bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast growth factor‐9 inhibits astrocyte differentiation of adult mouse neural progenitor cells
Authors: Lum Maggie , Turbic Alisa , Mitrovic Branka , Turnley Ann M.
Published: March 2009

Fibroblast growth factor‐9 (FGF9) is expressed in the CNS and is reported to be a mitogen for glial cells, to promote neuronal survival, and to retard oligodendrocyte differentiation. Here we examined the effects of FGF9 on the differentiation, survival, and proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells derived from the adult mouse subventricular zone. FGF9 by itself induced neurosphere proliferation, but its effects were modest compared with those of epidermal growth factor and FGF2. When neurospheres were dissociated and plated for differentiation, FGF9 increased total cell number over time in a dose‐dependent manner. Ki67 immunostaining and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation indicated that this was at least partially due to the continued presence of proliferative nestin‐positive neural progenitor cells and βIII tubulin‐positive neuronal precursors. FGF9 also promoted cell survival as indicated by a decreased number of TUNEL‐positive cells over time. Assessment of differentiation showed that FGF9 increased neuron generation that reflected the increase in total cell number; however, the percentage of progenitor cells differentiating into neurons was slightly decreased. FGF9 had a modest effect on oligodendrocyte generation, although it appeared to slow the maturation of oligodenrocytes at higher concentrations. The most marked effect on differentiation was an almost total lack of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytes up to 7 days following FGF9 addition, indicating that astrocyte differentiation was strongly inhibited. Total inhibition required prolonged treatment, although a 1‐hr pulse was sufficient for partial inhibition, and bone morphogenic protein‐4 could partially overcome the FGF9 inhibition of astrocyte differentiation. FGF9 therefore has multiple effects on adult neural precursor cell function, enhancing neuronal precursor proliferation and specifically inhibiting GFAP expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the annual and semi‐annual cycles of precipitation across Antarctica
Authors: Marshall Gareth J.
Published: March 2009

In this study, we examine the importance of the annual and semi‐annual cycles of precipitation (H1(P) and H2(P), respectively) across Antarctica utilizing the ERA‐40 re‐analysis from 1980 to 2001. A qualitative comparison between monthly precipitation from ERA‐40 and precipitation reports from Antarctic bases reveals that the re‐analysis successfully captures the seasonal cycle of precipitation at coastal sites. However, likely excessive summer precipitation on the high Antarctic Plateau in ERA‐40 means the re‐analysis is uncertain in the continental interior.

The spatial variability in the amplitude of both H1(P) and H2(P) reveals coastal maxima with a clear wavenumber 3 pattern: unsurprisingly, maximum values are located east of climatological low‐pressure centres, where moisture advection into the continent is greatest. This pattern is particularly pronounced for H1(P), for which the amplitude exceeds 25 mm water equivalent (WE) in coastal west Antarctica. In the Antarctic coastal region H1(P) often explains greater than 50%—and sometimes more than 80%—of the total variance of the seasonal precipitation cycle. In contrast, the northwest Antarctic Peninsula has a higher amplitude in H2(P) that is linked to its location within the circumpolar trough (CPT).

A marked change in the magnitude of H1(P) between the 1980s and 1990s in parts of coastal west Antarctica and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula was observed in the ERA‐40 data and confirmed by similar changes in the seasonal cycle of precipitation reports. The principal modification to H1(P) results from a decrease in winter precipitation that can be linked to a weaker and smaller winter Amundsen Sea Low, which in turn is known to be influenced by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A simple estimate indicates that the observed change in the seasonal cycle of precipitation would lead to an apparent warming of ∼0.6 °C in a proxy of mean annual temperature derived from oxygen isotope measurements. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Crystal structure, vibrational, and optical investigations of semiorganic nonlinear optical crystal: Bi3[CS(NH2)2]9Cl9· 2H2O
Authors: Krishnakumar V. , Sheik Saleem S. , Guru Prasad L.
Published: March 2009

Tribismuthnonakisthioureanonachloride dihydrate (TBNTNC), a semiorganic nonlinear optical (NLO) material useful for frequency doubling in the IR region, has been grown by single diffusion gel technique. The grown crystal was confirmed by single crystal XRD and it crystallizes in triclinic system having P1 space group. Vibrational analysis was carried out for the grown crystal. FTIR and FT‐Raman spectral studies were performed for analyzing and assigning the phonon vibrations and to identify the functional group contribution. The optical transmission study was carried out to examine the transmission ability of the crystal. The nonlinear optical property was confirmed by relative second harmonic generation measurement using Nd:YAG laser. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl mineral metauranospinite Ca[(UO2)(AsO4)]2·8H2O
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Sejkora Jiří , Frost Ray L. , Keeffe Eloise C.
Published: March 2009

Raman spectra of metauranospinite Ca[(UO2)(AsO4)]2·8H2O complemented with infrared spectra were studied. Observed bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (UO2)2+ and (AsO4)3− units and of water molecules. UO bond lengths in uranyl and OH···O hydrogen bond lengths were calculated from the Raman and infrared spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of delayed cooling on storability and postharvest quality of European plums
Authors: Guerra Marcos , Casquero Pedro A
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Delayed cooling has been tested to delay the development of internal breakdown (IB) in other stone fruits, but the influence of delayed cooling on IB has not been studied to date in European plums. A controlled delayed treatment of 48 h at 20 °C was applied in order to study the storability and postharvest quality of European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cv. ‘Green Gage’.

RESULTS: Market life of ‘Green Gage’ plums after shelf life was 10 days shorter in delayed fruits than in control fruits at earlier harvest dates. Sensory attributes affected by delayed cooling treatment at harvest were astringency and aroma. Prompt cooling was essential to lower the rate of physiological deterioration of plums, helping to maintain fruit quality and prolong market life.

CONCLUSION: Delayed cooling increased IB symptoms in ‘Green Gage’ plums, so, when storability is needed, rapid cooling of fruits is necessary in order to extend their market life. Delayed cooling modified the total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA) ratio and the sensory properties aroma and astringency at harvest, so it is desirable to deliver fruits directly to market in order to improve TSS/TA, the instrumental property best correlated with sensory characteristics. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Central pancreatectomy for benign tumors of the neck and body of the pancreas: Report of eight cases
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Dong Ming , Kong Fanmin , Li Yuji , Tian Yulin
Published: March 2009

Background

To discuss the advantage of central pancreatectomy in the patients with benign tumors of the neck and body of the pancreas.

Methods

Eight patients from January 1990 to December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed in our hospital. The operation is carried out by exposition of the pancreatic neck and body involved by the lesion. Thereafter, the lesion is dissected from the spleen artery and porto‐mesenteric vein. The cephalic stump is sutured, and the distal stump is anastomosed by an end‐to‐end invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy with double‐layer suture.

Results

Central pancreatectomy was done in eight patients including five mucinous cystadenomas, one serious cystadenoma, one insulinoma and one nonfunctional islet cell tumor. No mortality rate developed and morbidity rate was 37.5%. Pancreatic fistula occurred in three cases and was treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Central pancreatectomy is a safe technique for benign tumors of the pancreatic neck and body, especially when the enucleation is very difficult. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:273–276. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 and hyaluronic acid on tracheal wound healing
Authors: Parker Noah P. , Bailey Samual S. , Walner David L.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:

To evaluate basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (BFGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) effects on a surgically produced tracheal defect.

Study Design:

Animal model.

Methods:

Anterior punch lesions were created on 33 male rabbits divided into three equal groups. Group 1 (Control) received a normal saline (NS)‐soaked collagen sponge directly on the defect, group 2 (HA alone) a NS‐soaked HA sponge, and group 3 (BFGF+HA) a 10 ng/mL BFGF‐soaked HA sponge. Sponge fixation and surgical closure were followed by a 90‐day healing period, then animal sacrifice. Harvested tracheas were fixed, imbedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or safranin‐O. Histopathological measures included: chondrocyte death, chondrocyte proliferation (both reported as number of rabbits displaying death or proliferation per group/total rabbits per group [%]), connective tissue (CT) organization (graded on a scale), epithelial closure (1–3 scale), and inflammation (1–4 scale). The final three measures are reported as an average grade per group, where values closer to 1 signify improved healing, whereas higher values signify poorer healing.

Results:

Chondrocyte death: Control, 8/11 (72.7%); HA alone, 5/11 (45.5%); BFGF+HA 5/11 (45.5%). Chondrocyte proliferation: 3/11 (27.3%), 7/11 (63.6%), and 9/11 (81.8%), respectively. CT organization: 2.00, 1.82, 1.64. Epithelial closure: 1.18, 1.09, and 1.00. Inflammation: 2.82, 1.82, and 1.73. Statistical comparisons: significantly improved chondrocyte proliferation for BFGF+HA (P = .015) and reduced inflammation for HA alone (P = .011) and BFGF+HA (P = .004) compared to controls.

Conclusions:

BFGF+HA applied to an anterior tracheal defect significantly improves chondrocyte proliferation; HA alone and BFGF+HA significantly reduce inflammation. BFGF+HA and HA alone may improve tracheal wound healing. Laryngoscope, 2009
A mixed cell culture model for assessment of proliferation in tonsillar tissues from children with obstructive sleep apnea or recurrent tonsillitis
Authors: Serpero Laura D. , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Dayyat Ehab , Goldman Julie L. , Kim Jinkwan , Gozal David
Published: March 2009

Background:

Recurrent infective tonsillitis (RI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the major indications for adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children. However, little is known on the determinants of lymphadenoid tissue proliferation in the pediatric upper airway.

Objectives:

To develop an in vitro culture system allowing for assessment of tonsillar or adenoidal proliferation under basal or stimulated conditions.

Methods:

Tonsils surgically removed from pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea and recurrent tonsillitis during T&A, were dissociated using standard methods. Whole cell tonsillar cultures were either maintained in normal medium or stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (25 μg/mL) and concanavalin A (10 μg/mL) for 24 hours (stimulated conditions [STIM]). Cellular proliferation was evaluated by [3H]thymidine incorporation. In parallel, supernatants were collected after 48 hours, and concentration of cytokines was measured using standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay procedures.

Results:

Basal proliferative rates were increased in the OSA group (305.2 ± 40.6 cpm; n = 31) compared to RI group (232.8 ± 31.9 cpm; n = 26; P < .001). No significant differences in proliferative rates emerged after STIM between OSA and RI. Furthermore, basal TNF‐alpha, IL‐6, and IL‐8 concentrations in the supernatant were increased in OSA‐derived cultures compared to RI, but IL‐8 was higher after STIM in RI, while IL‐6 remained increased in OSA.

Conclusions:

The proliferative rates and concentrations of inflammatory mediators in tonsillar cell cultures from children with OSA and RI suggest that lymphadenoid tissue proliferation in these two conditions may be regulated by different mechanisms. This novel method may allow for future development of specific therapeutic interventions aimed at curtailing and reversing tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy in children in a disease‐specific manner. Laryngoscope, 2009
Localization of the muscular process for arytenoid adduction surgery
Authors: Mitchell Joshua R. , McRae Bryan R. , Halum Stacey L.
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Arytenoid adduction (AA) surgery can be technically challenging, potentially limiting its utilization in general practice. Because AA often serves as an adjunct to thyroplasty type I (TTI) in the management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, this study sought to define the anatomic position of the muscular process (MP) of the arytenoid cartilage in relation to the TTI window and other key thyroid cartilage landmarks, thereby facilitating a more efficient surgical approach.

Study Design:

Cadaveric anatomic dissections.

Methods:

Arytenoid MPs were identified bilaterally in eight cadavers for a total of 16 hemilarynges. The location of the MP was measured relative to the anteroinferior corner of the traditional TTI window and also relative to the roots of the superior and inferior cornua for comparison with other studies.

Results:

The muscular processes were located along an axial line extending posteriorly from the inferior border of the TTI window and parallel to the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage. In males, the mean distance to the MP was 26.9 mm from the anteroinferior corner of the window, whereas in females the mean distance was 18.9 mm. In all cases, the MP was inferior to the midpoint between the roots of the superior and inferior cornua (mean inferior offset = 2.7 mm).

Conclusions:

The TTI window can be used intraoperatively to help locate the arytenoid muscular process during arytenoid adduction surgery. Laryngoscope, 2009
The upper airway in sleep‐disordered breathing: A clinical prediction model
Authors: Herzog Michael , Kühnel Thomas , Bremert Thomas , Herzog Beatrice , Hosemann Werner , Kaftan Holger
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

An examination of the upper airway in patients with suspected sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is recommended prior to nighttime polysomnography (PSG) despite a reported low predictive value of those examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the data of the clinical examination and to create a clinical prediction model.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

A recently introduced method of dynamic examination of the upper airway during simulated snoring (SS) in awake patients is conducted in patients with suspected SDB. Clinical parameters, body mass index (BMI), and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores of 622 patients were included in a clinical prediction model and correlated to the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI).

Results:

A correlation was detected between the AHI and alterations of the upper airway during SS, BMI, and ESS score. A clinical prediction model including clinical data, BMI, and ESS score revealed a high sensitivity but low specificity predicting the nocturnal AHI: calculated AHI = tonsil size × 2.648 + uvula size × 3.776 + dorsal movement during SS × 2.842 + collapse at tongue base level during SS × 4.769 + BMI × 0.609 + ESS score × 1.177 − 27.685.

Conclusions:

The dynamic examination of the upper airway during SS in awake patients in combination with clinical data, the BMI, and ESS score is an easy‐to‐perform screening procedure prior to nighttime PSG and might support the otorhinolaryngologic diagnostic approach in patients with suspected SDB. Laryngoscope, 2009
Efficacy of the bone‐anchored hearing aid for single‐sided deafness
Authors: Linstrom Christopher J. , Silverman Carol A. , Yu Guo‐Pei
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim was to examine short‐ and long‐term efficacy of the bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) on adults with single‐sided deafness.

Study Design:

Prospective investigation.

Methods:

The outcome measures included the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), and Single‐Sided Deafness Questionnaire (SSD). The BAHA group comprised seven adults with single‐sided deafness and the control group comprised 20 adults with essentially normal‐hearing sensitivity, bilaterally. The outcome measures were administered in the unaided, directional BAHA, and omnidirectional BAHA conditions after 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months of BAHA use. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to evaluate the data (for the SSD, a nonparametric analog of ANOVA was employed).

Results:

None of the factors (time, HINT condition, amplification status) or their interactions were significant predictors of change in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) from baseline over time on the HINT. The mean SNR (non–baseline‐subtracted) was significantly lower in the directional BAHA versus the unaided status and in the omnidirectional BAHA versus the unaided status, but only under the noise in front, speech lateralized to the bad ear HINT condition. Significant short‐ and long‐term BAHA benefit was observed on the APHAB (all subscales except Aversiveness) and SSD (all questionnaire items).

Conclusions:

Our results show short‐ and long‐term efficacy for the BAHA in adults with single‐sided deafness for recognition of speech in noise (noise in front, speech lateralized to the bad ear) and on subjective measures of benefit. Laryngoscope, 2009
Local delivery of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor improves facial nerve regeneration after late repair
Authors: Barras Florian M. , Kuntzer Thierry , Zurn Anne D. , Pasche Philippe
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Facial nerve regeneration is limited in some clinical situations: in long grafts, by aged patients, and when the delay between nerve lesion and repair is prolonged. This deficient regeneration is due to the limited number of regenerating nerve fibers, their immaturity and the unresponsiveness of Schwann cells after a long period of denervation. This study proposes to apply glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on facial nerve grafts via nerve guidance channels to improve the regeneration.

Methods:

Two situations were evaluated: immediate and delayed grafts (repair 7 months after the lesion). Each group contained three subgroups: a) graft without channel, b) graft with a channel without neurotrophic factor; and c) graft with a GDNF‐releasing channel. A functional analysis was performed with clinical observation of facial nerve function, and nerve conduction study at 6 weeks. Histological analysis was performed with the count of number of myelinated fibers within the graft, and distally to the graft. Central evaluation was assessed with Fluoro‐Ruby retrograde labeling and Nissl staining.

Results:

This study showed that GDNF allowed an increase in the number and the maturation of nerve fibers, as well as the number of retrogradely labeled neurons in delayed anastomoses. On the contrary, after immediate repair, the regenerated nerves in the presence of GDNF showed inferior results compared to the other groups.

Conclusions:

GDNF is a potent neurotrophic factor to improve facial nerve regeneration in grafts performed several months after the nerve lesion. However, GDNF should not be used for immediate repair, as it possibly inhibits the nerve regeneration. Laryngoscope, 2009
More power to X‐rays: New developments in X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Guo T.
Published: March 2009

Recent developments in X‐ray spectroscopy in the last decade are reviewed. A specific emphasis is placed on displaying the strong natural connection between X‐ray spectroscopy and materials science. Brief explanations of several X‐ray spectroscopic methods are given. X‐ray spectroscopic instruments such as table‐top X‐ray sources are discussed in detail, whereas those employing synchrotron and other sources are briefly addressed. The spectroscopic methods and results from materials investigations are reviewed according to their positions in a 3D parameter space of time, length, and energy. New experimental measurements on atoms, molecules, nanomaterials, and bulk materials that include insulators, semiconductors, metals and magnetic materials using both static and time‐resolved methods are reviewed.
Consumer decision making and variety of offerings: The effect of attribute alignability
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Heitmann Mark , Morgan Robert , Henneberg Stephan C. , Landwehr Jan
Published: March 2009

In recent years, many companies have considerably increased their number of offering varieties. The underlying rationale for such product strategies is substantiated by the belief that assortment proliferation would better satisfy customers' diverse preferences. However, empirical evidence exists suggesting that if there are too many varieties to choose from, customers sometimes either refrain from making a purchase at all, or else resort to simple selection heuristics. This article approaches the issue of assortment variety from a decision‐theoretical perspective, by positing circumstances under which expanding the number of varieties will positively or negatively affect consumer behavior. Herein, the concept of attribute alignability provides explanatory potential. Two experimental studies are presented which analyze the effect of the number of product varieties on customers' decision‐making behavior by means of manipulating the choice settings in a virtual car configurator. It can be shown that whether the product attributes in question are alignable or nonalignable is the decisive factor in explaining customer decision making under variety. Furthermore, “pseudo‐alignability”is achieved easily via the relabeling of product options. These findings yield concrete managerial insights for the customer‐oriented design of product lines consisting of a basic product and several varieties derived from it. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selecting the right cause partners for the right reasons: The role of importance and fit in cause‐brand alliances
Authors: Lafferty Barbara A.
Published: March 2009

Cause‐brand alliances (CBAs) are becoming a routine strategy to enhance the image of the brand and the cause and to encourage brand sales. This research conducted two studies to evaluate importance and fit as selection criteria for the cause partner. Study 1 evaluated the relative importance of a cause on attitudes and purchase intent for a familiar versus an unfamiliar brand. Results suggested that importance of the cause had an effect on attitudes and purchase intent for an unfamiliar brand but not for a familiar brand. Based on an unexpected finding in Study 1, a second study was conducted that addressed the issue of cause–brand fit. Results show that perceptions of logical fit between the cause and the brand does not have an effect for either the familiar or unfamiliar brand. These findings suggest that the importance of the cause may be a more relevant criterion for optimizing a CBA for an unfamiliar brand but, unlike other forms of alliances and contrary to popular anecdotal belief, perceptions of fit may not be relevant for either familiar or unfamiliar brand. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The brand anchoring effect: A judgment bias resulting from brand awareness and temporary accessibility
Authors: Esch Franz‐Rudolf , Schmitt Bernd H. , Redler Joern , Langner Tobias
Published: March 2009

Following the Selective Activation, Reconstruction, and Anchoring (SARA) and consumer‐based brand equity models, high awareness brands are expected to serve as anchors for forming impressions of co‐branded entities. Comparing the brand personality profiles of fictitious brand alliances with high and low awareness brands, the brand anchoring effect is found in Studies 1 and 2. Moreover, Study 3 shows that the effect generalizes to specific brand characteristics and results from making brand‐related information more available. Future research on brand awareness and on the brand anchoring effect is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectral‐spatial pulse design for through‐plane phase precompensatory slice selection in T‐weighted functional MRI
Authors: Yip Chun‐Yu , Yoon Daehyun , Olafsson Valur , Lee Sangwoo , Grissom William A. , Fessler Jeffrey A. , Noll Douglas C.
Published: March 2009

T‐weighted functional MR images suffer from signal loss artifacts caused by the magnetic susceptibility differences between air cavities and brain tissues. We propose a novel spectral‐spatial pulse design that is slice‐selective and capable of mitigating the signal loss. The two‐dimensional spectral–spatial pulses create precompensatory phase variations that counteract through‐plane dephasing, relying on the assumption that resonance frequency offset and through‐plane field gradient are spatially correlated. The pulses can be precomputed before functional MRI experiments and used repeatedly for different slices in different subjects. Experiments with human subjects showed that the pulses were effective in slice selection and loss mitigation at different brain regions. Magn Reson Med 61:1137–1147, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the k‐edge connected subgraph problem
Authors: Bendali F. , Diarrassouba I. , Mahjoub A.R. , Didi Biha M. , Mailfert J.
Published: March 2009

In this article, we consider the k‐edge connected subgraph problem from a polyhedral point of view. We introduce further classes of valid inequalities for the associated polytope and describe sufficient conditions for these inequalities to be facet defining. We also devise separation routines for these inequalities and discuss some reduction operations that can be used in a preprocessing phase for the separation. Using these results, we develop a Branch‐and‐Cut algorithm and present some computational results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Development of decision‐support intervention for Black women with breast cancer
Authors: Sheppard Vanessa B. , Williams Karen Patricia , Harrison Toni Michelle , Jennings Yvonne , Lucas Wanda , Stephen Juleen , Robinson Dana , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Taylor Kathryn L.
Published: March 2009

Background: Adjuvant therapy improves breast cancer survival but is underutilized by Black women. Few interventions have addressed this problem. This preliminary report describes the process we used to develop a decision‐support intervention for Black women eligible for adjuvant therapy. Aims were to use qualitative methods to describe factors that influence Black women's adjuvant therapy decisions, use these formative data to develop messages for a treatment decision‐support intervention, and pilot test the acceptability and utility of the intervention with community members and newly diagnosed women.

Methods: Thirty‐four in‐depth interviews were conducted with breast cancer patients in active treatment, survivors and cancer providers to gather qualitative data. Participant ages ranged from 38 to 69 years. A cultural framework was used to analyze the data and to inform intervention messages. Most women relied on their providers for treatment recommendations. Several women reported problems communicating with providers and felt unprepared to ask questions and discuss adjuvant treatment options. Other factors related to treatment experiences were: spiritual coping, collectivism and sharing breast cancer experiences with other Black survivors.

Results: Using these formative data, we developed an intervention that is survivor‐based and includes an in‐person session which incorporates sharing personal stories, communication skills training and decision support. Intervention materials were reviewed by community members, researchers/clinicians and patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Conclusion: Patients reported satisfaction with the intervention and felt better prepared to talk with providers. The intervention will be tested in a randomized trial to enhance decision support and increase use of indicated adjuvant treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Association of IL10 and Other immune response‐ and obesity‐related genes with prostate cancer in CLUE II
Authors: Wang Ming‐Hsi , Helzlsouer Kathy J. , Smith Michael W. , Hoffman‐Bolton Judith A. , Clipp Sandra L. , Grinberg Viktoriya , De Marzo Angelo M. , Isaacs William B. , Drake Charles G. , Shugart Yin Yao , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND

Chronic intra‐prostatic inflammation and obesity are thought to influence prostate carcinogenesis. Thus, variants in genes in these pathways could be associated with prostate cancer risk.

METHODS

We genotyped 17 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RNASEL, TLR4, IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNF, CRP, ADIPOQ, LEP, PPARG, and TCF7L2 in 258 white prostate cancer cases and 258 matched controls nested in CLUE II. Single‐locus analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression. TagSNPs were selected in IL10, CRP, and TLR4 and haplotype analyses were done.

RESULTS

The A allele of IL10 −1082G>A (rs1800896), known to result in lower levels of this anti‐inflammatory cytokine, was positively associated with risk (AG vs. GG, OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10–2.60; AA vs. GG, OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.11–2.96; P
trend = 0.02). Associations of IL10 haplotypes with prostate cancer were explained by high linkage disequilibrium between two tagSNPs (rs1800890 and rs3024496) and −1082G>A. A TLR4 candidate SNP (rs4986790; AG/GG vs. AA, OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.33–1.08; Ptrend = 0.09), known to have decreased expression and be associated with lower circulating levels of inflammatory mediators, and tagSNP (rs10116253; CC vs. TT, OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.11–8.41), but not haplotypes, were associated with risk. None of the other candidate SNPs or haplotypes was statistically significantly associated with risk.

CONCLUSION

Our prospective study suggests that genetic variation in IL10 and possibly TLR4 is associated with prostate cancer risk. Although none of the SNPs in the obesity genes tested was associated, this does not rule out a complex role of obesity and its metabolic consequences in prostate cancer etiology. Prostate 69: 874–885, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel multi‐peptide vaccination in Hla‐A2+ hormone sensitive patients with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer
Authors: Feyerabend Susan , Stevanovic Stefan , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Wernet Dorothee , Hennenlotter Jörg , Bedke Jens , Dietz Klaus , Pascolo Steve , Kuczyk Markus , Rammensee Hans‐Georg , Stenzl Arnulf
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND

A phase I/II trial was conducted to assess feasibility and tolerability of tumor associated antigen peptide vaccination in hormone sensitive prostate carcinoma (PC) patients with biochemical recurrence after primary surgical treatment.

METHODS

Nineteen HLA‐A2 positive patients with rising PSA without detectable metastatic disease or local recurrence received 11 HLA‐A*0201‐restricted and two HLA class II synthetic peptides derived from PC tumor antigens subcutaneously for 18 months or until PSA progression. The vaccine was emulgated in montanide ISA51 and combined with imiquimod, GM‐CSF, mucin‐1‐mRNA/protamine complex, local hyperthermia or no adjuvant. PSA was assessed, geometric mean doubling times (DT) calculated and clinical performance monitored.

RESULTS

PSA DT of 4 out of 19 patients (21%) increased from 4.9 to 25.8 months during vaccination. Out of these, two patients (11%) exhibited PSA stability for 28 and 31 months which were still continuing at data cut‐off. One patient showed no change of PSA DT during vaccination but decline after the therapy. Three patients had an interim PSA decline or DT increase followed by DT decrease compared to baseline PSA DT. Three of the responding patients received imiquimod and one the mucin‐1‐mRNA/protamine complex as adjuvant; both are Toll‐like receptor‐7 agonists. Eleven (58%) patients had progressive PSA values. The vaccine was well tolerated, and no grade III or IV toxicity occurred.

CONCLUSION

Multi‐peptide vaccination stabilized or slowed down PSA progress in four of 19 cases. The vaccination approach is promising with moderate adverse events. Long‐term stability delayed androgen deprivation up to 31 months. TLR‐7 co‐activation seems to be beneficial. Prostate 69: 917–927, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How the DoH intends to improve access to medicines
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: March 2009

Steve Chaplin discusses the range of measures introduced by the DoH to improve access to medicines within the NHS. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Growth of orthorhombic and tetragonal modifications of TlInS2 from its monoclinic phase
Authors: Alekperov O. Z. , Ibragimov G. B. , Axundov I. A. , Nadjafov A. I. , Fakix A. R.
Published: March 2009

Orthorhombic (O) and tetragonal (T) modifications of TlInS2 were grown by sulfur vapor annealing of monoclinic (M) crystals. Lattice parameters and syngony of the grown crystals were determined from X‐ray investigations (Laue, Weissenberg, rocking crystal and powder diffractions). The lattice parameters a = 6.88 Å, b = 14.04 Å, c = 4.02 Å, Z = 4 and a = b = 7.76 Å, c = 26.6 Å, Z = 20 as well as space groups (SG), P212121 and P41212 were ascribed to O and T modifications, correspondingly. The transition of M‐crystals to O‐ or T‐phase takes place through the intermediate disordered state of M‐phase in which the unit packets with c ≈ 15 Å are randomly positioned along the c‐axis. From photoconductivity (PC) edge it was found that the band gap of O‐TlInS2 (Eg = 2.52 ± 0.01 eV) is slightly higher whereas that of T‐TlInS2 (Eg = 1.87 ± 0.01 eV) is noticeably lower than the band gap of M‐TlInS2. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Twinning in Cu(In,Ga)S2
Authors: Cieslak Janko , Hahn Thomas , Kräußlich Jürgen , Metzner Heiner , Eberhardt Jens , Witthuhn Wolfgang
Published: March 2009

Epitaxial thin films of CuIn1‐xGaxS2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were grown on single‐crystalline (111)cub‐oriented silicon substrates by means of molecular beam epitaxy from elemental sources. Employing reflection high energy electron diffraction and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy the twinning characteristics and the composition of the films were determined, respectively. X‐ray diffraction measurements in transmission geometry were performed to determine the lattice mismatch to the substrate. The degree of twinning of the epitaxial films shows a highly non‐linear dependence on their gallium content x. The transition point between high twinning regime (low gallium content) and low twinning regime (high gallium content) is at xt = 0.74. The twinning characteristics are discussed and compared to lattice mismatch and metastable ordering types. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence studies of the interface of CdS/CdTe heterojunctions
Authors: Vatavu Sergiu , Zhao Hehong , Caraman Iuliana , Gaşin Petru , Morel Don , Ferekides Chris
Published: March 2009

The photoluminescence analysis of CdS/CdTe interface layer of CdS/CdTe heterojunction has been carried out in the 15‐100 K temperature range. An attempt to correlate observed PL features with the CdSx Te1–x layer presence at the interface of the heterojunctions was made.

It is assumed the 1.525 eV band has an excitonic origin and 1.37X PL band is a characteristic impurity band due to CdSTe layer. Comparative plots showing SnO2/CdTe PL spectra are given as well. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of bound‐exciton emissions of CuInS2 crystals
Authors: Kishigui Kishigui , Shim YongGu , Yoshino Kenji , Wakita Kazuki
Published: March 2009

The time‐resolved photoluminescence of excitons in bulky crystalline CuInS2 grown by the Hot‐Press method is investigated. The spectra show the main peak at 1.510 eV on which we focus in this work and higher‐energy‐side tail. From the excitation intensity dependence of the emission intensity, the emission at 1.510 eV is attributed to the bound exciton and the charge state of defect center associated with the bound exciton is most likely to be ionized. The decay of the emission shows single‐exponential curve with decay‐time constant of 126 ps. According to the binding energy dependence of the emission lifetime of the bound excitons, we estimate that the emission is dominated by nonradiative recombination or relaxation to lower states. We also discuss the origin of defects associated with the bound exciton and assigned it to be S‐vacancy as a donor center. The origin of other defects binding excitons is speculated. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On t and EWMA t charts for monitoring changes in the process mean
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Chen Gemai , Castagliola Philippe
Published: March 2009

The performance of an X‐bar chart is usually studied under the assumption that the process standard deviation is well estimated and does not change. This is, of course, not always the case in practice. We find that X‐bar charts are not robust against errors in estimating the process standard deviation or changing standard deviation. In this paper we discuss the use of a t chart and an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) t chart to monitor the process mean. We determine the optimal control limits for the EWMA t chart and show that this chart has the desired robustness property. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some results on the variogram in time series analysis
Authors: Khachatryan Davit , Bisgaard Søren
Published: March 2009

Data used for monitoring and control of industrial processes are often best modeled as a time series. An important issue is to determine whether such time series are stationary. In this article we discuss the variogram—a graphical tool for assessing stationarity. We build on previous work and provide further details and more general results including analytical structures of variogram for various non‐stationary processes, and illustrate with a number of examples of variograms using standard data sets from the literature and simulated data sets. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of the exact exchange optimized effective potential method for static response properties
Authors: Krykunov Mykhaylo , Ziegler Tom
Published: March 2009

In the present work, we question the notion that the modified Kohn–Sham orbital energies and smaller HOMO‐LUMO gaps, produced from the exact exchange optimized effective potential (EXX‐OEP) method, might significantly improve the paramagnetic contribution to the NMR chemical shifts compared with the regular Hartree–Fock (HF) scheme. First of all, it is shown analytically that if there is such a local potential that produces the HF energy, and the Kohn–Sham orbitals are obtained as a result of separate rotations of the occupied and virtual HF orbitals, any static magnetic property obtained from the coupled perturbed HF method will be identical to that obtained from the EXX‐OEP approach. In fact the EXX‐OEP method is equivalent to the improved virtual orbitals (IVO) scheme in which the energies of the virtual orbitals are modified by an effective potential. It is shown that the IVO procedure leaves static response properties unchanged. To test our analysis numerically we have employed several variants of the EXX‐OEP method, based on the expansion of the local exchange potential into a linear combination of fit functions. The different EXX‐OEP schemes have been used to calculate the NMR chemical shifts for a set of small molecules containing C, H, N, O, and F atoms. Comparison of the deviation between experimental and calculated chemical shifts from the HF, the EXX‐OEP, and the common energy denominator approximation (CEDA) approximation to the EXX‐OEP methods has shown that for carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine the EXX‐OEP methods do not yield any improvement over the HF method. For nitrogen and oxygen we have found that the EXX‐OEP performs better than the HF method. However, in the limit of infinite fit basis set and, as a consequence of it, a perfect fit of the HF potential the EXX‐OEP and the HF methods would afford the same chemical shifts according to our theoretical analysis. Unfortunately, without a perfect fit the chemical shifts from the EXX‐OEP method strongly depend on the fit convergence. In our opinion, the EXX‐OEP method should not be used for response properties as it is numerically unstable. Thus, any apparent improvement of the EXX‐OEP method over the HF scheme for a finite fit basis set must be considered spurious. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
The correlation contracted Schrödinger equation: An accurate solution of the G‐particle‐hole hypervirial
Authors: Alcoba D. R. , Valdemoro C. , Tel L. M. , Pérez‐Romero E.
Published: March 2009

The equation obtained by mapping the matrix representation of the Schrödinger equation with the 2nd‐order correlation transition matrix elements into the 2‐body space is the so called correlation contracted Schrödinger equation (CCSE) (Alcoba, Phys Rev A 2002, 65, 032519). As shown by Alcoba (Phys Rev A 2002, 65, 032519) the solution of the CCSE coincides with that of the Schrödinger equation. Here the attention is focused in the vanishing hypervirial of the correlation operator (GHV), which can be identified with the anti‐Hermitian part of the CCSE. A comparative analysis of the GHV and the anti‐Hermitian part of the contracted Schrödinger equation (ACSE) indicates that the former is a stronger stationarity condition than the latter. By applying a Heisenberg‐like unitary transformation to the G‐particle‐hole operator (Valdemoro et al., Phys Rev A 2000, 61, 032507), a good approximation of the expectation value of this operator as well as of the GHV is obtained. The method is illustrated for the case of the Beryllium isoelectronic series as well as for the Li2 and BeH2 molecules. The correlation energies obtained are within 98.80–100.09% of the full‐configuration interaction ones. The convergence of these calculations was faster when using the GHV than with the ACSE. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Rydberg states of the helium atom
Authors: Deng Jia , Gilbert Andrew T. B. , Gill Peter M. W.
Published: March 2009

Using the recently introduced maximum overlap method and Hartree–Fock Perturbation Theory (HFPT), we compute Hartree–Fock (HF) wavefunctions for triplet 1s ns states of the helium atom. Comparison with near‐exact results from Nakatsuji's free ICI method reveals that HF theory provides a simple route to accurate energies of these Rydberg states, especially for large n. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Vibrational analysis of aqueous sulfuric acid: A computational study
Authors: Choe Yoong‐Kee , Tsuchida Eiji , Ikeshoji Tamio
Published: March 2009

Vibrational spectrum of aqueous sulfuric acid has been investigated theoretically by means of the first‐principles molecular dynamics simulations employing the PBE functional for exchange‐correlation functionals and norm‐conserving pseudopotentials. For better understanding of vibrational features of aqueous sulfuric acid, we have also undertaken vibrational analyses on sulfuric acid and its hydrate using standard quantum chemical methods including the effects of anharmonicity. The combination of such calculations allows us to interpret complex vibrational features of aqueous sulfuric acid. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Two component calculations of Pt2 with relativistic effective core potential including spin‐orbit operator
Authors: Lee Dong‐Ki , Jeung Gwang‐Hi , Lee Yoon Sup
Published: March 2009

The Kramers restricted two‐component ab initio calculations were performed for the eight lowest electronic states of Pt2 using the relativistic effective core potential with the spin‐orbit operator at the multireference first‐order configuration interaction level of theory employing two‐component molecular spinors as one‐electron basis. The dominant role of the spin‐orbit effects are mainly accounted for by using two‐component spinors as one‐electron wave function, and the importance of the dynamic and the nondynamic electron correlation effects are shown by employing configuration interaction and coupled cluster methods to obtain reliable spectroscopic data for this molecule. The two‐component molecular spinors were generated from Kramers restricted Hartree–Fock calculations for the average configuration and used in the multireference Kramers restricted configuration interaction method to account for nondynamic correlation effect. Effect of dynamic correlations was investigated with the Kramers restricted coupled‐cluster (KRCC) method. Spectroscopic constants calculated at the KRCC level are in good agreement with the most recent experimental values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Infrared spectra of water molecule encapsulated inside fullerene studied by instantaneous vibrational analysis
Authors: Yagi Kiyoshi , Watanabe Daichi
Published: March 2009

Instantaneous vibrational analysis (IVA) is proposed for computing the infrared spectrum of dynamically fluctuating system, and applied to a water molecule encapsulated into fullerene (H2O@C60). A molecular dynamics simulation is first carried out to generate an ensemble of configurations averaging the rotational and translational motion of H2O inside fullerene. At each configuration, instantaneous vibrational frequencies of the water molecule are computed by the vibrational configuration interaction method, which are then employed to construct the line‐shape of the spectrum. The vibrational spectrum in the OH stretching region is computed at a temperature of 10 and 100 K based on a direct potential energy surface incorporating the electronic structure theory. It is found that the vibrational frequency of the symmetric stretching mode is blue‐shifted compared to that of isolated water, whereas that of the asymmetric stretching mode exhibits no shift in average. The relation between IVA and instantaneous normal mode analysis is presented, and their performances are compared. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
The S and G transformations for computing three‐center nuclear attraction integrals
Authors: Slevinsky Richard Mikael , Safouhi Hassan
Published: March 2009

It is now well established that nonlinear transformations can be extremely useful in the case of oscillatory integrals. In previous work, we could show that the G transformation, which is not so well known among those interested in the numerical evaluation of highly oscillatory integrals, works very well for the extremely challenging integral called Twisted Tail. In this work, we demonstrate that these techniques also apply to three‐center nuclear attraction integrals over exponential type functions. The accurate and rapid evaluation of these integrals is required in ab initio molecular structure calculations and density functional theory. Using a basis set of B functions and profiting from their relatively simple Fourier representation, these integrals are formulated as analytical expressions involving highly oscillatory spherical Bessel integral functions. In the present work, we implement two highly accurate algorithms for three‐center nuclear attraction integrals. The first algorithm is based on the G transformation and the second is based on a combination of the S and G transformations. The application of these transformations is largely due to the properties of special functions that allow the computation of higher order derivatives of the integrands with exceptional simplicity. The numerical results illustrate the accuracy of these algorithms applied to three‐center nuclear attraction integrals over exponential type functions with a miscellany of different parameters. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009