bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does obesity limit the sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis in children?
Authors: Yiğiter Murat , Kantarcı Mecit , Yalçin Onur , Yalçin Ahmet , Salman Ahmet Bedii
Published: December 2010

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether obesity has a negative impact on the ultrasound (US) visualization of the appendix in children clinically diagnosed with appendicitis.

Methods:

The medical records and US examinations of 122 children who underwent surgery due to acute or perforated appendicitis between February 2007 and January 2010 were reviewed. The body mass index (BMI) of each child was calculated and children were placed in one of three categories: group 1, underweight (BMI <10th percentile); group 2, normal weight (BMI between 10th and 85th percentiles); and group 3, overweight (BMI >85th percentile). US findings were classified as nonvisualized, normal, or inflamed appendix. The visualization rates of the appendix were compared between the three groups and the diagnostic accuracy of the US examination was calculated based on the histopathological results for each group.

Results:

There was no statistical difference between the three groups with regard to the visualization of the appendix by US. Diagnostic accuracy of US was 90.4%, 80.5%, and 80% in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively.

Conclusion:

The findings of our study, in contrast to the findings of other reported studies, demonstrate that obesity does not affect the success rate of US in the visualization of the inflamed appendix in children. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Prognostic significance of HLA class I expression in Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors
Authors: Yabe Hiroki , Tsukahara Tomohide , Kawaguchi Satoshi , Wada Takuro , Torigoe Toshihiko , Sato Noriyuki , Terai Chihiro , Aoki Masaya , Hirose Shigemichi , Morioka Hideo , Yabe Hiroo
Published: December 2010

Background

Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is one of the most malignant groups of tumors in young people. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I displays endogenously processed peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes and has a key role for host immune surveillance. In ESFT, the investigation concerning both HLA class I expression and T‐cell infiltration has yet to be reported.

Methods

Biopsy specimens from 28 ESFT patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry with the anti‐HLA class I monoclonal antibody (mAb) EMR8‐5 and anti‐CD8 mAb, respectively.

Results

Expression of HLA class I was negative in 10 tumors and down‐regulated in 22 tumors. The status of CD8+ T cell infiltration was closely associated with the expression levels of HLA class I. ESFT patients with down‐regulated or negative expression of HLA class I showed significantly poorer survival than the rest of the patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that CD8+ T cell‐mediated immune response restricted by HLA class I might play an important role in immune surveillance of ESFT, and we revealed for the first time that the status of HLA class I expression affects the survival of the patients with ESFT. J. Surg. Oncol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:380–385. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Invasive melanoma of the face: Management, outcomes, and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in 260 patients at a single institution
Authors: Chambers Anthony J. , Murynka Tania , Arlette John P. , Mckinnon J. Gregory
Published: December 2010

Background and Objectives

The face is a common site of melanoma occurrence. The purpose of this study was to examine the management and outcomes of patients with invasive melanoma of the face.

Methods

Patients with invasive melanoma of the face managed at our institution from 1997 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Details of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB), disease recurrence, and deaths were recorded.

Results

Two hundred sixty patients were reviewed (mean age 68, mean tumor thickness 0.87 mm). Of 100 patients eligible for SNB (tumor thickness ≥ 1 mm, Clark level ≥ IV, or ulceration) this was performed in only 29 (29%), and those who underwent SNB were younger than those who did not (mean age 59 vs. 79 years, P < 0.0001). SNB was successful in 28 (97%), and no complications occurred. SNB was positive in 3 (11%). After mean follow‐up of 30 months, nodal recurrence occurred in 9 (3.5%) and distant recurrence in 20 (7.7%). There were 60 deaths (overall mortality 23%); attributed to melanoma in only 16 cases (disease specific mortality 6.2%).

Conclusions

Facial melanoma is associated with low rates of regional recurrence despite underutilization of SNB. Older patients are less likely to undergo SNB. Due to the advanced age of patients with facial melanoma, most deaths occurring are from unrelated causes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:426–430. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contiguous organ resection is safe in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma: An ACS‐NSQIP analysis
Authors: Tseng Warren H. , Martinez Steve R. , Tamurian Robert M. , Chen Steven L. , Bold Richard J. , Canter Robert J.
Published: December 2010

Background and Objectives

The practice of aggressive contiguous organ resection (COR) of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is controversial. We examined rates of 30‐day morbidity and mortality following resection of RPS utilizing data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database.

Methods

From 2005 to 2007, we identified 156 cases of primary malignant neoplasm of the retroperitoneum. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using all pre‐operative ACS‐NSQIP variables for likelihood of post‐operative overall morbidity or severe morbidity (composite endpoint including organ space infection, septic shock, acute renal failure requiring dialysis, reoperation, and death). Insufficient events precluded multivariate analysis of mortality as an independent outcome.

Results

Overall 30‐day morbidity, severe morbidity, and mortality were 26% (N = 40), 11.5% (N = 18), and 1.3% (N = 2), respectively. Fifty‐eight patients (37%) underwent COR, most commonly kidney. American Society for Anesthesiologists classification predicted overall morbidity (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.33–7.84), while increasing operative time predicted severe morbidity (OR 1.38 per hour, 95% CI 1.05–1.81). COR was not associated with increased 30‐day overall morbidity (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.49–3.89) or severe morbidity (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.05–13.18).

Conclusions

Rates of post‐operative morbidity and mortality are acceptable following RPS resection, even in the setting of multi‐visceral resection. COR should not be viewed as a contraindication to complete RPS resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:390–394. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left‐definite problems of regular self‐adjoint differential equations of even order
Authors: Wei Guangsheng , Xu Hong‐Kun
Published: December 2010

The left‐definite boundary conditions of the problem consisting of a regular formally self‐adjoint differential equation of even order and a self‐adjoint boundary condition are characterized in terms of a certain fundamental set of solutions of the equation. Based on the left‐definite boundary conditions, all the left‐definite spaces of the problem are described explicitly. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Xenobiotic‐Metabolizing gene polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Goode Ellen L. , White Kristin L. , Vierkant Robert A. , Phelan Catherine M. , Cunningham Julie M. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Berchuck Andrew , Larson Melissa C. , Fridley Brooke L. , Olson Janet E. , Webb Penelope M. , Chen Xiaoqing , Beesley Jonathan , Chenevix‐Trench Georgia , Sellers Thomas A. ,   the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group,   the Australian Cancer Study (Ovarian Cancer)
Published: December 2010

Because selected xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes process pro‐carcinogens that could initiate ovarian carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes are associated with risk of ovarian cancer. Cases with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (N = 1,571 including 956 of serous sub‐type) and controls (N = 2,046) from three studies were genotyped at 11 SNPs in EPHX1, ADH4, ADH1A, NQO2, NAT2, GSTP1, CYP1A1, and NQO1, following an initial SNP screen in a subset of participants. Logistic regression analysis of genotypes obtained via Illumina GoldenGate and Sequenom iPlex technologies revealed the following age‐ and study‐adjusted associations: EPHX1 rs1051740 with increased serous ovarian cancer risk [per‐allele odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.04–1.32, P = 0.01), ADH4 r1042364 with decreased ovarian cancer risk (OR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00, P = 0.05), and NQO1 rs291766 with increased ovarian cancer risk (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00–1.23, P = 0.04). These findings are consistent with prior studies implicating these genes in carcinogenesis and suggest that this collection of variants is worthy of follow‐up in additional studies. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of ERK oscillations by ionizing radiation and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Shankaran Harish , Chrisler William B. , Sontag Ryan L. , Weber Thomas J.
Published: December 2010

The shuttling of activated protein kinases between the cytoplasm and nucleus is an essential feature of normal growth factor signaling cascades. Here we demonstrate that transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) induces oscillations in extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) cytoplasmic‐nuclear translocations in human keratinocytes. TGFα‐dependent ERK oscillations mediated through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are inhibited by low dose X‐irradiation (10 cGy) and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (0.32–3.26 µM H2O2) used as a model reactive oxygen species (ROS). A fluorescent indicator dye (H2‐DCFDA) was used to measure cellular ROS levels following X‐irradiation, 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) and H2O2. X‐irradiation did not generate significant ROS production while 0.32 µM H2O2 and TPA induced significant increases in ROS levels with H2O2 > TPA. TPA alone induced transactivation of the EGFR but did not induce ERK oscillations. TPA as a cotreatment did not inhibit TGFα‐stimulated ERK oscillations but qualitatively altered TGFα‐dependent ERK oscillation characteristics (amplitude, time‐period). Collectively, these observations demonstrate that TGFα‐induced ERK oscillations are inhibited by ionizing radiation/ROS and perturbed by epigenetic carcinogen in human keratinocytes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparisons of medicinal leech therapy with venous catheterization in the treatment of venous congestion of the sural flap
Authors: Mozafari Naser , Ghazisaidi Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Seyed Nejat , Abdolzadeh Madjid
Published: December 2010

Introduction: The originally described distally based sural flap technique has a risk of partial or total flap necrosis as high as 25%. The purpose of this study was to compare the medicinal leech therapy (MLT) with venous catheterization (VC) for blood volume removal, infection, wound dehiscence, and flap necrosis in the distally based sural flap with venous congestion. Patients and methods: Fifty‐six conventional distally based sural flaps with venous congestion during reconstructive surgeries were randomly divided into two groups, MLT group and VC group. The results of comparisons were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS for Windows Ver.11.5). Results: There were significant differences in terms of the average volume of removed blood (53.6cc vs.172.2cc), infection (10.7% vs. 34.6%), wound dehiscence (10.7% vs. 42.3%), flap necrosis (3.6% vs. 19.2%), and nursing (7.8 vs. 5.19) and patient's satisfaction (8.03 vs. 5.6) in the VC group and MLT group, respectively. Although local heparin irrigation was performed in the VC group, the catheter was exchanged in 10 patients due to obstruction by clot. Conclusion: It is recommended that the VC be used for congested pedicled flaps instead of leech therapy, as VC is more effective, easy, and safe in blood removal, and it has less complication. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
The influence of white matter fibre orientation on MR signal phase and decay
Authors: Denk Christian , Torres Enedino Hernandez , MacKay Alex , Rauscher Alexander
Published: December 2010

MRI phase images of the brain exhibit excellent contrast and high signal‐to‐noise ratio. It has been shown recently that the phase contrast not only depends on a tissue's magnetic susceptibility but also on its architecture, which offers new ways of studying biological tissues in vivo. We combined diffusion tensor imaging and multi‐echo susceptibility‐weighted imaging to investigate the relationship between white matter fibre orientation and gradient‐echo phase and magnitude. The local angle between white matter fibres and the main magnetic field was computed from the principal diffusion direction. The phase and signal decay of the gradient‐echo images revealed a characteristic relationship with fibre orientation. The phase is in agreement with a recently reported model of cerebral white matter phase contrast in MRI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid profiling of cancerous and benign gallbladder tissues by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Jayalakshmi Kamaiah , Sonkar Kanchan , Behari Anu , Kapoor Vinay K. , Sinha Neeraj
Published: December 2010

Qualitative and quantitative 1H NMR analysis of lipid extracts of gallbladder tissue in chronic cholecystitis (CC, benign) (n = 14), xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC, intermediate) (n = 9) and gallbladder cancer (GBC, malignant) (n = 8) was carried out to understand the mechanisms involved in the transformation of benign gallbladder tissue to intermediate and malignant tissue. The results revealed alterations in various tissue lipid components in gallbladder in CC, XGC and GBC. The difference in the nature of lipid components in benign and malignant disease may aid in the identification of the biological pathways involved in the etiopathogenesis of GBC. This is the first study on lipid profiling of gallbladder tissue by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and has possible implications for the development of future diagnostic approaches. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free vibration analysis of thin isotropic and anisotropic rectangular plates by the discrete singular convolution algorithm
Authors: Zhu Qin , Wang Xinwei
Published: December 2010

This paper presents the free vibration analysis of thin isotropic and anisotropic rectangular plates with various boundary conditions by using the discrete singular convolution (DSC) algorithm. Based on Taylor's series expansion, a unique scheme is proposed to handle various boundary conditions, including the simply supported (S), clamped (C) and free (F) edge. To validate the proposed method, the non‐dimensional frequency parameters of isotropic, orthotropic and angle‐ply symmetric laminated rectangular plates with various combinations of boundary conditions are obtained by using the DSC algorithm and compared with the analytical and/or numerical solutions. Comparisons reveal that the proposed method can handle the zero bending moment and zero shear force conditions for the isotropic as well as anisotropic plates. The proposed method provides an alternative way for applying the simply supported boundary conditions in applications of the DSC algorithm to plate structures. This investigation extends the application range of the DSC algorithm to vibration analysis of anisotropic plates with various combinations of boundary conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence structural robust optimization by non‐linear semidefinite programming‐based single‐level formulation
Authors: Guo Xu , Du Jianming , Gao Xixin
Published: December 2010

Structural robust optimization problems are often solved via the so‐called Bi‐level approach. This solution procedure often involves large computational efforts and sometimes its convergence properties are not so good because of the non‐smooth nature of the Bi‐level formulation. Another problem associated with the traditional Bi‐level approach is that the confidence of the robustness of the obtained solutions cannot be fully assured at least theoretically. In the present paper, confidence single‐level non‐linear semidefinite programming (NLSDP) formulations for structural robust optimization problems under stiffness uncertainties are proposed. This is achieved by using some tools such as S‐procedure and quadratic embedding for convex analysis. The resulted NLSDP problems are solved using the modified augmented Lagrange multiplier method which has sound mathematical properties. Numerical examples show that confidence robust optimal solutions can be obtained with the proposed approach effectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SPH simulations of flow around a periodic array of cylinders confined in a channel
Authors: Ellero M. , Adams N. A.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we present a numerical study on the performance of SPH in the case of a very viscous flow of a Newtonian liquid around a linear array of cylinders confined in a channel. This specific flow problem, being characterized by a complex mixing of both shear and extensional behaviour, allows to quantify systematically the accuracy of the standard SPH in, up to now, rarely considered complex geometries. Global accuracy tests based on the estimation of the dimensionless drag force acting on the cylinder as well as the inspection of the local velocity profiles are considered and compared with reference solutions. In agreement with previous findings, the impact of two numerical parameters, namely the smoothing length h and particle spacing Δx, is discussed and found to be crucial for the overall order of convergence of the method. In particular, accurate results can be obtained which are in very good agreement with standard mesh‐based methods provided that the number of neighbours is chosen properly.

The present results, being based on a detailed convergence analysis in a complex flow problem, justify the applicability of the SPH method to more complex wall‐bounded flows upon critical choice of the model parameters and at the same time can serve as a useful benchmark test for further modelling improvement in the field. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between acculturation and oral contraceptive use among Korean immigrant women
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Jezewski Mary Ann , Wu Yow‐Wu Bill , Carvallo Mauricio
Published: December 2010

We explored the relationship between acculturation and beliefs, attitudes, norms, and intention regarding oral contraceptive use among Korean immigrant women using acculturation and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as the frameworks. A total of 1,494 Korean surname‐based telephone numbers were sampled in New York City. One hundred forty‐five Korean immigrant women completed a telephone survey. The findings support the assumption that acculturation affects intention to use oral contraceptives indirectly only through one or more of the TRA components. Acculturation could function as an antecedent to changes in beliefs, attitudes, norms, and intention in this population. Acculturation assessment tools could provide health professionals insight into how to better approach this population on such culturally sensitive health issues as contraceptive use. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health
Maternal role attainment with medically fragile infants: Part 2. relationship to the quality of parenting
Authors: Holditch‐Davis Diane , Miles Margaret Shandor , Burchinal Margaret R. , Goldman Barbara Davis
Published: December 2010

We examined which components of maternal role attainment (identity, presence, competence) influenced quality of parenting for 72 medically fragile infants, controlling for maternal education and infant illness severity. Maternal competence was related to responsiveness. Maternal presence and technology dependence were inversely related to participation. Greater competence and maternal education were associated with better normal caregiving. Presence was negatively related although competence was positively related to illness‐related caregiving. Mothers with lower competence and more technology dependent children perceived their children as more vulnerable and child cues as more difficult to read. Maternal role attainment influenced parenting quality for these infants more than did child illness severity; thus interventions are needed to help mothers develop their maternal role during hospitalization and after discharge. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:35–48, 2011
“Casing” the research case study
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete
Published: December 2010

The wide variation in definitions of the research case study can make it difficult for health sciences researchers to see all of the possibilities for this form of inquiry. Case studies are defined here as singular combinations of diverse arrays of methodological approaches directed toward maintaining “empirical intimacy” with the one or more temporally and spatially defined objects researchers construct and target for study. The cases selected for study are made as opposed to found through an iterative and theory‐laden process called “casing.” Case‐ as opposed to variable‐oriented analysis helps researchers maintain “empirical intimacy” with the cases in their case studies. Case studies may be useful in enhancing programs of research in instrument and intervention development. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health
Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery from endocervical length at 11 to 13 weeks
Authors: Greco Elena , Lange Annabel , Ushakov Fred , Calvo Jesus Rodriguez , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2010

Objective

To define the potential value of endocervical length at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation in the prediction of spontaneous early delivery.

Method

The lengths of the endocervix and cervico–isthmic complex were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks in singleton pregnancies, including 1492 that subsequently delivered after 34 weeks and 16 (1.1%) who had spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks. In 1320 of the cases, the measurements were repeated at 20 to 24 weeks.

Results

There were significant associations in the length of the endocervix and cervico‐isthmic complex between 11 to 13 and 20 to 24 weeks (r = 0.548, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.194, p < 0.0001), and the respective median lengths were 32.4 and 32.2 mm for the endocervix and 45.3 and 40.4 mm for the cervico–isthmic complex. At 11 to 13 weeks in the early delivery group, compared to unaffected pregnancies, the median endocervical length was shorter (27.5 vs 32.5 mm, p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference in the length of the cervico–isthmic complex (41.4 vs 45.4 mm, p = 0.054).

Conclusion

In the measurement of cervical length, the endocervix should be distinguished from the isthmus. The endocervical length at 11 to 13 weeks is shorter in pregnancies resulting in spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks than in those delivering after 34 weeks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of transient responses of a plasticating twin screw extruder due to excitation in feed rate
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad H. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Shah Sirish L.
Published: December 2010

A corotating plasticating twin screw extruder (TSE) was excited by changing feed rate according to predesigned random binary sequence (RBS) and stair type excitation. A high density polyethylene was used as processing material in this study. Empirical models were developed relating two output variables, melt pressure at die (Pm), and melt temperature at die (Tm), with feed rate (F). Classical linear system identification technique was used to develop models. Models were developed using a data set obtained from RBS excitation. Stair type excitation data were used to validate the developed models. The structure of the obtained models was autoregressive moving average with exogenous input (ARMAX). Models with ARMAX structure and order of 2 were found to be sufficient to capture the dynamic behaviors of Pm and Tm when F was changed. A delay‐gain model was proposed for Pm and was found to capture the response quite satisfactorily. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on high‐performance poly(etheretherketone)/Si3N4 nanocomposites: New electronic substrate materials
Authors: Balaji V. , Tiwari A.N. , Goyal R.K.
Published: December 2010

The morphology, thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of high‐performance poly(etheretherketone)/Si3N4 nanocomposites fabricated by hot pressing were investigated. It was found that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and dissipation factor decreased significantly with increasing Si3N4 content, whereas thermal stability was affected slightly. A nanocomposite with 30 wt% Si3N4 exhibited about 45% and 23% decrease in CTE, below and above Tg, respectively. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) was increased up to 20°C. Microhardness was improved by 20% at 10 wt% Si3N4 content and thereafter it improved slightly. Modified rule of mixture with β = 0.1 or Halpin–Tsai model with ξ = 4 fits well the microhardness. The dielectric constant and loss factor of the nanocomposites are quite low, and thermal stability is much higher compared with commercial products. Various models were also used to correlate CTE and dielectric constant. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling of chemical kinetics of elastomer/hydroxyl‐ and carboxyl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites' cross‐linking
Authors: Likozar Blaž
Published: December 2010

Several kinds of (hydrogenated) nitrile elastomer ((H)NBR) compounds were prepared by melt compounding of rubbers with carbon nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the exfoliation degree of nanotubes was high. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were either neat or modified by hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. Morphology was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cure kinetics of (H)NBR and modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes ((m‐)MWCNT/(H)NBR) nanocomposites was studied. It was found that the apparent curing and over‐cure activation energies (EA and EA,1) increased with the increasing amount of (m‐)MWCNT. There was a less obvious change in the apparent orders of curing reactions. The results of n‐th order and autocatalytic kinetic model showed that any studied content of (m‐)MWCNT could increase effective thermal conductivity, but decreased the vulcanization rate of (m‐)MWCNT/(H)NBR nanocomposites. Finally, the effect of (m‐)MWCNT content and functionalization on tensile mechanical properties was presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterizations of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposite films with organomica
Authors: Shin Jieun , Kim Jeong‐Cheol , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: December 2010

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposites with various organoclay contents were prepared by using the solution intercalation method. Up to a clay loading of 4 wt%, the clay particles were found to be highly dispersed in the UHMWPE matrix without any agglomeration of particles. However, for a clay content above 6 wt% some agglomerated structures form in the polymer matrix. The melting transition temperatures (Tms) and ultimate strengths of the hybrids increase with increasing clay content; the maximum values of these properties were obtained for the hybrid containing 2 wt% of the organoclay. However, the thermal degradation stability and initial modulus are at their maximum values when the amount of organoclay in the hybrid is 4 wt%. The oxygen permeability, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and transmittance at 400 nm were found to monotonically decrease with increases in the clay loading in the range 0 to 10 wt%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Shaping conjugated hollow fibers using a four‐segmented arc spinneret
Authors: Su Y.Y. , Rwei S.P. , Wu L.Y. , Lin Y.T. , An T.C. , Lin W.P. , Chien S.P. , Lin L.Y.
Published: December 2010

This study discusses a light‐weight bicomponent hollow fiber that is formed from a low‐density material on the inside, such as polypropylene (PP), and a regularly dyeable material outside, such as polyterephthalate (PET) or nylon. Finite elements and the Optimesh‐3D remeshing approach are adopted to identify the main controlling factors of spinning the sheath‐core hollow fiber without the consideration of winding actions are performed, based on a four‐segmented arc spinneret design. The results indicate that the deflection of melt streams under the spinneret is a major factor that controls the gluing of the gap between arc segments. A greater mismatch between the viscosities of the sheath and the core causes a greater deflection and increases the likelihood of gluing events. Beyond deflection, die swelling under the spinneret is another issue of concern in the processing of bicomponent hollow fibers. Finally, the simulation results are compared with experimental data, and the most appropriate conditions for forming a PET/PP hollow fiber were obtained. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Natural Two‐Higgs‐Doublet Model
Authors: Grzadkowski B. , Osland P.
Published: December 2010

We show that the Two‐Higgs‐Doublet Model (2HDM) constrained by the two‐loop‐order requirement of cancellation of quadratic divergences is consistent with the existing experimental constraints. The model allows to ameliorate the little hierarchy problem by suppressing the quadratic corrections to scalar masses and lifting the mass of the lightest Higgs boson. A strong source of CP violation emerges from the scalar potential. The cutoff originating from the naturality arguments is shifted from ∼ 0.6 TeV in the Standard Model to ≳ 6 TeV in the 2HDM, depending on the mass of the lightest scalar.
Vitamin D deficiency promotes prostate cancer growth in bone
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zhou Hong , Ooi Li Laine , Snir Afik D. , Dunstan Colin R. , Seibel Markus J.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is considered as an important determinant of bone turnover as well as cancer growth. Using a murine model of bone metastasis, we investigated the effect of vitamin D deficiency on prostate cancer cell growth in bone.

METHODS

Three‐week‐old male nude mice were fed either normal chow (control) or a diet deficient in vitamin D. The latter diet resulted in severe hypovitaminosis D within 6 weeks. At this point of time, 5 × 104 cells of the prostate cancer cell line, PC‐3, were injected either into the bone marrow (tibia) or subcutaneously into soft tissues. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) was co‐administered in subgroups of mice to suppress bone remodeling. Osteolytic lesions were monitored by serial X‐ray, while soft tissue tumor growth was measured by caliper. All tissues were analyzed by micro‐CT and histology at endpoint.

RESULTS

Bone turnover was significantly accelerated in vitamin D deficient compared to vitamin D sufficient mice from week 6 onwards. Intra‐tibially implanted PC‐3 cells resulted in mixed osteolytic and osteosclerotic lesion. At endpoint, osteolytic and osteosclerotic lesion areas, total tumor area, and tumor mitotic activity were all significantly increased in vitamin D deficient mice compared to controls. Regardless of diet, OPG reduced bone turnover, total tumor, and osteosclerotic area as well as tumor mitotic activity, while promoting cell apoptosis. In contrast, vitamin D deficiency did not alter tumor growth in soft tissues.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency stimulates prostate cancer growth in bone through modulating the bone microenvironment. Prostate 71: 1012–1021, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A replication study examining three common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of prostate cancer in a Japanese population
Authors: Liu Miao , Suzuki Motofumi , Arai Tomio , Sawabe Motoji , Enomoto Yutaka , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Kitamura Tadaichi
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Recently, genome‐wide association studies have independently identified multiple prostate cancer risk variants on 8q24 and 17q in European and American populations. In this study, we examined the association between three key single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these two regions and the risk of prostate cancer in a Japanese population.

METHODS

The associations between the rs6983561, rs4430796, and rs1859962 SNPs and prostate cancer susceptibility and tumor aggressiveness were examined in a total of 950 Japanese subjects (518 with sporadic prostate cancer (SPCa), 109 with latent prostate cancer (LPCa), and 323 controls).

RESULTS

After adjustments for age, the C allele of rs6983561 and the A allele of rs4430796 were significantly more frequent among the SPCa patients than among the controls. Men who carry these risk alleles have an estimated odds ratio (OR) of 1.55 and 1.35, respectively. Furthermore, the SNPs rs6983561 and rs4430796 were associated with a susceptibility to aggressive prostate cancer, whereas rs1859962 was associated with non‐aggressive prostate cancer. However, no significant difference was observed between these three polymorphisms and the risk of LPCa. We also examined the cumulative association of these three SNPs and prostate cancer susceptibility. Compared with men who do not have any risk alleles, the ORs increased according to the number of risk alleles that were present (P‐value for trend: 8.1 × 10−4).

CONCLUSION

Our results further confirmed that variants at 8q24 and 17q are associated with the risk of prostate cancer and play an important role in tumor aggressiveness. Prostate 71:1023–1032, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelial progenitor cells and circulating endothelial cells in early prostate cancer: A comparison with plasma vascular markers
Authors: Blann Andrew D. , Balakrishnan Balu , Shantsila Eduard , Ryan Peter , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Separate studies indicate that endothelial perturbation, as demonstrated by abnormal endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and plasma markers such as von Willebrand factor (vWf) and soluble E selectin (sEsel) are present in cancer. However, there are no reports where these indices are compared. Accordingly, we hypothesized altered EPCs and CECs in prostate cancer that would correlate with vWf, sEsel, and prostate specific antigen (PSA).

METHODS

We recruited 29 men with biopsy proven prostate cancer, with 25 with benign prostate disease and 27 free of prostate disease. CECs were defined on flow cytometry as being CD34+, CD146+, CD45−, and CD309−, EPCs were similarly defined as being CD34+, CD309+, CD45−, and CD146−. vWf, sEsel, and PSA were measured by immunoassay.

RESULTS

Despite higher PSA, sE‐sel, and vWf in prostate cancer (all P < 0.02), neither EPCs, CECs, nor their ratio, were significantly different. EPCs and CECs correlated significantly with each other in each group (r > 0.48, P < 0.01) but failed to correlate with any plasma marker.

CONCLUSION

Unlike plasma endothelial markers, CECs and EPCs may play little part in the pathophysiology of early prostate cancer. Prostate 71:1047–1053, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dedifferentiation of prostate smooth muscle cells in response to bacterial LPS
Authors: Leimgruber Carolina , Quintar Amado A. , Sosa Liliana D.V. , García Luciana N. , Figueredo Mauricio , Maldonado Cristina A.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are strongly involved in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. However, their participation in prostatitis has not been completely elucidated. Thus, we aimed to characterize the response of normal SMC to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

Primary prostate SMCs from normal rats were stimulated with LPS (0.1, 1, or 10 µg/ml) for 24 or 48 hr. The phenotype was evaluated by electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blot of SMCα‐actin (ACTA2), calponin, vimentin, and tenascin‐C, while the innate immune response was assessed by immunodetection of TLR4, CD14, and nuclear NF‐κB. The secretion of TNFα and IL6 was determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

Bacterial LPS induces SMCs to develop a secretory phenotype including dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae with well‐developed Golgi complexes. Furthermore, SMCs displayed a decrease in ACTA2 and calponin, and an increase in vimentin levels after LPS challenge. The co‐expression of ACTA2 and vimentin, together with the induction of tenascin‐C expression indicate that a myofibroblastic‐like phenotype was induced by the endotoxin. Moreover, LPS elicited a TLR4 increase, with a peak in NF‐κB activation occurring after 10 min of treatment. Finally, LPS stimulated the secretion of IL6 and TNFα.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate SMCs are capable of responding to LPS in vitro by dedifferentiating from a contractile to a miofibroblastic‐like phenotype and secreting cytokines, with the TLR4 signaling pathway being involved in this response. In this way, prostate SMCs may contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases by modifying the epithelial–stromal interactions. Prostate 71:1097–1107, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outage probability for cooperative diversity with selective combining in cellular networks
Authors: Yu Hyungseok , Stüber Gordon L.
Published: December 2010

This paper analyzes the outage probability for amplify‐and‐forward (AF) and decode‐and‐forward (DF) cooperative diversity systems with selective combining, for the case of a log‐normal Nakagami faded desired signal and log‐normal Rayleigh faded co‐channel interferers. The outage probability is compared to that of a dual‐receive antenna system also with selective combining. The results of this paper show that the proposed cooperative diversity systems can result in a lower outage probability than the corresponding dual‐receive antenna system, but only when the relay is located in a particular region of the cell with respect to the destination mobile station location. Moreover, this paper shows that the AF cooperative diversity system is more robust than the DF cooperative diversity system for the composite channel condition and multiple interferers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MBS zone configuration schemes for wireless multicast and broadcast service
Authors: Hu Kai‐Hsiang , Fu Huai‐Lei , Lin Phone
Published: December 2010

The Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) zone technology is proposed to provide MBS with high QoS on Mobile Communications Networks (MCNs). An MBS zone consists of a group of Base Stations (BSs) synchronized to transmit the same MBS content using the same multicasting channel, which potentially reduces the time delay for Mobile Stations (MSs) to handoff between different BSs in the same MBS zone. However, significant time delay still incurs while MSs handoff between different BSs belonging to different MBS zones (i.e., the inter‐MBS zone handoff). To reduce the possibility for the inter‐MBS zone handoff, we may increase the size of an MBS zone (i.e., more BSs contained in an MBS zone), which may result in poor multicasting channel utilization. This paper proposes the OverLapping Scheme (OLS) and the Enhanced OverLapping Scheme (EOLS) for more flexible MBS zone configuration to get better performance for MBS in terms of QoS and radio resource utilization. We propose the analytical models for the original MBS zone technology (namely the Basic scheme), and the OLS scheme, which are validated against the simulation experiments. Based on the simulation results, we investigate the performance for the Basic scheme, the OLS scheme, and the EOLS scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the World Health Organization Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care at District Hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Osen Hayley , Chang David , Choo Shelly , Perry Henry , Hesse Afua , Abantanga Francis , McCord Colin , Chrouser Kristin , Abdullah Fizan
Published: December 2010

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (hereafter called the WHO Tool) has been used in more than 25 countries and is the largest effort to assess surgical care in the world. However, it has not yet been independently validated. Test–retest reliability is one way to validate the degree to which tests instruments are free from random error. The aim of the present field study was to determine the test–retest reliability of the WHO Tool.

Methods

The WHO Tool was mailed to 10 district hospitals in Ghana. Written instructions were provided along with a letter from the Ghana Health Services requesting the hospital administrator to complete the survey tool. After ensuring delivery and completion of the forms, the study team readministered the WHO Tool at the time of an on‐site visit less than 1 month later. The results of the two tests were compared to calculate kappa statistics for each of the 152 questions in the WHO Tool. The kappa statistic is a statistical measure of the degree of agreement above what would be expected based on chance alone.

Results

Ten hospitals were surveyed twice over a short interval (i.e., less than 1 month). Weighted and unweighted kappa statistics were calculated for 152 questions. The median unweighted kappa for the entire survey was 0.43 (interquartile range 0–0.84). The infrastructure section (24 questions) had a median kappa of 0.81; the human resources section (13 questions) had a median kappa of 0.77; the surgical procedures section (67 questions) had a median kappa of 0.00; and the emergency surgical equipment section (48 questions) had a median kappa of 0.81.

Conclusions

Hospital capacity survey questions related to infrastructure characteristics had high reliability. However, questions related to process of care had poor reliability and may benefit from supplemental data gathered by direct observation. Limitations to the study include the small sample size: 10 district hospitals in a single country. Consistent and high correlations calculated from the field testing within the present analysis suggest that the WHO Tool for Situational Analysis is a reliable tool where it measures structure and setting, but it should be revised for measuring process of care.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided anterograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Binmoeller Kenneth F. , Nguyen‐Tang Thai
Published: December 2010

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may fail in 10–15% of cases. A growing percentage of such cases are due to the inaccessible papilla after gastric bypass surgery for the treatment of obesity. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) offers an alternative route of access to the bile and pancreatic ducts. Using the curved linear array echoendoscope, access to the bile and pancreatic ducts is possible under real‐time EUS guidance. The route of access is ‘anterograde’, in contrast to the ‘retrograde’ approach of ERCP. We have coined the term “EUS‐guided anterograde cholangiopancreatography (EACP)” to cover the spectrum of EUS‐guided techniques for accessing and draining the bile and pancreatic ducts. These techniques are reviewed in this paper. The literature has validated the feasibility of EACP but complication rates have been high; the safety profile of EACP must improve. This will require tools, designed for EUS‐guided applications, that enable safer transenteric access and drainage.
Evolution and Revision of the Perioperative Nursing Data Set
Authors: Petersen Carol , Kleiner Cathy
Published: December 2010

The Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS) is a nursing language that provides standardized terminology to support perioperative nursing practice. The PNDS represents perioperative nursing knowledge and comprises data elements and definitions that demonstrate the nurse's influence on patient outcomes. Emerging issues and changes in practice associated with the PNDS standardized terminology require ongoing maintenance and periodic in‐depth review of its content. Like each new edition of the Perioperative Nursing Data Set, the third edition, published in 2010, underwent content validation by numerous experts in clinical practice, vocabulary development, and informatics. The goal of this most recent edition is to enable the perioperative nurse to use the PNDS in a meaningful manner, as well as to promote standardization of PNDS implementation in practice, both in written documentation and the electronic health record.
Fit Nurse
Authors: Overman Susan
Published: December 2010

Fit Nurse Gary Scholar 2010, Sigma Theta Tau International 224 pages $24.95 softcover
The Nurse Manager's Guide to Hiring, Firing & Inspiring
Authors: Schirmer Sandra
Published: December 2010

The Nurse Manager's Guide to Hiring, Firing & Inspiring Vicki Hess 2010, Sigma Theta Tau International 224 pages$24.95 softcover
Looking Outside to Meet Internal Challenges: The Benefits of Outsourcing
Authors: Neiderer Pam
Published: December 2010

Providing resourceful solutions to common facility management challenges can require many steps, including internal and external research, evaluating potential options, and implementing new protocols. The outpatient surgical services administrator at the Surgical Center of York and the Endoscopy Center of Memorial Hospital, York, Pennsylvania, addressed the challenge of managing and meeting surgeons' expectations and requests for better equipment and increased patient volume for ophthalmology procedures while maintaining a strict budget. Outsourcing of surgical equipment was identified as a viable option to meet these needs.
Strategic and Tactical Alliances: Do Environmental Non-Profits Manage Them Differently?
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Lefroy Kathryn , Garma Romana , Chia Norman
Published: December 2010

The effectiveness of an alliance may be influenced by a number of factors including managerial and power imbalances, conflict, organisational compatibility, prior history and the length of the relationship. While the relationships between these variables have been examined in the literature, no study to date has examined whether the perceived effectiveness of the alliance differs depending on whether the collaboration has a strategic or tactical emphasis. This study examines relationships in the context of alliances from environmental non-profit organisations’ perspectives. The findings indicate that there are differences in the factors influencing perceived alliance effectiveness and governance for tactical and strategic alliances. The implications of the findings are discussed and future research directions are identified.
Promoting Youth Smokefree Behaviour: An Evaluation of a Social Norms Campaign
Authors: Hoek Janet , Newcombe Rhiannon , Walker Sue
Published: December 2010

Although youth smokefree campaigns have featured several themes, recent evidence suggests a norms-based approach that demonstrates the negative social consequences of smoking is most effective. The “Smoking – Not Our Future” campaign drew on both social identity theory and stereotype priming theory, and used youth role models to promote smokefree attitudes and behaviours among adolescent and young adult New Zealanders. Findings from the campaign evaluation suggest it strongly reinforced non-smokers, though had less effect on current smokers. We suggest future youth-oriented campaigns could employ stronger negative social consequences to target committed youth smokers, whose smoking-related attitudes and behaviour are more intractable.