bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The current status of follow‐up services for childhood cancer survivors, are we meeting goals and expectations: A report from the consortium for New England childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Kenney Lisa B. , Bradeen Heather , Kadan‐Lottick Nina S. , Diller Lisa , Homans Alan , Schwartz Cindy L.
Published: January 2011

Background

National guidelines for follow‐up care of childhood cancer survivors have been established. It has not been determined if pediatric oncology programs have successfully incorporated these standards for long term survivor care into clinical practice.

Methods

To describe survivor services available in a geographically and socio‐economically diverse region of the US we surveyed all 12 academic institutions with pediatric oncology programs in the New England (NE) region.

Results

Participating sites diagnose a median of 34 (range 10–250) new pediatric cancers annually. The 12 institutions have 11 survivor clinics. Clinics are staffed by: pediatric oncologists (11/11); nurse practitioners (7/11); social workers/psychologists (9/11); RNs (5/11); primary care physicians (3/11); and sub‐specialists (3/11). Most clinics recommend annual follow‐up for all survivors (7/11); however, point of entry into survivor programs is variable. Treatment summaries and care plans are part of survivor care at each program. Almost all (10/11) refer to sub‐specialists to manage late effects. Only 4 programs identified a policy for transitioning survivors to adult care (2 to adult survivor programs, 2 to adult primary‐care) and 4 reported this as a problem. Two clinics had no designated funding for survivor services; 8/11 receive institutional support; 5/11 philanthropic. Five institutions conduct research in survivorship (1 government‐funded, 2 philanthropy‐funded, and 2 both).

Conclusions

Pediatric oncology services in the NE region are making progress toward meeting follow‐up care goals for childhood cancer survivors. Funding for resource intense programs, transitioning care to adult clinical services, volume of sub‐specialty referral, and participation in research are common challenges. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1062–1066. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of MYCN DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosing isolated central nervous system relapse in neuroblastoma
Authors: Kimoto Tomiko , Inoue Masami , Tokimasa Sadao , Yagyu Shigeki , Iehara Tomoko , Hosoi Hajime , Kawa Keisei
Published: January 2011

We present the case of a 1‐year‐old female with stage‐4 neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification; she was treated with five chemotherapy courses, resulting in normalization of elevated serum levels of tumor markers. Complete remission was achieved after allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation with reduced‐intensity conditioning. Nine months later, however, the tumor relapsed in the central nervous system (CNS). The serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the tumor markers were normal, but the MYCN copy number was high only in the CSF DNA, suggesting an isolated CNS recurrence. The MYCN copy number in the CSF DNA was reflective of response to treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:865–867. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral low‐dose chemotherapy: Successful treatment of an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma during pregnancy
Authors: Siepermann Meinolf , Koscielniak Ewa , Dantonello Tobias , Klee Dirk , Boos Joachim , Krefeld Barbara , Borkhardt Arndt , Hoehn Thomas , Asea Alexzander , Wessalowski Rüdiger
Published: January 2011

We report for the first time the impact of neoadjuvant oral low‐dose chemotherapy consisting of oral trofosfamide, idarubicin, and etoposide (O‐TIE) in the case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in the lower jaw of an 18‐year‐old woman at 27 weeks of gestation, without fetal complications and a highly efficient anti‐tumor response. Our study suggests the possible application of O‐TIE treatment in a neoadjuvant setting during pregnancy and recommends a schedule that can be considered for the treatment of patients with high‐risk sarcomas who cannot be treated with intensive chemotherapy for various reasons. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 104–106. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is the number of blood products transfused associated with lower survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia?
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José Carlos , Colunga‐Pedraza Perla R. , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: January 2011

Background

Blood transfusion during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of childhood is scarcely documented. Children with ALL are immunosuppressed by both the disease and its therapy. Transfusion may contribute to the course of ALL through its transfusion‐related immunomodulation (TRIM) effect.

Procedure

Blood transfusion history and response to therapy for 108 children <16 years of age at the time of ALL diagnosis was documented. Clinical files, electronic records, and blood bank registries were scrutinized. Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) in relation to blood product type and number of transfusions was determined. Hazard ratios (HR) for death and relapse were estimated through uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

One hundred eight ALL patients were included. Median age was 6 years (range: 0–15 years). Ninety‐seven patients (89.8%) were transfused. Median number of transfused products was seven (range: 0‐345). After multivariate analysis, transfusion of >5 packed red blood cells (PRBC) remained a significant predictor for death (P = 0.003) and relapse (P = 0.011). For platelets, maximal significance was observed when >30 platelet concentrates (PC) were transfused (P < 0.001). When both, PRBC and PC were considered, maximal significance for predicting death was observed with transfusion of >30 blood products (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The number of blood products transfused to children with ALL appears to be significantly associated with lower survival rates. This may reflect both the severity of the disease and the TRIM effect, which may decrease immune surveillance capacity and the probability of leukemic clone eradication. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 217–223. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Definitive radiotherapy for unresectable pediatric and young adult nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Smith Kristy B. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Knapik Jacquelyn A. , Morris Christopher , Kirwan Jessica , Zlotecki Robert A. , Scarborough Mark T. , Gibbs Charles Parker , Marcus Robert B.
Published: January 2011

Background

Few published articles describe outcomes following definitive radiation for unresectable pediatric and young adult nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors, outcomes, and complications in patients age 30 years or younger with NRSTS treated at the University of Florida from 1973 to 2002.

Procedure

Nineteen pediatric and young adult patients with NRSTS were treated with radiotherapy after biopsy. Thirteen patients had high‐grade tumors. The median age at radiotherapy was 19.6 years; the median dose was 55.2 Gy. Twelve patients received chemotherapy. Prognostic factors for local recurrence, distant metastases, and survival were analyzed.

Results

Median follow‐up was 2.6 years. The 5‐year local‐control rate was 40%. Nine out of 13 local failures occurred in the absence of metastatic disease. All patients with local failures died of their cancer, and 8 patients died without evidence of distant metastases. There was a trend toward improved local control with low/intermediate‐grade tumors. Freedom from distant metastases at 5 years was 68%. Fourteen patients died of their disease. The 5‐year overall survival was 37%. There was one grade 4 complication based on NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.

Conclusion

Young patients with unresectable NRSTS have a poor outcome thereby justifying current study efforts focused on treatment intensification. By demonstrating that all patients with local recurrence died of disease and more than half of these deaths occurred in the absence of distant spread, these results suggests that improved means of local control may translate into improvement in survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 247–251. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visual outcome following chemotherapy for progressive optic pathway gliomas
Authors: Shofty Ben , Ben‐Sira Liat , Freedman Sigal , Yalon Michal , Dvir Rina , Weintraub Michael , Toledano Hagit , Constantini Shlomi , Kesler Anat
Published: January 2011

Background

Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) are relatively indolent tumors that may occur sporadically or in association with neurofibromatosis 1. Treatment is initiated only when a clear clinical or radiological deterioration is documented. Chemotherapy is the standard first line of treatment. Due to the indolent nature of this tumor, the most important challenge in OPG treatment is vision preservation.

Methods

In this study we determined the visual outcome of 19 patients with progressive OPGs who received chemotherapy and correlated it with imaging.

Results

Mean neuro‐ophthalmological follow‐up is 4 years and 3 months. Indications for treatment were radiological tumor progression (6 patients), visual decline (6 patients), or both (7 patients). Fifteen patients (78%) had to change to 2nd line chemotherapy (7 due to allergies and 8 due to treatment failure). During the course of chemotherapy, 11 patients (57.8%) displayed radiological tumor progression, 4 (21.5%) demonstrated stable tumor, and 4 (21.5%) displayed tumor regression. During the follow‐up period, 14 (73.6%) had an overall visual deterioration, 4 (21%) had stable vision, and 1 patient (5.2%) improved. Visual acuity was examined in 38 eyes. Seventeen eyes (47.2%) deteriorated, fourteen (38.8%) were stable, and five (13.8%) improved. Ten eyes (27.7%) deteriorated to legal blindness. There was no correlation between radiological tumor growth and visual deterioration.

Conclusions

The majority of our patients, who received chemotherapy for progressive OPG, experienced a decline in their visual function. New, more effective treatments are needed in order to preserve vision in this group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 481–485. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperfiltration evaluated by glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis in children with cancer
Authors: Hjorth Lars , Wiebe Thomas , Karpman Diana
Published: January 2011

Background

Renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of pediatric cancer patients at diagnosis has previously been investigated in a limited number of studies.

Procedure

GFR, measured by iohexol clearance, was prospectively investigated in 55 children over the age of 1 year with malignancies, (group A). Elevated GFR (>175 ml/min/1.73 m2) at diagnosis was found. To investigate if this finding was consistent, a second group of 76 children with malignancies was studied, (group B). As a method control for GFR obtained by iohexol clearance, group A and B together were compared to 298 pediatric patients without cancer, group C.

Results

GFR was elevated in 40/131 (31%) in Group A + B but only in 17/298 (6%) in Group C. GFR was significantly higher in children aged 1–5 in group A + B (47%) compared to group C (3%). Bone marrow involvement was significantly associated with higher GFR. Children without bone marrow involvement also hyperfiltrated more often than controls, but less often. Urea in urine was used as a marker of renal protein clearance in 14 patients in group A. A significant correlation between u‐urea (mmol/L)/u‐creatinine (mmol/L) and GFR was noted.

Conclusions

Hyperfiltration is sometimes present in children with cancer at diagnosis. This may be related to increased amino acid turn over in patients with a large tumor burden. An elevated initial GFR in a child with cancer, which normalizes after chemotherapy may indicate chemotherapy‐induced decreased renal function, but can be due to normalization of an initially high GFR. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:762–766. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromagnetic interference shielding of cellulose triacetate/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Jo Eun Ae , Kim Bong Seong , Huh Do Sung
Published: January 2011

Cellulose triacetate (CTA) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composite films were prepared by dispersing different weight percentages of MWNTs into a CTA solution. These composite blends were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy (UV), and their surface mophology, thermal stability, and amended crystallinity were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Measurements of the complex impedance of the composite samples were made in the form of films. Sheets prepared from conventional techniques were used to study microwave absorption in the microwave range of 2–12 GHz, and the effects of sample thickness on microwave absorption were investigated. The experimental results show that the electrical conductivity of composites increases with the increase in MWNT loading without a percolation threshold. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of ethnic‐specific medians for Hispanic patients reduces ethnic disparities in multiple marker screening
Authors: Wetta Luisa , Biggio Joseph , Owen John
Published: January 2011

Objective

To estimate whether midtrimester maternal serum analyte concentrations differ between Caucasian and Hispanic women and whether using ethnic‐specific medians affects quad screen performance.

Method

Caucasian and Hispanic patients with singletons who underwent maternal serum screening in our laboratory were identified. Alfa‐fetoprotein (AFP), estriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and inhibin‐A medians were derived separately for Caucasians, Hispanics, and for the composite group. Using composite medians, intergroup mean multiples of the medians (MoMs) for each analyte were compared. Using ethnic‐specific medians, new MoMs were calculated and utilized in a risk estimation algorithm.

Results

A total of 5478 Caucasian and 2246 Hispanic pregnancies were evaluated. Intergroup MoMs were significantly different for all analytes. AFP, hCG, and inhibin‐A were lower in Hispanics, while estriol was higher (P < 0.0001). Using composite medians, the screen‐positive rate (SPR) for trisomy 21 was 5.39% in Caucasians and 3.29% in Hispanics. Ethnic‐specific medians reduced this disparity: 4.76% in Caucasians and 4.05% in Hispanics. The SPR for neural tube defects with composite medians was 1.44% for Caucasians and 0.89% for Hispanics; with ethnic‐specific medians, the SPR was 1.42% for Caucasians and 1.07% for Hispanics.

Conclusion

Serum analyte concentrations differ between Caucasian and Hispanic gravidas. Use of ethnic‐specific medians reduces the disparity in SPR for trisomy 21 and neural tube defects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary atresia/critical stenosis with intact ventricular septum: prediction of outcome in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Gómez‐Montes E. , Herraiz I. , Mendoza A. , Albert L. , Hernández‐García J. M. , Galindo A.
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To determine which cardiac parameters provide the best prediction of postnatal outcome—biventricular (BV) versus non‐BV—in fetuses with pulmonary atresia/critical stenosis with intact ventricular septum (PA/CS‐IVS).

Methods

We searched our database for cases of PA/CS‐IVS prenatally diagnosed in 2001–2009. Only fetuses diagnosed ⩽28 weeks were included. Data of 16 fetuses (nine PA, seven CS) were retrieved and analyzed. Receiver‐operating characteristics curves were constructed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of cardiac features for predicting postnatal outcome.

Results

Twelve fetuses had a BV outcome and four had non‐BV repair. Cut‐off values yielding the best results for a non‐BV outcome were a tricuspid valve/mitral valve ratio ⩽0.83, a pulmonary valve/aortic valve ratio ⩽0.75, tricuspid inflow duration/cardiac cycle length ⩽36.5%, and a right ventricle/left ventricle length ratio ⩽0.64. If 3/4 markers are present, this predicts a non‐BV outcome with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 92%, and both are 100% if all the four criteria are fulfilled.

Conclusions

The postnatal outcome of fetuses with PA‐CS/IVS can be predicted in the second trimester at the first echocardiography by a four‐criterion scoring system. This is clinically relevant since it allows early selection of candidates for fetal intervention and early and precise parental counseling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training school psychologists to conduct evidence‐based treatments for depression
Authors: Stark Kevin D. , Arora Prerna , Funk Catherine L.
Published: January 2011

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach to the treatment of depressive disorders within schools, due to its demonstrated efficacy, as well as its availability in manualized treatment form. When implemented by therapists with inadequate training, the treatment is often stilted, less engaging for participants, and aimlessly guided through rigid adherence to the treatment manual. The transportability of such interventions to schools will be discussed, highlighting challenges that school psychologists may face, along with addressing important aspects for the successful implementation of treatments. The ACTION treatment program, a highly effective cognitive behavioral intervention for depressed youth, is provided as an example of one such program. Primary treatment components of ACTION are described along with subtleties to effectively train school psychologists who intend to treat depressed youth. The importance of improved training for school psychologists to become effective at implementing cognitive behavioral interventions is highlighted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of lateral vapor phase diffusion during the selective growth of InGaN/GaN MQW on semipolar and nonpolar GaN stripes
Authors: Tanikawa Tomoyuki , Honda Yoshio , Yamaguchi Masahito , Amano Hiroshi
Published: January 2011

We investigated the InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) thickness and cathode luminescence (CL) distribution on nonpolar (11–20)GaN, semipolar (11–22)GaN, and (1–101)GaN microstripes grown by selective metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on patterned Si substrates. All samples exhibited ridge growth. To clarify the effect of vapor phase diffusion, the two‐dimensional diffusion equation was solved. The results were in good agreement with the thickness distribution on the (11–20)GaN stripe when we assumed D/k0 to be 1 µm. However, the results were not in agreement for the semipolar case. On the semipolar face, the surface migration length might be greater, thus increasing the thickness nonuniformity. CL analysis indicated a uniform indium composition on the (11–20) and (11–22) faces. On the (1–101)GaN stripe, the indium composition decreased near the (0001) edge. Excess Ga is considered to affect the compositional nonuniformity on the (1–101) facet.
Synthesis and characterization of Fe‐doped LiNbO3 nanocrystals from a triple‐alkoxide method
Authors: Knabe Bastian , Schütze Daniel , Jungk Tobias , Svete Matthias , Assenmacher Wilfried , Mader Werner , Buse Karsten
Published: January 2011

Nanocrystals of Fe/LiNbO3 were synthesized from Li(OC2H5), Nb(OC2H5)5, and Fe(OC2H5)3 using a triple alkoxide sol–gel method with Fe‐dopings of 0.5 and 1 mol%, respectively. X‐ray diffraction proves the samples to be phase‐pure and crystalline. The size of the crystals as determined by Scherrer equation and transmission electron microscopy is below 50 nm. Iron is distributed homogeneously within the crystals as shown with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Ferroelectricity is verified by piezoresponse force microscopy. Vacuum annealing enables to control the Fe2+/Fe3+‐concentration ratio from 0.1 to 0.9 with a reduction onset temperature of 200 °C.
Spectral broadening and population relaxation in a GaAs interfacial quantum dot ensemble and quantum well nanostructure
Authors: Moody G. , Siemens M. E. , Bristow A. D. , Dai X. , Karaiskaj D. , Bracker A. S. , Gammon D. , Cundiff S. T.
Published: January 2011

Optical two‐dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy (2DFTS) is used to measure thermal broadening of the ground state exciton homogeneous linewidth and energy relaxation in a single layer of interfacial GaAs quantum dots (QDs). We observe a nonlinear increase in the homogeneous linewidth with temperature from 6 to 50 K and find that a phonon activation term + offset fit the data well. The absence of an activation peak in the 2D spectra indicates that elastic exciton–phonon scattering via virtual transitions between the ground and excited states significantly contributes to the thermal broadening. Measurements of the linewidth across the inhomogeneous distribution show that excitons localized in smaller QDs experience stronger thermal broadening. We record 2D spectra for a population time up to 500 ps and temperature up to 50 K to reveal excitonic relaxation from quantum well to QD states. As the temperature increases from 6 to 50 K, the relaxation time decreases from 180 to 30 ps, respectively. This behavior is consistent with a phonon‐mediated scattering process.
On the interpretation of wave function overlaps in quantum dots
Authors: Stobbe Søren , Hvam Jørn M. , Lodahl Peter
Published: January 2011

The spontaneous emission rate of excitons strongly confined in quantum dots (QDs) is proportional to the overlap integral of electron and hole envelope wave functions. A common and intuitive interpretation of this result is that the spontaneous emission rate is proportional to the probability that the electron and the hole are located at the same point or region in space, i.e., they must coincide spatially to recombine. Here, we show that this interpretation is not correct even loosely speaking.

By general mathematical considerations we compare the envelope wave function overlap, the exchange overlap integral, and the probability of electrons and holes coinciding, and find that the frequency dependence of the envelope wave function overlap integral is very different from that expected from the common interpretation. We show that these theoretical considerations lead to predictions for measurements. We compare our qualitative predictions with recent measurements of the wave function overlap and find good agreement.
Formation of epitaxial domains: Unified theory and survey of experimental results
Authors: Grundmann Marius
Published: January 2011

The formation of rotation domains (RDs) in heteroepitaxy depends fundamentally on the relation of the crystal symmetries of substrate and epilayer. We assume well‐defined crystallographic axes of substrate and epilayer along the growth direction and determine from group theory the number of RDs with crystallographically equivalent interfaces (CEIF) for all combinations of the two‐dimensional (2D) point symmetries of substrate and epilayer, including cases of aligned and misaligned symmetry directions. Additional domains can arise from multi‐domain substrates. Accidentally or nearly fulfilled additional symmetries of the substrate allow further domains with crystallographically inequivalent interfaces (CIIF).

magnified image

Schematic RDs for various rotation symmetries of substrate and epilayer.
Structure of the near‐surface layer of Cz Si wafers subjected to low‐temperature low‐energy ion‐beam treatment
Authors: Fedotov Alexander , Ivashkevich Inna , Kobeleva Svetlana , Korolik Olga , Mazanik Alexander , Stas'kov Nikola , Turishchev Sergey
Published: January 2011

The general goal of this work is to study the near‐surface region structure of Cz Si wafers subjected to the low‐temperature (25‐350 °C) low‐energy (300 eV) ion‐beam treatment by hydrogen, helium or argon. The properties of a thin (several nanometers) near‐surface layer of the wafers were investigated using the X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and spectroscopic ellipsometry methods.

Based on the conducted study, it was concluded that the ion beam treatment leads to (i) the formation of an oxide layer on the surface and to (ii) silicon amorphization. It is demonstrated that increase of the hydrogen ion‐beam treatment temperature results in (i) improvement of the oxide quality; (ii) reduced thickness of the transition region between the formed oxide layer and silicon bulk (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pseudomorphic and relaxed SiGe/Si(001) layer synthesis by gas immersion laser doping (GILD)
Authors: Kociniewski Thierry , Fossard Frédéric , Perrossier Jean‐Luc , Débarre Dominique , Boulmer Jacques
Published: January 2011

We report on the synthesis of SiGe layers on silicon by using a pulsed laser processing technique (Gas Immersion Laser Doping) where GeCl4 gas molecules are adsorbed on the surface and further incorporated into the Si top layer by a pulsed laser induced melt/regrowth process. In‐situ real‐time measurements of the transient reflectivity of a laser diode reveal that SiGe is formed. Structural characterization of the SiGe layers by X‐ray diffraction evidences that pseudomorphic SiGe layers are obtained. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ge concentration saturates at about 16% in the strained layers and that a relaxation process occurs when samples are exposed to 4000 laser pulses or more (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Limited polar low sensitivity to sea‐surface temperature
Authors: Linders T. , Saetra Ø. , Bracegirdle T. J.
Published: January 2011

The sensitivity of the intensity of polar lows to changes in the sea‐surface temperature (SST) is investigated. This is done by using an axisymmetric non‐hydrostatic numerical model. It is found that the intensity of the simulated polar lows responds linearly to SST perturbations, with positive perturbations leading to deeper sea‐level pressure (SLP) depressions and higher azimuthal winds. The numerical simulations give an SLP depression sensitivity of only about −0.6 hPa K−1 and a sensitivity of the maximum azimuthal wind of only about +0.6 m s−1 K−1. This is about one order of magnitude less than the sensitivity of the theoretical maximum intensity. It is suggested that the very limited sensitivity can be explained within the wind‐induced surface heat exchange (WISHE) theory. The limited sensitivity can thus be attributed, in roughly equal parts, to the limited efficiency with which the polar low extracts heat from the ocean and the limited mean height of the convection. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of vertical wind shear and cloud radiative processes on responses of rainfall to the large‐scale forcing during pre‐summer heavy rainfall over southern China
Authors: Shen Xinyong , Wang Yi , Li Xiaofan
Published: January 2011

The pre‐summer heavy rainfall over southern China during 3–8 June 2008 is simulated using a two‐dimensional cloud‐resolving model. The model is integrated with imposed zonally uniform vertical velocity, zonal wind, horizontal temperature and vapour advection from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) data. The effects of vertical wind shear and cloud radiative processes on the response of rainfall to large‐scale forcing are analysed through the comparison of two sensitivity experiments with the control experiment. One sensitivity experiment excludes the large‐scale vertical wind shear and the other excludes the cloud radiative effects. During the decay phase of convection, the increase in model domain‐mean surface rain‐rate resulting from the exclusion of vertical wind shear is associated with the slowdown in the decrease of perturbation kinetic energy due to the exclusion of barotropic conversion from mean kinetic energy to perturbation kinetic energy. The increase in domain‐mean rain‐rate from the exclusion of cloud radiative effects is related to the enhancement of condensation and associated latent heat as a result of strengthened radiative cooling. The increase in the domain‐mean surface rain‐rate is mainly associated with the increase of convective rainfall, which is in turn related to the local atmospheric change from moistening to drying. During the onset and mature phases of convection, the domain‐mean surface rain‐rates are generally insensitive to vertical wind shear and cloud radiative effects whereas convective and stratiform rain‐rates are sensitive to vertical wind shear and cloud radiative effects. The decrease in convective rain‐rate and the increase in stratiform rain‐rate are primarily associated with the enhanced transport of hydrometeor concentration from convective regions to raining stratiform regions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Natural molecular shells as open subsystems of small molecules
Authors: Gottlieb Alex D. , Head John D. , Perusse Dennis
Published: January 2011

We compare the first few natural molecular shells of several small molecules to the corresponding “restricted Hartree‐Fock,” “second‐order Møller‐Plesset,” and “local density approximation” molecular shells. Occupation probabilities of each molecular shell are computed ab initio, especially the single‐occupation and double‐occupation probabilities, that is, the probabilities that the molecular shell is occupied by exactly one electron or by exactly two electrons. We observe that among corresponding molecular shells, the natural molecular shell has the least single‐occupation probability and the greatest double‐occupation probability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
SIZE‐FRACTIONATED PHYTOPLANKTON GROWTH AND MICROZOOPLANKTON GRAZING RATES IN THE UPPER ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
Authors: Twiss Michael R. , Smith Derek E.
Published: January 2011

Chlorophyll‐a‐specific growth and grazing rates of phytoplankton in three size fractions (0.2 to 2 µm, 2 to 20 µm, and 20 to 153 µm) were determined using dilution assays (n = 38) that were conducted from May to December 2009 in the St. Lawrence River (discharge approx. 7135 m3 s−1) from its headwaters at Lake Ontario to 180 km downstream. There was no discernible difference in phytoplankton growth or grazing rates as a function of river reach sampled. At water temperatures below 20°C specific rates of growth and grazing were closely matched (0.43 day−1), suggesting tight coupling of phytoplankton grazing in the water column. However, specific phytoplankton growth rates exceeded specific grazing rates by 0.29 day−1 when river water temperature exceeded 20°C. Nevertheless, the greater specific growth rate did not manifest in greater phytoplankton biomass with transit downstream suggesting the importance of grazer organisms on benthic surfaces that graze phytoplankton in this reach of a large river. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐dose methylmercury‐induced oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and tau‐hyperphosphorylation in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells
Authors: Petroni Daniel , Tsai Jeffrey , Agrawal Krishna , Mondal Debasis , George William
Published: January 2011

Acute neurotoxic effects of high‐dose methylmercury (MeHg) in humans have been well documented in the scientific literature. However, low‐dose effects are less well described. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of low‐dose MeHg (<100 nM) on human brain cells in a tissue culture model. Neuroblastoma (NB) cells (SH‐SY5Y) were used in the cell culture model to study low‐dose effects of MeHg on cell growth, cell survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as a measure of potential markers of cellular events associated with tauopathies. When cells were incubated in culture with MeHg (50 and 100 nM), there were significant decreases in cell viability as well as significant increase in ROS generation as determined by fluorescent dye analysis (H2DCFDA). Furthermore, a concomitant decrease in glutathione levels to 25% of control was observed at both 50 and 100 nM MeHg. In addition, the level of phosphorylated tau was significantly increased after treatment at both 50 and 100 nM MeHg, compared with controls. Pretreatment of NB cells with the antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (1.25 mM) and the calpain inhibitor, MDL‐28170 (10 μM), significantly attenuated the effects of MeHg (50 and 100 nM) on cell viability as well as on tau phosphorylation. These results indicate that low‐dose MeHg toxicity may be related to an induction of tau phosphorylation through an oxidative stress‐dependent mechanism and that blockade of this pathway may attenuate the toxic effects of MeHg. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Psychiatric emergency services: Policy considerations
Authors: Mccarthy Nancy A.
Published: January 2011

Funding for PES occurs through a variety of public and private sources. Potential difficulties associated with providing emergency psychiatric care in a free‐market economy are discussed.
Livin’ for the city: African American ethnogenesis and depression era migration
Authors: Price-Spratlen Townsand
Published: January 2011

Urban ethnogenesis is a process by which a group creates and maintains social networks and communication patterns as the basis for institutional and communal life in urban areas. Ethnogenesis is a foundation upon which most historical, urbanward migrations have been built, including the “Great Migration” of African Americans during the first half of this century. Although a period of decreased migration, the Depression was marked by sizeable movement in which nearly 10% of the total African American population moved interregionally. Ethnogenic measures such as NAACP activism, the number of community newspapers directed at African Americans, and the longevity of a chapter of the National Urban League significantly increased migration flows.
Marital characteristics in relation to the rural-urban continuum in taiwan
Authors: Yuan D. Y.
Published: January 2011

Es poco lo que se conoce sobre la relación que existe entre el tipo y tamaño de la comunidad y las características maritales de la población en los países no occidentales. Con el propósito de aclarar un poco este tema se examina en este trabajo la relación de algunas características maritales seleccionadas en una continuidad urbano-rural de Taiwan. Esta continuidad urbano-rural fué construida sobre la base del iomaño de la población y los tipos administrativos de las comunidades; los principales hallazgos de esie estudio son confrontados con las variaciones que se dan en Estados Unidos. Los resultados indican que esta continuidad urbano-rural tiene un alto valor de predicción o de discriminación para ciertas características maritales.
Mortality level, desired family size, and population increase
Authors: Heer David M. , Smith Dean O.
Published: January 2011

Aunque la explosión de la población en el mundo ha sido creada por una disminución en las tasas de mortalidad, paradójicamente una mayor declinación en esias tasas en las naciones menos desarrolladas, Puede ser una ayuda invalorable para reducir la actual tasa de crecimiento poblacional en el mundo.

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de varios modelos simulados en las computadoras, en los cuales se presume que los padres tienen un métoda perfecto de control de nacimientos, pero que tambien desean estar muy seguros de que cuando menos un hijo pueda sobrevivir al padre deepués que éste ha llegado a los sesenticinco años, de moda que pueda sosiener a los padres en su vejez.

Bajo estas hipótesis, los resultados de las simulaciones en las computadoras muestran que la tasa de incremento poblacional será elevada cuando el nivel de mortalidad es de magnitud intermedia. Este nivel intermedio de mortalidad ee el que actualmente se encuentra en la mayor parte de los paises menos desarrollados. Cuando el nivel de mortalidad es muy alto, las parejas son biológicamente incapaces de tener todos los hijos que quisieran. De esto resulta que, por un lado, un alto nivel de mortalidad ocasiona una fecundidad sólo ligeramente más alta que la que originan los niveles intermedios de mortalidad, y consecueniemenie, la tasa de crecimiento poblacional es algo menor con altos niveles de mmtalidad de lo que lo es can niveles intermedios. Por otro lado, cuando la mortalidad ee baja, como en los paises desarrollados, el numero deseado de nacimientos disminuye en forma brusea, y la tasa de crecimiento poblacional es muy baja.

En las naciones menos desarrolladas, las reducciones en el tamano deseado de la familia pueden obtenerse ya sea mediante programas que reduzcan la mortalidad infantil y preescolar, 0 a traves de programas de seguridad social que puedan servir para reducir el deseo de los padres de asegurarse que sobreviva cuando menos un hijo para cuanda ellos lleguen a la vejez. Sin embargo, es dudoso que un media perfecto de control de nacimientos pueda, por si solo, lograr una tasa baja de crecimiento poblacional en el mundo.
The evolution of marxist theories of population: Marxism recognizes the population problem
Authors: Brackett James W.
Published: January 2011

La teoría Marxista lleva a los escriiores soviéticos a enfocar los problemas de población en los paises menos desarrollados en términos excesivamente simplistas: desde que la sobrepoblación es causada por el capitalismo, la solucion obvia para el supuesio problema de población es simplemente reemplazar el sistema capitalista por el comunismo. En contrate con esto el argumento más frecuentemente escuchado en la Conferencia Mundial de Población de 1965 aceptaba el problema de población de los paises sub-desarrollados como real, al menos en el presente contexto, pero manteniendo que ese problema se resolvería a traves del curso natural de los acontecimientos por incrementos en el nivel de vida. Las tasas de natalidad de alguna manera declinan naturalmente a medida que un pais se transforma en mas industrial y mas urbano. Los programas de planeamiento familiar no pueden tener éxito en las situaciones de ausencia de urbanización y creciente niveles de vida.

El 23 de noviembre de 1965 el periódico intelectualLiteraturnaya gazeta publicó el primero de usa serie de artículos proponiendo una nueva interpretación de los problemas de población en los paises en desarrolo. Boris Urlanis puso en duda la presunción de varios escritores marxistas de que las tasas de natalidad disminuyen cuando la proporción de la población viviendo en areas urbanas aumenta. El sostuvo de que es posible de que el aumento de la población viviendo en areas urbanas pueda traer con el tiempo bajas en las tasas de natalidad, pero que es esencial resolver el problema de población inmediatamente. En las semanas y meses que siguieron, otros escritores sovieticos contribuyeron a ese dialogo algunos apoyando a Urlanis y otros sostenienda una interpretación más tradicional del marxismo.

El test real de la política soviéticafueron tres reuniones internacionales realizadas durante 1966. En la mas importante de las tres, la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, la Union Soviética apoyó la resolucion que da a la Secretaría General amplia autoridad en el campo de población, afirmando que era muy satisfactorio que las Naciones Unidas hubieran finalmente aceptado el punto de vista sovietico de que el planeamiento familiar no era un sustituto para programas económicos y sociales y que cada estado debeformular sus propias politicas de población.

Estos acontecimientos indican que la Union Soviética esta en el proceso de formular una nueva política de población. Sus acciones hasta la fecha sin embargo han sido cautelosas; pero no es de la naturaleza de los gobiernos haeer rápidos cambios en política, particularmente euanda la política está tan mezclada con la ideología. El gobierno de Estados Unidos tardó muchos años hata llegar a su presente política, y sería poco realista esperar que la Union Soviética canbie más rapidamente.
Is Robotic Surgery Superior to Endoscopic and Open Surgeries in Thyroid Cancer?
Authors: Kim Wan Wook , Kim Jee Soo , Hur Sung Mo , Kim Sung Hoon , Lee Se‐Kyung , Choi Jae Hyuck , Kim Sangmin , Lee Jeong Eon , Kim Jung‐Han , Nam Seok Jin , Yang Jung‐Hyun , Choe Jun‐Ho
Published: January 2011

Background

Endoscopic thyroidectomies have been performed using various approaches, and indications have expanded with the development of new surgical techniques and instruments. Endoscopic thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo‐breast approaches have excellent cosmetic results and a symmetrical, optimal operative view. However, because of the two‐dimensional view and the nonflexible instruments, these approaches are not easy to use in performing a central lymph node dissection (CND). Robotic surgery has drawn attention as a potentially safe and effective method for treating thyroid cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine whether robotic surgery is superior to endoscopic and open surgery through comparing technical aspects and surgical outcomes.

Methods

From October 2008 to December 2009, 302 patients had total thyroidectomies and CND with cancer less than 1 cm. Patients were divided into three groups according to operation methods (open group; n = 138), (endo group; n = 95), (robot group; n = 69).

Results

Young patients preferred the robotic and endoscopic surgery. The number of retrieved lymph nodes in the open group (4.8 ± 2.8) was not different from the robot group (4.7 ± 2.7) and the endo group (4.6 ± 3.7). The operative time of the robot group was longer than the open and the endo group. The total drain amount in the robot group was more than the open and endo groups; however, there was no difference in the length of hospitalization and complication rates. There were no differences between the open (0.8 ± 2.0) and robot groups (0.8 ± 1.4), but the endo group (2.4 ± 6.3) showed higher postoperative serum thyroglobulin off thyroid hormone (Off‐Tg) when compared to the open and robot groups.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery was equal to open surgery except with respect to operative time and was superior to endoscopic surgery in Off‐Tg levels presenting completeness of the operation in thyroid cancer surgery. Because it has excellent cosmetic results and various technical advantages, it should be considered in young, low‐risk patients with thyroid carcinoma less than 1 cm.
Early biochemical effects after unilateral hypoxia–ischemia in the immature rat brain
Authors: Weis Simone N. , Schunck Rebeca V.A. , Pettenuzzo Leticia F. , Krolow Rachel , Matté Cristiane , Manfredini Vanusa , Peralba Maria do Carmo R. , Vargas Carmen R. , Dalmaz Carla , Wyse Angela T.S. , Netto Carlos A.
Published: January 2011

Perinatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) gives rise to inadequate substrate supply to the brain tissue, resulting in damage to neural cells. Previous studies at different time points of development, and with different animal species, suggest that the HI insult causes oxidative damage and changes Na+, K+–ATPase activity, which is known to be very susceptible to free radical‐related lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study was to establish the onset of the oxidative damage response in neonatal Wistar rats subjected to brain HI, evaluating parameters of oxidative stress, namely nitric oxide production, lipoperoxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA‐RS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reactive species production by DCFH oxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase as well as Na+, K+–ATPase activity in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Rat pups were subjected to right common carotid ligation followed by exposure to a hypoxic atmosphere (8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen) for 90 min. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation 0, 1 and 2 h after HI and both hippocampus and cerebral cortex from the right hemisphere (ipsilateral to the carotid occlusion) were dissected out for further experimentation. Results show an early decrease of Na+, K+–ATPase activity (at 0 and 1 h), as well as a late increase in MDA levels (2 h) and superoxide dismutase activity (1 and 2 h after HI) in the hippocampus. There was a late increase in both MDA levels and DCFH oxidation (1 and 2 h) and an increase in superoxide dismutase activity (2 h after HI) in cortex; however Na+, K+–ATPase activity remained unchanged. We suggest that neonatal HI induces oxidative damage to both hippocampus and cortex, in addition to a decrease in Na+, K+–ATPase activity in hippocampus early after the insult. These events might contribute to the later morphological damage in the brain and indicate that it would be essential to pursue neuroprotective strategies, aimed to counteract oxidative stress, as early as possible after the HI insult.
Factors predicting the response to biofeedback‐assisted pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence
Authors: Yoo Eun‐Hee , Kim Young‐Mi , Kim Donguk
Published: January 2011

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback‐assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for urinary incontinence and to determine the patient characteristics predictive of success.

Methods

Clinical and physiologic data of 86 patients with urinary incontinence who had received biofeedback‐assisted PFMT were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical response was determined to be a success (requiring no more therapy) or a failure (requiring surgery or other medical therapy) at 3 months after completion of treatment.

Results

The success group included 57% of the enrolled patients. In the univariate analysis, the following factors had P values of less than 0.20: alcohol consumption, detrusor overactivity, type of urinary incontinence, and the change in the average amplitude of tonic contraction before treatment and after the 8th session of biofeedback‐assisted PFMT. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictive factor of a successful response was a significant change in the average tonic contraction before treatment and after the 8th session (odds ratio, 1.661; 95% confidence interval, 1.015– 2.721).

Conclusion

After biofeedback‐assisted PFMT, 57% of patients with urinary incontinence required no further therapy. Increased pelvic floor muscle activity after the 8th session of PFMT predicted a successful response to treatment.
Reducing case ascertainment costs in U.S. population studies of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment—Part 1
Authors: Weir David R. , Wallace Robert B. , Langa Kenneth M. , Plassman Brenda L. , Wilson Robert S. , Bennett David A. , Duara Ranjan , Loewenstein David , Ganguli Mary , Sano Mary
Published: January 2011

Establishing methods for ascertainment of dementia and cognitive impairment that are accurate and also cost‐effective is a challenging enterprise. Large population‐based studies often using administrative data sets offer relatively inexpensive and reliable estimates of severe conditions including moderate to advanced dementia that are useful for public health planning, but they can miss less severe cognitive impairment which may be the most effective point for intervention. Clinical and epidemiological cohorts, intensively assessed, provide more sensitive detection of less severe cognitive impairment but are often costly. In this article, several approaches to ascertainment are evaluated for validity, reliability, and cost. In particular, the methods of ascertainment from the Health and Retirement Study are described briefly, along with those of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS). ADAMS, a resource‐intense sub‐study of the Health and Retirement Study, was designed to provide diagnostic accuracy among persons with more advanced dementia. A proposal to streamline future ADAMS assessments is offered. Also considered are algorithmic and Web‐based approaches to diagnosis that can reduce the expense of clinical expertise and, in some contexts, can reduce the extent of data collection. These approaches are intended for intensively assessed epidemiological cohorts where goal is valid and reliable case detection with efficient and cost‐effective tools.