bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distress in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumours
Authors: Goebel S. , Stark A. M. , Kaup L. , von Harscher M. , Mehdorn H. M.
Published: March 2011

Objective: Patients with intracranial tumours often suffer from clinically relevant psychological distress. However, levels of distress and contributing factors have not been systematically evaluated for the early course of the disease. Using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Distress Thermometer (DT), we evaluated the extent and sources of distress within a population of patients with intracranial neoplasms.

Methods: One hundred and fifty‐nine patients were included who underwent craniotomy for newly diagnosed intracranial tumours at our department. All patients completed the DT questionnaire, a single‐item 11‐point visual analogue scale measuring psychological distress. The appendant problem list (PL) consists of 40 items representing problems commonly experienced by cancer patients. Patients were asked to mark any experienced sources of distress.

Results: Percentage of patients suffering from relevant distress was 48.4% (cut‐off ⩾6). DT‐scores were significantly associated with depression and anxiety as well as reported number of concerns. On average, patients reported 6.9 sources of cancer‐related distress. Objective medical data (e.g. tumour stage) as well as sociodemographic data (e.g. gender, IQ) were not associated with psychological distress at this early phase.

Conclusions: Prevalence of elevated distress is high shortly after primary neurosurgical treatment in patients with intracranial tumours and cannot be predicted by objective data. As a consequence, sources of distress can and should be routinely assessed and targeted in these individuals in this particular period. Further studies are needed to help to identify patients who are at risk of suffering from long‐term emotional distress in order to enable targeted psychosocial intervention. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heating and Plasma Sheath Effects in Low‐Temperature, Plasma‐Assisted Growth of Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Mehdipour Hamid , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Rider Amanda E. , Han Zhaojun
Published: March 2011

Plasma sheath, nanostructure growth, and thermal models are used to describe carbon nanofiber (CNF) growth and heating in a low‐temperature plasma. It is found that when the H2 partial pressure is increased, H atom recombination and H ion neutralization are the main mechanisms responsible for energy release on the catalyst surface. Numerical results also show that process parameters such as the substrate potential, electron temperature and number density mainly affect the CNF growth rate and plasma heating at low catalyst temperatures. In contrast, gas pressure, ion temperature, and the C2H2:H2 supply ratio affect the CNF growth at all temperatures. It is shown that plasma‐related processes substantially increase the catalyst particle temperature, in comparison to the substrate and the substrate‐holding platform temperatures.

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A review of the effect of different application rates on pesticide residue levels in supervised residue trials
Authors: MacLachlan Dugald J , Hamilton Denis
Published: March 2011

Residue trial data reported by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) have been reviewed to establish whether or not the resulting residues in harvested commodities are proportional to the pesticide application rate used on the crop. Numerous sets of trials were identified where the only parameter varied was application rate or spray concentration. Analysis of this database in terms of application rate, spray concentration, formulation type, preharvest interval, crop, pesticide, residue level and application type confirms that residues scale with application rate (proportionality principle). It is anticipated that use of the proportionality principle by regulators and those interested in evaluating pesticide residue data will improve pesticide risk assessment. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Benchmark study on glyphosate‐resistant crop systems in the United States. Part 2: Perspectives
Authors: Owen Micheal DK , Young Bryan G , Shaw David R , Wilson Robert G , Jordan David L , Dixon Philip M , Weller Stephen C
Published: March 2011

A six‐state, 5 year field project was initiated in 2006 to study weed management methods that foster the sustainability of genetically engineered (GE) glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crop systems. The benchmark study field‐scale experiments were initiated following a survey, conducted in the winter of 2005–2006, of farmer opinions on weed management practices and their views on GR weeds and management tactics. The main survey findings supported the premise that growers were generally less aware of the significance of evolved herbicide resistance and did not have a high recognition of the strong selection pressure from herbicides on the evolution of herbicide‐resistant (HR) weeds. The results of the benchmark study survey indicated that there are educational challenges to implement sustainable GR‐based crop systems and helped guide the development of the field‐scale benchmark study. Paramount is the need to develop consistent and clearly articulated science‐based management recommendations that enable farmers to reduce the potential for HR weeds. This paper provides background perspectives about the use of GR crops, the impact of these crops and an overview of different opinions about the use of GR crops on agriculture and society, as well as defining how the benchmark study will address these issues. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The discovery of SYP‐10913 and SYP‐11277: novel strobilurin acaricides
Authors: Chai Bao‐Shan , Liu Chang‐Ling , Li Hui‐Chao , Zhang Hong , Liu Shao‐Wu , Huang Guang , Chang Jun‐Biao
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: As previously reported, methyl (E)‐2‐[2‐(2‐phenylamino‐6‐trifluoromethylpyrimidin‐4‐yloxymethyl)phenyl]‐3‐methoxyacrylate has proven to be a new lead with highly acaricidal activity. Following on from this, in an effort to discover new strobilurin analogues with improved activity, a series of substituted pyrimidines were synthesised and bioassayed.

RESULTS: All compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis. Preliminary bioassays demonstrated that some of the title compounds exhibited notable control of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.) at 1.25 mg L−1. The relationship between structure and acaricidal activity is discussed.

CONCLUSION: Two compounds of particular interest, 6j (SYP‐10913) and 6k (SYP‐11277), exhibited potent acaricidal activity. The acaricidal potencies of these analogues are higher than that of fluacrypyrim in greenhouse applications, and are comparable with those of commercial acaricides such as spirodiclofen and propargite in field trials. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Patterned deposition by plasma enhanced spatial atomic layer deposition
Authors: Poodt Paul , Kniknie Bas , Branca Annalisa , Winands Hans , Roozeboom Fred
Published: March 2011

An atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition reactor has been developed, to deposit Al2O3 films from trimethyl aluminum and an He/O2 plasma. This technique can be used for 2D patterned deposition in a single in‐line process by making use of switched localized plasma sources. It was observed that the sharpness of the patterns is primarily influenced by the concentration of reactive plasma species and by the dimensions of the plasma source. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Compromise ascent directions for multiple‐response applications
Authors: Edwards David J. , Fuerte Jeffrey N.
Published: March 2011

A process or system under study often requires the measurement of multiple responses. The optimization of multiple response variables has received considerable attention in the literature with the majority focusing on locating optimal operating conditions within the current experimental region and thus often occurs in the later stages of experimentation. This article focuses instead on the initial experiment and the location of additional experimental runs if the region of interest shifts. Considerable trade‐off is often required in the multiple response context. In order to account for uncertainty in the model parameters and correlations among the responses, we propose the computation of Bayesian reliabilities to determine optimal factor settings for future experimental runs. The approach will be described in detail for two common design follow‐up strategies: steepest ascent (descent) and shifting factor levels. Illustrative examples are provided for each application. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do haptic representations help complex molecular learning?
Authors: Bivall Petter , Ainsworth Shaaron , Tibell Lena A. E.
Published: March 2011

This study explored whether adding a haptic interface (that provides users with somatosensory information about virtual objects by force and tactile feedback) to a three‐dimensional (3D) chemical model enhanced students' understanding of complex molecular interactions. Two modes of the model were compared in a between‐groups pre‐ and posttest design. In both modes, users could move and rotate virtual 3D representations of the chemical structures of the two molecules, a protein and a small ligand molecule. In addition, in a haptic mode users could feel the interactions (repulsive and attractive) between molecules as forces with a haptic device. Twenty postgraduate students (10 in each condition) took pretests about the process of protein‐‐ligand recognition before exploring the model in ways suggested by structured worksheets and then completing a posttest. Analysis addressed quantitative learning outcomes and more qualitatively students' reasoning during the learning phase. Results showed that the haptic system helped students learn more about the process of protein–ligand recognition and changed the way they reasoned about molecules to include more force‐based explanations. It may also have protected students from drawing erroneous conclusions about the process of protein–ligand recognition observed when students interacted with only the visual model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:700–719, 2011
Hierarchical Micro‐ and Mesoporous Carbide‐Derived Carbon as a High‐Performance Electrode Material in Supercapacitors
Authors: Rose Marcus , Korenblit Yair , Kockrick Emanuel , Borchardt Lars , Oschatz Martin , Kaskel Stefan , Yushin Gleb
Published: March 2011

Ordered mesoporous carbide‐derived carbon (OM‐CDC) materials produced by nanocasting of ordered mesoporous silica templates are characterized by a bimodal pore size distribution with a high ratio of micropores. The micropores result in outstanding adsorption capacities and the well‐defined mesopores facilitate enhanced kinetics in adsorption processes. Here, for the first time, a systematic study is presented, in which the effects of synthesis temperature on the electrochemical performance of these materials in supercapacitors based on a 1 M aqueous solution of sulfuric acid and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid are reported. Cyclic voltammetry shows the specific capacitance of the OM‐CDC materials exceeds 200 F g−1 in the aqueous electrolyte and 185 F g−1 in the ionic liquid, when measured in a symmetric configuration in voltage ranges of up to 0.6 and 2 V, respectively. The ordered mesoporous channels in the produced OM‐CDC materials serve as ion‐highways and allow for very fast ionic transport into the bulk of the OM‐CDC particles. At room temperature the enhanced ion transport leads to 75% and 90% of the capacitance retention at current densities in excess of ∼10 A g−1 in ionic liquid and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. The supercapacitors based on 250–300 μm OM‐CDC electrodes demonstrate an operating frequency of up to 7 Hz in aqueous electrolyte. The combination of high specific capacitance and outstanding rate capabilities of the OM‐CDC materials is unmatched by state‐of‐the art activated carbons and strictly microporous CDC materials.
Development of a thermal voltage converter with calculable high‐frequency characteristics
Authors: Sasaki Hitoshi , Kasai Naoko , Fujiki Hiroyuki , Shimizume Koji , Hidaka Shigeru
Published: March 2011

A thermal‐voltage converter for high‐frequency (HF‐TVC) AC–DC transfer standard has been developed. The HF‐TVC was designed such that the frequency characteristic is calculable from the shape and dimension of the input circuit. A new multi‐junction thermal converter element (JSTC04) has been developed, which has a simple and straight heater configuration to minimize the parasitic impedances in the input circuit. The AC–DC difference of the HF‐TVC was evaluated by two independent methods, with agreement better than 7 µV/V up to 1 MHz. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel approach of modeling load duration curve for generation expansion planning based on Hill's function
Authors: Kato Moritoshi , Zhou Yicheng , Kang Chongqing , Yokoyama Ryuichi
Published: March 2011

A novel approach of modeling the load duration curve (LDC) based on Hill's function is proposed in this article. On the contrary to traditional models, the proposed model is completely an analytical one which can be determined by historic load data. This method is effective in calculating efficiency as well as controlling errors and it is quite simple in application because the model has only a few parameters, each of which has a definite economic or fiscal meaning. Based on the historic model, this method is easy and accurate in estimating the LDC model for a future year by changing the parameters of Hill's function, where only the peak load and the total demand in each year may be given. Results on the load data from IEEE reliability test system (IEEE‐RTS), PJM and Beijing Electric Power Corporation (BEPC) are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Numerical examples show that the modeling errors in both peak load and total demand, which are key indices for generation expansion planning and reliability evaluation, are less than 1%. The LDC model for a future year is also accurately estimated in these examples. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Arc behavior and interruption ability of uniform vacuum arc control technology and its application to vacuum interrupter
Authors: Niwa Yoshimitsu , Yokokura Kunio , Sasage Kosuke , Somei Hiromichi
Published: March 2011

The vacuum arc characteristics and high current interruption ability of several different sized electrodes applied in the uniform vacuum arc control method named self arc diffusion by electrode (SADE) are presented. The arc behavior of the test electrode during the arcing period was observed by a high‐speed video camera. At extremely high interruption currents, the arc of the conventional axial magnetic field (AMF) electrode concentrates, causing local heating of the electrode. However, the arc of the SADE diffuses over the whole contact area thus avoiding local heating. The interruption ability of SADE is about twice as much as that of the conventional AMF for the same sized electrode. By applying this arc control method to vacuum circuit breaker (VCB), it can be made more compact and lighter than the conventional type. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Random network coding‐based optimal scheme for perfect wireless packet retransmission problems
Authors: Gao Zhenguo , Xiang Weidong , Zhao Yunlong , Zhao Jing , Cai Shaobin , Pan Wu , Jiang Hua , Wang Huiqiang
Published: March 2011

Solving wireless packet retransmission problems (WPRTPs) using network coding (NC) approach is increasingly attracting research efforts. However, existing researches are almost all focused on solutions in Galois field GF(2), and consequently, the solutions found by these schemes are usually less optimal. In this paper, we focus on optimal NC‐based scheme for perfect WPRTPs (P‐WPRTPs) where, with respect to each receiver, a packet is either requested by or already known to it. The number of retransmitted packets in optimal NC‐based solutions to P‐WPRTPs is firstly analyzed and proved. Then, random network coding‐based optimal scheme (RNCOPT) is proposed for P‐WRPTPs. RNCOPT is optimal in the sense that it guarantees to obtain a valid solution with minimum number of packet retransmissions. Furthermore, in RNCOPT, each coding vector is generated using a publicly known pseudorandom function with a randomly selected seed. The seed, instead of the coding vector, is used as decoding information to be retransmitted together with the coded packet. Thus, packet overhead of RNCOPT is reduced further. Extensive simulations show that RNCOPT distinctively outperforms some previous typical schemes for P‐WPRTPs in saving the number of retransmitted packets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The N‐Classification for Esophageal Cancer Staging: Should it be Based on Number, Distance, or Extent of the Lymph Node Metastasis?
Authors: Xu Qi‐Rong , Zhuge Xue‐Peng , Zhang He‐Lin , Ping Yu‐Min , Chen Long‐Qi
Published: March 2011

Background

The recently published AJCC‐TNM staging system for esophageal carcinoma made an obvious modification on N‐classification based on the number of metastatic regional lymph nodes (LN). However, this classification might ignore the site at which these LNs occur, a factor that might be even more important in reflecting patients’ prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective study of 236 patients with carcinoma of thoracic esophagus who underwent esophagectomy between 1984 and 1989 with each at least six LNs removed was conducted, with a 10‐year follow‐up rate of 92.4%. The proposed scheme for N‐classification according to the number (0, 1–2, 3–6, ≥7; N0–3), distance (0, 1, 2, 3 stations; S0–3), or extent (0, 1, and 2 fields; F0–2) of LN involvement was evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

Results

The LN metastasis was identified in 112 patients, revealing a poorer 5‐year survival in this patient group when compared to patients without node involvement. Cox regression analysis revealed that the number and distance of LN metastases and the number of metastasis fields were factors significantly influencing survival. When these factors were further analyzed by univariate log‐rank test, no significant difference in survival existed between N2 and N3 patients, or among S1, S2, and S3 patients. When patients were grouped according to the extent of LN metastasis, significant differences in survival were observed overall and between each subgroup.

Conclusions

Refining the current N‐classification for esophageal cancer according to the extent of LN metastasis, rather than by number alone, might be a better means of staging that could subgroup patients more effectively and result in different rates of survival.
How Radical Should Surgery Be for Early Esophageal Cancer?
Authors: Bogoevski Dean , Bockhorn Maximilian , Koenig Alexandra , Reeh Matthias , von Loga Katharina , Sauter Guido , Rösch Thomas , Izbicki Jakob R.
Published: March 2011

Background

We have compared the oncologic effectiveness of limited resection (LR) techniques such as transhiatal (TH) or limited resection of the esophagogastric junction with intestinal interposition (LREGJ) in the treatment of early esophageal carcinoma with that of the extended resection such as the classical thoracoabdominal (TA) en bloc esophagectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 113 patients with T1 esophageal cancer (57 adeno‐ and 56 squamous cell carcinomas) who had surgical resection with systematic lymphadenectomy. Forty‐one underwent extensive (TA) and 72 limited resection (51 TH and 21 LREGJ).

Results

Complete resection (R0) was achieved in all cases. Lymphatic metastases were seen in none of the mucosal but in 26.8% of the submucosal T1 cancers. The median lymph node yield was significantly higher in patients with extensive resection (24 vs. 15 lymph nodes; p = 0.036), but this did not affect the overall survival (median = 88 vs. 102 months, 5‐year survival probability = 57.8 vs. 67.7%; log rank = 0.578). The median hospital stay and ICU stay were significantly shorter in the LR group (p = 0.039 and p = 0.044, respectively).

Conclusion

Limited resection leads to lower lymph node yield but similar oncologic effectiveness as the extensive surgery. It may represent a valuable alternative in the treatment of patients with early (submucosal) esophageal carcinoma.
Gene expression analysis for predicting gemcitabine resistance in human cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sato Jun , Kimura Takashi , Saito Takuro , Anazawa Takayuki , Kenjo Akira , Sato Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Takao , Gotoh Mitsukazu
Published: March 2011

Background

Gemcitabine is a promising drug for cholangiocarcinoma treatment. However, the kinetics and metabolism of this drug in cholangiocarcinoma treatment are not well defined. We aimed to investigate the potential clinical role of gemcitabine metabolism‐related genes in the gemcitabine sensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma and identify and characterize novel gemcitabine resistance‐related genes.

Methods

Expressions of genes related to gemcitabine sensitivity and gemcitabine metabolism were measured in 10 cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, and the association between gene expression and gemcitabine sensitivity was evaluated. Furthermore, gemcitabine‐resistant cell lines were established from YSCCC cells and subjected to genome‐wide microarray analysis. The 2‐fold upregulated and downregulated genes were then subjected to pathway analysis.

Results

p53R2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in gemcitabine‐resistant cell lines (IC50 > 1000 nM), and all subunits of ribonucleotide reductase were upregulated in the established gemcitabine‐resistant cell lines. Microarray analysis revealed that the upregulated genes in the resistant cells belonged to the glutathione and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, and that the downregulated genes belonged to theN‐glycan biosynthesis pathway.

Conclusions

Increased expression of p53R2 may predict gemcitabine resistance, and upregulated RNR activity may influence gemcitabine resistance in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Glutathione pathway‐related genes were induced by continuous exposure to gemcitabine and may contribute to gemcitabine resistance.
Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activity Behavior of Phospholipids in Stripped Soybean Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Cardenia Vladimiro , Waraho Thaddao , Rodriguez‐Estrada Maria Teresa , Julian McClements D. , Decker Eric A.
Published: March 2011

Phospholipids have been reported to inhibit lipid oxidation in bulk oils, but very little is known about their influence on oxidation in oil‐in‐water emulsions. In the present study, the impact of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) on lipid oxidation was studied in 1% stripped soybean oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions as a function of DOPC concentration and pH (3 and 7). At pH 7.0, DOPC inhibited lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions, while DOPC was prooxidative at pH 3.0. DOPC did not affect emulsion droplet charge or size at either pH 3.0 or 7.0. The antioxidant activity at pH 7.0 was observed in a series of phospholipids (PL) that varied in fatty acid unsaturation level and chain length as well as type of phosphate head group. Overall, phosphatidylcholine with either oleic or palmitic acid were the most effective at inhibiting lipid hydroperoxide and hexanal formation of all of the PL tested. Antioxidant mechanism of PL could not be ascribed to their ability to decompose lipid hydroperoxides. It might be possible that, at pH 7.0, the PL antioxidant activity is related to their ability to form structures within the lipid phase of the emulsions droplets or to chelate metals.
The use of X-ray at 5 months in a selective screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Price Kathryn R. , Dove Rosemary , Hunter James B.
Published: March 2011

Background

The methods used for any screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be controversial. This was an opportunistic audit of our selective ultrasound screening programme using an X-ray at 5 months to prevent inappropriate discharge due to the learning curve of ultrasound.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2004 in Nottingham, UK, out of a total population of 108,500 births, approximately 11,500 neonates were screened using ultrasound. Any child with an ultrasound scan showing Graf α-angles greater than 60° (Graf Type I) with the hip in joint were discharged from the clinic. All of those discharged were subsequently X-rayed at 5 months in order to cover the learning curve of ultrasound. The X-rays were reviewed by a consultant radiologist and referred back to orthopaedics if there was lateralisation of the femoral head or an acetabular index above 30°.

Results

Of approximately 11,000 X-rays performed, only 53 patients were referred back to orthopaedics, of which 47 had a complete data set. Of these 47 children, only 8 (17%) required intervention. On review of the original ultrasounds, Graf's α-angle did not seem to correlate well with the need for intervention, as all were Type I hips. The femoral head cover (FHC) appeared to be more predictive of the need for treatment. There have been no late presentations to our unit of DDH following a normal 5-month X-ray.

Conclusions

We now check the Graf α-angle, FHC and dynamic stability in the ultrasound assessment and only perform X-ray at 5 months if there was a low α-angle or low FHC. Since this change, there have been no late presentations of DDH from the population screened by ultrasound.
Effects on weight gain and gut microbiota in rats given bacterial supplements and a high-energy-dense diet from fetal life through to 6 months of age
Authors: Karlsson Caroline L. J. , Molin Göran , Fåk Frida , Johansson Hagslätt Marie-Louise , Jakesevic Maja , Håkansson Åsa , Jeppsson Bengt , Weström Björn , Ahrné Siv
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of a high-energy-dense diet, supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) or Escherichiacoli (Ec), on weight gain, fattening and the gut microbiota in rats. Since the mother's dietary habits can influence offspring physiology, dietary regimens started with the dams at pregnancy and throughout lactation and continued with the offspring for 6 months. The weight gain of group Lp was lower than that of groups C (control) and Ec (P = 0·086). More retroperitoneal adipose tissue (P = 0·030) and higher plasma leptin (P = 0·035) were observed in group Ec compared with group Lp. The viable count of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in group Ec than in group Lp (P = 0·019), and when all animals were compared, Enterobacteriaceae correlated positively with body weight (r 0·428, P = 0·029). Bacterial diversity was lower in group Ec than in groups C (P ≤ 0·05) and Lp (P ≤ 0·05). Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia dominated in all groups, but Bacteroidetes were more prevalent in group C than in groups Lp (P = 0·036) and Ec (P = 0·056). The same five bacterial families dominated the microbiota of groups Ec and C, and four of these were also present in group Lp. The other five families dominating in group Lp were not found in any of the other groups. Multivariate data analysis pointed in the same directions as the univariate statistics. The present results suggest that supplementation of L. plantarum or E. coli can have long-term effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota, as well as on weight gain and fattening.
Generalizations of Clausen's Formula and algebraic transformations of Calabi–Yau differential equations
Authors: Almkvist Gert , van Straten Duco , Zudilin Wadim
Published: March 2011

We provide certain unusual generalizations of Clausen's and Orr's theorems for solutions of fourth-order and fifth-order generalized hypergeometric equations. As an application, we present several examples of algebraic transformations of Calabi–Yau differential equations.
Subaqueous barchan dunes in turbulent shear flow. Part 1. Dune motion
Authors: FRANKLIN E. M. , CHARRU F.
Published: March 2011

Experiments are reported on the formation and migration of isolated dunes in a turbulent channel flow. These dunes have a very robust crescentic shape with horns pointing downstream, very similar to that of the barchan dunes observed in deserts at a much larger scale. Their main geometrical and dynamical properties are studied in detail, for four types of grains: the conditions for their formation, their morphology, the threshold shear stress for their motion, their velocity, erosion rate, minimum size and the longitudinal stripes of grains hollowed by fluid streaks in the boundary layer. In particular, the law for the dune velocity is found to involve two dimensionless parameters, the Shields number and the sedimentation Reynolds number, in contrast with predictions based on classical laws for particle transport. As the dune migrates, its size slowly decreases because of a small leakage of particles at the horn tips, and the erosion law is given. A minimum size is evidenced, which is shown to increase with the friction velocity and scale with a settling length.
Desmoplastic fibroma of the vidian canal in a child: case report
Authors: Peridis S , Moonim M T , Roberts D , Al-Sarraj S , Hopkins C
Published: March 2011

Introduction:

To present a case of a child with a desmoplastic fibroma of the vidian canal, compressing the vidian nerve.

Case report:

A 12-year-old girl with several years' history of right-sided facial pain was referred to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans showed an expansile mass involving the right vidian canal. The patient underwent a complete endoscopic surgical resection aided by the FusionTM ENT navigation system. This was performed through a transnasal, trans-septal, trans-sphenoidal route via the right nostril, and achieved macroscopic clearance with minimal peri-operative morbidity. A biopsy of the lesion showed a fibro-osseous lesion consistent with desmoplastic fibroma.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis and resection of this rare lesion at an earlier stage would have avoided delays in resolving the child's disabling pain. This emphasises the importance of early referral of unusual cases to tertiary centres.
Complex, dynamic systems: A new transdisciplinary theme for applied linguistics?
Authors: Larsen-Freeman Diane
Published: March 2011

In this plenary address, I suggest that Complexity Theory has the potential to contribute a transdisciplinary theme to applied linguistics. Transdisciplinary themes supersede disciplines and spur new kinds of creative activity (Halliday 2001 [1990]). Investigating complex systems requires researchers to pay attention to system dynamics. Since applied linguists study language systems that change (for example, as they develop in learners, this is a useful perspective to bring to bear on many of our concerns. To introduce Complexity Theory, I list twelve principles undergirding this perspective and elaborate on three of them: those to do with dynamism, complexity, and the role of context. I then discuss several studies of L2 development that have been informed by the perspective. I conclude by suggesting that the ultimate promise of Complexity Theory is the help it provides in humanizing science.
Health technology assessment in the era of personalized health care
Authors: Becla Lidia , Lunshof Jeantine E. , Gurwitz David , Schulte in den Bäumen Tobias , Westerhoff Hans V. , Lange Bodo M. H. , Brand Angela
Published: March 2011

Objectives: This article examines the challenges for health technology assessment (HTA) in the light of new developments of personalized health care, focusing on European HTA perspectives.

Methods: Using the example of the Integrated Genome Research Network – Mutanom (IG Mutanom) project, with focus on personalized cancer diagnostics and treatment, we assess the scope of current HTA and examine it prospectively in the context of the translation of basic and clinical research into public health genomics and personalized health care.

Results: The approaches developed within the IG-Mutanom project are based on innovative technology potentially providing targeted therapies for cancer; making translation into clinical practice requires a novel course of action, however. New models of HTA are needed that can account for the unique types of evidence inherent to individualized targeted therapies. Using constructive health technology assessment (CTA) models is an option, but further suitable models should be developed.

Conclusions: Integrative, systems biology-based approaches toward personalized medicine call for novel assessment methods. The translation of their highly innovative technologies into the practice of health care requires the development of new HTA concepts.
Unsupervised lexicon induction for clause-level detection of evaluations
Authors: KANAYAMA HIROSHI , NASUKAWA TETSUYA
Published: March 2011

This article proposesclause-level evaluation detection, which is a fine-grained type of opinion mining, and describes an unsupervised lexicon building method for capturing domain-specific knowledge by leveraging the similar polarities of sentiments between adjacent clauses. The lexical entries to be acquired are calledpolar atoms, the minimum human-understandable syntactic structures that specify the polarity of clauses. As a hint to obtain candidate polar atoms, we usecontext coherency, the tendency for the same polarity to appear successively in a context. Using the overall density and precision of coherency in the corpus, the statistical estimation picks up appropriate polar atoms from among the candidates, without any manual tuning of the threshold values. The experimental results show that the precision of polarity assignment with the automatically acquired lexicon was 83 per cent on average, and our method is robust for corpora in diverse domains and for the size of the initial lexicon.
Angiotensin II and the vascular phenotype in hypertension
Authors: Savoia Carmine , Burger Dylan , Nishigaki Nobu , Montezano Augusto , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: March 2011

Hypertension is associated with vascular changes characterised by remodelling, endothelial dysfunction and hyperreactivity. Cellular processes underlying these perturbations include altered vascular smooth muscle cell growth and apoptosis, fibrosis, hypercontractility and calcification. Inflammation, associated with macrophage infiltration and increased expression of redox-sensitive pro-inflammatory genes, also contributes to vascular remodelling. Many of these features occur with ageing, and the vascular phenotype in hypertension is considered a phenomenon of ‘premature vascular ageing’. Among the many factors involved in the hypertensive vascular phenotype, angiotensin II (Ang II) is especially important. Ang II, previously thought to be the sole effector of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), is converted to smaller peptides [Ang III, Ang IV, Ang-(1-7)] that are biologically active in the vascular system. Another new component of the RAS is the (pro)renin receptor, which signals through Ang-II-independent mechanisms and might influence vascular function. Ang II mediates effects through complex signalling pathways on binding to its G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) AT1R and AT2R. These receptors are regulated by the GPCR-interacting proteins ATRAP, ARAP1 and ATIP. AT1R activation induces effects through the phospholipase C pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinases, tyrosine kinases/phosphatases, RhoA/Rhokinase and NAD(P)H-oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species. Here we focus on recent developments and new research trends related to Ang II and the RAS and involvement in the hypertensive vascular phenotype.
Autoimmunhepatitis
Authors: Sulz Michael Christian , Gerlach Tilman Jörn
Published: March 2011

Die Autoimmunhepatitis (AIH) ist eine chronische, progressive Lebererkrankung, die durch das histologische Bild einer Interfacehepatitis, einer Hypergammaglobulinämie und zirkulierende Autoantikörper charakterisiert ist. Die AIH tritt in allen Altersgruppen auf und betrifft häufiger Frauen als Männer (Verhältnis 3:1). Das Spektrum der AIH reicht von asymptomatischer Erkrankung über die akute oder auch fulminate Hepatitis bis hin zum Leberversagen. Zur Remissionsinduktion werden Kortikosteroide eingesetzt; ein schnelles Therapieansprechen unterstützt die Diagnose und führt zu einer guten Langzeitprognose. In der Erhaltungstherapie wird bevorzugt Azathioprin eingesetzt. Die Therapiedauer sollte mindestens zwei, besser vier 4 Jahre betragen, um das Rezidivrisiko möglichst zu reduzieren.
Hepatozelluläres Karzinom
Authors: Semela David , Heim Markus
Published: March 2011

Das hepatozelluläre Karzinom (engl. hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) ist ein relativ häufiger Tumor mit steigender Inzidenz. Patienten mit chronischer Lebererkrankung und Leberzirrhose haben ein erhöhtes HCC-Risiko. Diese Patienten sollten überwacht und alle 6 Monate einer Lebersonographie unterzogen werden. Nur die Diagnose im Frühstadium ermöglicht eine potentiell kurative Behandlung wie die Resektion, Ablation oder Lebertransplantation. Patienten im intermediären und fortgeschrittenen HCC-Stadium können von wirksamen Therapien wie der transarteriellen Chemoembolisation und Sorafenib profitieren, welche die Progression des HCC verzögern und das Überleben verbessern.
Transmission von Influenza A
Authors: Tièche  , Piso  , Bassetti
Published: March 2011

Die Pandemie durch das Influenza-A(H1N1)-2009-Virus hat erneut zu vielen Diskussionen über die nötigen Schutzmassnahmen im Spital und in der Bevölkerung geführt. Um geeignete Schutzmassnahmen zu treffen, muss man die Transmissionsart des Influenza-A-Virus kennen. Influenzaviren werden vorwiegend durch Tröpfchen und Kontakt übertragen. Viele experimentelle und epidemiologische Daten zeigen aber, dass Influenzaviren auch durch Aerosole (aerogen) übertragen werden können. Dieser Übertragungsweg muss in den Massnahmen zur Pandemie-Vorbereitung berücksichtigt werden. Bei Influenzaepidemien mit hoher (oder noch nicht definierter) Mortalität sollen bei exponierten Personen (z.B. Spitalpersonal) Schutzmassnahmen gegen aerogen übertragene Infektionen eingesetzt werden, inklusive das Tragen von FFP2-Masken.
Psychometrische Eigenschaften zweier Skalen zur Erfassung interindividueller Unterschiede in der Präferenz zum Alleinsein
Authors: Nestler Steffen , Back Mitja D. , Egloff Boris
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung. Personen unterscheiden sich in der Neigung, Situationen aufzusuchen, in denen sie alleine sind und diese zu genießen. Zur Erfassung dieser interindividuellen Unterschiede in der Präferenz zum Alleinsein stellen wir eine deutsche Version der Preference for Solitude Skala ( Burger, 1995 ; PfS-dt) und ein von uns entwickeltes Inventar zur Messung der Präferenz zum Alleinsein (IPA) vor. Für beide Instrumente wurden die psychometrischen Eigenschaften in einer großen Stichprobe (N = 1122) untersucht. Es zeigte sich, dass die PfS-dt und das IPA intern konsistent und faktoriell valide sind sowie eine gute Retestreliabilität aufweisen (N = 80). Zusätzlich dazu ließen sich für beide Inventare konvergente und diskriminante Zusammenhänge zu anderen Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen nachweisen. Beide Inventare waren außerdem in der Lage, über die Big Five hinaus selbstberichtetes Verhalten zu prädizieren.
Ambidextre Führung
Authors: Gebert Diether , Kearney Eric
Published: March 2011

In der Führungsforschung werden vor allem die positiven Effekte untersucht, die mit bestimmten Führungsstilen einhergehen. Wenig Beachtung finden jedoch bislang die mit Führungsstilen verbundenen negativen Wirkungen. Als Alternative zu den aktuell dominierenden Ansätzen in der Forschung stellen wir ein Modell der ambidextren Führung von komplexe Aufgaben bearbeitenden Teams und Individuen vor. Die diesem Modell zugrunde liegende Annahme lautet, dass Ambidextrie–d.h. die Kombination scheinbar gegensätzlicher, tatsächlich jedoch komplementärer Führungsstrategien–ermöglicht, dass eine Führungsstrategie die unerwünschten Effekte ihrer jeweils entgegengerichteten Strategie zu kompensieren vermag und es erst dadurch zu einem Übergewicht der positiven gegenüber den negativen Wirkungen einer bestimmten Führungsstrategie kommt. Wir übertragen diesen Grundgedanken auf vier Führungsdimensionen–die Vollmachtenteilung, Zeitvorgaben, Wissensinterpretation und Kommunikationsausrichtung des Führenden–und diskutieren die Unterschiede unseres Modells gegenüber etablierten Ansätzen der Führungsforschung.
Sexueller Missbrauch, Kindesmisshandlung und Vernachlässigung
Authors: Fegert Jörg M. , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2011

Erst allmählich werden negative Ereignisse und Erlebnisse aus der Kindheit und Jugend systematisch auf ihre Auswirkungen auf den Lebenslauf untersucht. In Deutschland starten 2011 auf dem Hintergrund von dramatischen Beispielen der Kindesvernachlässigung und sexuellen Missbrauchs Initiativen im Bereich der Forschung und der Betreuung solch traumatisierter und belasteter Kinder und Jugendlicher. Eine umfassende Bestandsaufnahme für Deutschland ist nötig, niederschwellige Beratungsangebote und Formen der evidenzbasierte Psychotherapie werden empfohlen.
Prävalenz von Kindesmisshandlung und -vernachlässigung in Deutschland
Authors: Pillhofer Melanie , Ziegenhain Ute , Nandi Corina , Fegert Jörg M. , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: March 2011

Die Prävention von Vernachlässigung und Misshandlung wird seit einigen Jahren in Deutschland verstärkt diskutiert. Um mangels direkt aussagefähiger Daten auf nationaler Ebene indirekte Hinweise auf die Häufigkeit von Kindeswohlgefährdungen in Deutschland zu erhalten, wurden sowohl die öffentlich verfügbaren Statistiken als auch empirische Dunkelfeldstudien ausgewertet. Während sich die jährlich angezeigten Straftaten unterhalb der 1‰-Grenze bewegen, sprechen retrospektive Befragungen von Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen für Lebenszeitprävalenzen >10 %. Aus den verfügbaren Quellen ergeben sich keine gesicherten Erkenntnisse hinsichtlich Verbreitung und längsschnittlicher Entwicklung der verschiedenen Misshandlungsphänomene. Die Etablierung einer nationalen Strategie zur Erfassung der Prävalenzdaten wie in angloamerikanischen und anderen europäischen Ländern wäre daher sehr wünschenswert.
Zusammenhang zwischen interpersoneller Traumatisierung, auffälligem Bindungsverhalten und psychischer Belastung bei Pflegekindern
Authors: Pérez Tania , Di Gallo Alain , Schmeck Klaus , Schmid Marc
Published: March 2011

Pflegekinder vereinen häufig frühkindliche Traumatisierung und vielfältige andere psychosoziale und biologische Risikofaktoren auf sich. Insbesondere die weite Verbreitung von Bindungsstörungen bei Pflegekindern wird oft als eine Folge der belastenden Beziehungserfahrungen in ihren Ursprungsfamilien beschrieben. Im Rahmen einer epidemiologischen Untersuchung an 394 Pflegekindern wurden traumatische Lebenserfahrungen mit dem Essener Trauma-Inventar für Kinder (ETI-KJ-F) im Fremdurteil und das Bindungsverhalten mit der deutschen Übersetzung des Relationship Problems Questionnaire (RPQ) erfasst. Zudem wurde die Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) vorgegeben. In diesen Analysen gingen die Ergebnisse von 275 Pflegekindern im Altersbereich zwischen 5 und 16 Jahren ein (Durchschnittsalter 10.98 Jahre; SD = 3.26). 69 % der Pflegeeltern berichten, dass die von ihnen betreuten Kinder mindestens ein interpersonelles traumatisches Ereignis durchlebt haben. Berechnet man Mittelwertsunterschiede zwischen Gruppen mit und ohne interpersoneller Traumatisierung, zeigen sich, kontrolliert für Alter, Geschlecht, Dauer des Pflegeverhältnisses und Anzahl Betreuungswechsel, signifikante Unterschiede bezüglich dem Ausmaß von Bindungsproblemen und psychopathologischen Symptomen in der CBCL, wobei sich diese insbesondere beim gehemmten Bindungsverhalten und im internalisierenden Problemverhalten zeigen. Die Zahl der Betreuungswechsel hat auf diese Variablen ebenfalls einen entscheidenden Einfluss. Die große Traumabelastung von Pflegekindern in ihren Ursprungsfamilien und deren enger Zusammenhang mit der Bindungssentwicklung und Psychopathologie zeigt, wie wichtig eine „traumasensible“ Hilfeplanung sowie eine entsprechende Beratung und Weiterbildung der Pflegeeltern sind.
Indizierte Prävention internalisierender Störungen
Authors: Pauschardt Jan , Eimecke Sylvia Dorothee , Mattejat Fritz
Published: March 2011

Die vorliegende Studie überprüft die Wirksamkeit eines kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Präventionsprogramms für Kinder mit internalisierenden Symptomen. Eine modifizierte Version der deutschen Bearbeitung des australischen Programms FRIENDS wurde im indizierten Präventionskontext angewendet und unter Verwendung eines Wartelistendesigns mit Eigenkontrollgruppe evaluiert. 81 Kinder (42 Jungen, 39 Mädchen) im Alter von acht bis 12 Jahren nahmen teil. Sowohl das Elternurteil (CBCL), als auch das Selbsturteil der Kinder (SCAS, DIKJ) wurden zur Wirksamkeitsüberprüfung herangezogen. Die Datenerhebungen erfolgten zu drei Zeitpunkten (drei Monate vor Beginn sowie unmittelbar vor und nach der Intervention). Die Ergebnisse sprechen für die Effektivität des Programms; die internalisierenden Symptome der Kinder reduzierten sich während der Intervention signifikant stärker als während der Wartezeit. Mittlere Effektstärken zeigten sich sowohl aus Elternsicht (d = .72), als auch aus Kindersicht (d = .55).
Welche Probleme berichten Jugendliche mit selbstverletzendem Verhalten?
Authors: Vonderlin Eva , Haffner Johann , Behrend Barbara , Brunner Romuald , Parzer Peter , Resch Franz
Published: March 2011

In der epidemiologisch angelegten Heidelberger Schulstudie wurden Jugendliche der 9. Klassen (n = 5832) per Fragebogen nach ihrer Lebenssituation, dem körperlichen und psychischen Befinden, sowie nach Risikoverhalten und Belastungen gefragt. Von diesen berichteten 4 % mehrmaliges selbstverletzendes Verhalten. Darunter befanden sich mehr Mädchen, sowie häufiger Schüler aus Haupt- und Realschulen, aber seltener Jugendliche mit nichtdeutscher Staatsangehörigkeit. Weiterhin wurde untersucht, welche Problembereiche diese selbstverletzenden Teilnehmer (n = 220) in offenen Fragen im Vergleich zu einer nach Geschlecht und Schulform parallelisierten Kontrollgruppe angaben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Beziehungsprobleme in der Familie, sowie mit Gleichaltrigen im Vordergrund stehen. Selbstwertprobleme und Alkohol- bzw. Drogenkonsum wurden von den Selbstverletzern häufiger genannt, ebenso Verlust- und Gewalterfahrungen. In präventiver und therapeutischer Hinsicht erscheinen daher unterstützende Maßnahmen zur Beziehungs- und Interaktionsgestaltung von zentraler Bedeutung.
CSF Bcl-2 and cytochrome C temporal profiles in outcome prediction for adults with severe TBI
Authors: Wagner Amy K , Amin Krutika B , Niyonkuru Christian , Postal Brett A , McCullough Emily H , Ozawa Haishin , Dixon C Edward , Bayir Hulya , Clark Robert S , Kochanek Patrick M , Fabio Anthony
Published: March 2011

The biochemical cascades associated with cell death after traumatic brain injury (TBI) involve both pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins. We hypothesized that elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Bcl-2 and cytochrome C (CytoC) levels over time would reflect cellular injury response and predict long-term outcomes after TBI. Cerebrospinal fluid Bcl-2 and CytoC levels were measured for 6 days after injury for adults with severe TBI ( N = 76 subjects; N = 277 samples). Group-based trajectory analysis was used to generate distinct temporal biomarker profiles that were compared with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) scores at 6 and 12 months after TBI. Subjects with persistently elevated temporal Bcl-2 and CytoC profiles compared with healthy controls had the worst outcomes at 6 and 12 months ( P ≤ 0.027). Those with CytoC profiles near controls had better long-term outcomes, and those with declining CytoC levels over time had intermediate outcomes. Subjects with Bcl-2 profiles that remained near controls had better outcomes than those with consistently elevated Bcl-2 profiles. However, subjects with Bcl-2 values that started near controls and steadily rose over time had 100% good outcomes by 12 months after TBI. These results show the prognostic value of Bcl-2 and CytoC profiles and suggest a dynamic apoptotic and pro-survival response to TBI.