bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting disease activity in clinical trials of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: EULAR/ACR collaborative recommendations
Authors: Aletaha D. , Landewe R. , Karonitsch T. , Bathon J. , Boers M. , Bombardier C. , Bombardieri S. , Choi H. , Combe B. , Dougados M. , Emery P. , Gomez‐Reino J. , Keystone E. , Koch G. , Kvien T. K. , Martin‐Mola E. , Matucci‐Cerinic M. , Michaud K. , O'dell J. , Paulus H. , Pincus T. , Richards P. , Simon L. , Siegel J. , Smolen J. S. , Sokka T. , Strand V. , Tugwell P. , van der Heijde D. , van Riel P. , Vlad S. , van Vollenhoven R. , Ward M. , Weinblatt M. , Wells G. , White B. , Wolfe F. , Zhang B. , Zink A. , Felson D.
Published: September 2008

Objective

To make recommendations on how to report disease activity in clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) endorsed by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Methods

The project followed the EULAR standardized operating procedures, which use a three‐step approach: 1) expert‐based definition of relevant research questions (November 2006); 2) systematic literature search (November 2006 to May 2007); and 3) expert consensus on recommendations based on the literature search results (May 2007). In addition, since this is the first joint EULAR/ACR publication on recommendations, an extra step included a meeting with an ACR panel to approve the recommendations elaborated by the expert group (August 2007).

Results

Eleven relevant questions were identified for the literature search. Based on the evidence from the literature, the expert panel recommended that each trial should report the following items: 1) disease activity response and disease activity states; 2) appropriate descriptive statistics of the baseline, the endpoints and change of the single variables included in the core set; 3) baseline disease activity levels (in general); 4) the percentage of patients achieving a low disease activity state and remission; 5) time to onset of the primary outcome; 6) sustainability of the primary outcome; 7) fatigue.

Conclusion

These recommendations endorsed by EULAR and ACR will help harmonize the presentations of results from clinical trials. Adherence to these recommendations will provide the readership of clinical trials with more details of important outcomes, while the higher level of homogeneity may facilitate the comparison of outcomes across different trials and pooling of trial results, such as in meta‐analyses.
Computing an NPMLE for a Mixing Distribution in Two Closed Heterogeneous Population Size Models
Authors: Mao Chang Xuan
Published: September 2008

Binomial and geometric mixtures can be used to model data gathered in capture‐recapture surveys of animal populations, removal surveys of harvest populations, registrations of disease populations, ecological species census, and so on. To compute a nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for the mixing distribution of heterogeneous capture probabilities, we consider a conditional approach and use a reliable and fast integrative procedure which combines the EM algorithm to increase the likelihood and the vertex‐exchange method to update the number of support points. A convergent Newtonian algorithm is used in the M‐step of the EM algorithm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The preoccupation with thresholds in cases of child death or serious injury through abuse and neglect
Authors: Brandon Marian , Belderson Pippa , Warren Catherine , Gardner Ruth , Howe David , Dodsworth Jane , Black Jane
Published: September 2008

Thresholds into and between services emerged as a significant theme in the biennial analysis of cases of child death and serious injury through abuse and neglect ‘serious case reviews’ carried out in England for the (then) Department for Education and Skills between 2003–05. The preoccupation with thresholds was one of a number of interacting risk factors and many children's cases were on the boundary of services and levels of intervention. In most cases child protection did not come ‘labelled as such’ which reinforces the need for all practitioners, including those working with adults to be alert to the risks of significant harm. Policy makers should acknowledge that staff working in early intervention are working within the safeguarding continuum and not in a separate sphere of activity. The emotional impact of working with hostility from violent parents and working with resistance from older adolescents impeded engagement, judgement and safeguarding action. In the long term neglect cases that were reviewed, the threshold for formal child protection services was rarely met and some agencies and practitioners coped with feelings of helplessness by adopting the ‘start again syndrome’. Adequate resources are essential but not sufficient to redress the problems. Effective and accessible supervision is crucial to help staff to put into practice the critical thinking required to understand cases holistically, complete analytical assessments, and weigh up interacting risk and protective factors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommendations from child fatality review teams: results of a US nationwide exploratory study concerning maltreatment fatalities and social service delivery
Authors: Douglas Emily M. , Cunningham Jennifer M.
Published: September 2008

Multidisciplinary child fatality review teams (CFRT) have existed in the United States (US) for almost 30 years; the products of the review process, however, remain unexamined. This study reviewed reports from CFRT throughout the US to compile and evaluate the identification of problems and recommendations by professionals concerning child maltreatment fatalities. Team‐ and state‐level data were also used for analysis to better understand the context in which recommendations are made. Over 300 recommendations for change from CFRT were grouped into 11 macro categories. The frequency of each type of recommendation and examples from each category are provided. The authors provide recommendations of their own for improvements in CFRT outputs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences in applying data‐driven modelling technology to steelmaking processes
Authors: Miletic Ivan , Boudreau François , Dudzic Michael , Kotuza Greg , Ronholm Laura , Vaculik Vit , Zhang Yale
Published: September 2008

Experience has shown that data‐driven modelling methods are useful for improving steelmaking processes. In particular, principal components analysis and partial least squares are well‐suited for industrial implementation because they address practical issues such as colinearity and missing data. In the course of applying these multivariate methods on‐line, a need for a flexible computer infrastructure to better support data handling and model implementation was identified and met with an internally developed software calculation platform. Multivariate methods have been found useful for monitoring and for prediction and can also be applied as a foundation for other methods such as optimization.
A replicated investigation of nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene over a range of reaction conditions
Authors: Nabifar Afsaneh , McManus Neil T. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Lona Liliane M.F. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: September 2008

A comprehensive experimental investigation of nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of styrene using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) as controller is presented. Polymerizations with a bimolecular initiator (benzoyl peroxide; BPO) were carried out at 120 and 130°C, with TEMPO/BPO molar ratios ranging from 0.9 to 1.5. Results indicate that increasing temperature increases the rate of polymerization while the decrease in molecular weights is only slight. It was also observed that increasing the ratio of TEMPO/BPO decreased both the rate of polymerization and molecular weights. Probably for the first time in the history of such investigations, the paper contains a comprehensive database, appropriate for parameter estimation in aid of future modelling studies, since it comes from a systematic data collection containing independent replication.
Local dynamic partial least squares approaches for the modelling of batch processes
Authors: Fletcher N. M. , Morris A. J. , Montague G. , Martin E. B.
Published: September 2008

The application of multivariate statistical projection based techniques has been recognized as one approach to contributing to an increased understanding of process behaviour. The key methodologies have included multi‐way principal component analysis (PCA), multi‐way partial least squares (PLS) and batch observation level analysis. Batch processes typically exhibit nonlinear, time variant behaviour and these characteristics challenge the aforementioned techniques. To address these challenges, dynamic PLS has been proposed to capture the process dynamics. Likewise approaches to removing the process nonlinearities have included the removal of the mean trajectory and the application of nonlinear PLS. An alternative approach is described whereby the batch trajectories are sub‐divided into operating regions with a linear/linear dynamic model being fitted to each region. These individual models are spliced together to provide an overall nonlinear global model. Such a structure provides the potential for an alternative approach to batch process performance monitoring. In the paper a number of techniques are considered for developing the local model, including multi‐way PLS and dynamic multi‐way PLS. Utilising the most promising set of results from a simulation study of a batch process, the local model comprising individual linear dynamic PLS models was benchmarked against global nonlinear dynamic PLS using data from an industrial batch fermentation process. In conclusion the results for the local operating region techniques were comparable to the global model in terms of the residual sum of squares but for the global model structure was evident in the residuals. Consequently, the local modelling approach is statistically more robust.
The integration of spectroscopic and process data for enhanced process performance monitoring
Authors: Wong Chris W. L. , Escott Richard , Martin Elaine , Morris Julian
Published: September 2008

Batch process performance monitoring has been achieved primarily using process measurements with the extracted information being associated with the physical parameters of the process. With increasing attention now being paid to the application of on‐line real‐time process analytics through spectrometry, together with the FDA Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) initiative, the use of spectroscopic information for enhanced monitoring of reactions is gaining impetus. The harmonious integration of process data and spectroscopic data then becomes a major challenge. By integrating the process and spectroscopic measurements for multivariate statistical data modelling and analysis, it is conjectured that improved process understanding and fault diagnosis can be achieved. An investigation into combining process and spectral data using multiblock and multiresolution analysis is proposed and the results from the analysis of experimental data from two industrial application studies are presented to demonstrate the improvements achievable in terms of process performance monitoring and fault diagnosis.
Arsenic trioxide and low‐dose cytarabine in older patients with untreated acute myeloid leukemia, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Roboz Gail J. , Ritchie Ellen K. , Curcio Tania , Provenzano Juliette , Carlin Rebecca , Samuel Michael , Wittenberg Beth , Mazumdar Madhu , Christos Paul J. , Mathew Susan , Allen‐Bard Sandra , Feldman Eric J.
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a dismal prognosis in older patients. In this study, the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of arsenic trioxide combined with low‐dose cytarabine in untreated patients aged ≥60 years with AML.

METHODS.

In a phase 1/2 design, arsenic trioxide was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg on Days 1 through 5 and on Days 8 through 12, and low‐dose cytarabine was given subcutaneously twice daily on Days 1 through 14 in escalating doses to a target of 10 mg/m2 per dose. Of 64 patients who had pathologically confirmed AML, excluding patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and using World Health Organization criteria, the median age was 71 years, 10 patients (16%) had treatment‐related AML, 40 patients (63%) had an antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative disorder, and 35 patients (55%) had unfavorable cytogenetics. Thirty‐four patients (53%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or 3.

RESULTS.

Complete remission was achieved in 21 of 61 patients (34%), including 15 of 50 patients (30%) who had secondary or treatment‐related AML, 10 of 33 patients (30%) who had unfavorable cytogenetics, and 6 of 34 patients (18%) who had a poor baseline performance status. The mortality rate within the first 4 weeks was 8%. Neutropenic fever was observed in >80% of patients, and 41% of patients had bacteremia. Nonhematologic toxicity generally was mild and reversible and included fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, rash, peripheral edema, and elevated transaminases. There were no clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS.

The addition of arsenic trioxide to low‐dose cytarabine appeared to improve responses in elderly patients who had AML compared with either agent alone, and a randomized trial of the combination versus single‐agent low‐dose cytarabine is ongoing. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer society.
Second solid malignancies among children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with malignant bone tumors after 1976
Authors: Goldsby Robert , Burke Cynthia , Nagarajan Rajaram , Zhou Tianni , Chen Zhengjia , Marina Neyssa , Friedman Debra , Neglia Joseph , Chuba Paul , Bhatia Smita
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND.

The growing number of individuals surviving childhood cancer has increased the awareness of adverse long‐term sequelae. One of the most worrisome complications after cancer therapy is the development of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs).

METHODS.

The authors describe the incidence of solid organ SMN in survivors of pediatric malignant bone tumors who were treated on legacy Children's Cancer Group/Pediatric Oncology Group protocols from 1976 to 2005. This retrospective cohort study included 2842 patients: 1686 who were treated for osteosarcoma (OS) and 1156 who were treated for Ewing sarcoma (ES).

RESULTS.

The cohort included 56% boys/young men and 44% girls/young women, and the median age at primary diagnosis was 13 years. The median length of follow‐up was 6.1 years (range, 0‐20.9 years). In this analysis, 64% of patients were alive. Seventeen patients with solid organ SMN were identified. The standardized incidence ratio was 2.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐5.4) for patients who were treated for OS and 5.0 (95% CI, 2.6‐9.4) for patients who were treated for ES. The median time from diagnosis to development of solid SMN was 7 years (range, 1‐13 years). The 10‐year cumulative incidence of solid organ SMN for the entire cohort was 1.4% (95%CI 0.6%‐2%).

CONCLUSIONS.

The magnitude of risk of solid SMNs was modest after treatment for malignant bone tumors. However, radiation‐related solid SMNs will increase with longer follow‐up. Because nearly 33% of patients die from their disease, recurrence remains the most significant problem. The development of improved therapies with fewer long‐term consequences is paramount. Follow‐up should focus on monitoring for both recurrence of primary malignancies and development of SMNs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Magnetic resonance imaging identifies multifocal and multicentric disease in breast cancer patients who are eligible for partial breast irradiation
Authors: Al‐Hallaq Hania A. , Mell Loren K. , Bradley Julie A. , Chen Lucy F. , Ali Arif N. , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Newstead Gillian M. , Chmura Steven J.
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND.

In this retrospective study, the authors hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would alter partial breast irradiation (PBI) eligibility by identifying cancers outside the PBI volume compared with mammography alone.

METHODS.

Since 2002, MRI was used nonselectively at the authors' institution for the staging of patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Of 450 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer, 110 patients who were eligible for PBI were identified by using criteria outlined by National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B‐39/Radiation Oncology Group trial 0413 based on mammography, ultrasonography, and initial pathology. In that trial, patients were randomized (stage I/II invasive cancers that measured ≤3 cm and ≤3 positive lymph nodes) to receive either whole‐breast radiotherapy or PBI. MRI reports were reviewed to determine whether MRI identified secondary lesions 1) within the same quadrant (multifocal), 2) in a different quadrant (multicentric), or 3) in the contralateral breast. These lesions were pathologically proven carcinoma and would have rendered the patient ineligible for PBI.

RESULTS.

MRI identified secondary lesions in 10% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4%‐15.6%). Multifocal disease was identified in 3.6% (95% CI, 1.4%‐9%), multicentric disease was identified in 4.5% (95% CI, 2%‐10.2%), and contralateral disease was identified in 1.8% (95% CI, 0.5%‐6.4%). The proportion of patients with false‐positive MRI findings was 4.5% (95% CI, 2%‐10.2%). The positive predictive value of MRI was 72.2% (95% CI, 46.4%‐89.3%).

CONCLUSIONS.

MRI identified frequent secondary cancers that would not be removed routinely by surgery or targeted in the radiation field if treated with PBI. The current data suggest that MRI should be considered to assess PBI eligibility to minimize potential local failures. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
An updated catalog of prostate cancer predictive tools
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: September 2008

Accurate estimates of risk are essential for physicians if they are to recommend a specific management to patients with prostate cancer. Accurate risk estimates also are required for clinical trial design to ensure that homogeneous, high‐risk patient groups are used to investigate new cancer therapeutics. Using the MEDLINE database, a literature search was performed on prostate cancer predictive tools from January 1966 to July 2007. The authors recorded input variables, the prediction form, the number of patients used to develop prediction tools, the outcome being predicted, prediction tool‐specific features, predictive accuracy, and whether validation was performed. Each prediction tool was classified into patient clinical disease state and the outcome being predicted. First, the authors described the criteria for evaluation (predictive accuracy, calibration, generalizability, head‐to‐head comparison, and level of complexity) and the limitations of current predictive tools. The literature search generated 109 published prediction tools, including only 68 that had undergone validation. An increasing number of predictive tools addressed important endpoints, such as disease recurrence, metastasis, and survival. Despite their limitations and the limitations of data, predictive tools are essential for individualized, evidence‐based medical decision making. Moreover, the authors recommend wider adoption of risk‐prediction models in the design and implementation of clinical trials. Among prediction tools, nomograms provide superior, individualized, disease‐related risk estimations that facilitate management‐related decisions. Nevertheless, many more predictive tools, comparisons between them, and improvements to existing tools are needed. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
The evolutionary significance of the long variable arm in transfer RNA
Authors: Sun Feng‐Jie , Caetano‐Anollés Gustavo
Published: September 2008

The charging of amino acids by their cognate transfer RNA (tRNAs) is central to modern translation and links evolution of the genetic code with chronologies that describe the use of amino acids in an emergent protein world. Although it is commonly accepted that only few of the canonical amino acids were initially coded and charged by tRNA, the composition of this early group of amino acids has been controversial. To uncover evolutionary patterns embedded in the structure of these molecules, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of 42 structural characters scored from the cloverleaf secondary structures of 571 tRNAs from organisms belonging to the three domains of life, viruses, and bacteriophages. Results show that class II tRNA molecules containing a long variable arm, including tRNASec, tRNASer, tRNATyr, and tRNALeu, were ancestral compared to those lacking this structural feature. This suggests that selenocysteine (Sec), serine (Ser), tyrosine (Tyr), and leucine (Leu) were among the first amino acids to be charged by their cognate tRNAs and that they may represent the first group of amino acids with functional specificities linked to modern biochemistry. Results also suggest that the stop codon UGA, which also codes for Sec, may be the oldest codon to have a modern functional role in the history of the genetic code. Finally, the charging of amino acids by cognate tRNAs appear to have occurred once the canonical cloverleaf structure was fully realized in evolution and before amino acid specificities and organismal domains of life diversified. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
On irreducible description of complex systems
Authors: Korotkikh Victor , Korotkikh Galina
Published: September 2008

The aim of the article is to present the description of complex systems in terms of self‐organization processes of prime integer relations and illustrate its main properties. Based on the integers and controlled by arithmetic only, the processes can characterize complex systems by information not requiring further simplification. This raises the possibility to develop an irreducible theory of complex systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Plasmodium vivax parasites alter the balance of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells and the induction of regulatory T cells
Authors: Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart , Chootong Patchanee , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Chotivanich Kesinee , Sirichaisinthop Jeeraphat , Tungpradabkul Sumalee , Hisaeda Hajime , Troye‐Blomberg Marita , Cui Liwang , Udomsangpetch Rachanee
Published: September 2008

Immunity induced by Plasmodium vivax infections leads to memory T‐cell recruitment and activation during subsequent infections. Here, we investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in coordination with the host immune response during P. vivax infection. Our results showed a significant increase in the percentage of FOXP3+ Treg, IL‐10‐secreting Type I Treg (Tr1) and IL‐10 levels in patients with acute P. vivax infection as compared with those found in either naïve or immune controls. The concurrent increase in the Treg population could also be reproduced in vitro using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naïve controls stimulated with crude antigens extracted from P. vivax‐infected red blood cells. Acute P. vivax infections were associated with a significant decrease in the numbers of DC, indicating a general immunosuppression during P. vivax infections. However, unlike P. falciparum infections, we found that the ratio of myeloid DC (MDC) to plasmacytoid DC (PDC) was significantly lower in acute P. vivax patients than that of naïve and immune controls. Moreover, the reduction in PDC may be partly responsible for the poor antibody responses during P. vivax infections. Taken together, these results suggest that P. vivax parasites interact with DC, which alters the MDC/PDC ratio that potentially leads to Treg activation and IL‐10 release.
A novel CD11c.DTR transgenic mouse for depletion of dendritic cells reveals their requirement for homeostatic proliferation of natural killer cells
Authors: Hochweller Kristin , Striegler Jörg , Hämmerling Günter J. , Garbi Natalio
Published: September 2008

Dendritic cells (DC) are known to support the activation of natural killer (NK) cells. However, little is known about the role for DC in NK‐cell homeostasis. In order to investigate this question, a novel bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model was generated in which the diphtheria toxin receptor is expressed under the CD11c promoter. In these mice efficient DC depletion can be achieved over prolonged periods of time by multiple injections of diphtheria toxin. We show here that NK cells require DC for full acquisition of effector function in vivo in response to the bacterial‐derived TLR ligand CpG. Importantly, DC were found to play an instrumental role for maintaining normal homeostasis of NK cells. This is achieved by IL‐15 production by DC, which supports the homeostatic proliferation of NK cells.
Mutual‐information‐based adaptive coding and modulation in bit‐interleaved OFDM systems using punctured LDPC codes
Authors: Stiglmayr Stephan , Bossert Martin , Costa Elena
Published: September 2008

Adaptive coding, modulation and power allocation are well‐known techniques for enhancing the performance of systems transmitting over quasi‐static fading channels. Especially their application in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based systems promises gains in spectral efficiency. However, an open issue is the joint optimisation of code‐rate, modulation formats and power allocation if codewords are mapped onto sub‐symbols with heterogeneous channel quality and modulation formats. In this paper, we present an adaptive coding, modulation and, optionally, power allocation scheme that maximises the throughput under a codeword error rate constraint for bit‐interleaved coded OFDM systems using rate‐compatible punctured block‐circulant low‐density parity‐check codes (RCP‐BLDPC). The average mutual‐information per code bit is used as single parameter for the codeword error probability estimation. The algorithms are evaluated within the context of the OFDMA/TDMA system designed within the EU FP6 Integrated Project WINNER. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of incompressible flow within ½ circular cavity using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ding Lixia , Shi Weiping , Luo Hongwen , Zheng Haicheng
Published: September 2008

A wall‐driven incompressible viscous flow in a ½ circular cavity is simulated, based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The treatment of curved boundary with second‐order accuracy is used. The force evaluation is based on the momentum‐exchange method. The streamlines and vorticity contours and the velocity component along the central line of a semi‐circular cavity are obtained for different Reynolds numbers. The numerical results show that the LBM can capture the formation of primary, secondary and tertiary vortices exactly as the Reynolds number increases and has a great agreement with those of current literatures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on ‘Simplex space–time meshes in finite element simulations’
Authors: Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: September 2008

Some comments are provided on the citations offered in a recent paper (M. Behr, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids 2008; 57:1421–1434) that describes space–time finite element computations of advection of ‘Gaussian hills’, including computations with mesh refinement in the time direction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the cost‐effectiveness ofHelicobacter pyloriscreening to prevent gastric cancer in China in anticipation of clinical trial results
Authors: Yeh Jennifer M. , Kuntz Karen M. , Ezzati Majid , Goldie Sue J.
Published: September 2008

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Treatment forHelicobacter pyloriinfection, the leading causal risk factor, can reduce disease progression, but the long‐term impact on cancer incidence is uncertain. Using the best available data, we estimated the potential health benefits and economic consequences associated withH. pyloriscreening in a high‐risk region of China. An empirically calibrated model of gastric cancer was used to project reduction in lifetime cancer risk, life‐expectancy and costs associated with (i) single lifetime screening (age 20, 30 or 40); (ii) single lifetime screening followed by rescreening individuals with negative results and (iii) universal treatment forH. pylori(age 20, 30 or 40). Data were from the published literature and national and international databases. Screening and treatment forH. pyloriat age 20 reduced the mean lifetime cancer risk by 14.5% (men) to 26.6% (women) and cost less than $1,500 per year of life saved (YLS) compared to no screening. Rescreening individuals with negative results and targeting older ages was less cost‐effective. Universal treatment prevented an additional 1.5% to 2.3% of risk reduction, but incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios exceeded $2,500 per YLS. Screening young adults forH. pyloricould prevent one in every 4 to 6 cases of gastric cancer in China and would be considered cost‐effective using the GDP per capita threshold. These results illustrate the potential promise of a gastric cancer screening program and provide rationale for urgent clinical studies to move the prevention agenda forward. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevation of seprase expression and promotion of an invasive phenotype by collagenous matrices in ovarian tumor cells
Authors: Kennedy Alanna , Dong Huan , Chen Donghai , Chen Wen‐Tien
Published: September 2008

Tumor cells do not constitutively exhibit invasive activity, but rather, can be transiently induced to adhere and form lesions. We report here that the expression of seprase, a dominant EDTA‐resistant gelatinase in malignant tumors, is dependent on tumor cell exposure to type I collagen gel (TICg). The induced seprase expression of ovarian tumor cells influences their collagen contraction and invasion capability. Importantly, tumor cells with reduced seprase expression, due to manipulation by RNA interference, showed a reduction of TICg contraction in the gel contractility assay, inhibition of tumor cell invasion through TICg as shown by a transwell migration assay and inhibition of peritoneal membrane tumor lesion in a mouse model. In addition, mAb C27, an antibody against β1 integrin, which blocks cellular avidity to TICg, can induce seprase RNA expression and promote the invasive phenotype and metastatic potential of ovarian tumor cells. Thus, collagenous matrices in the tumor cell niche induce the expression of seprase and initiate tumor invasion and metastatic cascades. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of an antimicrobial silver foam dressing for use with V.A.C.® therapy: Morphological, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Payne Joanna L. , Ambrosio Archel M.
Published: September 2008

The V.A.C.® Therapy System (KCI, San Antonio, TX) is an integrated wound management system that creates an environment that promotes wound healing. V.A.C. GranuFoam Silver® dressing (S‐ROCF) is a reticulated, open‐celled polyurethane foam having a pore size range of 400–600 μm. The foam is coated with silver to impart antimicrobial properties throughout the dressing. The morphological and key mechanical properties including tensile strength, ultimate elongation, tear strength, and compression resistance of this dressing were compared to the original V.A.C.® GranuFoam® dressing (ROCF), which is also a reticulated, open‐celled polyurethane foam, and were found to be comparable. Furthermore, the antimicrobial property of S‐ROCF was evaluated in vitro for efficacy against pathogens commonly found in clinical settings, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. S‐ROCF was found to be effective during antimicrobial testing with a 99.99% reduction in colony forming units, and remained effective after 72 h of simulated V.A.C. Therapy. The antimicrobial and mechanical characteristics of the foam were unaffected by aging as demonstrated through an accelerated aging process. The V.A.C. GranuFoam Silver® dressing is a specialized antimicrobial dressing for use with the V.A.C. Therapy System that exhibits morphological and mechanical properties comparable to the V.A.C. GranuFoam dressing and provides the added benefit of antimicrobial efficacy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Effects of simulated functional loading conditions on dentin, composite, and laminate structures
Authors: Walker Mary P. , Teitelbaum Heather K. , Eick J. David , Williams Karen B.
Published: September 2008

Use of composite restorations continues to increase, tempered by more potential problems when placed in posterior dentition. Thus, it is essential to understand how these materials function under stress‐bearing clinical conditions. Because mastication is difficult to replicate in the laboratory, cyclic loading is frequently used within in vitro evaluations but often employs traditional fatigue testing, which typically does not simulate occlusal loading because higher stresses and loading frequencies are used, so failure mechanisms may be different. This investigation utilized relevant parameters (specimen size, loading frequency) to assess the effects of cyclic loading on flexural mechanical properties and fracture morphology of (coronal) dentin, composite, and dentin‐adhesive‐composite “laminate” structures. Incremental monitoring of flexural modulus on individual beams over 60,000 loading cycles revealed a gradual increase across materials; post hoc comparisons indicated statistical significance only for 1 versus 60k cycles. Paired specimens were tested (one exposed to 60k loading cycles, one to static loading only), and comparisons of flexural modulus and strength showed statistically significantly higher values for cyclically loaded specimens across materials, with no observable differences in fracture morphology. Localized reorganization of dentin collagen and polymer chains could have increased flexural modulus and strength during cyclic loading, which may have implications toward the life and failure mechanisms of clinical restorations and underlying tooth structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Controlled release of complexed DNA from polycaprolactone film: Comparison of lipoplex and polyplex release
Authors: Ramgopal Y. , Mondal D. , Venkatraman S. S. , Godbey W. T. , Yuen G. Y.
Published: September 2008

This report investigates the comparative in vitro controlled release and transfection efficiencies of pDNA‐lipofectamine complex (lipoplex) and pDNA‐poly(ethylene imine) complex (polyplex), from a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) film. The effect of molecular weight of gelatin used as a porogen on in vitro release and transfection efficiency was also studied. A sustained release profile was obtained for naked pDNA and lipoplex from polymeric films for a month, while the release of polyplexes (PEI/DNA) is simply a burst at day 5, with little or no release thereafter. The release of polyplexes from PCL films is retarded due to interaction between the polyplexes and the polymer. A high burst release was seen for naked pDNA which was suppressed in the presence of gelatin. The extent of suppression of the burst effect by gelatin increased with its molecular weight. For complexed pDNA (lipoplex), the release was slow, but could be accelerated using gelatin; again the acceleration in release is dependant on the molecular weight of the gelatin used. The addition of gelatin as a porogen has no effect on the release of polyplexes from PCL films. The bioactivity of released plasmid DNA and complexes was studied by in vitro transfection using COS‐7 cells. Transfection was observed from released lipoplexes samples till day 9 from PCL film with lower MW gelatin and till day 18 in the case of PCL films with higher MW gelatin. The results also showed that the bioactivity of released lipoplexes was superior to that of the naked pDNA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Modelling phenanthrene biodegradation and mineralisation in polluted soil using toluene as gaseous cosubstrate
Authors: Ortiz Irmene , Revah Sergio
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Mathematical models describing the physical, chemical and biological processes that take place in bioremediation are necessary to design and optimise these technologies. This work models the effect of toluene as a gaseous cosubstrate in the degradation of phenanthrene in soil, considering the consumption of pollutants, the production of intermediate degradation compounds and mineralisation. The proposed model consists of a set of sequential reactions to convert phenanthrene to carbon dioxide and biomass with the production and consumption of phthalic acid, which is the main intermediate metabolite.

RESULTS: The considerations of the model were supported by experimental data, and it was evaluated for phenanthrene degradation kinetics with previously reported packed column reactor experiments. The mathematical model proposed describes the mineralisation of phenanthrene accurately and also predicts a reduced accumulation of phthalic acid when toluene is added as cosubstrate. The model fits the experimental data of phenanthrene degradation when toluene is added but slightly overestimates the residual phenanthrene in the control case.

CONCLUSION: The simplified model of sequential reactions represents the column experiments (P < 0.05) for phenanthrene degradation and mineralisation with toluene as cosubstrate, considerating the production and consumption of phthalic acid. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Types and numbers of sensilla on antennae and maxillary palps of small and large houseflies, Musca domestica (Diptera, Muscidae)
Authors: Smallegange Renate C. , Kelling Frits J. , Otter Cornelis J. Den
Published: September 2008

Houseflies, Musca domestica, obtained from a high‐larval‐density culture were significantly (ca. 1.5 times) smaller than those from a low‐larval‐density culture. The same held true for their antennae and maxillary palps. Structure, number, and distribution of sensilla on antennae and palps of small and large flies were investigated using Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. In each funiculus three pits were present, two (Type I) consisting of several compartments and one (Type II) of one compartment. Four types of olfactory sensilla were detected: trichoid sensilla on the funiculi, basiconic sensilla on funiculi and palps, grooved sensilla on funiculi and in pits Type I, and clavate sensilla on funiculi and in pits Type II. Type I pits also contained striated sensilla (presumably hygroreceptors). Mechanosensory bristles were present on scapes, pedicels, and palps. Noninnervated microtrichia were found on the palps and all antennal segments. The large houseflies possessed nearly twice as much sensilla as the small flies. So far, we did not observe differences in behavior between small and large flies. We assumed that small flies, being olfactory less equipped than large flies, may be able to compensate for this by, e.g., visual cues or by their olfactory sensilla being more sensitive than those of large flies. To be able to answer these questions careful studies have to be done on the behavioral reponses of small and large flies to environmental stimuli. In addition, electrophysiological studies should be performed to reveal whether the responses of individual sensilla of flies reared under different conditions have been changed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of vegetation map change in MM5 simulations of southern Africa's summer climate
Authors: MacKellar Neil C. , Tadross Mark A. , Hewitson Bruce C.
Published: September 2008

A regional climate model is used to assess potential climatic impacts of altering the vegetation map of southern Africa from an estimated natural state to present‐day conditions. The Pennsylvania State University‐National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) is integrated from 1 August to 28 February for 1988/1989, 1991/1992 and 1995/1996 for two spatial vegetation representations: (1) potential natural vegetation as predicted by the Sheffield Dynamic Global Vegetation Model, and (2) current conditions given by the United States Geological Survey land‐surface classification. Significant impacts on mean September–November (SON) and December–February (DJF) surface climate arise from the change in vegetation, the most notable of which is cooling over large parts of the continent in SON, which gives rise to increased large‐scale subsidence and decreased moisture convergence. Resultant decreases in rainfall causes a hydrological feedback through reduced latent heat flux which mitigates the initial cooling and weakens the positive geopotential height bias in DJF. The increase in geopotential height extends vertically up to 500 hPa, which potentially has important implications for regional moisture transport over southern Africa. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Vibrational analysis of trans‐stilbene in the excited singlet state by time‐dependent density functional theory: calculations of the Raman, infrared, and fluorescence excitation spectra
Authors: Tsumura Kyosuke , Furuya Kazuhiko , Sakamoto Akira , Tasumi Mitsuo
Published: September 2008

Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT), together with the analytic calculation of gradients and numerical calculation of the Hessian matrix, has been applied to calculate the Raman, infrared, and fluorescence excitation spectra of trans‐stilbene (tSB) in the lowest excited singlet (S1) state. The TURBOMOLE program package has been used at the B3LYP/6‐311 + + G(d,p) level, and the results obtained are found useful for analyzing a wide range of experimental results so far obtained by many authors. The advantage of TD‐DFT over other methods in performing such calculations seems to lie in its capability of treating electron correlation more appropriately with computational resources currently available. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of p‐coumarate accumulation, p‐coumaroyl transferase, and cell wall changes during the development of corn stems
Authors: Hatfield Ronald D , Marita Jane M , Frost Kenneth
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Developmental changes occur in corn (Zea mays L.) stems from cell initiation to fully mature cell types. During cell wall maturation the lignin is acylated with p‐coumarates (pCA). This work describes characterization studies of the p‐coumaroylation process in relation to corn stem development.

RESULTS: Corn plants from three locations were harvested and tissues were analyzed from all nodes and even‐numbered internodes above soil line. Changes in carbohydrates reflect a shift to lignification at the expense of structural polysaccharide synthesis. Accumulation of pCA paralleled the incorporation of lignin while ferulate (FA) remained relatively constant as a proportion of the cell wall (5–7 g kg−1 CW). The p‐coumaroyl transferase (pCAT), which is responsible for attaching pCA to lignin monomers, displayed maximum levels of activity in the middle region of the stem (internodes 10–12, 2–3 nmol L−1 min−1 mg−1). The syringyl content as a proportion of the total lignin did not change significantly with cell wall maturation although there was a trend towards increased amounts of syringyl units in the more mature cell walls.

CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of pCA into corn cell walls not only mirrored lignification but the pCAT activity as well. Levels of pCAT activity may be an indicator of rapid lignification specifically for syringyl type lignin. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Total and organic mercury, selenium and α‐tocopherol in some deep‐water fish species
Authors: Afonso Cláudia , Lourenço Helena M , Pereira Cátia , Martins Maria F , Carvalho Maria L , Castro Matilde , Nunes Maria L
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Mercury is a well‐known toxic element present in seafood. Nevertheless some antioxidants, like selenium, as an integral component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and α‐tocopherol having a protective role against it, are present as well. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of total mercury (HgT), organic mercury (HgOrg), Se and α‐tocopherol in some adult deep‐water fish species caught off Portuguese waters.

RESULTS: Levels of HgT were above EU limits in 6% of Lophius spp. and Aphanopus carbo, 2% of Lepidorhombus spp. and 70% of Helicolenus dactylopterus. HgOrg represented the major fraction (more than 84%) of HgT in all studied muscles. The selenium concentration in muscle was similar in all species (about 0.4 mg kg−1 wet weight) and the highest level of α‐tocopherol (70 mg kg−1 wet weight) was found in Aphanopus carbo.

CONCLUSION: The muscle of all species studied is a good source of selenium, but only can give a small contribution of α‐tocopherol. Attending to the provisional tolerable weekly intake established by the WHO/FAO for methylmercury, it appears that the species studied should be consumed sparingly. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk of Malignant Neoplasms After Liver Transplantation: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Pukkala Eero , Höckerstedt Krister , Sankila Risto , Isoniemi Helena
Published: September 2008

Posttransplant malignancies have become a serious long-term complication after liver transplantation. Our aim was to compare the incidence of posttransplant cancers with national cancer incidence rates. The study included all Finnish liver transplant patients transplanted at the Helsinki University Central Hospital between 1982 and 2005. The cohort was linked with the nationwide Finnish Cancer Registry. Observed numbers of cancers were compared to site-specific expected numbers based on national cancer incidence rates stratified by age, sex, and calendar time. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated as observed-to-expected ratios. Thirty-nine posttransplant de novo cancers and 11 basal cell carcinomas were found in the cohort of 540 patients during 3222 person years of follow-up. The overall SIR was 2.59 (95% confidence interval 1.84-3.53). SIR was higher for males (SIR 4.16) than for females (SIR 1.74), higher among children (SIR 18.1) than among adults (SIR 5.77 for ages of 17-39 years and 2.27 for ages ≥ 40 years), and more elevated in the immediate posttransplant period (SIR 3.71 at < 2 years) compared to later periods (SIR 2.46 at 2-10 years and 1.53 at >10 years). The most common cancer types were nonmelanoma skin cancer (SIR 38.5) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR 13.9). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was associated with male gender, young age, and the immediate posttransplant period, whereas old age and antibody induction therapy increased skin cancer risk. In conclusion, cancer incidence is increased among liver transplant patients compared to the general population. This study points out the importance of cancer surveillance after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 14:1428–1436, 2008. © 2008 AASLD.