bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current concepts of 131I therapy in oncology: Indications, methods and follow up
Authors: Mihailovic Jasna
Published: October 2006

Radioiodine in various forms (as sodium iodide and as the iodinated compounds MIBG, LIPIODOL, et al.) has been used as a therapeutic agent in oncology. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has been successfully treated by 131I therapy. Neuroendocrine tumors can be treated by palliative therapy, including Meta 131Iodobenzylguanidine therapy (131I-MIBG). Diagnostic 131I or 123I-MIBG scintigraphy is usually performed to image neuroblastoma and malignant pheochromocytoma. Following the establishment of the diagnosis, 131I-MIBG may be applied as a therapeutic agent but with limited success. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is treated by surgery only in 10% of patients. In others, palliative therapy should be administered. Radionuclide therapy for this disease is a therapeutic option with a major advantage compared to systemic chemotherapy, estrogen and progesterone therapy, and immunotherapy. 131I-lipiodol can be used to treat HCC without side effects. Compared to untreated patients, those who received 131Ilipiodol, showed significantly better survival and a decreased recurrence rate. The modern aspect of the neoplasm treatment involves radioimmunotherapy with radioiodine and some other radionuclides. Monoclonal antibody therapy with radioiodine has been extensively succeeded in the therapy of B-cell non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma, prostate cancer. Radioimmunotherapy is also efficiently performed in some other malignancies such as: medullary thyroid carcinoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and malignant brain tumors. Radioimmunotherapy will play a key role in the treatment of malignant diseases, especially hematopoietic neoplasms during this millennium.
Metastatic melanoma of the stomach and the duodenum
Authors: Benedeto-Stojanov Daniela , Nagorni Aleksandar , Zivkovic Vesna , Milanovic Jovica , Stojanov Dragan
Published: October 2006

A case of metastatic melanoma of the antrum and duodenal bulb is reported with rare endoscopic findings. A 59-year-old male patient was presented with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain one year after excision of malignant melanoma from the back. The tumor was classified as Clark IV, Breslow III. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed one melanotic polypoid mass with ulcerations at the tip in the antrum and two in the duodenal bulb. Endoscopic biopsy of these polypoid masses showed malignant melanoma metastases. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of melanoma should be investigated for the presence of gastrointestinal metastases even if the original primary malignancy was diagnosed years prior to the patient presentation.
Ultrasound diagnostics of atherosclerosis in chronic renal insufficiency
Authors: Stolic Radojica , Trajkovic Goran , Subaric-Gorgieva Gordana
Published: October 2006

Introduction. Atherosclerosis is more frequent in patients with chronic renal insufficiency than in general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of atherosclerosis and risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Material and methods. We studied 62 patients (36 male and 26 female; mean age, 56?13 years). The mean time on HD was 65.7?46.7 months. These patient underwent the following examinations: assesments of risk factors, body mass index, soft tissue calcification biochemical analyses and Duplex ultrasonography of carotid arteries Results. In vivo thirds of patients older than fifty years, thickening of the intima-media complex was found. No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of atherosclerosis regarding sex, tissue calcification, plaque, smoking and Diabetes Mellitus. There was no correlation behveen the thickness oj the intima-media complex and traditional risk faktors for atherosclerosis. However, there was a statistically significant correlation among atherosclerosis, age and time on dialysis. Atherosclerosis was found in 68% of patients betveen the age of fifty and seventy years. Duration of dialysis and age are statistically significant factors for atherosclerosis. .
The prevalence of oval root canals in the apical and middle third of mandibular molars and premolars
Authors: Ostojic Dejan , Teodorovic Nevenka , Djuric Marija
Published: October 2006

Introduction. Oval root canals are all groups of human teeth. In such canals it is a challenge to fulfill the necessary preconditions for a successful outcome of root canal therapy - complete cleaning, shaping and obturation. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the shape and diameter of root canals in the apical and middle third of human mandibular molars and premolars, to determine the prevalence and extent of long oval canals. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 80 extracted human teeth, 40 molars and 40 premolars. The teeth were placed in a specially designed muffle mould and embedded in transparent acrylic resin. After the polymerization of the acrylic resin, the teeth were taken out of the mould and sectioned at levels 3 and 6 mm from the apex. The cross-sections were photographed under 30? magnification using a digital camera. The long and short canal diameter were measured on the images and their ratio calculated. Results. In the apical third 22% of the premolars and 35% of the molars had oval root canal morphology. In the middle third 36% of premolars and 41 % of molars. Conclusion. Root canals of mandibular molars and premolars are often oval in their cross-section. They seem to be more frequently oval in their cross-section than previous studies have shown.
IV-VI ferromagnetic semiconductors recent studies
Authors: Dobrowolski W. , Arciszewska M. , Brodowska B. , Domukhovski V. , Dugaev V.K. , Grzęda A. , Kuryliszyn-Kudelska I. , Wójcik M. , Slynko E.I.
Published: October 2006

In some IV-VI semimagnetic semiconductors, the RKKY interaction can dominate over the standard d-d superexchange and become the driving mechanism for ion-ion coupling. In effect, for low hole concentrations the Mn ion system is in a paramagnetic phase, whereas for higher ones it reveals typical ferromagnetic behavior. In this paper, recent work on IV-VI ferromagnetic (SnMnTe, PbSnMnTe and GeMnTe) systems will be presented. In particular, the influence of the presence of two types of magnetic ions (transition metal: Mn and rare earth metal: Eu or Er) incorporated into a semiconductor matrix on magnetic properties of resultant semimagnetic semiconductor will be described.
The influence of structural changes on electrical and magnetic characteristics of amorphous powder of the nixmoy alloy
Authors: Ribic-Zelenovic Lenka , Rafailovic L. , Spasojevic M. , Maricic A.
Published: October 2006

Nickel and molybdenum alloy powder was electrodeposited on a titanium cathode from a NiSO4?7H2O and (NH4)6 Mo7O24?4H2O ammonium solution. The desired chemical composition, structure, size and shape of particles in the powder samples were achieved by an appropriate choice of electrolysis parameters (current density, composition and temperature of the solution, cathode material and electrolysis duration). Metal coatings form in the current density range 15 mA cm-2<j<30 mA cm-2. If the current density is greater than 40mA cm-2 then powders form. The chemical composition of powder samples depends on the current density of electrodeposition. The molybdenum content in the powder increases with the increase of current density (in the low current density range), while in the higher current density range the molybdenum content in the alloy decreases with the increase of the current density of deposition. Smaller sized particles form at higher current density. X-ray analysis, differential scanning calorimetric and measurements of the temperature dependence of electric resistance and magnetic permeability of the powder samples were all used to establish a predominantly amorphous structure of the powder samples formed at the current density of j?70mA cm-2. The crystalline particle content in the powder samples increases with the decrease of the current density of deposition. Powder heating causes structural changes. The process of thermal stabilization of nickel and molybdenum amorphous powders takes place in the temperature interval from 463K to 573K and causes a decrease in electrical resistance and increase in magnetic permeability. The crystallization temperature depends on the value of current density of powder electrodeposition. Powder formed at j=180 mA cm-2 begins to crystallize at 573K, while the powder deposited at j=50 mA cm-2 begins to crystallize at 673K. Crystallization of the powder causes a decrease in electric resistivity and magnetic permeability. The Curie temperature of the crystallized powders is about 10 K higher than the Curie temperature of amorphous powders.
Modification of the structural and optical properties of commercial ZnO powder by mechanical activation
Authors: Scepanovic M. , Sreckovic T. , Vojisavljevic K. , Ristic M.M.
Published: October 2006

Mechanical activation was used as a method for modification of the structural and optical properties of commercial ZnO powder. For this purpose zinc oxide powder was mechanically treated by grinding in a high-energy vibro-mill in a continual regime in air up to 300 minutes. Starting and modified ZnO samples were characterized using XRD, BET and TEM measurements. Optical properties of these samples were investigated by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The color of commercial ZnO powder was white while mechanically activated ZnO powder was dark yellow, indicating the presence of nonstoichiometry. In the Raman spectra of non-activated sample Raman modes of bulk ZnO were observed, while the spectra of modified samples point out structural and stoichiometric changes. The PL spectra of modified samples excited by 325 and 442 nm lines of a He-Cd laser show great difference with respect to the spectra of the original sample. This study confirms that change in the defect structure of the ZnO crystal lattice introduced by mechanical activation affects the optical properties of this material.
Fine defective structure of silicon carbide powders obtained from different starting materials
Authors: Tomila T.V. , Vlasova M.V. , Kakazey M.G. , Vyshnyakova K.L. , Ragulya A.V. , Pereselentseva L.N.
Published: October 2006

The fine defective structure of silicon carbide powders obtained from silicic acid-saccharose, aerosil-saccharose, aerosil-carbon black, and hydrated cellulose-silicic acid gel systems was investigated. The relation between IR absorption characteristics and the microstructure of SiC particles obtained from different starting materials was established. The numerical relationship between the lattice parameter a and the frequency ?TO is presented.
Infrared study of nonstoichiometric anatase TiO2 nanopowders
Authors: Grujic-Brojcin M. , Scepanovic M. , Dohcevic-Mitrovic Z. , Popovic Z.V.
Published: October 2006

The infrared (IR) reflectivity of laser synthesized TiO2 nanopowder in the anatase phase with a small deviation from stoichiometry is reported. The samples were characterized by SEM, XRD and BET measurements as well as Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Analysis of the far IR reflectivity spectrum of the nanopowder reveals a presence of a plasmon mode. The charge carriers resulting from the lattice defects, mainly oxygen vacancies, are responsible for this mode. The dielectric function in a factorized form with a plasmon contribution is used to model the IR reflectivity spectrum and a good agreement between theoretical and experimental results has been found.
Effect of the ion slip on the MHD flow of a dusty fluid with heat transfer under exponential decaying pressure gradient
Authors: Attia Hazem
Published: October 2006

In the present study, the unsteady Hartmann flow with heat transfer of a dusty viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid under the influence of an exponentially decreasing pressure gradient is studied without neglecting the ion slip. The parallel plates are assumed to be porous and subjected to a uniform suction from above and injection from below while the fluid is acted upon by an external uniform magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plates. The equations of motion are solved analytically to yield the velocity distributions for both the fluid and dust particles. The energy equations for both the fluid and dust particles including the viscous and Joule dissipation terms, are solved numerically using finite differences to get the temperature distributions.
Modeling transport through single-molecule junctions
Authors: Walczak Kamil , Edward Lyshevski Sergey
Published: October 2006

Non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) formalism combined with extended Hückel (EHT) and charging model are used to study electrical conduction through single-molecule junctions. The analyzed molecular complex is composed of the asymmetric 1,4-Bis((2′-para-mercaptophenyl)-ethinyl)-2-acetyl-amino-5-nitrobenzene molecule symmetrically coupled to two gold electrodes. Owing to this model, the accurate values of the current flowing through such junctions can be obtained by utilizing basic fundamentals and coherently deriving model parameters. Furthermore, the influence of the charging effect on the transport characteristics is emphasized. In particular, charging-induced reduction of conductance gap, charging-induced rectification effect and charging-generated negative value of the second derivative of the current with respect to voltage are observed and examined for the molecular complex.
Analysis of nonlinear electric field of hvdc wall bushing with a finite element approach
Authors: Dai Liming , Luo Longfu
Published: October 2006

The present research intends to establish a numerical model, on the basis of a theoretical analysis, for describing and analyzing the electric field of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) wall bushing that demonstrates highly nonlinear characteristics. The wall bushing is subjected high voltage with nonlinear electric field and the relationship between the electric field intensity and the resistance of the insulators of the wall bushing is highly nonlinear. With a parameter design language of a Finite Element Analysis software package for carrying out the numerical calculations, the effects of the nonlinearity on the electric field can be well taken into consideration in performing the numerical assessment. A technique utilizing the numerical iteration is developed for quantifying the electric intensity of the electric field. With the model and the iteration technique established, the nonlinear characteristics of the HVDC wall bushing can be investigated with efficiency.
Quantum systems with effective and time-dependent masses: form-preserving transformations and reality conditions
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel
Published: October 2006

We study the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) with an effective (position-dependent) mass, relevant in the context of transport phenomena in semiconductors. The most general form-preserving transformation between two TDSEs with different effective masses is derived. A condition guaranteeing the reality of the potential in the transformed TDSE is obtained. To ensure maximal generality, the mass in the TDSE is allowed to depend on time also.
Dielectric properties and specific conductivity of armenian natural clinoptilolite irradiated by electrons
Authors: Yeritsyan Hrant , Sahakyan Aram , Nikoghosyan Sergey , Harutiunian Vachagan , Gevorkyan Volodia , Grigoryan Norair , Hakhverdyan Eleonora , Keheyan Yeghis , Gevorgyan Rudolf , Sargisyan Hakob
Published: October 2006

The results of dielectric properties and direct current specific electric conductivity measurements in Armenian natural clinoptilolite samples are presented. Electron irradiation with energy 8 MeV and thermal treatment of samples are performed to elucidate possible enhancement mechanisms of clinoptilolite parameters. The results are discussed on the basis of new point structural defects formation and recombination of initial ones in samples. It was shown that the irradiation dose of 3·1016 el/cm2 is critical for natural zeolite structural change, which is manifested by significant changes in dielectric properties and other characteristics. The samples subjected to high temperature heating after electron irradiation, in comparison with an unquenched one, have a significantly higher (about an order of magnitude) value of specific conductivity.
Simultaneous treatment with carbimazole and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in a patient with thyrotoxicosis and carbimazole induced neutropenia
Authors: Talapatra Indrajit , Nagareddy Vengal , Bhavnani Manju , Tymms David
Published: October 2006

We describe a patient who was admitted with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and carbimazole induced neutropenia. She required 80 mg of carbimazole daily. The patient declined radio-iodine treatment because she had a little child and wished to have thyroid surgery. She received four doses of filgrastim (Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) which maintained the neutrophil count within a reasonable level while she continued to receive carbimazole to prepare her for surgery. After a curative subtotal thyroidectomy and discontinuation of the carbimazole, the patient’s white cell count remained normal. Subsequently the patient was euthyroid on levothyroxine replacement. Carbimazole should always be discontinued if neutropenia occurs but this case demonstrates that in exceptional circumstances filgrastim can be an effective therapy while continuing carbimazole in the short term.
Prostaglandin E1, E2 and oxytocin in labor induction
Authors: Dragoljub Plesinac Snezana
Published: October 2006

The risks of induction must be carefully weighed against the risks of allowing the pregnancy to continue and not inducing labor. The aim of the study was to show labor and neonatal outcome of 335 deliveries inducted in 2004 at Institute of gynecology and obstetrics Clinical Center of Serbia. Inductions were performed with PGE2, PGE1 and Oxytocin. The best ripening effect was noted in PGE2 group. The average duration of labor was 8.6h in PGE1group, 5.9h in PGE2 group and 10.4h in OT group. Sixty eight labors finished with cesarean section (20%). Comparing duration of labor, percentage of emergency cesarean sections, incidence of fetal distress during the labor we suggest Dinoprostone, placed intracervically, as an agent of choice for induction of labor.
The big picture: Obesity, consumption, and food production
Authors: Johansson Robert C. , Mancino Lisa , Cooper Joseph
Published: October 2006

Reducing the percentage of Americans who are either overweight or obese to meet public health objectives may influence agricultural production. The authors' results show that reducing aggregate consumption by 6% to meet public health objectives with no increase in overall physical activity could reduce production of agricultural commodities and reduce net returns to producers by $3.5 billion. However, if consumption is reduced by 2% concomitantly with a marginal increase in physical activity, similar health outcomes could be achieved at much less cost ($1.3 billion). Conversely, continuing obesity trends may enhance returns to agricultural production by $1.3 billion annually. Changes in agricultural activities would likely be variable across the landscape. Results indicate that the largest potential changes in agricultural producer net returns (positive or negative) would occur in the Corn Belt and the Lake States. There, crop acreage could fall by as much as 650,000 hectares. [EconLit citations: Q130, Q180] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 491–503, 2006.
Managing food industry business and financial risks with commodity‐linked credit instruments
Authors: Turvey Calum G.
Published: October 2006

This study reviews the use and structure of commodity‐linked credit instruments. It is argued that in the absence of contingent markets food firms face increasing financial risk‐reduced investment, and limited access to debt markets. One strategy is to issue commodity‐linked credit whose payment structure is linked to the price of an underlying commodity. In some cases, a commodity‐linked bond (CLB) can be structured to provide an incentive to investors by sharing in profit gains. If the goal is to hedge financial risks, CLBs can also be constructed that reduce the loan principle or coupons depending on price movements. [JEL classifications: G13, Q13, Q14] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 523–545, 2006.
Testing the law of one price in the Chinese wholesale food markets
Authors: Ahmadi‐Esfahani Fredoun Z.
Published: October 2006

This study examines whether or not the law of one price (LOOP) holds in the Chinese wholesale food markets. Specifically, several integration models, including the Ravallion model, will be used to evaluate pricing efficiency in a number of major wholesale food markets in Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen over the period 1993 to 1999. The estimation results tend to indicate that, generally speaking, the LOOP does not hold in most of these markets. The policy implications of the analysis for the further reform of wholesale food marketing are explored. [EconLit citations: M310, D410, F150] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 569–589, 2006.
Cover Picture: Hydrocarbon Uptake in the Alkylated Micropores of a Columnar Supramolecular Solid (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 42/2006)
Authors: Taylor Thomas J. , Bakhmutov Vladimir I. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: October 2006

Alkane storage is generally problematic. Therefore, gases such as ethane, propane, and butane are often burned off in the flares of oil wells and petrochemical plants (cover picture background). A new solid consisting of a hexagonal array of columns and channels (cover picture foreground) reversibly adsorbs short‐chain alkanes in its alkylated micropores. In their Communication on page 7030 ff., F. P. Gabbaï and co‐workers report its preparation from (HgC6F4)3 and 1,3,5‐(Me3SiCC)3C6H3, and describe its sorption properties.
Making Efficient Use of Patients in Designing Phase III Trials Investigating Simultaneously a Set of Targeted Therapies with Different Targets
Authors: Vach Werner , dePont Christensen Rene
Published: October 2006

Targeted therapies are a recent development in cancer treatment research. As these therapies can only be administered to patients with certain individual characteristics, it is a straightforward idea to investigate several of such therapies simultaneously in a given patient population in order to compare each targeted therapy with the current standard therapy. This raises the question how patients satisfying several characteristics should be handled. We consider in this paper several designs to allocate treatments in a random manner to these patients, such that the evaluation of each single targeted therapy can be based on a simple comparison of patients receiving the targeted therapies versus those receiving the standard therapy within a well defined subgroup of patients satisfying the corresponding characteristic. We show how one can ensure that patients with several characteristics can contribute simultaneously to the evaluation of several targeted therapies and that this is the key point for an efficient use of the patients available. We further discuss some ethical and practical issues in applying the new designs and outline strategies to evaluate the overall effect of all targeted therapies together. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Randomized clinical trial of standard laparoscopic versus robot-assisted laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Draaisma W A , Ruurda J P , Scheffer R C H , Simmermacher R K J , Gooszen H G , Rijnhart-de Jong H G , Buskens E , Broeders I A M J
Published: October 2006

Background

Robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery may be of added value during extensive dissection and suturing in confined spaces, such as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). The purpose of this trial was to compare standard LNF with robot-assisted Nissen fundoplication (RNF).

Methods

Between 2003 and 2005, 50 patients with confirmed refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were assigned to LNF (25) or RNF (25). Patients who had undergone previous antireflux surgery were excluded. Independent assessment of dysphagia, regurgitation, heartburn and general well-being was performed before and 6 months after surgery using questionnaires. Objective outcome was studied 6 months after surgery by oesophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, barium oesophagram series and upper endoscopy.

Results

Operating time, blood loss, postoperative pain scores, hospital stay and complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. Reoperation rates were the same (one incisional hernia after LNF and one patient with repeat Nissen after RNF because of persistent dysphagia). Postoperative self-rated change in reflux symptoms and quality of life improved equally in both groups. The reduction in oesophageal acid exposure, increase in lower oesophageal sphincter tone and mucosal healing were comparable in both groups at follow-up.

Conclusion

RNF yielded similar subjective and objective results to LNF in this study. Therefore no additive value of robotic systems for this procedure was detected up to 6 months after surgery.
Dysbiosis and pouchitis
Authors: Lim M , Sagar P , Finan P , Burke D , Schuster H
Published: October 2006

Background and methods

The exact aetiology of pouchitis is unknown, but an association with dysbiosis has been suggested. This is a retrospective review of 17 studies published between 1985 and 2005, identified by a search of the Medline, Pubmed and Embase databases.

Results

The methodology of the studies varied widely. Many were performed at a time when the distinction between a healthy and an inflamed pouch was vague; misclassification of patients makes the analysis of data difficult and conclusions uncertain.

Conclusion

The evidence that dysbiosis is a cause of pouchitis is poor. Nevertheless, available data allow the construction of an algorithm to aid management and suggest a structured approach for future research.
Meta-analysis of preoperative antiseptic bathing in the prevention of surgical site infection
Authors: Webster J , Osborne S
Published: October 2006

Background

Preoperative bathing with an antiseptic solution is widely used to prevent surgical site infection, but trial results are conflicting.

Methods

Trials were identified by searches of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane controlled trials register. Studies were eligible if they compared an antiseptic solution used in preoperative bathing with a non-antiseptic washing agent or with no bathing and if they reported data on surgical site infection.

Results

Six trials with a total of 10 007 patients were included; all of them used 4 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate. Three trials with 7691 patients compared chlorhexidine with placebo. Bathing with chlorhexidine did not reduce surgical site infection rate; the relative risk (RR) was 0·91. Including only trials of high quality, the RR was 0·95. Three trials with 1443 patients compared bar soap with chlorhexidine; no differences in the surgical site infection rates were detected, and the RR was 1·02. Two trials of 1092 patients compared bathing with chlorhexidine with no washing. The surgical site wound infection rate in the two groups was similar, and the RR was 0·70.

Conclusions

The evidence does not support preoperative bathing with chlorhexidine as a means of reducing surgical site wound infection.
Extended resections for advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Madoff R D
Published: October 2006

Specialist teamwork required
Identifying breast cancer patients most likely to benefit from aromatase inhibitor therapy after adjuvant radiation and tamoxifen
Authors: Freedman Gary M. , Anderson Penny , Li Tianyu , Ross Eric , Swaby Ramona , Goldstein Lori
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND.

The purpose of the current study was to examine patient selection for an aromatase inhibitor in breast cancer patients who were free from adverse events 5 years after treatment with tamoxifen.

METHODS.

In all, 471 women were treated with breast‐conserving surgery, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiation. Eligibility included T1‐2 disease, tamoxifen use, follow‐up of ≥5 years, no prior breast cancer, and freedom from all events at 5 years of follow‐up. Patients treated with chemotherapy more often had T2 disease and positive lymph nodes, and were aged <60 years compared with patients treated with tamoxifen alone. No patient during the period of the current study (1982–1999) received an aromatase inhibitor. The median follow‐up was 8.25 years.

RESULTS.

There were 36 events: 10 contralateral breast cancers (CBCs) and 26 recurrences (8 local, 1 regional, and 17 distant). The 10‐year risk of locoregional recurrence was 2.5%, the 10‐year risk of CBC was 3.6%, and the 10‐year risk of distant metastasis was 4.4%. The event‐free survival rate for all patients was 93%. Only ≥4 positive lymph nodes and premenopausal status were found to be independent variables for decreased event‐free survival on multivariate analysis. The overall survival rate was 89%. Only younger age and lower lymph node status were found to be significant predictors of improved overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS.

In the current study, a 40% reduction in recurrence/CBC with the addition of an aromatase inhibitor after 5 years of tamoxifen treatment would have had a marginal benefit of 1% to 2%. Women who were premenopausal and patients with ≥4 positive lymph nodes would have the greatest absolute benefit of >3% in the 10‐year event‐free survival rate from extended therapy. The decision needs to be individualized for patients aged ≥60 years based on their initial lymph node status and the presence of comorbidities that could lower their 5‐year life expectancy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Geomorphology of medium‐high mountains under changing human impact, from managed slopes to nature restoration: a study from the Sudetes, SW Poland
Authors: Latocha Agnieszka , Migoń Piotr
Published: October 2006

In the last few hundred years, medium‐high mountain geomorphic systems of the East Sudetes, central Europe, have evolved under varying human impacts and have shown distinctive behaviours, depending on the nature and intensity of human activities. The general trend within this period has been from initial disturbance brought about by the spread of agriculture, through managed rural landscapes in the 19th and early 20th century, to gradual restoration of natural conditions observed in the last few tens of years, concurrent with considerable population decline in the mountain valleys. Accelerated soil erosion was successfully mitigated by the introduction of agricultural terraces in the 19th century, and most sediment could have been stored within the slopes. The current phase of nature restoration is understood as a return to general slope stability, weak coupling between slopes and channels, and limited sediment transfer across and out of mountainous drainage basins, which typified most of the Holocene prior to human colonization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental dynamics and conservation of the flamingo in the vicinity of Greater Tunis, Tunisia: the case study of Sebkha Essijoumi
Authors: Ayache F. , Gammar A. M. , Chaouach M.
Published: October 2006

The flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus frequents Mediterranean wetlands. In recent decades, the population of this species has increased significantly in the Mediterranean region, despite the reclamation of many wetlands. The increase is thought to reflect the opportunistic behaviour of flamingos. They visit some sites more frequently than others in response to human activities such as organic pollution, conservation measures and better management of breeding areas on the northern side of the Mediterranean. Tunisian wetlands are major wintering and nursery habitats for the flamingo that in very wet years can also become important breeding areas. These areas can support up to half the population of the western Mediterranean, which is estimated at around 80 000 to 90 000 birds. To demonstrate the changes in the wintering population in Tunisia, the key site of Essijoumi, which has up to 25 000 wintering flamingos, was selected as a case study area. It has been shown that Essijoumi, an urban wetland in Tunis, has changed from a hypersaline to a brackish waterlogged site for most of the year. The change can be traced to the recent urban extension of Tunis which led to a water balance surplus due to increased runoff and decreased agricultural land in the catchment area. Organic pollution is playing a major role in the nutrification of water resources leading to better feeding habitats. This, in turn, has influenced the distribution of flamingos and the carrying capacity of the wetland. Increased water depth to about 3 m has made the northern part of Essijoumi inaccessible. However, the southern and eastern parts of this wetland have become more attractive to flamingos and to a diversity of waterfowl. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stress protein ERp57/GRP58 binds specific DNA sequences in HeLa cells
Authors: Chichiarelli Silvia , Ferraro Anna , Altieri Fabio , Eufemi Margherita , Coppari Sabina , Grillo Caterina , Arcangeli Valentina , Turano Carlo
Published: October 2006

The protein ERp57/GRP58 is a member of the protein disulfide isomerase family and is also a glucose‐regulated protein, which, together with the other GRPs, is induced by a variety of cellular stress conditions. ERp57/GRP58 is mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but has also been found in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, where it can bind DNA. In order to identify a possible correlation between the stress‐response and the nuclear location of ERp57/GRP58, its binding sites on DNA in HeLa cells have been searched by chromatin immunoprecipitation and cloning of the immunoprecipitated DNA fragments. Following sequencing of the cloned fragments, 10 DNA sequences have been securely identified as in vivo targets of ERp57/GRP58. Nine of them are present in the non‐coding regions of identified genes, and seven of these in introns. The features of some of these DNA sequences, that is, DNase hypersensitivity, proximity of MAR regions, and homology to the non‐coding regions of orthologue genes of mouse or rat, are compatible with a gene expression regulatory function. Considering the nature of the genes concerned, two of which code for DNA repair proteins, we would suggest that at least part of the mechanism of action of ERp57/GRP58 takes place through the regulation of these, and possibly other still unidentified, stress‐response genes. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 343–351, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and propagation losses of the composite polymer
CTCO/PMMA films
Authors: Zhang F-J , Ren Q , Sun X , Wang Y-L , Yang X-D , Gao Y , Yang H-L , Zhang G-H , Yuk T C , Xu D
Published: October 2006

A novel dmit2- salt:
[C16H33CH3)3N]Co(dmit)2- (abbreviated as CTCO,
dmit2-=4,5-dithiolate-1,3-dithiole-2-thione), is synthesized
.The composite polymer CTCO/PMMA films are prepared by
spin-coating method and the propagation losses of the composite
polymer CTCO/PMMA films are measured by photographic technique
which is simple in construction. Such a configuration enables us
to determine the propagation losses, which are independent of
coupling efficiencies into and out of the guide and of the laser
fluctuation and it is a real-time, non-contact, accurate method.
The propagation losses of the composite polymer CTCO/PMMA films
with five different concentrations are measured, and the results
are consistent with our theoretical analysis. At last the method
and results are discussed.
The detection of carbon monoxide by the second harmonic generation
of CO2 laser
Authors: Qu Y , Kang Z-H , Wang T-J , Jiang Y , Andreev Y M , Gao J-Y
Published: October 2006

The technique of Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG) of
CO2 laser for carbon monoxide concentration detection is
investigated in this paper. A simple mechanical Q-switched CO2
laser is used in our experiment, which works at 9.586 μm. The
nonlinear optical crystal used for frequency doubling is
ZnGeP2. Different CO concentration detections are performed and
100ppm detectable sensitivity is obtained.
Nonlinear optical absorption of [(C2H5)4N]2Cu(dmit)2irradiated by picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Zhang F J , Guo W F , Sun X B , Ren Q , Gao Y , Yang H L , Zhang G H , Chow Y T , Xu D
Published: October 2006

Nonlinear optical absorption of [(C2H5)4N]2Cu(dmit)2(dmit2-=4,5-dithiolate-1,3- dithiole-2-thione), abbreviated as EtCu, dissolved in acetone has been investigated by open-aperture Z-scan technique with picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses in the near infrared region. Under irradiation with 40 ps laser pulses at 1064 nm, two-photon absorption is observed and the two-photon absorption coefficient βTPAis (5.8±0.3)×10-13m/W. While excited by 15 ns laser pulses at 1053 nm, the sample presents a strong reverse saturable absorption and its nonlinear absorption coefficient βRSAis as high as (1.7±0.1)× 10-10m/W. The mechanism responsible for the difference between the results is analyzed. All the results suggest that this material may be a promising candidate for the application to optical limiting in the near infrared waveband.
Novel Branched Polyphenylenes based on A2/B3 and AB2/AB Monomers via Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition
Authors: Stumpe Katrin , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte I.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Novel hyperbranched polyphenylenes based on both an A2 + B3 and an AB2 + AB approach were synthesised and characterised. Different monomers were prepared and polymerised using a Diels‐Alder reaction with subsequent decarbonylation. The polymer backbones consist of hexaphenylbenzene units which are linked in different positions and functionalised by cyclopentadienone (A) and/or alkyne groups (B) depending on the monomer ratio. The structure and properties of the resulting polymers were compared to those of hyperbranched polyphenylenes based solely on an AB2 monomer. All branched products showed high thermal stability and good solubility in common organic solvents such as chloroform or toluene. However, due to steric hindrance, the polyphenylenes produced using the A2 + B3 approach exhibited a high percentage of linear units within the polymer structure.

Schematic structure of hyperbranched polyphenylenes from A2 and B3 monomers.

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Schematic structure of hyperbranched polyphenylenes from A2 and B3 monomers.
Front Cover: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 20/2006
Authors: Holoubek Jaroslav , Baldrian Josef , Lednický František , Málková Šárka , Lal Jyotsana
Published: October 2006

Front Cover: TEM images (ultrathin section stained with ruthenium oxide vapor) show essential features of the self‐assembled structure of the weakly segregated bulk blends of d8PS‐block‐PMMA copolymer and PS homopolymer with similar degrees of polymerization. An example of “dry brush” micromorphology (a compact lamellar domain of the copolymer surrounded by homopolymer matrix) is given in the inset. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by J. Holoubek,* J. Baldrian, F. Lednický, Š. Mlkov, and J. Lal on page 1834.
Cyclopentadienyl Nickel and Palladium Complexes/Activator System for the Vinyl‐Type Copolymerization of Norbornene with Norbornene Carboxylic Acid Esters: Control of Polymer Solubility and Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Kaita Shojiro , Matsushita Kumiko , Tobita Morika , Maruyama Yooichiroh , Wakatsuki Yasuo
Published: October 2006

Summary: In non‐polar solvents such as toluene, Cp‐Ni and ‐Pd complexes (Cp = η5‐C5H5) with appropriate activators have been found to induce the addition polymerization of norbornene in excellent yields, for example (Cp)Pd(allyl)/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] gave 105 120 kg‐polymer/cat‐mol · h at room temperature. While the Cp‐Pd system was not suitable in the presence of ester‐substituted norbornenes, the Cp‐Ni system, for example (Cp)Ni(Cl)(PPh3)/AlMe3/B(C6F5)3 can copolymerize norbornene with 5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester in toluene to give high yields (up to 68% in 2 h at room temperature) of copolymer with variable contents of the methyl ester monomer unit (17.4–60.7 mol‐%). These copolymers have high molecular weights ($\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 234 100–109 500) and narrow molecular weight distributions ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.78–1.89). In addition, they are soluble in common organic solvents giving flexible and transparent films on casting, that show very high Tg in the range of 352.8 to 316.0 °C. The same Ni‐catalyst system can also copolymerize norbornene derivatives with bulky substituents, i.e., 2‐butyl‐5‐norbornene and 5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylic acid butyl ester. The Tg of these copolymers are lower (294.9–267.3 °C) than the methyl ester‐based copolymers, demonstrating that the Tg of the polynorbornene copolymer film can be tailored simply by changing the alkyl group of the monomer to within the range of 352 to 267 °C.

Figure showing the addition polymerization of norbornene using Cp‐Ni complex with appropriate activators.

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Figure showing the addition polymerization of norbornene using Cp‐Ni complex with appropriate activators.
Novel Photo‐Crosslinkable Light‐Emitting Rod/Coil Copolymers: Underlying Facile Material for Fabricating Pixelated Displays
Authors: Qiang Liangliang , Ma Zhun , Zheng Zhe , Yin Rong , Huang Wei
Published: October 2006

Summary: Photo‐crosslinkable PF‐b‐PCEA triblock copolymers have been successfully synthesized by an end‐capped Yamamoto reaction and further atom transfer radical polymerization. The copolymer film on a glass substrate could be selectively photo‐crosslinked using 365 nm UV radiation and a mask with a standard photopattern process. Elaborate and complex pixel structures are easily obtained, which may be applied to fabricate pixelated matrix displays and large area displays in the future. Furthermore, the crosslinked PF‐b‐PCEA film shows better stability under thermal stress and UV irradiation than the homopolymer, which indicates that the block copolymers could have a longer lifetime and stability when they are used in OLED fabrication. The optical properties and conversion of the photo‐responsive group are also investigated by various methods and confirm the photo‐responsive property. The corresponding results show that many other types of photo‐crosslinkable light‐emitting materials can be conveniently and efficiently obtained by this method.

“Fudan university badge” feature obtained by photolithography.

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“Fudan university badge” feature obtained by photolithography.
Synthesis of Water‐Soluble Dendritic Conjugated Polymers for Fluorescent DNA Assays
Authors: Yu Minghui , Tang Yanli , He Fang , Wang Shu , Zheng Dagui , Li Yuliang , Zhu Daoben
Published: October 2006

Summary: Cationic water‐soluble dendritic poly(fluorene)s with positively charged amines on the exterior (PFP‐G0–2) can be prepared by a macromonomer (generation‐by‐generation) approach. The charge densities of PFP‐G0–2 can control their distances to DNA by electrostatic interactions. The PFP‐G2 with higher generation of dendritic side chains possesses a higher charge density, and gives rise to efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to a signaling fluorescein labeled at the terminus of DNA. These new conjugated polymers form less aggregates and yield more efficient FRET in a tetrahydrofuran/H2O mixed solvent as compared to in pure water. The sensitivity of the DNA sensor is improved by utilizing highly dendritic conjugated polymers.

Structure of the dendritic conjugated polymer PFP‐G2.

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Structure of the dendritic conjugated polymer PFP‐G2.
Fixed points of order‐reversing maps in ℝ and chemical equilibrium
Authors: Gnacadja Gilles
Published: October 2006

The problem of computing the equilibrium state of a reversible chemical reaction network has a natural interpretation as a fixed‐point problem. Several authors have used fixed‐point iterations in this context, yet there are no comprehensive investigations into the convergence of the algorithm. We address this void by studying the larger problem of the existence and uniqueness of fixed points, and the convergence of fixed‐point iterations, for order‐reversing maps in ℝ. By using the Thompson metric, we are able to apply fixed‐point theorems based on the Lipschitz condition and obtain upper bounds on judiciously defined approximation errors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling surface orientation and stress at failure of concrete and geological materials
Authors: Schreyer Howard L.
Published: October 2006

In the numerical simulation of failure for structures, crack initiation is normally based on a criterion that provides both the stress and the orientation of the material failure plane. Most constitutive models provide reasonably good criteria for stress, but the predictions of orientation are often at variance with experimental data. If a crack initiates in the wrong direction, it is likely that the direction of propagation will also be in error.

The object of this paper is to describe an anisotropic decohesion function that provides predictions of both stress and failure orientation which are in good agreement with basic features of experimental data. The essential new feature is the addition to the decohesion function of components of stress that are not part of the traction vector on the material failure surface. The result is that a given decohesion surface describes two general regimes of failure. For the first, the normal to the material failure surface is in a direction of principal stress, not necessarily the maximum principal stress. The second involves shear for which there exists two or more solutions for the normal. Typically, the normal vector forms positive and negative angles of equal magnitude with a principal direction of stress and the angle varies continuously with stress. Experimental data for concrete and ice are used as representative examples for isotropic and anisotropic materials, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐solid Two‐phase Mixtures Flowing Upward through a Confined Packed Bed
Authors: He Yurong , Ngoc Cong Thang , Ding Yulong
Published: October 2006

This paper deals with flows of a gas‐solid two‐phase mixture through a confined packed bed. Both experimental work and numerical modelling are performed on the behaviour of suspended particles within the packed bed. The experimental work is carried out with a non‐intrusive Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) technique, which tracks particle motion at the single particle level for a prolonged period thus allows both the microscopic and macroscopic solids behaviour to be analysed under the steady‐state conditions. A continuous based model is used to simulate the flow behaviour. The model uses a newly proposed porosity model and treats the suspended and packed particles as a binary mixture with the packed particles being at zero velocity. The results show that the model captures the main features of solids behaviour in terms of the radial distributions of the suspended particle concentration and the axial solids velocity. Both the experiments and modelling suggest that the wall effect on the motion of suspended particles be limited to a small region close to the wall (∼0.5–1 packed particle diameter). However, deviations exist between the model predictions and experiments; more work is therefore proposed to improve the interaction terms in the model between the suspended and packed particles.