bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reconnaissance laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared survey of silcretes from the Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Authors: Nash David J. , Hopkinson Laurence
Published: October 2004

This paper documents the ﬁrst application of laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopic techniques (Raman/FT‐IR) to the analysis of silcrete. Analyses are undertaken at a reconnaissance level on bulk silcrete samples of varying ages, drawn from a range of geomorphological settings across the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. Results suggest that Raman/FT‐IR, combined with inspection of petrographic thin‐sections, provides an effective tool for establishing the range and type of silica polymorphs present within samples. Analyses of Raman and mid‐infrared spectra indicate that the majority of silcretes are dominated by α‐quartz with subordinate moganite. There is, however, considerable inter‐sample variability, ranging from silcretes consisting of almost pure quartz to those containing complex admixtures of disordered microcrystalline or non‐crystalline silica in association with quartz and clays. Taken as a whole, the results are supportive of a similar environment of formation for all samples, with development taking place under broadly semi‐arid conditions. Raman/FT‐IR is also shown to have a number of beneﬁts over other conventional techniques for silcrete analysis, such as X‐ray diffraction. Firstly, inspection of the OH region of the infrared spectrum of bulk samples is shown to have potential for establishing the provenance of quartz clasts within silcrete host sediments, through the identiﬁcation of high‐temperature conditions of crystal growth in detrital quartz grains. Raman and mid‐infrared analyses also permit clay identiﬁcation within silcrete samples where such minerals are not readily resolvable in thin‐section. The technique further allows the relative maturity of silcrete cements to be established, particularly for recently formed silcretes. These are found typically to contain less mature silica polymorphs and incorporate larger quantities of molecular water than α‐quartz dominated silcretes. Comparisons of the range of silica polymorphs identiﬁed using Raman/FT‐IR with those established by petrographic investigation can also reveal evidence of silica paragenesis. This is the case in two stratigraphically older samples from the Kalahari margin in which less stable silica polymorphs appear to have transformed over time to chalcedony and microquartz. Whilst the ‘whole‐rock’ approach used in this survey generates some problems of interpretation, the overall results suggest that the use of micro‐Raman and micro‐FT‐IR techniques should allow even more precise information about the environments of formation and developmental histories of silcrete proﬁles to be produced in the future. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of lipase production by Geotrichum candidum in stirring and airlift fermenters
Authors: Burkert Janaína Fernandes de Medeiros , Maldonado Rafael Resende , Filho Francisco Maugeri , Rodrigues Maria Isabel
Published: October 2004

The production of lipase by Geotrichum candidum in both, stirred tank and airlift bioreactors were compared. G candidum an imperfect filamentous fungus, grows well in liquid medium, and produces a lipase with specific affinity for long‐chain fatty acids with cis‐9 double bonds but, lipase production is generally not efficient because the optimum medium composition and fermentation conditions are not known. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the agitation speed (100–500 rpm) and aeration (0.2–1.8 vvm) for production of lipase by G candidum in a bench‐scale stirred fermenter. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was used to optimize lipase activity and productivity. Lipase production in an airlift fermenter was also studied with aeration ranging from 1 to 3 vvm. A previously optimized culture medium containing 3.58% of peptone, 0.64% of soy oil and an initial pH of 7.0, was used in the experiments, incubating at 30°C. In the stirred reactor the optimum conditions of agitation and aeration for lipase production and productivity were 300 rpm and 1 vvm, leading to an activity of 20 U cm−3 in 54 h of fermentation and 0.3900 (U cm−3 h−1) of productivity. The best aeration condition in the airlift fermenter was 2.5 vvm, which yielded similar lipase activity after 30 h of fermentation, resulting in a productivity of 0.6423 (U cm−3 h−1). In the absence of mechanical agitation similar lipase yields were achieved but in less time, resulting in productivity, about 60% greater than in a stirred fermenter; the lower energy demand for the same lipase yield offers economic advantages. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Interior C1, γ‐regularity for weak solutions of nonlinear second orderelliptic systems
Authors: Daněček Josef , John Oldřich , Stará Jana
Published: October 2004

The interior C0, γ‐regularity for the first gradient of a weak solution to a class of nonlinear second order elliptic systems is proved under the assumption that oscillations of coefficients are controlled by the ellipticity constant. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of roasting history and buffer composition on peanut protein extraction efficiency
Authors: Poms Roland E. , Capelletti Claudia , Anklam Elke
Published: October 2004

Peanut is a major allergenic food. Undeclared peanut (allergens) from mis‐formulation or contamination during food processing pose a potential risk for sensitized individuals and must be avoided. Reliable detection and quantification methods for food allergens are necessary in order to ensure compliance with food labelling and to improve consumer protection. The extraction of proteins from allergenic foods and complex food products is an important step in any allergen detection method. In this study, the protein extraction efficiency of various buffers prepared in‐house and some extraction buffers included in some commercial allergen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits for peanut determination in food products were tested. In addition, the effect of roasting history on the extractability of peanut protein was investigated by the biuret and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assays. Elevated roasting temperatures in food processing were found to have a major impact on protein extraction efficiency by reducing protein yields of oil and dry roasted peanuts by 50–75% and 75–80%, respectively, compared with the raw material. Extraction buffers operating in the higher pH range (pH 8–11) showed best yields.
Application of NMR screening techniques for observing ligand binding with a protein receptor
Authors: Shimotakahara Sakurako , Furihata Kazuo , Tashiro Mitsuru
Published: October 2004

Water ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY), saturation transfer difference and NOE pumping NMR techniques were used to identify ligand binding with a receptor. Although these experiments were originally designed to observe ligands in complexes, their application is limited by the affinity of ligands towards target molecules. Here the improved WaterLOGSY pulse sequence was developed by incorporating the double pulsed field gradient spin‐echo and gradient‐tailored excitation WATERGATE sequences. The efficiency of these ligand‐observed NMR screening techniques was investigated using the ribonuclease T1‐inhibitor system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myoelectric manifestations of fatigue during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia for 12 days
Authors: Casale Roberto , Farina Dario , Merletti Roberto , Rainoldi Alberto
Published: October 2004

Lack of oxygen, as occurs at high altitude (HA), leads to a number of adaptive processes in muscle, but their precise nature is unclear. To better understand mechanisms of adaptations of the neuromuscular system to HA, we collected surface electromyographic (EMG) signals during a 12‐day stay at 5,050 m above sea level (SL). The aim was to investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on muscle‐fiber membrane and motor‐unit control properties. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the dominant biceps brachii muscle of six subjects at HA and 3 months after their return to SL. Supramaximal electrical stimuli (25 HZ) were delivered and voluntary isometric contractions at 40 and 80% of maximal voluntary torque were performed in 10 experimental sessions at HA and in 3 at SL. Maximal isometric torque was not altered at HA. Surface EMG spectral frequencies at the beginning of the voluntary contractions were greater at HA than SL. The rates of change of spectral frequencies and conduction velocity during the voluntary contractions were significantly larger at HA than SL. No differences in EMG variables were observed in the electrically elicited contractions. The maximal torque and surface EMG variables did not depend on the day of measure at HA. It was concluded that acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia does not significantly affect the muscle‐fiber membrane properties but does impact motor‐unit control properties. This provides new insights in the understanding of motor control in extreme conditions of oxygen reduction, with relevance for sport and rehabilitation medicine, and may also explain the pathophysiological adaptations of the neuromuscular system occurring in such disorders as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Significance of β‐catenin and pRB pathway components in malignant ovarian germ cell tumours: INK4A promoter CpG island methylation is associated with cell proliferation
Authors: Kawauchi Shigeto , Liu Xiu Ping , Kawasaki Keiko , Hirakawa Toshio , Amada Satoshi , Furuya Tomoko , Oga Atsunori , Sasaki Kohsuke
Published: October 2004

To clarify the mechanisms underlying cell cycle promotion in malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary (MGCTOs), β‐catenin and components of the pRB pathway, cyclin D1 and p16, were analysed in relation to cell proliferation. Immunohistochemically, p16 protein was not expressed in a number of MGCTOs (9 of 42 tumours: 21.4%) and was associated with p16 gene (INK4A) promoter 5′‐CpG islands methylation. Amplification of the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) was detected in a small number of MGCTOs (5 of 42 tumours: 13.5%). Reduced expression of p16 due to promoter methylation correlated significantly with increased cell proliferation as evidenced by Ki‐67 labelling index (p < 0.001) and mitotic index (p < 0.01). In some tumour types, nuclear localization of β‐catenin has been reported to be associated with β‐catenin gene (CTNNB1) mutation, cyclin D1 overexpression, and increased cell proliferation. Nuclear localization of β‐catenin, which was observed in MGCTOs other than dysgerminoma, was not associated with cyclin D1 expression and increased cell proliferation, but appeared to be related to tumour differentiation. Furthermore, CTNNB1 mutations were not detected in any of the MGCTOs examined. Our results suggest that reduced expression of p16 due to INK4A promoter methylation is one of the principal factors that promote cell proliferation in MGCTOs. Thus, p16 may be a novel target for gene therapies to treat MGCTOs. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in experimental post‐transplant obliterative bronchiolitis
Authors: Päiväniemi Outi E , Maasilta Paula K , Alho Hanni S , Wolff C Henrik J , Salminen Ulla‐Stina
Published: October 2004

Epithelial cell injury, inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and airway obliteration are histological features of post‐transplant obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 is expressed in acute and chronic inflammatory responses. Our aim was to elucidate the possible role of COX‐2 in post‐transplant OB by using a heterotopic bronchial porcine model. Bronchial allografts from non‐related donors were transplanted subcutaneously into 24 random‐bred domestic pigs, each weighing about 20 kg. Groups studied had grafts, non‐treated allografts, allografts given cyclosporine A (CsA), methylprednisolone (MP), and azathioprine (Aza), and allografts given CsA, MP, and everolimus. Grafts were serially harvested during a follow‐up period of 21 days for histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining was performed with monoclonal IgG against human COX‐2 peptide, and histological alterations and immunohistochemical positivity were graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Epithelial COX‐2 index was calculated by multiplying the percentage of positive cells by grade of epithelial COX‐2 intensity. Ischaemic epithelial loss, evident in all implants, recovered rapidly in autografts, and bronchi remained patent. Epithelial loss in non‐treated allografts preceded fibroblast proliferation, resulting in total luminal obliteration. In CsA‐, MP‐, and Aza‐treated allografts epithelial destruction and luminal obliteration were delayed, and these were prevented in CsA‐, MP‐, and everolimus‐treated allografts. COX‐2 expression due to operative ischaemia was evident in all implants on day 2. Thereafter, the epithelial COX‐2 index preceded epithelial injury and obliteration. During the inflammatory response and fibroblast proliferation, COX‐2 expression occurred in macrophages and fibroblasts. In conclusion, in the early stage of OB development, COX‐2 induction occurred in airway epithelial cells prior to luminal obliteration. In addition, the observation that COX‐2 expression in macrophages and fibroblasts paralleled the onset of inflammation and fibroblast proliferation indicates a role in OB development, but the causal relationships need further study. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent overexpression of multiple ErbB receptors by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma contrasts with rare antibody immunity in patients
Authors: Bei Roberto , Budillon Alfredo , Masuelli Laura , Cereda Vittore , Vitolo Domenico , Di Gennaro Elena , Ripavecchia Vanessa , Palumbo Camilla , Ionna Franco , Losito Simona , Modesti Andrea , Kraus Matthias H , Muraro Raffaella
Published: October 2004

In an effort to elucidate the role of ErbB receptors in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), expression abnormalities and subcellular localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 were investigated along with EGF and tenascin by immunohistochemistry in 38 carcinomas as compared to adjacent normal mucosa of 24 cases. Although tumour‐specific overexpression affected each ErbB receptor (EGFR 47%, ErbB2 29%, ErbB3 21%, ErbB4 26%), EGFR abnormalities were most prevalent. The latter, and overexpression of more than two ErbB receptors in the same tumour, which always included EGFR, correlated with metastatic disease. ErbB products were specifically detected on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm. In contrast, ErbB4 was uniquely localized to the nucleus in 7 carcinomas and a tumour‐derived cell line, indicating a role for regulated intramembrane proteolysis resulting in nuclear ErbB4 translocation in HNSCC. Expression of prototype ligand EGF or low‐affinity stromal activator tenascin correlated significantly with EGFR overexpression, implying chronic EGFR activation. Simultaneous overexpression of additional ErbB receptors in most of these cases suggested recurrent involvement of receptor heterodimers. In spite of frequent ErbB receptor alterations, autologous ErbB serum antibodies were rare, with only 1 of 38 tumour patients exhibiting an ErbB2‐specific immune response. Based on upregulation of several known immunosuppressive molecules, scarcity of ErbB‐specific antibodies is consistent with attenuation of natural tumour‐specific immune responses in HNSCC. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic effect of root extract of Tiliacora racemosa and oil of Semecarpus anacardium nut in human tumour cells
Authors: Chakraborty Sutapa , Roy Madhumita , Taraphdar Amit K. , Bhattacharya R. K.
Published: October 2004

Tiliacora racemosa and Semecarpus anacardium, the two plants frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of cancerous diseases, have been selected to examine their action in four human tumour cell lines: acute myeloblastic leukaemia (HL‐60), chronic myelogenic leukaemia (K‐562), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) and cervical epithelial carcinoma (HeLa). In cells grown in appropriate media the ethanol extract of T. racemosa root, the total alkaloids isolated from this organ and S. anacardium nut oil prepared according to the Ayurvedic principle were found to have cytotoxic activity. The alkaloid fraction from T. racemosa had maximum cytotoxicity and was effective against all four cell lines. S. anacardium oil was cytotoxic only in leukaemic cells. These herbal preparations were not cytotoxic towards normal human lymphocytes, suggesting their action is speciﬁc for tumour cells. On microscopic examination the cells treated with these agents exhibited characteristic morphological features of apoptosis, such as cell shrinkage, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Fluorescent staining with propidium iodide revealed distinct chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. The apoptotic index paralleled the cytotoxic parameters, and fragmented DNA extracted free of genomic DNA from treated cells displayed a typical ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis. Apoptosis induced by alkaloids and phenolics, the active principles present in T. racemosa and S. anacardium, respectively, was found to be mediated by the activation of caspases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flavanoid of Drynaria fortunei protects against gentamicin ototoxicity
Authors: Long Mian , Smouha Eric E. , Qiu Dan , Li Fangrong , Johnson Francis , Luft Benjamin
Published: October 2004

A ﬂavanoid fraction (FF) from Drynaria fortunei, was investigated to see if it has the protective and ameliorative effects against gentamicin (GM) ototoxicity in guinea pigs (n = 36). Eleven (GM‐group) animals received GM 100 mg/kg/day. Eleven (GMFF‐group) animals received the same dose of GM but 2 days prior were dosed with FF (10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Seven (S‐group) animals received saline and seven (FF‐group) animals received the same dose of FF as the GMFF‐group. The thresholds of tone‐burst auditory evoked response (ABR) at 2 k, 8 k, and 32 k Hz were determined to be as follows: GM‐group: 90 dB, 92 dB and 72 dB, GMFF‐group: 30 dB, 37 dB and 38 dB, FF‐group: 28 dB, 25 dB and 29 dB, S‐group: 30 dB, 28 dB and 39 dB. The GM‐group had a signiﬁcantly higher hearing threshold than the other groups (p < 0.05). The GMFF‐ and FF‐groups had hearing thresholds similar to the S‐groups (p > 0.1). Repair of damaged hair cells was observed histologically. The percentage of the damaged outer hair cells (OHC) and inner hair cells (IHC) were determined to be as follows: GM‐group: 43% and 20%, GMFF‐group: 20% and 2%, FF‐group: 9% and 2% and S‐group: 4% and 1%. The GMFF‐group showed less damage to the OHC (p > 0.05) and signiﬁcantly less damage to the IHC (p < 0.05) than the GM‐group. FF did not change the antimicrobial activity of GM and it did not show any intrinsic antibacterial effect. FF did not affect the kinetics of GM during the course of the experiment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of a tumor fistula
Authors: Shen O. , Beller U. , Rabinowitz R.
Published: October 2004

We report on two cases of advanced pelvic cancer in women who presented with profuse vaginal watery discharge. In both cases, transvaginal ultrasound revealed a fistulous tract connecting the tumor to the apex of the vaginal vault. The differential diagnoses and a review of the literature are discussed. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonography of fetal micturition
Authors: Boopathy Vijayaraghavan S.
Published: October 2004

Objective

To describe the sonographic visualization of fetal micturition and its role in the diagnosis of posterior urethral valves and hypospadias.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 25 male fetuses (21 with bilateral pyelectasis, one whose bladder was being studied because of ureterocele and three with hypospadias), and five female fetuses (with bilateral pyelectasis). A midline sagittal scan of the fetal pelvis, perineum and external genitalia was obtained and observed continuously during fetal micturition.

Results

In 19 of the 21 male fetuses and the five female fetuses with bilateral pyelectasis micturition was normal, with visualization of urinary bladder contraction, slight fluid distention of the urethra and a urinary stream from the external urethral meatus. In three male fetuses, two with bilateral pyelectasis and the one with ureterocele, the posterior urethra was normal at rest and it ballooned out during micturition, diagnostic of posterior urethral valves. In the three male fetuses with hypospadias the ventral jet of the urinary stream was visualized.

Conclusion

Fetal micturition can be visualized on sonography. It may be of value in the diagnosis of posterior urethral valves and hypospadias. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topological foundation of fuzziness
Authors: Albrecht R.
Published: October 2004

The goal of the paper is to show that fuzzy set theory and other related approaches to describe uncertainty, vagueness, similarity and proximity of objects can be represented by sound topological concepts developed by mathematicians decades earlier. In the introduction a brief survey on the principles of statistical and deterministic quantitative estimates and inclusion methods of imprecise data and results is given. Then follows a chapter on the mathematical theory of neighborhood‐ and similarity systems, their generation, their comparison, their mutual relationship and their valuations. In the last chapter, as applications, fuzzy set theory, topologized algebra, interval arithmetic and topologized logic are considered and the relationship of the statistical with the topological approach is discussed. For the reader's convenience, a glossary of some of the mathematical terms and notations used is attached.
Aggregation of evidence from random and fuzzy sets
Authors: Bernardini A. , Tonon F.
Published: October 2004

Alternative rules for the aggregation of different sources of information are discussed in the ambit of random set theory, which gives a general framework in the field of the uncertainty measures, containing probabilistic measures, set‐based models (interval analysis or more generally convex models), fuzzy sets and possibility theory as particular extreme cases. Analogies and extensions of the corresponding rules are underlined with reference both to probabilistic procedures and to fuzzy sets operations.
Stochastic linear programming methods in limit load analysis and optimal plastic design under stochastic uncertainty
Authors: Marti K. , Stoeckl G.
Published: October 2004

The basic mechanical conditions in optimal plastic design are the convex, linear or linearized yield/strength condition and the linear equilibrium equation for the generic stress (state) vector. Moreover, based on the mechanical survival conditions, the failure costs may be represented by the minimum value of a convex and often linear program. The basic optimal plastic design problem must be replaced by an appropriate deterministic substitute problem, if stochastic variations of the model parameters (e.g. yield stresses, plastic capacities) and external loadings have to be taken into account. Then the total expected costs are minimized subject to the remaining deterministic constraints. A stochastic convex optimization problem is obtained. A “Stochastic Linear Program (SLP) with complete fixed recourse” results when working with linearized yield/strength conditions. In case of a discretely distributed probability distribution or after the discretization of a more general probability distribution of the random structural parameters and loadings as well as certain random cost factors one has a linear program (LP) with a so‐called “dual decomposition data” structure. Some numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the solution procedures.
Optimal decisions under complex uncertainty – basic notions and a general algorithm for data‐based decision making with partial prior knowledge described by interval probability
Authors: Augustin Th.
Published: October 2004

A powerful application of decision theory to engineering problems often has failed: The uncertainty underlying is too complex to be modelled adequately by a (precise) probability distribution. The present paper shows how recent generalizations of the usual calculus of probability can be utilized to deal powerfully with complex uncertainty in decision problems. Basic notions of the resulting theory of generalized expected loss and generalized risk are developed and discussed. In addition to this, also a general applicable algorithm is proposed to calculate optimal decision functions by linear programming.
Uncertain structural design based on nonlinear fuzzy analysis
Authors: Beer M.
Published: October 2004

In this paper a comprehensive application of fuzzy set theory in structural engineering is presented. Non‐stochastic uncertainty is quantified using fuzzy values. The fuzzy structural parameters are processed on the basis of a generally applicable numerical method for arbitrary linear and nonlinear fuzzy structural analyses. This method is formulated in terms of α‐level optimization combined with a modified evolution strategy. The fuzzy structural responses are compared with permissible values and assessed using an analog to the Shannon entropy and defuzzification algorithms. Referring to permissible fuzzy structural responses uncertain structural design parameters are derived by applying a fuzzy cluster analysis to the fuzzy structural parameters. The nonlinear fuzzy structural analysis including uncertain structural design is demonstrated by way of an example.
Staging gastrointestinal cancer as a precondition for multimodal treatment
Authors: Siewert J. R. , Sendler A. , Dittler H. J. , Fink U. , Höfler H.
Published: October 2004

Staging gastrointestinal cancer is useful only if it has an impact on treatment. When applying modern multimodal therapies (i.e., neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or additive treatment), meticulous staging is mandatory. Preoperative staging should include all relevant prognostic factors. If possible, modern cellular biology‐related parameters should also be investigated, although their validity has not yet been analyzed properly. Using such modern techniques as endoluminal ultrasonography or video‐laparoscopy, a preoperative diagnostic accuracy of 85% can be achieved, providing a sound foundation for therapeutic decisions. Assessment by TNM staging (UICC) and surgical resection without residual tumor (UICC/R0) are crucial, as it has been shown by multivariate analyses that these factors have the most impact on prognosis. Postoperative staging is mainly done by pathohistologic evaluation of the surgical specimen. It is the basis for any postoperative adjuvant or additive therapy. In this paper the diagnostic methods and their validity are discussed in relation to the various gastrointestinal tumors.
Preoperative chemotherapy for unresectable gastric cancer
Authors: Wilke H. , Stahl M. , Fink U. , Meyer H‐J. , Siewert J. R.
Published: October 2004

Even with extended surgery, including systematic lymphadenectomy of the lymph node compartment II, only half of the patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), which comprises stages IIIA, IIIB, and IV, undergo a macroscopic and microscopic tumor‐free resection (i.e., R0 resection, according to UICC 1987/AICC 1988). An improvement of this situation is best accomplished by preoperative treatment modalities to increase the R0 resection rate and by preoperative and postoperative treatment to reduce local recurrences and distant metastases. For LAGC, which includes approximately two‐thirds of patients with locoregionally confined tumors, preoperative chemotherapy (CTx) represents a promising approach. Among a group of patients with surgically or clinically staged unresectable LAGC, approximately half underwent R0 resection after down‐staging induced by active modern CTx. The long‐term survival of these patients seems to be improved. Even in patients who had primarily unresectable tumors as defined by an explorative laparotomy, the long‐term survival was about 20% after preoperative CTx and subsequent surgery. Based on these experiences, randomized trials investigating preoperative CTx versus surgery alone are clearly needed to define whether such an approach has an impact on R0 resection rates and survival of patients with LAGC. Preconditions for such trials are clinical staging procedures, including endoscopic ultrasonography (T category) and surgical laparoscopy plus lavage (excluding peritoneal carcinomatosis), and a standardized surgical procedure.
Adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Macdonald John S. , Schnall Sandra F.
Published: October 2004

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach represents a significant problem worldwide. The only known curative treatment of gastric cancer is complete surgical resection of the stomach tumor with surrounding lymph node‐bearing areas. However, as many as 50% to 90% of patients undergoing gastric tumor resection relapse and die of cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been used to prevent recurrence of gastric cancer after surgical resection. Single agents including thiotepa and fluorodeoxyuridine have no benefit as adjuvant therapy. Likewise, combination chemotherapy including 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) plus methyl‐CCNU, 5‐FU plus Adriamycin plus mitomycin C (FAM), and mitomycin C plus 5‐FU plus cytosine arabinoside do not result in overall improved survival. Combined modality irradiation plus fluorinated pyrimidine, however, has resulted in long‐term survival of patients with known residual gastric cancer. The newest clinical trial in postoperative gastric cancer being performed in the United States will test 5‐FU plus leucovorin plus irradiation in a prospectively randomized study in patients with resected stage IB through stage IV stomach cancer. This surgical study, designed with excellent prospective quality control, is actively accruing patients and will be completed in 1.5 to 2.0 years.
Biology of human colon cancer metastasis
Authors: Gutman Mordechai , Fidler Isaiah J.
Published: October 2004

The process of metastasis is highly selective and favors the survival and growth of a few subpopulations of cells that preexist within a heterogecous primary neoplasm. To produce metastases, tumor cells must succeed in invasion, embolization, survival in the circulation, arrest in a distant capillary bed, and extravasation into and multiplication in organ parenchyma. The outcome of this process depends on the interaction of metastatic cells with multiple host factors. To assess metastatic potential accurately, it is necessary to orthotopically implant human tumor cells recovered from surgical specimens into nude mice. This orthotopic implantation of tumor cells is invariably associated with trauma to the specific organ of implantation, which is followed by the processes of inflammation and repair. Tissue‐specific growth factors may be responsible for stimulation of tumor cells that possess specific surface receptors. Understanding the factors that regulate cancer metastasis should allow for the design of rational therapy.
Anal cancer: Multimodal therapy
Authors: Schlag P. M. , Hünerbein M.
Published: October 2004

Anal cancer is a rare clinical entity which represents 1–2% of all gastrointestinal tract cancers. Due to the paucity of this malignancy it has been difficult to establish generally accepted guidelines for treatment, although various therapy modalities have been evaluated. For a long time radical surgery was the primary treatment for anal cancer and still about 30% of the patients undergo abdominoperineal rectotomy. However, recurrence rates of 20–40% have been observed after this multilating procedure. Therefore, other treatment options, including external or interstitial radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are used increasingly with the intention to preserve sphincter function. In the last years much interest has been addressed to multimodal therapy with radiation (50 Gy) and chemotherapy (5 fluouracil and mitomycin C). Presently radiochemotherapy appears to be the most efficient therapy in advanced anal cancer. Locoregional tumor control is obtained in 60–80% of the patients and there is evidence that radiochemotherapy can improve disease‐free survival. Despite considerable toxicity, radiochemotherapy should be recommended as primary therapy to most patients.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein: Primary osteolytic factor produced by breast tumor cells in vitro?
Authors: Tabuenca Arnold , Mohan Subburaman , Garberoglio Carlos A. , Borgen Patrick I. , Rosol Thomas , Linkhart Thomas A.
Published: October 2004

Tumor cells in bone metastases are thought to induce bone resorption primarily by releasing paracrine factors. Parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrp) has been proposed to mediate osteolytic activity of many tumors. PTHrp is produced by 40% to 60% of breast tumors and is elevated in the serum of up to 50% of patients with breast cancer metastases to bone. Most biologic processes in humans are heterogeneous in nature, so the purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that paracrine factors other than PTHrp could mediate bone resorption by breast tumor cells. Serum‐free conditioned medium (CM) was collected from five human breast tumor cell lines and tested for bone resorption‐stimulating activity (BRSA) in mouse calvaria organ cultures. CM from all tumor cells studied produced significant bone resorption, comparable to that produced by 10 nM PTH. Small amounts of immunoreactive PTHrp (1.4–12.5 pM) were produced by all breast tumor cell lines. When tested in vitro, equivalent amounts of human PTHrp[1–36] did not produce significant bone resorption. Indomethacin (1 μM) significantly blocked BRSA by CM from all cell lines but did not decrease BRSA by PTHrp. In contrast PTHrp antibody (130 μg/ml) completely blocked BRSA by 1 nM PTHrp but did not modify BRSA by CM of breast tumor cells. The results of this study support the hypothesis that breast cancer cells release paracrine factors in vitro that stimulate bone resorption by a mechanism that is partially dependent on prostaglandin synthesis and at least in part different from that of PTHrp. These results suggest that breast tumor cells may produce osteolytic factors that are distinct from PTHrp and that may constitute a more significant portion of the osteolytic activity produced at sites of metastasis in bone, although additional in vivo studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
Pretransplant intrathymic inoculation of donor antigen combined with FK506 treatment: Prolongation of survival of cardiac, but not renal, allografts in rats
Authors: Motoyama Kentaro , Kamei Takafumi , Arima Takeshi , Ueki Masao , Hirano Tatsuya , Nakafusa Yuji , Tanaka Masao
Published: October 2004

It has been shown that pretransplant intrathymic injection of donor antigen prolongs rat cardiac allograft survival. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether co‐administration of FK506 could enhance the beneficial effect of intrathymic preimmunization; we also wished to clarify whether this combined treatment could be effective for renal allografts. Seven days prior to transplantation 5×107 donor splenocytes were injected into the thymus of LEW (RT11) recipients of WKA (RT1u) cardiac or renal allografts. Using a miniosmotic pump, FK506 was administered for 7 days before transplantation at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day. Whereas intrathymic injection of donor splenocytes or subcutaneous FK506 alone showed limited (15.2 days) or no (7.3 days) prolongation of cardiac allograft survival, the combined treatment with these two modalities synergistically prolonged the survival of the cardiac allograft (> 82.0 days). This combined treatment, however, failed to prolong renal allograft survival (8.4 days). Although donor‐specific prolongation of a second cardiac allograft was obtained in LEW rats with a well beating WKA heart, two of the three recipients ultimately rejected both first and second WKA cardiac allografts. Additionally, LEW rats with a long‐surviving WKA heart rejected a WKA renal allograft in a normal fashion. These data demonstrate a synergistic effect of intrathymic injection of donor splenocytes and subcutaneous FK506 on cardiac, but not renal, allograft survival and suggest that quantitative or qualitative differences of immunogenicity of kidney may contribute to the rejection of renal allografts.
Function of the sphincter of oddi in patients with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula: Evaluation by intraoperative biliary manometry under a duodenal pressure load
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Sakamoto Tsuguo , Miyata Masahiko , Yamasaki Yoshio , Yamasaki Hajime , Kuwata Keiji
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the function of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) in patients with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JDDs). The SO function was evaluated by intraoperative biliary manometry in three groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of nine patients with JDDs and a dilated common bile duct (CBD) (diameter > 10 mm). Group 2 consisted of six patients with JDDs and a normal‐sized CBD (diameter < 10 mm). Group 3 consisted of 26 patients without JDDs and with normal‐sized CBDs.In the absence of a duodenal pressure load, the patients in group 1 demonstrated a lower baseline SO pressure and lower resistance of the biliary outflow than patients in group 3. They also demonstrated a lower baseline SO pressure and shorter decay time (which represented terminal biliary ductal resistance) than patients in group 2. In the presence of a duodenal pressure load of 300 mm H2O, the patients in group 1 demonstrated a lower incidence of phasic SO contractions, a higher baseline SO pressure, and a higher resistance of the biliary outflow than group 2 and group 3 patients. The decay time in group 1 and group 2 patients was higher than that of group 3 patients. Based on these findings, we conclude that the SO function in patients with JDDs is impaired owing in part to long‐standing compression of the terminal biliary ductal system by a distended JDD associated with a rise in intraduodenal pressure in daily life.
Analysis of the stability and robustness of the iterative multiscaling approach for microwave imaging applications
Authors: Caorsi Salvatore , Donelli Massimo , Massa Andrea
Published: October 2004

In a reconstruction procedure based on the iterative solution of inverse scattering integral equations, the quality of the final image depends on both the numerical and experimental noise. Numerical noise is related to the accuracy of the numerical representation of the microwave imaging apparatus and system geometry. Experimental noise refers to the nonideal electromagnetic conditions in which the data acquisition is performed. This paper provides a systematic evaluation of the impact of the most significant sources of numerical and experimental noise on the reconstruction quality when the Iterative Multiscaling Approach (IMSA) is used. The assessment of the robustness and stability of the IMSA is carried out by considering synthetic as well as real data. The achieved results provide detailed indications on the range of applicability of the IMSA for qualitative and/or quantitative imaging purposes.
Wave scattering with the UV multilevel partitioning method: 1. Two‐dimensional problem of perfect electric conductor surface scattering
Authors: Tsang Leung , Chen Dong , Xu Peng , Li Qin , Jandhyala Vikram
Published: October 2004

A UV method with multilevel partitioning (UVMLP) is developed to solve electromagnetic problem. In this paper we demonstrate the technique to treat electromagnetic problem for large surface in a two‐dimensional (2‐D) problem. Using the multilevel partitioning (MLP), the decomposition preprocessing, and the matrix vector multiplication require CPU of O(N logN) per iteration with a smaller constant factor for matrix column multiplication than decomposition. The memory requirement is of O(N logN). We demonstrate the technique for a rough surface scattering problem with surface length up to 13,000 wavelengths and RMS height up to ten wavelengths. Computations are based on using PC with a single Pentium 4–2.4 GHz processor and 1 G RAM. For the case of 65,536 unknowns, it requires about CPU from 3.3 to 5.33 s per iteration and a total CPU of 3.9–14.3 min with 49–146 conjugate gradient iterations.
The spherical tearing mode
Authors: Hu S. , Bhattacharjee A. , Dorelli J. , Greene J. M.
Published: October 2004

The spherical tearing mode is the three‐dimensional analog of the classical tearing mode in two dimensions. In three dimensions, loops of field lines connecting magnetic nulls play the role of separatrices. A numerical study of the tearing instability of a three‐dimensional analytic equilibrium containing a closed spherical tearing surface composed of null‐null lines is presented. A new fast tearing instability is identified. Implications of this model for global models of reconnection at the dayside magnetopause are discussed.
Solar wind stream interaction regions without sector boundaries
Authors: Neugebauer M. , Liewer P. C. , Goldstein B. E. , Zhou X. , Steinberg J. T.
Published: October 2004

During periods of high solar activity when there are many sources of solar wind on the solar disk, a spacecraft occasionally encounters consecutive solar wind streams with the same magnetic polarity. The low‐speed wind in the region of interaction between the two streams exhibits many of the same features as, but has some differences from, the low‐speed wind that includes crossings of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) where the direction of the heliospheric magnetic field reverses. The non‐HCS slow wind exhibits many of the same small‐scale structures usually associated with the slow wind around the HCS; these include discontinuous stream interfaces and other discontinuities, magnetic holes, and low‐entropy structures. These entropy holes do not appear to have the same origin as the plasma sheets observed near the HCS, however. The helium abundances and heavy ion charge states in the non‐HCS regions are not significantly different from those in HCS‐associated regions. Some of the dynamical properties of the non‐HCS regions differ from those found near the HCS; the regions between leading and trailing stream interfaces have a shorter duration or scale size, greater minimum speed, and lower peak and average densities. No correlation could be found between the non‐HCS slow wind and visible coronal streamers.
Radio frequency radiation beam pattern of lightning return strokes: A revisit to theoretical analysis
Authors: Shao Xuan‐Min , Jacobson Abram R. , Fitzgerald T. Joseph
Published: October 2004

Return stroke current pulses can propagate at speeds approaching the speed of lightc. Such a fast‐moving pulse is expected to radiate differently than conventional dipole emitters. In this study, we revisit the theoretical analysis for the high‐speed effect on the radiation beam pattern. Instead of starting with specific return stroke models, as has been done before by other investigators, we start the analysis with a general moving current pulse. Through a simple differential transformation between the retarded time and stationary time/space, the so‐calledFfactor (1 −vcos θ/c)−1can be readily obtained. This factor is found to be fundamental and is explicitly associated with the radiation beam pattern but is not limited only to the lossless transmission line (TL) return stroke model. It is demonstrated that different beam pattern factors could be derived from this fundamental factor under different return stroke model assumptions.
Model thermal response to minor radiative energy sources and sinks in the middle atmosphere
Authors: Fomichev V. I. , Fu C. , de Grandpré J. , Beagley S. R. , Ogibalov V. P. , McConnell J. C.
Published: October 2004

This paper presents the thermal response of the Canadian middle atmosphere model (CMAM) to minor radiative energy sources and sinks. These include chemical heating, infrared (IR) H2O cooling, sphericity effect in solar heating, and solar heating in the near‐IR CO2 bands. All of these energy sources/sinks can be considered as minor ones either in terms of their magnitude or in terms of the limited height region where they are of importance or both. To examine the thermal response of the middle atmosphere, a version of the CMAM with an interactive gas phase chemistry scheme has been used in a series of multiyear experiments for conditions of perpetual July. Each of the analyzed mechanisms may provide a noticeable contribution into the model energy balance that results in a statistically significant model response. Various forcing terms due to minor energy sources/sinks have different spatial and temporal distributions. Their magnitudes vary from tenths K d−1 for the sphericity effect up to ∼10 K d−1 for chemical heating that provides corresponding thermal responses of a few to about 20 K in the middle atmosphere. The model thermal response depends on the magnitude of the applied forcing but is not always local and can be spread beyond the regions where the forcing terms are initially applied. On a globally averaged basis the local strength of the model response is nearly proportional to the magnitude of the small forcing terms but shows nonlinearity when forcing due to chemical heating exceeds ∼1 K d−1 in the mesosphere. Accounting for the combined effects of the minor energy sources and sinks leads to a better agreement between the model temperature field and observations.
Cross‐validation of MIPAS/ENVISAT and GPS‐RO/CHAMP temperature profiles
Authors: Wang Ding‐Yi , Stiller Gabriele P. , von Clarmann Thomas , Fischer Herbert , López‐Puertas Manuel , Funke Bernd , Glatthor Norbert , Grabowski Udo , Höpfner Michael , Kellmann Sylvia , Kiefer Michael , Linden Andrea , Tsidu Gizaw Mengistu , Milz Mathias , Steck Tilman , Jiang Jonathan H. , Ao Chi O. , Manney Gloria , Hocke Klemens , Wu Dong L. , Romans Larry J. , Wickert Jens , Schmidt Torsten
Published: October 2004

The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on board the ENVISAT and the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver on the Challenging Mini‐Satellite Payload (CHAMP) provide temperature profiles by limb‐viewing midinfrared emission and radio occultation (RO) measurements, respectively. The MIPAS temperatures retrieved at the Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung (IMK) are compared with the GPS‐RO/CHAMP observations derived at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) Potsdam. The three data sets show generally good agreement. The global mean differences averaged between 8 and 30 km in 14 days of September/October 2002 are −0.44 ± 0.02 K and 0.07 ± 0.02 K for MIPAS/GPS‐RO JPL and GFZ comparisons, respectively. The MIPAS global mean temperatures below 25 km are slightly lower than those of GPS‐RO JPL and GFZ by less than 1 K and 0.2 K, respectively. Above 25 km, the MIPAS temperatures are higher than the JPL and GFZ data, in particular near both poles and the equator, with maxima of 1 K for JPL and 1.5 K for GFZ at 30 km. The standard deviations are ∼2–4 K. Possible explanations for the observed differences include (1) effect of spatial and temporal mismatch between the correlative measurements on the observed standard deviations, in particular in regions and episodes of enhanced wave activity; (2) a negative bias in GPS‐RO/CHAMP temperatures in regions of increased humidity; (3) a mapping of initialization temperature profiles on GPS‐RO/CHAMP retrievals at altitudes where low refraction contains no information on air density; and (4) measurement errors of both instruments, particularly the errors due to insufficient knowledge of the instrument line shape and spectroscopy in current MIPAS retrievals.