bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Recombinant Erythropoietin in Childhood Cancer
Authors: Shankar Ananth Gouri
Published: February 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the pathophysiology of anemia in children with cancer and explain the rationale for the use of rHuEPO in the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated anemia.Discuss the current indications for the use of rHuEPO in childhood cancer.Explain how the use of rHuEPO in patients with cancer may result in tumor progression and inferior survival outcome.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Anemia in children with cancer is not an uncommon complication and is usually multifactorial in etiology. In numerous trials in adult cancer patients, treatment with recombinant erythropoietin has been shown to increase hemoglobin levels, reduce red blood cell transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life. Much less has been published of its use in the prevention or treatment of cancer-associated anemia (CAA) in children, in whom chemotherapy is usually more intensive and likely to result in greater myelosuppression. This review critically evaluates the published evidence of its use in childhood cancer especially; its safety and efficacy in the prevention and treatment of CAA and some indications for its use in childhood cancer are suggested.
Implementing an Expressive Writing Study in a Cancer Clinic
Authors: Morgan Nancy P. , Graves Kristi D. , Poggi Elizabeth A. , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: February 2008

Patients at a comprehensive cancer center have participated in a weekly writing program for 7 years. Anecdotal evidence following writing in this clinical setting appeared congruent with the results of expressive writing studies conducted in laboratory settings. To move expressive writing research beyond the laboratory, we evaluated the feasibility of engaging a clinical population in a structured expressive writing task while they waited for an appointment in a cancer clinic. Adult leukemia and lymphoma patients (n = 71) completed a baseline assessment, 20-minute writing task, postwriting assessment, and 3-week follow-up; 88% completed the writing task and 56% completed the follow-up. Participants reported positive responses to the writing, and immediately postwriting about half (49.1%) reported that writing resulted in changes in their thoughts about their illness, while 53.8% reported changes in their thoughts at the 3-week follow-up. Reports of changes in thoughts about illness immediately postwriting were significantly associated with better physical quality of life at follow-up, controlling for baseline quality of life. Initial qualitative analyses of the texts identified themes related to experiences of positive change/transformation following a cancer diagnosis. Findings support the feasibility of conducting expressive writing with a clinical population in a nonlaboratory setting. Cancer patients were receptive to expressive writing and reported changes in the way they thought about their illness following writing. These preliminary findings indicate that a single, brief writing exercise is related to cancer patients' reports of improved quality of life.
Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss: Pathophysiology and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Brufsky Adam M.
Published: February 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the incidence of CTIBL in patients undergoing therapy for breast cancer and prostate cancer.Describe the pathogenesis of CTIBL in patients undergoing therapy for breast cancer and prostate cancer.Describe the current role of and indications for bisphosphonate therapy in the treatment of CTIBL.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Hormone-ablative therapies for breast or prostate cancer can cause marked and rapid reductions in circulating estrogen or testosterone levels, resulting in significant effects on bone metabolism and cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL). Most patients with cancer are over the age of 65 and are already at risk for osteoporosis. Thus, accelerated bone loss from CTIBL is especially concerning in this population. Although there are currently no approved therapies for the treatment or prevention of CTIBL, oral bisphosphonates have been used in settings other than oncology to treat bone loss. New-generation i.v. bisphosphonates have demonstrated promising activity in preventing CTIBL in patients receiving hormonal therapy for breast or prostate cancer. In particular, zoledronic acid not only prevents CTIBL in both breast and prostate cancer patients but also increases bone mineral density above baseline. Such agents have the potential to delay or prevent CTIBL in patients receiving hormonal therapies.
Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Limbs: Which Treatment to Choose?
Authors: Hohenberger Peter , Wysocki Wojciech M.
Published: February 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe and weigh the available treatment options for the neoadjuvant therapy of soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs.Discuss the positive effects of preoperative treatment concepts on resection margins.Balance the adverse effects of pretreatment on subsequent operative morbidity.Interpret the weaknesses of currently available study results.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) form a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms arising in the mesenchymal connective tissues. They can develop at any anatomic site but 60% occur in the extremities. Initially, treatment of STS relied solely on excision. In the 1970s, Enneking et al. developed the concept of compartmental resection to reduce the local failure rate. Later, Rosenberg et al. demonstrated, in a randomized study, that there was no difference in local tumor control and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients treated with amputation versus limb-saving surgery followed by 50–70 Gy external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

A considerable proportion of patients present with locally advanced tumors as a primary or recurrent disease and cannot be resected with adequate clearance margins. These patients are threatened with amputation for complete tumor removal. Improvements in surgical techniques, such as microvascular muscle flaps, allow for the avoidance of limb loss in the majority of cases. However, the use of frozen sections to determine intraoperatively whether clear margins have been achieved is limited by the multiplanarity of resection specimens. Thus, local failure rates are 15%–25%, and preoperative measures to sterilize the invasive margin of sarcomas have been explored. High-dose preoperative EBRT for high-grade STS was developed, and its combination with intra-arterial or i.v. chemotherapy was reported to be effective. Recently, systemic chemotherapy combined with deep wave hyperthermia was shown to result in a longer DFS time in a large, randomized, phase III study. Treatment concepts differ significantly among centers and are influenced more by availability of technical equipment than by data. It is the aim of this review to elucidate the rationale of different regimens and analyze their potentials as well as weaknesses.
Administration of Cetuximab Every 2 Weeks in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Effective, More Convenient Alternative to Weekly Administration?
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Pfeiffer Per , Cervantes Andrés
Published: February 2008

The primary purpose of this paper is to present the available evidence for the administration of cetuximab on an every-2-weeks basis in combination with irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor–targeted IgG1 monoclonal antibody that is approved for use in combination with irinotecan or as monotherapy in the treatment of mCRC. The currently approved dosing regimen for cetuximab is a 400-mg/m2 initial dose followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly. Many commonly used chemotherapy agents for mCRC (including irinotecan alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]/folinic acid [FA] and oxaliplatin plus 5-FU/FA) are administered on an every-2-weeks basis. The ability to synchronize the administration of cetuximab and concomitant chemotherapy is desirable for both patients and health care workers. A cetuximab dose of 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks exhibited predictable pharmacokinetics, which were similar to those of the approved weekly dosing regimen. Active serum concentrations of cetuximab were maintained throughout the 2-week dosing period with this regimen. There was no difference between the dosing regimens on pharmacodynamic parameters in skin. The efficacy and safety of the every-2-weeks dosing regimen were similar to those reported for the approved weekly dosing regimen. The indication from these preliminary findings is that every-2-weeks administration of cetuximab (500 mg/m2) may be a potentially convenient alternative to the approved weekly dosing regimen of 250 mg/m2 (following an initial dose of 400 mg/m2) in the treatment of mCRC.
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Alemtuzumab as Single-Agent Treatment for B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Demko Suzanne , Summers Jeffrey , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: February 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the results of the CAM 307 randomized trial of alemtuzumab in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Describe the pretreatment and prophylactic medications recommended for patients treated with alemtuzumab.Identify the most common toxicities seen with alemtuzumab treatment.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

On September 19, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval and expanded labeling for alemtuzumab (Campath®; Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA) as single-agent treatment for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Alemtuzumab was initially approved in 2001 under accelerated approval regulations. Conversion to regular approval was based on a single study submitted to verify clinical benefit. Efficacy and safety were demonstrated in an open-label, international, multicenter, randomized trial of 297 patients with previously untreated, Rai stage I–IV B-CLL experiencing progression of their disease. Patients were randomized to either alemtuzumab, 30 mg i.v. over 2 hours three times per week on alternate days for a maximum of 12 weeks, or chlorambucil, 40 mg/m2 orally every 28 days for a maximum of 12 months. The progression-free survival time, the primary study endpoint, was significantly longer in the alemtuzumab arm than in the chlorambucil arm. Both the overall and complete response rates were also significantly higher in the alemtuzumab arm. No differences in survival were observed. There were no new safety signals identified in patients receiving alemtuzumab. The most serious, and sometimes fatal, toxicities of alemtuzumab are cytopenias, infusion reactions, and infections.
A 2‐in. a‐Si:H TFT‐LCD with embedded backlight control TFT sensors with various channel widths
Authors: Kim Se Hwan , Kim Eung Bum , Oh Jae Hwan , Hur Ji Ho , Jang Jin
Published: February 2008

Abstract— A 2.0‐in. a‐Si:H TFT‐LCD with embedded TFT sensors for the control of the backlight intensity according to the ambient light intensity has been developed. Two types of a‐Si:H TFT sensors with various channel widths were embedded into a TFT backplane with bottom‐ and top‐gate structures for measuring the ambient light and backlight illumination, respectively. The output signal, measured by a readout IC, increased with backlight intensity until 20,000 lux.
An electrophoretic LCD: Switching with threshold and video rate
Authors: Sikharulidze David
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Here, an electrophoretic liquid‐crystal (EPLC) display, which employs a suspension of pigments with liquid crystals and exhibits switching with threshold and fast response is presented, enabling video rate. The dielectric anisotropy of the LC medium, allowing by applying voltage switching between states with high and low dielectric permittivity, is responsible for this unusual electrophoretic switching.
Novel application of ink‐jet‐printing technology in multi‐domain alignment liquid‐crystal displays
Authors: Su Pei‐Ju , Sha Yi‐An , Shiu Jyh‐Wen
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Based on the drop‐on‐demand characteristics of ink‐jet printing, the multi‐domain alignment liquid‐crystal display (LCD) could be achieved by using patterned polyimide materials. These polyimide ink locations with different alignment procedures could be defined in a single pixel, depending on the designer 's setting. In this paper, we combined the electro‐optical design, polyimide ink formulation, and ink‐jetting technology to demonstrate the application of multi‐domain alignment liquid‐crystal display manufactory. The first one was a multi‐domain vertical‐alignment LCD. After the horizontal alignment material pattern on the vertical alignment film, the viewing angle would reach 150° without compensation film. The second one was a single‐cell‐gap transflective LCD within integrating the horizontal alignment in the transmissive region and hybrid alignment in the reflective one in the same pixel. In addition, this transflective LCD was also demonstrated in the form of a 2.4‐in. 170‐ppi prototype.
From Straight Lines to Deconvolution: The Evolution of the State of the Art in Well Test Analysis
Authors: Gringarten Alain C.
Published: February 2008

Well test analysis has been used for many years to assess well condition and obtain reservoir parameters. Early interpretation methods (by use of straight lines or log-log pressure plots) were limited to the estimation of well performance. With the introduction of pressure-derivative analysis in 1983 and the development of complex interpretation models that are able to account for detailed geological features, well test analysis has become a very powerful tool for reservoir characterization. A new milestone has been reached recently with the introduction of deconvolution. De-convolution is a process that converts pressure data at variable rate into a single drawdown at constant rate, thus making more data available for interpretation than in the original data set, in which only periods at constant rate can be analyzed. Consequently, it is possible to see boundaries in deconvolved data, a considerable advantage compared with conventional analysis, in which boundaries often are not seen and must be inferred. This has a significant impact on the ability to certify reserves.

This paper reviews the evolution of well test analysis techniques during the past half century and shows how improvements have come in a series of step changes 20 years apart. Each one has increased the ability to discriminate among potential interpretation models and to verify the consistency of the analysis. This has increased drastically the amount of information that one can extract from well test data and, more importantly, the confidence in that information.
Limits on Data Communication Along the Drillstring Using Acoustic Waves
Authors: Gao L. , Gardner W. , Robbins C. , Memarzadeh M. , Johnson D.
Published: February 2008

The first commercial acoustic-telemetry system was introduced successfully in 2000 as part of a drillstem-testing system. However, duplicating the success of the acoustic telemetry to environmentally challenging logging-while-drilling (LWD) applications at high data throughput remains a formidable task. The primary limitation arises from normal drilling operations that produce inband acoustic noise at multiple sources at intensities comparable to the transmitter output. This noise, together with the signal attenuation along the drillstring, adversely affects the data throughput. To determine the communication capacity of the drillstring channel using acoustic waves, we examined the impact of channel characteristics, signal attenuation, and noise in detail. On the basis of a communication model that incorporates the effects of both drillstring acoustic channel and noise, we extensively studied the capacity of the system using the waterfilling method. For this analysis, realistic downhole transmitter power output, experimentally measured noise at the surface, and measured attenuation of acoustic waves in the drillstring channel were used as input parameters. The results show that a typical drillstring channel has a potential capacity of up to several hundred bits per second under noisy drilling conditions. Implications of the channel capacity on acoustic-telemetry-system designs are discussed. A communication technique that comes close to realizing a high-rate telemetry system is introduced. Methods to optimize various aspects of the system such that maximum drillstring-channel utilization can be realized under drilling conditions are also discussed. Potential enhancement to data rates through application of error control-coding is covered briefly.
Improved Reservoir Management Through Integration of 4D-Seismic Interpretation, Draugen Field, Norway
Authors: Mikkelsen P. L. , Guderian K. , Plessis G. du
Published: February 2008

4D-seismic interpretation plays a key role in the reservoir management of the Draugen field, situated offshore Norway. High-quality time-lapse seismic surveys conducted in 1990, 1998, 2001, and 2004 have all shown sharp resolution for the areal and vertical definition of the water movement toward the producing wells.

Excellent reservoir properties with relatively few high-rate wells and an expected recovery factor exceeding 60% make Draugen one of the best performing fields offshore Norway. The field has a simple geology; however, the reservoir structure is relatively uncertain because of the low number of well penetrations for calibrating the structure. Fortunately, the 4D-seismic interpretations have largely compensated for this shortcoming by providing improved lateral control for refining the reservoir-simulation models.

All of the 4D interpretations conducted so far have indicated the need for simulation-model changes such as modified reservoir volumes in certain areas, revised fault transmissibilities, and improved relative permeability characteristics. Integration of the 4D-interpretation results has greatly improved the various Draugen reservoir-simulation models, enabling improved forecast and reserves estimates as well as better business decisions. Effects on field reservoir management have included revising the water-injection strategy, converting a producer to an injector, repositioning a development well, and drilling an appraisal well.
Mapping Reservoir Volume Changes During Cyclic Steam Stimulation Using Tiltmeter-Based Surface-Deformation Measurements
Authors: Du Jing , Brissenden Simon J. , McGillivray Peter R. , Bourne Stephen , Hofstra Paul , Davis Eric J. , Roadarmel William H. , Wolhart Stephen L. , Marsic Scott , Gusek Ronald W. , Wright Christopher A.
Published: February 2008

Surface-deformation measurements have been used for years in oil fields to monitor production, waterflooding, waste injection, steam flooding, and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS). They have been proved to be a very effective way to monitor field operations and save money for operators wishing to avoid unwanted surface breaches, casing failures, and excessive subsidence because of production. This paper demonstrates that more information can be extracted from surface-deformation measurements by inverting the surface deformation for the volumetric deformation at the reservoir level using the inversion techniques from the literature, so that the areal distribution of volumetric deformation can be identified. This leads to a better understanding of reservoir behavior and also provides additional data for integration into coupled reservoir simulation modeling. This paper shows the results of mapped reservoir volume changes from two cyclic steam injection projects using tiltmeter-based surface deformation measurements.
MORAL REASONING AMONG KUWAITI ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Al-Rumaidhi Khaled M. M. S.
Published: February 2008

The goal in the study was to examine the moral reasoning patterns of a sample of Kuwaiti male and female adolescents, and whether or not gender had an influence on their moral reasoning. There were 90 participants; 45 males and 45 females. They were randomly selected from three high
schools in Kuwait city and were in grades 10–12. They ranged in age from 15–17 years (M = 15.9, SD = 1.8). The results show that the sample operated predominantly at stage 4 of Kohlberg's (1984) moral judgment stages. No significant gender differences were found
in the participants' moral reasoning. These results are discussed in the light of previous research findings.
THE STUDY OF EMOTIONAL CONTAGION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Kimura Masanori , Daibo Ikuo , Yogo Masao
Published: February 2008

Emotional contagion was examined from the perspective of interpersonal relationships. Using a vignette paradigm, 156 Japanese undergraduates (108 females and 48 males) assumed either a friend, acquaintance, senior, or junior as their partner. Their emotional expression and experience
were measured when their assumed partner told them of intensely positive episodes (e.g., the long-sought passing of a certification examination) and intensely negative episodes (e.g., the death of their mother). Emotional responses were significantly stronger in the friend, senior, and junior
conditions than in the acquaintance condition for both positive and negative episodes, suggesting the degree of intimacy in the interpersonal relationship influenced emotional contagion. Emotional responses were also stronger in the junior condition than in the senior condition, suggesting
that social power in interpersonal relationships influenced emotional contagion. Moreover, sad expressions resulting from partners' disclosures did not differ across conditions, reflecting the display rule of negative emotions in Japan. These results indicate that interpersonal relationships
need to be taken into account in the model of emotional contagion.
PERSONALITY AND AMBIVALENCE IN DECISIONS ABOUT BECOMING PARENTS
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Stotzka Carolin , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: February 2008

Decisions about becoming parents are difficult to make, and individuals may face ambivalence between hoped-for positive and feared negative aspects of parenthood. Using two samples, we analyzed whether personality is related to ambivalence in parenthood decisions and with coping with
ambivalence. In the first study, high levels of neuroticism and low levels of agreeableness were related to higher ambivalence. In the second study, psychological vulnerability was associated with higher ambivalence. Individuals with high levels of extraversion were more likely to seek social
support if parenthood decisions became too difficult, and persons with higher levels of openness to experience were more likely to make decisions based on their feelings. Associations of neuroticism with avoidant coping were mediated by level of ambivalence. The conclusion drawn is that sex
education with adolescents should include information about ambivalence and promote adequate ways of coping with this phenomenon.
VOLUNTEER SATISFACTION AND VOLUNTEER ACTION: A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH
Authors: Finkelstein Marcia A.
Published: February 2008

A functional approach to understanding the volunteer process was applied to 192 predominantly long-term hospice volunteers. The relationships among volunteer antecedents (motives), experiences (motive fulfillment, satisfaction), and outcomes (time spent volunteering, length of service)
were examined. Participants reported greater satisfaction the more their experiences fulfilled their motivations for helping. Satisfaction also predicted time spent volunteering although not volunteer longevity. The amount of time volunteers devoted to the hospice and length of service were
only weakly related to either motive or motive fulfillment. Results suggest that motivations for helping should be determined early in the volunteering process in order to match individuals with tasks they will find most rewarding. Less motivated or satisfied individuals may offer less time
to the organization but remain volunteers in good standing for many years.
Diabetes-Related Complications, Glycemic Control, and Falls in Older Adults
Authors: Schwartz Ann V. , Vittinghoff Eric , Sellmeyer Deborah E. , Feingold Kenneth R. , Rekeneire Nathalie de , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Shorr Ronald I. , Vinik Aaron I. , Odden Michelle C. , Park Seok Won , Faulkner Kimberly A. , Harris Tamara B. ,   for the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—Older adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to fall, but little is known about risk factors for falls in this population. We determined whether diabetes-related complications or treatments are associated with risk of falls in older diabetic adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In the Health, Aging, and Body Composition cohort of well-functioning older adults, participants reported falls in the previous year at annual visits. Odds ratios (ORs) for more frequent falls among 446 diabetic participants whose mean age was 73.6 years, with an average follow-up of 4.9 years, were estimated with continuation ratio models.

RESULTS—In the first year, 23% reported falling; 22, 26, 30, and 31% fell in subsequent years. In adjusted models, reduced peroneal nerve response amplitude (OR 1.50 −95% CI 1.07–2.12], worst quartile versus others); higher cystatin-C, a marker of reduced renal function (1.38 [1.11–1.71], for 1 SD increase); poorer contrast sensitivity (1.41 [0.97–2.04], worst quartile versus others); and low A1C in insulin users (4.36 [1.32–14.46], A1C ≤6 vs. >8%) were associated with risk of falls. In those using oral hypoglycemic medications but not insulin, low A1C was not associated with risk of falls (1.29 [0.65–2.54], A1C ≤6 vs. >8%). Adjustment for physical performance explained some, but not all, of these associations.

CONCLUSIONS—In older diabetic adults, reducing diabetes-related complications may prevent falls. Achieving lower A1C levels with oral hypoglycemic medications was not associated with more frequent falls, but, among those using insulin, A1C ≤6% increased risk of falls.
Stress Burden and Diabetes in Two American Indian Reservation Communities
Authors: Jiang Luohua , Beals Janette , Whitesell Nancy R. , Roubideaux Yvette , Manson Spero M. ,   the AI-SUPERPFP Team
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—To examine the association between psychosocial stress and diabetes in two American Indian reservation communities (Northern Plains and Southwest).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The American Indian Services Utilization, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI-SUPERPFP), a cross-sectional probability sample survey, interviewed 3,084 randomly selected members of two American Indian tribal groups. Included were a psychiatric epidemiological interview, a physical health problems checklist, and an extensive sociodemographic section.

RESULTS—Stress was common in these reservation communities, and the stress burden was greater among those with diabetes. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, early-life interpersonal trauma and community family dysfunction were significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes in the Northern Plains, while discrimination and community addiction problems were significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes in the Southwest.

CONCLUSIONS—A number of psychosocial stresses were significantly associated with increased odds of self-reported diabetes in these two American Indian communities.
Age estimation of faces: a review
Authors: Rhodes Matthew G.
Published: February 2008

Accurate age estimation is important in a variety of settings, particularly those in which age is a condition for access to a product such as alcohol or tobacco. The current paper reviews data on the estimation of age, focusing on changes that occur to the ageing face, methodology and findings. The accumulated data suggest that age estimation of unfamiliar faces can be quite accurate, is sensitive to cues at the local and global level and may vary on the basis of group membership. Potential directions for future research are highlighted and findings are discussed with respect to their implications for policies regarding the solicitation of age identification. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoimmune myelopathy associated with collapsin response‐mediator protein‐5 immunoglobulin G
Authors: Keegan B. Mark , Pittock Sean J. , Lennon Vanda A.
Published: February 2008

Several autoimmune myelopathies are recognized clinically. We describe 57 patients in whom serological evaluation for myelopathy of uncertain cause demonstrated collapsin response‐mediator protein 5 IgG. Most had spinal imaging and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities and insidiously progressive presentation; some had acute monophasic or relapsing myelopathy. Initial diagnoses included multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and unspecified neurodegenerative myelopathy. Most were smokers; neoplasia was discovered in 68% (most commonly small‐cell lung carcinoma and after collapsin response‐mediator protein‐5 IgG detection). Collapsin response‐mediator protein‐5 autoimmune myelopathy and occult neoplasia are important considerations in patients with insidiously progressive myelopathy, especially with known cancer risk. Ann Neurol 2008
Mitochondrial complex I deficiency caused by a deleterious NDUFA11 mutation
Authors: Berger Itai , Hershkovitz Eli , Shaag Avraham , Edvardson Simon , Saada Ann , Elpeleg Orly
Published: February 2008

Complex I deficiency is the most common respiratory chain defect, clinically manifesting by severe neonatal lactic acidosis, Leigh's disease, or various combinations of cardiac, hepatic, and renal disorders. Using homozygosity mapping, we identified a splice‐site mutation in the NDUFA11 gene in six patients from three unrelated families. The patients presented with encephalocardiomyopathy or fatal infantile lactic acidemia. The mutation is predicted to abolish the first transmembrane domain of the gene product, thereby destabilizing the enzymatic complex. Mutation analysis of the NDUFA11 is warranted in isolated complex I deficiency presenting with infantile lactic acidemia or encephalocardiomyopathy. Ann Neurol 2008
Effective thermal conductivity behavior of filled vulcanized perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber
Authors: Wang Li , Li Fuping , Su Zhengtao
Published: February 2008

The effective thermal conductivity behavior of vulcanized perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE) rubber filled with various inorganic fillers was investigated and analyzed with thermal conductivity models. Experimental results showed that there was no significant improvement in the thermal conductivity of PMVE rubber if the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the fillers was greater than 100 times that of the rubber matrix, and this agreed with the prediction of Maxwell's equation. The thermal conductivity of PMVE rubber filled with larger size silicon carbide (SiC) particles was greater than that of PMVE filled with smaller size SiC because of the lower interfacial thermal resistance, and there existed a transition filler loading at about 60 vol %. It was also found that flocculent graphite was the most effective thermally conductive filler among the fillers studied. A modified form of Agari's equation with a parameter independent on the units used was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A study of carbon nanotubes/biodegradable plastic polylactic acid composites
Authors: Chiu Wei‐Ming , Chang You‐An , Kuo Hsan‐Yuan , Lin Meng‐Hung , Wen Hua‐Chiang
Published: February 2008

Fabrication process was successfully used to embed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix, forming a composite nanostructure. For the composites, nanoindentation is often used to characterize their mechanical properties (e.g., hardness and Young's moduli). In this experiment, the varied concentrations of CNTs in PLA were analyzed in their mechanical performance. The distribution and conformation of CNTs in the PLA were studied by X‐ray diffraction. Then, electrical characterization was performed by four‐probe method. Thermal properties were checked by TGA and DSC. Furthermore, the CNTs/PLA nanocomposites were observed by SEM. According to the experimental result, purified CNTs showed better dispersing and properties in the CNTs PLA nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties of new poly(ether‐ketone)s and copoly(ether‐ketone)s containing diarylidenecycloalkanone moieties in the main chain
Authors: Al‐Muaikel Nayef S. , Aly Kamal I. , Hussein Mahmoud A.
Published: February 2008

A new category of linear poly(ether‐ketone)s IVa–d and copoly(ether‐ketone)s Va–f containing diarylidenecycloalkanone moieties in the main chain has been synthesized by solution polycondensation of 4,4′‐bis (chloroacetyl)diphenylether I, with different phenoxides of diarylidenecycloalkanones IIa–d. The model compound III was synthesized from the monomer I with sodium phenoxide in DMF and K2CO3, and its structure was confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. The resulting polyketones and copolyketones were characterized by elemental and spectral analyses, beside solubility and viscometry measurements. The thermal properties of those polymers were evaluated by TGA and DTA measurements and correlated to their structural units. X‐ray analysis showed that polymers having some degree of crystallinity in the region 2θ = 5–60°. In addition, the biological screening and morphological properties of selected examples of the polymers were tested. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation of PS‐g‐PA6 copolymers by anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam using PS precursors with N‐carbamated caprolactam pendants as macroactivators
Authors: Liu Yao‐Chi , Xu Wei , Xiong Yuan‐Qin , Xu Wei‐Jian
Published: February 2008

The graft copolymer of polystyrene and polyamide 6 (PS‐g‐PA6) was investigated by anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam (CL), using the free radical copolymer of styrene and a kind of allyl monomer containing N‐carbamated caprolactam group as macroactivator (PS‐CCL). CL monomers were grafted onto PS‐CCL backbone via initiating N‐carbamated caprolactam (CCL) pendants along its backbone to form the graft copolymer in the presence of catalyst sodium caprolactamate. The macroactivator was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, and the graft copolymer by the selective solvent extraction technique using methanol and chloroform as solvents. PS‐g‐PA6 copolymers with different PS content were synthesized to study the effect of PS on morphology, crystallinity, dimensional stability, and thermal properties, using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, water absorption measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show the percentage crystallinity of graft copolymer decreases with increasing PS content, but the addition of PS scarcely influences the crystalline structure of PA6. The graft copolymer has improved thermal properties and dimensional stability. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Thermal performance in three different low‐cost dwellings for the tropical climate of Brazil
Authors: Leão Marlon , Borges Leão Erika F. T. , de Jesus Albuquerque Nogueira Marta Cristina , de Souza Nogueira José
Published: February 2008

The aim of this project was to analyze the thermal performance of passive low‐cost housing in half‐humid tropical climate. The houses are located in Cuiabá‐MT (15.5° southern latitude), one of the hottest cities in Brazil. The data about the typology of the houses were obtained from three representative construction systems; wood, masonry, and prefabricated. The measurements had been carried out through a year, during 20 consecutive days of each season and were evaluated by three distinct methodologies: (1) analyses of previous recommendations of the construction where the envelope materials were compared with the Brazilian standard NBR 15220‐3/ 2005, (2) frequency, through dry bulb temperature with values of 18 °C and 29 °C, and (3) performance, by analysis of comfort levels and bioclimatic strategies processed by Analysis Bio 2.1.2 program in accordance to the adapted Bioclimatic Chart of Givoni for developing countries.
Preparation and Properties of Proteinaceous Microspheres Made Sonochemically
Authors: Gedanken Aharon
Published: February 2008

In 1990, Suslick and co‐workers developed a method in which they used high‐intensity ultrasound to make aqueous suspensions of proteinaceous microcapsules filled with water‐insoluble liquids, and demonstrated the chemical mechanism of their formation.1 Suslick's paper opened up a new field that is reviewed in the current manuscript, and this article will attempt to review the experiments that have been conducted since the discovery of this phenomenon. It will answer questions regarding the mechanism of the formation of the microspheres, whether the sonication denaturates the protein or if its biological activity is maintained, and, finally, will address possible applications of the proteinaceous microspheres. Proteinaceous microbubbles will be referred to as proteinaceous microspheres (PM) throughout this review, although they may not have a perfect spherical shape in all cases. This review will start with a short introduction to sonochemistry, although this topic is, and has been reviewed frequently.2–7 The review covers literature published until December 2006.
Mechanism of the Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Isomerization of Allylamines to Enamines
Authors: Nova Ainara , Ujaque Gregori , Albéniz Ana C. , Espinet Pablo
Published: February 2008

A theoretical study of the mechanism of the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric isomerization of allylamines to enamines by using density functional theory with the B3LYP functional leads us to discard the so far accepted nitrogen‐triggered mechanism, in which the isomerization occurs on N‐bonded intermediates and transition states, in favor of a variation of the classical allylic mechanism for olefin isomerization. The modified allylic mechanism consists of four main steps: 1) N‐coordination of the allylamine to RhI; 2) intramolecular isomerization from κ1‐(N)‐coordination to η2‐(C,C)‐coordination of the allylamine; 3) oxidative addition of C1H to form a distorted octahedral η3‐allyl complex of RhIII; and 4) hydrogen transfer to C3 (reductive C3H elimination). The two hydrogen transfer steps (oxidative addition and reductive elimination) have the highest barriers of the overall process. The oxidative addition barrier, which includes solvent effects, is 28.4 kcal mol−1. For the reductive elimination, the value in solvent is 28.6 kcal mol−1, very similar to the oxidative addition barrier.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structures of NbOI3 and NbOBr3 — Polar Double Chains in Different Non‐centrosymmetric Structures.
Authors: Hartwig Sabina , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structures of Alkali Metal Peroxodiphosphates.
Authors: Oeckler Oliver , Montbrun Lydia
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fabrication and Thermoelectric Properties of Perovskite‐Type Oxide La1‐xSrxCoO3 (x = 0, 0.1).
Authors: Zhou A. J. , Zhu T. J. , Zhao X. B. , Chen H. Y. , Mueller E.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Lanthanide(III) Halides: Thermodynamic Properties and Their Correlation with Crystal Structure.
Authors: Rycerz L. , Gaune‐Escard M.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Li2MnO3‐Like Electrode Materials by Reaction in Solutions.
Authors: Kim S. H. , Kim S. J. , Nahm K. S. , Chung H. T. , Lee Y. S. , Kim J.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of a New Double Salt: K2SiF6×KNO3.
Authors: Rissom C. , Schmidt H. , Voigt W.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrophile‐Directed Diastereoselective Alkylation of Prochiral Enediolates.
Authors: Marsden Stephen P. , Newton Rebecca
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Dialkylzinc to Cyclic Enones Catalyzed by Chiral Binaphthyldiamine—Copper(I) Complexes.
Authors: Hatano Manabu , Asai Takafumi , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cationic Rhodium(I)/Segphos‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐ and 1,7‐Diynes in the Presence of 1,2‐Cyclohexanedione.
Authors: Tanaka Ken , Otake Yousuke , Hirano Masao
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold‐Catalyzed Hydroamination/Cycloisomerization Reaction of 1,6‐Enynes.
Authors: Leseurre Lucie , Toullec Patrick Yves , Genet Jean‐Pierre , Michelet Veronique
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Synthesis of Vinylogous Carbamates from Alkyl Azides.
Authors: Prabhakar Akundi Surya , Sashikanth Suthrapu , Reddy Padi Pratap , Cherukupally Praveen
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Diastereo‐ and Regioselective Transition Metal Catalyzed Additions of Metal Hydrides and Bimetallic Species to Cyclopropenes: Easy Access to Multisubstituted Cyclopropanes.
Authors: Trofimov Alexander , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Conjugate Addition—Elimination for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of (4E)‐Alkenyl syn‐1,3‐Diols.
Authors: Rotulo‐Sims Delphine , Prunet Joelle
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides Using a Nickel Phosphite Catalytic System.
Authors: Ju Jinhun , Jeong Miso , Moon Jeongju , Jung Hyun Min , Lee Sunwoo
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Zirconocene‐Mediated Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Olefins Starting from 1‐Alkynylboronates.
Authors: Nishihara Yasushi , Miyasaka Mitsuru , Okamoto Masanori , Takahashi Hideki , Inoue Eiji , Tanemura Kenki , Takagi Kentaro
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Vilsmeier Reagent as an Efficient Acid Activator for the Synthesis of β‐Lactams.
Authors: Jarrahpour Aliasghar , Zarei Maaroof
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Complementary Stereocontrolled Approaches to 2‐Pyrrolidinones Bearing a Vicinal Amino Diol Subunit with Three Continuous Chiral Centers: A Formal Asymmetric Synthesis of (‐)‐Detoxinine.
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Liu Wen‐Jun , Ye Jian‐Liang , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.