bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update on Chemotherapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Azzoli Christopher G. , Baker Sherman , Temin Sarah , Pao William , Aliff Timothy , Brahmer Julie , Johnson David H. , Laskin Janessa L. , Masters Gregory , Milton Daniel , Nordquist Luke , Pfister David G. , Piantadosi Steven , Schiller Joan H. , Smith Reily , Smith Thomas J. , Strawn John R. , Trent David , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this article is to provide updated recommendations for the treatment of patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer. A literature search identified relevant randomized trials published since 2002. The scope of the guideline was narrowed to chemotherapy and biologic therapy. An Update Committee reviewed the literature and made updated recommendations. One hundred sixty-two publications met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations were based on treatment strategies that improve overall survival. Treatments that improve only progression-free survival prompted scrutiny of toxicity and quality of life. For first-line therapy in patients with performance status of 0 or 1, a platinum-based two-drug combination of cytotoxic drugs is recommended. Nonplatinum cytotoxic doublets are acceptable for patients with contraindications to platinum therapy. For patients with performance status of 2, a single cytotoxic drug is sufficient. Stop first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy at disease progression or after four cycles in patients who are not responding to treatment. Stop two-drug cytotoxic chemotherapy at six cycles even in patients who are responding to therapy. The first-line use of gefitinib may be recommended for patients with known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation; for negative or unknown EGFR mutation status, cytotoxic chemotherapy is preferred. Bevacizumab is recommended with carboplatin-paclitaxel, except for patients with certain clinical characteristics. Cetuximab is recommended with cisplatin-vinorelbine for patients with EGFR-positive tumors by immunohistochemistry. Docetaxel, erlotinib, gefitinib, or pemetrexed is recommended as second-line therapy. Erlotinib is recommended as third-line therapy for patients who have not received prior erlotinib or gefitinib. Data are insufficient to recommend the routine third-line use of cytotoxic drugs. Data are insufficient to recommend routine use of molecular markers to select chemotherapy.
Phase II Study of Sunitinib in Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: GORTEC 2006-01
Authors: Machiels Jean-Pascal H. , Henry Stéphanie , Zanetta Sylvie , Kaminsky Marie-Christine , Michoux Nicolas , Rommel Denis , Schmitz Sandra , Bompas Emmanuelle , Dillies Anne-Françoise , Faivre Sandrine , Moxhon Anne , Duprez Thierry , Guigay Joel
Published: November 2009

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of sunitinib monotherapy in palliative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Patients and Methods

Thirty-eight patients with SCCHN having evidence of progressive disease (PD) were treated with sunitinib 37.5 mg/d given continuously until PD or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the rate of disease control, defined as stable disease (SD) or partial response (PR) at 6 to 8 weeks after treatment initiation (two-stage design, Simon). Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed in a subset of patients before and 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. The volume transfer constant of the contrast agent (Ktrans) was used to measure changes in the microcirculation blood flow and endothelial permeability of the tumor.

Results

A PR was observed in one patient, SD in 18, and PD in 19 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]), resulting in a disease control rate of 50%. Among the 18 patients with SD, there were five unconfirmed PRs and six additional minor responses. A significant decrease in Ktrans was seen in three of the four patients who received DCE-MRI monitoring. Grade 5 head and neck bleeds occurred in four patients. Local complications, including the appearance or worsening of tumor skin ulceration or tumor fistula, were recorded in 15 patients.

Conclusion

Sunitinib demonstrated modest activity in palliative SSCHN. The severity of some of the complications highlights the importance of improved patient selection for future studies with sunitinib in head and neck cancer. Sunitinib should not be used outside clinical trials in SSCHN.
Phase II Clinical Trial of Ixabepilone in Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Platinum- and Taxane-Resistant Ovarian or Primary Peritoneal Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: De Geest Koen , Blessing John A. , Morris Robert T. , Yamada S. Diane , Monk Bradley J. , Zweizig Susan L. , Matei Daniela , Muller Carolyn Y. , Richards William E.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Ixabepilone (BMS-247550) is a microtubule-stabilizing epothilone B analog with activity in taxane-resistant metastatic breast cancer. The Gynecologic Oncology Group conducted a phase II evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ixabepilone in patients with recurrent or persistent platinum- and taxane-resistant primary ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients with measurable platinum- and taxane-resistant ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma, defined as progression during or within 6 months of one prior course of treatment with each agent, received intravenous ixabepilone 20 mg/m2administered over 1 hour on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle.

Results

Of 51 patients entered, 49 were eligible. The objective response rate was 14.3% (95% CI, 5.9% to 27.2%), with three complete and four partial responses. Twenty patients (40.8%) had stable disease, whereas sixteen (32.7%) had increasing disease. The median time to progression was 4.4 months (95% CI, 0.8 to 32.6+ months); median survival was 14.8 months (95% CI, 0.8 to 50.0) months. Patients received a median of two treatment cycles (range, 1 to 29 cycles), and 18.4% of patients received ≥ six cycles. Adverse effects included peripheral grade 2 (28.5%) and grade 3 (6.1%) neuropathy, grades 3 to 4 neutropenia (20.4%), grade 3 fatigue (14.3%), grade 3 nausea/emesis (22%), grade 3 diarrhea (10%), and grade 3 mucositis (4%).

Conclusion

Ixabepilone 20 mg/m2over 1 hour on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle demonstrates antitumor activity and acceptable safety in patients with platinum- and taxane-resistant recurrent or persistent ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma.
Substituted misjudgement
Authors: Woo Jennifer A , Prager Kenneth M
Published: November 2009

Substituted judgement is often used in the absence of advanced directives to guide decision-making when patients lack decisional capacity. We present a remarkable case of family members exercising substituted misjudgement for a 42-year-old man hospitalized with multiorgan failure on life support. Feeling that their loved one would rather die than face severe disability, they elected to withdraw life support. Although this was done, the patient remained alive and recovered enough to clearly indicate his preference for life, even with severe disability. This case suggests that in instances of unusual quality-of-life judgements where the patient's wishes cannot be known with reasonable certainty, families and physicians should be very wary using substituted judgement to refuse life support. Unless there are strong considerations based on the patient's prior statements, actions and values to decline life support, it would seem ethically appropriate to continue treatment, even with substantial disability the likely outcome.
Confidentiality and consent in living kidney transplantation: is it essential for a donor to know that their recipient has HIV disease?
Authors: Elias Robert
Published: November 2009

It is now possible for someone with HIV disease to receive a kidney transplant from a living donor, although there is evidence only about the short-term outcomes of such a procedure. A person with HIV disease may not wish to disclose their diagnosis to a potential kidney donor. This paper argues that disclosure of the diagnosis of HIV to the donor is not necessary for informed consent. Concerns about the relationship of trust between the clinical team and the donor hold weight in deciding whether disclosure is essential, though openness about the limited nature of informed consent may facilitate a trusting relationship in the absence of disclosure. In general, the recipient's medical information should be treated as confidential, thereby avoiding any need to distinguish between HIV and other medical conditions.
Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women. Is it overlooked?
Authors: Sethupathi M , Blackwell A , Davies H
Published: November 2009

Screening for rectal chlamydia was not routinely offered in our department until we had a local outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2004/2005. We later decided to extend the screening to high-risk women (women who had receptive anal sex, contacts of gonorrhoea, women, with anorectal symptoms, women who had been sexually assaulted). A retrospective study of 152 women from whom 160 rectal chlamydia swabs were taken was carried out. Twenty (12.5%) swabs were positive, 19 of which were also positive at the cervix. All were non-LGV serovars. The groups at greatest risk were high-risk women aged less than 20 years and women with proven gonococcal infection where the prevalence was 22.6% and 30%, respectively. We conclude that rectal chlamydial infection in women may be common and further studies are needed to elucidate its importance.
Was there an Iraq before there was an Iraq?
Authors: Al-Tikriti Nabil
Published: November 2009

It is frequently stated that Iraq did not exist until the British Empire created it in the wake of the Great War. In the sense of a discreet nation-state entity with its current borders, this statement is accurate. However, in the wider sense of the term Iraq, observers of, publicists
for, and willing inheritors of British imperial legacies may have understated the long-standing ties which have characterized the overlapping geographic realms that currently make up the State of Iraq. Not only were the areas comprising the modern state of Iraq often united under various ancient
empires prior to the advent of Islam, but also there are signs that the Ottomans who ruled the region prior to the British in some senses treated these same areas as a loose administrative unit.
Relationship Capabilities, Quality, and Innovation as Determinants of Export Performance
Authors: Lages Luis Filipe , Silva Graça , Styles Chris
Published: November 2009

The authors employ a resource-based view perspective to understand how a set of capabilities (organizational learning, relationship, and quality capabilities) influences product strategy (product quality and product innovation) and export performance (relationship performance and economic performance). Using two types of respondents from the same firm, they find strong support for the capability–strategy–performance link. The results indicate that managers should invest in relationship management capabilities to improve product innovation and product quality, which in turn leads to export performance enhancement. Furthermore, the findings reveal that though product quality is a critical aspect in international markets, both product innovation and relationship performance play a greater role in enhancing economic performance. The authors conclude with implications for international marketing theory and practice.
Global Sourcing Strategy and Performance of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services: A Two-Stage Strategic Fit Model
Authors: Murray Janet Y. , Kotabe Masaaki , Westjohn Stanford A.
Published: November 2009

This research contributes to the understanding of global sourcing strategy of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBSs) by offering an explanation for the differential performance among firms, even when they use similar global sourcing strategies. Using a systems integrator as the sourcing firm's perspective, the authors argue that complex KIBSs involve a complicated mixture of interfaces in that the performance of an individual KIBS is insufficient in defining the overall performance of the integrated KIBS system. The theoretical framework uses a two-stage strategic fit model that emphasizes the conditions under which global sourcing of KIBSs influences performance. Firms that strategically coalign sourcing strategy with KIBS attributes for each KIBS activity should perform more effectively than firms that lack such a coalignment. After selecting an appropriate sourcing strategy, the firm's dynamic capabilities (i.e., absorptive capacity and integration capability) may accentuate or attenuate the performance of the strategy at the integrated KIBS system level. Thus, although managers may be tempted to source KIBSs globally to reduce labor costs, they must examine both the KIBS attributes and the firm's dynamic capabilities.
Phytosphingosine kills Candida albicans by disrupting its cell membrane
Authors: Veerman Enno C.I. , Valentijn-Benz Marianne , van't Hof Wim , Nazmi Kamran , van Marle Jan , Nieuw Amerongen Arie V.
Published: November 2009

The mechanism of action of phytosphingosine (PHS), a member of the sphingosine family which has candidacidal activity when added externally, was investigated. Previously, it has been reported that the fungicidal activity of PHS is based on the induction of caspase-independent apoptosis. In contrast, we found that addition of PHS causes a direct permeabilization of the plasma membrane of yeast, highlighted by the influx of the membrane probe propidium iodide, and the efflux of small molecules (i.e., adenine nucleotides) as well as large cellular constituents such as proteins. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that PHS treatment causes severe damage of the plasma membrane of the cell, which seems to have lost its integrity completely. We also found that PHS reverts the azide-induced insensitivity to histatin 5 (Hst5) of Candida albicans. In a previous study, we had found that the decreased sensitivity to Hst5 of energy-depleted cells is due to rigidification of the plasma membrane, which could be reverted by the membrane fluidizer benzyl alcohol. In line with the increased membrane permeabilization and ultrastructural damage, this reversal of the azide-induced insensitivity by PHS also points to a direct interaction between PHS and the cytoplasmic membrane of C. albicans.
CYP21-catalyzed production of the long-term urinary metandienone metabolite 17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrosta-1,4,13-trien-3-one: a contribution to the fight against doping
Authors: Zöllner Andy , Parr Maria Kristina , Drăgan Călin-Aurel , Dräs Stefan , Schlörer Nils , Peters Frank T. , Maurer Hans H. , Schänzer Wilhelm , Bureik Matthias
Published: November 2009

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are some of the most frequently misused drugs in human sports. Recently, a previously unknown urinary metabolite of metandienone, 17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrosta-1,4,13-trien-3-one (20OH-NorMD), was discovered via LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. This metabolite was reported to be detected in urine samples up to 19 days after administration of metandienone. However, so far it was not possible to obtain purified reference material of this metabolite and to confirm its structure via NMR. Eleven recombinant strains of the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombethat express different human hepatic or steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzymes were screened for production of this metabolite in a whole-cell biotransformation reaction. 17,17-Dimethyl-18-norandrosta-1,4,13-trien-3-one, chemically derived from metandienone, was used as substrate for the bioconversion, because it could be converted to the final product in a single hydroxylation step. The obtained results demonstrate that CYP21 and to a lesser extent also CYP3A4 expressing strains can catalyze this steroid hydroxylation. Subsequent 5 l-scale fermentation resulted in the production and purification of 10 mg of metabolite and its unequivocal structure determination via NMR. The synthesis of this urinary metandienone metabolite viaS. pombe-based whole-cell biotransformation now allows its use as a reference substance in doping control assays.
The likelihood ratio test for non-standard hypotheses near the boundary of the null – with application to the assessment of non-inferiority
Authors: Balabdaoui Fadoua , Mielke Matthias , Munk Axel
Published: November 2009

We consider a class of testing problems where the null space is the union ofk-1 subgraphs of the formhj(θj)≤θk, withj=1,…,k-1, (θ1,…,θk) the unknown parameter, andhjgiven increasing functions. The data consist ofkindependent samples, assumed to be drawn from a distribution with parameterθj,j=1,…,k, respectively. An important class of examples covered by this setting is that of non-inferiority hypotheses, which have recently become important in the evaluation of drugs or therapies. When the true parameter approaches the boundary at a 1/√nrate, we give the explicit form of the asymptotic distribution of the log-likelihood ratio statistic. This extends previous work on the distribution of likelihood ratio statistics to local alternatives. We consider the prominent example of binomial data and illustrate the theory fork=2 and 3 samples. We explain how this can be used for planning a non-inferiority trial. To this end we calculate the optimal sample ratios yielding the maximal power in a binomial non-inferiority trial.
Phaedrus, Callimachus and the recusatio to Success
Authors: Glauthier Patrick
Published: November 2009

The following article investigates how Phaedrus' Latin verse fables engage standard Callimachean topoi. When Phaedrus imitates the Hymn to Apollo he fails to banish Envy and when he adopts Callimachus' own polemical allusions to Aesop he turns them upside down. Such texts are essentially Callimachean in spirit and technique and constitute a recusatio: by “mishandling” or “abusing” and thus “rejecting” various Callimachean topoi and the role of the “successful” Callimachean poet, the fabulist demonstrates his skill and versatility within the Callimachean tradition. This sort of recusatio satirizes those poets who unimaginatively rehash Callimachean staples and represents a strategy that gains momentum in the first century AD. It thereby provides a literary context for understanding Phaedrus' engagement with the evolving traditions of Roman Callimacheanism.
The Role of Numeracy in Informed Consent for Surveys
Authors: Couper Mick P. , Singer Eleanor
Published: November 2009

If empirical estimates of disclosure risk are included in informed consent statements for surveys or other forms of research, participants must be able to understand the information provided. Using data from an online vignette-based experiment, this article explores the role that numeracy or quantitative literacy may play in comprehension of disclosure risk. Results suggest that less numerate persons are less sensitive to extreme differences in the disclosure risk described in the hypothetical vignettes.
Ethnographic Research with Adolescent Students: Situated Fieldwork Ethics and Ethical Principles Governing Human Research
Authors: Hemmings Annette
Published: November 2009

This paper explores ethical dilemmas in situated fieldwork ethics concerning ethnographic studies of adolescent students. While consequentialist and deontological ethics form the basis of the ethical stances shared by ethnographers and research ethics committees, the interpretation of those principles may diverge in school-based ethnography with adolescent students because of the particular role of the adult ethnographer vis-à-vis developmentally immature adolescents not held legally responsible for many of their actions. School ethnographers attempt to build trust with adolescent participants in order to learn about their hidden cultural worlds, which may involve activities that are very harmful to the youths involved. They face many difficult and sometimes unexpected choices, including whether to intervene and how to represent events and adolescents in published findings. Scenarios with examples drawn from research conducted in public high schools are used to illustrate and explicate dilemmas in formal research and latent insider/outsider roles and relations involving harmful adolescent behaviors, advocacy, and psychological trauma. Also examined are analytical procedures used to construct interpretations leading to representations of research participants in the resulting publication.
The Appraisal of Quantitative and Qualitative Trauma-Focused Research Procedures among Pregnant Participants
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Kami L.
Published: November 2009

Despite the importance of studying the dynamics and consequences of trauma, there has been concern that trauma-focused questionnaires and interviews could further harm vulnerable participants, such as pregnant women who have suffered prior sexual trauma (e.g., rape, incest, sexual abuse). There has also been concern that employing personal interviews, rather than anonymous written questionnaires in traumafocused research procedures may compromise participants' confidentiality. This exploratory study examined the methodological differences associated with perceived discomforts and benefits among pregnant women participants in a two-phase, trauma-focused research study. In Phase I, pregnant women ( N = 109) completed anonymous, trauma-related questionnaires. In Phase II, a subsample of Phase I participants ( N = 10) who reported a previous history of sexual trauma completed in-depth, personal interviews. Participants in both phases of the study rated their reaction to research participation using the Response to Research Participation Questionnaire Revised (RRPQ-R). Results suggest that both written survey and personal interview methods are well tolerated by pregnant women. Specific findings indicated that pregnant women with a sexual trauma history reported significantly higher “personal benefit” from participating in personal interview procedures compared to written questionnaires. Recommendations for conducting trauma-focused research with potentially high-risk or vulnerable populations are provided. In addition, recommendations for future research are outlined in an effort to further extend the ethical understanding of the benefits and costs of trauma-focused research.
Evaluating International Collaboration: Differential Perceptions of Partnership in a CBPR Project in Ghana
Authors: de Schweinitz Peter , Ansong Daniel , Manortey Stephen , Amuasi John , Boakye Isaac , Crookston Benjamin T. , Alder Stephen
Published: November 2009

Practitioners of community-based participatory research (CBPR) must overcome numerous barriers in order to include research participants as equal partners in decision-making. The decision-making processes of stakeholders (including research participants) of one international CBPR project based in the middle belt of Ghana were analyzed through qualitative focus group and interview data, as well as direct observation of formal meetings. Using modified grounded theory to interpret our data, we find that despite the intentions of extracommunity stakeholders, ordinary community members do not experience full ownership of the governance of the research enterprise. We conclude that organizational philosophy, cultural expectations, and environmental context can help to explain differential perceptions of stakeholders and function as barriers to full partnership.
Mating-System Variation, Demographic History and Patterns of Nucleotide Diversity in the Tristylous Plant Eichhornia paniculata
Authors: Ness Rob W , Wright Stephen I , Barrett Spencer C H
Published: November 2009

Inbreeding in highly selfing populations reduces effective size and, combined with demographic conditions associated with selfing, this can erode genetic diversity and increase population differentiation. Here we investigate the role that variation in mating patterns and demographic history play in shaping the distribution of nucleotide variation within and among populations of the annual neotropical colonizing plant Eichhornia paniculata, a species with wide variation in selfing rates. We sequenced 10 EST-derived nuclear loci in 225 individuals from 25 populations sampled from much of the geographic range and used coalescent simulations to investigate demographic history. Highly selfing populations exhibited moderate reductions in diversity but there was no significant difference in variation between outcrossing and mixed mating populations. Population size interacted strongly with mating system and explained more of the variation in diversity within populations. Bayesian structure analysis revealed strong regional clustering and selfing populations were highly differentiated on the basis of an analysis of Fst. There was no evidence for a significant loss of within-locus linkage disequilibrium within populations, but regional samples revealed greater breakdown in Brazil than in selfing populations from the Caribbean. Coalescent simulations indicate a moderate bottleneck associated with colonization of the Caribbean from Brazil ∼125,000 years before the present. Our results suggest that the recent multiple origins of selfing in E. paniculata from diverse outcrossing populations result in higher diversity than expected under long-term equilibrium.
The Spontaneous Appearance Rate of the Yeast Prion [PSI+] and Its Implications for the Evolution of the Evolvability Properties of the [PSI+] System
Authors: Lancaster Alex K , Bardill J Patrick , True Heather L , Masel Joanna
Published: November 2009

Epigenetically inherited aggregates of the yeast prion [PSI+] cause genomewide readthrough translation that sometimes increases evolvability in certain harsh environments. The effects of natural selection on modifiers of [PSI+] appearance have been the subject of much debate. It seems likely that [PSI+] would be at least mildly deleterious in most environments, but this may be counteracted by its evolvability properties on rare occasions. Indirect selection on modifiers of [PSI+] is predicted to depend primarily on the spontaneous [PSI+] appearance rate, but this critical parameter has not previously been adequately measured. Here we measure this epimutation rate accurately and precisely as 5.8 × 10−7 per generation, using a fluctuation test. We also determine that genetic “mimics” of [PSI+] account for up to 80% of all phenotypes involving general nonsense suppression. Using previously developed mathematical models, we can now infer that even in the absence of opportunities for adaptation, modifiers of [PSI+] are only weakly deleterious relative to genetic drift. If we assume that the spontaneous [PSI+] appearance rate is at its evolutionary optimum, then opportunities for adaptation are inferred to be rare, such that the [PSI+] system is favored only very weakly overall. But when we account for the observed increase in the [PSI+] appearance rate in response to stress, we infer much higher overall selection in favor of [PSI+] modifiers, suggesting that [PSI+]-forming ability may be a consequence of selection for evolvability.
Risk Factors Associated With Deformational Plagiocephaly
Authors: Joganic Jessica L. , Lynch John M. , Littlefield Timothy R. , Verrelli Brian C.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to statistically evaluate the independent and interacting effects of biological and environmental risk factors that influence lateralization of deformational plagiocephaly (DP) in an attempt to provide future guidance for clinical treatment.

METHODS: A database of >20000 children treated for DP was examined by using 2- and 3-way factor analyses for categorical frequency data, representing the largest statistical analysis of DP to date. Data on parity, zygosity, intrauterine presentation, birth number and weight, sleep position, lateralization, and sex were collected from parents of children with DP who were treated at Cranial Technologies, Inc, from 1990 to 2007.

RESULTS: As with most DP studies, male patients were significantly overrepresented. Nonetheless, after statistically accounting for sex in our analyses, DP is significantly correlated with primiparity, fewer vertex but more breech and transverse intrauterine presentations, twinning (specifically, dizygosity), and, finally, right-sided lateralization. Additional analyses revealed that several factors correlated with DP, such as intrauterine presentation, sleep position, and lateralization, are not easily explained by an underlying biological factor. Instead, sleep position was the single greatest predictor of lateralization.

CONCLUSION: Although previous studies have argued for both environmental and underlying biological factors associated with DP, we found that lateralization in children with DP could be largely explained by environmental factors such as sleep position.
Pediatric Robotic Surgery: Early Assessment
Authors: van Haasteren Goedele , Levine Susan , Hayes Winifred
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, benefits, limitations, and costs of robotically assisted surgery in children, evaluates how the technology compares with other pediatric surgical techniques, and provides insights about the near and more-distant future of the technology.

METHODS: The peer-reviewed medical pediatric literature was searched for studies that provided evidence of the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery in children and for studies that compared pediatric robotic surgery with conventional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.

RESULTS: A total of 8 case series and 5 studies comparing robotic surgery with open or conventional laparoscopic surgery met the selection criteria for review. A few small studies that focused on rare complex surgical procedures also were reviewed. All studies were designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery in children. None of the studies was randomized, and some studies had a retrospective design. These studies demonstrated that a number of routine, robotically assisted, laparoscopic and thoracic procedures were feasible and safe when performed by surgeons experienced in the technique, although robotic surgery did not provide superior outcomes, compared with traditional laparoscopic and open surgery. The advantages of the robotic system were best seen in complex procedures that involved areas that were difficult to access and in procedures in which dissection of delicate, anatomic structures was required.

CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery is feasible and safe for a number of pediatric surgical procedures, but evidence that it offers better clinical outcomes than conventional open or laparoscopic techniques is lacking.
Food Allergy Among Children in the United States
Authors: Branum Amy M. , Lukacs Susan L.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES: The goals were to estimate the prevalence of food allergy and to describe trends in food allergy prevalence and health care use among US children.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of data on food allergy among children <18 years of age, as reported in the 1997–2007 National Health Interview Survey, 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1993–2006 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and 1998–2006 National Hospital Discharge Survey, was performed. Reported food allergies, serum immunoglobulin E antibody levels for specific foods, ambulatory care visits, and hospitalizations were assessed.

RESULTS: In 2007, 3.9% of US children <18 years of age had reported food allergy. The prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18% (z = 3.4; P < .01) from 1997 through 2007. In 2005–2006, serum immunoglobulin E antibodies to peanut were detectable for an estimated 9% of US children. Ambulatory care visits tripled between 1993 and 2006 (P < .01). From 2003 through 2006, an estimated average of 317000 food allergy-related, ambulatory care visits per year (95% confidence interval: 195000–438000 visits per year) to emergency and outpatient departments and physician's offices were reported. Hospitalizations with any recorded diagnoses related to food allergy also increased between 1998–2000 and 2004–2006, from an average of 2600 discharges per year to 9500 discharges per year (z = 3.4; P < .01), possibly because of increased use of food allergy V codes.

CONCLUSION: Several national health surveys indicate that food allergy prevalence and/or awareness has increased among US children in recent years.
Transport properties of superconducting amorphous W-based nanowires fabricated by focused-ion-beam-induced-deposition for applications in Nanotechnology
Authors: De Teresa Jose M , Fernandez-Pacheco Amalio , Cordoba Rosa , Sese Javier , Ibarra Ricardo , Guillamon Isabel , Suderow Hermann , Vieira Sebastian
Published: November 2009

We report transport measurements of superconducting amorphous W-based nanodeposits fabricated by focused-ion-beam-induced-deposition (FIBID) technique using W(CO)6 as the gas precursor. We have found that nanowires with width down to ˜100 nm can be grown by FIBID, maintaining the relatively high TC of �5.2 K shown by wider nanodeposits. The critical current found in these nanowires is in the range of 0.8 mA/?m2 at 2 K. At that temperature the critical field HC2 is found to be ?8 T. As previously shown by STM measurements [I. Guillam�n et al., New Journal of Physics 10, 093005 (2008)], these nanodeposits closely follow the BCS theory and are very stable under ambient conditions. All these features pave the way for a wide range of applications of these FIBID W-based nanowires in the field of Nanotechnology.
Extracting Piezoresistance in SiNWs using Thermal Induced Buckling of Micro-bridges
Authors: Wong Chee Chung , Neuzil Pavel , Agarwal Ajay , Reboud Julien , Liao Kin
Published: November 2009

The recent reports on giant piezoresistance effect in highly resistive silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have offer greater sensitivity in stress measurements. Despite enhanced sensitivity, the piezoresistance of highly conductive silicon are preferred as they are less prone to thermal noises and hence better accuracy. Here we report a thermal induced buckle micro-bridge technique to accurately characterize the temperature dependent piezoresistivity effect in SiNWs. Phosphorus doped <110> SiNWs with 50 nm width, 95 nm thickness and 100 μm length were encapsulated within SiO2 micro-bridges. The electrical measurement of both reference SiNWs and SiNWs at micro-bridges was carried out, followed by the optical profiling of the micro-bridges with embedded SiNWs. N-type SiNWs with doping of 1×1020 ion/cm3 exhibit a strong dependence on temperature with a piezoresistive coefficient that decreases by 22.5 % between 25 oC to 60 oC; whereas its bulk counterpart is independent of temperature across this range. The results demonstrated that thermal noises may be more detrimental to nano-scale electromechanical sensors than its bulk counterparts.
Piezo- and Flexoelectric Membrane Materials Underlie Fast Biological Motors in the Inner Ear
Authors: Breneman Kathryn D , Rabbitt Richard D
Published: November 2009

The mammalian inner ear is remarkably sensitive to quiet sounds, exhibits over 100dB dynamic range, and has the exquisite ability to discriminate closely spaced tones even in the presence of noise. This performance is achieved, in part, through active mechanical amplification of vibrations by sensory hair cells within the inner ear. All hair cells are endowed with a bundle of motile microvilli, stereocilia, located at the apical end of the cell, and the more specialized outer hair cells (OHC's) are also endowed with somatic electromotility responsible for changes in cell length in response to perturbations in membrane potential. Both hair bundle and somatic motors are known to feed energy into the mechanical vibrations in the inner ear. The biophysical origin and relative significance of the motors remains a subject of intense research. Several biological motors have been identified in hair cells that might underlie the motor(s), including a cousin of the classical ATP driven actin-myosin motor found in skeletal muscle. Hydrolysis of ATP, however, is much too slow to be viable at audio frequencies on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Heuristically, the OHC somatic motor behaves as if the OHC lateral wall membrane were a piezoelectric material and the hair bundle motor behaves as if the plasma membrane were a flexoelectric material. We propose these observations from a continuum materials perspective are literally true. To examine this idea, we formulated mathematical models of the OHC lateral wall “piezoelectric” motor and the more ubiquitous “flexoelectric” hair bundle motor. Plausible biophysical mechanisms underlying piezo- and flexoelectircity were established. Model predictions were compared extensively to the available data. The models were then applied to study the power conversion efficiency of the motors. Results show that the material properties of the complex membranes in hair cells provide them with the ability to convert electrical power available in the inner ear cochlea into useful mechanical amplification of sound induced vibrations at auditory frequencies. We also examined how hair cell amplification might be controlled by the brain through efferent synaptic contacts on hair cells and found a simple mechanism to tune hearing to signals of interest to the listener by electrical control of these motors.
Middle Permian western Tethyan fusulinids from southern Baoshan Block, western Yunnan, China
Authors: Huang Hao , Jin Xiaochi , Shi Yukun , Yang Xiangning
Published: November 2009

New fusulinid collections from the Baoshan Block in southwest China necessitate paleobiogeographic reevaluation of the Mid-Permian fusulinids in this region. From Xiaoxinzhai Section in the southern Baoshan Block, 32 fusulinid species of nine genera are described and illustrated. Among them,Eopolydiexodina parvais a new species, and elements of Neoschwagerinidae and Verbeekinidae are confirmed. The studied fusulinids are ascendingly grouped into three biozones: theSchwagerina yunnanensisRange Zone,EopolydiexodinaAbundance Zone, andSumatrina annaeRange Zone. The lower two could be assigned in age to the Murgabian and the uppermost one to the Midian. Midian fusulinids are for the first time reported from the Baoshan Block. In terms of fusulinid paleobiogeography, these three assemblages should belong to the western Tethyan Province A because of the presence ofEopolydiexodinaand characteristic Tethyan genera, e.g.,Verbeekina, Sumatrina, and Pseudodoliolina.Moreover, these assemblages may occupy a comparatively high latitudinal region within Tethyan Realm, judging from the overall low diversity.
A Panorpoid (Insecta: Mecoptera) from the Lower Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Petrulevičius Julián F.
Published: November 2009

The order Mecoptera is represented on all continents, albeit with an uneven distribution. Mecoptera includes about 34 families (Labandeira, 1994, p. 34), only four of them, until now, represented in South America: Permochoristidae Tillyard, 1917 (†) (Pinto, 1972); Bittacidae Handlirsch, 1906 [and stem-group “Neorthophlebinae” (†)] (Petrulevičius, 2001a, 2003, 2007); Nannochoristidae Tillyard, 1917; and Eomeropidae Cockerell, 1909. The two latter families have a present relict distribution in southern South America but without fossil record, obviously an artifact due to few studies of fossil insects in the subcontinent. The diversity of recent Bittacidae is high in South America with respect to other continents. Thirty-five percent of recent genera of Bittacidae come from South America, and 80% of these genera are endemic (extracted from Penny, 1997). Bittacidae is well represented in the fossil record, with species from the Jurassic of Patagonia (Petrulevičius, 2007), Lower Cretaceous of Brazil (Petrulevičius and Martins-Neto, 2001), to the late Paleocene of Argentina (Petrulevičius, 1998, 1999, 2001b, 2003). This contribution reports a specimen belonging to the Panorpoidea, a group with no recent species in South America and very few species in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
The earliest beetle identified
Authors: Béthoux Olivier
Published: November 2009

Holometabolan insects, including beetles (Coleoptera), represent about half of all living organisms. Their development cycle, allowing larvae and adults to exploit distinct ecological niches, is traditionally advocated as a critical adaptation resulting in this extraordinary diversity. Herein I report the occurrence of a beetle from the Pennsylvanian deposit of Mazon Creek (IL, USA). It predates the diversification of Coleoptera by at least 65 million years. This identification supports the view that, early in their history, hyper-diverse extant holometabolan lineages were dominated by Palaeozoic lineages, mostly extinct. End-Permian environmental perturbations might have played an important role in the Triassic radiation of holometabolans. However, it is hypothesized that ecological preferences of holometabolans might have resulted in an earlier diversification of moderate importance, correlating to that of seed plants, their putative host plants. The evolutionary success of ‘holometaboly’ might be the result of a sequence of favorable events.
Re-description and neotypification ofArchamphiroa jurassicaSteinmann 1930, a calcareous red alga from the Jurassic of Argentina
Authors: Bucur Ioan I. , Kiessling Wolfang , Scasso Roberto A.
Published: November 2009

Archamphiroa jurassica was described by Steinmann (1930) from carbonate deposits of the Cordillera de los Andes in Mendoza, central Argentina (Arroyo Negro, confluent of Malargüe River), assigned to the Callovian stage. Based on the general morphology and the internal structure of the identified fragments, Steinmann considered them to belong to the coralline algae. Comparisons made with some fossil and extant corallines species led him to the conclusion thatArchamphiroa jurassicaclosely resembles some species of the extant genusAmphiroa.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK: fabrication, assembly and erection
Authors: Butterworth K. , Carr D. , Kassabian P.
Published: November 2009

On 20 November 2000 the Gateshead Millennium Bridge was lifted into place, in one, over the UK's River Tyne. The spectacular nature of the bridge design—the world's first vertically rotating bridge—and the audacity of the erection scheme attracted large crowds and significant publicity. The bridge currently takes its place as part of the regeneration of the Gateshead Quayside. This paper describes the fabrication and erection of the bridge structure by Watson Steel.
Castle Bridge, Weston-Super-Mare, UK
Authors: James C.
Published: November 2009

Castle Bridge is a minimal-cost solution to the dilemma of a restricted crossing of a main railway line within a residential development area. The works employs reinforced earth embankments, integrated bridge deck and abutment construction and precast parapet solutions to overcome and minimise the safety, maintenance and cost issues associated with the scheme.
Weathering steel bridges
Authors: Dolling C. N. , Hudson R. M.
Published: November 2009

Weathering steel is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that in suitable environments forms an adherent protective rust ‘patina', to inhibit further corrosion. The corrosion rate is so low that bridges fabricated from unpainted weathering steel can achieve a 120-year design life with only nominal maintenance. Hence a well-detailed weathering steel bridge in an appropriate environment can provide an attractive, very low maintenance, economic solution in many locations. This paper highlights the benefits of weathering steel bridges, describes the limitations, and comments on both the material availability and the appearance of such bridges. It also provides advice on a range of issues including design and detailing, fabrication and installation, inspection and maintenance and remedial measures, should corrosion rates exceed those anticipated at the design stage.
Section model tests on human – structure lock-in
Authors: McRobie A. , Morgenthal G. , Lasenby J. , Ringer M.
Published: November 2009

In June/July 2000, shortly after the opening of the London Millennium Bridge, experiments were undertaken on a full-scale section model built to represent a footbridge swaying under pedestrian action. The processes of human–structure interaction and the phenomenon of phase synchronisation were investigated. Various instabilities were observed using 3D motion capture equipment, and lateral forces were inferred from the dynamic response of the rig. Implications for footbridge design are discussed. Of particular concern is the possibility of vertical synchrony. In lieu of detailed experimental data, it is recommended that the existing footbridge stock be surveyed with respect to a dimensionless group, analogous to the Scruton number of wind engineering, for each mode (horizontal, vertical, torsional or general). A graph of an equivalent mass per unit area against frequency could be of use to designers in assessing new designs against the performance of existing structures.
Seismic response analysis of long-span steel arch bridges
Authors: Nazmy A. S.
Published: November 2009

The non-linear seismic behaviour of tied, half-tied, and deck-type long-span steel arch bridges is investigated using two- and three-dimensional analytical models. A non-linear time-history analysis, which includes all possible sources of geometric non-linearity, was performed on all models studied. The seismic response of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of each bridge type was compared, and the effect of the vertical component of ground excitation was evaluated. Furthermore, the response to synchronous and non-synchronous ground excitation was computed and compared for each bridge type. The study emphasises the importance of performing three-dimensional analysis for all arch bridge types in capturing the effect of coupling among vertical, lateral, and torsional motions. It concludes that the vertical component of ground motion has limited effect on the bridge response, especially for the half-tied and deck-type steel arch bridges, and that non-synchronous ground excitation could increase the member forces considerably, except for tied arch bridges.
Experimentally-based assessment of masonry arch bridges
Authors: Fanning P. J. , Boothby T. E.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents a summary of a continuing research programme intended for the development of generally applicable assessment procedures for masonry arch bridges, for which the assumptions and assessment results can be justified by experimental observations. The research is being undertaken in three phases. Phase I consists of experimental testing of bridges under service loads for the purpose of observation of bridge behaviour. A further purpose of the experimental programme is to provide data for the validation of three-dimensional non-linear finite-element models. In Phase II, three-dimensional non-linear finite-element models capable of capturing the principal features of the bridge response, based on a prescribed procedure and using standardised values of strength and stiffness, were developed. In Phase III the application of a two-dimensional model for the assessment of stone masonry bridges was considered. The assessment method used is based on a prescribed procedure using standardised values of strength and stiffness, which can be implemented in any general structural analysis programme. This phase also included a comparison of the proposed assessment method with other methods in common use.