bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chondrogenic gene expression signature in mesenchymal stem cells is a classifier of conventional central chondrosarcoma
Authors: Boeuf S , Kunz P , Hennig T , Lehner B , Hogendoorn PCW , Bovée JVMG , Richter W
Published: June 2008

Phenotypic and molecular parallels between the development of chondrosarcoma and the differentiation of chondrocytes in normal growth plate suggest that chondrosarcoma may arise from mesenchymal precursor cells driven towards chondrogenesis. We hypothesized that a comparison between cartilaginous tumours and their possible physiological cells of origin, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), might have biological and clinical relevance. MSCs from eight donors were submitted to chondrogenic differentiation in spheroid cultures. Expression profiles of MSCs at days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 of chondrogenesis and of 18 chondrosarcomas with different histological grades were studied using a customized cDNA array. Hierarchical clustering of MSC gene expression during chondrogenesis allowed the classification of samples in a pre‐chondrogenic and a chondrogenic cluster corresponding to the phenotypes of early and late differentiation stages. The 74 genes differentially expressed between the two clusters were defined as chondrogenesis‐relevant genes. Gene expression profiles of chondrosarcoma were submitted to hierarchical clustering on the basis of these chondrogenesis‐relevant genes. This analysis allowed clear distinction between grade I and grade III chondrosarcoma and separated grade II chondrosarcoma into two groups. All grade II chondrosarcomas with occurrence of metastasis were found together with the grade III chondrosarcomas in the pre‐chondrogenic cluster. This analysis shows that a molecular approach based on the comparison of tumour samples to an in vitro model for chondrogenic differentiation allows a new classification of chondrosarcoma in two clusters. These data suggest that the identification of a pre‐chondrogenic and a chondrogenic phenotype for chondrosarcoma by gene expression profiling could develop into a useful tool to predict the clinical behaviour of chondrosarcoma. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is associated with progression and poor prognosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wu D , Ding Y , Wang S , Zhang Q , Liu L
Published: June 2008

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a versatile protein with intranuclear and extracellular functions that is involved in numerous biological and pathological processes, such as transcription, DNA repair, and response to infection and inflammation. The expression of HMGB1 has been described in many types of cancers, but the role of HMGB1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the roles of HMGB1 in NPC progression and clinical outcome using NPC clinical samples. In an immunohistochemical study, HMGB1 had high expression in 89 of 166 cases of NPC (53.6%). HMGB1 overexpression was significantly associated with T classification (p = 0.01), N classification (p = 0.003), distant metastasis (p = 0.046), and clinical stage (p < 0.001). Patients with higher levels of HMGB1 expression had poorer overall survival and disease‐free survival, whereas patients with lower levels of HMGB1 expression had better survival. Multivariate analysis showed that HMGB1 expression was an independent prognostic indicator for patient survival. Disruption of endogenous HMGB1 using small interfering RNAs suppressed NPC cell invasive ability. These data support the notion that HMGB1 overexpression has a role in the progression of NPC and hence its poor clinical outcome. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflammatory fibroid polyps harbour mutations in the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene
Authors: Schildhaus H‐U , Cavlar T , Binot E , Büttner R , Wardelmann E , Merkelbach‐Bruse S
Published: June 2008

Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are mesenchymal tumours which arise in the submucosa and mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. To date, the pathogenesis is unknown and IFPs are considered reactive and non‐neoplastic lesions. Investigating a series of 23 IFPs, we made the observation that the tumours consistently express PDGFRA. To further elucidate the pathogenetic role of PDGFRA, we performed mutational analyses of exons 10, 12, 14, and 18. As IFPs are characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization in a subset of tumours to investigate a possible FIP1L1–PDGFRA translocation which is known as the cause of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Sixteen IFPs (70%) harboured activating mutations in exons 12 and 18, respectively: V561D (n = 1), R560SΔ561–567 (n = 1), Δ559–561D591H (n = 1), S566RΔ567–571 (n = 3), D842V (n = 7), D842I (n = 1), Δ842–845 (n = 1), and Δ845–848 (n = 1). These mutations equal pathogenic mutations detected in gastrointestinal stromal tumours previously. Activating mutations in exons 10 and 14 were not noted. None of the cases revealed the FIP1L1–PDGFRA translocation. Considering the remarkable number of activating mutations detected in our series, we conclude that the vast majority of IFPs harbour gain‐of‐function mutations in the PDGFRA gene. The presence of PDGFRA mutations questions the reactive nature of IFPs and raises the possibility of a neoplastic process. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of proteomics for the identification of differentially expressed protein markers for Down syndrome in maternal plasma
Authors: Kolialexi Aggeliki , Tsangaris George Th. , Papantoniou Nikos , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios K. , Vougas Kostantinos , Bagiokos Vassilis , Antsaklis Aris , Mavrou Ariadni
Published: June 2008

Background

Despite the large impact of ultrasonographic and biochemical markers on prenatal screening, the ability to accurately diagnose Down syndrome (DS) is still limited and better diagnostic testing is needed.

Methods

Plasma from 8 women carrying a DS foetus and 12 with non‐DS foetuses matched for gestational age, maternal age and ethnicity, in the second trimester of pregnancy, was analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) in order to identify biomarkers for DS.

Results

Gel comparison revealed nine proteins differentially expressed in maternal plasma in women with DS foetuses. Eight proteins, transthyretin (TTHY), ceruloplasmin (CERU), afamin (AFAM), alpha‐1‐microglobulin (AMBP), apolipoprotein E (APOE), serum amyloid P‐component (SAMP), histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) and alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) were up‐regulated and one, clusterin (CLUS), down‐regulated. All nine proteins are known to be involved in foetal growth and development. APOE, SAMP, AFAM and CLUS are associated with the DS phenotype. Western blot and densitometric analysis of APOE and SAMP confirmed the increase of both proteins by 19 and 48% respectively.

Conclusions

All differentially expressed proteins are candidate biomarkers for DS, providing opportunities for the development of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis. As these are preliminary findings, follow‐up experiments are needed for their evaluation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen bonds assisted by π‐electron delocalization – the influence of external intermolecular interactions on dimer of formic acid
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir J.
Published: June 2008

MP2 and DFT calculations with the use of 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set were carried out to study formic acid dimer as well as this species interacting with additional Lewis acids such as HF, Li+and Na+. These Lewis acids were positioned near carbonyl or hydroxyl oxygen atoms and their influence on geometrical and other parameters of formic acid dimer was analysed. Additionally the ‘quantum theory of atoms in molecules’ (QTAIM) was applied as well as the ‘natural bond orbitals’ (NBO) method. Numerous correlations between geometrical, QTAIM and energetic parameters were found. It was found that π‐electron delocalization is not always connected with the enhancement of H‐bond strength. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐voltage‐operating fullerene C60 thin‐film transistors with various surface treatments
Authors: Kitamura Masatoshi , Kuzumoto Yasutaka , Kamura Masakazu , Aomori Shigeru , Na Jong Ho , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: June 2008

Influence of surface treatment on fullerene C60 thin‐film transistors (TFTs) has been investigated. Phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTS), Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODS) were used for the surface treatment. The treated surface was investigated by water‐contact‐angle measurement and the C60 deposited on the surface was observed with scanning electron microscope. As a result, C60 TFT with the ODS‐treated insulator exhibited the highest field‐effect mobility of 1.46 cm2/Vs. In addition, the TFTs operated at a low voltage of 5 V by adopting high‐dielectric‐constant gate insulator. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of c‐plane sapphire misorientation on the growth of AlN by high‐temperature MOVPE
Authors: Nagamatsu Kentaro , Okada Narihito , Kato Naofumi , Sumii Takafumi , Bandoh Akira , Iwaya Motoaki , Kamiyama Satoshi , Amano Hiroshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: June 2008

AlN layers were directly grown on sapphire substrates with slightly different miscut angles from the c‐plane by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy at 1300 °C. By X‐ray diffraction analysis, the structural quality was found to improve with the increase in substrate off‐angle. When the substrate off‐angle was 0.5°, the X‐ray rocking curve (XRC) full widths at half maximum (FWHMs) of symmetric and asymmetric planes were 170 and 550 arcsec, respectively. At smaller off‐angle, XRC‐FWHMs were wider. When the substrate off‐angle was zero, the XRC‐FWHM was considerably inferior to that on 0.5o‐off‐angle sapphire. The surface morphology was investigated. Atomic steps were observed on the substrates with a small misorientation. In contrast, macro steps appeared on larger‐off‐angle sapphire substrates. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependences of charged excitons in low‐density InAs quantum dot system
Authors: Ohmori M. , Torii K. , Sakaki H.
Published: June 2008

Photoluminescence (PL) studies have been made on a single self‐organized InAs quantum dot system at temperatures T from 11 to 140 K in a unique sample where the average inter‐dot distance exceeds 10 μm. While PL from neutral excitons is the strongest in the low and high temperature ranges, PL are dominated by those from negatively charged excitons when T is between 40 and 80 K. It is suugested this phenomenon is probably caused by the difference in diffusivities of photogenerated electrons and holes that gets maximum in the intermediate range. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectroscopic ellipsometry study of ZnO films grown on silicon substrate
Authors: Lin Keh‐moh , Chou Keng‐yu , Chen Po‐ming
Published: June 2008

This paper studied the microstructure properties of ZnO:Al (AZO) films by using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) technique. Two SE modeling strategies were used to obtain the refractive index and thickness of the AZO films. Results show that reasonable fitting results of film refractive indices could be obtained merely by using appropriate oscillator models. Based on these results, we can profoundly comprehend the relation between the microstructure and conductivity of the films. However, the oscillator model might not be achieved properly due to the sensitive nature of SE measurements. The Cauchy model allows us to obtain film thickness approximately. The deviation between the SE and SEM measurements is smaller than 10%. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probing the interaction between a single quantum dot and a photonic crystal cavity
Authors: Fushman Ilya , Englund Dirk , Faraon Andrei , Vuckovic Jelena
Published: June 2008

This article reviews our recent work on the development of nanophotonic devices for quantum information processing. We have developed a temperature tuning technique, that allows us to independently tune photonic crystal cavities and quantum dots on the same chip. The high quality factor to mode volume ratio of such cavities leads to a strong interaction between the cavity and the quantum dot. The cavity modifies the quantum dot lifetime, which, in turn, modifies the transmission properties of the cavity.

We observe that the resonant nonlinearity of the quantum dot is greatly enhanced by the recirculation of light, and leads to a giant optical nonlinearity, where single photons are able to saturate the quantum dot and modify the transmission function of the cavity. Along with these results, we review the experimental developments, which have led to the realization of the experiment. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of GaN‐based light emitting diodes using direct heteroepitaxial lateral overgrowth on patterned sapphire substrates with thick SiO2 masks
Authors: Hoshino K. , Murata T. , Araki M. , Tadatomo K.
Published: June 2008

We have successfully obtained high‐quality GaN films directly on thick SiO2 patterned sapphire substrates by utilizing modified facet‐controlled epitaxial lateral overgrowth (FACELO). GaN films were grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy on the stripe patterned substrates with the SiO2 thickness of 1.2 μm. The threading dislocation density reached a value as low as 5 × 107 cm–2. We have also fabricated Light emitting diodes (LEDs). The output power and external quantum efficiency of the LED operated at 20 mA were 20.74 mW and 37.1%, respectively. This is due to not only the reduced dislocation density but also the improved light extraction efficiency because of the light scattering at the patterned GaN/thick‐SiO2‐masks interface. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High speed germanium detectors on Si
Authors: Kasper E. , Oehme M.
Published: June 2008

All the common group IV semiconductors – diamond, silicon carbide, silicon, germanium‐ are indirect semiconductors which narrows their optoelectronic application width. Silicon itself has a room temperature band gap of 1.12 eV with the first direct transition at 3.4 eV delivering strong absorption in the ultraviolet and the weaker indirect absorption in the visible up to the near infrared λ = 1.1 µm. Ge has a smaller bandgap (0.66 eV) which correlates with a larger band to band absorption limit (1.9 eV) but even more important the direct transition (0.8 eV) comes down to only about 150 meV above the indirect one. The speed of photodetectors is limited by two main factors, the carrier transport within the device and the RC time constant from loading the depletion layer capacitance via the external supply. High speed operation is obtained with absorption in the depletion layer where high electric fields accelerate the carriers to saturation velocity and avoiding slow carrier diffusion. In a pin diode structure this is obtained by sharp doping profiles (orders of magnitude increase/decrease within several Nanometers) and by the misfit dislocation network of the virtual substrate blocking diffusion from below the device. Indeed within a very short time the bandwidth of Ge on Si detectors was shifted in the GHz regime. The operation bias is usually in the reverse direction, but our group demonstrated also high speed (25 GHz) with zero bias when dark currents should be minimized. These photodetectors are sensitive in a broad spectral range (from visible to 1.6 µm). The lower limit is given by the absorption in the cap layer; the upper limit is the direct absorption edge of Ge. Silicon on insulator (SOI) optical waveguide system concept is explained which uses a light signal externally coupled in the silicon circuit. For its simplicity we propose a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate. Rectangular waveguides like rib or ridge waveguides provide strong optical confinement at low device fabrication requirements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coherent control of bound entangled electrons in a CdMnTe quantum well
Authors: Jacobs P. W. , Furdyna J. K. , Merlin R.
Published: June 2008

Ultrafast laser pulses were used to control the spin state of a pair of entangled, donor‐bound electrons in a CdMnTe quantum well. The entanglement, mediated by an optically‐excited exciton, was characterized by pumpprobe spectroscopy. The data exhibits two dominant oscillations, one at the frequency of the spin‐flip of a donor electron and the second one at twice this frequency. Their amplitudes depend linearly on the pump power. The quantum state of the two‐electron spin system can be controlled by appropriate spatial and temporal shaping of the pump pulses. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A 5.15–5.35 GHz band 10 W power amplifier using SiC MESFETs
Authors: Kim Kyunghwan , Kim Jaekwon , Burm Jinwook
Published: June 2008

A 10 watt radio frequency power amplifier using commercially available silicon carbide (SiC) metal semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs), Cree CRF‐24010F, was designed. The frequency range covers 5.15 GHz to 5.35 GHz for using IEEE 802.11a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) applications. The 2nd and 3rd order harmonics cancellation technique was introduced to obtain high linearity. A cascade topology was employed to increase small signal gain, isolation, and stability throughout the bandwidth. At VDS1 = VDS2 = 48 V and IDS1 + IDS2 = 871 mA, 11 ± 1 dB power gain, 40 dBm (10 W) output power and 32.5% power added efficiency (PAE) over the operating bandwidth have been achieved in the two stage design. Two‐tone simulation at frequency spacing of 10 MHz was also done and output 3rd order intercept point (OIP3) of 49 dBm was obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Geomorphic applications of stream‐gage information
Authors: Juracek Kyle E. , Fitzpatrick Faith A.
Published: June 2008

In the United States, several thousand stream gages provide what typically is the only source of continuous, long‐term streamflow and channel‐geometry information for the locations being monitored. In this paper, the geomorphic content of stream‐gage information, previous and potential applications of stream‐gage information in fluvial geomorphic research and various possible limitations are described. Documented applications include studies of hydraulic geometry, channel bankfull characteristics, sediment transport and channel geomorphic response to various types of disturbance. Potential applications include studies to determine the geomorphic effectiveness of large floods and in‐stream habitat change in response to disturbance. For certain applications, various spatial, temporal and data limitations may render the stream‐gage information of limited use; however, such information often is of considerable value to enable or enhance geomorphic investigations. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socially responsible investing in Scandinavia – a comparative analysis
Authors: Bengtsson Elias
Published: June 2008

This article contributes to the literature on socially responsible investing (SRI) by discussing findings from an empirical comparative study of Scandinavian investors. The study draws attention to how contextual factors shape the principles and practices of SRI investors by using a wide range of both qualitative and quantitative secondary data. It is concluded that institutional factors are important in explaining homogeneity among Scandinavian investors' SRI, but also contribute to significant variation in SRI principles and practices between and within countries. In particular, the findings draw attention to the different opportunities available to individual investors, and the strategies they adopt in their application of SRI. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Does SEE information make a difference to fund managers?
Authors: Henningsson Johan
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this paper is to explore how fund mangers, as cultured observers, make sense of social, environmental and ethical (SEE) information about companies. The paper uses a qualitative research approach involving in depth interviews with fund managers in Sweden. The analysis is influenced by a combination of system and network theories where social networks are imposed on fund managers when they make sense of corporate information. With reference to a growing SRI market, the rationales of social forces imposed on fund managers do not seem to have changed in order for them to include social aspects. Instead, these aspects are taken care of elsewhere in organizations, leaving fund managers as nodes in social networks, outside. However, if social aspects become an issue for the market positioning of companies, they could probably make more of a difference to the rationales of social forces surrounding fund managers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A study of the provision of environmental information in financial analysts' research reports
Authors: Nilsson Henrik , Cunningham Gary M. , Hassel Lars G.
Published: June 2008

Reporting of environmental information along with financial information has become an important research topic. Research to date has focused on the nature of the information reported by companies. This study extends prior research by examining the inclusion of environmental information by financial analysts in their research reports on companies in the chemical and in the oil and gas industries. Both companies and financial analysts are divided into subsets by geographic region, Europe and North America. Results show that only 35 per cent of financial analysts' reports have environmental information. Those reports that do have such information have more environmental information for North American companies than for European companies and analysts tend to report more information for companies in their regions. The chemical industry receives more attention, especially for downside information. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Stakeholder relations and financial performance
Authors: Scholtens Bert , Zhou Yangqin
Published: June 2008

We analyze how shareholder performance can be associated with stakeholder relations. As such, we try to find out whether there is an association between financial performance and stakeholder relations with respect to different theoretical notions about the firm. Financial performance is operationalized as the financial return of a firm's shares. For stakeholder relations, we look into community involvement, corporate governance, employee relations, environmental conduct, diversity of the workforce, human rights policies and product attributes. We find that the different components of stakeholder relations appear to be associated in a complex manner with shareholder performance. Therefore, it adds value to look closely into the details of stakeholder relations in connection with financial performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Financial outcomes of environmental risk and opportunity for US companies
Authors: Semenova Natalia , Hassel Lars G.
Published: June 2008

The study extends previous research on the relation between environmental and financial performance in two ways. First, we recognize that inherent environmental risk differs among industries. Increased levels of industry risk cause companies to have lower market values even if they are more profitable than companies in low risk industries. Second, we decompose the multi‐dimensional environmental opportunity construct into dimensions of preparedness and performance. As an extension of previous research on the economic value of environmental performance, we show that the reputational benefits of environmental preparedness mainly increase market value, while environmental performance also can bring operational benefits to financial performance. In high risk or polluting industries, environmental management is costly and reduces the operating performance of companies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Circular Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Experience of a Single Center with 445 Cases
Authors: Uras Cihan , Baca Bilgi , Boler Deniz Eren
Published: June 2008

This study was designed to review the results of circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (CSH) in the management of second‐, third‐, and fourth‐degree hemorrhoidal disease. The medical records of 483 patients who had undergone circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease from June 2001 to September 2006 were evaluated. Data regarding complications, residual symptoms, and recurrence were collected. The study included 445 patients (283 men, 162women) between 22 and 74 years old (median age 39 years). This constituted 92% of all patients. Concomitant lateral internal sphincterotomy, skin tags’ excision, and thrombus removal were done in 106 (24.0%), 83 (18.5%), and 20 (4.5%) patients, respectively. The median operating time was 24 minutes (10–45 minutes). The median hospital stay was 40 hours (11–72 hours). Complications during the first 24 hours were fecal urgency (25%), urinary retention (8%), and rectal bleeding (1%). Pruritus ani (21%), thrombosed external hemorrhoids (4%), staple line stenosis (2%), rectal bleeding (2%), anal fissure (1%), and persistent skin tags (3%) were the symptoms seen during the long‐term follow‐up. The median follow‐up was 23 months (6–70 months). The recurrence rate was 1%. Circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy can be safely performed with low recurrence and complication rates while offering a relatively painless postoperative period for the patient.
Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in Submucosal Invasive Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Choi Pyong W. , Yu Chang Sik , Jang Se J. , Jung Sang H. , Kim Hee C. , Kim Jin C.
Published: June 2008

Background

Recent studies have shown a 7–15% lymph node (LN) metastasis rate in submucosal invasive colorectal cancer (SICC). Identifying risk factors for LN metastasis is crucial in selecting therapeutic modalities for SICC. We assessed the possibility of and the risk factors for LN metastasis in SICC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on 168 SICC patients who underwent curative resection between June 1989 and December 2004 at Asan Medical Center. The level of submucosal invasion was classified into upper third (sm1), middle third (sm2), and lower third (sm3). The following carcinoma‐related variables were assessed: tumor size, tumor location, depth of submucosal invasion, cell differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, neural invasion, and tumor cell dissociation (TCD).

Results

The overall LN metastasis rate was 14.3%. Significant predictors of LN metastasis both univariately and multivariately were sm3 (p = 0.039), poorly differentiated cancer (p = 0.028), and TCD (p = 0.045). Lymphovascular invasion was a risk factor for LN metastasis in univariate analysis (p = 0.019); however, in multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion could not predict LN metastasis. No statistical difference was observed in the risk of LN metastasis with regard to tumor location, size, and neural invasion.

Conclusion

The depth of submucosal invasion, cell differentiation, and tumor cell dissociation were significant pathologic predictors of LN metastasis in SICC. Because SICC is associated with a considerable risk of LN metastasis, local excision may be performed carefully in SICC without adverse features.
Trauma Care in India: Current Scenario
Authors: Joshipura M. K.
Published: June 2008

Trauma‐care systems in India are at a nascent stage of development. Industrialized cities, rural towns, and villages coexist with a variety of health care facilities and an almost complete lack of organized trauma care. There is gross disparity between trauma services available in various parts of the country. Rural India has inefficient services for trauma care, due to the varied topography, financial constraints, and lack of appropriate health infrastructure. There is no national lead agency to coordinate various components of a trauma system. No mechanism for accreditation of trauma centers and professionals exists. Education in trauma life‐support skills has only recently become available. A nationwide survey encompassing various facilities has documented significant deficiencies in current trauma systems. Some initiatives on improving prehospital systems have been seen recently. Although injury is a major public‐health problem, the government, medical fraternity, and the society are yet to recognize it as a significant public health challenge.
The Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score: A Tool for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis that Outperforms the Alvarado Score
Authors: Andersson Manne , Andersson Roland E.
Published: June 2008

Background

The clinical diagnosis of appendicitis is a subjective synthesis of information from variables with ill‐defined diagnostic value. This process could be improved by using a scoring system that includes objective variables that reflect the inflammatory response. This study describes the construction and evaluation of a new clinical appendicitis score.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from 545 patients admitted for suspected appendicitis at four hospitals. The score was constructed from eight variables with independent diagnostic value (right‐lower‐quadrant pain, rebound tenderness, muscular defense, WBC count, proportion neutrophils, CRP, body temperature, and vomiting) in 316 randomly selected patients and evaluated on the remaining 229 patients. Ordered logistic regression was used to obtain a high discriminating power with focus on advanced appendicitis. Diagnostic performance was compared with the Alvarado score.

Results

The ROC area of the new score was 0.97 for advanced appendicitis and 0.93 for all appendicitis compared with 0.92 (p = 0.0027) and 0.88 (p = 0.0007), respectively, for the Alvarado score. Sixty‐three percent of the patients were classified into the low‐ or high‐probability group with an accuracy of 97.2%, leaving 37% for further investigation. Seventy‐three percent of the nonappendicitis patients, 67% of the advanced appendicitis, and 37% of all appendicitis patients were correctly classified into the low‐ and high‐probability zone, respectively.

Conclusion

This simple clinical score can correctly classify the majority of patients with suspected appendicitis, leaving the need for diagnostic imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy to the smaller group of patients with an indeterminate scoring result.
Surgical Education in Greece
Authors: Kostakis Alkiviadis , Mantas Dimitris
Published: June 2008

Nowadays, many important changes to residents’ education are being introduced, including the regulation of working hours, the waiting time to start specialization, the training programs in new technologies, the heterogeneity of trainers and educational centers, and the existence of many different subspecializations. In Greece we have not yet established all the arrangements needed to meet the European Community’s legislation concerning working hours apart from the extremely long waiting time to begin surgical training. There is an enormous heterogeneity among hospitals that provide surgical specialties, but there is no educational program that all residents have to follow to complete their training. Only in major university or general hospitals are the residents enrolled in a specific educational program and complete an adequate number of surgical procedures. With respect to training in new technologies, there is a lack of experienced surgical departments around Greece that provide this type of education to all residents. Of course, efforts have been made to meet the international educational criteria and there are many major general hospitals that can provide an adequate and up‐to‐date surgical education, although much still needs to be done to meet the international standards.
CCL2 is a key mediator of microglia activation in neuropathic pain states
Authors: Thacker Michael A. , Clark Anna K. , Bishop Thomas , Grist John , Yip Ping K. , Moon Lawrence D.F. , Thompson Stephen W.N. , Marchand Fabien , McMahon Stephen B.
Published: June 2008

While neuroimmune interactions are increasingly recognized as important in nociceptive processing, the nature and functional significance of these interactions is not well defined. There are multiple reports that the activation of spinal microglia is a critical event in the generation of neuropathic pain behaviors but the mediators of this activation remain disputed. Here we show that the chemokine CCL2, produced by both damaged and undamaged primary sensory neurons in neuropathic pain states in rats, is released in an activity dependent manner from the central terminals of these fibres. We also demonstrate that intraspinal CCL2 in naïve rats leads to activation of spinal microglia and neuropathic pain‐like behavior. An essential role for spinal CCL2 is demonstrated by the inhibition of neuropathic pain behavior and microglial activation by a specific neutralising antibody to CCL2 administered intrathecally. Thus, the neuronal expression of CCL2 provides a mechanism for immune activation, which in turn regulates the sensitivity of pain signaling systems in neuropathic pain states.
Nifedipine versus terbutaline for tocolysis in external cephalic version
Authors: Mohamed Ismail Nor Azlin , Ibrahim Maryasalwati , Mohd Naim Norzilawati , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Jamil Mohammad Abdul , Mohd Razi Zainul Rashid
Published: June 2008

Objective

To study the efficacy of nifedipine compared with terbutaline as a tocolytic agent in external cephalic version (ECV).

Methods

A prospective, randomized, comparative trial was carried out in a tertiary hospital. Women with singleton term breech pregnancies were randomized for nifedipine (group A) and terbutaline (group B) tocolysis for ECV in an outpatient setting. The efficacy, side effects, and complications were analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 86 women were recruited with 43 women in each group. The overall success rate was 48.8% and this reduced the rate of cesarean delivery for breech presentation by 32.5% in our center. ECV was successful in 39.5% of women in group A and 58.1% in group B. Fewer side effects were experienced by the women in group A compared with group B, although this was not significant.

Conclusion

Nifedipine can be used as an alternative for tocolysis in ECV when there are maternal contraindications to beta‐sympathomimetics.
Middle Stone Age starch acquisition in the Niassa Rift, Mozambique
Authors: Mercader Julio , Bennett Tim , Raja Mussa
Published: June 2008

The quest for direct lines of evidence for Paleolithic plant consumption during the African Middle Stone Age has led scientists to study residues and use-wear on flaked stone tools. Past work has established lithic function through multiple lines of evidence and the spatial breakdown of use-wear and microscopic traces on tool surfaces. This paper focuses on the quantitative analysis of starch assemblages and the botanical identification of grains from flake and core tools to learn about human ecology of carbohydrate use around the Niassa woodlands, in the Mozambican Rift. The processing of starchy plant parts is deduced from the occurrence of starch assemblages that presumably got attached to stone tool surfaces by actions associated with extractive or culinary activities. Specifically, we investigate starch grains from stone tools recently excavated in northern Mozambique at the site of Mikuyu; which presumably spans the middle to late Pleistocene and represents similar sites found along the Malawi/Niassa corridor that links East, Southern, and Central Africa. Starch was extracted and processed with a diverse tool kit consisting of scrapers, cores, points, flakes, and other kinds of tools. The microbotanical data suggests consumption of seeds, legumes, caryopses, piths, underground storage organs, nuts, and mesocarps from more than a dozen families. Our data suggest a great antiquity for starch use in Africa as well as an expanded diet and intensification.
A NEW MEAN WITH INEQUALITIES
Authors: HAMZA K.
Published: June 2008

We introduce a new mean and compare it to the standard arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means. In fact we identify a generic way of constructing means from existing ones.
CONTACT AND PANSU DIFFERENTIABLE MAPS ON CARNOT GROUPS
Authors: WARHURST BEN
Published: June 2008

The equivalence between contact and Pansu differentiable maps on Carnot groups is established within the class of maps that areC1with respect to the ambient Euclidean structure.
Effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetra-acetate (NaFeEDTA) on haemoglobin and serum ferritin in iron-deficient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhan Siyan , Xia Yinyin , Lee Liming
Published: June 2008

We aimed to synthesise evidence to assess the effect and safety of NaFeEDTA on Hb and serum ferritin in Fe-deficient populations. We performed a systematic review, identifying potential studies by searching the electronic databases of Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, WHO Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We also hand-searched relevant conference proceedings and reference lists. Finally, we contacted experts in the field. The selection criteria included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of NaFeEDTA compared with placebo. Hb, serum ferritin and adverse effects were outcomes of interest. Inclusion decisions, quality assessment and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies assessed the effect of NaFeEDTA on Hb concentration, four studies assessed the effect on serum ferritin concentration, and one study on serum Zn concentration. After the intervention, Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration were both higher in the NaFeEDTA group compared with the control group. For Hb, data from six studies could be pooled and the pooled estimate (weighted mean difference) was 8·56 (95 % CI 2·21, 14·90) g/l (P = 0·008). For serum ferritin, data from four studies could be pooled and the pooled difference was 1·58 (95 % CI 1·20, 2·09) μg/l (P < 0·001). Subgroup analysis indicated that a lower baseline Hb level was associated with a greater increase in Hb concentration. No significant difference in serum Zn concentration was found. We concluded that NaFeEDTA increased both Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration substantially in Fe-deficient populations, and could be an effective Fe preparation to combat Fe deficiency.
Calcium intake and the 10-year incidence of self-reported vertebral fractures in women and men: The Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study
Authors: Nakamura Kazutoshi , Kurahashi Norie , Ishihara Junko , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study Group
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low Ca intake on the 10-year incidence of vertebral fractures in cohorts I and II of the Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study. The baseline studies were conducted in 1990–1994, with the follow-up studies conducted after 10 years. We analysed 33 970 subjects aged 40–59 years in cohort I and 41 664 subjects aged 40–69 years in cohort II. At baseline, the intake of Ca was assessed as a predictor, using validated FFQ. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate a summary relative risk (RR) for the two cohort studies. The 10-year cumulative incidences of self-reported vertebral fractures were 0·38 % for cohort I and 0·56 % for cohort II. In women, lower Ca intake was associated with a higher incidence of vertebral fractures (P for trend = 0·001), with the lowest quartile of Ca intake having a significantly higher incidence (0·89/1000 persons per year or RR 2·10 (95 % CI 1·25, 3·55)) than that (0·42/1000 persons per year) of the highest. In addition, the RR calculated using energy-adjusted Ca intake (by the residual method) as an outcome was 1·92 (95 % CI 1·28, 2·88). However, no such association was observed in men. An increase of Ca intake should be considered as a preventive strategy for vertebral fractures in peri- and post-menopausal women with a low Ca intake.
Correlation of plume morphologies on joint surfaces with their fracture mechanic implications
Authors: BAHAT D. , RABINOVITCH A. , FRID V.
Published: June 2008

The fractography and conditions of propagation of joints that cut Devonian siltstones in the Appalachian Plateau, New York, and Eocene chalks from the Beer Sheva Syncline, Israel, are investigated. The joints cutting the siltstones are marked by S-type and C-type plumes, and the joints cutting the Lower Eocene and Middle Eocene chalks are marked by coarse and delicate plumes, respectively. The four plume types propagated under sub-critical (slow propagation) conditions. On the semi-quantitative fracture velocity (v) versus the tensile stress intensity (KI) curves, the S and C plume types fall in the KI=0.073–0.79 MPa m1/2 and v=2×10−4–10−2 m/s and KI=0.073–0.79 MPa m1/2 and v=10−6–10−4 m/s ranges respectively. The coarse and delicate plumes fall in the KI=0.03–0.17 MPa m1/2 and v=10−6–4×10−5 m/s and KI=0.03–0.17 MPa m1/2 and v=10−4–5×10−3 m/s ranges, respectively. Generally, slow plumes are relatively short, show periodicity, and typically exhibit superposition of arrest marks. On the other hand, faster plumes are longer and continuous, occur particularly in thinner layers, and show no superposition of arrest marks. There is a clear distinction between two en échelon segmentation end-members in the joint fringe, the ‘discontinuous breakdown type’ and the ‘continuous breakdown type’. There are also ‘transitional’ variations between the end-members. Only curved ‘discontinuous breakdown type’ boundaries of en échelon fringes can be equated with mirror boundaries.
The dependence of open cylindrical magnetoactive p-Ge and p-Si plasma waveguide mode cutoff frequencies on hole concentrations
Authors: NICKELSON L. , ASMONTAS S. , MALISAUSKAS V. , MARTAVICIUS R.
Published: June 2008

In this article we give the solution of Maxwell's equations for the open circular cylindrical magnetoactive semiconductor plasma (-gyrotropy) waveguides. We describe the method that allowed us to arrive at a dispersion equation for the electrodynamical analyses of open circular cylindrical plasma (OCCP) waveguides. We numerically investigate the main and two higher modes' dispersion characteristics of p-Ge and p-Si waveguides placed in an external constant longitudinal magnetic field at several concentrations of two component hole charge carriers. We analyse the cutoff frequency and other electrodynamical characteristics of helicon modes with the left-handed (e+iϕ) circular polarization. We discover that the cutoff frequencies of the main mode and the working frequency range of OCCP p-Ge and p-Si waveguides are moving continuously towards the direction of higher frequencies when the hole concentration is increasing. We determine that the central frequency of the p-Si plasma waveguide is higher and its broadbandwidth is larger compared with the analogical p-Ge waveguide. We also numerically investigate the helicon mode cutoff frequencies of the infinitive p-Ge and p-Si plasma at several concentrations of two component hole charge carriers. We compare the cutoff frequencies of the helicon modes propagating in the infinite plasma and in the OCCP waveguides.
A New Hope: India, the United Nations and the Making of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Authors: BHAGAVAN MANU
Published: June 2008

This paper explores India's role in the development and design of the United Nations (UN), refracted through the Commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through an analysis of sovereignty, citizenship, nationality and human rights from the 1940s to 1956, the paper discusses what India hoped the UN to be, and more generally what they intended for the new world order and for themselves. The paper challenges existing interpretations of international affairs in this period. It seeks to reform our understanding of Jawaharlal Nehru's intellectual vision, and in the process attempts to recast the very concept of post-coloniality.
Sporogony of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae in the brown trout Salmo trutta and the role of the tertiary cell during the vertebrate phase of myxozoan life cycles
Authors: MORRIS D. J. , ADAMS A.
Published: June 2008

Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae is the myxozoan that causes the commercially and ecologically important proliferative kidney disease of salmonid fish species. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used to examine the development of this parasite within the kidney of the brown trout Salmo trutta. The main replicative phase of T. bryosalmonae is a cell doublet composed of a primary cell and a single secondary cell. Engulfment of one secondary cell by another to form a secondary-tertiary doublet (S-T doublet) heralded the onset of sporogony whereupon the parasite migrated to the kidney tubule lumen. Within the tubule, the parasite transformed into a pseudoplasmodium and anchored to the tubule epithelial cells via pseudopodial extensions. Within each pseudoplasmodium developed a single spore, composed of 4 valve cells, 2 polar capsules and 1 sporoplasm. The pseudoplasmodia formed clusters suggesting that large numbers of spores develop within the fish. This examination of T. bryosalmonae suggests that the main replicative phase of freshwater myxozoans within vertebrates is via direct replication of cell doublets rather than through the rupturing of extrasporogonic stages, while tertiary cell formation relates only to sporogony. Taken in conjunction with existing phylogenetic data, 5 distinct sporogonial sequences are identified for the Myxozoa.
Using optimization to create self-stable human-like running
Authors: Mombaur Katja
Published: June 2008

This paper demonstrates how numerical optimization techniques can efficiently be used to create self-stable running motions for a human-like robot model. Exploitation of self-stability is considered to be a crucial factor for biological running and might be the key for success to make bipedal and humanoid robots run in the future. We investigate a two-dimensional simulation model of running with nine bodies (trunk, thighs, shanks, feet, and arms) powered by external moments at all internal joints. Using efficient optimal control techniques and stability optimization, we were able to determine model parameters and actuator inputs that lead to fully open-loop stable running motions.
Graph Colouring with No Large Monochromatic Components
Authors: LINIAL NATHAN , MATOUŠEK JIŘÍ , SHEFFET OR , TARDOS GÁBOR
Published: June 2008

For a graphGand an integertwe letmcct(G) be the smallestmsuch that there exists a colouring of the vertices ofGbytcolours with no monochromatic connected subgraph having more thanmvertices. Letbe any non-trivial minor-closed family of graphs. We show thatmcc2(G) =O(n2/3) for anyn-vertex graphG∈. This bound is asymptotically optimal and it is attained for planar graphs. More generally, for every such, and every fixedtwe show thatmcct(G)=O(n2/(t+1)). On the other hand, we have examples of graphsGwith noKt+3minor and withmcct(G)=Ω(n2/(2t−1)).

It is also interesting to consider graphs of bounded degrees. Haxell, Szabó and Tardos provedmcc2(G) ≤ 20000 for every graphGof maximum degree 5. We show that there aren-vertex 7-regular graphsGwithmcc2(G)=Ω(n), and more sharply, for every ϵ > 0 there existscϵ> 0 andn-vertex graphs of maximum degree 7, average degree at most 6 + ϵ for all subgraphs, and withmcc2(G) ≥cϵn. For 6-regular graphs it is known only that the maximum order of magnitude ofmcc2is between$\sqrt n$andn.

We also offer a Ramsey-theoretic perspective of the quantitymcct(G).