bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibilizing polyimide/silica hybrids by alkoxisilane‐terminated oligoimides: Morphology–Properties relationships
Authors: Ragosta Giuseppe , Musto Pellegrino , Abbate Mario , Scarinzi Gennaro
Published: March 2011

A fluorinated polyimide (PI), synthesized from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether, was used as matrix for the preparation of PI/silica hybrids. The inorganic phase was obtained in situ by a sol–gel route with tetraethoxysilane as precursor. Both micron‐ and nano‐scale hybrids were obtained depending on the interfacial interaction between the organic and inorganic phases. To promote such interaction a compatibilizing agent was synthesized, in the form of an alkoxisilane‐terminated oligoimide. Both the PI and the coupling agent were characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies and by GPC measurements. The effect of the coupling agent on the morphology of the hybrids and on the size of the silica particles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The viscoelastic, mechanical, and thermal properties of hybrid composites were studied. It was shown that by adding appropriate amounts of the compatibilizer it was possible to control the morphology and to obtain homogeneous nanostructured systems. A general improvement of the mechanical performances and of the thermal stability was demonstrated, together with an increase of Tg, which was found more pronounced for the nanocomposites than for the microcomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of novel biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) copolyesters composing of isosorbide and poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang , Zhou Weihua , Wei Junchao , Ye Suwen
Published: March 2011

A series of biodegradable isosorbide‐based copolyesters poly(butylene succinate‐co‐isosorbide succinate‐co‐polyethyleneoxide succinate) (PBxIyEzS) were synthesized via bulk polycondensation in the presence of dimethyl succinate (DMS), 1,4‐butanediol (BDO), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and isosorbide (ISO). The crystallization behaviors, crystal structure and spherulite morphology of the copolyesters were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM), respectively. The results indicate that the crystallization behavior of the copolyesters was influenced by the content of isosorbide succinate (IS) and polyethyleneoxide succinate (PEOS) units, which further tuned the mechanical and biodegradable properties of the copolyesters. The PBxIyEzS copolyesters, compared to pure poly(butylene succinate), showed lower crystallization temperature, melting temperature, degree of crystallinity and degradation rate while a significant increase in glass transition temperature with increasing isosorbide content. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Temperature dependence and fracture criterion of mixed mode I/II fracture toughness of phenolic resin for friction material
Authors: Araki Wakako , Shintaku Hiroki , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Horiuchi Yoshiki , Arai Yoshio
Published: March 2011

In this study, the temperature dependence of the mixed‐mode fracture toughness of the phenolic resin for friction materials is investigated. For pure mode I, the fracture toughness decreases as the temperature increases, and it increases again after showing its minimum value. For pure mode II, the fracture toughness shows a similar trend but has its minimum value at a higher temperature. The temperature dependence of the mixed‐mode fracture toughness varies depending on the mode mixity, which is attributed to the different sensitivity to the relaxation phenomenon. At room temperature, as the fracture toughness for pure mode I and II are almost the same, the fracture locus shows a circular arc. At elevated temperatures, the locus becomes smaller and noncircular. At high temperature, the fracture locus shows an elliptical arc, where the fracture toughness for pure mode II is smaller than that for mode I. An empirical fracture criterion based on the time‐temperature dependence of the resin is proposed, and the proposed method successfully predicts the fracture toughness under various conditions of the temperature, time, and mode mixity. The crack initiation angles, on the other hand, are almost consistent regardless of the temperature, which agree with the maximum hoop stress theory. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Tuning the thermoresponsive properties of hyperbranched poly(ester amide)s based on diisopropanolamine and cyclic dicarboxylic anhydrides
Authors: Kelland Malcolm A.
Published: March 2011

A range of water‐soluble hyperbranched poly(ester amide)s has been synthesized with a view to studying their thermoresponsive behavior in water. Poly(ester amide)s with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values around physiological temperatures are of interest for biological and medical applications, whereas poly(ester amide)s with high LCST values may be useful as kinetic hydrate inhibitors for high salinity produced fluids in the oil and gas industry. The LCST of these polymers was measured as the optical cloud point. The LCST can be tuned in various ways for these applications, for example, by varying the hydrophobicity of the groups on the cyclic anhydride monomer or by adjusting the hydrophilicity of the imine used to make the peripheral groups of the polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and efficacy of tumor vasculature‐targeted doxorubicin cationic liposomes coated by N‐trimethyl chitosan
Authors: Guo Xian‐Xi , He Wen , Wang Xiao‐Qin , Hu Xian‐Ming
Published: March 2011

Cationic liposomes (CLs) can accumulate in tumor vascular endothelial cells (VECs) to show high selective targeting ability. Therefore, chemotherapeutic agent‐loaded CLs are considered as new therapeutic vehicles to enhance the treatment efficacy. This study investigated the effect of N‐trimethyl chitosan (TMC), one of derivatives of chitosan with positive charge determined by its degree of quaternization (DQ), on preparing doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded CLs. TMCs with various DQ, i.e., 20% (TMC20), 40% (TMC40), and 60% (TMC60) were synthesized and characterized by 1HNMR. DOX‐loaded liposomes (DOXL) were prepared by ammonium sulfate gradients followed by TMC‐coating to obtain TMC‐coated DOXL with various positive surface charges. The morphology, size, ζ‐potential and drug release in vitro of TMC‐coated DOXL were studied compared with those of DOXL. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as cell model, the vascular targeting ability of TMC‐coated DOXL was evaluated in vitro. A solid tumor, formed by implantationmurine hepatoma cells (H22) into mice, as tumor model, the tumor inhibition rate and tumor histological sections stained by HE of TMC‐coated DOXL group were researched compared with those of free DOX and DOXL group. It was found that with the increase of TMC's DQ, the positive surface charge of TMC‐coated DOXL was enhanced accordingly, which had little effect on DOX release in vitro while led to the significant increase of DOX uptake by HUVECs in vitro and the treatment effect on solid tumor in vivo. Especially, TMC‐coated DOXL showed better targeting ability to the nuclei compared with free DOX and DOXL, which could further enhance the efficacy of DOX in vivo. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of different aromatic amines on the crosslinking behavior and thermal properties of phthalonitrile oligomer containing biphenyl ethernitrile
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Zhang Jiandong , Lei Yajie , Zhong Jiachun , Liu Xiaobo
Published: March 2011

To find a proper amine to promote the processability of phthalonitrile‐based composites, three different aromatic amines: 4‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile (APN), 2,6‐bis (4‐diaminobenzoxy) benzonitrile (BDB) and 4,4′‐diaminediphenyl sulfone (DDS) were used as curing agents to investigate the crosslinking behavior and thermal decomposition behavior of phthalonitrile oligomer containing biphenyl ethernitrile (2PEN‐BPh). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and dynamic rheological analysis were employed to study the curing reaction behavior of the phthalonitrile/amine blends and prepolymers. The studies revealed that BDB was the preferred curing agent and the preferred concentration of BDB was 3 wt %. The thermal properties of the 2PEN‐BPh polymers were monitored by TGA, and the results indicated that all the completely cured 2PEN‐BPh polymers maintained good structure integrity upon heating to elevated temperatures and these polymers could thermal stabilize up to over 550°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed the glass transition temperature (Tg) exceeded 450°C when the 2PEN‐BPh polymer post cured at 375°C for 8 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Rapid intercalation of sustainable resource‐based linseed oil fatty amide—A polymer precursor in cloisite® 93A by microwave‐assisted method
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Ahmad Sharif
Published: March 2011

The present study reports a novel approach for the rapid intercalation of linseed oil‐derived fatty amide (LFA) in organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT)‐Cloisite® 93A. The intercalation of LFA (0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt %) in Cloisite® 93A was carried by varying the microwave irradiation time from 30 to 90 s. X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed that microwave irradiation resulted in higher intercalation in a shorter reaction time. The basal spacings were shifted from 12.34 to 16.45 Å on microwave irradiation for 30 s while exfoliation occurred at and beyond 60 s exposure. Controlled morphology of the nanohybrids was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis on microwave irradiation for 30 s. This biomodified Cloisite® 93A could be used for the preparation of polyesters, polyesteramides, and polyurethanes of controlled morphology for various applications in biomedicine. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
UKF based in‐flight calibration of magnetometers and rate gyros for pico satellite attitude determination
Authors: Söken Halil Ersin , Hajiyev Chingiz
Published: March 2011

In this paper an unscented Kalman filter based procedure for the bias estimation of both the magnetometers and the gyros carried onboard a pico satellite, is proposed. At the initial phase, biases of three orthogonally located magnetometers are estimated as well as the attitude and attitude rates of the satellite. During the initial period after the orbit injection, gyro measurements are accepted as bias free since the precise gyros are working accurately and the accumulated gyro biases are negligible. At the second phase estimated constant magnetometer bias components are taken into account and the algorithm is run for the estimation of the gyro biases that are cumulatively increased by time. As a result, six different bias terms for two different sensors are obtained in two stages, where attitude and attitude rates are estimated regularly. For both estimation phases of the procedure an unscented Kalman filter is used as the estimation algorithm.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
New bioengineering insights into human neural precursor cell expansion in culture
Authors: Baghbaderani Behnam A. , Behie Leo A. , Mukhida Karim , Hong Murray , Mendez Ivar
Published: March 2011

Understanding initial cell growth, interactions associated with the process of expansion of human neural precursor cells (hNPCs), and cellular events pre‐ and postdifferentiation are important for developing bioprocessing protocols to reproducibly generate multipotent cells that can be used in basic research or the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we report the in vitro responses of telencephalon hNPCs grown in a serum‐free growth medium using time‐lapse live imaging as well as cell‐surface marker, aggregate size, and immunocytochemical analyses. Time‐lapse analysis of hNPC initial expansion indicated that cell‐surface attachment in stationary culture and the frequency of cell–cell interaction in suspension conditions are important for subsequent aggregate formation and hNPC growth. In the absence of cell‐surface attachment in low‐attachment stationary culture, large aggregates of cells were formed and expansion was adversely affected. The majority of the telencephalon hNPCs expressed CD29, CD90, and CD44 (cell surface markers involved in cell‐ECM and cell–cell interactions to regulate biological functions such as proliferation), suggesting that cell‐surface attachment and cell–cell interactions play a significant role in the subsequent formation of cell aggregates and the expansion of hNPCs. Before differentiation, about 90% of the cells stained positive for nestin and expressed two neural precursor cells surface markers (CD133 and CD24). Upon withdrawal of growth cytokines, hNPCs first underwent cell division and then differentiated preferentially towards a neuronal rather than a glial phenotype. This study provides key information regarding human NPC behavior under different culture conditions and favorable culture conditions that are important in establishing reproducible hNPC expansion protocols. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011.
Efficacy and safety of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention within twelve hours of fibrinolysis
Authors: Belle Loic , Fourny Magali , Reynaud Thomas , Hammer Laure , Vanzetto Gérald , Labarère José ,   on behalf of the RENAU‐RESURCOR study investigators
Published: March 2011

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes between glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist recipients and nonrecipients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 hr of fibrinolysis. Background: Despite limited evidence, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are widely used in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing routine early or rescue PCI after fibrinolysis. Methods: We evaluated 87 and 556 glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist recipients and nonrecipients enrolled in a regional registry of STEMI between October 2002 and December 2005. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of death from any cause, reinfarction, and stroke at 1 year of follow‐up. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of in‐hospital major bleeding that was not related to coronary artery bypass grafting. Results: The primary efficacy endpoint occurred in 12% (10 of 81) and 13% (72 of 525) of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist recipients and nonrecipients, respectively (P = 0.74). The corresponding rates of major bleeding during index hospitalization were 4.8% (4 of 84) and 5.1% (28 of 544) (P = 0.88), respectively. Two glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist recipients and five nonrecipients experienced intracranial hemorrhage. After adjusting for propensity score, the odds of primary efficacy (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–1.83) and safety (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–2.62) endpoints did not differ according to the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Conclusion: In this observational cohort study of unselected patients with STEMI, the administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists provided no additional benefit to PCI performed within 12 hr of fibrinolysis, nor did it compromise patient safety. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Location of femoral artery access and correlation with vascular complications
Authors: Pitta Sridevi R. , Prasad Abhiram , Kumar Gautam , Lennon Ryan , Rihal Charanjit S. , Holmes David R.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The aim of the study was to document the frequency of optimal femoral artery access location and its correlation with vascular complications in contemporary practice. Background: Vascular access bleeding during coronary interventions is associated with adverse outcomes. A potential strategy for reducing access‐site bleeding is to achieve optimal location for the femoral access. However, there is a paucity of data on how well this goal is achieved in clinical practice using anatomical landmarks. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated femoral angiograms of 300 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to identify the location of the access that had been performed using anatomical landmarks. Patients were divided into two groups based on the location of the arterial access: above the femoral bifurcation but below the inferior border of the inferior epigastric artery (optimal location) and those that were either above or below these landmarks (suboptimal location). Frequency of access site complications was recorded. Results: The femoral artery access site was located outside the optimal location in 38 (13.0%) patients. There was no significant difference regards to baseline characteristics. Overall, access‐related complications occurred in 17 (5.7%) patients. Vascular complications were significantly more frequent in patients who had a femoral artery access outside the optimal location (18% vs. 4%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The femoral artery access site is not at the optimal location in a significant proportion of patients, and this is associated with an increased risk of vascular complications. Improving the rates of optimal arterial access by routine use of fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance has the potential of reducing vascular complications and improving outcomes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bare‐metal stent thrombosis after noncardiac surgery greater than 10 years after stent implantation
Authors: Willis Nicholas , Sachdeva Rajesh , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: March 2011

We present a case of bare‐metal stent thrombosis (ST) in a saphenous vein graft (SVG) after antiplatelet therapy cessation occurring in the setting of noncardiac surgery (NCS) greater than 10 years after stent implantation. This report represents the longest interval of ST in the setting of NCS and the longest interval between stent implantation and ST in a SVG. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of radial artery perforation during coronary angiography and angioplasty—A report of two cases
Authors: Pujara Kushal , Wood Alice , Roberts Elved B.
Published: March 2011

Perforation and disruption of the artery used for access is a recognized complication of coronary angiography. There is an increasing trend toward use of the radial artery for angiography and angioplasty, particularly in the primary angioplasty setting, because of the reduced risk of hemorrhagic complications. On the rare occasions when radial artery perforation occurs, operators have had a tendency to switch to a second arterial access route. This article describes a technique for managing peri‐procedural perforation which does not require use of a second artery for access. We show two cases where this technique was used successfully, demonstrating an angiographically normal radial artery at the end of the procedure. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection after intense weightlifting UCSF fresno department of cardiology
Authors: El‐Sherief Karim , Rashidian Ali , Srikanth Sundararajan
Published: March 2011

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of chest pain and cardiomyopathy. This phenomenon usually occurs during the peripartum period. SCAD associated with exercise and heavy weight lifting is even rarer and has been reported in less than 10 cases in the literature. We describe a case of SCAD associated with heavy weight lifting and exercise in a 29‐year‐old male who presented with exertional chest pain. The patient subsequently underwent a cardiac catheterization that showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% and a dissection in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery after the first diagonal/septal branch with extension to the distal LAD that wrapped around the apex. He was effectively managed with the combination of medical therapy followed by a few days later with stenting. In summary, diagnosis and treatment of this rare phenomenon is a challenge, but early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to a successful outcome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual wire technique for aortic coarctation stent placement
Authors: Lampropoulos Konstantinos , Budts Werner , Gewillig Marc
Published: March 2011

A young adult presented for percutaneous treatment of a narrow aortic coarctation. A very large left subclavian artery originated immediately proximal to the coarctation. In order not to exclude or jail the left subclavian artery with a stent, a double wire technique was used. From a femoral approach, two guide wires were positioned, one in the aortic arch and another in the subclavian artery. A stent crimped over a 16‐mm balloon and a 4‐Fr catheter was advanced over the two wires within a 14‐Fr long introducer sheath. The stent was successfully deployed and molded within the bifurcation by a kissing balloon technique, relieving the obstruction and leaving a guaranteed passage to the subclavian artery. The double wire technique is an elegant way to deliver a stent safely across a narrowing with guaranteed access to important side branches. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel clinical prediction rule for 30‐day mortality following balloon aortic valuloplasty: The CRRAC the AV score
Authors: Elmariah Sammy , Lubitz Steven A. , Shah Amil M. , Miller Marc A. , Kaplish Dheeraj , Kothari Sharad , Moreno Pedro R. , Kini Annapoorna S. , Sharma Samin K.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: We seek to identify predictors of 30‐day mortality after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Background: To date, there is no validated method of predicting patient outcomes after percutaneous aortic valve interventions. Methods: Data for consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent BAV at the Mount Sinai Medical Center from January 2001 to July 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Cox‐proportional hazards regression was used to identify significant predictors of 30‐day mortality, and the resultant model was compared to the EuroSCORE using Akaike's Information Criterion and area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUC). Results: The analysis included 281 patients (age 83 ± 9 years, 61% women, aortic valve area: 0.64 ± 0.2 cm2) and 36 (12.8%) of whom died within 30 days of BAV. With identified risk factors for 30‐day mortality, critical status, renal dysfunction, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output, we constructed the CRRAC the AV risk score. Thirty‐day survival was 72% in the highest tertile versus 94% in the lower two tertiles of the score. Compared to the additive and logistic EuroSCORE, the risk score demonstrated superior discrimination (AUC = 0.75 vs. 0.60 and 0.63, respectively). Conclusions: We derived a risk score, the CRRAC the AV score that identifies patients at high‐risk of 30‐day mortality after BAV. Validation of the developed risk prediction score, the CRRAC the AV score, is needed in other cohorts of post‐BAV patients and potentially in patients undergoing other catheter‐based valve interventions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endovascular treatment of thrombosed dialysis fistulae
Authors: Bizarro Pedro , Coentrão Luís , Ribeiro Carlos , Neto Ricardo , Pestana Manuel
Published: March 2011

Objectives: In the present study, we determined the cumulative costs and outcomes of endovascular treatment of thrombosed autogenous arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) at our medical center. Background: Previous studies examining the salvage procedures of thrombosed AVFs have focused exclusively on clinical outcomes, and, in the absence of costing data, current guidelines do not take into consideration economic issues. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed among local hemodialysis patients with completely thrombosed AVFs receiving endovascular treatment in our institution between January 1 and December 31, 2008. Forty‐four patients were enrolled and followed‐up for 1 year. Success and complications were recorded according to consensus definitions, and a comprehensive measurement of total vascular access care‐related costs was obtained. Costs are reported in 2010 in U.S. dollars. Results: Clinical success was achieved in 95% of cases. The primary and secondary patency rates were 63 and 78% at 1 year, respectively. Primary patency rate at 12 months was significantly better for radiocephalic AVFs (70% vs. 43%; P = 0.047). The mean cumulative cost of all vascular access care during year 1 was $2,504 (median $1,484; range, $1,362–$18,279; Table V) per patient‐year at risk. The mean cumulative cost for maintaining radiocephalic and brachiocephalic AVFs was $1,624 (median $1,381; range, $1,130–$3,116) and $3,578 (median $2,092; range, $1,470–$18,279) per patient‐year at risk, respectively (P = 0.022). Conclusion: The cost of maintenance of a thrombosed AVF by endovascular intervention is high, with patients with clotted radiocephalic fistulae incurring the lowest costs and achieving higher survival times. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Universality in Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis on Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Man Isabela C. , Su Hai‐Yan , Calle‐Vallejo Federico , Hansen Heine A. , Martínez José I. , Inoglu Nilay G. , Kitchin John , Jaramillo Thomas F. , Nørskov Jens K. , Rossmeisl Jan
Published: March 2011

Trends in electrocatalytic activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are investigated on the basis of a large database of HO* and HOO* adsorption energies on oxide surfaces. The theoretical overpotential was calculated by applying standard density functional theory in combination with the computational standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) model. We showed that by the discovery of a universal scaling relation between the adsorption energies of HOO* vs HO*, it is possible to analyze the reaction free energy diagrams of all the oxides in a general way. This gave rise to an activity volcano that was the same for a wide variety of oxide catalyst materials and a universal descriptor for the oxygen evolution activity, which suggests a fundamental limitation on the maximum oxygen evolution activity of planar oxide catalysts.
How are symptoms of ovarian cancer managed?
Authors: Goff Barbara A. , Matthews Barbara , Andrilla C. Holly A. , Miller Jacqueline W. , Trivers Katrina F. , Berry Donna , Lishner Denise M. , Baldwin Laura‐Mae
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

A study was undertaken to identify the diagnostic approaches that primary care physicians and gynecologists undertake in women with symptoms associated with ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

A vignette‐based survey was mailed to 3200 primary care physicians from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. The vignette described a 55‐year‐old woman with symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, although ovarian cancer was never mentioned. The authors evaluated patient, physician, and practice characteristics associated with a workup that could detect ovarian cancer.

RESULTS:

The survey response rate was 61.7%. After exclusions, 1532 physicians were included. Overall, 89.5% of physicians reported that they would recommend testing that can detect ovarian cancer (71.2% ultrasound; 25.4% pelvic computed tomography; 26.5% CA125). In adjusted analysis, the only patient factor associated with ovarian cancer testing was symptom type, genitourinary versus gastrointestinal (risk ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03‐1.11). Physician and practice characteristics associated with recommending of ovarian cancer testing included specialty (gynecologists > family physicians and internists); type of practice (group > solo); clinical teaching (yes > no); and within Census division, location of practice, with all Central (East, West, North, and South) and Atlantic (Middle and South) areas having a lower likelihood than New England.

CONCLUSIONS:

On the basis of a vignette in which a woman reported symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, the majority of primary care physicians and gynecologists would not recommend CA125, but would recommend imaging of the pelvis. Gynecologists, physicians involved with clinical teaching, and those in group practices were significantly more likely to recommend testing that could lead to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Equivocal cytology in lung cancer diagnosis
Authors: Schramm Martin , Wrobel Christian , Born Ingmar , Kazimirek Marietta , Pomjanski Natalia , William Marina , Kappes Rainer , Gerharz Claus Dieter , Biesterfeld Stefan , Böcking Alfred
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Sometimes, cytological lung cancer diagnosis is challenging because equivocal diagnoses are common. To enhance diagnostic accuracy, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), DNA‐image cytometry, and quantitative promoter hypermethylation analysis have been proposed as adjuncts.

METHODS:

Bronchial washings and/or brushings or transbronchial fine‐needle aspiration biopsies were prospectively collected from patients who were clinically suspected of having lung carcinoma. After routine cytological diagnosis, 70 consecutive specimens, each cytologically diagnosed as negative, equivocal, or positive for cancer cells, were investigated with adjuvant methods. Suspicious areas on the smears were restained with the LAVysion multicolor FISH probe set (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, Illinois) or according to the Feulgen Staining Method for DNA‐image cytometry analysis. DNA was extracted from residual liquid material, and frequencies of aberrant methylation of APC, p16INK4A, and RASSF1A gene promoters were determined with quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (QMSP) after bisulfite conversion. Clinical and histological follow‐up according to a reference standard, defined in advance, were available for 198 of 210 patients.

RESULTS:

In the whole cohort, cytology, FISH, DNA‐image cytometry, and QMSP achieved sensitivities of 83.7%, 78%, 79%, and 49.6%, respectively (specificities of 69.8%, 98.2%, 98.2%, and 98.4%, respectively). Subsequent to cytologically equivocal diagnoses, FISH, DNA‐image cytometry, and QMSP definitely identified malignancy in 79%, 83%, and 49%, respectively. With QMSP, 4 of 22 cancer patients with cytologically negative diagnoses were correctly identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

Thus, adjuvant FISH or DNA‐image cytometry in cytologically equivocal diagnoses improves diagnostic accuracy at comparable rates. Adjuvant QMSP in cytologically negative cases with persistent suspicion of lung cancer would enhance sensitivity. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Cooperation in bike racing—When to work together and when to go it alone
Authors: Hoenigman Rhonda , Bradley Elizabeth , Lim Allen
Published: March 2011

We present an agent‐based model of bicycle racing that incorporates both physiology and the types of multiplayer scenarios that arise in real races. In these scenarios, riders can choose to share the workload with other riders (cooperate) or pursue their own self‐interests (defect). We compare the model's predictions to race situations and use it to investigate how different strategies can affect outcomes. We find that an individual player's best strategy depends on fitness level: below‐average riders fare better as defectors whereas above‐average riders perform better as cooperators. The strategies of stronger riders affect their teammates' results as well. The teammates of defecting strong riders fare worse overall than the teammates of cooperating strong riders. These results reproduce a dynamic that played out in the 2009 Tour de France. The winner, Alberto Contador, pursued a strategy perceived by many to be unusually uncooperative by repeatedly defecting on his teammates. The strategy worked to his advantage but may have negatively affected his teammates' placements. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 17,39–44, 2011
Observation of K‐Shell Soft X Ray Emission of Nitrogen Irradiated by XUV‐Free Electron Laser FLASH at Intensities Greater than 1016 W/cm2
Authors: Galtier E. , Rosmej F.B. , Renner O. , Juha L. , Chalupsky J. , Gauthier J.‐C. , White S. , Riley D. , Vinko S. , Witcher T. , Wark J. , Nagler B. , Lee R.W. , Nelson A.J. , Toleikis S.
Published: March 2011

In the past few years, the development of light sources of the 4th generation, namely XUV/X‐ray Free Electron Lasers provides to the scientific community outstanding tools to investigate matter under extreme conditions never obtained in laboratories so far. As theory is at its infancy, the analysis of matter via the self‐emission of the target is of central importance. The characterization of such dense matter is possible if photons can escape the medium. As the absorption of K‐shell X‐ray transitions is minimal, it plays a key role in this study. We report here the first successful observation of K‐shell emission of Nitrogen at 430 eV using an XUV‐Free Electron Laser to irradiate solid Boron Nitride targets under exceptional conditions: photon energy of 92 eV, pulse duration of ∼20 fs, micro focusing leading to intensities larger than 1016 W/cm2. Using a Bragg crystal of THM coupled to a CCD, we resolved K‐shell line emission from different charge states. We demonstrate that the spectroscopic data allow characterization of electron heating processes when X‐ray radiation is interacting with solid matter. As energy transport is non‐trivial because the light source is monochromatic, these results have an important impact on the theory (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical Spectroscopy of Free‐Propagating Plasma and Its Interaction with Tungsten Targets in PF‐1000 Facility
Authors: Skladnik‐Sadowska E. , Malinowski K. , Sadowski M.J. , Kubkowska M. , Jakubowska K. , Paduch M. , Scholz M. , Garkusha I.E. , Ladygina M. , Tereshin V.I.
Published: March 2011

The paper describes the application of optical spectroscopy methods for investigation of intense plasma streams, which are emitted from the large PF‐1000 facility operated at 21‐27 kV, 290‐480 kJ, as well as for studies of interactions of such streams with tungsten (W) targets. The electron concentration, as estimated from the Stark broadening of the Dβ line recorded at a distance of z = 30 cm from the electrode ends, changed from about 2.2×1016 to 0.5×1016 cm–3 in about 5 µs. Spectroscopic measurements were also carried out in experiments performed with a pure W‐target placed at z = 30 cm. There were for the first time in PF‐1000 recorded and identified many WI and WII lines. In some cases an analysis of the Dβ line was impossible because of its very strong re‐absorption. A quantitative analysis of the W‐lines was not performed, but some information about dynamics of the W‐ions production was obtained (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experimental Design and Probe Diagnostics for Simulation of AMS02‐Magnet'effects in Ionospheric Plasma Flow Near International Space Station
Authors: Zakharov Yu.P. , Antonov V.M. , Shaikhislamov I.F. , Boyarintsev E.L. , Melekhov A.V. , Vchivkov K.V. , Prokopov P.A.
Published: March 2011

Experimental study of specific features in a plasma‐dipole interaction was done for the first time in a low density case, characteristic for the conditions of planned AMS‐02 mission to the board of ISS. Results of such “Dipole” experiment and relevant set of special probe methods for diagnostics of plasma and fields are described (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reflectometry Simulations on Different Methods to Extract Fusion Plasma Turbulence Characteristics and Its Dynamics
Authors: Heuraux S. , da Silva F. , Gusakov E. Z. , Popov A. Yu , Beauvier E. , Kosolapova N. , Syisoeva K.
Published: March 2011

The knowledge of turbulent transport is the key issue for the future of fusion plasma devices. A first step towards this goal rests in obtaining measurements concerning turbulence characteristics or transient events, which are required for the understanding of the transport phenomena. A possible way to obtain density fluctuations parameters is to use microwaves to probe fusion plasmas. However the interpretation of the received signals requires a model for reaching the accurate evaluation of the wanted parameters. Simulations of electromagnetic wave propagation in fluctuating plasmas permit to identify the signature of expected events and to model them. In the present work, it is shown how simulations have permitted to exhibit the role of the resonances of the probing wave induced by turbulence and to explain part of the origin of phase jumps seen during reflectometer measurements. Multi‐scattering phenomena, taking into account wave trapping, can be simulated and show that the probing wave can continue to reach in average the cut‐off layer as it is the case for a quiet plasma. These results suggest that it is possible to extract information on the turbulence at density fluctuations levels higher than allowed by usual methods using the framework of Born approximation. The software developed for reflectometry simulations is also used to compute and explain the frequency spectrum associated to Alfven's cascades seen with fixed frequency reflectometers working without a cut‐off layer in the probed tokamak plasma. To finish, possible ways to extract the properties of a turbulent wavefront and its dynamics are explored for the ultra‐fast frequency sweep reflectometer and for a reflectometer working as a backscattering diagnostics at fixed frequency. The physical aspects and the technical requirements are presented for each studied case (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GC‐MS Investigation of Organosilicon and Fluorocarbon Fed Plasmas
Authors: Fanelli F. , Fracassi F. , Lovascio S. , d'Agostino R.
Published: March 2011

This paper deals with the GC‐MS investigation of the exhaust gas of atmospheric pressure PE‐CVD processes in organosilicon‐ and fluorocarbon‐containing dielectric barrier discharges. The extent of unreacted monomer and the quali‐quantitative distribution of by‐products have been investigated as a function of the feed composition. The results confirm that GC‐MS is a powerful indirect diagnostic technique of the plasma phase since it allows to hypothesize some of the reactive moieties formed in the plasma and to clarify some aspects of the deposition mechanism (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diagnostics Development for Steady State Operation of the Stellarator Wendelstein 7‐X
Authors: Burhenn R. , Baldzuhn J. , Biel W. , Dreier H. , Endler M. , Jimenez‐Gomez R. , Grosser K. , Hartfuss H.J. , Hildebrandt D. , Hirsch M. , König R. , Kornejew P. , Krychowiak M. , Laqua H.P. , Laux M. , Oosterbeek J.W. , Pasch E. , Schneider W. , Thomsen H. , Weller A. , Werner A. , Wolf R. , Zhang D.
Published: March 2011

The gain in experience with long‐pulse operation under fusion relevant plasma conditions is an important step towards successful sustainment of future steady state reactor plasmas. The stellarator Wendelstein 7‐X (W7‐X) [1], presently being under construction, is already equipped with a superconducting coil system and principally capable of quasi‐continuous operation. Like other long pulse devices, W7‐X is faced with new enhanced technical requirements which have to be met by plasma facing components as well as the diagnostic systems in general. Water‐cooled windows were qualified up to 60 kW/m2 thermal load, and shutters against evaporation of sensitive elements outside the attended time of the diagnostic as well as for baseline control had been developed. Shielding of in‐vessel components against damage by absorption of microwave stray radiation originating from the heating systems appears to be one of the most challenging tasks. Experiments using a microwave test chamber identify critical materials and approved the necessity for careful shielding of both, sensitive diagnostics and cables. Spectroscopic systems for monitoring the impurity content and divertor load as well as for robust density measurement are presented (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Towards Intelligent Video Understanding Applied to Plasma Facing Component Monitoring
Authors: Martin V. , Travere J.‐M. , Moncada V. , Brémond F.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we promote intelligent plasma facing component video monitoring for both real‐time purposes (machine protection issues) and post event analysis purposes (plasma‐wall interaction understanding). We propose a vision‐based system able to automatically detect and classify into different pre‐defined categories thermal phenomena such as localized hot spots or transient thermal events (e.g. electrical arcing) from infrared imaging data of PFCs. This original computer vision system is made intelligent by endowing it with high‐level reasoning (i.e. integration of a priori knowledge of thermal event spatiotemporal properties to guide the recognition), self‐adaptability to varying conditions (e.g. different thermal scenes and plasma scenarios), and learning capabilities (e.g. statistical modelling of event behaviour based on training samples) (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of Heating Effects During Thomson Scattering in Laser Induced Plasma in Air
Authors: Travaillé G. , Mendys A. , Dzierzega K. , Pellerin S. , Pokrzywka B. , Thouin E. , Bousquet B. , Canioni L.
Published: March 2011

The laser induced plasma in air produced by 6 ns, 532 nm Nd:YAG pulses with 25 mJ energy was studied using the Thomson scattering method and plasma imaging techniques. Thomson scattering spectra were registered at delay times ranging from 150 ns to 1 µs after the breakdown pulses. The electron density and temperature, as determined in the core of the plasma plume, were found to decrease from 7.4×1017 cm–3 to 1.0×1017 cm–3 and from 101 000 K to 22 700 K, respectively. These electron temperatures were found to result partially from plasma heating. This effect has been observed between the beginning and the end of the probe (Thomson) pulse (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coherence Imaging of Flows in the DIII‐D Divertor
Authors: Howard J. , Diallo A. , Creese M. , Allen S.L. , Ellis R.M. , Meyer W. , Fenstermacher M.E. , Porter G. D. , Brooks N. H. , Van Zeeland M. E. , Boivin R. L.
Published: March 2011

Various spatial heterodyne polarization interferometers for spectrally‐resolved optical imaging of edge and core parameters in high temperature magnetized plasmas are described. Applications for such “coherence imaging” (CI) systems include imaging motional Stark effect and Zeeman effect polarimetry for determination of the magnetic field pitch angle, and passive and active (charge exchange recombination spectroscopy ‐ CXRS) Doppler imaging of plasma temperature and flow. In this paper we describe spatial heterodyne coherence imaging systems and present first results of Doppler flow imaging in the DIII‐D divertor.

Instruments have been installed for imaging flows in the divertor and scrape‐off‐layer in the DIII‐D tokamak and also for Doppler imaging on the H‐1 heliac [1]. In the former case, single snapshot interferometric images of the plasma in CII 514nm, and CIII 465nm emission have been demodulated to obtain flow and ion temperature projections in both the scrape‐off‐layer and divertor. Flow field amplitudes in the divertor are found to be broad agreement with UEDGE modeling [2], and point the way towards experiments that address important divertor transport issues in future (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel Diagnostics for Dust in Space, Laboratory and Fusion Plasmas
Authors: Castaldo C.
Published: March 2011

In situ diagnostics for mobile dust, based on dust impact ionization phenomena, as well as silica aerogel dust collectors are discussed for applications to space and fusion plasmas. The feasibility of an electro‐optical probe to detect hypervelocity (>1 km/s) dust particles in tokamaks is evaluated. For quiescent plasmas, a diagnostic of submicron dust based on measurements of plasma fluctuation spectra can be used (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Use of Emissive Probes in Laboratory and Tokamak Plasmas
Authors: Ionita C. , Grünwald J. , Maszl Ch. , Stärz R. , Čerček M. , Fonda B. , Gyergyek T. , Filipič G. , Kovačič J. , Silva C. , Figueiredo H. , Windisch T. , Grulke O. , Klinger T. , Schrittwieser R.
Published: March 2011

Emissive probes offer the possibility for a direct determination of the plasma potential since for sufficient electron emission its floating potential is ideally equal to Φpl. By means of two such probes the true electric field can be derived. Emissive probes also deliver reliable results if there are electron drifts and beams in the plasma. A conventional emissive probe consists of an electrically heated loop of refractory wire. We have also developed emissive pin probes of graphite or LaB6, heated by a focused infrared laser beam. In this contribution we first discuss the question to what extent emissive probes perturb the plasma and thereby might falsify the measurement. Furthermore, we present recent measurements with an array of emissive probes in a small tokamak to detect plasma potential fluctuations and electric fields and the related radial plasma transport. Eventually, we present results of a laser‐heated emissive probe in a helicon discharge device (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron Density Determination by Means of Tuneable 50 GHz and 150 GHz Interferometers
Authors: Ehlbeck J. , Rackow K. , Andrasch M. , Weltmann K.‐D.
Published: March 2011

The electron density is one of the most important parameters to characterise the properties of plasma. Among several other methods microwave interferometry is a well known technique. Two approaches at different fre‐quencies are given to show the application of microwave interferometers to practical problems. An interferometer working at a frequency of 150 GHz is used to measure the electron density of an atmospheric pressure microwave torch and the time resolved electron densities in the vicinity of the electrode of commercial fluorescent lamps. A 50 GHz interferometer set up is used to measure the electron density in an inductive coupled plasma at low pressures. The parameters pressure and rf‐power are varied (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Boron Instability in CVD‐Produced Borophosphosilica Films
Authors: Sokolov Yuri V.
Published: March 2011

As‐deposited borophosphosilica glass (BPSG) films undergo substantial relaxation during their storage in air. This work studies a mechanism of dielectric degradation, one effect of which is significant boron out‐gassing at room temperature. This effect is discussed in terms of boron oxide charging when both dopants, B and P, are present in CVD‐produced SiO2. The surface photo‐voltage technique is applied to the oxidized silicon to evaluate charge states on the Si/SiO2/BPSG interfaces after deposition. The characteristic change in the recombination lifetime and the depletion width in silicon subsurface confirms the contribution of charges from the BPSG to the silicon‐oxide interface. The technique presented can be used to estimate the dopant out‐gassing during annealing.
Generation of mice with a conditional allele for the p75NTR neurotrophin receptor gene
Authors: Bogenmann Emil , Thomas Penny S. , Li Qianfeng , Kim Jieun , Yang Liang‐Tung , Pierchala Brian , Kaartinen Vesa
Published: March 2011

The p75NTR neurotrophin receptor has been implicated in multiple biological and pathological processes. While significant advances have recently been made in understanding the physiologic role of p75NTR, many details and aspects remain to be determined. This is in part because the two existing knockout mouse models (Exons 3 or 4 deleted, respectively), both display features that defy definitive conclusions. Here we describe the generation of mice that carry a conditional p75NTR (p75NTR‐FX) allele made by flanking Exons 4–6, which encode the transmembrane and all cytoplasmic domains, by loxP sites. To validate this novel conditional allele, both neural crest‐specific p75NTR/Wnt1‐Cre mutants and conventional p75NTR null mutants were generated. Both mutants displayed abnormal hind limb reflexes, implying that loss of p75NTR in neural crest‐derived cells causes a peripheral neuropathy similar to that seen in conventional p75NTR mutants. This novel conditional p75NTR allele will offer new opportunities to investigate the role of p75NTR in specific tissues and cells. genesis 49:862–869, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.