bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of treatment on survival in patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Conger Bryant T. , Sheils W. Chris , Bilodeau Paul A. , Coleman Teresa A. , Porubsky Edward S.
Published: May 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Over the last 2 decades, survival from laryngeal cancer has decreased. We sought to identify factors associated with decreased survival in laryngeal cancer.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma from 1985 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

A total of 451 patients met study criteria. Five‐year survival rates were 85% for stage I, 77% for stage II, 51% for stage III, and 35% for stage IV disease. Survival for patients with stage I–III disease was similar for patients treated operatively or nonoperatively (P = .4). However, patients with stage III disease treated nonoperatively had worse survival with radiation alone (XRT) compared to chemoradiation (CR) (P = .006). Patients with stage IV disease had significantly better survival with surgery (49%) than CR (21%) or XRT alone (14%) (P < .0001). Analysis by primary tumor stage demonstrated that survival for T1–T3 disease was independent of treatment modality (P = .2); however, for T4 patients, operative treatment was associated with significantly better survival (55%) than CR (25%) or XRT (0%) (P < .0001). Proportional hazards models confirmed significantly worse survival for stage IV, T4, N2 or N3 disease, and nonoperative treatment. For T4 disease, after controlling for nodal status, nonoperative treatment was the only significant predictor of worse survival.

Conclusions:

Primary surgical treatment is associated with improved survival for patients with stage IV disease and specifically T4 primary tumors. These data suggest that the observed national decrease in survival from laryngeal cancer may be due to a shift toward nonoperative treatment in that subset of patients with advanced primary disease. Laryngoscope, 2009
Larynx‐preserving esophagectomy and jejunal transfer for cervical esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Kadota Hideki , Sakuraba Minoru , Kimata Yoshihiro , Hayashi Ryuichi , Ebihara Satoshi , Kato Hoichi
Published: May 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To examine the efficacy and safety of free jejunal transfer after larynx‐preserving esophagectomy in patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma, especially with a high tumor involving the hypopharynx.

Study Design:

A retrospective analysis of patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma who underwent free jejunal transfer after larynx‐preserving esophagectomy.

Methods:

The subjects were 32 patients who underwent larynx‐preserving cervical esophagectomy and microvascular jejunal transfer. Fifteen patients had a high cervical esophageal carcinoma that involved the hypopharynx (high‐tumor group), and 17 patients had a low cervical esophageal carcinoma that did not involve the hypopharynx (low‐tumor group). For each group, mortality, morbidity (anastomotic leakage, wound infection, stricture, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy), functional outcomes (time to start oral intake, achieve complete oral intake, decannulation, and rate of larynx preservation), and oncologic outcomes (survival and local control rate) were reviewed and compared.

Results:

No perioperative deaths occurred in either group. The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ between the groups. Oral intake started significantly later in the high‐tumor group (14.9 days) than in the low‐tumor group (10.4 days), but all patients in the high‐tumor group could finally achieve oral intake without aspiration. Decannulation was possible in patients who underwent tracheostomy, and laryngeal function was completely preserved in the high‐tumor group. Both survival and local control rate did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions:

Free jejunal grafts in larynx‐preserving surgery can be performed safely and reliably in patients with low cervical esophageal carcinomas and in selected patients with high tumors involving the hypopharynx. Laryngoscope, 2009
Optimal use of intraoperative PTH levels in parathyroidectomy
Authors: Seybt Melanie W. , Loftus Kelly A. , Mulloy Anthony L. , Terris David J.
Published: May 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Localization and the intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) have facilitated minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. The precise algorithm governing use of IOPTH has been debated. Numerous authors advocate acquisition of a so‐called pre‐excision (P‐E) baseline level (obtained after dissection of the adenoma, but prior to excision) in addition to a preincision baseline, to guard against spurious elevation in the baseline that might confuse interpretation of postexcision levels. We sought to clarify the optimal timing of PTH level determination.

Study Design:

Consecutive single‐surgeon case series with planned data collection from patients undergoing parathyroid surgery at a university hospital.

Methods:

Demographic data and intraoperative laboratory and surgical findings from patients undergoing parathyroidectomy were prospectively gathered and analyzed. Attention was paid to the value of P‐E and 5‐minute postexcision levels and their impact on intraoperative decision‐making.

Results:

One hundred twelve patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Thirty were for secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism and were excluded. Seventy‐nine (96.3%) of the 82 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were rendered eucalcemic. In no case did the P‐E value change what was otherwise destined to be a successful result. In 65.3% of cases, operative time was conserved as the procedure was correctly stopped after the 5‐minute level, without the need to wait until the 10‐minute postexcision level was reported.

Conclusions:

Pre‐excision baseline IOPTH levels, although logical in their original proposal, appear to play little role in determining the completeness of an exploration. A 5‐minute postexcision level adds value in nearly two thirds of cases by allowing earlier termination of the operation. Laryngoscope, 2009
Proton NMR studies of dihalogenated phenyl benzamides: two‐dimensional higher quantum methodologies
Authors: Manjunatha Reddy G.N. , Nayak Susanta Kumar , Guru Row T.N. , Suryaprakash N.
Published: May 2009

The scalar coupled proton NMR spectra of many organic molecules possessing more than one phenyl ring are generally complex due to degeneracy of transitions arising from the closely resonating protons, in addition to several short‐ and long‐range couplings experienced by each proton. Analogous situations are generally encountered in derivatives of halogenated benzanilides. Extraction of information from such spectra is challenging and demands the differentiation of spectrum pertaining to each phenyl ring and the simplification of their spectral complexity. The present study employs the blend of independent spin system filtering and the spin‐state selective detection of single quantum (SQ) transitions by the two‐dimensional multiple quantum (MQ) methodology in achieving this goal. The precise values of the scalar couplings of very small magnitudes have been derived by double quantum resolved experiments. The experiments also provide the relative signs of heteronuclear couplings. Studies on four isomers of dihalogenated benzanilides are reported in this work. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptom occurrence and associated clinical factors in nursing home residents with cancer
Authors: Duncan Jennifer G. , Bott Marjorie J. , Thompson Sarah A. , Gajewski Byron J.
Published: May 2009

Little is known about the factors that contribute to symptoms in nursing home residents with cancer. We compared rates of symptoms in residents with (n = 1,022) and without cancer (n = 9,910) and examined physiologic, psychologic and situational factors potentially related to symptoms in residents with cancer. Pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea were significantly (p < .05) more prevalent in residents with cancer. Cancer treatments, comorbid illnesses, and situational factors were not consistently correlated with symptoms. Improved symptom control was especially needed for the 30% of residents with cancer who clinically deteriorated within 3 months of admission; physical dependence and deteriorating clinical status were associated with pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32: 453–464, 2009
Composites formed by glass fibers and PS‐modified epoxy matrix. Influence of the glass fibers surface on the morphologies and mechanical properties of the interphases generated
Authors: Olmos D. , Gonzalez‐Benito J.
Published: May 2009

In this work, the influence of the nature of the reinforcement surface on the interfacial morphologies developed in E‐glass fibers/polystyrene (PS)‐modified epoxy composites has been studied. Different surface modifications of the fibers were considered. In a complementary way, morphological analysis and nanoindentation measurements were carried out using atomic force microscopy to subsequently correlate the interfacial structure with the morphologies observed. In every composite, reaction‐induced phase separation happened with a morphology composed of PS‐rich domains immersed in an epoxy‐rich phase. However, depending on the surface modification of the glass fibers, different distributions of PS‐rich domains at the interfaces were obtained. The results were interpreted in terms of a gradual phase separation process because of stoichiometric gradients from the glass fibers surface to the matrix bulk caused by specific segregation of one of the components of the reactive epoxy mixture to the fibers occurs. It was concluded that specific and controlled reinforcement modification allows obtaining tailored interfaces formed by a polymer blend and a reinforcement in which the morphology can be previously selected. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Attitudes towards antimicrobial drugs among general population in Croatia, Fyrom, Greece, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia
Authors: Radošević Nives , Vlahović‐Palčevski Vera , Benko Ria , Peklar Jure , Miškulin Inka , Matuz Maria , Papaioannidou Paraskevi , Sabo Ana , Palčevska‐Koceska Snežana
Published: May 2009

Purpose

A pilot study to assess patients' attitudes towards antimicrobials (ABs) in six European countries (Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greece, Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia), as a step preceding educational intervention on the importance of patients' compliance with instructions on taking ABs and consequences of their inappropriate use.

Methods

Patients' knowledge, emotions and behaviour regarding ABs were assessed using a structured questionnaire, constructed by a psychologist and intended for general population in six European countries. Questionnaires were filled out by individuals who visited pharmacies and general practitioners.

Results

A total of 838 questionnaires were filled in. Respondents from Slovenia showed the best knowledge about ABs, followed by Croatians. The highest willingness for self‐medication reported respondents from FYROM. The most positive emotions about ABs were expressed by respondents in Greece and Hungary, and the most negative in Slovenia. All components of attitudes towards antibiotics were influenced by country and level of education.

Conclusions

Behaviour regarding ABs complied with emotions and knowledge in all countries. The results of this study may lay a basis for conducting national public campaigns, as a step forward in education of patients on rational AB use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulating Eu3+ complex doped layers to improve Si‐based solar cell efficiency
Authors: Le Donne Alessia , Acciarri Maurizio , Narducci Dario , Marchionna Stefano , Binetti Simona
Published: May 2009

This paper reports the electrical characterization of commercially available crystalline silicon solar cells encapsulated with poly‐vinylacetate doped with different Eu3+ organic complexes. The inclusion of these complexes in the encapsulating matrix allows down‐shifting of the solar spectrum components below 420 nm toward the maximum quantum efficiency of the solar cells. This effect has been proven under Air Mass 1·5 conditions (simulating terrestrial applications) where an increase of the total power delivered by the encapsulated cells has been observed. Moreover, this enhancement has been obtained using very low percentage by weight of organolanthanide dopants, allowing a reduction in the Watt peak price. At higher concentrations a strong quenching of the energy transfer from the organic antenna to the lanthanide ion has been observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Up‐regulation of the inflammatory‐reparative phenotype in human prostate carcinoma
Authors: Ravenna Linda , Sale Patrizio , Di Vito Maura , Russo Andrea , Salvatori Luisa , Tafani Marco , Mari Emanuela , Sentinelli Steno , Petrangeli Elisa , Gallucci Michele , Di Silverio Franco , Russo Matteo A
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have underlined the role of tumor cells in the endogenous synthesis of pro‐inflammatory molecules. We tested whether malignant progression in prostate cancer was associated with the activation of a phenotype typical of the innate immune system.

METHODS

The expression of a set of molecules involved in tissue inflammation and repair was measured by real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis in prostate samples in the absence or slight presence of a detectable leukocyte infiltrate. Whole tumor and non‐tumor samples were analyzed in addition to laser‐capture microdissected tumor and host epithelium. Receptor for advanced glycation end products, purine receptor, inducible enzymes cyclooxygenase‐2 and nitric oxide synthase‐2, pentraxin‐3 and growth‐survival factor receptors such as epithelial growth factor and estrogen α and β receptors were all studied.

RESULTS

A global survey approach showed an up‐regulation in tumor samples of all of the studied genes, with the exception of ERβ. A laser‐capture microdissection approach highlighted over‐expression of pro‐inflammatory molecules in each tumor sample examined. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐kB subunit p65 was observed in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the evidence that molecules typical of the innate immune system, similar to that of activated leukocytes, are produced by prostate epithelial cells and that their expression is up‐regulated in malignant cells. We suggest that the observed pro‐inflammatory and repair process activation may represent an important molecular mechanism in the progression of prostate cancer. Prostate 69:1245–1255, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression level and DNA methylation status of glutathione‐S‐transferase genes in normal murine prostate and TRAMP tumors
Authors: Mavis Cory K. , Kinney Shannon R. Morey , Foster Barbara A. , Karpf Adam R.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND

Glutathione‐S‐transferase (Gst) genes are downregulated in human prostate cancer, and GSTP1 silencing is mediated by promoter DNA hypermethylation in this malignancy. We examined Gst gene expression and Gst promoter DNA methylation in normal murine prostates and Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) tumors.

METHODS

Primary and metastatic tumors were obtained from TRAMP mice, and normal prostates were obtained from strain‐matched WT mice (n = 15/group). Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR was used to measure GstA4, GstK1, GstM1, GstO1, and GstP1 mRNA expression, and Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining was used to measure GstM1 and GstP1 protein expression. MassARRAY Quantitative Methylation Analysis was used to measure DNA methylation of the 5′ CpG islands of GstA4, GstK1, GstM1, GstO1, and GstP1. TRAMP‐C2 cells were treated with the epigenetic remodeling drugs decitabine and trichostatin A (TSA) alone and in combination, and Gst gene expression was measured.

RESULTS

Of the genes analyzed, GstM1 and GstP1 were expressed at highest levels in normal prostate. All five Gst genes showed greatly reduced expression in primary tumors compared to normal prostate, but not in tumor metastases. Gst promoter methylation was unchanged in TRAMP tumors compared to normal prostate. Combined decitabine + TSA treatment significantly enhanced the expression of 4/5 Gst genes in TRAMP‐C2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Gst genes are extensively downregulated in primary but not metastatic TRAMP tumors. Promoter DNA hypermethylation does not appear to drive Gst gene repression in TRAMP primary tumors; however, pharmacological studies using TRAMP cells suggest the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in Gst gene repression. Prostate 69:1312–1324, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modification of biphenylselenolate monolayers by low‐energy electrons
Authors: Weidner T. , Ballav N. , Grunze M. , Terfort A. , Zharnikov M.
Published: May 2009

The effect of low‐energy (50 eV) electron irradiation on self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of aromatic selenolates on polycrystalline Au{111} was studied by synchrotron‐based X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. As a test system, SAMs of biphenylselenolate (BPSe) were used, and analogous biphenylthiolate (BPT) SAMs were taken as a reference. The BPSe films were found to exhibit the expected high stability of aromatic SAMs toward electron irradiation, primarily mediated by the dominance of cross‐linking between the individual molecular species. The cross‐sections of the most prominent irradiation‐induced processes in the BPSe SAMs were obtained and found to be in a range of 0.07–0.2 × 10–16 cm2. Comparison of the BPSe and BPT SAMs showed a higher stability of the former system toward electron irradiation. This phenomenon was explained by a combined effect of a higher degree of crystallinity of the BPSe SAMs and a higher strength of the selenolate‐gold as compared to thiolate‐gold bond. The latter aspect is an important result of the present study, which may help to rationalize the current controversy regarding the relative strength of these two anchor groups. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ginkgo biloba treating patients with attention‐deficit disorder
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut
Published: May 2009

Various medications such as clonidine facilitate calming, enhance frustration tolerance and reduce aggression in attention‐deficit disorder (ADD) patients. The use of Ginkgo biloba was studied as an herbal alternative. Six psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with ADD were rated at baseline and while taking Ginkgo biloba to determine its efficacy as a treatment for ADD. Comparisons of Wender Utah ratings within subject were used to measure behavioral changes in the subjects. During Ginkgo biloba treatment, the patients' mean scores improved significantly overall and in hyperactivity, inattention, and immaturity factors. This preliminary study indicates that Ginkgo biloba might be a beneficial and useful treatment of ADD, with minimal side effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of an isolated sub‐100 attosecond pulse in a two‐color laser field
Authors: Guo Ya‐Hui , Lu Rui‐Feng , Han Ke‐Li , He Guo‐Zhong
Published: May 2009

We propose a method of generating an ultrabroad extreme ultraviolet continuum spectrum with a two‐color scheme. By combining a phase‐stabilized few‐cycle laser pulse and its subharmonic laser, the electron quantum paths in the laser field are significantly modulated, a broadened continuum spectrum of 190 eV can be obtained, and an isolated 85 attosecond (as) pulse is generated. By increasing the intensity of the subharmonic controlling pulse, the continuum spectrum is extended effectively and a single 53 as pulse is predicted. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Electronic temperature in divide‐and‐conquer electronic structure calculation revisited: Assessment and improvement of self‐consistent field convergence
Authors: Akama Tomoko , Kobayashi Masato , Nakai Hiromi
Published: May 2009

We investigated the electronic temperature dependence of divide‐and‐conquer (DC) self‐consistent field (SCF) method in calculations of uniform (U) and bond‐alternating polyene chains. It was found that part of total energy error of DC calculation is caused by a finite electronic temperature appeared in the DC formalism. As the electronic temperature decreases, the error by the finite temperature decreases to zero but the number of SCF iteration increases, especially in the U chain calculation. To improve the DC SCF convergence with a high energy accuracy, we introduced the temperature‐lowering technique into DC calculation. Numerical assessment reveals the good performance of the present method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Light emission due to the quantum confinement of carriers in silicon‐based nanostructures
Authors: Hayafuji Yoshinori , Ohmori Kengo , Igei Kazushi , Kambara Nobuo
Published: May 2009

In the field of Si nanoscale ultralarge‐scale integration, the quantum confinement effect is undesirable with respect to the device characteristics and performance because the carriers are entirely confined in nanoscale or low‐dimensional structures. Significant efforts are being made with regard to the positive use of the quantum confinement effect in Si nanoscale structures. One such attempt is related to the use of Si optoelectronics and photonics for optical interconnections within a Si chip. In this study, the intrinsic electronic structures in the Si‐based nanostructures with different dimensions and sizes as candidates for Si optoelectronics were investigated by the DV‐Xα molecular orbital calculation, which is advantageous to simulate the valence band structures for nanomaterials. We discuss the shift of a light emission peak to a higher energy due to the quantum confinement of carriers in the Si‐based nanostructures, which depends on the sizes and numbers of structural dimensions, on the basis of the calculated results. Also, effect of doping of group IIIB and VB elements in the periodic table on the extrinsic electronic structures of the Si‐based nanostructures were clarified by combining the Vienna ab‐initio code for determining the relaxation structures around the dopants with the DV‐Xα method for simulating the valence band structures. The results obtained are useful as a measure of possibility of the Si‐based nano‐structured materials for optoelectronics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Graphic and haptic modelling of the oesophagus for VR‐based medical simulation
Authors: Choi Changmok , Kim Jungsik , Han Hyonyung , Ahn Bummo , Kim Jung
Published: May 2009

Background

Medical simulators with vision and haptic feedback have been applied to many medical procedures in recent years, due to their safe and repetitive nature for training. Among the many technical components of the simulators, realistic and interactive organ modelling stands out as a key issue for judging the fidelity of the simulation. This paper describes the modelling of an oesophagus for a real‐time laparoscopic surgical simulator.

Methods

For realistic simulation, organ deformation and tissue cutting in the oesophagus are implemented with geometric organ models segmented from the Visible Human Dataset. The tissue mechanical parameters were obtained fromin vivoanimal experiments and integrated with graphic and haptic devices into the laparoscopic surgical simulation system inside an abdominal mannequin.

Results

This platform can be used to demonstrate deformation and incision of the oesophagus by surgical instruments, where the user can haptically interact with the virtual soft tissues and simultaneously see the corresponding organ deformation on the visual display.

Conclusions

Current laparoscopic surgical training has been transformed from the traditional apprenticeship model to simulation‐based methods. The outcome of the model could replace conventional training systems and could be useful in effectively transferring surgical skills to novice surgeons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the impact of human activities on hydrological and sediment changes (1953–2000) in nine major catchments of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yang Tao , Xu Chong‐Yu , Chen Xi , Singh Vijay P. , Shao Quan Xi , Hao Zhen‐Chun , Tao Xin
Published: May 2009

The Range of Variability Approach (RVA) is employed to investigate the variability and spatial patterns of hydrological and sediment changes (1953–2000) induced by intensified human activities, i.e. the implementation of water and soil conservation measures, in nine major catchments of the Loess Plateau, China. Results indicate that: (1) streamflow and sediment load regimes were greatly changed by the implementation of conservation measures; (2) similar spatial patterns of high hydrological and sediment changes resulting from the intensive implementation of conservation measures are observed in most catchments of the middle Yellow River. However, slightly different behaviours of changes exist due to the unique complexity of hydrological and sediment processes in this region and (3) the impacts of various conservation measures on hydrological and sediment processes are closely associated with the extent and types of these measures. Engineering works have a quite immediate impact on streamflow and sediment regimes. Considerable vegetation controls are recognized as additional important driving forces for high hydrological and sediment alterations among various soil conservation measures. In vegetation controls, afforestation is the major factor causing the changes of runoff and sediment processes in these nine catchments. The results of the current study will be greatly beneficial to the regional water resources management and restoration of eco‐environmental system in the middle Yellow River basin characterized by intensified soil‐conservation measures under the changing environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confocal microscopy reveals Myzitiras and Vthela morphotypes as new signatures of malignancy progression
Authors: Veselý Pavel , Rösel Daniel , Paňková Daniela , Tolde Ondřej , Blase Chris , Matoušková Eva , Folk Petr , Brábek Jan , Bereiter‐Hahn Juergen
Published: May 2009

G3S1 cells are a new line derived from EM‐G3 breast cancer cells by chronic nutritional stress and treatments with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate. These cells are capable of growing in standard medium. G3S1 cells exhibited elevated invasiveness in Matrigel invasion chambers as compared with parental EM‐G3 cells. Elevated invasiveness of G3S1 cells was accompanied by higher incidence of myzitiras morphotype (sucker‐like) and newly observed vthela morphotype (leech‐like) both inducible in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution test. Time‐lapse phase contrast microscopy showed a capacity of G3S1 cells to form lobopodial protrusions already 20 min after seeding on gelatin. These protrusions could make contact with the dish and possibly produce the vthela shape. The possible relationship of mysitiras and vthela morphotypes to an increase in malignant potential marked by enhanced invasiveness was thus indicated. SCANNING 31: 102–106, 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stem Cell Transplant into Preimplantation Embryo Yields Myocardial Infarction-Resistant Adult Phenotype
Authors: Yamada Satsuki , Nelson Timothy J. , Behfar Atta , Crespo-Diaz Ruben J. , Fraidenraich Diego , Terzic Andre
Published: May 2009

Stem cells are an emerging strategy for treatment of myocardial infarction, limited however to postinjury intervention. Preventive stem cell-based therapy to augment stress tolerance has yet to be considered for lifelong protection. Here, pluripotent stem cells were microsurgically introduced at the blastocyst stage of murine embryo development to ensure stochastic integration and sustained organ contribution. Engineered chimera displayed excess in body weight due to increased fat deposits, but were otherwise devoid of obesity-related morbidity. Remarkably, and in sharp contrast to susceptible nonchimeric offspring, chimera was resistant to myocardial infarction induced by permanent coronary occlusion. Infarcted nonchimeric adult hearts demonstrated progressive deterioration in ejection fraction, while age-matched 12–14-months-old chimera recovered from equivalent ischemic insult to regain within one-month preocclusion contractile performance. Electrical remodeling and ventricular enlargement with fibrosis, prominent in failing nonchimera, were averted in the chimeric cohort characterized by an increased stem cell load in adipose tissue and upregulated markers of biogenesis Ki67, c-Kit, and stem cell antigen-1 in the myocardium. Favorable outcome in infarcted chimera translated into an overall benefit in workload capacity and survival. Thus, prenatal stem cell transplant yields a cardioprotective phenotype in adulthood, expanding cell-based indications beyond traditional postinjury applications to include pre-emptive therapy.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Use of serum progesterone measurements to reduce need for follow‐up in women with pregnancies of unknown location
Authors: Day A. , Sawyer E. , Mavrelos D. , Tailor A. , Helmy S. , Jurkovic D.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To assess the efficacy of a progesterone‐based algorithm for the management of women with pregnancies of unknown location (PULs) and explore the feasibility of developing a single‐visit strategy in those with a low risk of requiring medical intervention.

Methods

All clinically stable women in whom pregnancy could not be identified on ultrasound scan were managed by a pre‐defined protocol based on measurement of serum progesterone and β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG). Intervention in the form of surgery or medical treatment with methotrexate was offered to all women with persistent or worsening symptoms and non‐declining serum β‐hCG. Decision‐tree analysis was used to develop a protocol for the management of women with resolving pregnancies who are at low risk of requiring medical intervention.

Results

1110 women were included in the data analysis: normal intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed in 248 (22.3%; 95% CI, 19.9–24.8) women. 761 (68.6%; 95% CI, 65.8–71.3) abnormal pregnancies resolved spontaneously on expectant management, while the remaining 101 (9.1%; 95% CI, 7.4–10.8) women with abnormal pregnancies required some form of medical intervention. Intervention rates in patients presenting with initial serum progesterone levels of ≤ 20 nmol/L and ≤ 10 nmol/L, were 3.9% (95% CI, 2.4–5.4) and 2.1% (95% CI, 0.9–3.3), respectively. In women presenting with progesterone ≤ 10 nmol/L and β‐hCG < 450 IU/L, the intervention rate was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.2–2.5).

Conclusion

Women with PULs with progesterone ≤ 10 nmol/L at presentation are at low risk of requiring medical intervention and may not benefit from attending routine follow‐up visits. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SiC Nanorods Grown on Electrospun Nanofibers Using Tb as Catalyst: Fabrication, Characterization, and Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Zhou Jin-Yuan , Chen Zhi-Yong , Zhou Ming , Gao Xiu-Ping , Xie Er-Qing
Published: May 2009

Well-crystallizedβ-SiC nanorods grown on electrospun nanofibers were synthesized by carbothermal reduction of Tb doped SiO2(SiO2:Tb) nanofibers at 1,250 °C. The as-synthesized SiC nanorods were 100–300 nm in diameter and 2–3 μm in length. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results suggested that the growth of the SiC nanorods should be governed by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism with Tb metal as catalyst. Tb(NO3)3particles on the surface of the electrospun nanofibers were decomposed at 500 °C and later reduced to the formation of Tb nanoclusters at 1,200 °C, and finally the formation of a Si–C–Tb ally droplet will stimulate the VLS growth at 1,250 °C. Microstructure of the nanorod was further investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that SiC <111> is the preferred initial growth direction. The liquid droplet was identified to be Si86Tb14, which acted as effective catalyst. Strong green emissions were observed from the SiC nanorod samples. Four characteristic photoluminescence (PL) peaks of Tb ions were also identified.
One-Dimensional Nanostructures and Devices of II–V Group Semiconductors
Authors: Shen Guozhen , Chen Di
Published: May 2009

The II–V group semiconductors, with narrow band gaps, are important materials with many applications in infrared detectors, lasers, solar cells, ultrasonic multipliers, and Hall generators. Since the first report on trumpet-like Zn3P2nanowires, one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures of II–V group semiconductors have attracted great research attention recently because these special 1-D nanostructures may find applications in fabricating new electronic and optoelectronic nanoscale devices. This article covers the 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures that have been synthesized till now, focusing on nanotubes, nanowires, nanobelts, and special nanostructures like heterostructured nanowires. Novel electronic and optoelectronic devices built on 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures will also be discussed, which include metal–insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors, metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors, andp–n heterojunction photodiode. We intent to provide the readers a brief account of these exciting research activities.
What factors influence the measurement properties of the Roland–Morris disability questionnaire?
Authors: Demoulin Christophe , Ostelo Raymond , Knottnerus J. André , Smeets Rob J.E.M.
Published: May 2009

Although the Roland disability questionnaire (RDQ) is a commonly used questionnaire for patients with low back pain (LBP), several important issues remain understudied. The purposes of this study were to investigate the impact that several parameters (length of test–retest interval, interpretation of the global perceived effect (GPE) scores, methods to estimate standard error of measurement (SEM), intervention and baseline scores) have on various measurement properties, such as agreement (Limits of Agreement (LOA), SEMagreement), responsiveness (area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity) and interpretability (optimal cut‐off point, Minimal Detectable Change), of the RDQ.

RDQ was administered four times to 212 patients with chronic non‐specific LBP (first consultation (T‐1), eligibility check (T0), randomization/start of treatment (T1) and end of treatment (T2)). They also completed a GPE scale at T2. To study the influence of length of test interval between T‐1, T0 and T1, six time intervals were assessed. Analyses of the impact of parameters on responsiveness and interpretability were based on the GPE score and on RDQ score changes (T1 versus T2).

Results revealed that agreement parameters decreased with increasing time interval between test–retest. They confirmed the influence of the interpretation of the GPE as well as of the method to calculate the SEM on the magnitude of the Minimal Detectable Change and ROC parameters. Baseline RDQ scores and the way to cluster patients with regard to baseline scores influenced mainly the optimal cut‐off point and responsiveness parameters; intervention did not affect the magnitude of the Minimal Detectable Change.
The Utilisation of Visual Information in the Control of Rapid Interceptive Actions
Authors: Marinovic Welber , Plooy Annaliese M. , Tresilian James R.
Published: May 2009

When intercepting a moving target, accurate timing depends, in part, upon starting to move at the right moment. It is generally believed that this is achieved by triggering motor command generation when a visually perceived quantity such as the target’s time-to-arrival reaches a specific criterion value. An experimental method that could be used to determine the moment when this visual event happens was introduced by Whiting and coworkers in the 1970s, and it involves occluding the vision of the target at different times prior to the time of movement onset (MO). This method is limited because the experimenter has no control over MO time. We suggest a method which provides the needed control by having people make interceptive movements of a specific duration. We tested the efficacy of this method in two experiments in which the accuracy of interception was examined under different occlusion conditions. In the first experiment, we examined the effect of changing the timing of an occlusion period (OP) of fixed duration (200 ms). In the second experiment, we varied the duration of the OP (180–430 ms) as well as its timing. The results demonstrated the utility of the proposed method and showed that performance deteriorated only when the participants had their vision occluded from 200 ms prior to MO. The results of Experiment 2 were able to narrow down the critical interval to trigger the interceptive action to within the period from 200 to 150 ms prior to MO, probably closer to 150 ms. In addition, the results showed that the execution of brief interceptive movements (180 ms) was not affected by the range of OPs used in the experiments. This indicates that the whole movement was prepared in advance and triggered by a visual stimulus event that occurred at about 150 ms before onset.
Response Selection and Attention Orienting
Authors: Spironelli Chiara , Tagliabue Mariaelena , Umiltà Carlo
Published: May 2009

Recently, there has been a redirection of research efforts toward the exploration of the role of hemispheric lateralization in determining Simon effect asymmetries. The present study aimed at implementing a connectionist model that simulates the cognitive mechanisms implied by such asymmetries, focusing on the underlying neural structure. A left-lateralized response-selection mechanism was implemented alone (Experiment 1) or along with a right-lateralized automatic attention-orienting mechanism (Experiment 2). It was found that both models yielded Simon effect asymmetries. However, whereas the first model showed a reversed pattern of asymmetry compared with human, real data, the second model’s performance strongly resembled human Simon effect asymmetries, with a significantly greater right than left Simon effect. Thus, a left-side bias in the response-selection mechanism produced a left-side biased Simon effect, whereas a right-side bias in the attention system produced a right-side biased Simon effect. In conclusion, results showed that the bias of the attention system had a larger impact than the bias of the response-selection mechanism in producing Simon effect asymmetries.
Morphostratigraphic framework of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) by very shallow water VHRS surveys: Evidence of radical changes triggered by human‐induced river diversions
Authors: Tosi Luigi , Rizzetto Federica , Zecchin Massimo , Brancolini Giuliano , Baradello Luca
Published: May 2009

This study is mainly based on a wide Very High Resolution Seismic (VHRS) survey that utilized an ad hoc technique designed for investigations in very shallow waters (about 1 m depth). This method allowed the acquisition of excellent images of the subsurface down to 15–20 m b.s.l. with a resolution of about 10 cm. Buried geomorphological features, such as fluvial channel‐levee systems and tidal channels, were imaged for the first time in the shallows and provided new insight into the Holocene evolution of the southern lagoon basin. Furthermore, the new seismic data were used to reconstruct the morphostratigraphic framework of the Venice Lagoon. We provide an Upper Quaternary morphostratigraphic model of the Venice Lagoon and present some evidence of radical changes resulting from human‐induced river diversion in the sedimentary regime and in the morphological setting of the southern basin that has occurred over the last millennium.
Time variations of Mars' gravitational field and seasonal changes in the masses of the polar ice caps
Authors: Smith David E. , Zuber Maria T. , Torrence Mark H. , Dunn Peter J. , Neumann Gregory A. , Lemoine Frank G. , Fricke Susan K.
Published: May 2009

Tracking of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft has been used to measure changes in the long‐wavelength gravity field of Mars and to estimate the seasonal mass of carbon dioxide that is deposited in the polar regions each fall and winter and sublimed back into the atmosphere every spring and summer. Observations spanning 4 Mars years have been analyzed. A clear and well‐defined seasonal signal, composed of annual and semiannual periods, is seen in the lowest odd degree 3 coefficient but with less confidence in the lowest even degree 2, which is expected to be smaller and is also much more difficult to observe. Direct estimation of the seasonal mass exchange employing a simple, seasonally varying model of the size and height of each cap provides values that indicate some systematic departures from the deposition predicted by a general circulation model. Estimates are also obtained for the precession and nutation of the pole of rotation of Mars, the degree 2 tidal Love number, k2, and the mass of Phobos, the larger of Mars' two natural satellites.
Isotopic signatures and concentration profiles of nitrous oxide in a rice‐based ecosystem during the drained crop‐growing season
Authors: Xiong Z. Q. , Khalil M. A. K. , Xing G. , Shearer M. J. , Butenhoff C.
Published: May 2009

The stable isotopic composition of nitrous oxide (N2O) in agricultural soils can improve our understanding of the relative contributions of the main microbial processes (nitrification and denitrification) responsible for N2O formation in soils, and can provide constraints for the atmospheric N2O budget. Here, we present soil profiles featuring N2O concentrations and δ15N and δ18O values in N2O over time, which permit the in situ identification of processes and sites of N2O production in a rice‐based ecosystem seeded with winter wheat. Our δ15N and δ18O soil profile values support the conclusion that denitrification is the dominant process behind N2O production during the winter wheat season. The soil N2O gas concentrations are higher below 10 cm than above 10 cm, and more depleted in 15N‐N2O at 10–15 cm depth compared to other soil depths, which indicates that the N2O production zone is located at a depth of 10–15 cm within 0–20 cm. The δ15Nair and δ18OSMOW (δ18O of standard mean ocean water) values for soil gas N2O averaged over the entire wheat growing season are +0.90 ± 2.9 (n = 64) and +39.3 ± 3.1 (n = 64), respectively. Given that paddy source N2O is much heavier in both measured 15N and 18O compared to other fertilized soils, agricultural soils have been underestimated as a source of N2O since isotopic constraints from rice agriculture have not been taken into account.
Role of S waves and Love waves in coseismic permeability enhancement
Authors: Wang Chi‐yuen , Chia Yeeping , Wang Pei‐ling , Dreger Douglas
Published: May 2009

The 2008 M7.9 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, caused water level to oscillate and undergo sustained changes in Taiwan, ∼2000 km away from the epicenter. Here we use the responses in three wells recorded at high sampling rate (1 Hz) and the broadband seismograms from a nearby station to document, for the first time, that the major water‐level responses associated with Rayleigh waves were preceded by small oscillations that occurred concurrently with S waves and Love waves. We also show that the groundwater flow associated with these small oscillations may be strong enough to remove blockades from sediment pores to enhance aquifer permeability and to facilitate the later major responses.
Assessing access of galactic cosmic rays at Moon's orbit
Authors: Huang Chia‐Lin , Spence Harlan E. , Kress Brian T.
Published: May 2009

Characterizing the lunar radiation environment is essential for preparing future robotic and human explorations on lunar bases. Galactic cosmic rays (GCR) represent one source of ionizing radiation at the Moon that poses a biological risk. Because GCR are charged particles, their paths are affected by the magnetic fields along their trajectories. Unlike the Earth, the Moon has no strong, shielding magnetic field of its own. However, as it orbits Earth, the Moon traverses not only the weak interplanetary magnetic field but also the distant magnetic tail of Earth's magnetosphere. We combine an empirical magnetic field model of Earth's magnetosphere with a fully‐relativistic charged particle trajectory code to model and assess the access of GCR at the Moon's orbit. We follow protons with energies of 1, 10 and 100 MeV starting from an isotropic distribution at large distances outside a volume of space including Earth's magnetosphere and the lunar orbit. The simulation result shows that Earth's magnetosphere does not measurably modify protons of energy greater than 1 MeV at distances outside the geomagnetic cutoff imposed by Earth's strong dipole field very near to the planet. Therefore, in contrast to Winglee and Harnett (2007), we conclude that Earth's magnetosphere does not provide any substantial magnetic shielding at the Moon's orbit. These simulation results will be compared to LRO/CRaTER data after its planned launch in June 2009.
Evidence of Greenland Sea water in the Iceland Basin
Authors: Jeansson Emil , Olsson K. Anders , Messias Marie‐José , Kasajima Yoshie , Johannessen Truls
Published: May 2009

This study evaluates the presence of intermediate water from the Greenland Sea in the Iceland Basin deduced from the observed excess of the tracer sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), released in the central Greenland Sea in 1996. The large tracer release experiment has served a unique opportunity to follow the spread of Greenland Sea intermediate water to the adjacent basins of the Nordic Seas and to the areas bordering this region. In the present study, using data from May–June 2001, the released tracer was detected at the sill in the Faroe Bank Channel and at several locations in the Iceland Basin of the North Atlantic, just downstream the sill and southeast of Iceland. The estimated excess of the released tracer at the Icelandic slope combined with reported values of the volume flow at this location suggest an annual transport rate of approximately 1.4 kg excess SF6. The results suggest an upper transit time from the central Greenland Sea to the area southeast of Iceland of approximately 4 years.
Changes in land use alter the structure of bacterial communities in Western Amazon soils
Authors: da C Jesus Ederson , Marsh Terence L , Tiedje James M , de S Moreira Fatima M
Published: May 2009

Here we show how agricultural practices by indigenous peoples as well as forest recovery relate to the structure and composition of Amazon soil bacterial communities. Soil samples were collected in different land use systems and bacterial community composition and diversity were explored by T-RFLP, cloning and sequencing, and data were analyzed with multivariate techniques. The main differences in bacterial community structure were related to changes in the soil attributes that, in turn, were correlated to land use. Community structure changed significantly along gradients of base saturation, [Al3+] and pH. The relationship with soil attributes accounted for about 31% of the variation of the studied communities. Clear differences were observed in community composition as shown by the differential distribution of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria. Similarity between primary and secondary forest communities indicates the recovery of bacterial community structure during succession. Pasture and crop soil communities were among the most diverse, showing that these land use types did not deplete bacterial diversity under the conditions found in our sites.