bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and physical properties of the extracellular matrix are required for the actin ring formation in osteoclasts
Authors: Nakamura Ichiro , Takahashi Naoyuki , Sasaki Takahisa , Jimi Eijiro , Kurokawa Takahide , Suda Tatsuo
Published: February 2010

To examine the effect of extracellular matrix on osteoclast polarization, we focused on the actin organization in osteoclasts, using murine osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (OCLs) formed in cocultures of osteoblastic cells and bone marrow cells. When OCLs were cultured on either a plastic plate, calcified dentine, or calcium phosphate thin films in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), they similarly formed ringed structures of F-actin dots (actin rings). However, OCLs placed on demineralized dentine or type I collagen gel matrix (collagen gel) failed to form actin rings. In the absence of FBS, actin ring formation in OCLs was induced on plastic plates coated with vitronectin, fibronectin, or type I collagen, but not on those coated with laminin, poly-L-lysine, or bovine serum albumin. Actin ring formation appeared to depend on integrins, since the GRGDS, but not the GRGES, peptide inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that vacuolar proton ATPase (V-ATPase) was localized along the apical membrane in much higher densities than the basolateral membrane in OCLs placed on plastic coverslips. In OCLs placed on collagen gel, however, V-ATPase was found to be distributed throughout the cytoplasm without polarity. These results suggest that actin ring formation in osteoclasts was dependent on matrix substrates, matrix proteins and integrins, and was closely related to osteoclast function.
Changes in parathyroid hormone receptor binding affinity during egg laying: Implications for calcium homeostasis in chicken
Authors: Yasuoka Tadashi , Kawashima Mitsuo , Takahashi Tetsuya , Iwata Atsushi , Oka Nobumitsu , Tanaka Katuhide
Published: February 2010

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor bindings were examined in the membrane fraction of the calvaria and the kidney of the hen by the use of [125I]PTH-related protein (PTHrP) binding assays. The binding specificity, reversibility, and saturation of the receptor were demonstrated. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) and the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) were obtained by Scatchard analyses. In both calvaria and kidney, Kd and Bmax values decreased at 3 h before oviposition in egg-laying hens, but not in nonlaying hens. Administration of 17β-estradiol or progesterone in vivo caused a decrease in the Kd and Bmax values. Ionized calcium concentrations in the blood plasma showed a decrease at 13 h before oviposition. The results suggest that the PTH receptor binding in the calvaria and the kidney is affected by ovarian steroid hormones and may play a role in maintaining the calcium homeostasis in the egg-laying hen.
Systemically and locally administered growth hormone stimulates bone healing in combination with osteopromotive membranes: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Hedner Ewa , Linde Anders , Nilsson Anders
Published: February 2010

Growth hormone (GH) is known to be of a major importance for longitudinal bone growth, but its local effects on osteogenesis and, thus, regeneration of bone defects are less known. The aim of this investigation was to study whether GH, systemically or locally administered, has any stimulatory effects on local osteogenesis, utilizing standardized, membrane-covered, transosseous defects (5 mm diameter) in mandibles of adult albino rats. The study also addressed the question of whether GH might be a feasible option to further promote bone regeneration and neogenesis in conjunction with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) “osteopromotive” membranes (GORE-TEX®). Human GH (hGH; 0.2, 2, 20, 200 μg/day), bovine GH (bGH; 200 μg/day), prolactin (200 μg/day) or saline was administered systemically by means of mini-osmotic pumps, implanted subcutaneously at the back of the animal. Healing was analyzed after 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Healing was also studied after local administration, just outside the defects, of hGH (0.2, 2, 20 μg/day) via catheters connected to mini-osmotic pumps during 4 weeks. Human GH and bGH stimulated local bone formation compared to saline and prolactin. Bone formation was significantly promoted by systemically administrated hGH, after 3 weeks and at 2 μg/day or higher concentrations. Enhanced bone formation was also found after 4 weeks in animals given 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/day of hGH locally, compared to local administration of saline. The results show that GH exerts a direct, nonliver mediated effect on bone tissue. Moreover, the study suggests that hGH may be used to stimulate bone healing and formation in conjunction with osteopromotive membranes.
Induction chemotherapy in the management of head and neck cancer
Authors: Fury Matthew G. , Shah Jatin P.
Published: February 2010

The strategy of induction chemotherapy prior to planned definitive local therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been studied for over 30 years, and appears to have a role in select clinical situations. Here we review landmark studies regarding induction chemotherapy, both in the pre‐taxane era and in the current taxane era, and we address some of the unresolved questions regarding the role of induction chemotherapy in head and neck cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:292–298. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neoadjuvant strategies for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer
Authors: Hyngstrom John R. , Posner Mitchell C.
Published: February 2010

Patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma have consistently poor survival following surgery with associated high systemic and local‐regional failure rates. Neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies have been employed in an attempt to improve outcome with variable success. Randomized trials of either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy have shown conflicting results regarding survival and local‐regional control. Future efforts should focus on identifying novel agents and targets to improve therapeutic efficacy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:299–304. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neoadjuvant treatment of soft‐tissue sarcoma: A multimodality approach
Authors: Reynoso David , Subbiah Vivek , Trent Jonathan C. , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Lazar Alexander J. , Benjamin Robert , Pollock Raphael E. , Ludwig Joseph A.
Published: February 2010

Unlike epithelial cancers that are both more homogeneous and easily categorized by their respective tissues of origin (e.g., breast or lung cancer), sarcomas represent a diverse class of molecularly distinct bone and soft‐tissue mesenchymal neoplasms of more than 50 subtypes. This diversity, as well as the relative rarity of sarcomas as a whole, has presented challenges in conducting prospective randomized clinical trials to assess the value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for any given subtype. Most clinical trials and meta‐analyses have neglected the phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity differentiating one sarcoma subtype from another in favor of a simplified grouping that ensures timely trial completion. As the success of treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with imatinib demonstrates, a decision to provide neoadjuvant chemotherapy must take into consideration both the subtype being treated and the effect such treatment would be expected to exert upon that subtype. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:327–333. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis and tentative structure elucidation of new anthocyanins in fruit peel of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (meoru) using LC‐MS/MS: Contribution to the overall antioxidant activity
Authors: Choi Jin Young , Lee Soo Jung , Lee Sung Joong , Park Semin , Lee Jung Han , Shim Jae‐Han , El‐Aty A. M. Abd , Jin Jong‐Sung , Jeong Euh‐Duck , Lee Won Sup , Shin Sung Chul
Published: February 2010

The skin of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (meoru) grown wild in the Republic of Korea was analyzed for anthocyanins via HPLC coupled to ESI‐MS/MS in positive ion mode. Chromatographic separation was conducted via RP HPLC using a C18 column, with a 50‐min gradient from 0 to 80% methanol in water containing 0.5% formic acid. A total of 18 anthocyanins were identified. Among them, nine compounds were newly determined by comparing the retention time (tR) and mass fragmentation patterns with those of the previously reported anthocyanins for other grape varieties: malvidin hexose, peonidin 3‐galactoside, malvidin 3‐galactoside, cyanidin, petunidin, petunidin 3‐(6″‐coumaroyl)‐5‐diglucoside, peonidin, malvidin, and malvidin 3‐(6″‐coumaroyl)‐5‐diglucoside. The antioxidant activity of the V. coignetiae Pulliat anthocyanins was determined via 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation assays in a range of concentration from 25 to 500 mg/L. The capacity increased with concentration. The IC50 values, defined as the concentration of sample required to scavenge 50% of free radicals, were calculated as follows: 189.63±11.31 mg/L and 141.29±6.70 mg/L for 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the V. coignetiae Pulliat anthocyanins is substantially higher than that of ascorbic acid and is similar to the effects of the extracts obtained from other grape varieties.
Model for the partition of neutral compounds between n‐heptane and formamide
Authors: Karunasekara Thushara , Poole Colin F.
Published: February 2010

Partition coefficients for 84 varied compounds were determined for n‐heptane–formamide biphasic partition system and used to derive a model for the distribution of neutral compounds between the n‐heptane‐rich and formamide‐rich layers. The partition coefficients, log Kp, were correlated through the solvation parameter model giving log Kp=0.083+0.559E–2.244S–3.250A–1.614B+2.387V with a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.996, standard error of the estimate 0.139, and Fisher statistic 1791. In the model, the solute descriptors are excess molar refraction, E, dipolarity/polarizability, S, overall hydrogen‐bond acidity, A, overall hydrogen‐bond basicity, B, and McGowan's characteristic volume, V. The model is expected to be able to estimate further values of the partition coefficient to about 0.13 log units for the same descriptor space covered by the calibration compounds (E=−0.26–2.29, S=0–1.93, A=0–1.25, B=0.02–1.58, and V=0.78–2.50). The n‐heptane–formamide partition system is shown to have different selectivity to other totally organic biphasic systems and to be suitable for estimating descriptor values for compounds of low water solubility and/or stability.
Preparation and properties of water‐absorbent composites of chloroprene rubber, starch, and sodium acrylate
Authors: Song Shuai‐Shuai , Qi Hong‐Bin , Wu You‐Ping
Published: February 2010

The effects of the amounts of starch, sodium acrylate (NaAA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) on the properties of chloroprene rubber (CR)/starch/NaAA composites prepared by melting method were investigated. The results showed that the addition of starch improved the mechanical properties, but decreased the water‐absorbing capacity of the composite, most likely due to the decrease in the local concentration of the main water‐absorbing material sodium polyacrylate and the increase in crosslinking density of the composite resulting from the reaction between starch and CR. This reaction was verified by the vulcanized curves, DSC curves, and the cut surface morphology. The as‐prepared composite demonstrated higher water‐absorbing capacity, resulting from the incorporation of NaAA. The mechanical properties decreased with increasing the DCP loading, and the water‐absorbing ratio is the maximum at 1.0 phr DCP. The tensile strength of the composite decreased significantly after water immersion, due to the absorbed water acting as a plasticizer. The extracted component from composites after water immersion is mainly sodium polyacrylate according to Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy analysis. The morphology of the composites before and after water immersion was observed by optical transmission microscopy (OTM). The results indicated that the starch exhibits a good dispersion state, and the water‐absorbing capacity results primarily from sodium polyacrylate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and swelling behaviors of hydroxyethyl cellulose‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite superabsorbent composite
Authors: Wang Jinlei , Wang Wenbo , Wang Aiqin
Published: February 2010

In this work, a series of novel hydroxyethyl cellulose‐ g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (HEC‐g‐PAA/APT) superabsorbent composites were prepared through the graft polymerization of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA), and attapulgite (APT) in aqueous solution, and the composites were characterized by means of Fourier‐transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electronmicroscopy. The effects of polymerization variables including concentrations of the initiator and crosslinker and APT content on water absorbency were studied, and the swelling properties in various pH solutions as well as the swelling kinetics in various saline solutions were also systematically evaluated. Results showed that the introduction of 5 wt% APT into HEC‐g‐PAA polymeric network could improve both water absorbency and water absorption rate of the superabsorbent composites. In addition, the superabsorbent composites retained high water absorbency over a wide pH range of 4–10, and the swelling kinetics of the superabsorbent composites in CaCl2 and FeCl3 solutions exhibited a remarkable overshooting phenomenon. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantum criticality and novel phases: A panel discussion
Authors: Coleman Piers
Published: February 2010

In August 2009, physicists gathered in Dresden for a conference on “Quantum Criticality and Novel Phases.” As one part of the meeting, nine panelists hosted an open and free‐wheeling discussion on the topic of the meeting. This article outlines the discussions that took place during this panel‐meeting on the afternoon of August 3, 2009.
Nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone absence or hypoplasia, ductus venosus reversed flow and tricuspid valve regurgitation in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in the early second trimester
Authors: Geipel A. , Willruth A. , Vieten J. , Gembruch U. , Berg C.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To investigate the performance of nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone hypoplasia, reversed flow in the ductus venosus and tricuspid valve regurgitation in the prediction of fetal aneuploidies in the early second trimester.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 870 fetuses at 14 + 0 to 17 + 6 weeks of gestation, performed from 2005 to 2007. In all cases we assessed classical structural anomalies, second‐trimester markers of aneuploidy including nuchal fold thickness and nasal bone length, as well as ductus venosus blood flow pattern and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Results

The study group included 37 fetuses with trisomy 21, eight with trisomy 18 and four with trisomy 13. Nasal bone hypoplasia was the single most sensitive parameter to identify fetuses with trisomy 21. Independent from maternal age, screening by assessment of nuchal fold and nasal bone identified 64.9% of cases with trisomy 21 and 66.7% of cases with trisomy 18/13 (false‐positive rate (FPR), 5.8%). By including ductus venosus and tricuspid flow evaluation, the detection rate increased to 75.7% for trisomy 21 and 83.3% for trisomy 18/13 (FPR, 10.8%). Identification of fetuses with structural abnormalities combined with assessment of all four markers under investigation raised the detection rate of trisomy 21 to 83.9% and that of trisomy 18/13 to 100%. The sensitivity of classical second‐trimester markers was 62.2% for trisomy 21 and 70.6% for other autosomal aneuploidies (FPR, 11.3%).

Conclusion

The combination of assessment of nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone hypoplasia, ductus venosus reversed flow and tricuspid regurgitation in the early second trimester is associated with a higher detection rate of autosomal trisomies compared with classical second‐trimester marker screening. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐utero development of the fetal anal sphincter
Authors: Moon M. H. , Cho J. Y. , Kim J. H. , Min J. Y. , Yang J. H. , Kim M. Y.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To investigate the in‐utero development of the fetal anal sphincter using transabdominal ultrasound.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study in which the diameter of the fetal anal sphincter was measured sonographically once in 631 well‐dated, non‐anomalous fetuses scanned between 19 and 38 weeks of gestation. Visualization rates were determined. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the diameter of the fetal anal sphincter and gestational age (GA), and reference values including the mean and 95% reference interval were calculated for each GA.

Results

The sonographic visualization rate of the fetal anal sphincter increased with gestational age, plateauing at 90–100% between 23–34 weeks of gestation. There was a significant positive relationship between fetal anal sphincter diameter and GA, which was best described by the equation: anal sphincter diameter (mm) = − 0.014× GA2 + 1.107× GA − 11.664 (R2 = 0.62).

Conclusion

We have provided reference values for the in‐utero development of the fetal anal sphincter throughout gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of language acquisition
Authors: de Villiers Peter A. , de Villiers Jill G.
Published: February 2010

This review addresses questions of what should be assessed in language acquisition, and how to do it. The design of a language assessment is crucially connected to its purpose, whether for diagnosis, development of an intervention plan, or for research. Precise profiles of language strengths and weaknesses are required for clear definitions of the phenotypes of particular language and neurodevelopmental disorders. The benefits and costs of formal tests versus language sampling assessments are reviewed. Content validity, theoretically and empirically grounded in child language acquisition, is claimed to be centrally important for appropriate assessment. Without this grounding, links between phenomena can be missed, and interpretations of underlying difficulties can be compromised. Sensitivity and specificity of assessment instruments are often assessed using a gold standard of existing tests and diagnostic practices, but problems arise if that standard is biased against particular groups or dialects. The paper addresses the issues raised by the goal of unbiased assessment of children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, especially speakers of non‐mainstream dialects or bilingual children. A variety of new approaches are discussed for language assessment, including dynamic assessment, experimental tools such as intermodal preferential looking, and training studies that assess generalization. Stress is placed on the need for measures of the process of acquisition rather than just levels of achievement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Palladium(IV) Polyoxomolybdate, K0.75Na3.75[PdMo6O24H3.5]·17H2O
Authors: Angus‐Dunne Sarah , Burns Robert C. , Craig Donald C. , Lawrance Geoffrey A.
Published: February 2010

The first example of a heteropolyoxomolybdate containing palladium(IV) was isolated and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The palladium(IV) hexamolybdate, K0.75Na3.75[PdMo6O24H3.5]·17H2O, was isolated from an aqueous solution at pH 4.5 in the space group P\bar{1}, a 10.790(2), b 12.244(3), c 14.086(3) Å, α 113.77(1), β 90.41(1),γ 107.86(1)°, and the structure was determined using X‐ray diffraction methods, refining to a residual of 0.0301 for 5334 reflections. A formal “[PdMo6O24H3]5–” subunit exhibits the basic Anderson structure, with two [PdMo6O24H3]5– cluster anions in the structure bridged by a hydrogen atom (formally an H+) situated on a center of symmetry to give a “[Pd2Mo12O48H7]9–” dimeric anion. The palladium(IV) atom occupies a slightly distorted octahedral environment, with Pd–O distances ranging from 1.968 to 2.009 Å.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of the New Boride Solid Solutions M0.5Ru6.5B3 (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni)
Authors: Misse Patrick R. N. , Fokwa Boniface P. T.
Published: February 2010

Powder samples and single crystals of the borides M0.5Ru6.5B3 (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni) were synthesized by arc‐melting the elements in a water‐cooled copper crucible under argon. The new phases were structurally characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction as well as EDX‐Analyses. They crystallize in the hexagonal Th7Fe3 structure type (space group P63mc, no. 186, Z = 2) and a pronounced site preferential M/Ru substitution is observed. Magnetic properties of the compounds were investigated and Pauli paramagnetism was observed in all cases. However, a strong temperature dependency is subsequently observed in Mn0.5Ru6.5B3 below 250 K, but no hint of magnetic ordering was found.
Chloride Derivatives of Lanthanide Ortho‐Oxomolybdates:, 3. Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic Studies, and Magnetic Properties of the LnCl[MoO4] Representatives with the Large Lanthanides (Ln = La, Ce, Pr)
Authors: Hartenbach Ingo , Schleid Thomas , Strobel Sabine , Dorhout Peter K.
Published: February 2010

The lanthanide chloride ortho‐oxomolybdates LnCl[MoO4] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr) crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c(a = 1921–1906 pm, b ≈︁ 580 pm, c = 804–789 pm, β ≈︁ 90.04°, Z = 8).In the crystal structure, two crystallographically unique Ln3+ cations are present, both with the same coordination environment of four Cl– and six O2– anions in the shape of a distorted tetracapped trigonal prism. The two distinguishable Cl– anions both display a coordination sphere of three plus one Ln3+ cations, building up distorted tetrahedra. These are fused together via four common edges to form litharge‐analogous
${}^2_\infty\{[\textrm{Cl} \textit{Ln}^e_{4/4}]^{2+}\}$layers (e = edge‐connecting) parallel to the (100) plane. Two crystallographically different oxomolybdate units are also found in the structure, which can be best described as strandsof apically vertex‐shared [MoO5]4– trigonal bipyramids of the formula ${}^1_\infty\{[\textrm{MoO}^\nu_{2/2}\textrm{O}^t_{3/1}}]^{2-}\}$ (v = vertex‐connecting, t = terminal) along [001]. These building blocks, the ${}^2_\infty\{[\textrm{Cl} \textit{Ln}^e_{4/4}]^{2+}\}$ layers and the${}^1_\infty\{[\textrm{MoO}^\nu_{2/2}\textrm{O}^t_{3/1}}]^{2-}\}$ chains are alternately stacked along the a axis. The peculiarity of this structure is expressed by the position of the Mo6+ cations, which are not situated in the center of the bipyramids, but reside offset in their lower or upper trigonal pyramids (≈︁ tetrahedra). The Mo6+ cations with an x / a parameter between 0 and 0.5 can be found within the lower trigonal pyramids of those bipyramids (if viewed along the [001] direction), whereas those with 0.5 < x / a < 1 are located in the upper trigonal pyramid. Therefore, an alternating arrangement of the strands is observed. Due to the special constitution of the Ln3+ cations in distorted litharge‐analogous layers, a special magnetic effect was assumed, but in phase‐pure samples of e.g. CeCl[MoO4] mainly Curie–Weiss behavior could be detected.
Synthesis and Molecular Structures of Tetrasilyl Ethers of Calix[4]arenes
Authors: Strasser Ulf H. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: February 2010

The tetrasilyl ethers calix[4]areneOSiMe2R (R = Me, H, vinyl, allyl) were prepared by salt elimination; the calix[4]arene was deprotonated with sodium hydride and subsequently reacted with chlorosilanes ClSiMe2R. In general, DMF was chosen as solvent in order to steer the reactions in terms of a preference for the cone‐conformation of the products. In the case of calix[4]areneOSiMe3 both, partial‐cone‐ and cone‐conformers, were synthesised. All products were characterised by NMR (1H, 13C, 29Si) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Was There Shortening of the Interval Between Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in Southern Netherlands Between 2005 and 2008?
Authors: van Steenbergen L. N. , Lemmens V. E. P. P. , Rutten H. J. T. , Martijn H. , Coebergh J. W. W.
Published: February 2010

Background

The Dutch Cancer Society proposed that the interval between diagnosis and start of treatment should be less than 15 working days. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the interval from diagnosis to treatment for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) shortened between 2005 and 2008 in hospitals in southern Netherlands.

Methods

Patients with CRC diagnosed in six hospitals in southern Netherlands during January to December in 2005 (n = 445) and January to July in 2008 (n = 353) were included. The time between diagnosis and start of treatment was assessed, and the proportion of patients treated within the recommended time (<15 working days) was calculated.

Results

The time to treatment for colon cancer patients was 13 working days in 2005 and 17 working days in 2008. For rectal cancer patients, the median time to preoperative radiotherapy was 28 working days in 2005 and 30 working days in 2008, and the median time to surgical treatment for rectal cancer patients was 26 working days in 2005 and 18 working days in 2008. Time to treatment did not shorten between 2005 and 2008 for colon and rectal cancer patients, except for rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery as initial treatment in patients aged >70 years and those with stage I disease. Substantial variation was seen among hospitals.

Conclusions

Time to treatment for patients with CRC in southern Netherlands did not shorten between 2005 and 2008. The time to treatment should be reduced to meet the advice of the Dutch Cancer Society.
Assessing Operative Performance in Advanced Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Sarker Sudip K. , Kumar Isis , Delaney Conor
Published: February 2010

Background

Competent technical skills performance in complex operations is vital for satisfactory patient outcome. Assessing these skills is therefore of paramount importance. In this study we aim to develop and validate a new tool that can assess both generic and specific technical skills in advanced complex laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the operating room.

Methods

Hierarchical task analysis was constructed for generic and specific technical skills on three key advanced laparoscopic colorectal operations (right hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, and anterior resection) after expert discussions. Likert scales were then constructed individually for generic and specific technical skills for each operation using hierarchical task analysis for each operation to identify key elements and steps for each operation. Each operation was assessed independently and blindly by two experienced surgeons.

Results

Eighty‐four live real operations performed by six consultants and eight trainees were assessed. Interclass correlation coefficient between the two observers was 0.94 (P ≤ 0.05) for generic technical skills and 0.88 (P ≤ 0.05) for the operation‐specific technical skills. Construct validity for both generic and specific technical skills for consultants and trainees was significant using ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05). All consultants therefore consistently performed better in both generic and specific technical skills compared to their trainees.

Conclusions

This new assessment tool of generic and specific technical skills in advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery is reliable and has face, content, concurrent, and construct validities. The tool has the possibility of being used as a surgical training and appraisal tool.
Effects of inhibiting neonatal methamphetamine‐induced corticosterone release in rats by adrenal autotransplantation on later learning, memory, and plasma corticosterone levels
Authors: Grace Curtis E. , Schaefer Tori L. , Graham Devon L. , Skelton Matthew R. , Williams Michael T. , Vorhees Charles V.
Published: February 2010

Rationale

Neonatal rat methamphetamine (MA) exposure has been shown to cause long‐term behavioral impairments similar to some of those observed following neonatal stress. The mechanism by which MA induces impairments is unknown but may be related to early increases in corticosterone release. We previously developed a method to attenuate MA‐induced corticosterone release using adrenal autotransplantation (ADXA) in neonatal rats. This exposure period corresponds to the second‐half of human pregnancy.

Objective

To determine whether inhibition of neonatal MA‐induced increases in corticosterone attenuates the long‐term behavioral deficits associated with early MA treatment.

Results

ADXA successfully attenuated MA‐induced plasma corticosterone increases by ∼50% during treatment (P11–20) but did not attenuate the long‐term behavioral effects of MA treatment. MA‐treated rats, regardless of surgery, showed increased errors and latencies in the Cincinnati water maze test of egocentric learning and increased latency, path length, and cumulative distance in three phases of Morris water maze spatial learning and reference memory. MA‐treated offspring were hypoactive, had subtle reductions in anxiety in the elevated zero maze but not in the light‐dark test. ADXA had no effect on MA‐induced long‐term 5‐HT reductions in the neostriatum or entorhinal cortex or on 5‐HIAA reductions in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Fifty percent attenuation of neonatal MA‐induced elevations in corticosterone does not alter the long‐term egocentric or allocentric learning deficits or other behavioral effects of neonatal MA exposure. Because the ADXA effect was partial, the data cannot rule out the possibility that a more complete block of MA‐induced corticosterone release might not prevent later cognitive deficits.
Scottish Medieval Parish Churches: the Evidence from the Dioceses of Dunblane and Dunkeld
Authors: Fawcett Richard , Oram Richard , Luxford Julian
Published: February 2010

The great majority of Scottish parish churches owe their present appearance to reconstructions carried out from the later eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. It was the view of the authors of this paper, however, that in many cases those reconstructions had been relatively superficial, and that medieval work might have survived under what could, in some cases, be little more than a modern veneer. To test this view, a survey was carried out of all medieval parish sites within the dioceses of Dunblane and Dunkeld. The findings from that survey are summarized in this paper.
Chiropractic and Christianity: The Power of Pain to Adjust Cultural Alignments
Authors: Brown Candy Gunther
Published: February 2010

Daniel David Palmer (1845–1913) reputedly “discovered” chiropractic in 1895 when he performed the first “adjustment,” using spinal manipulation to restore hearing to an African American janitor named Harvey Lillard. Relegated to the fringes of American medical and religious orthodoxy for most of the twentieth century in part because of its metaphysical philosophy, today chiropractic is mainstream: its offices can be found in strip malls; medical insurance plans cover adjustments; and, in a dramatic readjustment of traditional cultural alignments, conservative Christians embrace chiropractic as a God-given method of pain relief.
Adult nasal glioma presenting with visual loss
Authors: Majithia A , Liyanage S H , Hewitt R , Grant W E
Published: February 2010

Objectives:

We report a rare case of a nasal glioma found incidentally in an adult, presenting with visual loss, optic nerve oedema and proptosis.

Case report:

A 41-year-old woman presented with bilateral proptosis, impairment in visual acuity (6/60 bilaterally) and loss of colour vision. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed proptosis, bilateral optic nerve swelling and a heterogeneous mass occupying the left nasal cavity and extending through a skull base defect into the anterior cranial fossa. Biopsy confirmed a nasal glioma. Treatment with intravenous dexamethasone resolved the proptosis, and the patient's visual acuity recovered to 6/9 bilaterally. At the multidisciplinary team meeting, it was felt that the nasal glioma probably represented an incidental finding and was not directly responsible for the patient's proptosis and transient visual loss.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English language literature of adult nasal glioma presenting with visual loss. The management of nasal gliomas in adults is contentious and the relevant literature is reviewed. This case was managed conservatively with regular follow up.
When “Crack walnuts” lies in different brain regions: Evidence from a voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping study
Authors: PIRAS FABRIZIO , MARANGOLO PAOLA
Published: February 2010

Theories of lexical processing differ as to how multimorphemic words, such as compounds, are mentally processed. The most recent findings seem to support the dual route hypothesis, which assumes that complex words can be stored and retrieved either whole or by decomposition into their constituents. Despite great efforts to investigate the cognitive mechanisms involved in processing complex words, very little is known about how compounds are represented in the brain. The present study was designed to address this issue in a group of 20 left-hemispheric stroke patients who were submitted to four picture-naming tasks involving nouns, verbs, noun-noun (NN) and verb-noun (VN) compounds. To determine the brain lesions implicated in these tasks, we analyzed patients’ performances together with their lesions using Voxel-based Lesion Symptom Mapping (VLSM). Results showed that while NN involved the same temporal areas as nouns, VN (although they belong to the noun category) involved different fronto-temporal regions. This latter finding is discussed within the view that distinct mechanisms process the different constituents of complex words. (JINS, 2010, 16, 433–442.)
Numerical testing of the Rare Earth Hypothesis using Monte Carlo realization techniques
Authors: Forgan Duncan H. , Rice Ken
Published: February 2010

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has thus far failed to provide a convincing detection of intelligent life. In the wake of this null signal, many ‘contact-pessimistic’ hypotheses have been formulated, the most famous of which is the Rare Earth Hypothesis. It postulates that although terrestrial planets may be common, the exact environmental conditions that Earth enjoys are rare, perhaps unique. As a result, simple microbial life may be common, but complex metazoans (and, hence, intelligence) will be rare. In this paper we use Monte Carlo realization techniques to investigate the Rare Earth Hypothesis, in particular the environmental criteria considered imperative to the existence of intelligence on Earth. By comparing with a less restrictive, more optimistic hypothesis, the data indicate that if the Rare Earth hypothesis is correct, intelligent civilization will indeed be relatively rare. Studying the separations of pairs of civilizations shows that most intelligent civilization pairs (ICPs) are unconnected: that is, they will not be able to exchange signals at lightspeed in the limited time that both are extant. However, the few ICPs that are connected are strongly connected, being able to participate in numerous exchanges of signals. This may provide encouragement for SETI researchers: although the Rare Earth Hypothesis is in general a contact-pessimistic hypothesis, it may be a ‘soft’ or ‘exclusive’ hypothesis, i.e. it may contain facets that are latently contact-optimistic.
Vector bundles trivialized by proper morphisms and the fundamental group scheme
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dos Santos João Pedro P.
Published: February 2010

Let X be a smooth projective variety defined over an algebraically closed field k. Nori constructed a category of vector bundles on X, called essentially finite vector bundles, which is reminiscent of the category of representations of the fundamental group (in characteristic zero). In fact, this category is equivalent to the category of representations of a pro-finite group scheme which controls all finite torsors. We show that essentially finite vector bundles coincide with those which become trivial after being pulled back by some proper and surjective morphism to X.
Simulating observed boundary layer clouds on Mars
Authors: Daerden F. , Whiteway J. A. , Davy R. , Verhoeven C. , Komguem L. , Dickinson C. , Taylor P. A. , Larsen N.
Published: February 2010

A microphysical model for Mars dust and ice clouds has been applied in combination with a model of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) for the interpretation of measurements by the LIDAR instrument on the Phoenix Mars mission. The model simulates nighttime clouds and fall streaks within the PBL that are similar in structure to the LIDAR observations. The observed regular daily pattern of water ice cloud formation and precipitation at the top of the PBL is interpreted as a diurnal process in the local water cycle in which precipitation of large ice crystals (30–50 μm effective radius) results in downward transport of water vapor within the PBL. This is followed by strong vertical mixing during daytime, and this cycle is repeated every sol to confine water vapor within the PBL.
Model of sprite luminous trail caused by increasing streamer current
Authors: Liu Ningyu
Published: February 2010

This study investigates a possible physical mechanism responsible for the occurrence of the luminous trail of sprite streamers, which is also known as “afterglow.” According to streamer modeling results, when sprite streamers propagate with expansion, acceleration and brightening, the total current flowing through the streamer body also increases. The increasing current results in the rise of the electric field in the streamer channel far behind the streamer head, which leads to effective production of N2 excited states by electron impact excitation and then the glowing trail.
Isotopic anomaly for carbon ions in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Drentje A. G. , Kitagawa A. , Muramatsu M.
Published: February 2010

In many experiments methods were applied to increase the highly charged ion output from an electron cyclotron resonance ion source; the gas-mixing method is still generally being applied. The dominant role of the masses of the ions in the gas-mixture was apparent. Two basically differing mechanisms could to first order explain most of the observations. A significant mass effect showed up in a mixture of oxygen isotopes, the so-called oxygen anomaly; so far that effect could be explained in zeroth order only. The anomaly was observed later for nitrogen isotopes as well. In the present experiment it is shown that the anomaly also exists for carbon isotopes, where the necessity of feeding the source with carbon-hydrogen compounds brings about an essential different experimental fact.
Study of the vacuum matrix element of products of parafields
Authors: Greenberg O. W. , Mishra A. K.
Published: February 2010

We study the vacuum matrix elements of products of parafields using graphical and combinatorial methods.
The front end test stand high performance H− ion source at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Authors: Faircloth D. C. , Lawrie S. , Letchford A. P. , Gabor C. , Wise P. , Whitehead M. , Wood T. , Westall M. , Findlay D. , Perkins M. , Savage P. J. , Lee D. A. , Pozimski J. K.
Published: February 2010

The aim of the front end test stand (FETS) project is to demonstrate that chopped low energy beams of high quality can be produced. FETS consists of a 60 mA Penning Surface Plasma Ion Source, a three solenoid low energy beam transport, a 3 MeV radio frequency quadrupole, a chopper, and a comprehensive suite of diagnostics. This paper details the design and initial performance of the ion source and the laser profile measurement system. Beam current, profile, and emittance measurements are shown for different operating conditions.
The compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source KeiGM for the carbon ion therapy facility at Gunma University
Authors: Muramatsu M. , Kitagawa A. , Drentje A. G. , Hojo S. , Ueda T. , Miyazaki H. , Yusa K. , Tashiro M. , Torikai K. , Sakama M. , Kanai T. , Yamada S.
Published: February 2010

A high-energy carbon-ion radiotherapy facility is under construction at Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Centre (GHMC). Its design was based on a study of the heavy ion radiotherapy at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) in order to reduce the size and construction cost of the facility. A compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) for Gunma University, called KeiGM, was installed in 2008. It is almost a copy of the prototype ECRIS Kei2 which was developed by NIRS; meanwhile this prototype produced over 1 e mA of C4+ using C2H2 gas (660 W and 40 kV). The beam intensity of C4+ was 600 e μA with CH4 gas (250 W and 30 kV). The beam intensity satisfies the required value of 300 e μA.
Finite element thermal study of the Linac4 plasma generator
Authors: Faircloth D. , Kronberger M. , Küchler D. , Lettry J. , Scrivens R.
Published: February 2010

The temperature distribution and heat flow at equilibrium of the plasma generator of the rf-powered noncesiated Linac4 H− ion source have been studied with a finite element model. It is shown that the equilibrium temperatures obtained in the Linac4 nominal operation mode (100 kW rf power, 2 Hz repetition rate, and 0.4 ms pulse duration) are within material specifications except for the magnet cage, where a redesign may be necessary. To assess the upgrade of the Linac4 source for operation in the high-power operation mode of the Superconducting Proton Linac (SPL), an extrapolation of the heat load toward 100 kW rf power, 50 Hz repetition rate, and 0.4 ms pulse duration has been performed. The results indicate that a significant improvement of the source cooling is required to allow for operation in the high-power mode of SPL.
Gallium ion extraction from a plasma sputter-type ion source
Authors: Vasquez M. , Imakita S. , Kasuya T. , Maeno S. , Wada M.
Published: February 2010

A broad mixed ion beam containing positive ions of gallium (Ga) was produced with a plasma sputter-type ion source. Liquid Ga was suspended on a tungsten reservoir to be sputtered and postionized in argon (Ar) plasma excited by a radio frequency (rf) power at 13.56 MHz. Optical emission spectra from the plasma near the Ga sputtering target had indicated that the release of Ga into plasma increased with increasing negative bias to the sputtering target. The ratio of Ga+ current to Ar+ current was measured to be about 1% with a quadrupole mass analyzer at 100 V extraction voltage for incident rf power as low as 30 W. Ions in the plasma were extracted through a pair of multiaperture electrodes. The homogeneity of Ga flux was examined by making a Ga deposition pattern on a glass substrate located behind the extractor electrodes.
Design study of primary ion provider for relativistic heavy ion collider electron beam ion source
Authors: Kondo K. , Kanesue T. , Tamura J. , Okamura M.
Published: February 2010

Brookhaven National Laboratory has developed the new preinjector system, electron beam ion source (EBIS) for relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Radiation Laboratory. Design of primary ion provider is an essential problem since it is required to supply beams with different ion species to multiple users simultaneously. The laser ion source with a defocused laser can provide a low charge state and low emittance ion beam, and is a candidate for the primary ion source for RHIC-EBIS. We show a suitable design with appropriate drift length and solenoid, which helps to keep sufficient total charge number with longer pulse length. The whole design of primary ion source, as well as optics arrangement, solid targets configuration and heating about target, is presented.
The quadratic Fock functor
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Dhahri Ameur
Published: February 2010

We construct the quadratic analog of the boson Fock functor. While in the first order (linear) case all contractions on the 1-particle space can be second quantized, the semigroup of contractions that admit a quadratic second quantization is much smaller due to the nonlinearity. The encouraging fact is that it contains, as proper subgroups (i.e., the contractions), all the gauge transformations of second kind and all the a.e. invertible maps of Rd into itself leaving the Lebesgue measure quasi-invariant (in particular, all diffeomorphism of Rd). This allows quadratic two-dimensional quantization of gauge theories, of representations of the Witt group (in fact it continuous analog), of the Zamolodchikov hierarchy, and much more. Within this semigroup we characterize the unitary and the isometric elements and we single out a class of natural contractions.
Theoretical analysis of power swapping in quadratic nonlinear medium
Authors: Wang Jian , Sun Qizhen
Published: February 2010

Nonlinear optical effects in quadratic nonlinear mediums for the traditional frequency conversion generally involve two or three incident optical waves and transfer the power of the input signal wavelength to another new generated wavelength. The authors find that bidirectional power swapping can be carried out by proper waveguide length and power arrangement when two signals and two continuous-wave pumps simultaneously take part in the quadratic nonlinear interactions. Theoretical analyses referring to four incident optical waves are presented, taking into account the cascaded sum- and difference-frequency generation in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide. We apply such theory to ultrafast data information swapping and derive analytical solutions clearly indicating the swapping condition. An example of bidirectional ultrafast data information swapping is demonstrated.
On the instability of a quasiequilibrium current sheet and the onset of impulsive bursty reconnection
Authors: Skender Marina , Lapenta Giovanni
Published: February 2010

A two-dimensional reconnecting current sheet is studied numerically in the magnetohydrodynamic approach. Different simulation setups are employed in order to follow the evolution of the formed current sheet in diverse configurations: two types of initial equilibria, Harris and force-free, two types of boundary conditions, periodic and open, with uniform and nonuniform grid set, respectively. All the simulated cases are found to exhibit qualitatively the same behavior in which a current sheet evolves slowly through a series of quasiequilibria; eventually it fragments and enters a phase of fast impulsive bursty reconnection. In order to gain more insight on the nature and characteristics of the instability taking place, physical characteristics of the simulated current sheet are related to its geometrical properties. At the adopted Lundquist number of S=104 and Reynolds number R=104, the ratio of the length to width (aspect ratio) of the formed current sheet is observed to increase slowly in time up to a maximum value at which it fragments. Moreover, additional turbulence applied to the system is shown to exhibit the same qualitative steps, but with the sooner onset of the fragmentation and at smaller aspect ratio.