the velar sphincter muscle is described at the tentacle bases. Responses to stimulation were recorded using flow meters. Both siphons are sensitive to touch and near-field vibrations. Removal of the oral tentacles did not diminish vibration sensitivity. Gentle stimulation of the oral siphon evokes crossed responses in which the atrial siphon closes and the velar sphincter contracts. Stronger stimulation produces squirts with closure of both siphons and branchial ciliary arrest. Experiments with polystyrene beads show that the oral tentacles are sensitive to contact with inflowing particles. Beads of 500–600 μm diameter evoked rejection responses 88% of the time, 355–425 μm beads 61%, and beads <125 μm less than 8%. These responses, attributed to the coronal organ, were lost after amputation of the tentacles. Electrophysiology confirmed that crossed responses and squirting are centrally mediated reflexes, but local conduction pathways also exist and survive deganglionation.
GEOMETRICAL ASPECTS OF MIXED TORSIONLESS TENSOR FIELDS
Authors: ROTONDARO G. , SPARANO G. , VILASI G.
Published: October 2006

Some aspects of the geometry of (1, 1) tensor fields T with vanishing Nijenhuis torsion are discussed; in particular, the cohomolgy of the exterior differential associated with T is analyzed and some geometric properties of the shape operator are derived.
NON-DIFFERENTIABLE DEFORMATIONS OF ℝn
Authors: CRESSON JACKY
Published: October 2006

Many problems of physics or biology involve very irregular objects like the rugged surface of a malignant cell nucleus or the structure of space-time at the atomic scale. We define and study non-differentiable deformations of the classical Cartesian space ℝn which can be viewed as the basic bricks to construct irregular objects. They are obtained by taking the topological product of n-graphs of nowhere differentiable real valued functions. Our point of view is to replace the study of a non-differentiable function by the dynamical study of a one-parameter family of smooth regularization of this function. In particular, this allows us to construct a one-parameter family of smooth coordinates systems on non-differentiable deformations of ℝn, which depend on the smoothing parameter via an explicit differential equation called a scale law. Deformations of ℝn are examples of a new class of geometrical objects called scale manifolds which are defined in this paper. As an application, we derive rigorously the main results of the scale-relativity theory developed by Nottale in the framework of a scale space-time manifold.
Formation of Nanoparticles by Control of Electron Temperature in Hollow-Typed Magnetron Radio Frequency CH4/H2 Plasma
Authors: Emi Junichi , Kato Kohgi , Abe Toshimi , Iizuka Satoru
Published: October 2006

In this study, we investigate the effects of electron temperature T
e on the production of nanoparticles by using the grid-biasing method in hollow-typed magnetron radio frequency (RF) CH4/H2 plasma. We find that nanoparticles are produced in low-T
e plasma. On the other hand, thin film depositions, such as nanowalls, are mainly observed and almost no nanoparticles are created in high-T
e plasma. This implies that a reduction in the CH2/CH3 radical ratio is important for producing nanoparticles, together with a reduction in sheath potential in front of the substrate. The change in electron temperature in plasma has a marked effect on film quality.
Study of Spatial Distribution of SiH3 Radicals in Very High Frequency Plasma Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Nagai Takehiko , Smets Arno H. M. , Kondo Michio
Published: October 2006

Time-resolved cavity ringdown (τ-CRD) spectroscopy has been applied to measure the SiH3 radical density profile between the electrodes in a pulsed SiH4/H2 very high frequency (VHF) plasma under µc-Si:H deposition conditions. On time scales smaller than ∼1 s, cavity loss reflects the light absorption by SiH3 radicals, whereas on time scales larger than ∼1 s, an additional cavity loss due to light scattering at Si clusters and dust particles, generated in the pulsed SiH4/H2 VHF plasma, is observed. From the measurements of the spatial distribution of SiH3 radicals between electrodes, the incident SiH3 radical flux to the electrode surface is determined, which reveals a significant contribution of SiH3 radicals to µc-Si:H thin film growth.
Monitoring of an MgO Degradation in AC Plasma Display Panel Using Multivariate Analysis Method
Authors: Sung Youl-Moon , Ikeda Kazutaka , Honda Chikahisa , Sakoda Tatsuya
Published: October 2006

To investigate the degradation process of the MgO layer in a plasma display panel (PDP) discharge cell, measurements of Mg particles emitted from the surface of the MgO layer during an ac-PDP discharge were performed using the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique. The spatial distribution of LIF signals agreed with the erosion pattern of the surface of the MgO layer. It was also found that a Mahalanobis–Taguchi system (MTS) where multi-dimensional measured values (e.g., discharge current, voltage, and luminance) were consolidated and converted into a standard was useful for the quantitative evaluation of the degradation degree of PDP discharge cells.
Unique Point on Langmuir Probe Characteristics under Influence of Potential Fluctuations
Authors: Goto Makoto , Kondoh Yoshiomi , Takahashi Toshiki , Sheng Min , Okada Tomio
Published: October 2006

A unique point is observed on Langmuir probe characteristics when sinusoidal potential fluctuations with frequencies less than ion plasma frequency are applied. When a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to the probe, current does not change at different sinusoidal radio frequency fluctuation amplitudes. The difference between the DC voltage at this point and that at a point in plasma space is approximately one-half the electron temperature. To analyze this point, Monte Carlo simulations are performed. It is found that an ion density peak appears near the sheath edge when the positive probe potential decreases and it propagates toward the plasma when the probe potential is negative. It is concluded that this peak may be related to the plasma oscillation at the sheath edge and may govern the electron flow toward the probe.
Measurement of Neutral Gas Using Dispersion Characteristics of Sound Waves
Authors: Tsushima Akira
Published: October 2006

The phase velocity v of a sound wave with angular frequency ω increases as gas pressure p decreases, and v/c
s is represented by r= p/µω in the range of 0.1<r<10, where µ is the gas viscosity and c
s is the sound velocity, given by (γk
B
T/m)1/2 (γ: ratio of specific heat, k
B: Boltzmann constant, T: temperature, m: mass of gas molecule). This indicates that gas pressure can be evaluated by the measurement of the phase velocity of a sound wave with one frequency if gas temperature is known, or gas temperature can be evaluated by the measurement of the phase velocity of a sound wave with one frequency if gas pressure is known. In this paper, we present a new method for evaluating gas pressure and temperature simultaneously by the measurement of the phase velocities of sound waves with two different frequencies using propagation characteristics.
High-Spatial-Resolution Machining Utilizing Atmospheric Pressure Plasma: Machining Characteristics of Silicon
Authors: Yamamura Kazuya , Kato Kunihito , Sano Yasuhisa , Shibahara Masafumi , Endo Katsuyoshi , Mori Yuzo
Published: October 2006

By applying atmospheric-pressure plasma, we have developed a new ultraprecision machining method named plasma chemical vaporization machining (PCVM). In this method, several types of rotary or pipe electrode are prepared for optimizing the required machining characteristics. In particular, by rotating the electrodes in a high-pressure environment, both the supply of reactive species to the machining point and the exhaust of reaction products are effectively performed. To realize high-efficiency ultraprecision machining, optimum removal that corresponds to various spatial wavelengths should be performed. The spatial resolution range of the rotary electrode is 10–20 mm, and that of the pipe electrode is 1–2 mm. Therefore, the development of a new machining method that has a spatial resolution on the submillimeter order is required. In this paper, we propose a new machining method in which reactive species generated in atmospheric-pressure plasma are supplied to the workpiece surface through a small orifice with a diameter of 10 µm. We also report the machining characteristics of Si.
Atmospheric Pressure Glow-Discharge Plasmas with Gas–Liquid Interface
Authors: Baba Kazuhiko , Okada Takeru , Kaneko Toshiro , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: October 2006

An atmospheric pressure glow-discharge plasma in contact with liquid is generated using a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) method, by which a boundary region between a plasma (gas-phase) and liquid paraffin (liquid-phase), i.e., gas–liquid interface is considered to be important. A stable atmospheric pressure plasma with liquid is achieved by selecting the appropriate mesh electrode and liquid paraffin. In addition, results of optical emission spectroscopy indicate that carbonic species come from paraffin in the interface region of the plasma. This plasma is accordingly expected to promote the use of an attractive plasma process for creating materials encapsulating various elements in liquids.
Electrostatic Placement of Nanodots onto Silicon Substrate Using Ferritin Protein Supramolecules with Control of Electrostatic Interaction in Solution
Authors: Kumagai Shinya , Yoshii Shigeo , Yamada  , Matsukawa Nozomu , Iwahori Kenji , Yamashita Ichiro
Published: October 2006

The behavior of the electrostatic adsorption of a single ferritin protein supramolecule, which formed a nanodot in its inner cavity, on a nanometric 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) pattern made on an oxidized Si substrate was studied using a numerical calculation. The total interaction free energy of the system, which included a ferrin, a substrate with an APTES nanopattern and a buffer solution, was calculated. The obtained distribution of the interaction potential that ferritin experiences can be used to explain theoretically the ferritin adsorption onto a quadrilateral array of 15-nm-diameter APTES nanodisks placed at intervals of 100 nm under a Debye length of 14 nm. This numerical calculation method described here can be applied to the estimation of the electrostatic adsorption behavior of nanometer-sized material as well as proteins.
Single-Stranded DNA Insertion into Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Ion Irradiation in an Electrolyte Plasma
Authors: Okada Takeru , Kaneko Toshiro , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: October 2006

The inside modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes using a single-stranded DNA is demonstrated. In this method, we regard DNA solution as a plasma, i.e., an electrolyte plasma. A direct current electric field is applied to the electrolyte plasma containing DNA negative ions in order to irradiate the single-walled carbon nanotubes with DNA ions. In addition, a radio frequency electric field is superimposed to the plasma to change the conformation of DNA ion molecules from random-coiled to stretched. DNA negative ion irradiation can be controlled by varying direct current electric field and irradiation time. In addition, transmission electron microscopy and Raman scattering spectrum analyses reveal that DNA is found to be encapsulated in the single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Diamond-Like Amorphous Carbon Films Deposited for Field-Emission Use by Upper-Electrode-RF-Power-Controlled Supermagnetron Plasma
Authors: Kinoshita Haruhisa , Yamashita Manabu , Yamaguchi Tomuo
Published: October 2006

Nitrogenated and hydrogenated diamond-like amorphous carbon (DAC:N and DAC:H) films were synthesized using i-C4H10/(N2 and H2) supermagnetron plasma, respectively. The upper- and lower-electrode rf powers (UPRF/LORF) were controlled to be 100–800/100 W, and N2 and the H2 concentrations were selected to be 25 and 20%, respectively. In the DAC:N layer deposited at 300/100 W, the nitrogen atom concentration was measured to be 1.7 mass %. In the case of DAC:N film, the lowest threshold electric field intensity (E
TH) was observed to be 12 V/µm at the growth condition of 300/100 W. In the case of a DAC:H planar structure, the lowest E
TH was 13 V/µm for 800/100 W deposition. In both types in the films with the lowest E
TH, we observed the same optical band gap of approximately 1.2 eV. The optimum distribution and size of sp2 CC nanoclusters formed in both the DAC layers probably caused the E
TH to decrease.
Electrical Properties of Low-Dielectric-Constant SiOC(–H) Films Prepared by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition from Methyltriethoxysilane and O2
Authors: Navamathavan Rangaswamy , Oh Kyoung Suk , Chang Sil Yang , Kim Seung Hyun , Jang Yong Jun , Jung An Su , Lee Heon Ju , Lee Kwang Man , Choi Chi Kyu
Published: October 2006

SiOC(–H) films were deposited on a p-type Si(100) substrate by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and oxygen precursors. The MTES/O2 flow rate ratio was varied from 40 to 100% to investigate its effect on the properties of the films. Film thickness and refractive index were measured by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ellipsometry, respectively. The chemical structures of the SiOC(–H) films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the absorbance mode. The bonding configurations of the SiOC(–H) films remained the unchanged upon annealing, showing their good thermal stability. The electrical properties of the films were measured using a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) Al/SiOC(–H)/ p-Si structure. The experimental lowest dielectric constant of the SiOC(–H) film was found to be 2.38 at an annealing temperature 500 °C and the film has excellent thermal stability up to 500 °C. The SiOC(–H) films deposited by MTES and O2 precursors are a promising material for next-generation Cu-interconnect technology.
Deposition of Single Plasma-Polymerized Vinyltriethoxysilane Films and their Layered Structure
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Xu Lanhong , Vanek Jan , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: October 2006

Plasma polymer films of vinyltriethoxysilane were prepared at the same deposition conditions but different film thicknesses and analyzed with respect to deposition rate, surface morphology and selected mechanical properties. The mean deposition rate decreased from 190 to 105 nm min-1 and the RMS roughness increased from 0.1 to 17.5 nm with film thickness ranging from 15.8 nm to 8.4 µm. The RMS roughness correlated to film thickness and the roughening coefficient was 0.92. Depth profiles of the elastic modulus and hardness revealed the gradient character of the films with thickness of up to 0.5 µm and a layered structure of a thicker film. Results enabled the reconstruction of a thicker film (>0.5 µm) as the layered structure, which consists of a gradient interlayer at the substrate, a relatively homogeneous layer as the bulk, and gradient overlayer at the film surface.
Growth of Transparent Conductive Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films and Device Applications
Authors: Park Sang-Moo , Ikegami Tomoaki , Ebihara Kenji
Published: October 2006

High-purity transparent conductive Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films were grown by KrF excimer pulsed laser deposition. We used ultraviolet and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopes to directly measure the absolute values of the vacuum work function of AZO films. The structure and electrical and optical properties of the as-grown AZO films were studied using X-ray diffraction, room temperature Hall effect measurement and spectro photometer, respectively. Finally, organic light emitting diodes (OLED) were fabricated on these AZO films. OLED device measurement showed that the current of the OLED with AZO was clearly increased. Our AZO thin films showed a higher conductivity (ρ=1.33×10-4 Ω cm, R
s=10.1 Ω/sq) than conventional indium tin oxide films.
Superhydrophobic Phenomena on Three-Dimensional Surface Structures Coated with Plasma Polymer
Authors: Tsuruta Shuichi , Morimoto Katsuya , Hirotsu Toshihiro , Suzuki Hiroaki
Published: October 2006

Three-dimensional surface structures composed of micropillars with different diameters (8–110 µm) and interpillar distances were fabricated using a thick-film photoresist, and the surface was modified with a hydrophobic plasma-polymerized film using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) as a monomer. Surface hydrophobicity was examined by measuring contact angle using a pure water droplet. The effect of adding ethanol was also examined. Water static contact angle increased significantly on the surface coated with the HMDS plasma polymer. Structural parameters, including the diameter and height of the micropillars, were changed, as was the interpillar distance. The dependence of apparent contact angle on these parameters was explained using Cassie's and Wenzel's models.
Oxygen-Plasma Treatment of Indium–Tin Oxide in a Triode Glow Discharge
Authors: Kudo Yusuke , Kusabiraki Minoru
Published: October 2006

An indium–tin oxide (ITO) surface was treated with oxygen (O2) plasma in a triode glow discharge system. The processing time and the radio frequency (rf) voltage applied to the substrate electrode were changed. The contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the O2-plasma-treated ITO surface, and the characteristics of organic electroluminescence (EL) devices fabricated on O2-plasma-treated ITO were investigated. By applying an rf voltage of 200 V, contact angle decreased from 35 to 11°, the concentration ratio of C 1s/In 3d decreased, that of O 1s/In 3d increased, and the operating voltage of the EL devices decreased.
Development of Ion Beam Sources with Wide Beam Energy and Current Ranges
Authors: Sakakita Hajime , Kiyama Satoru , Hirano Yoichi , Koguchi Haruhisa , Yagi Yasuyuki
Published: October 2006

Using a neutral beam injection system with large electrodes for a nuclear fusion device, high currents of nitrogen ion (N+) beams with energies of 300 V are successfully extracted for plasma application. In an acceleration with a low energy of 300 V, a N+ beam current (∼9 mA/cm2) on the ampere order is achieved without the optimization of extraction aperture diameter, electrode thickness and the distance between the electrodes. Main beam elements are confirmed as N+ particles using a mass spectrometer. In this system, concave electrodes with an effective diameter of 345 mm are adopted to focus the beams. Therefore, we can obtain a high current density and high-flux ion beam at the focal point. In an acceleration with a high energy of ∼23 kV, a N+ beam with a current density of ∼456 mA/cm2 and a flux of ∼3.1×1022 m-2 s-1 is irradiated onto an aluminum material, then surface modification is confirmed.
Multivariate statistics and spatial interpretation of geochemical data for assessing soil contamination by potentially toxic elements in the mining area of Stratoni, north Greece
Authors: Kelepertsis Akis , Argyraki Ariadne , Alexakis Dimitris
Published: October 2006

A preliminary soil survey was undertaken in the mining region of Stratoni in Chalkidiki peninsula, north Greece. The objectives of the study were to assess the levels of soil contamination with respect to average concentrations of toxic elements in the region, to determine the associations between the different chemical elements and their spatial distribution, and to identify possible sources of contamination that can explain the spatial patterns of soil pollution in the area. Forty-nine surface soil samples were collected and analysed by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy after digestion with a mixture of HClO
4
–HNO
3
– HCl–HF. The study focused on ten elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr), all of which were present in soil with concentrations well above the global soil means. Lead, As and Ni, with means of 895 μg g
−1
, 364 μg g
−1
and 161 μg g
−1
respectively, exceeded the tentative trigger concentration set by the Netherlands and the UK Interdepartmental Committee on the Redevelopment of Contaminated Land (ICRCL) regulations. Factor analysis explained 89% of the total variance of the data through four factors. Combined with spatial interpretation of its output, the method successfully grouped the elements according to their sources and provided evidence about their geogenic or anthropogenic origin.
Elemental and gamma-ray surveys in the volcanic soils of Ischia Island, Italy
Authors: Frattini P. , De Vivo B. , Lima A. , Cicchella D.
Published: October 2006

This paper presents new data on the baseline concentrations of ten potentially harmful elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl, V and Zn) in volcanic soils collected over the whole Ischia volcanic island (46.5 km
2
). A total of 198 residual soil samples were collected during the spring of 2001 with a sample grid of 500 × 500 m. The < 150 μm fraction was analysed (after aqua regia digestion) by ICP-AES for 30 elements. In addition to elemental analysis, gamma-ray spectrometry data were collected (for a total of 159 measurements) using a hand-held Scintrex GRS-500 spectrometer.

For the compilation of baseline geochemical maps, a recently developed multifractal inverse distance weighted interpolation method and spectral analysis using a new geochemistry-dedicated GIS (GeoDAS) have been applied. The geochemical baseline includes the geogenic natural content (background) and the anthropogenic contribution in the soils. In order to obtain background values, to be used as reference values for the environmental Italian law DM 471/1999, the concentration-area fractal method has been applied. R-mode factor analysis helped in interpreting data controlled by anthropogenic sources as opposed to those controlled by geogenic sources.
Nanoscale Fracture Mechanics
Authors: Mielke Steven L. , Belytschko Ted , Schatz George C.
Published: October 2006

Theoretical calculations on undefected nanoscale materials predict impressive mechanical properties. In this review we summarize the status of experimental efforts to directly measure the fracture strengths of inorganic and carbon nanotubes and discuss possible explanations for the deviations between the predicted and observed values. We also summarize the role of theory in understanding the molecular-level origin of these deviations. In particular, we consider the role of defects such as vacancies, Stone-Wales defects, adatoms and ad-dimers, chemical functionalization, and oxidative pitting.
A Novel One-Armed Anti-c-Met Antibody Inhibits Glioblastoma Growth In vivo
Authors: Martens Tobias , Schmidt Nils-Ole , Eckerich Carmen , Fillbrandt Regina , Merchant Mark , Schwall Ralph , Westphal Manfred , Lamszus Katrin
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and its ligand scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (SF/HGF) are strongly increased in glioblastomas, where they promote tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. We used a novel one-armed anti-c-Met antibody to inhibit glioblastoma growth in vivo.

Experimental Design: U87 glioblastoma cells (c-Met and SF/HGF positive) or G55 glioblastoma cells (c-Met positive and SF/HGF negative) were used to generate intracranial orthotopic xenografts in nude mice. The one-armed 5D5 (OA-5D5) anti-c-Met antibody was infused intratumorally using osmotic minipumps. Following treatment, tumor volumes were measured and tumors were analyzed histologically for extracellular matrix (ECM) components and proteases relevant to tumor invasion. Microarray analyses were done to determine the effect of the antibody on invasion-related genes.

Results: U87 tumor growth, strongly driven by SF/HGF, was inhibited >95% with OA-5D5 treatment. In contrast, G55 tumors, which are not SF/HGF driven, did not respond to OA-5D5, suggesting that the antibody can have efficacy in SF/HGF-activated tumors. In OA-5D5-treated U87 tumors, cell proliferation was reduced >75%, microvessel density was reduced >90%, and apoptosis was increased >60%. Furthermore, OA-5D5 treatment decreased tumor cell density >2-fold, with a consequent increase in ECM deposition and increased immunoreactivity for laminin, fibronectin, and tenascin. Microarray studies showed no incresae in these ECM factors, rather down-regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase 16 in glioblastoma cells treated with OA-5D5.

Conclusions: Local treatment with OA-5D5 can almost completely inhibit intracerebral glioblastoma growth when SF/HGF is driving tumor growth. The mechanisms of tumor inhibition include antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic effects.
Expression of Stress Response Protein Grp78 Is Associated with the Development of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pootrakul Llana , Datar Ram H. , Shi Shan-Rong , Cai Jie , Hawes Debra , Groshen Susan G. , Lee Amy S. , Cote Richard J.
Published: October 2006

Background: Induction of molecular chaperone Grp78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein) occurs in stress conditions that often characterize tumor microenvironments. We investigated the role of Grp78 in prostate cancer progression and the development of castration resistance, where cancer cells continue to survive despite the stress of an androgen-starved environment.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry was done to examine Grp78 expression in 219 prostate cancers from patients with pathologic stage T3N0M0 disease [androgen ablation naive (untreated) and androgen ablation exposed (treated)] and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Classification of tumors was based on intensity of Grp78 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity and percentage of immunoreactive tumor cells. The associations of Grp78 expression with prostate cancer recurrence (clinical and/or serum prostate-specific antigen) and survival were examined in the untreated stage T3N0M0 group. Grp78 expression was also analyzed in the androgen-dependent LNCaP and castration-resistant C42B cell lines.

Results: The percentage of tumor cells expressing Grp78 was strongly associated with castration-resistant status (P = 0.005). Increased Grp78 expression was consistently associated with greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence and worse overall survival in patients who had not undergone prior hormonal manipulation. Grp78 expression was also increased in the castration-resistant LNCaP-derived cell line C42B and in LNCaP cells grown in androgen-deprived conditions compared with LNCaP cells grown in androgen-rich media.

Conclusion: Our findings show that up-regulation of Grp78 is associated with the development of castration resistance, possibly in part by augmenting cell survival as previously suggested, and may serve as an important prognostic indicator of recurrence in a subset of patients with T3N0M0 disease.
Combined In vivo Effect of A12, a Type 1 Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor Antibody, and Docetaxel against Prostate Cancer Tumors
Authors: Wu Jennifer D. , Haugk Kathy , Coleman Ilsa , Woodke Lillie , Vessella Robert , Nelson Peter , Montgomery R. Bruce , Ludwig Dale L. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: October 2006

Purpose: A human type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor antibody (A12) has been shown to effectively inhibit human xenograft tumor growth, including androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate tumors. Docetaxel, either as a single agent or combined with others, has shown a survival benefit in prostate cancer patients. Based on these data, we investigated the combined in vivo effect of A12 and docetaxel on human androgen-independent and osseous prostate tumor growth.

Experimental Design: To study human androgen-independent prostate cancer model, LuCaP35V tumors were implanted s.c. into castrated severe combined immunodeficient mice. When tumors reached about 100 mm3, animals were treated with vehicle control docetaxel (10 or 20 mg/kg) and docetaxel in combination with A12 (40 μg/kg) for 4 weeks. To study human osseous prostate cancer model, LuCaP 23.1 tumors were implanted intratibiae. When serum prostate-specific antigen reached 5 to 10 ng/mL, treatments were initiated.

Results: A12 markedly augmented the inhibition of docetaxel on tumor growth. When docetaxel is combined with A12, the inhibition of tumor growth continued after treatment cessation, which was associated with continued apoptosis and decreased proliferation of tumor cells. Gene expression profiles indicated that the posttreatment suppression of tumor growth may be due to enhanced negative regulation of cell cycle progression– and/or cell survival–associated genes, some of which have been shown to induce resistance to docetaxel.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that targeting type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor can enhance the therapeutic effect of docetaxel on advanced prostate cancer. Our findings also suggest a potential mechanism to improve the treatment efficacy of docetaxel in prostate cancer.
Multistate Analysis of Skeletal Events in Patients with Bone Metastases
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Major Pierre
Published: October 2006

Cancer patients with bone metastases are at increased risk of experiencing skeletal events associated with severe morbidity. Clinical trials of palliative therapies must perform rigorous and robust evaluation of new treatments on the basis of meaningful summaries of the course of skeletal events over time, while dealing with potentially high mortality rates during observation. The purpose of this article is to present a multistate model that can be easily used to reflect possible courses of the disease process, indicate how simple methods of analysis can be used to estimate clinically relevant features of the process, and contrast this approach with some of the alternative methods. The relation between the multistate approach and previously used methods is highlighted.
Biology of Bone Cancer Pain
Authors: Goblirsch Michael J. , Zwolak Pawel P. , Clohisy Denis R.
Published: October 2006

Bone cancer pain is a devastating manifestation of metastatic cancer. Unfortunately, current therapies can be ineffective, and when they are effective, the duration of the patient's survival typically exceeds the duration of pain relief. New, mechanistically based therapies are desperately needed. Study of experimental animal models has provided insight into the mechanisms that drive bone cancer pain and provides an opportunity for developing targeted therapies. Mechanisms that drive bone cancer pain include tumor-directed osteoclast-mediated osteolysis, tumor cells themselves, tumor-induced nerve injury, stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel, endothelin A, and host cell production of nerve growth factor. Current and future therapies include external beam radiation, osteoclast-targeted inhibiting agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 antagonists, and antibody therapies that target nerve growth factor or tumor angiogenesis. It is likely that a combination of these therapies will be superior to any one therapy alone.
Treatment-Related Osteoporosis in Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Smith Matthew R.
Published: October 2006

The intended therapeutic effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists is hypogonadism, a major cause of acquired osteoporosis in men. Consistent with this observation, GnRH agonists increase bone turnover and decrease bone mineral density, a surrogate for fracture risk. Large claims-based analyses and other retrospective studies provide compelling evidence that GnRH agonists increase risk of clinical fractures. Estrogens play a central role in homeostasis of the normal male skeleton, and estrogen deficiency rather than testosterone deficiency seems to be primarily responsible for the adverse skeletal effects of GnRH agonists. In randomized controlled trials, bisphosphonates (pamidronate and zoledronic acid) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (raloxifene and toremifene) increased bone mineral density in GnRH agonist–treated men. Two ongoing large randomized placebo-controlled studies will prospectively define fracture outcomes in men with prostate cancer and assess the efficacy of novel pharmacologic interventions (AMG162, toremifene) during GnRH agonist treatment.
The Measurement of Pain from Metastatic Bone Disease: Capturing the Patient's Experience
Authors: Cleeland Charles S.
Published: October 2006

Pain is prevalent for large numbers of patients with metastatic cancer, and this pain is often due to bone metastases. Despite the availability of effective pain treatments and various pain management guidelines, multiple studies document the undertreatment of pain in patients with cancer. The most frequently identified barriers to appropriate pain management are physician underestimation of the patient's pain, inadequate pain assessment, and patient reluctance to report pain. A first step toward reducing inadequate pain control in clinical practice is adequate assessment of cancer pain using validated pain measurement instruments. Using treatment for bone pain as an example, we discuss how patient satisfaction measures and self-report measures of pain and other symptoms, symptom interference with patient function, and related adverse effects can be combined with appropriate trial design to provide the information needed to choose the best possible treatment for bone pain. Symptom assessment needs to be done via standardized questionnaires, administered at appropriate times during the trial. The Brief Pain Inventory uses 11-point numerical rating scales to measure both pain severity and the resulting functional interference caused by pain. These severity and interference ratings can be further categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, as required to implement most pain management guidelines and define outcome expectations for clinical trials. Consistent pain measurement and standardized recording of analgesic use across clinical trials would enhance comparability and increase the chances that treatment decisions for management of bone pain could be evidence based. These and other considerations in the design of clinical trials are discussed.
Gene Expression Signatures Differentiate Ovarian/Peritoneal Serous Carcinoma from Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Zhang Zhen , Kleinberg Lilach , Li Mei , Flørenes Vivi Ann , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Ovarian/primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (OC/PPC) and diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma (DMPM) are highly aggressive tumors that are closely related morphologically and histogenetically. It remains unclear whether both tumors are molecularly distinct neoplasms. The current study compared global gene expression patterns in OC/PPC and DMPM.

Experimental Design: Ten OC/PPC and five DMPM effusions were analyzed for gene expression profiles using the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2 arrays and the dCHIP analysis program. Differentially expressed candidate genes were validated using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering using all 54,675 genes in the array classified the samples into two groups: DMPM specimens versus OC/PPC specimens. A total of 189 genes that were differentially expressed in these two groups were selected based on statistical significance. Genes overexpressed in DMPM (n = 68) included calretinin, vitronectin, claudin 15, α4 laminin, hyaluronan synthase 1, cadherin 11, RAB7, v-maf, and the epidermal growth factor–containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1. Genes overexpressed in OC/PPC (n = 121) included insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II); IGF-II binding protein 3; cyclin E1; folate receptors 1 and 3; RAB25; MUC4; endothelin-1; CD24; kallikreins 6, 7, and 8; claudins 3, 4, and 6; Notch3; and MMP-7. Quantitative real-time PCR validated the differential expression of 13 genes, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the differences for four gene products.

Conclusions: Expression profiling separates OC/PPC from DMPM and identifies a number of genes that are differentially expressed in these tumors. The molecular signatures unique to OC/PPC and DMPM should provide a molecular basis to study both tumors and new potential markers for facilitating their differential diagnosis.
Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Is a Novel Prognostic Factor for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Uyama Hirokazu , Tomita Yasuhiko , Nakamura Hideji , Nakamori Shoji , Zhang Binglin , Hoshida Yoshihiko , Enomoto Hirayuki , Okuda Yorihide , Sakon Masato , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Kawase Ichiro , Hayashi Norio , Monden Morito
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a nucleus-targeted growth factor playing an important role in the development and progression of cancers. This study investigated the correlation of HDGF expression and prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

Patients and Methods: HDGF expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines was analyzed by Western blotting. HDGF expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for 50 patients with primary ductal carcinoma of the pancreas (33 male and 17 female) ranging in age from 48 to 80 years (median, 65 years) receiving surgical treatment. Cancer cells showing stronger staining than the noncancerous ducts were regarded as positive. Cases showing positive staining in <90% and >90% of tumor cells were regarded as HDGF labeling index (LI) levels 1 and 2, respectively. HDGF LI was determined separately for the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Results: Western blotting showed HDGF expression in pancreatic cancer cells similar to that of hepatic cell lines. Twenty-three (46%) and 27 (54%) cases and 22 (44%) and 28 (56%) cases showed HDGF LI levels 1 and 2 for the nucleus and the cytoplasm, respectively. Patients with nuclear HDGF LI level 1 showed a significantly better 5-year survival rate (37.0%) than those with level 2 (6.8%; P = 0.023). No significant difference was observed in the cytoplasmic HDGF LI classification. Multivariate analysis revealed nuclear HDGF LI to be an independent prognosticator.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that HDGF could be a novel prognostic factor for pancreatic ductal carcinoma.
Future Treatment of Bone Metastases
Authors: Lipton Allan
Published: October 2006

All bone surfaces are periodically remodeled by the coupled and balanced action of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, of which the activities are regulated by a variety of cytokines and growth factors. Patients with cancer metastatic to the skeleton often develop osteolytic bone lesions, in which the actions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts remain coupled, but become imbalanced in sites adjacent to the tumor. The result is net bone loss. Many cancers secrete osteoclast-stimulating cytokines, which increase bone resorption by osteoclasts. In turn, factors released from the bone matrix during osteolysis can stimulate tumor growth. In this so-called “vicious cycle,” there are multiple sites that are targets for new bone-directed therapies. A variety of new agents for the treatment and prevention of osteolytic bone metastasis are currently being developed. These include new agents that inhibit osteoclast differentiation, bone adhesion, and osteoclast function. These new strategies have evolved from a better understanding of the interaction between tumor cells and cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. There is great promise that these new bone-targeted therapies can decrease the frequent skeletal-related events that greatly diminish quality of life of patients with bone metastases.