bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Magnetically Simulated Microgravity for Preparation of Liquid and Solid Thin Films
Authors: Tanimoto Yoshifumi , Yamamoto Hiromi , Fujiwara Yoshihisa , Fujiwara Masao , Katsuki Akio
Published: March 2008

Liquid thin films having 13–25-mm diameter of water, ethanol, benzene, etc., which cannot be prepared under the earth’s surface gravity, were prepared on a metallic ring using magnetically simulated microgravity. In a magnetic field, poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) solid thin films of 20-mm diameter were prepared, for the first time, from liquid films of the respective aqueous solutions.
Vanadium-catalyzed Asymmetric Transcyanation of Aliphatic Aldehydes with Acetone Cyanohydrin
Authors: Takaki Junko , Egami Hiromichi , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Saito Bunnai , Katsuki Tsutomu
Published: March 2008

The vanadium(V)(salalen) complex prepared in situ from the corresponding vanadium(IV) complex 4 under aerobic conditions was found to be an excellent catalyst for asymmetric transcyanation of aliphatic aldehydes with acetone cyanohydrin as the cyanide source, showing high enantioselectivity of 91–95% ee.
Highly Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Carboxamides from Carboxylic Acids and Amines Using Pyridine-3-sulfonyl Chloride (3-PSC)
Authors: Funasaka Setsuo , Kato Koji , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: March 2008

The use of pyridine-3-sulfonyl chloride (3-PSC) in dehydrating condensation was investigated. This novel reagent was successfully employed as a mild dehydrating reagent for preparing various carboxamides in good to excellent yields from the corresponding carboxylic acids and amines.
Errors in the identification of the transepicondylar and anteroposterior axes of the distal femur in total knee replacement using minimally-invasive and conventional approaches
Authors: Yau W. P. , Leung A. , Liu K. G. , Yan C. H. , Wong L. S. , Chiu K. Y.
Published: March 2008

We have investigated the errors in the identification of the transepicondylar axis and the anteroposterior axis between a minimally-invasive and a conventional approach in four fresh-frozen cadaver knees. The errors in aligning the femoral prosthesis were compared with the reference transepicondylar axis as established by CT.

The error in the identification of the transepicondylar axis was significantly higher in the minimal approach (4.5° of internal rotation, sd 4) than in the conventional approach (3° of internal rotation, sd 4; p < 0.001). The errors in identifying the anteroposterior axis in the two approaches were 0° (sd 5) and 1.8° (sd 5) of internal rotation, respectively (p < 0.001).
A prospective randomised controlled trial of autologous retransfusion in total knee replacement
Authors: Amin A. , Watson A. , Mangwani J. , Nawabi D. H. , Ahluwalia R. , Loeffler M.
Published: March 2008

We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of autologous retransfusion drains in reducing the need for allogenic blood requirement after unilateral total knee replacement. We also monitored the incidence of post-operative complications. There were 86 patients in the control group, receiving standard care with a vacuum drain, and 92 who received an autologous drain and were retransfused postoperatively. Following serial haemoglobin measurements at 24, 48 and 72 hours, we found no difference in the need for allogenic blood between the two groups (control group 15.1%, retransfusion group 13% (p = 0.439)). The incidence of post-operative complications, such as wound infection, deep-vein thrombosis and chest infection, was also comparable between the groups. There were no adverse reactions associated with the retransfusion of autologous blood.

Based on this study, the cost-effectiveness and continued use of autologous drains in total knee replacement should be questioned.
The blood flow to the femoral head/neck junction during resurfacing arthroplasty
Authors: Amarasekera H. W. , Costa M. L. , Foguet P. , Krikler S. J. , Prakash U. , Griffin D. R.
Published: March 2008

We used Laser Doppler flowmetry to measure the effect on the blood flow to the femoral head/neck junction of two surgical approaches during resurfacing arthroplasty. We studied 24 hips undergoing resurfacing arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Of these, 12 had a posterior approach and 12 a trochanteric flip approach. A Laser probe was placed under radiological control in the superolateral part of the femoral head/neck junction. The Doppler flux was measured at stages of the operation and compared with the initial flux. In both groups the main fall in blood flow occurred during the initial exposure and capsulotomy of the hip joint.

There was a greater reduction in blood flow with the posterior (40%) than with the trochanteric flip approach (11%).
Unresolved lytic lesions following parathyroidectomy in a patient with chronic renal failure
Authors: Fok W. M. M. , Leung H. B.
Published: March 2008

With advances in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure, their life expectancy has increased. In turn, the prevalence of osteitis fibrosa cystica, a manifestation of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and β2 microglobulin amyloidosis, a result of long-term haemodialysis, has risen. While both conditions share similar radiological features, their management is very different.

We present the case of a patient with renal failure who had been receiving haemodialysis for over 20 years. Lytic lesions had been observed in the proximal part of both femurs for ten years. A presumptive diagnosis of osteitis fibrosa cystica was made. However, no regression of the lesions occurred after parathyroidectomy. The patient subsequently developed sequential pathological fractures through the lesions, for which bilateral total hip replacements were performed. Histology of the lesions revealed that the patient was in fact suffering from amyloidosis.

In patients with chronic renal failure, osseous amyloidosis is a highly probable differential diagnosis, especially if no regression of a lytic lesion is observed after parathyroidectomy.
Standardised consent forms on the website of the British Orthopaedic Association
Authors: Atrey A. , Leslie I. , Carvell J. , Gupte C. , Shepperd J. A. N. , Powell J. , Gibb P. A.
Published: March 2008

The British Orthopaedic Association has endorsed a website, www.orthoconsent.com , allowing surgeons free access to a bank of pre-written consent forms. These are designed to improve the level of information received by the patient and lessen the risk of successful litigation against surgeons and Health Trusts.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management: Controlling a Dynamic System
Authors: Klein Helen Altman , Lippa Katherine D.
Published: March 2008

People with type 2 diabetes risk disability and early death when they fail to control their blood glucose levels. Despite advances in medicine, pharmacology, human factors, and education, dangerous glucose levels remain endemic. To investigate cognitive barriers to control, we observed American Diabetes Association (ADA) certified training programs; reviewed ADA and National Institute of Health diabetes Web sites; and interviewed patients with type 2 diabetes using a critical decision method. A consistent picture emerged. The prevailing rules and procedures approaches are not preparing patients for the dynamic control task they face. Patients are often unable to understand and use the rules and procedures provided. They are unprepared to detect problems, make sense of dynamic relationships, and manage complex situations. Our results suggest that glucose self-regulation is better conceptualized as a dynamic control challenge requiring complex processes, including problem detection, sensemaking, decision making, and planning/replanning. The mismatch between most patient training and the dynamic demands of glucose regulation helps explain limitations in existing training and poor patient outcomes. We argue that constructs gleaned from naturalistic decision-making research in other complex domains can help many but not all patients develop the cognition necessary for effective blood glucose self-management.
Recognizing Potential: A Naturalistic Investigation of Employee Promotion Decisions
Authors: Armenis Damien C. , Neal Andrew
Published: March 2008

Over the past two decades, substantial progress has been made in describing how frontline staff, such as nurses and military commanders, make rapid tactical decisions. Managerial decisions, by contrast, are often made relatively slowly. One important class of managerial decisions relates to staffing. Managers often make decisions regarding the hiring and promotion of staff that have significant consequences for both the company and staff. Relatively little is known about how people make decisions in these contexts. In this study, the authors examine how managers make employee promotion decisions. The participants in the study were 16 senior managers from a multinational beverage company. The critical decision method was used to elicit knowledge from the participants. The analyses examined the role of decision strategy, situation assessment, and decision evaluation. The findings suggest that senior managers make promotion decisions in a manner consistent with recognition-primed decision-making theory. Implications for training, design, and decision support are discussed.
Piezoelektrischer Stellantrieb (PAD) (Piezoelectric Actuator Drive (PAD))
Authors: Kappel Andreas , Gottlieb Bernhard , Wallenhauer Carsten
Published: March 2008

Der steigende Bedarf an miniaturisierten mechatronischen Antriebssystemen stellt eine besondere Herausforderung für die klassische Antriebstechnik dar. Zukünftige Antriebssysteme müssen nicht nur kompakter werden, sondern weitere Eigenschaften wie Stellpräzision, Echtzeit-Force-Feedback und Energieeffizienz vereinen. Bereits seit langem gibt es deshalb Bestrebungen, unkonventionelle Aktoren als Antriebselemente zu verwenden, die diese Eigenschaften intrinsisch aufweisen. Einen Beitrag zur Lösung dieses Zielkonfliktes stellt die PAD-Kinematik dar. Sie ermöglicht eine direkte Wandlung der Elongationen von Festkörperaktoren in präzise steuerbare Rotation, bei gleichzeitiger Erfassung der Lastmomente und hoher Energieeffizienz. Aus dem Zusammenwirken der Systemkomponenten PAD-Motor, PAD-Leistungselektronik, PAD-Sensorelektronik und PAD-Motion-Control-Software ergeben sich attraktive Systemeigenschaften (ähnlich Servosystemen).

Today´s challenge in electrical drive engineering is the increasing market for small mechatronic systems. In the future these systems not only have to become smaller but also must offer higher precision, force feedback and high energy efficiency. Hence much attention has been payed on unconventional actuators with intrinsic sensor capabilities in the past. The PAD kinematical principle is a new tool to solve this trade-off and to convert the elongation of solid state actuators into rotation — precisely, efficiently and enabling real-time force-feedback. The interaction of the system components as PAD-Drive, PAD-Power-Stage, PAD-Sensorics and PAD-Motion-Control-Software provides an attractive set of system features (similar to servosystems).
Regelung eines dreiachsigen Lagers auf Basis piezoelektrischer Aktoren zur Schwingungsrreduktion (Control of a Three-axis Mount based on Piezoelectric Actuators for Vibration Reduction)
Authors: Mayer Dirk , Atzrodt Heiko , Herold Sven
Published: March 2008

Dieser Beitrag behandelt die Schwingungskompensation durch ein mehrachsiges aktives Lager auf Basis piezoelektrischer Aktoren. Ein adaptives Filtersystem zur entkoppelten Beeinflussung der einzelnen Freiheitsgrade wird in Simulation und Experiment untersucht. Ferner wird eine Möglichkeit zur Verbesserung des verwendeten Adaptionsverfahrens durch eine Beschränkung der Filterkoeffizienten implementiert und getestet.

In this contribution, vibration control by means of a multi-axial active mount on basis of piezoelectric actuators is studied. An adaptive filter system for the decoupled control of the mechanical degrees of freedom is examined as well in a simulation as in an experiment. Additionally, the improvement of the adaptation law by means of constraints on the filter coefficients is studied.
Echtzeitfähiger Hysteresekompensator für Festkörperaktoren (Real-time Hysteresis Compensator for Solid-State Actuators)
Authors: Pesotski Denis , Janocha Hartmut , Pagliarulo Pietro
Published: March 2008

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Entwurfsverfahren für echtzeitfähige inverse Filter zur Kompensation von hysteresebehafteten Aktorkennlinien in offener Wirkungskette vorgestellt, das auf der sogenannten modifizierten Prandtl-Ishlinskii-Methode basiert. Für Anwendungen mit Signalfrequenzen bis zu 1 kHz wird eine Hardwarerealisierung auf der Grundlage eines FPGAs beschrieben, die in Verbindung mit hochgradig parallelisierbaren Algorithmen Abtastraten im MHz-Bereich zulässt. Anhand eines adaptronischen Hilfsmassedämpfers wird beispielartig die Wirkung der Hysteresekompensation auf das Dämpfungsverhalten bei unterschiedlichen Betriebsmodi dargestellt.

This paper presents a method for designing real-time inverse filters based on the so-called Prandtl-Ishlinskii approach for feedforward compensation of hysteretic actuator characteristics. An FPGA based hardware solution, which in combination with the highly parallel algorithms enables sampling frequencies in the megahertz range, is described for applications with signal frequencies up to 1 kHz. The effect of hysteresis compensation on the damping behaviour of an adaptronic auxiliary mass damper is presented for various operating modes.
Phase transition and dislocation nucleation in Cu–Nb layered composites during physical vapor deposition
Authors: Wang Jian , Hoagland Richard G. , Misra Amit
Published: March 2008

Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the growth of {111} Cu on Nb {110} surface. Our results reveal that the deposited Cu layer initially grows as body-centered cubic (bcc) and Vernier misfits are observed in the interface of bcc Cu and bcc Nb. As it continues to grow, the bcc Cu {110} transforms into face-centered cubic (fcc) Cu {111}. The phase transition starts after the bcc Cu layer has accumulated about 3 monolayers and is finished depending on deposition parameters. Nuclei of fcc Cu {111} form in the top surface of Cu and grow in plane and toward the interface. Partial dislocations in the fcc Cu layer nucleate during the late stage of the transition, and the stacking faults grow as the Cu layer thickens.
Synthesis by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition and characterization of siliconlike films with hydrophobic functionalities for improved long-term geometric stability of fiber-reinforced polymers
Authors: Cremona A. , Vassallo E. , Merlo A. , Phani A. Srikantha , Laguardia L.
Published: March 2008

Amorphous siliconlike films with hydrophobic functionalities have been deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) unidirectional laminates used for micromechanical applications where high strength-to-weight and high stiffness-to-weight ratios are required. To improve long-term geometrical stability in ultrahigh-precision machine structures, hydrophobic CFRP materials are desirable. Three layers have been grown with different plasma-process parameters from a mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane, O2, and Ar. Chemical composition, water contact angle, surface energy, morphology, and tribological properties have been evaluated to choose the one that best fulfills hydrophobicity, wear, and scratch resistance. Wear tests have also been carried out on CFRP laminates coated with a polyurethane layer to compare the wear performance of the above specimens with that of a conventional hydrophobic coating. Scanning electron microscope images show a very good adhesion of the films to the composite substrate because the failure of the film and of the substrate (such as fiber failure) take place simultaneously.
Microstructure, mechanical, and electrical properties of Cu–Ti3AlC2 and in situ Cu–TiCx composites
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhou Y.C.
Published: March 2008

Two kinds of composites (i.e., conductive and strong Cu–Ti3AlC2 composites) were prepared at 850 °C, while high-strength in situ Cu–TiCx composites were prepared by consolidation at 850 °C and then hot pressing at 1000 °C. In both kinds of composites, the reinforcements were uniformly distributed within the Cu matrix. In Cu–Ti3AlC2 composites, strengthening was achieved by the load transfer through a strong interfacial layer consisting of TiCx and Cu(Al), which was formed by the partial deintercalation of Al from Ti3AlC2. For the in situ Cu–TiCx composites, the higher modulus of TiCx as well as the highly twinned structure formed during processing contributed to the enhancement of strength. It was demonstrated that the deintercalation of Al from Ti3AlC2 formed substoichiometric Ti3AlxC2 (with x < 1), and no detrimental effect on the electrical conductivity was observed.
Atomic migration in eutectic SnBi solder alloys due to current stressing
Authors: Chen Chih-ming , Huang Chih-chieh
Published: March 2008

Current stressing at densities from 2.9 to 7.3 × 104 A/cm2 has significant effects on the atomic migration of eutectic SnBi solder alloys. At lower density (2.9 × 104 A/cm2), electromigration dominates the migration of both Sn and Bi, and drives Sn and Bi atoms to migrate toward the anode side. While at higher densities (4.4 and 7.3 × 104 A/cm2), the enhanced Bi electromigration induces a back stress, which promotes a reversed migration of Sn toward the cathode side. A large number of Sn atoms accumulate at the cathode side and form lumps there.
Effect of precipitate volume fraction on fracture toughness of extruded Mg–Zn alloys
Authors: Somekawa Hidetoshi , Osawa Yoshiaki , Singh Alok , Mukai Toshiji
Published: March 2008

Four kinds of extruded Mg–X at.% Zn binary alloys (X = 1.9, 2.4, 3.0, and 3.4) were used to examine the effect of precipitate volume fraction on fracture toughness. All the alloys had fine grain sizes of 1–3 μm and fine sphere-shaped precipitates of 50–60 nm. The volume fraction of precipitates increased with additional zinc content. The results of mechanical property tests showed that the extruded Mg–2.4 at.% Zn alloy exhibited the best balance of strength and fracture toughness. One of the reasons was the different volume fraction of precipitates at the grain boundaries, which was the source of void formation. According to the fracture surface observations and ductile fracture model analysis, the volume fraction of precipitates of 2%–4% was shown to be enough to improve the fracture toughness for the fine-grained magnesium alloys; i.e., higher contents of zinc atoms were not needed to enhance the mechanical properties.
Undercooling and microhardness of Pb-free solders on various under bump metallurgies
Authors: Cho Moon Gi , Kang Sung K. , Lee Hyuck Mo
Published: March 2008

The undercooling behavior of pure Sn, Sn–0.7Cu, Sn–3.5Ag, and Sn–3.8Ag–0.7Cu solder alloys was observed in terms of various under bump metallurgies (UBMs). Four different UBMs (electroplated Cu, electroplated Ni, electroless Ni(P), and electroless Ni(P)/immersion Au) were used. The amount of the undercooling of Pb-free solder alloys was reduced when reacted with electroplated Cu UBM and Ni-based UBMs. The Ni-based UBMs were more effective than Cu UBM in reducing the undercooling of Pb-free solders. When Ni3Sn4 was formed during the interfacial reactions with Ni-based UBMs, the reduction of undercooling was significant, especially for pure Sn and Sn–3.5Ag. The effects of UBMs on the undercooing of Pb-free solder alloys are discussed by comparing intermetallic compounds formed during interfacial reactions with UBMs. In addition, the microstructural changes as well as the microhardness of four solders with or without UBMs are discussed, which could be related to their undercooling behaviors.
Effects of interface bonding configuration on photoluminescence of ZnO quantum dots–SiOxNy nanocomposite films
Authors: Peng Yu-Yun , Hsieh Tsung-Eong , Hsu Chia-Hung
Published: March 2008

Nanocomposite films containing ZnO quantum dots (QDs) and SiOxNy matrix were prepared by target-attached radio frequency sputtering. Photoluminescence (PL) dominated by violet and blue emissions was observed from all ZnO QD–SiOxNy nanocomposite films with dot diameters ranging from 2.77 to 6.65 nm. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the formation of nitrogen-correlated bonding configurations in both the SiOxNy matrix and the dot/matrix interfaces. The nitrogen-correlated configuration at the interface produced a substantial polarization effect at dot surface. The suppression of green-yellow emission observed in photoluminescence spectra of all samples was ascribed to the hole-trapping process promoted by the enhancement of the surface polarization.
Ductile TiAl alloy with a Widmanstätten lamellar structure formed by rapid heating
Authors: Cui J.P. , Sui M.L. , Cui Y.Y. , Li D.X.
Published: March 2008

Instead of conventional grain-refinement treatments for improving the ductility of fully lamellar TiAl alloys, multiorientational, lamellar, subcolony refinement with good ductility has been achieved simply by using an electric-current pulse treatment. The microstructural refinement mechanism is attributed to the transformation on heating of γ laths in the prior large-grain lamellar structure to Widmanstätten α in several orientations, which on subsequent cooling forms lamellar structure colonies in multiple orientations. This kind of refined multiple-colony lamellar structure was found to enhance the ductility of the TiAl alloy.
Dy3+-doped chalcohalide glass for 1.3-μm optical fiber amplifiers
Authors: Tang Gao , Yang Zhiyong , Luo Lan , Chen Wei
Published: March 2008

Dy3+-doped GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI chalcohalide glasses were prepared. The thermal stabilities, optical properties, emission properties, and structure of the glasses were investigated. Upon excitation with a 808-nm diode laser, 1.32-μm near-infrared fluorescence was observed with a broad full width at half-maximum of about 90 nm. It was found the 1.32-μm fluorescence lifetime of the Dy3+-doped GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI glass depends on the I/Ga molar ratio and the amount of Ga2Se3and CsI. The longest lifetime is >2.5 ms. It is noted that the value is significantly higher than those in other Dy3+-doped glasses. The enhancement of lifetime can be attributed to a decreased local phonon mode, which dominates the multiphonon relaxation. Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that the GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI glasses have shown good infrared transmittance. As a result, Dy3+-doped GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI glasses have been considered to be an attractive host for a 1.3-μm optical fiber amplifier.
Effects of thermal annealing on the microstructural properties of the lower region in ZnO thin films grown on n-Si (001) substrates
Authors: Yuk J.M. , Lee J.Y. , Kim T.W. , Son D.I. , Choi W.K.
Published: March 2008

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, selected-area electron-diffraction patterns, high-resolution TEM images, and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy line scans for the ZnO/n-Si (001) heterostructures annealed at 900 °C showed that stacking faults and amorphous layers were formed in the lower region of the ZnO films. The stacking faults existing in the lower region of the ZnO columnar grains originated from the formation of zinc vacancy layers caused by the thermal treatment, resulting in the existence of a tensile strain. The formation of the amorphous layer in the ZnO film was attributed to the accumulation of zinc vacancy layers.
Enthalpy of formation of the cubic fluorite phase in the ceria–zirconia system
Authors: Lee Theresa A. , Stanek Christopher R. , McClellan Kenneth J. , Mitchell Jeremy N. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: March 2008

The enthalpy of formation of cubic ceria–zirconia solid solutions (c-Ce(1−x)ZrxO2, 0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.75) at 25 °C with respect to monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) and cubic ceria (c-CeO2) has been measured by high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. In contrast to fluorite solid solutions containing trivalent oxides (e.g., yttria–zirconia), mixing in c-Ce1−xZrxO2 shows moderate positive deviation from ideality. Evaluating the data within the framework of a regular solution model, the interaction parameter, Ω, is +51.0 ± 8.0 kJ/mol. The introduction of undersized Zr into CeO2 severely distorts and destabilizes the oxygen sublattice. Destabilization of c-Ce1−xZrxO2 may be relieved by reduction or clustering. A stable ordered compound in the CeO2–ZrO2 system is thermodynamically unlikely.
Intergeneric Hybridization between Sympatric Kirikuchi Char and Red-Spotted Masu Salmon in a Small Japanese Mountain Stream
Authors: Sato Takuya , Watanabe Katsutoshi , Arizono Masahiro , Mori Seiichi , Nagoshi Makoto , Harada Yasushi
Published: March 2008

Hybridization occurs widely across salmonid species. Intergeneric hybridization of salmonid species in nature, however, has been rarely reported. Using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers, we obtained evidence of intergeneric hybridization between threatened, naturally sympatric Kirikuchi char Salvelinus leucomaenis japonicus and red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in an upper drainage of the Totsu River system, which is located on Kii Peninsula, central Honshu, Japan. Fifteen suspected hybrid juveniles were captured in August 2005 in a tributary within a surveyed drainage, where an intergeneric pair consisting of a female Kirikuchi char and a male red-spotted masu salmon was observed during the preceding spawning season. The suspected hybrids all appeared to be F1 on the basis of microsatellite genotypes at five loci, which is consistent with the previously reported infertility of such hybrids. The maternal parent species was presumed to be the Kirikuchi char, since all hybrids had this species' mtDNA haplotype. The estimated number of hybrids was equivalent to that of age-0 Kirikuchi char, suggesting that at least half of the annual reproduction of Kirikuchi char in the tributary was disturbed by the present hybridization. Six of nine hybrid recaptures were collected from the same tributary in 2006, indicating that hybrids could survive and stay in their nursery tributary at least until age 1. This study suggests that intergeneric hybridization negatively affects long-term persistence of both parental species, especially Kirikuchi char, through reproductive disturbances and competition for resources.
Sea Louse Infestation in Wild Juvenile Salmon and Pacific Herring Associated with Fish Farms off the East-Central Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Morton Alexandra , Routledge Rick , Krkosek Martin
Published: March 2008

Reports of infestations of sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus clemensi in juvenile salmonids in Pacific Canada have been restricted to pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and chum salmon O. keta from one salmon-farming region, the Broughton Archipelago of British Columbia. Here, we report on 2 years of sea louse field surveys of wild juvenile pink and chum salmon, as well as wild sockeye salmon O. nerka and larval Pacific herring Clupea pallasii, in another salmon farming region, the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia. For pink and chum salmon we tested for the dependency of sea louse abundance on temperature, salinity, sampling period, host species, and farm exposure category. For both louse species, farm exposure was the only consistently significant predictor of sea lice abundance. Fish exposed to salmon farms were infected with more sea lice than those in the peripheral category. Sea louse abundance on sockeye salmon and Pacific herring followed the same trends, but sample sizes were too low to support formal statistical analysis. The Pacific herring were translucent and lacked scales, and they were primarily parasitized by C. clemensi. These results suggest that the association of salmon farms with sea lice infestations of wild juvenile fish in Pacific Canada now extends beyond juvenile pink and chum salmon in the Broughton Archipelago. Canada's most abundant and economically valuable salmon populations, as well as British Columbia's most valuable Pacific herring stock, migrate through the Discovery Islands; hence, parasite transmission from farm to wild fish in this region may have important economic and ecological implications.
Lake Erie Yellow Perch Age Estimation Based on Three Structures: Precision, Processing Times, and Management Implications
Authors: Vandergoot Christopher S. , Bur Michael T. , Powell Kipp A.
Published: March 2008

Yellow perch Perca flavescens support economically important recreational and commercial fisheries in Lake Erie and are intensively managed. Age estimation represents an integral component in the management of Lake Erie yellow perch stocks, as age-structured population models are used to set safe harvest levels on an annual basis. We compared the precision associated with yellow perch (N = 251) age estimates from scales, sagittal otoliths, and anal spine sections and evaluated the time required to process and estimate age from each structure. Three readers of varying experience estimated ages. The precision (mean coefficient of variation) of estimates among readers was 1% for sagittal otoliths, 5–6% for anal spines, and 11–13% for scales. Agreement rates among readers were 94–95% for otoliths, 71–76% for anal spines, and 45–50% for scales. Systematic age estimation differences were evident among scale and anal spine readers; less-experienced readers tended to underestimate ages of yellow perch older than age 4 relative to estimates made by an experienced reader. Mean scale age tended to underestimate ages of age-6 and older fish relative to otolith ages estimated by an experienced reader. Total annual mortality estimates based on scale ages were 20% higher than those based on otolith ages; mortality estimates based on anal spine ages were 4% higher than those based on otolith ages. Otoliths required more removal and preparation time than scales and anal spines, but age estimation time was substantially lower for otoliths than for the other two structures. We suggest the use of otoliths or anal spines for age estimation in yellow perch (regardless of length) from Lake Erie and other systems where precise age estimates are necessary, because age estimation errors resulting from the use of scales could generate incorrect management decisions.
The Effect of Circle Hooks and Straight (J) Hooks on the Catch Rates and Numbers of White Marlin and Blue Marlin Released Alive by the U.S. Pelagic Longline Fleet in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Diaz Guillermo A.
Published: March 2008

The effect of circle and straight (J) hooks on the catch rates of white marlin Kajikia albida (formerly Tetrapturus albidus) and blue marlin Makaira nigricans and the proportions released alive by the U.S. pelagic longline fleet targeting yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares in the Gulf of Mexico was assessed with data collected by scientific observers aboard commercial vessels between 1992 and 2004. Catch rates were lower with circle hooks than with straight hooks, but the differences were not significant; while the catch rates of the targeted species, yellowfin tuna, were the same for both hook types. However, a significantly higher proportion of marlins was released alive from circle hooks than from J hooks.
Does Hook Choice Matter? Effects of Three Circle Hook Models on Postrelease Survival of White Marlin
Authors: Graves John E. , Horodysky Andrij Z.
Published: March 2008

Throughout the Atlantic, the white marlin Kajika albida (formerly Tetrapturus albidus) is overfished but remains a major target species for offshore recreational anglers. The vast majority of white marlin taken in the U.S. fishery are caught on natural baits and subsequently released. A previous study demonstrated that the use of circle hooks with natural baits resulted in a highly significant increase in white marlin postrelease survival relative to the use of straight-shank (J-type) hooks with natural baits. However, several models of circle hooks, which vary in shape and the degree to which the point is offset from the shaft, are available to anglers. Survival estimates determined from experiments conducted using one model may not be transferable to other models. We evaluated postrelease survival of white marlin caught on three circle hook models commonly used in the recreational fishery. High-resolution pop-up satellite archival tags that were programmed to release from the fish after 10 d were deployed to follow the fates of 20 white marlin caught on each type of circle hook. Only one mortality was inferred from the 59 tags that provided useful data. No significant differences in the incidence of deep (internal) hooking, hook-induced trauma, or postrelease survival were found among fish caught on the different circle hook models. Incidences of white marlin deep hooking, hook-induced trauma, and postrelease mortality were significantly lower for the three circle hook models (combined) than for J hooks evaluated in a previous study. Current U.S. domestic management measures requiring the use of non-offset circle hooks with natural baits during registered tournaments for Atlantic billfishes (Istiophoridae) will provide some relief for white marlin; however, the use of circle hooks in recreational fisheries targeting this species throughout the Atlantic Ocean could substantially reduce fishing mortality on this overfished resource.
Grating Size Needed to Protect Adult Pacific Lampreys in the Columbia River Basin
Authors: Moser Mary L. , Pennington Howard T. , Roos Jeremy M.
Published: March 2008

Adult Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata routinely pass through picketed leads and diffuser gratings at lower Columbia River hydropower dams and enter areas where they can be delayed, injured, or killed. We assessed the bar spacing needed to exclude adult lampreys that enter the fishways at Bonneville Dam (river kilometer (rkm) 235). The experimental fish used (n = 242) ranged from 53 to 79 cm in total length and from 282 to 800 g in weight. All were able to swim through a 2.5-cm vertical gap, 47% passed through a 2.2-cm gap, and none passed through a gap of 1.9 cm or less. In dewatering simulations, none of the additional 50 Pacific lampreys tested were able to pass through a 1.9-cm diffuser grating, while 86% were able to pass through a traditional 2.5-cm grating. Based on these results, we conclude that bar spacing of 1.9 cm or less is needed to exclude most adult Pacific lampreys in the Columbia River drainage. An initial field test of the 1.9-cm grating at John Day Dam (rkm 347) confirmed these results.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients with Bone Metastases Treated with Bisphosphonates: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ibrahim Toni , Barbanti Francesca , Giorgio-Marrano Gianluca , Mercatali Laura , Ronconi Sonia , Vicini Claudio , Amadori Dino
Published: March 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the importance of treating patients with bone metastases using a multidisciplinary approach.Explain why bisphosphonates are a fundamental part of bone metastasis treatment.Evaluate the main features of ONJ and, in particular, its high risk factor.Describe the importance of ONJ prevention during bisphosphonate treatment.Emphasize the importance of interaction among the patient's dentist, surgeon, and oncologist for the management of ONJ.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Objective.

Bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity in cancer patients. Treatment includes bisphosphonates, which are also associated with avascular osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Our aim was to evaluate the correlation between bisphosphonates and ONJ.

Patients and Methods.

Of the 539 patients with bone metastases treated in our department from June 2002 to December 2006 with i.v. bisphosphonates, eight (1.5%) developed ONJ.

Results.

The eight patients with ONJ had all been given zoledronic acid, and two had also been treated with pamidronic acid. In four of the patients, ONJ was diagnosed during treatment, while in the remaining four it was diagnosed several months after therapy with bisphosphonates had ended. Six of these patients received local noninvasive treatment, of whom five progressed. Two showed apparent autolimitation of the disease. The remaining two patients underwent surgical resection and currently show no signs of relapse. All eight ONJ patients presented with various concomitant risk factors such as paradontopathy, dental extraction, or spontaneous avulsion.

Conclusions.

Our results show that ONJ can appear months after interruption of treatment and that a surgical approach can be used in suitable cases. Closer cooperation is needed among specialists to define guidelines for the prevention of ONJ in patients with bone metastases.
Ixabepilone: A Novel Antineoplastic Agent with Low Susceptibility to Multiple Tumor Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Vahdat Linda
Published: March 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Evaluate the clinical significance of the lower susceptibility of epothilones to key mechanisms of drug resistance.Explain the key mechanisms of drug resistance to which epothilones display lower susceptibility.Describe the mechanism of action of ixabepilone.Describe how ixabepilone promotes tumor cell death through apoptosis.Identify six types of solid tumors in which ixabepilone has demonstrated single-agent activity.Discuss the preclinical and clinical activity of ixabepilone in chemotherapy-resistant tumors.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic agents ultimately leads to treatment failure in the majority of cancer patients. The identification of new agents that are less susceptible to mechanisms of tumor resistance could, therefore, bring significant clinical benefits to patients with advanced cancer. One new drug class of great interest in this respect is the epothilones and their analogues, which are microtubule inhibitors with low susceptibility to several mechanisms of drug resistance.

Ixabepilone is an analogue of natural epothilone B with activity against a wide range of tumor types, including drug-resistant tumors. This is consistent with the preclinical activity of ixabepilone against human cancer cell lines resistant to taxanes and other agents. Taxane resistance in these cells may be acquired or primary and results from several mechanisms, such as overexpression of multidrug-resistance proteins and the βIII-tubulin isoform.

Ixabepilone has demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with capecitabine in anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated/resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and has recently been approved for use in resistant/refractory MBC. Other epothilones, such as patupilone, KOS-1584, and ZK-EPO, are also being evaluated in drug-resistant cancers. Ixabepilone represents a new treatment option for MBC patients with cancers resistant to available chemotherapeutic agents.
Concept and Clinical Evaluation of Carrier-Mediated Anticancer Agents
Authors: Zamboni William C.
Published: March 2008

Major advances in the use of carrier vehicles delivering pharmacologic agents and enzymes to sites of disease have occurred over the past 10 years. This review focuses on the concepts and clinical evaluation of carrier-mediated anticancer agents that are administered i.v. or orally. The primary types of carrier-mediated anticancer agents are nanoparticles, nanosomes, which are nanoparticle-sized liposomes, and conjugated agents. Nanosomes are further subdivided into stabilized and nonstabilized or conventional nanosomes. Nanospheres and dendrimers are subclasses of nanoparticles. Conjugated agents consist of polymer-linked and pegylated agents. The theoretical advantages of carrier-mediated drugs are greater solubility, longer duration of exposure, selective delivery of entrapped drug to the site of action, superior therapeutic index, and the potential to overcome resistance associated with the regular anticancer agent. The pharmacokinetic disposition of carrier-mediated agents depends on the physiochemical characteristics of the carrier, such as size, surface charge, membrane lipid packing, steric stabilization, dose, and route of administration. The primary sites of accumulation of carrier-mediated agents are the tumor, liver, and spleen, compared with noncarrier formulations. The drug that remains encapsulated in or linked to the carrier (e.g., the nanosome or nanoparticle) is an inactive prodrug, and thus the drug must be released from the carrier to be active. The factors affecting the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability of these agents remain unclear, but most likely include the reticuloendothelial system, which has also been called the mononuclear phagocyte system. Future studies need to evaluate the mechanism of clearance of carrier-mediated agents and identify the factors associated with the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability of carrier agents in patients and specifically in tumors.
Critical Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Haasbeek Cornelis J.A. , Senan Suresh , Smit Egbert F. , Paul Marinus A. , Slotman Ben J. , Lagerwaard Frank J.
Published: March 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the current results obtained with primary resection in stage I NSCLC.Describe clinical outcomes with nonsurgical techniques such as stereotactic radiation therapy and radiofrequency ablation.Identify potential advantages and drawbacks of these nonsurgical techniques.Assess which patients would benefit most from these techniques.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Surgery has traditionally been regarded as the treatment of choice for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. However, the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery in elderly patients with considerable comorbidity remains of concern, as are the poor 5-year survival rates. Until recently, conventional radiation therapy was the only alternative curative treatment option for patients who were unfit for surgery, but with lower local control rates that were inferior to those with surgery. However, a growing body of clinical data on outcomes with newer nonsurgical treatment options such as stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is now available.

SRT is a noninvasive method showing a 2-year local control rate in excess of 85% in both T1 and T2 tumors after three to eight fractions of high-precision radiotherapy. Despite the use of very high radiation doses, high-grade toxicity is limited to approximately 5% of patients. Percutaneous RFA is an invasive method showing 2-year local control rates of approximately 64% in smaller tumors, but results are poorer in lesions ≥3 cm. Compared with SRT, a higher procedure-related morbidity and mortality rate has been reported, mainly caused by pneumothorax and hemorrhage. Although data from randomized trials of conventional radiotherapy versus SRT or RFA are not available, the use of SRT is becoming widespread for patients who are unfit for surgery. Reported 2-year local control rates after SRT are comparable with those achieved with surgery, and prospective randomized trials comparing surgery with SRT in patients who are fit to undergo surgery are now being planned.
Prolonged Versus Standard Gemcitabine Infusion: Translation of Molecular Pharmacology to New Treatment Strategy
Authors: Veltkamp Stephan A. , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: March 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the molecular pharmacology of nucleoside analogues.Explain transport, metabolism, and elimination in relation to the activity of gemcitabine.Describe the clinical pharmacology of gemcitabine in relation to its rate of administration.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Gemcitabine is frequently used in the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Gemcitabine is taken up into the cell via human nucleoside transporters (hNTs) and is intracellularly phosphorylated by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) to its monophosphate and subsequently into its main active triphosphate metabolite 2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine triphosphate (dFdCTP), which is incorporated into DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis. In addition, gemcitabine is extensively deaminated to 2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine, which is largely excreted into the urine. High expression levels of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 were associated with a significantly longer overall survival duration after gemcitabine treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Clinical studies in blood mononuclear and leukemic cells demonstrated that a lower infusion rate of gemcitabine was associated with higher intracellular dFdCTP levels. Prolonged infusion of gemcitabine at a fixed dose rate (FDR) of 10 mg/m2 per minute was associated with a higher intracellular accumulation of dFdCTP, greater toxicity, and a higher response rate than with the standard 30-minute infusion of gemcitabine in patients with pancreatic cancer.

In the current review, we discuss the molecular pharmacology of nucleoside analogues and the influence of hNTs and dCK on the activity and toxicity of gemcitabine, which is the basis for clinical studies on FDR administration, and the results of FDR gemcitabine administration in patients. These findings might aid optimal clinical application of gemcitabine in the future.
Should Urogenital Atrophy in Breast Cancer Survivors Be Treated with Topical Estrogens?
Authors: Trinkaus Mateya , Chin Sheray , Wolfman Wendy , Simmons Christine , Clemons Mark
Published: March 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the urogenital consequences of antiestrogen treatment among women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer and the effects that these side effects have on quality of life and medication compliance.Advise on the standard treatment of urogenital atrophy, including alternatives to topical estrogen replacement, in the non–breast cancer and breast cancer populations.Evaluate the evidence for the current recommendations of estrogen replacement therapy among women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Breast cancer survivors represent a unique patient population with a high prevalence of menopausal symptoms. Given the improved longevity of cancer patients, the consequences of menopause have become an increasingly important and challenging management issue. To date, considerable attention has been paid to the management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms and bone health among breast cancer patients. As a result, numerous nonhormonal treatment options have been developed for the management of these issues. The treatment of urogenital symptoms among this population is poorly understood and relatively understudied. Although systemic or topical estrogen replacement is the most effective method for treating hypoestrogenemic urogenital symptoms, women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer are cautioned from taking exogenous estrogens in order to avoid a potential contribution to recurrent breast cancer risk. This review focuses on the urogenital consequences of estrogen deprivation therapy in breast cancer patients and provides practitioners with a simple guide of current and future strategies for managing these symptoms.