bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and Rapid Fabrication ofNa0.5K0.5NbO3Thin Films by a Chelate Route
Authors: Fernández Solarte A. , Pellegri N. , de Sanctis O. , Stachiotti M. G.
Published: June 2013

Na0.5K0.5NbO3(NKN) thin films were prepared by a chelate route which offers the advantage of a simple and rapid solution synthesis. The route is based on the use of acetoin as a chelating agent. The process was optimized by investigating the effects of alkaline volatilization on film properties. While we observed no evidence of stoichiometry problems due to potassium volatilization loss during the heat treatments, thin films synthesized with insufficient sodium excess presented a potassium-rich secondary phase, which has a significant influence on the ferroelectric properties. We show that the amount of spurious phase decreases with increasing Na+concentration, in such a way that a 20 mol% Na+excess is necessary to fully compensate the volatilization loss that occurred during the heat treatment. In this way, NKN thin films annealed at 650°C presented a well-crystallized perovskite structure, no secondary phases, well-defined ferroelectric hysteresis loops (Pr~9 μC/cm2,EC~45 kV/cm), and low leakage current density (2×10-7 A/cm2at 80 kV/cm).
Extremophilic SHMTs: From Structure to Biotechnology
Authors: Angelaccio Sebastiana
Published: June 2013

Recent advances in molecular and structural biology have improved the availability of virtually any biocatalyst in large quantity and have also provided an insight into the detailed structure-function relationships of many of them. These results allowed the rational exploitation of biocatalysts for use in organic synthesis. In this context, extremophilic enzymes are extensively studied for their potential interest for many biotechnological and industrial applications, as they offer increased rates of reactions, higher substrate solubility, and/or longer enzyme half-lives at the conditions of industrial processes. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), for its ubiquitous nature, represents a suitable model for analyzing enzyme adaptation to extreme environments. In fact, many SHMT sequences from Eukarya, Eubacteria and Archaea are available in data banks as well as several crystal structures. In addition, SHMT is structurally conserved because of its critical metabolic role; consequently, very few structural changes have occurred during evolution. Our research group analyzed the molecular basis of SHMT adaptation to high and low temperatures, using experimental and comparativein silicoapproaches. These structural and functional studies of SHMTs purified from extremophilic organisms can help to understand the peculiarities of the enzyme activity at extreme temperatures, indicating possible strategies for rational enzyme engineering.
Renormalisation Group Analysis of Turbulent Hydrodynamics
Authors: Barbi Dirk , Münster Gernot
Published: June 2013

Turbulent hydrodynamics is characterised by universal scaling properties of its structure functions. The basic framework for investigations of these functions has been set by Kolmogorov in 1941. His predictions for the scaling exponents, however, deviate from the numbers found in experiments and numerical simulations. It is a challenge for theoretical physics to derive these deviations on the basis of the Navier-Stokes equations. The renormalization group is believed to be a very promising tool for the analysis of turbulent systems, but a derivation of the scaling properties of the structure functions has so far not been achieved. In this work, we recall the problems involved, present an approach in the framework of the exact renormalisation group to overcome them, and present first numerical results.
Acute Pancreatitis Occurring after Pamidronate Infusions in Two Patients with Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Toussirot Éric , Vuitton Lucine , Koch Stéphane , Valnet-Rabier Marie-Blanche
Published: June 2013

We report two cases of acute pancreatitis following the administration of pamidronate given as an anti-inflammatory agent for spondyloarthritis with a recurrence in one patient when the drug was reintroduced. The upper gastrointestinal toxicity of aminobisphosphonates is well known and this drug class could be added to the list of medications that are associated with the development of pancreatitis.
Diagnostic Use of Serum Ferritin Levels to Differentiate Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases in Patients with Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Kim Seong Eun , Kim Uh Jin , Jang Mi Ok , Kang Seung Ji , Jang Hee Chang , Jung Sook In , Lee Shin Seok , Park Kyung Hwa
Published: June 2013

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we determined whether serum ferritin levels could be used to differentiate between fever of unknown origin (FUO) caused by infectious and noninfectious diseases.

METHODS: FUO patients were hospitalized at Chonnam National University Hospital between January, 2005 and December, 2011. According to the final diagnoses, five causes were identified, including infectious diseases, hematologic diseases, noninfectious inflammatory diseases, miscellaneous and undiagnosed.

RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, 11 were caused by infectious diseases, 13 by hematologic diseases, 20 by noninfectious inflammatory diseases, 8 by miscellaneous diseases, and 25 were undiagnosed. The median serum ferritin levels in infectious diseases was lower than those in hematologic diseases and (median (interquartile range) of 282.4 (149.0–951.8) ng/mL for the infectious disease group, 1818.2 (485.4–4789.5) ng/mL for the hematologic disease group, and 563.7 (399.6–1927.2) ng/mL for the noninfectious inflammatory disease group,p= 0.048, Kruskal–Wallis test). By comparison using the Mann–Whitney test, statistically significant differences were found only between the infectious disease and hematologic disease groups (p= 0.049) and between the infectious disease and groups (p= 0.04).

CONCLUSION: An optimal cutoff value of serum ferritin levels to predict FUO caused by a noninfectious disease (hematologic diseases, noninfectious inflammatory diseases) was established as 561 ng/mL.
A Population Approach to Transportation Planning: Reducing Exposure to Motor-Vehicles
Authors: Fuller Daniel , Morency Patrick
Published: June 2013

Transportation planning and public health have important historical roots. To address common challenges, including road traffic fatalities, integration of theories and methods from both disciplines is required. This paper presents an overview of Geoffrey Rose's strategy of preventive medicine applied to road traffic fatalities. One of the basic principles of Rose's strategy is that a large number of people exposed to a small risk can generate more cases than a small number exposed to a high risk. Thus, interventions should address the large number of people exposed to the fundamental causes of diseases. Exposure to moving vehicles could be considered a fundamental cause of road traffic deaths and injuries. A global reduction in the amount of kilometers driven would result in a reduction of the likelihood of collisions for all road users. Public health and transportation research must critically appraise their practice and engage in informed dialogue with the objective of improving mobility and productivity while simultaneously reducing the public health burden of road deaths and injuries.
Spatial Distribution of Zooplankton Diversity across Temporary Pools in a Semiarid Intermittent River
Authors: Melo Thaís X. , Medeiros Elvio S. F.
Published: June 2013

This study describes the richness and density of zooplankton across temporary pools in an intermittent river of semiarid Brazil and evaluates the partitioning of diversity across different spatial scales during the wet and dry periods. Given the highly patchy nature of these pools it is hypothesized that the diversity is not homogeneously distributed across different spatial scales but concentrated at lower levels. The plankton fauna was composed of 37 species. Of these 28 were Rotifera, 5 were Cladocera, and 4 were Copepoda (nauplii of Copepoda were also recorded). We showed that the zooplankton presents a spatially segregated pattern of species composition across river reaches and that at low spatial scales (among pools or different habitats within pools) the diversity of species is likely to be affected by temporal changes in physical and chemical characteristics. As a consequence of the drying of pool habitats, the spatial heterogeneity within the study river reaches has the potential to increase β diversity during the dry season by creating patchier assemblages. This spatial segregation in community composition and the patterns of partition of the diversity across the spatial scales leads to a higher total diversity in intermittent streams, compared to less variable environments.
An Improvement Proposal to the Static Friction Model
Authors: Sánchez-Mazuca Sergio , Campa Ricardo
Published: June 2013

Friction is a force acting against the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. This phenomenon is present in all mechanical systems and has a great impact on the control area. The design of mechatronic systems and the compensation techniques require a broad knowledge of the effects that friction produces. The phenomenon has two well-defined phases: static friction presents before the motion between the surfaces in contact is clearly visible, while kinetic friction appears when that motion at large scale has already started. There are different friction models for each of those phases. In this work we propose an improvement to the static friction models, which consist in assuming that the maximum static friction coefficient is no more a constant but a function of the rate of change of the external force that produces the motion. After explaining and justifying the proposal, the procedure for obtaining the parameters of the new model is mentioned. At the end, an experimental study on a direct-drive motor allows us to validate the proposed model.
The Utility of Rural and Underserved Designations in Geospatial Assessments of Distance Traveled to Healthcare Services: Implications for Public Health Research and Practice
Authors: Smith Matthew Lee , Dickerson Justin B. , Wendel Monica L. , Ahn SangNam , Pulczinski Jairus C. , Drake Kelly N. , Ory Marcia G.
Published: June 2013

Health disparities research in rural populations is based on several common taxonomies identified by geography and population density. However, little is known about the implications of different rurality definitions on public health outcomes. To help illuminate the meaning of different rural designations often used in research, service delivery, or policy reports, this study will (1) review the different definitions of rurality and their purposes; (2) identify the overlap of various rural designations in an eight-county Brazos Valley region in Central Texas; (3) describe participant characteristic profiles based on distances traveled to obtain healthcare services; and (4) examine common profile characteristics associated with each designation. Data were analyzed from a random sample from 1,958 Texas adults participating in a community assessment. K-means cluster analysis was used to identify natural groupings of individuals based on distance traveled to obtain three healthcare services: medical care, dental care, and prescription medication pick-up. Significant variation in cluster representation and resident characteristics was observed by rural designation. Given widely used taxonomies for designating areas as rural (or provider shortage) in health-related research, this study highlights differences that could influence research results and subsequent program and policy development based on rural designation.
A Hybrid PSO-Fuzzy Model for Determining the Category of 85th Speed
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Abbas , Ghazizadeh Ali
Published: June 2013

The 85th speed of vehicles is one of the traffic engineering parameters used by road safety equipment designers. It is usually used for maintenance activities and designing of warning signs and road equipments. High measuring costs of speed data collection lead decision makers to define a methodology for determining the category of 85th speed using indirect parameters. In this research work, focusing on undivided intercity roads, a hybrid particle-swarm-optimization- (PSO-) fuzzy model has been developed to determine the category of 85th speed. In this model, geometric design parameters including roads' width and length characteristics and roadside land use are considered as input variables whereas the category of the 85th speed is output variable. A set of experimental data is used for evaluating the performance of the proposed model comparing to a well-known model of exponential regression. It is shown that the developed PSO-fuzzy model is capable of determining the category of 85th speed with an accuracy of 96%, while exponential regression can estimate that with up to 84% accuracy. Variable effectiveness procedure shows that the lane width has more direct effect on 85th speed than shoulder width and the number of access points. The percentage of forbidden overtaking is also found to have indirect effect on 85th speed.
First-in-Human Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of the HSP90 Inhibitor AUY922 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Sessa Cristiana , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Bhalla Kapil N. , Britten Carolyn , Jacks Karen S. , Mita Monica , Papadimitrakopoulou Vali , Pluard Tim , Samuel Thomas A. , Akimov Mikhail , Quadt Cornelia , Fernandez-Ibarra Cristina , Lu Hong , Bailey Stuart , Chica Sandra , Banerji Udai
Published: June 2013

Purpose: A phase I study was conducted with the primary objective of determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AUY922 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives included characterization of the safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles.

Patients and Methods: Patients with advanced solid tumors received 1-hour i.v. infusions of AUY922 once a week in a 28-day cycle. An adaptive Bayesian logistic regression model that employed observed dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) in the first treatment cycle was used to guide dose-escalation decisions, with the established MTD to be used in phase II studies.

Results: One hundred and one patients were enrolled and explored at doses in the range of 2 to 70 mg/m2. DLTs occurred in 8 patients (22–70 mg/m2) and included diarrhea, asthenia/fatigue, anorexia, atrial flutter, and visual symptoms. At 70 mg/m2, the AUY922 concentration achieved was consistent with active concentrations in a range of xenograft models. There was evidence of target inhibition in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (HSP70 induction) and tumor (client protein depletion and reduction of metabolic activity by 18F-FDG PET). The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of 70 mg/m2 was proposed on the basis of toxicity and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles.

Conclusions: At the RP2D of 70 mg/m2, AUY922 exhibited acceptable tolerability, and phase II single-agent and combination studies have been initiated in patients with HER2-positive breast, gastric, and non–small cell lung cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3671–80. ©2013 AACR.
Phase I Trial of a New Schedule of Romidepsin in Patients with Advanced Cancers
Authors: Amiri-Kordestani Laleh , Luchenko Victoria , Peer Cody J. , Ghafourian Kambiz , Reynolds James , Draper Deb , Frye Robin , Woo Sue , Venzon David , Wright John , Skarulis Monica , Figg William D. , Fojo Tito , Bates Susan E. , Piekarz Richard L.
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Romidepsin is a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDI) with activity in T-cell lymphoma. Given preclinical data showing greater induction of gene expression with longer exposures to HDIs, a phase I study of a day 1, 3, and 5 romidepsin schedule was evaluated. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of romidepsin on radioactive iodine (RAI) uptake in thyroid cancers.

Experimental Design: Open-label, single-arm, phase I, 3 + 3 dose escalation study. Romidepsin was administered as a 4-hour infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 21-day cycle. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) were assessed, including histone acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), RAI uptake in refractory thyroid cancer, and HDI-related ECG changes.

Results: Twenty-eight patients with solid tumors, including 11 patients with thyroid cancer were enrolled. Six dose levels were explored, and 7 mg/m2 on days 1, 3, and 5 was identified as tolerable. No Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors–defined objective responses were recorded although 9 patients had stable disease a median 30 weeks (range, 21–112) including 6 with thyroid cancer a median of 33 weeks. PD studies detected acetylated histones in PBMCs and ECG changes beginning at low dose levels. Follow-up RAI scans in patients with RAI refractory thyroid cancer did not detect meaningful increases.

Conclusions: A romidepsin dose of 7 mg/m2 administered on days 1, 3, and 5 was found tolerable and resulted in histone acetylation in PBMCs. Although there were no objective responses with romidepsin alone, this schedule may be useful for developing combination studies in solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 19(16); 4499–507. ©2013 AACR.
Breast Cancer Index Identifies Early-Stage Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Patients at Risk for Early- and Late-Distant Recurrence
Authors: Zhang Yi , Schnabel Catherine A. , Schroeder Brock E. , Jerevall Piiha-Lotta , Jankowitz Rachel C. , Fornander Tommy , Stål Olle , Brufsky Adam M. , Sgroi Dennis , Erlander Mark G.
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Residual risk of relapse remains a substantial concern for patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, with approximately half of all disease recurrences occurring after five years of adjuvant antiestrogen therapy.

Experimental Design: The objective of this study was to examine the prognostic performance of an optimized model of Breast Cancer Index (BCI), an algorithmic gene expression–based signature, for prediction of early (0–5 years) and late (>5 years) risk of distant recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+), lymph node–negative (LN−) tumors. The BCI model was validated by retrospective analyses of tumor samples from tamoxifen-treated patients from a randomized prospective trial (Stockholm TAM, n = 317) and a multi-institutional cohort (n = 358).

Results: Within the Stockholm TAM cohort, BCI risk groups stratified the majority (∼65%) of patients as low risk with less than 3% distant recurrence rate for 0 to 5 years and 5 to 10 years. In the multi-institutional cohort, which had larger tumors, 55% of patients were classified as BCI low risk with less than 5% distant recurrence rate for 0 to 5 years and 5 to 10 years. For both cohorts, continuous BCI was the most significant prognostic factor beyond standard clinicopathologic factors for 0 to 5 years and more than five years.

Conclusions: The prognostic sustainability of BCI to assess early- and late-distant recurrence risk at diagnosis has clinical use for decisions of chemotherapy at diagnosis and for decisions for extended adjuvant endocrine therapy beyond five years. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4196–205. ©2013 AACR.
Single-Domain Antibody–Based and Linker-Free Bispecific Antibodies Targeting FcγRIII Induce Potent Antitumor Activity without Recruiting Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Rozan Caroline , Cornillon Amélie , Pétiard Corinne , Chartier Martine , Behar Ghislaine , Boix Charlotte , Kerfelec Brigitte , Robert Bruno , Pèlegrin André , Chames Patrick , Teillaud Jean-Luc , Baty Daniel
Published: June 2013

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, one of the most prominent modes of action of antitumor antibodies, suffers from important limitations due to the need for optimal interactions with Fcγ receptors. In this work, we report the design of a new bispecific antibody format, compact and linker-free, based on the use of llama single-domain antibodies that are capable of circumventing most of these limitations. This bispecific antibody format was created by fusing single-domain antibodies directed against the carcinoembryonic antigen and the activating FcγRIIIa receptor to human Cκ and CH1 immunoglobulin G1 domains, acting as a natural dimerization motif. In vitro and in vivo characterization of these Fab-like bispecific molecules revealed favorable features for further development as a therapeutic molecule. They are easy to produce in Escherichia coli, very stable, and elicit potent lysis of tumor cells by human natural killer cells at picomolar concentrations. Unlike conventional antibodies, they do not engage inhibitory FcγRIIb receptor, do not compete with serum immunoglobulins G for receptor binding, and their cytotoxic activity is independent of Fc glycosylation and FcγRIIIa polymorphism. As opposed to anti-CD3 bispecific antitumor antibodies, they do not engage regulatory T cells as these latter cells do not express FcγRIII. Studies in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient gamma mice xenografted with carcinoembryonic antigen–positive tumor cells showed that Fab-like bispecific molecules in the presence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells significantly slow down tumor growth. This new compact, linker-free bispecific antibody format offers a promising approach for optimizing antibody-based therapies. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(8); 1481–91. ©2013 AACR.
Antitumor Impact ofp14ARFon Gefitinib-Resistant Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Saito Ken , Takigawa Nagio , Ohtani Naoko , Iioka Hidekazu , Tomita Yuki , Ueda Ryuzo , Fukuoka Junya , Kuwahara Kazuhiko , Ichihara Eiki , Kiura Katsuyuki , Kondo Eisaku
Published: June 2013

Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been observed in many malignant tumors and its constitutive signal transduction facilitates the proliferation of tumors. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib, are widely used as a molecular-targeting agent for the inactivation of EGFR signaling and show considerable therapeutic effect in non–small cell lung cancers harboring activating EGFR mutations. However, prolonged treatment inevitably produces tumors with additional gefitinib-resistant mutations in EGFR, which is a critical issue for current therapeutics. We aimed to characterize the distinct molecular response to gefitinib between the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive lung adenocarcinoma cells in order to learn about therapeutics based on the molecular information. From the quantitative PCR analysis, we found a specific increase in p14ARF expression in gefitinib-sensitive lung adenocarcinoma clones, which was absent in gefitinib-resistant clones. Moreover, mitochondria-targeted p14ARF triggered the most augmented apoptosis in both clones. We identified the amino acid residues spanning from 38 to 65 as a functional core of mitochondrial p14ARF (p14 38-65 a.a.), which reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and caused caspase-9 activation. The synthesized peptide covering the p14 38-65 a.a. induced growth suppression of the gefitinib-resistant clones without affecting nonneoplastic cells. Notably, transduction of the minimized dose of the p14 38-65 peptide restored the response to gefitinib like that in the sensitive clones. These findings suggest that the region of p14ARF 38-65 a.a. is critical in the pharmacologic action of gefitinib against EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma cells and has potential utility in the therapeutics of gefitinib-resistant cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(8); 1616–28. ©2013 AACR.
Cost and Effectiveness of Therapy for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Studnička Jan , Říhová Barbora , Rencová Eva , Rozsíval Pavel , Dubská Zora , Chrapek Oldřich , Kolář Petr , Kandrnal Vít , Demlová Regina , Pitrová Šárka , Řehák Jiří
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Evaluation of the cost and effectiveness of therapy for patients with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in routine clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective multicentre evaluation of changes in the best-corrected visual acuity in applied kinds of therapy and a comparison with the cost of individual therapeutic procedures. Results: An overall total of 788 eyes of 763 patients with an average age of 73.2 ± 8.6 years was evaluated for a 1-year minimum period. In the ranibizumab and pegaptanib therapy groups, a reduction of 1.3 letters (p = 0.303) and 1.4 letters (p = 0.197) was found, respectively. In the group of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin, a reduction of 5.2 letters was achieved (p < 0.001). Under the conditions of routine practice in the Czech Republic, the annual cost is highest (EUR 5,467.63/patient) in patients with pegaptanib therapy. The annual cost in patients with ranibizumab therapy is lower by EUR 1,220.16. The cost is nearly half (EUR 2,783.65) in the group treated with PDT with verteporfin. Conclusion: An initiation of AMD therapy by ranibizumab is cost-effective as compared to pegaptanib. Both ranibizumab and pegaptanib are significantly more efficient as compared to PDT with verteporfin. Therapy with ranibizumab and pegaptanib, as compared to PDT with verteporfin, prevents the loss of 1 line of vision on the ETDRS chart for EUR 1,225.98 and 2,286.18, respectively.
Bevacizumab in Combination with Capecitabine plus Irinotecan as First-Line Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 2 Phase II Trials
Authors: García Alfonso Pilar , Muñoz Martin Andrés , Alvarez Suarez Sonsoles , Blanco Codeidido Monserrat , Mondejar Solis Rebeca , Tapia Rico Gonzalo , López Martín Pilar , Martin Miguel
Published: June 2013

Background: Although phase III studies have investigated the effect of adding bevacizumab to the 3-weekly capecitabine plus irinotecan (XELIRI) combination in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), no phase III studies investigating the effects of adding bevacizumab to biweekly XELIRI have been published. Patients and Methods: A retrospective pooled analysis of 2 single-arm phase II studies was performed. Previously untreated patients with mCRC received irinotecan 175 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 2-8 every 2 weeks with or without bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on day 1. Results: In total, 53 patients received XELIRI, and 46 patients received XELIRI plus bevacizumab. There was a statistically significant increase in partial response rate with XELIRI plus bevacizumab (63 vs. 26% for XELIRI; p = 0.0002) and overall response rate (67 vs. 32%; p = 0.0005). Median time to disease progression was significantly longer with XELIRI plus bevacizumab (12.3 vs. 9.0 months for XELIRI; p = 0.012); median overall survival did not differ significantly between treatments (23.7 vs. 19.3 months; p = 0.4997). The proportion of patients experiencing at least 1 grade 3/4 adverse event was similar with both treatments (XELIRI, 47%; XELIRI plus bevacizumab, 44%). Conclusion: This retrospective pooled analysis suggests that XELIRI plus bevacizumab has an acceptable tolerability profile and improves efficacy outcomes compared with XELIRI in the first-line treatment of mCRC.
Adjuvant Therapy Reduces the Benefit of Palliative Treatment in Disseminated Breast Cancer - Own Findings and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kleeberg Ulrich R , Fink Michael , Tessen Hans-Werner , Nennecke Alice , Hentschel Stefan , Bartels Stefan
Published: June 2013

Background: Adjuvant treatment concepts have improved the 10-year cure rate of breast and colon cancer, but new treatments for metastatic disease have yielded only incremental benefit. If treatments for disseminated cancer were actually prolonging life rather than only increasing remission rates, this effect should have been documented over the last 30+ years. However, published data concerning advances in treatment for disseminated cancer have been contradictory. Patients and Methods: To add data-based information, we analyzed 2 sources: a regional population-based cancer registry (Hamburgisches Krebsregister, HKR), and a research cancer registry (Projektgruppe Internistische Onkologie, PIO). We compared the survival of several thousand patients with metastatic disease who received treatment only after dissemination with that of patients who received initial adjuvant therapy. Results: After adjuvant treatment, survival in patients with disseminated breast cancer is up to a third shorter than that of patients without adjuvant therapy. Conclusions: In accordance with published evidence, we conclude that ineffective adjuvant treatment shortens survival after documentation of metastatic disease. This is probably due to the elimination of chemo-sensitive tumor cells or to the induction of resistance in remaining micrometatases. This negative effect on survival after dissemination has been shown clearly for breast cancer and is also probable for cancer of the colon and other sites.
Late Recurrence of a Pineal Germinoma 14 Years after Radiation and Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Janjetovic Snjezana , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fiedler Walter , Frenzel Thorsten , Calaminus Gabriele , Honecker Friedemann
Published: June 2013

Background: Intracranial germinomas (IG) are rare and highly curable tumors. The incidence and optimal treatment of recurrences are not well defined. Case Report: A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with a late recurrence of an IG 14 years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis was complicated by the absence of tumor markers and delayed histological sampling of the lesion. Upon histological confirmation, the patient received 2 cycles of conventional chemotherapy, followed by 2 cycles of highdose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The patient achieved a complete remission on magnetic resonance imaging scan. Consolidating radiation of the involved field was performed after termination of the chemotherapy. Conclusion: Limited information on the optimal management of late relapses of IG call for individualized therapeutic approaches. Platinum-based chemotherapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and consolidative radiation, appears to be feasible and effective in this situation.
Interval Debulking Surgery in Patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IIIC and IV Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Keyver-Paik Mignon-Denise , Zivanovic Oliver , Rudlowski Christian , Höller Tobias , Wolfgarten Matthias , Kübler Kirsten , Schröder Lars , Mallmann Michael , Pölcher Martin , Kuhn Walther
Published: June 2013

Background: The feasibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the outcome in patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IIIC and IV ovarian cancer were assessed. Patients and Methods: 67 patients undergoing interval debulking surgery (IDS) and ≥ 4 courses of platinum-based NAC were analyzed for survival, perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results: The median follow-up was 30 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17 months, the overall survival (OS) 34 months. The PFS of patients without residual disease (n = 23; 34.3%) was 31 months (p = 0.003), the OS 65 months (p = 0.001). PFS and OS were significantly longer in patients with no residual disease than in patients with 1-10 mm (n = 34; 47.9%) (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0001, respectively) residual disease. No survival benefit was seen for patients with 1-10 mm compared to > 1 cm (n = 12; 16.9%) residual disease (PFS p = 0.518; OS p = 0.077). 1 patient (1.4%) died; 12 patients needed interventional treatment or operation (16.9%) within the first 30 days postoperatively. Out of these, 5 patients (7.0%) had residual or lasting disability. Conclusions: NAC and IDS are safe and feasible in this series of patients with unfavorable prognosis. IDS does not change the goal of complete cytoreduction and therefore does not compensate for a less radical surgical approach.
Thrombosis in central obesity and metabolic syndrome: Mechanisms and epidemiology
Authors: Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Alessi Marie-Christine
Published: June 2013

summary

Central obesity is a key feature of the metabolic syndrome (metS), a multiplex risk factor for subsequent development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Many metabolic alterations closely related to this condition exert effects on platelets and vascular cells. A procoagulant and hypofibrinolytic state has been identified, mainly underlain by inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia, and ectopic fat that accompany central obesity. In support of these data, central obesity independently predisposes not only to atherothrombosis but also to venous thrombosis.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Receiving New and Replacement Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Kramer Daniel B. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Noseworthy Peter A. , Buxton Alfred E. , Josephson Mark E. , Normand Sharon-Lise , Spertus John A. , Zimetbaum Peter J. , Reynolds Matthew R. , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Little is known about the clinical features, procedural risks, or survival of patients receiving replacement versus new implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Methods and Results—

Entries in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) ICD Registry from 2005 through 2010 were eligible for inclusion (n=463 978). Baseline demographic data, clinical information, and procedural variables were compared between patients receiving new (n=359 993; 77.6%) and replacement (n=103 985; 22.4%) ICDs and entered into a propensity match model to determine adjusted survival rates. Patients receiving replacement ICDs were older (70.7 versus 67.5 years of age) and more likely to have atrial fibrillation (41.8% versus 31.4%;
P
<0.001) and ventricular tachycardia (60.5% versus 33.9%;
P
<0.001) compared with patients receiving new ICDs. Median battery life was only 4.6 years (25%–75% interquartile range, 3.7–5.8) for all replaced devices, 5.8 (25%–75% interquartile range, 4.2–7.5) for single-chamber, 5.1 (25%–75% interquartile range, 4.1–6.1) for dual-chamber, and 3.9 (25%–75% interquartile range, 3.2–4.6) years for biventricular devices. Patients receiving replacement ICDs had lower rates of index admission complications (0.9% versus 3.2%;
P
<0.001) but greater risk for death compared receiving patients receiving new ICDs in unadjusted analysis (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.20;
P
<0.0001) and after propensity-score matching (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–1.30;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Patients receiving replacement ICDs are older and at greater risk for death compared with those receiving initial ICD implants. The battery life of initial ICDs is shorter than previously reported.
Divide and Rule in Bahrain and the Elusive Pursuit for a United Front: The Experience of the Constitutive Committee and the 1972 Uprising
Authors: AlShehabi Omar Hesham
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This article focuses on the ‘The Constitutive Committee’, the 1971–2 mass-movement to create a general trade union in Bahrain. The first mass-movement after independence, it was also the country’s first public non-sectarian organised movement. Initially a joint effort between ‘The Popular Front’ and the ‘National Liberation Front’, it represented the first formal collaboration between the two major factions of the Left, which had historically entertained an ambivalent relationship. This article traces the committee’s establishment and development, culminating with the ‘March 1972 uprising’. The article places the Constitutive Committee within a historical narrative that begins with the Higher Executive Committee movement of 1954–6 and leads up to the February 2011 Arab uprisings. The framework emphasises the dialectical struggles of popular movements searching for a united front for political change, faced by a regime that has mastered the use of divide and rule to entrench social and political fragmentation.
The Limits of Sociological Marxism?
Authors: Morton Adam David
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Within the agenda of historical-materialist theory and practice Sociological Marxism has delivered a compelling perspective on how to explore and link the analysis of civil society, the state, and the economy within an explicit focus on class exploitation, emancipation, and rich ethnography. This article situates a major analysis of state formation, the rise of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), and the growth of a broader Islamist movement in Turkey within the main current of Sociological Marxism. It does so in order to critically examine the rather bold revision of the theory of hegemony at the heart of Cihan Tuğal’sPassive Revolution: Absorbing the Islamic Challenge to Capitalism, which posits the separate interaction of political society, civil society and the state in theorising hegemonic politics in Turkey. My contention is that the revision of hegemony that this analysis offers and its state-theoretical commitments are deeply problematic due to the reliance on what I term ‘ontological exteriority’, meaning the treatment of state, civil society and the economy as always-alreadyseparatespheres. The focus of the critique then moves toward highlighting a frustrating lack of direct engagement with Antonio Gramsci’s writings in this disquisition on hegemony and passive revolution, which has important political consequences. While praise for certain aspects of ethnographic and spatial analysis is raised, it is argued that any account of the reordering of hegemony and the restructuring of spatial-temporal contexts of capital accumulation through conditions of passive revolution also needs to draw from a more sophisticated state theory, a direct reading of Gramsci, and broader scalar analysis of spatial relations and uneven development under capitalism.
Staminodianthus, a new neotropical Genistoid legume genus segregated from Diplotropis
Authors: CARDOSO DOMINGOS , DE LIMA HAROLDO CAVALCANTE , DE QUEIROZ LUCIANO PAGANUCCI
Published: June 2013

Morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence strongly demonstrated the paraphyly of the Genistoid legume genus Diplotropis with respect to the recently described monospecific Guianodendron (a segregate of Acosmium sensu lato). In order to achieve a phylogenetically based classification of the group, the new Amazonian genus Staminodianthus D.B.O.S. Cardoso, H.C. Lima & L.P. Queiroz is described and illustrated to accommodate three species previously placed in Diplotropis sect. Racemosae. We present a synopsis for Staminodianthus, including geographical distribution, lectotypification, and new species circumscriptions of the following three new combinations: Staminodianthus duckei (Yakovlev) D.B.O.S. Cardoso & H.C. Lima, Staminodianthus racemosus (Hoehne) D.B.O.S. Cardoso & H.C. Lima, and Staminodianthus rosae (H.C. Lima) D.B.O.S. Cardoso & H.C. Lima. Staminodianthus differs most notably from its sister genus Guianodendron by having bilaterally symmetrical flowers, calyces with a curved hypanthium, a well-differentiated standard petal, lateral and lower petals without auricles, and the androecium with a combination of five fertile stamens and five short staminodes, a unique feature within the Genistoid legumes.
A revision of loasoid Caiophora (Caiophora pterosperma-group, Loasoideae, Loasaceae) from Peru
Authors: ACKERMANN MARKUS , WEIGEND MAXIMILIAN
Published: June 2013

Caiophora is a taxonomically difficult, nearly exclusively Andean genus of the largely South American family Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae. Elevational distribution and flower morphology argue for a relatively basal position of loasoid Caiophora in the genus. Caiophora has not been revised since 1900, and details of their morphology, distribution and species delimitation are incompletely understood. The Caiophora pterosperma-group clearly belongs to Caiophora based on habit, fruit morphology, karyology and molecular data, but is florally similar to members of the closely allied genera Loasa and Scyphanthus. The Peruvian members of the Caiophora pterosperma-group are here revised. Three species are recognized: C. pterosperma, endemic to the departments of Junín and Pasco (including C. smithii, C. serropetala and C. pavonii), C. stenocarpa from the departments Cuzco and Huancavelica, and the new species Caiophora dederichiorum, endemic to the department of Ancash. All three species occur at low elevations for the genus (down to 2200 m a.s.l.) and in seasonally dry habitats, unlike most representatives of the genus (usually found in mesic habitats at higher elevations). A key to the Peruvian members of the group, diagnoses, drawings and photographs are provided for all species recognized.
Bourdieu and Literature
Authors: Speller John R.W.
Published: June 2013

Bourdieu and Literature is a wide-ranging, rigorous and accessible introduction to the relationship between Pierre Bourdieu's work and literary studies. It provides a comprehensive overview and critical assessment of his contributions to literary theory and his thinking about authors and literary works. One of the foremost French intellectuals of the post-war era, Bourdieu has become a standard point of reference in the fields of anthropology, linguistics, art history, cultural studies, politics, and sociology, but his longstanding interest in literature has often been overlooked. This study explores the impact of literature on Bourdieu's intellectual itinerary, and how his literary understanding intersected with his sociological theory and thinking about cultural policy. This is the first full-length study of Bourdieu's work on literature in English, and it provides an invaluable resource for students and scholars of literary studies, cultural theory and sociology.
A 6-yr Climatology of Fronts Affecting Helsinki, Finland, and Their Boundary Layer Structure
Authors: Sinclair Victoria A.
Published: June 2013

A 6-yr climatology of the frequency, characteristics, and boundary layer structure of synoptic-scale fronts in Helsinki, Finland, was created using significant weather charts and observations from a 327-m-tall mast and from the Station for Measuring Ecosystem–Atmosphere Relationships III. In total, 855 fronts (332 cold fronts, 236 warm fronts, and 287 occluded fronts) affected Helsinki during the 6-yr period, equating to one front every 2.6 days. Seasonal and diurnal cycles were observed, with frontal frequency peaking during the cold season and during daytime. Composites of warm and cold fronts were developed to provide observationally based conceptual models of the low-level structure of fronts at the end of the North Atlantic Ocean storm track. The composite warm front displays a temperature increase of 4.0°C; a broad, forward-tilting frontal zone; and prolonged, weak-to-moderate precipitation. The composite cold front is characterized by a temperature decrease of 4.4°C, a narrow and slightly rearward-tilting frontal zone, and moderate precipitation collocated with the surface front. Relationships between frontal characteristics and the direction from which fronts approached, the season, time of day, prefrontal boundary layer lapse rate, and the location of the wind shift relative to the thermal gradient were investigated. The prefrontal lapse rate was the single most important variable in determining the temperature change, the height of the maximum temperature change, and the near-surface tilt of both warm and cold fronts. This result demonstrates the interaction between boundary layer and synoptic-scale processes that must be captured by numerical weather prediction models to accurately forecast surface fronts.
Weakening of the Kuroshio Intrusion into the South China Sea over the Past Two Decades
Authors: Nan Feng , Xue Huijie , Chai Fei , Wang Dongxiao , Yu Fei , Shi Maochong , Guo Peifang , Xiu Peng
Published: June 2013

Inferred from the satellite and in situ hydrographic data from the 1990s and 2000s, the Kuroshio intrusion into the South China Sea (SCS) had a weakening trend over the past two decades. Associated with the weakened Kuroshio intrusion, the Kuroshio loop and eddy activity southwest of Taiwan became weaker, whereas the water above the salinity minimum became less saline in the northern SCS. The sea surface height southwest of Taiwan increased at a slower rate compared to other regions of the SCS because of the weakened Kuroshio intrusion. Simulations using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) Pacific model show that the strength of the Kuroshio intrusion into the SCS decreased from 1993 to 2010 with a negative trend, −0.24 sverdrups (Sv) yr−1 (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), in the total Luzon Strait transport (LST). Although wind-induced Ekman transport through the Luzon Strait became weaker, the magnitude at 0.001 Sv yr−1 was too small to compensate for the negative trend of the LST. On the other hand, the piling up of the water induced by monsoon winds was an important mechanism for changing the pressure gradient across the Luzon Strait and eventually affecting the LST. The sea level gradient between the western Pacific and the SCS had a negative trend, −0.10 cm yr−1, corresponding to a negative trend in the geostrophic transport at −0.20 Sv yr−1. The Kuroshio transport east of Luzon Island also had a negative trend, which might also be linked to the weakening Kuroshio intrusion.
Subduction of South Pacific Tropical Water and Its Equatorward Pathways as Shown by a Simulated Passive Tracer
Authors: Qu Tangdong , Gao Shan , Fine Rana A.
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the subduction of South Pacific Tropical Water (SPTW) and its equatorward pathways using a simulated passive tracer of the consortium Estimating the Circulation & Climate of the Ocean (ECCO). The results show that approximately 5.8 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of the SPTW is formed in the subtropical South Pacific Ocean within the density range between 24.0 and 25.0 kg m−3, of which about 87% is due to vertical pumping and 13% is due to lateral induction, comparing reasonably well with estimates from climatological data. Once subducted, most SPTW spreads in the subtropical South Pacific. Because of the presence of mixing, some portion of the water is transformed, and its tracer-weighted density steadily increases from an initial value of 24.4 to nearly 25.0 kg m−3 after 13 years of integration. Approximately 42% of the water makes its way into the equatorial Pacific, either through the western boundary or interior pathway. The two equatorward pathways are essentially of equal importance. A large (~70%) portion of the SPTW entering the equatorial region resurfaces in the central equatorial Pacific. The potential impacts of the resurfacing SPTW on the equatorial thermocline and surface stratification are discussed.
Role of nanofillers in low speed impact enhancement of composites
Authors: Moustafa Kamal , Aldajah Saud , Hayek Saleh , Alomari Ammar , Haik Yousef
Published: June 2013

The current study investigates the impact characteristics of polymeric-based nanocomposites strengthened with carbon nanotubes, nanoclay, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide particles nanofillers. Different weight percentages of each nanofiller were prepared. A dead weight drop mechanism was utilized to compare the impact characteristics of different nanocomposite materials. An X-ray technique was utilized to characterize the formation of microstructural defects of the laminated composites post impact. The results showed that the nanoclay fillers were the best to enhance the impact and mechanical properties of the composite materials with 4.3 wt% of nanoclay being the optimum percentage.
Polyamide 11-MWNT nanocomposites: Thermal and electrical conductivity measurements
Authors: Yuan Mengqi , Johnson Blake , Koo Joseph H , Bourell David
Published: June 2013

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with different loadings (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt%) were incorporated into polyamide 11 using a powder–powder mixing technique to form nanocomposites. The density and specific heat of each nanocomposite were measured. Thermal conductivities of these polymer nanocomposite powders were measured in a nitrogen atmosphere using a commercial transient plane-source device. Results indicate the thermal conductivity of preheated powder was larger than the fresh powder and similar to that at the melting temperature. The powder formulations were also pressed into films using a heat press and room temperature electrical conductivity measurements were performed. Substantial improvements in electrical conductivity were observed with increasing loading of MWNT. Microstructures of the nanocomposite specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy.