bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary cardiac lymphoma
Authors: Petrich Adam , Cho Soung Ick , Billett Henny
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) represents a rare subset of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by poor outcomes. The authors aimed to construct a framework of known clinical presentations, diagnostic features, disease complications, treatment, and outcomes to improve prognostication.

METHODS:

Individual patient data were obtained from defined cases of PCL (1949‐2009) and systematically analyzed.

RESULTS:

The authors report results of a review of 197 cases of PCL, with half of all cases reported since 1995. Survival was affected by 4 factors: immune status, left ventricular involvement, presence of extra‐cardiac disease, and arrhythmia. Median overall survival (OS) for immunocompromised and immunocompetent was 3.5 months (m) and not reached, respectively (HR 0.29, 95% CI, 0.13‐0.68; P = .004). LV involvement was uncommon (26%) and associated with an OS of only 1m, whereas patients free of LV involvement had a median OS of 22m (HR 0.28, 95% CI, 0.12‐0.64; P = .002). Patients with extracardiac disease had shorter median OS compared with those without (6m vs 22m, HR 0.49, 95% CI, 0.26‐0.91; P = .02). Those patients with an arrhythmia of any type had a median OS that was not reached (n = 55), whereas those without rhythm disturbances (n = 41) had median OS of 6m (HR 0.51, 95% CI, 0.29‐0.91; P = .024). Overall response rate to therapy was 84%, with long‐term OS over 40%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study presents the largest analysis of PCL to date. The data demonstrate that PCL is now more frequently diagnosed premortem and appears to have reasonable response rates. Lack of LV involvement and the presence of arrhythmias are associated with improved survival. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinase Axl promotes tumor cell invasion and survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Xianzhou , Wang Hua , Logsdon Craig D. , Rashid Asif , Fleming Jason B. , Abbruzzese James L. , Gomez Henry F. , Evans Douglas B. , Wang Huamin
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has been reported to be overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Although previous studies have identified the role of Axl in the transformation, proliferation, survival, and invasion in cancers, the expression and functions of Axl in pancreatic cancer have not been studied in detail.

METHODS:

The expression of Axl protein in 12 pancreatic cancer cell lines and 54 patient samples of stage II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and their paired non‐neoplastic pancreatic tissue samples were examined. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, Axl expression was correlated with survival and other clinicopathologic features. To examine Axl functions in PDA, the effects of Axl knockdown on the invasion ability and radiation‐induced apoptosis in PDA cell lines were measured.

RESULTS:

Axl was overexpressed in 38 of 54 (70%) stage II PDA samples and 9 of 12 (75%) PDA cell lines. Axl overexpression was associated with higher frequencies of distant metastasis and poor overall and recurrence‐free survivals (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively) independent of tumor size and stage or lymph node status in patients with stage II PDA. Knockdown of Axl expression in PDA cells abolished Gas6‐mediated Akt activation, decreased invasion, and increased radiation‐induced PARP cleavage and the percentage of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that Gas6 and Axl are frequently overexpressed in PDA cells and are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with stage II PDA. Axl promotes the invasion and survival of PDA cells. Therefore, targeting the Axl signaling pathway may represent a new approach to the treatment of PDA. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Ovarian cancer care for the underserved: Are surgical patterns of care different in a public hospital setting?
Authors: Boyd Leslie R. , Novetsky Akiva P. , Curtin John P.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

The New York City (NYC) public hospital system includes subspecialty care for gynecologic cancers, providing care to patients regardless of insurance status. The authors sought to determine the surgical patterns of care for ovarian cancer patients in the NYC public hospital system.

METHODS:

Ovarian cancer cases were identified in the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database for years 2001 to 2006. Cases from NYC hospitals were separated into 2 cohorts: public and other NYC hospitals. Surgeons associated with each case were identified using the database and were stratified by volume of cases and presence of subspecialty training.

RESULTS:

A total of 12,202 admissions for ovarian cancer were identified. Of these, 3639 involved major surgery, and 187 were performed at public hospitals. There were more African American and Asian patients in the public cohort (P < .001). The primary insurer was more likely to be Medicaid or a self‐payer in the public cohort (P < 0.001). Urgent or emergent admissions comprised 55% of all admissions in public hospitals, compared with 29% of admissions in other NYC hospitals (P < .001). Patients in public hospitals were less likely to have their surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist (57% vs 74%, P < .001) and less likely to have their surgery performed by a high‐volume surgeon (21% vs 47%; P < .001) compared with patients in other NYC hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ovarian cancer patients treated in public hospitals are less likely to have gynecologic oncologists and high‐volume surgeons involved in their care. This is a preliminary finding that warrants further investigation. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 dose‐escalation trial of tremelimumab plus sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rini Brian I. , Stein Mark , Shannon Pat , Eddy Simantini , Tyler Allison , Stephenson Joe J. , Catlett Lorie , Huang Bo , Healey Diane , Gordon Michael
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

On the basis of potential additive or synergistic immunostimulatory antitumor effects, in this phase 1 study, the authors evaluated the combination of sunitinib and tremelimumab (CP‐675206; an antibody against cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 [CTLA4]) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) was evaluated.

METHODS:

Adult patients with mRCC who had received ≤1 previous systemic treatment received tremelimumab (6 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 15 mg/kg) intravenously once every 12 weeks and oral sunitinib (50 mg daily for 4 weeks then 2 weeks off or 37.5 mg daily as a continuous dose). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives were to assess antitumor activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐eight patients were enrolled. Two of 5 patients who received 50 mg sunitinib plus tremelimumab 6 mg/kg experienced dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), and no further enrollment to the combination with sunitinib 50 mg dosing was pursued. Among patients who received continuous sunitinib 37.5 mg daily, 1 of 7 patients who received tremelimumab 10 mg/kg plus sunitinib suffered a sudden death, and 3 of 6 patients who received tremelimumab 15 mg/kg plus sunitinib experienced DLTs. An expansion cohort (n = 7) was enrolled at tremelimumab 10 mg/kg plus sunitinib 37.5 mg daily; 3 of those patients experienced DLTs. Overall, rapid‐onset renal failure was the most common DLT. Nine of 21 patients who were evaluable for response achieved partial responses (43%; 95% confidence interval, 22%‐66%), and 4 of those responses were ongoing at the time of the current report.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of tremelimumab plus sunitinib, rapid‐onset acute renal failure was observed unexpectedly, and further investigation of tremelimumab doses >6 mg/kg plus sunitinib 37.5 mg daily is not recommended. Preclinical investigation may be warranted to understand the mechanism of renal toxicity. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Next‐Generation Biofuels: Survey of Emerging Technologies and Sustainability Issues
Authors: Zinoviev Sergey , Müller‐Langer Franziska , Das Piyali , Bertero Nicolás , Fornasiero Paolo , Kaltschmitt Martin , Centi Gabriele , Miertus Stanislav
Published: October 2010

Next‐generation biofuels, such as cellulosic bioethanol, biomethane from waste, synthetic biofuels obtained via gasification of biomass, biohydrogen, and others, are currently at the center of the attention of technologists and policy makers in search of the more sustainable biofuel of tomorrow. To set realistic targets for future biofuel options, it is important to assess their sustainability according to technical, economical, and environmental measures. With this aim, the review presents a comprehensive overview of the chemistry basis and of the technology related aspects of next generation biofuel production, as well as it addresses related economic issues and environmental implications. Opportunities and limits are discussed in terms of technical applicability of existing and emerging technology options to bio‐waste feedstock, and further development forecasts are made based on the existing social‐economic and market situation, feedstock potentials, and other global aspects. As the latter ones are concerned, the emphasis is placed on the opportunities and challenges of developing countries in adoption of this new industry.
Electrochemical Generation of Lead Volatile Species as a Method of Sample Introduction for Lead Determination by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Saénz María , Fernández Lenys , Domínguez José , Alvarado José
Published: October 2010

An electrochemical lead volatile species generation system, as a means for sample introduction into a flame atomic absorption spectrometer, has been developed and evaluated for the determination of lead in urine samples. The reaction cell, designed and manufactured in our laboratory, consists of a reaction compartment housing a reticulated glassy carbon cathode and a platinum wire anode. The cell can easily be coupled to the spectrometer via a gas‐liquid separator. The characteristic of the cathode material, the volatile species generation efficiency and the possible interferences of some concomitants have been studied. Calculated detection limit based on the variability of a blank solution (3 sb criterion) for ten measurements was 11 µg L−1 and the sensitivity determined from the slope of the calibration graph, was 0.152 L mg−1. The reproducibility (RSD) for ten replicate measurements at 1.0 mg L−1 lead level, was 1.4 %. The accuracy of the method was determined through the analysis of spike urine samples. Recovery of 103.71 %±0.05 was achieved.
Do patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease benefit from a psycho‐educational programme for family caregivers? A randomised controlled study
Authors: de Rotrou Jocelyne , Cantegreil Inge , Faucounau Véronique , Wenisch Emilie , Chausson Catherine , Jegou David , Grabar Sophie , Rigaud Anne‐Sophie
Published: October 2010

Objective

The Aide dans la Maladie d'Alzheimer (AIDMA) study was conducted to determine whether a psycho‐educational programme (PEP) for primary caregivers in addition to standard anti‐dementia drugs for patients improves caregivers' psychological condition and patients' activities of daily life.

Method

Multicentre randomised controlled intervention trial. One hundred and sixty‐seven dyads ‘patient–caregiver’ were recruited from 15 French memory clinics and randomised in two parallel groups. The intervention group was offered the PEP in 12 group sessions for 3 months. The control group had usual care. Patients in both groups with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) were diagnosed and treated with pharmacotherapy. Patients' primary efficacy variable was functional status assessed with the Disability Assessment Scale for Dementia (DAD) scale. Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS‐Cog) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were secondary criteria. Caregivers' first outcome measure was depressive symptoms assessed with the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scale. Zarit scale, Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SCQ) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) were secondary criteria. Assessment was done at baseline, 3 months (M3, end of intervention) and 6 months (M6).

Results

Patients' stabilisation was observed in both groups. In caregivers, significant improvement in disease understanding at M3 (p = 0.007) and M6 (p = 0.0001) and in ability to cope with care‐recipients' disease at M6 (0.02) was evidenced.

Conclusion

The PEP had no additional impact on patients but carers developed more effective disease understanding and ability of coping. Results support the idea that the PEP although improving caregivers' condition is not sufficient to improve patients' activities in daily life which requires additional individually tailored interventions provided by professionals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Same but different: ontogeny and evolution of the Musculus adductor mandibulae in the Tetraodontiformes
Authors: Konstantinidis P. , Harris M.P.
Published: October 2010

The morphological diversity of fishes provides a rich source to address questions regarding the evolution of complex and novel forms. The Tetraodontiformes represent an order of highly derived teleosts including fishes, such as the pelagic ocean sunfishes, triggerfishes, and pufferfishes. This makes the order attractive for comparative analyses to understand the role of development in generating new forms during evolution. The adductor mandibulae complex, the main muscle associated with jaw closure, represents an ideal model system within the Tetraodontiformes. The adductor mandibulae differs in terms of partitions and their attachment sites between members of the different tetraodontiform families. In order to understand the evolution of the jaws among the Tetraodontiformes, we investigate the development of the adductor mandibulae in pufferfishes and triggerfishes as representatives of two different suborders (Balistoidei and Tetraodontoidei) that follows two different adaptations to a durophagous feeding mode. We show that the varied patterns of the adductor mandibulae derive from similar developmental sequence of subdivision of the partitions. We propose a conserved developmental program for partitioning of the adductor mandibulae as a foundation for the evolution of different patterns of subdivisions in Tetraodontiformes. Furthermore, we argue that derived conditions in the higher taxa are realized by supplementary subdivisions and altered attachment sites. These findings support a reinterpretation of homology of different muscle partitions among the Tetraodontiformes, as muscle partitions previously thought to be disparate, are now clearly related. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:10–20, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Birth of the first ESS: George Price, John Maynard Smith, and the discovery of the lost “Antlers” paper
Authors: Harman Oren
Published: October 2010

The application of game theory to evolutionary problems is so commonplace today, that few stop to consider how it all began. John Maynard Smith and George R. Price's 1973 Nature article, “The Logic of Animal Conflict,” is often referred to as the first description in the literature of the concept of an evolutionary stable strategy (ESS), but what was the “behind the scenes” of the writing of that seminal paper? This article tracks the little known story of the curious American polymath, George Price. As will be shown, it was an earlier paper, the lost “Antlers, Intraspecific Combat, and Altruism,” sent by Price to Nature in August 1968 (Unpublished), and refereed by Maynard Smith, which instigated the birth of the first ESS. Recently, the “Antlers” paper has been re‐discovered by the author, shedding new light, together with letters and journals from the personal papers of George Price and John Maynard Smith, on their historical paper. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:1–9, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Computational Study of the Molecular Recognition of Nucleic Acid Bases by Poly(vinyldiaminotriazine)
Authors: Czernek Jiří
Published: October 2010

Summary:The enthalpic gain upon formation of the complexes of the poly(vinyldiaminotriazine) model with purine, uracil and xanthine has been assessed by means of the RI‐MP2 interaction energy calculations. Based on the underlying RI‐DFT‐D geometrical optimizations, the molecular‐level insight into the recognition processes has been proposed.
Micellar and Antibody‐Targeted Polymer Therapeutics
Authors: Etrych T. , Chytil P. , Kovář L. , Říhová B. , Ulbrich K.
Published: October 2010

Summary: Synthesis, physicochemical and some biological properties of new actively targeted antibody‐containing and passively targeted micellar polymer ‐ doxorubicin conjugates were investigated. Polymer precursors used for the synthesis of the conjugates were based on semitelechelic N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers with reactive groups situated at the polymer chain end or on multivalent copolymer with groups randomly distributed along the polymer backbone. Micellar HPMA‐copolymer‐based pharmaceuticals were prepared by self‐assembly of copolymer–doxorubicin conjugates containing hydrophobic cholesterol ligands attached to the copolymer via hydrolytically degradable spacer. pH‐Controlled release of cholesterol derivative is a key‐point for disintegration of the micellar drug carrier after delivering the drug to the tumor tissue. Synthesis of star antibody‐targeted polymer conjugates takes advantage of reduction of disulfide bridges in antibody with dithiothreitol followed by conjugation with the semitelechelic copolymer thus avoiding modification of the binding site in the antibody for its antigen. Both conjugates differing in their molecular architecture and mechanism of action are promising candidates for in vivo antitumor therapy.
Preparation of Self‐Organized Porous Polymer Masks for Si Dry Etching
Authors: Hirai Yuji , Yabu Hiroshi , Matsuo Yasutaka , Ijiro Kuniharu , Shimomura Masatsugu
Published: October 2010

Summary: Self‐organized honeycomb‐patterned polymer films were prepared by using condensed water droplet arrays as templates. Porous polymer masks for dry etching were easily prepared on Si substrates by peeling off the honeycomb‐patterned films. After dry etching, hexagonally‐arranged micro‐pores were formed on the surface of Si substrates.
Polymer Nano‐ and Microparticle Based Systems for Medical Diagnostics
Authors: Slomkowski Stanislaw , Basinska Teresa
Published: October 2010

Summary: Synthesis, properties and medical diagnostic applications of hydrophilic nano‐ and microspheres with carboxyl, aldehyde and hydroxyl groups on their surface are described. The particles were obtained by emulsion copolymerization of styrene, acrolein, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate carried on in water media and initiated with potassium persulfate. Stabilization of particles' suspensions was provided by addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate to polymerizing mixture or by formation of surfactants in situ in copolymerization involving acrolein or α‐tert‐butoxy‐ω‐vinylbenzyl‐polyglycidol macromonomer (PGL). Relations between interfacial properties of these particles and their ability for covalent immobilization of proteins, with eliminated or at least reduced nonspecific adsorption of these species were investigated. The particles with covalently attached proteins (antigens or antibodies) were used for preparation of diagnostic tests based on visual or turbidimetric observation of particles' aggregation or by monitoring changes in their electrophoretic mobility accompanying specific antigen (or antibody) binding. The later test was directed toward determination of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. Principle of a new type of diagnostic test based on photonic crystals of microspheres are described.
Hydrogen Economy and Polymer Membranes
Authors: Pientka Zbyněk , Schauer Jan
Published: October 2010

Summary: Hydrogen can be separated from its mixtures using polymer foams with closed cells. Each cell serves as a gas container which is filled through its walls – separation membranes. Foam, as a manifold membrane system, utilizes transient states of permeation and thus takes advantage of fastest diffusion of hydrogen. Large scale manufactured polystyrene foams were chosen to demonstrate the phenomenon. Novel proton conducting membranes containing ionic liquids are being developed. They can perform in intermediate‐temperature fuel cells (FC).
Amyloid imaging of Lewy body‐associated disorders
Authors: Foster Erin R. , Campbell Meghan C. , Burack Michelle A. , Hartlein Johanna , Flores Hubert P. , Cairns Nigel J. , Hershey Tamara , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: October 2010

Clinicopathologic studies of Parkinson disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) commonly reveal abnormal β‐amyloid deposition in addition to diffuse Lewy bodies (α‐synuclein aggregates), but the relationship among these neuropathologic features and the development of dementia in these disorders remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether amyloid‐β deposition detected by PET imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB) distinguishes clinical subtypes of Lewy body‐associated disorders. Nine healthy controls, 8 PD with no cognitive impairment, 9 PD with mild cognitive impairment, 6 DLB, and 15 PDD patients underwent [11C]‐PIB positron emission tomography imaging, clinical examination, and cognitive testing. The binding potential (BP) of PIB for predefined regions and the mean cortical BP (MCBP) were calculated for each participant. Annual longitudinal follow‐up and postmortem examinations were performed on a subset of participants. Regional PIB BPs and the proportion of individuals with abnormally elevated MCBP were not significantly different across participant groups. Elevated PIB binding was associated with worse global cognitive impairment in participants with Lewy body disorders but was not associated with any other clinical or neuropsychological features, including earlier onset or faster rate of progression of cognitive impairment. These results suggest that the presence of fibrillar amyloid‐β does not distinguish between clinical subtypes of Lewy body‐associated disorders, although larger numbers are needed to more definitively rule out this association. Amyloid‐β may modify the severity of global cognitive impairment in individuals with Lewy body‐associated dementia. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
What are the most important nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and are we missing them?
Authors: Gallagher David A. , Lees Andrew J. , Schrag Anette
Published: October 2010

Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) are increasingly recognized as important and neglected aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD). We evaluated their relative frequency and comparative impact on health‐related quality of life (Hr‐QoL) using validated questionnaires. In addition, we assessed the rate of reporting of NMS in neurology clinics compared with their subjective impact on patients. We used a range of validated clinimetric scales of motor and nonmotor symptoms and Hr‐QoL to assess consecutive patients with PD. Reporting of NMS was assessed by comparison with case note documentation. A mean of 11 of 30 NMS per patient were elicited on the NMS questionnaire of which on average 4.8 were reported in the clinical notes (44%). The most common NMS were autonomic (particularly urinary). The Hr‐QoL scores correlated most strongly with autonomic dysfunction (r = 0.84; particularly urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms), mood (r = 0.74), fatigue (r = 0.74), sleep problems (nocturnal r = 0.55; daytime somnolence r = 0.65), pain (r = 0.56), and psychosis (r = 0.55, all p < 0.0001) followed by UPDRS motor score (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). Greater motor fluctuations (r = 0.57) and dyskinesia (r = 0.43, both p < 0.0001) were also associated with worse Hr‐QoL. In multivariate analysis, depression had the strongest association with Hr‐QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.53, p = 0.005) followed by fatigue, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular autonomic function (especially orthostatic hypotension), daytime somnolence, and urinary problems. This study demonstrates that a autonomic dysfunction, psychiatric complications, pain, fatigue, and sleep problems are major correlates of poor Hr‐QoL. However, whilst psychiatric problems are increasingly documented, many symptoms (particularly those possibly perceived as embarrassing or unrelated) remain under‐reported. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
In vivo mapping of tumor oxygen consumption using 19F MRI relaxometry
Authors: Diepart Caroline , Magat Julie , Jordan Bénédicte F. , Gallez Bernard
Published: October 2010

Recently, we have developed a new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) protocol in order to estimate tissue oxygen consumption in vivo. Because it is crucial to probe the heterogeneity of response in tumors, the aim of this study was to apply our protocol, together with 19F MRI relaxometry, to the mapping of the oxygen consumption in tumors. The protocol includes the continuous measurement of tumor pO2 during the following respiratory challenge: (i) basal values during air breathing; (ii) increasing pO2 values during carbogen breathing until saturation of tissue with oxygen; (iii) switching back to air breathing. We have demonstrated previously using EPR oximetry that the kinetics of return to the basal value after oxygen saturation are mainly governed by tissue oxygen consumption. This challenge was applied in hyperthyroid mice (generated by chronic treatment with L‐thyroxine) and control mice, as hyperthyroidism is known to dramatically affect the oxygen consumption rate of tumor cells. Our recently developed snapshot inversion recovery MRI fluorocarbon oximetry technique allowed the pO2 return kinetics to be measured with a high temporal resolution. The kinetic constants (i.e. oxygen consumption rates) were higher for tumors from hyperthyroid mice than from control mice, data that are consistent with our previous EPR study. The corresponding histograms of the 19F MRI data showed that the kinetic constants displayed a shift to the right for the hyperthyroid group, indicating a higher oxygen consumption in these tumors. The color maps showed a large heterogeneity in terms of oxygen consumption rate within a tumor. In conclusion, 19F MRI relaxometry allows the noninvasive mapping of the oxygen consumption in tumors. The ability to assess the heterogeneity of tumor response is critical in order to identify potential tumor regions that might be resistant to treatment and therefore produce a poor response to therapy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cribra orbitalia, sinusitis and linear enamel hypoplasia in Swedish Roman Iron Age adults and subadults
Authors: Liebe‐Harkort C.
Published: October 2010

Maxillary and frontal sinusitis, cribra orbitalia and linear enamel hypoplasia were recorded as indicators of nutritional and environmentally related stress in an Early Iron Age (0–260 AD) population from Sweden. The material comprised the skeletal remains of 99 adults and 45 subadults (aged 20 years and under). Maxillary sinusitis and cribra orbitalia were recorded in the majority of subadults and adults. In contrast, linear enamel hypoplasia was uncommon and occurred mainly in the subadults. In seven cases (12.7%) there was a clear co‐occurrence of periapical lesions and maxillary sinusitis. A significant co‐occurrence of maxillary sinusitis and frontal sinusitis was found in the adults. The least common combination in sex‐determined adults was cribra orbitalia and enamel hypoplasia, only 7.7% exhibiting both lesions. The significantly higher incidence of this combination among subadults suggests an association with life‐threatening conditions. Overall, the results showed that the Early Iron Age community studied suffered foremost from upper respiratory diseases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the impact of paediatric oncology publications using three citation databases
Authors: Arora Ramandeep S , Eden Tim OB
Published: October 2010

Despite some reported limitations, Web of Science has been the standard source to assess the impact of individual articles, and consequently journals. By analysing the citations to articles published in the field of paediatric oncology, we demonstrate that Scopus and Google Scholar, the two new citation databases, retrieve more citations than Web of Science. The strength of Scopus lies in identifying non‐English literature from Western and Eastern Europe, while Google Scholar is proficient at identifying English and non‐English literature from Africa, Asia and Central and South America. These findings have implications for researchers, journals and health libraries. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:152–153. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
National Cancer Institute pediatric preclinical testing program: Model description for in vitro cytotoxicity testing
Authors: Kang Min H. , Smith Malcolm A. , Morton Christopher L. , Keshelava Nino , Houghton Peter J. , Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: October 2010

Background

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has established the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) for testing drugs against in vitro and in vivo childhood cancer models to aid in the prioritization of drugs considered for early phase pediatric clinical trials.

Procedures

In vitro cytotoxicity testing employs a semi‐automated fluorescence‐based digital imaging cytotoxicity assay (DIMSCAN) that has a 4‐log dynamic range of detection. Curve fitting of the fractional survival data of the cell lines in response to various concentrations of the agents was used to calculate relative IC50, absolute IC50, and Yminvalues. The panel of 23 pediatric cancer cell lines included leukemia (n = 6), lymphoma (n = 2), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 4), brain tumors (n = 3), Ewing family of tumors (EFT, n = 4), and neuroblastoma (n = 4). The doubling times obtained using DIMSCAN were incorporated into data analyses to estimate the relationship between input cell numbers and final cell number.

Results

We report in vitro activity data for three drugs (vincristine, melphalan, and etoposide) that are commonly used for pediatric cancer and for the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, an agent that is currently under preclinical investigation for cancer. To date, the PPTP has completed in vitro testing of 39 investigational and approved agents for single drug activity and two investigational agents in combination with various “standard” chemotherapy drugs.

Conclusions

This robust in vitro cytotoxicity testing system for pediatric cancers will enable comparisons to response data for novel agents obtained from xenograft studies and from clinical trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:239–249. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrafast near infrared sintering of TiO2 layers on metal substrates for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Watson Trystan , Mabbett Ian , Wang Hongxia , Peter Laurence , Worsley David
Published: October 2010

A limiting step to roll‐to‐roll production of dye‐sensitized solar cells on metals is TiO2 sintering (10–30 min). Near infrared (NIR) heating is a novel process innovation which directly heats titanium substrates giving rapid binder removal and sintering. NIR heating (for 12.5 s) at varying power gave titanium temperatures of 545, 685 and 817°C yielding cells with efficiencies of 2.9, 2.8 and 2.5%. Identical cells prepared in a conventional oven (1800 s) at 500, 600 and 800°C gave 2.9, 2.6 and 0.2% efficiency. NIR sintering is ultrafast and has a wide process window making it ideal for rapid manufacturing on metals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and properties of chemically modified graphene
Authors: Park Hye Jin , Skákalová Viera , Meyer Jannik , Lee Dong Su , Iwasaki Takayuki , Bumby Chris , Kaiser Ute , Roth Siegmar
Published: October 2010

Chemically modified graphene was synthesized by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) with ammonia gas introduced during the CVD process. The use of two different metal catalyst films [nickel (Ni) or copper (Cu)] results in distinctly different forms of structural defects in the honeycomb lattice of graphene under identical synthesis conditions. The Ni catalyst film gave rise to numerous “flower‐like” defects, where carbon atoms formed core hexagons surrounded by pentagons alternated with heptagons, whilst graphene grown on a Cu catalyst film contained a much higher concentration of substituted nitrogen atoms. The samples were characterized by a variety of spectroscopic and microscopic methods complemented with electrical transport measurements.

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Electronic structure of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) from GW calculations
Authors: Vadapoo Rajasekarakumar , Krishnan Sridevi , Yilmaz Hulusi , Marin Carlos
Published: October 2010

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has been proposed as an alternative material for a wide range of applications; however, the electronic structure of the Sb2Se3 lattice is not clearly known yet. As a consequence, there are abundant contradictory interpretations of experimental results leading to incoherent determinations of its energy band gap and the type of optical transitions. Moreover, Sb2Se3 is recently being synthesized in different types of nanostructures; therefore, detailed knowledge of the bulk electronic structure is necessary to evaluate deviations due to confinement or surface effects. In this paper, we study the electronic band structure of antimony selenide using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with GW corrections. Our calculations show that Sb2Se3 has an indirect energy band gap of 1.21 eV; however, a direct transition only 0.01 eV higher than the band gap (1.22 eV) is also possible. The calculated density of states agrees well with the experiments reporting photoemission spectra.
Plasma dynamics in graphite and SWNT probed by inelastic electron and X‐ray scattering
Authors: Kramberger Christian , Einarsson Erik , Huotari Simo , Thurakitseree Therapool , Maruyama Shigeo , Knupfer Martin , Pichler Thomas
Published: October 2010

Graphite as well as bundled and freestanding single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are allotropes of sp2 carbon. However their dynamical structure factor S (q, w) differs greatly because of the very different dimensionalities and geometries. Here S (q, w) is experimentally accessed by means of inelastic X‐ray and electron scattering.

In our combined approach we utilize the equivalency and complementarity of the two techniques to access the dispersion relation of electronic inter‐band transitions across the entire Brillouin zone. The extended range plasmon dispersions provide direct insight into the imprints of macroscopic screening and low‐dimensional confinement on plasmons in SWNTs (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Current trends in robot assisted surgery: a survey of gynecologic oncologists
Authors: duPont Nefertiti C. , Chandrasekhar Rameela , Wilding Gregory , Guru Khurshid A.
Published: October 2010

Background

To evaluate the perceptions of the importance and utility of robot assisted surgery in gynecologic oncology.

Methods

A 39 question web‐based survey was sent to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

Results

The survey response rate was 28%, with 277 surveys completed. Nearly 40% of respondents felt robotic surgical training was required as a part of their career goals, and 73% of respondents have performed a robotic hysterectomy. Among respondents, 39% felt that robotic surgery was as good as laparoscopic surgery but 23% thought robot assisted surgery should be the gold standard for the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Conclusions

Robot assisted surgery is gaining widespread acceptance and is perceived to be as good as laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of early stage endometrial and cervical cancers. Among respondents the greatest benefit of robot assisted surgery was its ease of use and perceived improvement in a patient's quality of life. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axial beanspruchte Sandwichelemente in rahmenlosen Konstruktionen
Authors: Käpplein Saskia , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: October 2010

Sandwichelemente werden üblicherweise als einachsig spannende Bauelemente verwendet. Diese werden durch auf sie einwirkende Querlasten auf Biegung beansprucht und leiten die Kräfte in eine Unterkonstruktion ab. Eine neuere Entwicklung ist es kleinere Gebäude aus Sandwichelementen auch ohne Unterkonstruktion herzustellen. Bei dieser Bauweise haben die Elemente nicht nur die Funktion des Raumabschlusses, sondern werden auch zur Lastabtragung und zur Aussteifung des Gebäudes herangezogen. Zusätzlich zu Biegemomenten und Querkräften wirken in den Elementen dann auch Normalkräfte. Ein Bemessungsvorschlag für axial beanspruchte Sandwichelemente, durch den auch die auftretenden Kriecherscheinungen berücksichtigt werden können, wird vorgestellt. Außerdem werden die maßgebenden Versagensmodi an der Lasteinleitungsstelle aufgezeigt und ein mechanisches Modell erläutert.

Axially loaded sandwich panels in frameless buildings. Traditionally sandwich panels are used as unidirectional spanning flexural members transferring loads to a substructure. As a recent development, sandwich panels are used to design small buildings without substructure. In this application the panels are not only used as cladding element but also for load transfer and bracing of the building. A design model for axially loaded sandwich panels, which also considers creeping effects, is presented. Additionally the basic failure modes at the area of load application are illustrated and a mechanical model is introduced.
Realität – Modell – Norm
Authors: Werner Frank
Published: October 2010

Bauen stellt eine komplexe Interaktion der Gesellschaft mit der natürlichen Welt dar. Bauwerke sollen i. a. über eine sehr lange Zeit, häufig länger als ein Menschenleben praktisch nutzbar sein. Die Anforderungen an die Zuverlässigkeit, insbesondere Sicherheit, sind ungewöhnlich hoch und deutlich größer als in anderen Bereichen der Technik. Bauen unter den Bedingungen des ökonomischen Wettbewerbs erfordert Regeln und Richtlinien für die Beurteilung der zu erwartenden Zuverlässigkeit eines Bauwerkes. Modelle bilden die Interaktion zwischen Bauwerk und vorhandener Umgebung unter Nutzung probabilistischer Methoden näherungsweise ab. Die Beurteilung von Robustheit und Sensitivität der Modelle erhält eine steigende Bedeutung. Die Definition von allgemein anerkannten Regeln der Technik für die Bemessung von Bauwerken muss den aktuellen Bedingungen angepasst werden. Zukunftsfähige Normenkonzepte müssen sich an der Entwicklung der Entwurfsmethoden und der Informationsund Kommunikationstechnik orientieren. Vereinfachende empirische Formeln, Diagramme usw. verlieren ihre Gültigkeit auch außerhalb eingeführter Normen nicht und müssen nicht neu aufbereitet werden.

Reality – Model – Code. Construction involves a complex interaction with the physical world and with society. Buildings are expected to be usable for a very long period of time, often longer than the span of a human life. The requirements with regard to reliability and security in particular, are extraordinarily high – considerably greater than in other technical fields. Construction, particularly under the pressure of free market competition, requires rules and regulations for the assessment of the anticipated reliability and performance of a building. To a certain degree, models can be used to anticipate the interaction between a building and its environment by applying probabilistic methods. The robustness and sensitivity of models therefore increasingly gains importance. The definition of commonly accepted technical rules for the design of buildings has to be matched to the current conditions. Concepts for developing design codes must be futureproofed such that the codes are complimentary to the progress of new design methodologies, and also to the innovation and development of information technology. However, traditional empirical simplifying formulas, diagrams, etc., are still valid and do not require updating.
Besonderheiten der Werkstattplanung im Stahlbau am Beispiel des Großprojektes BBI‐Terminaldach
Authors: Gregull Thomas , Arnold Marion
Published: October 2010

In diesem Artikel wird über die Stahlkonstruktion des neuen Flughafens Berlin Brandenburg International (BBI) berichtet. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der Werkstattplanung mittels eines 3D‐Modelles unter Beachtung der Komplexität der Gewerkeschnittstellen. Es wird auf die Möglichkeiten der Rationalisierung der Planung und der Weitergabe der Daten direkt an die Werkstätten und die Montage eingegangen.

Features of the shop planning in structural steelworks exemplary shown at the large‐scale project BBI‐Terminal in Berlin, Germany. This article reports on the steel structure of the new airport Berlin Brandenburg International (BBI). The focus is on the shop drawings using a 3D model with respect to the complexity of the trades interfaces. It is on the possibilities of streamlining the planning and the dissemination of the data received directly to the workshops and assembly.
Learning curve for Doppler measurement of fetal modified myocardial performance index
Authors: Cruz‐Martinez R. , Figueras F. , Jaramillo J. J. , Meler E. , Méndez A. , Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Gratacos E.
Published: October 2010

Objective

To assess the learning curve for measurement of the fetal modified myocardial performance index (MPI).

Methods

Three trainees with the theoretical knowledge of but without prior experience in performing MPI measurement were selected. Each trainee and one experienced examiner measured MPI in a cohort of 90 consecutive fetuses. The average difference between the three trainees and the expert in the MPI measurements was calculated; a difference below 10% was considered to indicate an accurate measurement. Individual and averaged learning curves were delineated using cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM).

Results

The gestational age at evaluation ranged from 20 + 4 to 41 + 4 (mean, 33 + 3) weeks. The CUSUM plots demonstrated that, on average, competence in performing fetal MPI measurement was achieved by 65 cases. The average number of attempts to achieve competence were 42, 77 and 83 for the ejection time, isovolumetric contraction time and isovolumetric relaxation time, respectively.

Conclusions

Evaluation of fetal MPI by an inexperienced trainee requires on average 65 measurements to achieve competence. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal umbilical artery Doppler to predict compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing in a high‐risk population: systematic review and bivariate meta‐analysis
Authors: Morris R. K. , Malin G. , Robson S. C. , Kleijnen J. , Zamora J. , Khan K. S.
Published: October 2010

Objective

We investigated the accuracy of fetal umbilical artery Doppler to predict the risk of compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing in a high‐risk population.

Methods

Searches in MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library and Medion (from inception to March 2009) were carried out, together with hand searching of relevant journals, reference list checking of included articles and contact with experts. Criteria for selection were observational studies with umbilical artery Doppler used in a high‐risk pregnant population with an outcome measure for compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing. Data on study design, quality and results were extracted to construct 2 × 2 tables. Bivariate meta‐analysis was performed. Likelihood ratios (LRs) were used as the summary measure of accuracy.

Results

One‐hundred and four studies met the selection criteria (19 191 fetuses). In a high‐risk population, umbilical artery Doppler predicted small‐for‐gestational age with a pooled LR+ of 3.76 (2.96, 4.76) and pooled LR− of 0.52 (0.45, 0.61), and compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing with a pooled LR+ of 3.41 (2.68, 4.34) and pooled LR− of 0.55 (0.48, 0.62). In this group it was also possible to predict, with accuracy, intrauterine death (pooled LR+ = 4.37 (0.88, 21.8); pooled LR− = 0.25 (0.07, 0.91)) and acidosis (pooled LR+ = 2.75 (1.48, 5.11); pooled LR− = 0.58 (0.36, 0.94)).

Conclusions

In a high‐risk population, fetal umbilical artery Doppler is a moderately useful test with which to predict mortality and risk of compromise. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine myomas during pregnancy: a longitudinal sonographic study
Authors: De Vivo A. , Mancuso A. , Giacobbe A. , Maggio Savasta L. , De Dominici R. , Dugo N. , Dugo C. , Vaiarelli A.
Published: October 2010

Objective

To evaluate volumetric changes of uterine myomas (fibroids) during pregnancy.

Methods

This was an observational, longitudinal and prospective study of 38 consecutive Caucasian women with singleton pregnancies and a total of 42 uterine myomas, enrolled from a cohort of 1492 women who took part in our first‐trimester Down syndrome screening program. Myoma volume was evaluated by ultrasound at 11–14, 20–22 and 32–34 weeks of gestation.

Results

Mean myoma volume increased significantly throughout pregnancy. Taking a volumetric change of > 10% between gestational periods to be an increase in size, 71.4% of uterine myomas increased in size between the first and second gestational periods, while this percentage was slightly lower (66.6%) between the second and third periods. Logistic regression analysis revealed that greater maternal age was correlated with a reduction/no change in overall myoma size and multiparity was correlated with a decrease/no change between the first and second trimesters, while a higher prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) was correlated with a volumetric increase between the first and second trimesters and a decrease/no change between the second and third trimesters.

Conclusions

Fibroids enlarge during pregnancy regardless of their initial size or local factors, and maternal age, prepregnancy BMI and parity are apparently correlated with these changes. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi Inlet Turbomolekularpumpen
Authors: Holstein Günter
Published: October 2010

Der Analysenmarkt wird getrieben von neuen Herausforderungen aus den Bereichen der Medizin, Pharmazie, Umweltschutz, Sicherheitstechnik auf Flughäfen etc. entsprechende Nachweisverfahren für Gase, pyrotechnische Produkte, Proteinen usw. zu entwickeln.

Ohne die Vakuumtechnik wären heute viele physikalische Messprinzipien wie z. B. Massenspektrometer, Elektronenmikroskopie undenkbar. Analytische Instrumente auf Basis von Massenspektrometern benötigen zum Betrieb Hochvakuum. Der Druckbereich liegt zwischen 10−3 und 10−10 mbar. Zur Erzeugung solch niedriger Drücke eignen sich Turbomolekularpumpen, wie sie z. B. die Firma Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum für den Analysenmarkt liefert. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt den neuesten Technologie‐Trend. Innovative Lösungen sind z. B. die MULTI INLET Turbomolekularpumpen mit Kundenspezifischen Gehäusen oder als Kartuschenlösung (Cartridge) zum direkten Einbau in das Analysesystem.