bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atlantic Climate Variability and Predictability: A CLIVAR Perspective
Authors: Hurrell J. W. , Visbeck M. , Busalacchi A. , Clarke R. A. , Delworth T. L. , Dickson R. R. , Johns W. E. , Koltermann K. P. , Kushnir Y. , Marshall D. , Mauritzen C. , McCartney M. S. , Piola A. , Reason C. , Reverdin G. , Schott F. , Sutton R. , Wainer I. , Wright D.
Published: October 2006

Three interrelated climate phenomena are at the center of the Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR) Atlantic research: tropical Atlantic variability (TAV), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). These phenomena produce a myriad of impacts on society and the environment on seasonal, interannual, and longer time scales through variability manifest as coherent fluctuations in ocean and land temperature, rainfall, and extreme events. Improved understanding of this variability is essential for assessing the likely range of future climate fluctuations and the extent to which they may be predictable, as well as understanding the potential impact of human-induced climate change. CLIVAR is addressing these issues through prioritized and integrated plans for short-term and sustained observations, basin-scale reanalysis, and modeling and theoretical investigations of the coupled Atlantic climate system and its links to remote regions. In this paper, a brief review of the state of understanding of Atlantic climate variability and achievements to date is provided. Considerable discussion is given to future challenges related to building and sustaining observing systems, developing synthesis strategies to support understanding and attribution of observed change, understanding sources of predictability, and developing prediction systems in order to meet the scientific objectives of the CLIVAR Atlantic program.
Do Changes in the Midlatitude Circulation Have Any Impact on the Arctic Surface Air Temperature Trend?
Authors: Graversen R. G.
Published: October 2006

The warming of the near-surface air in the Arctic region has been larger than the global mean surface warming. There is general agreement that the Arctic amplification of the surface air temperature (SAT) trend to a considerable extent is due to local effects such as the retreat of sea ice, especially during the summer months, and earlier melting of snow in the spring season. There is no doubt that these processes are important causes of the Arctic SAT trend. It is less clear, however, whether the trend may also be related to recent changes in the atmospheric midlatitude circulation. This question is the focus of the present paper.

Model experiments have shown that in a warmer climate responding to, for example, a doubling of CO2, the atmospheric northward energy transport (ANET) will increase and cause polar SAT amplification. In the present study, the development of the ANET across 60°N and its linkage to the Arctic SAT have been explored using the ERA-40 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). It is found that during 1979–2001, the ANET has experienced an overall positive but weak trend, which was largest during the period from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. In addition, it is found that the Arctic SAT is sensitive to variability of the ANET across 60°N and hence to variability of the midlatitude circulation: A large ANET is followed by warming of the Arctic where ANET leads by about 5 days. The warming is located primarily north of the Atlantic and Pacific sectors, indicating that baroclinic weather systems developing around the Icelandic and Aleutian lows are important for the energy transport. Furthermore, it is suggested here that a small, but statistically significant, part of the mean Arctic SAT trend is linked to the trend in the ANET.

Another important indicator of the midlatitude circulation is the Arctic Oscillation (AO). Through the 1980s and early 1990s the AO index has shown a positive trend. However, even though a part of the SAT trend can be related to the AO in localized parts of the Arctic area, the mean Arctic SAT trend shows no significant linkage to the AO.
Analysis of Convection and Its Association with African Easterly Waves
Authors: Mekonnen Ademe , Thorncroft Chris D. , Aiyyer Anantha R.
Published: October 2006

The association between convection and African easterly wave (AEW) activity over tropical Africa and the tropical Atlantic during the boreal summer is examined using satellite brightness temperature (TB) and ECMWF reanalysis datasets. Spectral analysis using 18 yr of TB data shows significant variance in the 2–6-day range across most of the region. Within the regions of deep convection, this time scale accounts for about 25%–35% of the total variance.

The 2–6-day convective variance has similar amplitudes over western and eastern Africa, while dynamic measures of AEW activity show stronger amplitudes in the west. This study suggests that weak AEW activity in the east is consistent with initial wave development there and indicates that convection triggered on the western side of the mountains over central and eastern Africa, near Darfur (western Sudan) and Ethiopia, has a role in initiating AEWs westward. The subsequent development and growth of AEWs in West Africa is associated with stronger coherence with convection there.

Results show large year-to-year variability in convection at the 2–6-day time scale, which tends to vary consistently with the mean convection and dynamical measures of AEW activity over West Africa and the Atlantic, but not over central and eastern Africa. The Darfur region is particularly important for providing convective precursors that propagate westward and trigger AEWs downstream. During wet years, convection over eastern Africa (western Ethiopian highlands) can be a significant source of AEW initiation. In addition to being important for precursors of AEWs, the Darfur region is also a source of convection that propagates eastward toward Ethiopia.
Integration of Weather System Variability to Multidecadal Regional Climate Change: The West African Sudan–Sahel Zone, 1951–98
Authors: Bell Michael A. , Lamb Peter J.
Published: October 2006

Since the late 1960s, the West African Sudan–Sahel zone (10°–18°N) has experienced persistent and often severe drought, which is among the most undisputed and largest regional climate changes in the last half-century. Previous documentation of the drought generally has used monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall totals and departures, in a standard “climate” approach that overlooks the underlying weather system variability. Most Sudan–Sahel rainfall occurs during June–September and is delivered by westward-propagating, linear-type, mesoscale convective systems [disturbance lines (DLs)] that typically have much longer north–south (102–103 km) than east–west (10–102 km) dimensions. Here, a large set of daily rainfall data is analyzed to relate DL and regional climate variability on intraseasonal-to-multidecadal time scales for 1951–98. Rain gauge–based indices of DL frequency, size, and intensity are evaluated on a daily basis for four 440-km square “catchments” that extend across most of the West African Sudan–Sahel (18°W–4°E) and are then distilled into 1951–98 time series of 10-day and seasonal frequency/magnitude summary statistics. This approach is validated using Tropical Applications of Meteorology Using Satellite Data (TAMSAT) satellite IR cold cloud duration statistics for the same 1995–98 DLs.

Results obtained for all four catchments are remarkably similar on each time scale. Long-term (1951–98) average DL size/organization increases monotonically from early June to late August and then decreases strongly during September. In contrast, average DL intensity maximizes 10–30 days earlier than DL size/organization and is distributed more symmetrically within the rainy season for all catchments except the westernmost, where DL intensity tracks DL size/organization very closely. Intraseasonal and interannual DL variability is documented using sets of very deficient (8) and much more abundant (7) rainy seasons during 1951–98. The predominant mode of rainfall extremes involves near-season-long suppression or enhancement of the seasonal cycles of DL size/organization and intensity, especially during the late July–late August rainy season peak. Other extreme seasons result solely from peak season anomalies. On the multidecadal scale, the dramatic decline in seasonal rainfall totals from the early 1950s to the mid-1980s is shown to result from pronounced downtrends in DL size/organization and intensity. Surprisingly, this DL shrinking–fragmentation–weakening is not accompanied by increases in catchment rainless days (i.e., total DL absence). Like the seasonal rainfall totals, DL size/organization and intensity increase slightly after the mid-1980s.
Dueling for Equality
Authors: LaVaque-Manty Mika
Published: October 2006

This essay argues that aristocratic values and social practices were deployed in the transition to modernity, where equal dignity replaced positional honor as the ground on which an individual's political status rests. The essay focuses on dueling, one of the most important practices for the maintenance of aristocratic honor, at the moments of transition, primarily in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The author argues that the practice has resources for an egalitarian refashioning. This is because it is a system for the distribution of respect and because it involves social equals. At the same time, it is necessarily masculine, which limits the degree to which it can realize equality. The essay argues that the egalitarian refashioning emerged in part out of eighteenth-century thinkers' own reinterpretation of the practice. The focal theorist in the essay is Immanuel Kant, whose discussion allows us to weave together theoretical discussions of honor with the social practices of dueling.
Financial and operational performance assessment: water/wastewater Egyptian utilities
Authors: Hassanein Amr AG , Khalifa R A
Published: October 2006

The key problem in most of the water and wastewater utilities is the absence of performance assessment tools. This research utilized the calculation of a group of financial and operational indicators for a sample size of 117 public sector utilities located in the USA, Egypt and developing countries. These indicators are then used to depict the performance of the Egyptian utilities as compared to the sampled utilities.

Practical application: The results furnished by the group of the indicators included in the study relay the performance of the Egyptian utilities in comparison to the USA utilities and utilities in developing countries. The results also indicated the resemblance in some performance aspects between the water and water/wastewater utilities in Egypt and the remaining developing countries studied. On the face of it, a significant gap was noticed in most of the results between Egypt and the USA. As an example, the return on sales of Alexandria Water General Authority (AWGA) was less than that of the USA water utilities by 60%. Furthermore, the average tariff charged in the USA was higher than those charged in Egypt by 95% while the tariff charged across the developing countries exceeded the Egyptian tariff by 66%.
Analyses and algorithms for new Test Reference Years and Design Summer Years for the UK
Authors: Levermore G J , Parkinson J B
Published: October 2006

With the increasing use of simulation for building design, test reference years (TRYs) are required for energy analyses and design summer years (DSYs) for assessing natural ventilation in the summer. Previously TRYs and DSYs only existed for three sites in the UK. Also the data was derived from weather data up to 1995. More sites were required and also updated data, as a number of warm years had occurred after 1995. The opportunity was also taken to improve the derivation of the TRY using just the Finkelstein-Schafer statistic and also to improve the algorithm for smoothing between months. New programs had to be written for filling missing values in the lower-quality raw data. This paper describes these programmes, the quality assurance procedures and analyses the years produced. A comparison is made between the 14 sites demonstrating the link between dry bulb temperature, solar radiation and latitude.
Orientation Dependence of Nonlinearity and Hysteresis in PZN-4.5%PT Single Crystals I: Unipolar Response
Authors: Liu Tieqi , Lynch Christopher S.
Published: October 2006

Relaxor ferroelectric crystals exhibit excellent electromechanical properties as well as strong anisotropy. In this study, compressive stress and electric field are applied to relaxor single crystals [Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.955–[PbTiO3]0.045 (PZN-4.5%PT) in a series of crystal orientations between h001i and h111i, and the corresponding strain and electric displacement are measured. It is found that as the angle of the orientation cut is rotated from h001i to h111i, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 drops and hysteresis loss increases dramatically. The piezoelectric coefficients, remnant strain, and remnant electric displacement are modeled using a volume averaging of crystal variant volume fractions.
Application of CFD in the Design and Analysis of a Piezoelectric Hydraulic Pump
Authors: John Shaju , Cadou Christopher , Yoo Jin-Hyeong , Wereley Norman M.
Published: October 2006

The ability of smart materials to deliver large block forces in a small package while operating at high frequencies makes them extremely attractive for converting electrical power into mechanical power. This has led to the development of hybrid actuators consisting of co-located smart material actuated pumps and hydraulic cylinders. The overall success of the hybrid concept hinges on the effectiveness of the coupling between the smart material and the fluid. This study presents the results of two and three-dimensional (3D) simulations of fluid flow in a prototype hybrid actuator being developed for aerospace applications. The steady simulations show that losses in the device result primarily from three-dimensional effects like radial acceleration of the fluid in the pumping chamber, and the formation of vortex ring structures that block the flow. The effects of varying design parameters like pumping chamber height, discharge tube location, and discharge tube chamfer are explored and are found to have significant impacts on performance. Analytical expressions for the scaling of pressure losses with driving frequency are presented.
Impedance-based Health Monitoring for Aeronautic Structures using Statistical Meta-modeling
Authors: De Moura Jose Dos Reis Vieira , Steffen Valder
Published: October 2006

In this work, techniques of impedance-based structural health monitoring are applied to aeronautical structures using statistical meta-modeling methods. First, a procedure is developed to find the best test conditions through factorial designs. Also, Taguchi robustness techniques are used to reduce noise influence in damage detection processes. Further, based on meta-models, a procedure is developed for damage identification and characterization, as applied to a vertical fin of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Structural changes are obtained by using localized adding masses at several determined points along the structure. Finally, by using two meta-models, namely a probabilistic neural network model and a surface response model, it is possible to identify as well as to characterize damage in the structure.
Trauma injuries sustained by female footballers
Authors: Bennett Philippa , Fawcett Louise
Published: October 2006

Soccer is becoming the leading sport for women worldwide with 21 million females registered with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is now the top female sport in England with 131 678 registered players and 9600 registered clubs. Several studies have looked at the injury rates amongst female players. Some injuries have been highlighted as more common in women. This article looks at the epidemiology of injuries in women's soccer and in particular anterior cruciate ligament injuries, ankle injuries and concussion. It will discuss the diagnosis and management needed for these injuries in female soccer players. With this increasing popularity, clinicians will see more female players sustaining trauma through playing soccer. Early and appropriate management of these injuries is essential if women are to continue to enjoy soccer at a recreational level and succeed at a competitive level, perhaps with a podium finish in 2012.
Asian Conflicts and the Iraq War
Authors: Lee Seow Ting , Maslog Crispin C. , Kim Hun Shik
Published: October 2006

This study examines the news coverage of the Iraq War and Asian conflicts by eight newspapers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines to compare the framing of two different levels of conflicts – international and local. Based on Galtung's war/peace journalism framework, a content analysis of 1558 stories on the Iraq War and the Asian conflicts involving Pakistan and India's tussle over Kashmir, the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, the Muslim separatist movement in the southern Philippine province of Mindanao and the Aceh and Maluku civil wars in Indonesia showed that the Asian newspapers used a war journalism frame in covering local conflicts but deployed a peace journalism frame in covering the Iraq War. Hard news stories were dominated by war journalism framing, while features and opinion pieces were dominated by peace journalism framing. Foreign-sourced stories from wire services contained more war journalism frames and fewer peace journalism frames than locally produced stories written by the newspapers' own correspondents.
Bronchogenic glomangiomyoma with local intravenous infiltration
Authors: Katabami M. , Okamoto K. , Ito K. , Kimura K. , Kaji H.
Published: October 2006

Most glomus tumours occur in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Lung glomus tumours are quite rare.

The current authors present the first reported case of a lung-derived glomangiomyoma, the rarest variant of glomus tumour.

A 56-yr-old female was admitted with haemoptysis. Chest computed tomography showed an ∼5-cm-diameter mass in the right lower lobe with mucoid impaction. After a right lower lobectomy, a diagnosis of glomangiomyoma was made.

The tumour had grown endobronchially and its maximal diameter was 5.5 cm. Although cytologically benign, glomus tumour cells had visibly infiltrated neighbouring vessels. These results suggest that a bronchogenic glomangiomyoma has a low-grade malignancy potential and warrants close follow-up.
Anticoagulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Johnson S. R. , Mehta S. , Granton J. T.
Published: October 2006

Thrombotic arteriopathy has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the role of anticoagulants in the treatment of PAH is uncertain. Through a qualitative systematic review of epidemiological studies, the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy with warfarin on survival was evaluated in patients with PAH.

MEDLINE (1966 to November 2005), EMBASE (1966 to November 2005), bibliographies of included studies and published reviews were searched without language restriction. Epidemiological studies evaluating the effectiveness of warfarin in PAH were included. Studies had to report mortality as an outcome.

Seven observational studies evaluating the effectiveness of warfarin comprising 488 patients were identified. Five studies support the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy, whereas two do not.

Data from observational studies suggest that anticoagulation therapy may be an effective intervention in pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, given the methodological limitations and the small number of existing observational studies, a randomised controlled trial is needed in order to definitively address this important clinical issue.
Similar Efficacy for Ovarian Ablation Compared With Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil: From a Randomized Comparison of Premenopausal Patients With Node-Positive, Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Ejlertsen Bent , Mouridsen Henning T. , Jensen Maj-Britt , Bengtsson Nils-Olof , Bergh Jonas , Cold Soren , Edlund Per , Ewertz Marianne , de Graaf Peter W. , Kamby Claus , Nielsen Dorte L.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of ovarian ablation versus chemotherapy in early breast cancer patients with hormone receptor–positive disease.

Patients and Methods

We conducted an open, randomized, multicenter trial including premenopausal breast cancer patients with hormone receptor–positive tumors and either axillary lymph node metastases or tumors with a size of 5 cm or more. Patients were randomly assigned to ovarian ablation by irradiation or to nine courses of chemotherapy with intravenous cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) administered every 3 weeks.

Results

Between 1990 and May 1998, 762 patients were randomly assigned, and the present analysis is based on 358 first events. After a median follow-up time of 8.5 years, the unadjusted hazard ratio for disease-free survival in the ovarian ablation group compared with the CMF group was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.81 to 1.22). After a median follow-up time of 10.5 years, overall survival (OS) was similar in the two groups, with a hazard ratio of 1.11 (95% CI, 0.88 to 1.42) for the ovarian ablation group compared with the CMF group.

Conclusion

In this study, ablation of ovarian function in premenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer had a similar effect to CMF on disease-free and OS. No significant interactions were demonstrated between treatment modality and hormone receptor content, age, or any of the well-known prognostic factors.
Prospective Study of Urinary Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Cai Qiuyin , Gao Yu-Tang , Chow Wong-Ho , Shu Xiao-Ou , Yang Gong , Ji Bu-Tian , Wen Wanqing , Rothman Nathaniel , Li Hong-Lan , Morrow Jason D. , Zheng Wei
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been shown to play a major role in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. However, no human study has directly investigated whether biomarkers of COX-2 overexpression may predict colorectal cancer risk. We evaluated the association of urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGE-M) levels and colorectal cancer risk

Methods

A nested case-control study was conducted within the Shanghai Women's Health Study, in which 74,942 Chinese women ages 40 to 70 years were recruited from 1997 to 2000. Urinary PGE-M in 150 cohort members who developed colorectal cancer during the follow-up were compared with 150 matched controls.

Results

The baseline level of urinary PGE-M was more than 50% higher in cases than in controls. The relative risks (RRs) of developing colorectal cancer were elevated from 1.0 to 2.5 (95% CI, 1.1 to 5.8), 4.5 (95% CI, 1.9 to 10.9), and 5.6 (95% CI, 2.4 to 13.5) with increasing quartiles of urinary PGE-M levels (P for trend < .001). The positive association was observed for both colon cancer (RR = 4.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 14.7 for the highest v lowest quartile; P for trend = .009) and rectal cancer (RR = 7.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 30.7; P for trend = .048), and for colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in the first 30 months (RR = 7.6; 95% CI, 1.8 to 32.0; P for trend = .035) and subsequent months (RR = 4.4, 95% CI, 1.5 to 13.3; P for trend = .012) of follow-up.

Conclusion

Given its strong association with colorectal cancer risk, urinary PGE-M may be a promising biomarker for risk assessment of this common malignancy.
Multicenter Randomized Trial of Adjuvant Fluorouracil and Folinic Acid Compared With Surgery Alone After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases: FFCD ACHBTH AURC 9002 Trial
Authors: Portier Guillaume , Elias Dominique , Bouche Olivier , Rougier Philippe , Bosset Jean-François , Saric Jean , Belghiti Jacques , Piedbois Pascal , Guimbaud Rosine , Nordlinger Bernard , Bugat Roland , Lazorthes Franck , Bedenne Laurent
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Complete resection of liver metastases of colorectal origin is the only potentially curative treatment. In order to decrease recurrences, the use of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy after liver resection is controversial because no randomized study demonstrated its benefit.

Patients and Methods

In a multicenter trial, we randomly assigned 173 patients with completely resected (R0) hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer to surgery alone and observation (87 patients) or to surgery followed by 6 months of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy with a fluorouracil and folinic acid monthly regimen (86 patients). The main outcome criterion was disease-free survival. Secondary outcome measures were overall survival and treatment-related toxicity.

Results

The intention-to-treat analysis was based on 171 patients, after a median follow-up of 87 months (SE = 5.8). The 5-year disease-free survival rate, after adjustment for major prognostic factors, was 33.5% for patients in the chemotherapy group and 26.7% for patients in the control group (Cox multivariate analysis: odds ratio for recurrence or death = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.96; P = .028). With regard to secondary outcome measures, a trend towards increased overall survival was observed but did not reach statistical significance (5-year overall survival: chemotherapy group, 51.1% v control group, 41.1%; odds ratio for death, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.10; P = .13).

Conclusion

Despite a suboptimal regimen, which was the standard at the beginning of the study, adjuvant intravenous systemic chemotherapy provided a significant disease-free survival benefit for patients with resected liver metastases from colorectal cancer.
Phase III Study of Docetaxel and Cisplatin Plus Fluorouracil Compared With Cisplatin and Fluorouracil As First-Line Therapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Report of the V325 Study Group
Authors: Van Cutsem Eric , Moiseyenko Vladimir M. , Tjulandin Sergei , Majlis Alejandro , Constenla Manuel , Boni Corrado , Rodrigues Adriano , Fodor Miguel , Chao Yee , Voznyi Edouard , Risse Marie-Laure , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

In the randomized, multinational phase II/III trial (V325) of untreated advanced gastric cancer patients, the phase II part selected docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (DCF) over docetaxel and cisplatin for comparison against cisplatin and fluorouracil (CF; reference regimen) in the phase III part.

Patients and Methods

Advanced gastric cancer patients were randomly assigned to docetaxel 75 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (day 1) plus fluorouracil 750 mg/m2/d (days 1 to 5) every 3 weeks or cisplatin 100 mg/m2 (day 1) plus fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m2/d (days 1 to 5) every 4 weeks. The primary end point was time-to-progression (TTP).

Results

In 445 randomly assigned and treated patients (DCF = 221; CF = 224), TTP was longer with DCF versus CF (32% risk reduction; log-rank P < .001). Overall survival was longer with DCF versus CF (23% risk reduction; log-rank P = .02). Two-year survival rate was 18% with DCF and 9% with CF. Overall response rate was higher with DCF (χ2 P = .01). Grade 3 to 4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 69% (DCF) v 59% (CF) of patients. Frequent grade 3 to 4 toxicities for DCF v CF were: neutropenia (82% v 57%), stomatitis (21% v 27%), diarrhea (19% v 8%), lethargy (19% v 14%). Complicated neutropenia was more frequent with DCF than CF (29% v 12%).

Conclusion

Adding docetaxel to CF significantly improved TTP, survival, and response rate in gastric cancer patients, but resulted in some increase in toxicity. Incorporation of docetaxel, as in DCF or with other active drug(s), is a new therapy option for patients with untreated advanced gastric cancer.
Impact of Prediagnosis Smoking, Alcohol, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance on Survival in Male Cancer Patients: National Health Insurance Corporation Study
Authors: Park Sang Min , Lim Min Kyung , Shin Soon Ae , Yun Young Ho
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Although many studies have demonstrated that smoking, alcohol, obesity, and insulin resistance are risk factors for cancer, the role of those factors on cancer survival has been less studied.

Patients and Methods

The study participants were 14,578 men with a first cancer derived from a cohort of 901,979 male government employees and teachers who participated in a national health examination program in 1996. We obtained mortality data for those years from the Korean Statistical Office. We used a standard Poisson regression model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for survival in relation to smoking, alcohol, obesity, and insulin resistance before diagnosis.

Results

Poor survival of all cancer combined (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.33), cancer of the lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.82), and cancer of the liver (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.53) were significantly associated with smoking. Compared with the nondrinker, heavy drinkers had worse outcomes for head and neck (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.79) and liver (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.41) cancer, with dose-dependent relationships. Patients with a fasting serum glucose level above 126 mg/dL had a higher mortality rate for stomach (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.84) and lung (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.87) cancer. Higher body mass index was significantly associated with longer survival in head and neck (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.74) and esophagus (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.68) cancer.

Conclusion

Prediagnosis risk factors for cancer development (smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and insulin resistance) had a statistically significant effect on survival among male cancer patients.
Ptf1a determines horizontal and amacrine cell fates during mouse retinal development
Authors: Fujitani Yoshio , Fujitani Shuko , Luo Huijun , Qiu Feng , Burlison Jared , Long Qiaoming , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Edlund Helena , MacDonald Raymond J. , Furukawa Takahisa , Fujikado Takashi , Magnuson Mark A. , Xiang Mengqing , Wright Christopher V. E.
Published: October 2006

The vertebrate neural retina comprises six classes of neurons and one class of glial cells, all derived from a population of multipotent progenitors. There is little information on the molecular mechanisms governing the specification of cell type identity from multipotent progenitors in the developing retina. We report that Ptf1a, a basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH)transcription factor, is transiently expressed by post-mitotic precursors in the developing mouse retina. Recombination-based lineage tracing analysis in vivo revealed that Ptf1a expression marks retinal precursors with competence to exclusively produce horizontal and amacrine neurons. Inactivation of Ptf1a leads to a fate-switch in these precursors that causes them to adopt a ganglion cell fate. This mis-specification of neurons results in a complete loss of horizontal cells, a profound decrease of amacrine cells and an increase in ganglion cells. Furthermore, we identify Ptf1a as a primary downstream target for Foxn4, a forkhead transcription factor involved in the genesis of horizontal and amacrine neurons. These data, together with the previous findings on Foxn4, provide a model in which the Foxn4-Ptf1a pathway plays a central role in directing the differentiation of retinal progenitors towards horizontal and amacrine cell fates.
N-glycan processing in ER quality control
Authors: Ruddock Lloyd W. , Molinari Maurizio
Published: October 2006

Glycosylation of asparagine residues in Asn-x-Ser/Thr motifs is a common covalent modification of proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). By substantially contributing to the overall hydrophilicity of the polypeptide, pre-assembled core glycans inhibit possible aggregation caused by the inevitable exposure of hydrophobic patches on the as yet unstructured chains. Thereafter, N-glycans are modified by ER-resident enzymes glucosidase I (GI), glucosidase II (GII), UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGT) and mannosidase(s) and become functional appendices that determine the fate of the associated polypeptide. Recent work has improved our understanding of how the removal of terminal glucose residues from N-glycans allows newly synthesized proteins to access the calnexin chaperone system; how substrate retention in this specialized chaperone system is regulated by de-/re-glucosylation cycles catalyzed by GII and UGT1; and how acceleration of N-glycan dismantling upon induction of EDEM variants promotes ER-associated degradation (ERAD) under conditions of ER stress. In particular, characterization of cells lacking certain ER chaperones has revealed important new information on the mechanisms regulating protein folding and quality control. Tight regulation of N-glycan modifications is crucial to maintain protein quality control, to ensure the synthesis of functional polypeptides and to avoid constipation of the ER with folding-defective polypeptides.
Trans-glycosylation through the Reduction of C-1 Position of Sialic Acid
Authors: Kikkawa Muneyoshi , Yoshino Teruo
Published: October 2006

Rapid and α-selective trans-glycosylation of C-1 sialoside alcohol with solvent alcohol was found, because 2-p-methoxyphenoxy group has good leaving-group properties. The kinetic studies by 1H and 2H NMR showed that the process was a single reaction, and proved the existence of intermediate epoxide to govern the α-selectivity.
Hydration of α-Pinene in a Triphasic System Consisting of α-Pinene, Water, and Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40–SiO2 Composite
Authors: Horita Naoto , Kamiya Yuichi , Okuhara Toshio
Published: October 2006

Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40–SiO2 composite combined with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane exhibited greater activity and selectivity for hydration of α-pinene at 333 K in a triphasic system (α-pinene/water/solid acid) compared to previously reported water-tolerant catalysts such as zeolites, polymer-resins (Amberlyst 15 and Nafion-H), oxides, and liquid acids such as H3PW12O40 and H2SO4. The selectivity toward alcohols, including mono- and dialcohols, was approximately 80% over Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40–SiO2 composite.
The Thermodynamic Studies of the Molecular Interactions of Tetracyanoethylene with Free Base meso-Tetraarylporphyrins
Authors: Zabardasti Abedien , Mirzaeian Mohammam
Published: October 2006

The interactions of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) with 4-substituted meso-tetraphenylporphyrins (H2T(4-X)PP) results adducts of composition 2:1 of TCNE to H2T(4-X)PP, [(TCNE)2H2T(4-X)PP)]. Formation constants, K, as well as other thermodynamic parameters, ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° of adducts were determined by UV–vis titration method. Adducts have positive values of ΔS° and ΔH°. These interactions are favorable with considerable negative values of ΔG°. Adducts stabilities are in the order: H2T(4-OCH3)PP > H2T(4-CH3)PP > H2TPP > H2T(4-Cl)PP.
Cochlear histopathology in the labyeinthectomized ear: Implications for cochleae implantation
Authors: Chen Douglas A. , Linthicum Fred H. , Rizer Franklin M.
Published: October 2006

Limited damage to the cochlea and preservation of hearing after labyrinthectomy have been the subject of many case reports. One might hypothesize that, even when hearing is lost, there may be less damage to the cochlea than anticipated, and some neural elements that can be electrically stimulated may be preserved. Four labyrinthectomized temporal bones on file at the House Ear Institute were evaluated histopathologically. All had some remaining spiral ganglion cell population, the neural element that we think is stimulated by the intracochlear electrode. We also examined the population of hair cells and dendrites and the presence and extent of cochlear ossification, factors that may influence the performance of a cochlear implant. This is the first study of its type. Results indicate that cochlear implantation in the labyrinthectomized ear may be feasible.
In vitro effectiveness of 13 agents in otomycosis and review of the literature
Authors: Stern Jordan C. , Lucente Frank E. , Shah Mahendra K.
Published: October 2006

Many agents have been recommended for treating otomycosis, but no preparation has been widely accepted. To compare the effectiveness of many recommended preparations, we performed an in vitro study using 15 species of fungi and yeast cultured from patients presenting with otomycosis during the past year. By measuring zones of inhibition, we assessed the effectiveness of aqueous Merthiolate®, Burow's solution (2%), VoSol® HC, VoSol® plain, Cortisporin® suspension, clotrimazole 1%, Mycostatin®, amphotericin B, ethanol 95%, miconazole, tolnaftate 1%, natamycin, and flucytosine.

Most otic preparations showed little or no growth inhibition. However, Merthiolate® was very effective against all organisms tested, clotrimazole was very effective against most yeast and fungi tested, and nystatin had the widest spectrum of activity among the antifungals. Tolnaftate was ineffective. Vigorous cleaning of the external auditory canal remains the mainstay in treating otymycosis, but proper laboratory identification and suitable topical therapy are also important in dealing with this capricious infection.
Long‐term effects of destruction of the endolymphatic sac in a primate species
Authors: Swart Johannes G. , Schuknecht Harold F.
Published: October 2006

The endolymphatic sacs of ten vervet monkeys were surgically ablated unilaterally, and the animals were assigned predetermined survival times ranging from G months to 5 years. The left and right ears were prepared in anatomical continuity for light microscopic study. Four experimental ears had openings in their membranous labyrinths of unknown etiology and were not considered acceptable for correlative studies. The remaining five experimental ears showed mild cochlear endolymphatic hydrops, which was localized to the apical regions or was more severe in the apical regions than elsewhere. Four ears also showed saccular endolymphatic hydrops. The sensory and neural structures in both experimental and control ears were normal, and none of the control ears showed endolymphatic hydrops. None of the animals developed severe endolymphatic hydrops or the cochleovestibular symptoms that occur in human subjects with Meniere's disease. The results of this experiment indicate that dysfunction of the endolymphatic sac may be a contributing factor, but probably is not the sole cause of Meniere's disease.
Intact canal wall tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Kinney Sam E.
Published: October 2006

One hundred four ears operated for cholesteatoma using the intact wall technique were studied in 1981. In the 1981 study, there was a 7% recurrence rate in adults and a 25% recurrence rate in children after a 5‐year follow‐up. Recognizing that chronic otitis media is often not controlled by surgery, long‐term follow‐up is necessary to evaluate a particular operative approach to control the disease and restore function.

The purpose of this study is to reexamine the series of patients studied in 1981 and evaluate the status of the ear, as well as long‐term functional results.
Correlates of vestibular evaluation results during the first year of life
Authors: Brookhouser Patrick E. , Cyr David G. , Peters Jo E. , Schulte Laura E.
Published: October 2006

Prenatal and perinatal correlates of abnormal auditory brainstem responses in neonates have been studied extensively. In contrast, vestibular function during the first year of life has received sparse attention. Using a specially modified vestibular test battery, 65 infants (17 low‐risk, 48 high‐risk) were initially evaluated during their first 6 months of life. Results revealed normal vestibular function in 46 infants (13 low‐risk, 33 high‐risk) and abnormal findings at either 3 or 6 months in 19 infants (4 low‐risk, 15 high‐risk). Correlations between vestibular results and variables such as auditory brainstem response results, birth history, and postnatal course in the neonatal intensive care unit were analyzed statistically. While some differences were mildly significant, none were highly significant. The lack of significant correlation between abnormal auditory brainstem response and vestibular results is of particular interest.
Pulsatile tinnitus: Recent advances in diagnosis
Authors: Sismanis Aristides , Smoker Wendy R. K.
Published: October 2006

Pulsatilea tinnitus can often be a diagnostic problem. This communication reports the authors' experience on 100 patients with pulsatile tinnitus and describes a practical and effective diagnostic approach. Better understanding of the various etiologies of pulsatile tinnitus, coupled with the introduction of magnetic resonance angiography, in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging, have made a major impact on the evaluation of this symptom in recent years. Cerebral angiography, previously performed on the majority of patients, is presently indicated in selected cases only. Intracranial hypertension, glomus tumors, and carotid atherosclerosis were the most common diagnoses made in our patients.
The contralateral slip
Authors: MacLean J. G. B. , Reddy S. K.
Published: October 2006

Between July 1994 and June 2004, 60 patients with 76 slipped upper femoral epiphyses were managed within the adult trauma service of three hospitals. Treatment was by a single cannulated screw.

Of these cases, 53 were unilateral, in 17 of which uncomplicated prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip was performed. Of the other 36 cases, nine presented with a subsequent slip despite ongoing out-patient care. The subsequent slip was unpredictable in timing and unrelated to the age at the initial slip. It was more often unstable and in one case avascular necrosis developed. The overall rate of avascular necrosis, although in accordance with the literature, was 60% in acute unstable slips with a slip angle greater than 40°.

In our experience, prophylactic fixation was safer than continued observation of the contralateral hip.
Very low-dose computed tomography for planning and outcome measurement in knee replacement
Authors: Henckel J. , Richards R. , Lozhkin K. , Harris S. , Baena F. M. Rodriguez y , Barrett A. R. W. , Cobb J. P.
Published: October 2006

Surgeons need to be able to measure angles and distances in three dimensions in the planning and assessment of knee replacement. Computed tomography (CT) offers the accuracy needed but involves greater radiation exposure to patients than traditional long-leg standing radiographs, which give very little information outside the plane of the image.

There is considerable variation in CT radiation doses between research centres, scanning protocols and individual scanners, and ethics committees are rightly demanding more consistency in this area.

By refining the CT scanning protocol we have reduced the effective radiation dose received by the patient down to the equivalent of one long-leg standing radiograph. Because of this, it will be more acceptable to obtain the three-dimensional data set produced by CT scanning. Surgeons will be able to document the impact of implant position on outcome with greater precision.
Accurate scaling of digital radiographs of the pelvis
Authors: Wimsey S. , Pickard R. , Shaw G.
Published: October 2006

Magnification of anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis is variable. To improve the accuracy of templating, reliable and radiographer-friendly methods of scaling are necessary. We assessed two methods of scaling digital radiographs of the pelvis: placing a coin of known diameter in the plane of interest between the patient’s thighs, and using a caliper to measure the bony width of the pelvis. A total of 39 patients who had recently undergone hemiarthroplasty of the hip or total hip replacement were enrolled in the study. The accuracy of the methods was assessed by comparing the actual diameter of the head of the prosthesis with the measured on-screen value. The coin method was within a mean of 1.12% (0% to 2.38%) of the actual measurement, the caliper group within 6.99% (0% to 16.67%). The coin method was significantly more accurate (p < 0.001). It was also reliable and radiographer friendly. We recommend it as the method of choice for scaling radiographs of the pelvis before hip surgery.
Quadriceps sparing total knee replacement
Authors: Chen A. F. , Alan R. K. , Redziniak D. E. , Tria A. J.
Published: October 2006

The aim of this study was to compare the results in patients having a quadriceps sparing total knee replacement (TKR) with those undergoing a standard TKR at a minimum follow-up of two years.

All patients who had a TKR with a high-flex posterior-stabilised prosthesis prior to December 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 57 patients available for follow-up. Those with a quadriceps sparing TKR had less pain peri-operatively with a greater degree of flexion at all the post-operative visits and at the final follow-up, but their operations took longer, with less accurate radiological alignment. There was no difference in the complications and in the Knee Society scores between the two groups at the final follow-up.

Total knee replacement through a quadriceps sparing approach has some peri-operative advantages over the standard incision. At a minimum follow-up of two years the clinical results were similar to those with a standard incision, but the radiological outcomes of the quadriceps sparing group were inferior.
Changes in bone mineral density in transient osteoporosis of the hip
Authors: Niimi R. , Sudo A. , Hasegawa M. , Fukuda A. , Uchida A.
Published: October 2006

Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a disorder characterised by pain, and associated with temporary osteopaenia. Although osteopaenia is the essence of the condition, data do not exist about the local bone density of the femoral neck if no medication is administered. We describe three patients who were treated with limitation of weight-bearing only. Repeated bone mineral density measurements were obtained, and that at the femoral neck was lowest two months after the onset of the condition. The mean reduction in bone mineral density when compared with an age-matched control group was 13% (3% to 24%). Spontaneous recovery was observed in all patients.
Traumatic occipitocervical disruption: a new technique for stabilisation
Authors: Anderson A. J. , Towns G. M. , Chiverton N.
Published: October 2006

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in adults is usually fatal and survival without neurological deficit is rare. The surgical management of those who do survive is difficult and controversial. Most authorities recommend posterior occipitoaxial fusion, but this compromises cervical rotation. We describe a case in which a patient with a traumatic atlanto-occipital disruption but no neurological deficit was treated by atlanto-occipital fusion using a new technique consisting of cancellous bone autografting supported by an occipital plate linked by rods to lateral mass screws in the atlas. The technique is described in detail. At one year the neck was stable, radiological fusion had been achieved, and atlantoaxial rotation preserved.

The rationale behind this approach is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. We recommend the technique for injuries of this type.
A symptomatic coracoclavicular joint
Authors: Cheung T. F. S. , Boerboom A. L. , Wolf R. F. E. , Diercks R. L.
Published: October 2006

Bilateral coracoclavicular joints were found in a 44-year-old male patient following a fall. He had an Indonesian mother and a Dutch father. Prior to the injury he was asymptomatic and had full range of movement in both shoulders but the trauma resulted in pain and limitation of movement in the left shoulder which required resection of the anomalous joint, after which full pain-free movement was restored.