bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physician over‐recommendation of mammography for terminally ill women
Authors: Leach Corinne R. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Alfano Catherine M. , Smith Judith Lee , Rowland Julia H.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

There has been recent, sometimes intense, debate about when to begin screening and how often to screen women for breast cancer with mammography. However, there should be no controversy regarding screening women who are unlikely to benefit from the procedure, such as those with a serious, life‐limiting illness who would not live long enough to benefit from the potential detection and treatment of breast cancer. Identifying characteristics of physicians who recommend mammography for terminally ill women can help guide efforts to minimize patient risks and make better use of health care resources.

METHODS:

The authors used data from a nationally representative survey of primary care physicians (PCPs) (N = 1196; response rate, 67.5%) conducted in 2006 and 2007 to examine PCPs' breast cancer screening recommendations for hypothetical patients ages 50 years, 65 years, and 80 years who were healthy, had a moderate comorbidity, or had a terminal comorbidity.

RESULTS:

Many PCPs (47.7%) reported that they would recommend mammography to a woman aged 50 years, 65 years, or 80 years with terminal lung cancer, indicating over‐recommendation. Physician characteristics associated with over‐recommending mammography included obstetrician/gynecologist (odds ratio [OR], 1.69) or internal medicine (OR, 0.45) specialty, being a woman (OR, 1.40), being a racial/ethnic minority (OR, 1.72), and working in a smaller practice (OR, 1.41).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that physician over‐recommendation of screening mammography among terminally ill women is common. Certain physician and practice characteristics, including specialty, were associated with over‐recommending mammography. The authors concluded that an informed and shared mammography decision‐making process for terminally ill women may eliminate unnecessary patient risks and health care expenditures. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Retinal remodeling in the Tg P347L rabbit, a large‐eye model of retinal degeneration
Authors: Jones Bryan William , Kondo Mineo , Terasaki Hiroko , Watt Carl Brock , Rapp Kevin , Anderson James , Lin Yanhua , Shaw Marguerite Victoria , Yang Jia‐Hui , Marc Robert Edward
Published: June 2011

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited blinding disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal photoreceptors. There are numerous rodent models of retinal degeneration, but most are poor platforms for interventions that will translate into clinical practice. The rabbit possesses a number of desirable qualities for a model of retinal disease including a large eye and an existing and substantial knowledge base in retinal circuitry, anatomy, and ophthalmology. We have analyzed degeneration, remodeling, and reprogramming in a rabbit model of retinal degeneration, expressing a rhodopsin proline 347 to leucine transgene in a TgP347L rabbit as a powerful model to study the pathophysiology and treatment of retinal degeneration. We show that disease progression in the TgP347L rabbit closely tracks human cone‐sparing RP, including the cone‐associated preservation of bipolar cell signaling and triggering of reprogramming. The relatively fast disease progression makes the TgP347L rabbit an excellent model for gene therapy, cell biological intervention, progenitor cell transplantation, surgical interventions, and bionic prosthetic studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:2713–2733, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression analysis of the regenerating gene (Reg) family members Reg‐IIIβ and Reg‐IIIγ in the mouse during development
Authors: Matsumoto Sakiko , Konishi Hiroyuki , Maeda Rie , Kiryu‐Seo Sumiko , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

The regenerating gene/regenerating islet‐derived (Reg) family is a group of small secretory proteins. Within this family, Reg type‐III (Reg‐III) consists of: Reg‐IIIα, ‐β, ‐γ, and ‐δ. To elucidate the physiological relevance of Reg‐III, we examined the localization and ontogeny of Reg‐IIIβ and Reg‐IIIγ in mice at different time points spanning from embryonic day 13.5 to 7 weeks old, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that Reg‐IIIβ was expressed in specific subsets of primary sensory neurons and motor neurons, and that expression was transient during the embryonic and perinatal periods. Reg‐IIIβ expression was also observed in absorptive epithelial cells of the intestine. In contrast, Reg‐IIIγ expression was mainly observed in epithelial cells of the airways and intestine, but not in the nervous system, and expression levels showed a gradually increasing pattern along with development. In the airways Reg‐IIIγ was expressed in goblet and Clara‐like cells, whereas in the intestine Reg‐IIIγ was expressed in the absorptive epithelial cells and Paneth cells, and was found to be expressed in development before these organs had been exposed to the outside world. The present findings imply that Reg‐IIIβ and Reg‐IIIγ expression is regulated along divergent pathways. Furthermore, we also suggest that expression of Reg‐IIIγ in the airway and intestinal epithelia may occur to protect these organs from exposure to antigens or other factors (e.g., microbes) in the outer world, whereas the transient expression of Reg‐IIIβ in the nervous system may be associated with the development of the peripheral nervous system including such processes as myelination. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012;520:479–494. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production and Photoinduced Intramolecular Electron Transfer Rates by Regioselective Bridging Ligand Substitution
Authors: Karnahl Michael , Kuhnt Christian , Ma Fei , Yartsev Arkady , Schmitt Michael , Dietzek Benjamin , Rau Sven , Popp Jürgen
Published: June 2011

Artificial photosynthesis based on supramolecular photocatalysts offers the unique possibility to study the molecular processes underlying catalytic conversion of photons into chemical fuels in great detail and to tune the properties of the photocatalyst by alterations of the molecular framework. Herein we focus on both possibilities in studying the photocatalytic reduction of protons by derivatives of the well‐known photocatalyst [(tbbpy)2Ru(tpphz)PdCl2](PF6)2 [4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (tbbpy), tetrapyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c:3′′,2′′‐h:2′′′,3′′′‐j]phenazine (tpphz)]. We report on a modified photocatalyst where the crucial bridging ligand tpphz is substituted by bromine and investigate the effect of the structural variation on the catalytic properties of the complex and its ultrafast intramolecular charge transfer behavior. It is found that structural modification stabilizes the phenanthroline‐centered metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer state on the tpphz moiety, thereby reducing the electron transfer gradient across the entire electron‐relaying bridging ligand and at the same time accelerating nanosecond ground‐state recovery. The same structural modifications cause an overall reduction of the catalytic activity of the complex. Thus, the results highlight the potential of small structural variations in the molecular framework of supramolecular catalysts in understanding the photoinduced charge‐transfer processes and optimizing their catalytic performance.
Mechanism of increase of electrostatic charging tendency in insulating oil for oil‐immersed transformer
Authors: Okabe Sigemitsu , Kotoh Masanori , Tsuchie Motoo , Amimoto Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2011

The mechanism of the increase in the electrostatic charging tendency (ECT) of insulating oil and causative compounds were investigated by accelerated deterioration tests with the addition of various compounds. Although the ECT of the insulating oil was almost constant when only sulfoxide compounds were added, a marked increase was observed when either hydrochloric acid or moisture, which was considered to be generated by the aging of insulating oil, was also added to oil containing sulfoxide compounds. It is assumed that the sulfonium ion, which is generated by the reaction between sulfoxide compounds and hydrogen ion, is the compound that directly contributes to the increase in the ECT. Hydrogen ions can be supplied from organic acids generated by the oxidation of hydrocarbons in aging insulating oil. It is considered that the increase in the ECT of insulating oil is caused by the generation of sulfoxides by the oxidation of sulfide, which are present in fresh oil (originating compounds), and the generation of sulfonium ions by a reaction between sulfoxide and hydrogen ions, which are formed during aging. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 26–33, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21113
Design of multi‐input multi‐output delay time control system with feedforward compensation
Authors: Tomaru Takao , Mori Yasuchika
Published: June 2011

In this paper, for the design of delay time control systems the minimum‐phase state of the controlled object is considered. By feedback on the observed minimum‐phase state, the control system can be stabilized, diminishing the effect of delay times. Feedforward compensation offers the possibility of canceling the delay times in the input–output characteristics. For delay time control systems decoupling control is necessary, and the design of a decoupling tandem compensator with the minimum degree is shown. Feedback on the observed minimum‐phase state and feedforward compensation are also useful for delay time decoupling control systems. A numerical example for a two‐input two‐output controlled object with delay time characteristics is presented and decoupling control with feedforward compensation is designed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 34–44, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21118
A simple design method based on vector control of AC machines with LC filter
Authors: Saito Ryosuke , Kubota Hisao
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a simple voltage control system for AC machines using a PWM voltage source inverter with output LC filters. By assuming a motor as a current source, the voltage is controlled by a simple proportional differential (PD) control. The vector control and PD control can be separately controlled in this system. A method for disturbance rejection is also described. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulations and experiments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 45–51, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21125
CD4+ T‐cell immunity in the female genital tract is critically dependent on local mucosal immunization
Authors: Marks Ellen , Helgeby Anja , Andersson Jan O. , Schön Karin , Lycke Nils Y.
Published: June 2011

Immunizations via the i.n. and intravaginal (ivag) routes effectively generate strong genital tract antibody‐mediated immunity. To what extent the same is true for T‐cell responses is incompletely known. Therefore, we set out to investigate optimal conditions for stimulation of genital tract CD4+ T‐cell responses, using adoptive transfer of mouse DO11.10 TCR transgenic T cells specific for OVA and OVA conjugated to cholera toxin (CT) as an immunogen. We observed that progesterone was required for a T‐cell response following ivag immunization, whereas estradiol prevented a response. Although i.n. immunization stimulated OVA‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses in the draining LNs, it was substantially less effective compared to ivag. More importantly, an ivag booster immunization was absolutely required to attract T cells to the genital tract mucosa itself. While clinical use of CT is precluded because of its toxicity, we developed a combined adjuvant vector based on a non‐toxic derivative of CT and immune‐stimulating complexes. The CTA1‐DD/immune‐stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) adjuvant together with major outer membrane protein was effective at stimulating genital tract CD4+ T‐cell immunity and protection against a live chlamydial infection, which holds promise for the development of mucosal vaccines against sexually transmitted infections.
Interaction of eosinophils with endothelial cells is modulated by prostaglandin EP4 receptors
Authors: Konya Viktoria , Philipose Sonia , Bálint Zoltán , Olschewski Andrea , Marsche Gunther , Sturm Eva M. , Schicho Rudolf , Peskar Bernhard A. , Schuligoi Rufina , Heinemann Akos
Published: June 2011

Eosinophil extravasation across the endothelium is a key feature of allergic inflammation. Here, we investigated the role of PGE2 and its receptor, E‐type prostanoid receptor (EP)‐4, in the regulation of eosinophil interaction with human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. PGE2 and the EP4 receptor agonist ONO AE1‐329 significantly reduced eotaxin‐induced eosinophil adhesion to fibronectin, and formation of filamentous actin and gelsolin‐rich adhesive structures. These inhibitory effects were reversed by a selective EP4 receptor antagonist, ONO AE3‐208. PGE2 and the EP4 agonist prevented the activation and cell‐surface clustering of β2 integrins, and L‐selectin shedding of eosinophils. Under physiological flow conditions, eosinophils that were treated with the EP4 agonist showed reduced adhesion to endothelial monolayers upon stimulation with eotaxin, as well as after TNF‐α‐induced activation of the endothelial cells. Selective activation of EP1, EP2, and EP3 receptors did not alter eosinophil adhesion to endothelial cells, whereas the EP4 antagonist prevented PGE2 from decreasing eosinophil adhesion. Finally, eosinophil transmigration across thrombin‐ and TNF‐α‐activated endothelial cells was effectively reduced by the EP4 agonist. These data suggest that PGE2–EP4 signaling might be protective against allergic responses by inhibiting the interaction of eosinophils with the endothelium and might hence be a useful therapeutic option for controlling inappropriate eosinophil infiltration.
A novel hydroxyapatite ceramic bone substitute transformed by ostrich cancellous bone: Characterization and evaluations of bone regeneration activity
Authors: Sawada Yasunori , Hokugo Akishige , Yang Yaowu , Kamitani Masayuki , Matsuda Sakiko , Mao Tianqiu , Lei Delin , Chen Fulin , Iseki Tomio , Morita Shosuke
Published: June 2011

Various biomaterials have been used for bone repair and reconstruction of bone defects. Inorganic xenogenic bone substitutes have been intensively studied because they possesses favorable regenerative properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of a novel inorganic xenogenic bone substitute, sintered ostrich cancellous bone (SOCB). Bone regeneration capability was also comparing to that of other bone substitutes in rabbit calvarial defects. Biochemical and biomechanical properties of the SOCB ceramic closely resembled those of human bone. Bone regeneration was evaluated by radiograph, histology, and histomorphometry. Bone regeneration was significantly enhanced in defects treated with SOCB when compared with other bone substitutes. The biochemical and biomechanical properties of SOCB are favorable for bone regeneration. SOCB might be a promising biomaterial for the repair of bone defects. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Inhibition of lung cancer growth: ATP citrate lyase knockdown and statin treatment leads to dual blockade of mitogen‐activated protein Kinase (MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways
Authors: Hanai Jun‐ichi , Doro Nathaniel , Sasaki Atsuo T. , Kobayashi Susumu , Cantley Lewis C. , Seth Pankaj , Sukhatme Vikas P.
Published: June 2011

ATP citrate lyase (ACL) catalyzes the conversion of cytosolic citrate to acetyl‐CoA and oxaloacetate. A definitive role for ACL in tumorigenesis has emerged from ACL RNAi and chemical inhibitor studies, showing that ACL inhibition limits tumor cell proliferation and survival and induces differentiation in vitro. In vivo, it reduces tumor growth leading to a cytostatic effect and induces differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood and agents that could enhance the efficacy of ACL inhibition have not been identified. Our studies focus on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines, which show phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT activation secondary to a mutation in the K‐Ras gene or the EGFR gene. Here we show that ACL knockdown promotes apoptosis and differentiation, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, in contrast to most studies, which elucidate how activation/suppression of signaling pathways can modify metabolism, we show that inhibition of a metabolic pathway “reverse signals” and attenuates PI3K/AKT signaling. Additionally, we find that statins, inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase, which act downstream of ACL in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, dramatically enhance the anti‐tumor effects of ACL inhibition, even regressing established tumors. With statin treatment, both PI3K/AKT and the MAPK pathways are affected. Moreover, this combined treatment is able to reduce the growth of EGF receptor resistant tumor cell types. Given the essential role of lipid synthesis in numerous cancers, this work may impact therapy in a broad range of tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1709–1720, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ synthesis of ammonia by catalytic hydrolysis of urea in the presence of aluminium oxide for safe use of ammonia in power plants for flue gas conditioning
Authors: Gangadharan Preeti , Sahu Jaya N. , Meikap Bhim C.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Ammonia is applied to increase the efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator for fly ash removal from a flue gas stream from a boiler using fossil fuel. In the present work, the hydrolysis of urea to generate ammonia for flue gas conditioning, with the help of aluminium oxide catalyst, has been studied.

RESULTS: The effect of temperature, catalyst and initial concentration on the conversion was studied. Conversion was found to increase exponentially with temperature. Addition of catalyst resulted in an increase in conversion. Experiments were conducted with different doses of catalyst, and the optimum dosage of catalyst for a particular feed concentration was determined. A decrease in conversion was observed when the initial concentration of ammonia was increased.

CONCLUSION: A study of reaction kinetics showed the effect of reaction time on conversion of urea to ammonia. The catalytic hydrolysis of urea, using aluminium oxide behaved as a first‐order reaction; the rate constant at different temperatures was found, and the activation energy determined. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Facile purification and characterization of recombinant human antithrombin III from transgenic goat milk
Authors: Kong Yingjun , Zhang Guifeng , Luo Jian , Liu Yongdong , Li Xiunan , Ma Guanghui , Zhao Yalin , Yuan Sanping , Su Zhiguo
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Antithrombin III (AT III) is a serine protease inhibitor that inhibits thrombin and the activated forms of factors X, VII, IX, XI and XII. Transgenic expression of therapeutic proteins in animal systems has gradually matured from laboratory scale to industrial practice, demanding efficient and scalable purification processes. The purification and characterization of recombinant human antithrombin III (rhAT III) from transgenic goat milk are described here.

RESULTS: The rhAT III was purified by isoelectric precipitation, heparin affinity chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography, resulting in a 90.6% yield and > 99% purity. The goat β‐casein secretion peptide introduced to the rhAT III was cut off using enterokinase and removed by size exclusion chromatography using a Superdex 75 column. The primary structure, disulfide linkages, glycosylation sites, secondary structure and tertiary structure of the rhAT III were measured and found to be the same as those of the plasma‐derived AT III (phAT III).

CONCLUSION: A facile process is introduced for the purification of rhAT III from transgenic goat milk. The rhAT III with high purity was achieved after an initial isoelectric precipitation step in which most of the bulk protein impurities are removed, followed by affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. The rhAT III was demonstrated to have the same structure as phAT III. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
CARS diagnostics of fluid adsorption and condensation in small mesopores
Authors: Andreeva O. V. , Arakcheev V. G. , Bagratashvili V. N. , Morozov V. B. , Popov V. K. , Valeev A. A.
Published: June 2011

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy is applied to diagnostics of phase behavior of a fluid in pores of nanoporous glasses. Samples with mean pore radii of 2 and 3.5 nm were filled with compressed carbon dioxide at near‐room temperatures. CARS spectra of the 1388 cm−1 Q‐branch were measured at isothermal compressing in a wide pressure range including the transition from gaseous to condensed state. The spectra show specific transformations caused by fluid adsorption and condensation in nanopores. We have carried out calculations of the spectral profiles based on the phase behavior of carbon dioxide in cylindrical glass nanopores. Phase behavior modeling was performed using thermodynamic concepts of surface adsorption and capillary condensation. A good agreement between experimental spectra and calculations was obtained. The potential of CARS technique for the diagnostics of fluid phase behavior in pores and for the characterization of nanoporous host structure is discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on the paper “Characterization of stationary phases by a linear solvation energy relationship utilizing supercritical fluid chromatography” by C. R. Mitchell, N. J. Benz, S. Zhang
Authors: West Caroline , Lesellier Eric
Published: June 2011

In a recent paper published by Mitchell et al. in this journal, some results obtained in supercritical fluid chromatography and interpreted with the solvation parameter model to characterize interactions for “novel stationary phases” were surprising to us. Indeed, we had already published results for most of the stationary phases reported, but, except for polar phases, our results were not in agreement with those, despite the use of identical mobile phases in both studies. These data were disturbing because they suggest that supercritical fluid chromatography is always a normal‐phase mode, while we have shown that it is a reversed‐phase mode when working with non‐polar stationary phases. In the process of establishing the reason for the differences between our works, we examined several different factors. This paper deals with practice of linear solvation energy relationships: choice of dead‐volume marker, choice of test‐solutes to adequately probe the possible interactions and appropriate column length for characterization of chromatographic systems with highly eluting mobile phases are discussed. The importance of control experiments to validate retention models and confirm their accordance with the chromatographer's experience is evidenced. Recommendations for good linear solvation energy relationship practice are suggested in order to avoid the publication of results leading to erroneous conclusions.
Effects of Stereocomplex Nuclei or Spherulites on Crystalline Morphology and Crack Behavior of Poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Nurkhamidah Siti , Woo Eamor M.
Published: June 2011

Introduction of sc‐PLA crystals as small nuclei or large sc‐PLA spherulites has great influence on patterning the inter‐phase boundaries and reducing the cracks in crystallized PLLA in mixtures with PDLA. Unmelted sc‐PLA crystals as nuclei induce cracks in later‐crystallized PLLA, whereas co‐crystallization of PLLA with PDLA to develop simultaneous PLLA and sc‐PLA spherulites is effective in altering the inter‐phases for minimizing the cracks. PLLA co‐crystallized with sc‐PLA spherulites tends to be more compact than PLLA spherulites crystallizing on sc‐PLA nuclei. In general, the sc‐PLA spherulites suppress the occurrence of a stressed interphase in PLLA spherulites and the depth of cooling‐induced cracks is also decreased.

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Liver‐specific overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) in transgenic mice accelerates development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Thieringer Florian R. , Maass Thorsten , Anthon Bianca , Meyer Erik , Schirmacher Peter , Longerich Thomas , Galle Peter R. , Kanzler Stephan , Teufel Andreas
Published: June 2011

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) plays a central role in tumor invasion and development of metastases. Expression of MMP‐9 had been shown in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). However, it remained unclear whether MMP‐9 could influence development of HCC. In order to address this issue, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing MMP‐9 in the liver. In order to avoid embryonic lethality a Cre‐lox system was utilized for conditional overexpression of MMP‐9 under control of an albumin enhancer and promoter. Induction of MMP‐9 overexpression in transgenic mice was achieved by i.v. injection of an adenovirus coding for the Cre recombinase. Initiation of liver carcinogenesis was achieved by injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by Phenobarbital administration in drinking water. Transgene expression was induced at the age of 6 wk. Four and six months later mice were sacrificed and examined macroscopically and microscopically in a blinded manner. Alb/Cre/MMP‐9‐transgenic mice showed liver specific overexpression of MMP‐9‐mRNA and protein after induction. At the age of 6 months livers of transgenic mice showed 15.7 ± 11.6 tumors (mean ± SD) in contrast to wildtype mice with only 7.9 ± 11.0 tumors (P < 0.03). By histopathology examination of the livers HCCs were identified in 42% of the transgenic mouse livers but only 8% in wildtype animals. In summary, we established a novel MMP‐9 transgenic mouse model, and report on a significantly increased susceptibility of MMP‐9 transgenic mice to chemically induced carcinogenesis. This is the first in vivo proof that MMP‐9 overexpression promotes liver tumor development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of GSTT1 and M1 null genotypes as risk factors for B‐cell lymphoma: Influence of geographical factors and occupational exposure
Authors: Ruiz‐Cosano Javier , Conesa‐Zamora Pablo , González‐Conejero Rocío , Pérez‐Ceballos Elena , Martínez‐Francés Antonio , Vicente Vicente , Pérez‐Guillermo Miguel
Published: June 2011

The interrelationship between genetic susceptibility and carcinogenic exposure is important in the development of haematopoietic malignancies. Both factors need to be considered to enable assessment of disease risk associated with a given individual under certain environmental conditions. GSTT1 and GSTM1 are two genes whose proteins are involved in the detoxification of potential carcinogens. We have studied the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null polymorphisms using a novel PCR multiplex protocol in a group of 158 patients with B‐cell lymphoma (BCL, 138 with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and 20 with Hodgkin lymphoma) and 214 healthy controls. A questionnaire regarding occupational exposure and lifestyle factors was also completed by both groups. GSTM1 null genotype showed no significant differences between patients and controls (46.9% and 55.6%, respectively). In contrast, GSTT1 null genotype was observed in 25.3% of patients and 15.4% of controls (P = 0.013; OR = 1.85; CI (95%):1.11–3.09), suggesting a role for the GSTT1 null genotype in the development of BCL. This effect was even more evident in females (27.5% vs. 14%: P = 0.014). No significant association was observed between GST genotypes and disease risk in relation to smoking or occupational exposure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curvature sensor based on fiber loop mirror with polarization maintaining fiber
Authors: Zhao Yu , Jin Yongxing , Liang Houhui , Wang Jianfeng , Dong Xinyong
Published: June 2011

An optical fiber curvature sensor based on fiber loop mirror with a short section of polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The PMF of about 100 cm long is inserted into fiber loop mirror, and a section of it about 142 mm is used as the sensing element. The output spectra of fiber loop mirror under different curvatures are measured and analyzed. The sensitivity of the curvature measurement of 0.0344 m–1 pm–1 is experimentally achieved in the range of 9.3–21.7 m–1. The temperature effect of the proposed sensor is also analyzed. Comparing with the sensor of photonic crystal fiber, it is more convenient and simply. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26166
Ka‐band quasioptical detectors based on antenna‐integrated planar Schottky diodes
Authors: Mou Jinchao , Lv Xin , Yuan Yong , Yu Weihua
Published: June 2011

This letter presents a quasioptical monolithic detector for Ka‐band applications.It consists of an antenna‐integrated planar Schottky diode and an extended semispherical lens. A three‐dimensional electromagnetic model is built for evaluating its radiation performance. The responsivity of the detector ranges from 712 to 1483 mV mW−1 over 26.5∼ 40 GHz under the bias voltage of 0.8 V, corresponding to the estimated noise equivalent power between 2.5E−11 and 5.2E−11 W Hz−1/2. The radiation patterns are measured and agree well with the simulated ones, showing the validity of the proposed model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26168
A compact UWB bandpass filter using a center‐tapped composite right/left‐handed transmission‐line zeroth‐order resonator
Authors: Ju J. , Kahng S.
Published: June 2011

The design of a new UWB bandpass filter is proposed, which has a center tapped microstrip composite right/left‐handed transmission‐line zeroth‐order resonator (CRLH‐TL ZOR). In an attempt to reduce the size, instead of the conventional periodic CRLH‐TL, only one cell ZOR geometry is adopted and optimized to have the target UWB bandpass filtering. Along with this subwavelength filter, the matching parts working as a stepped impedance low‐pass filter are suggested for good matching and stopband enhancement. The proposed filter is shown to have the overall size of “0.69λg × 0.73λg,” the fractional bandwidth over 100%, the insertion loss much less than 1 dB, and the flat group delay with an acceptable return loss performance in the predicted and measured results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26170
Performance enhancement scheme for RSOA‐based WDM‐PONS by using a single Fabry‐Perot etalon
Authors: Yang Chun‐Liang , Hsieh Ting‐Lin , Lin Shu‐Chuan , Keiser Gerd , Lee San‐Liang
Published: June 2011

A scheme for simultaneous extinction ratio enhancement, optical frequency stabilization, and wavelength reuse is proposed for reflective semiconductor optical amplifier‐based wavelength‐division‐multiplexed passive optical networks to stabilize the optical channel frequency and enhance bidirectional transmission.This is achieved by simply employing a single Fabry‐Perot etalon at the optical line terminal rather than having one at each optical network unit. Compared with the remodulation scheme that uses a 10‐Gb/s optical signal with a 3‐dB extinction ratio as a downstream optical signal and a seed light, our scheme shows improvements in power penalties greater than 1.8 dB and 1.4 dB for 10‐Gb/s downstream and 1.25‐Gb/s upstream signals, respectively, after transmission of 25 km at a bit‐error‐rate = 10−9. Moreover, a power penalty of only 0.5‐dB is observed in comparison to the two 1.25‐Gb/s upstream bit‐error‐rate results based on using a continuous‐wave seed light and a data‐erased seed light. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26178
Ultrawideband and WLAN asymmetrical dipole antenna on FR4‐like planar substrate
Authors: Barbarino Sebastiano , Consoli Fabrizio
Published: June 2011

The detailed study of a planar asymmetrical dipole, realized on a εr = 4.50 substrate, with a rectangular slit etched on one of the two dipole arms, is described in this paper. The measured prototype fulfills the bandwidth requirements of both ultrawideband and WLAN communications at 2 and 5 GHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26185
Miniaturized microstrip‐fed self‐resonant rectangular split‐ring resonator antenna
Authors: Eldek Abdelnasser
Published: June 2011

miniaturized microstrip‐fed antenna composed of a broadside coupled split‐ring resonator and an excitation rectangular arc‐shaped monopole is presented. Numerical and experimental results are presented for an antenna configuration of 1/28 wavelength in diameter (ka∼0.1125). The antenna size including the ground plane is 60 × 38.5 mm2, and it is operating at 179 MHz. Its resonant frequency can be tuned over a good range of frequency without changing the antenna size, which can increase its usable bandwidth using reconfigurable antenna techniques. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26186
Design and analysis of spiral‐type Marchand balun using physical transformer model on glass integrated passive device substrate
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsiang , Chen Chien‐Hsun , Lin Yi‐Chieh , Horng Tzyy‐Sheng
Published: June 2011

A simple and effective technique for designing Marchand baluns is presented in this letter. The symmetric coupled transmission lines are modeled based on compatible transformer lumped equivalent circuits. This technique was adopted to design Marchand baluns. To validate the analytical results and demonstrate the design approach, Marchand balun was designed and implemented on glass integrated passive device (IPD) process technology. In this letter, a integrated spiral‐shaped Marchand balun has been carried out to provide low insertion loss and high common‐mode rejection ratio over a remarkably wide bandwidth around an operating center frequency of 2.45 GHz. Finally, the measured results agree well with the electro‐magnetics (EM)‐simulated and ‐modeled results, by validating IPD design process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26187
Millimeter‐wave carrier generation by optical frequency multiplication using stimulated Brillouin scattering and four‐wave mixing
Authors: Han Seung Heon , Park Chul Soo , Hann Swook , Lee Seong Ro , Park Chang‐Soo
Published: June 2011

We introduced a method to generate an optical millimeter‐wave (MMW) carrier based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and four‐wave mixing (FWM). By placing two single mode fibers and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) along the bidirectional loop, we were able to implement the process. In particular, by combining SBS and FWM effects during bidirectional transmission, we effectively obtained a MMW carrier through multiple sidebands amplified by two optical nonlinearities. During experimentation, the generated MMW carrier displayed a narrow linewidth of 314 Hz at a frequency of 54.26 GHz, as well as phase noise of −81.50 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26204
Band‐pass filter with broad‐side coupled triple split‐ring resonator using left‐handed metamaterial
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Cheol , Kim Jeonggon Harrison , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2011

This article presents a new bandpass filter (BPF) with a broad‐side coupled triple split‐ring resonator (T‐SRR) using left‐handed metamaterial on a Teflon substrate.Then, by replacing the series quarter‐wavelength connecting lines with the equivalent T‐shaped line, a compact BPF with a second harmonic rejection can be obtained. These filters show insertion losses of 1.2 and 0.75 dB, and return losses of 17.8 and 18.2 dB at the central frequency of 10 GHz, respectively. The experimental result for the second harmonic rejection is 21.5 dB at 17.3 GHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26219
A dual‐band shorted monopole antenna for WLAN‐band application
Authors: Liu Wen‐Chung , Dai Yang
Published: June 2011

A novel printed monopole antenna for dual‐band operation is presented. The antenna comprises a radiator having a strip and two side‐loaded patches, and is fed by a microstrip feedline. By folding top one of the side‐loaded patches on the other side of the substrate as well as connecting the two patches by a short pin, good antenna performances including dual wide bandwidths of 590 MHz and 1.12 GHz, high antenna gains of ≥2.5 and 3.6 dBi, and monopole‐like radiation patterns over the two operating bands, respectively, are obtained. The measured results show good agreement with the simulated ones and sufficiently cover the operation requirements of the 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz wireless local area network communication system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26220
Improved measurement of complex permittivity using artificial neural networks with scaled inputs
Authors: Hasan Azhar , Peterson Andrew F.
Published: June 2011

A procedure is described to enhance the accuracy of microwave measurements of the complex permittivity of a dissipative medium.Monopole probe measurements are used in conjunction with two real‐valued neural networks, which are integrated together to reconstruct the complex permittivity from the measured reflection coefficients. The approach is tested over the frequency range from 2.5 to 5 GHz, for the real part of the permittivity in the range 3–10 and the imaginary part in the range 0– 0.5. The performance of the network is also demonstrated for a reduced frequency range from 3.5 to 5 GHz. Less than 4% error was observed in the presence of white Gaussian noise with an SNR of 10dB. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26221
Zirconium tungstate/bismaleimide composite
Authors: Chen Ming Y. , Chen Chenggang
Published: June 2011

The residual stress that arises from processing and the mismatch of coefficient of the thermal expansion (CTE) between polymer and carbon fiber (or metal) could cause a crack initiation and de‐lamination in the aircraft structural applications. In this study, bismaleimide composites with zirconium tungstate (−8.8 ppm/K) were successfully fabricated. A synergetic effect led to a significant improvement of the thermal stability of the composites due to the formation of the integrated structure in the zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8)/Matrimid 5292 (Huntsman, the Woodlands, TX) composite at high temperature, which prevented and/or slowed the escape of the thermal decomposition by‐products. The addition of zirconium tungstate into the Matrimid 5292 could also increase the storage modulus while keeping the glass transition temperature unchanged. The CTE of a 20 vol.% ZrW2O8/Matrimid 5292composite material can be reduced by 40% compared with that of the pure Matrimid 5292. The extent of reduction in the CTE is much greater than predicted from the rule of mixture. Micromechanical modeling shows that the Christensen model and the Schapery upper limit model gave a good prediction of CTEs for ZrW2O8/Matrimid 5292 composite. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Initial testing (stage 1) of LCL161, a SMAC mimetic, by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Houghton Peter J. , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Morton Christopher L. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Keir Stephen T. , Carol Hernan , Lock Richard , Maris John M. , Billups Catherine A. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: June 2011

LCL161, a SMAC mimetic, was tested against the PPTP in vitro panel (1.0 nM to 10.0 µM) and the PPTP in vivo panels (30 or 75 mg/kg [solid tumors] or 100 mg/kg [ALL]) administered orally twice in a week. LCL161 showed a median relative IC50 value of >10 µM, being more potent against several leukemia and lymphoma lines. In vivo LCL161 induced significant differences in EFS distribution in approximately one‐third of solid tumor xenografts (osteosarcoma and glioblastoma), but not in ALL xenografts. No objective tumor responses were observed. In vivo LCL161 demonstrated limited single agent activity against the pediatric preclinical models studied. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 636–639. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exocrine pancreatic tumors in childhood in Germany
Authors: Ellerkamp Verena , Warmann Steven W. , Vorwerk Peter , Leuschner Ivo , Fuchs Joerg
Published: June 2011

Background

Pancreatic tumors (PT) in childhood are rare. Standard therapeutic approaches are lacking. Our aim was to analyze treatment modalities and outcome in children with PT.

Procedure

Between 1980 and 2007, 55 patients with exocrine PT < 16 years old were registered. Data were obtained from the German Pediatric Tumour Registry. Medical records were evaluated and patient data were pseudonymized.

Results

Patient records of 29 children were available (9 male, 20 female, median age 11.2 years, range 3.1–16). In 18 patients a solid‐pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) was diagnosed, in 7 patients a pancreatic carcinoma (P‐CA) (5 acinar cell carcinoma (ACC), 2 ductal adenocarcinoma (DCA)), and in 4 patients a pancreatoblastoma (PBL). In 69% of the patients the initial radiological findings led to an incorrect tentative diagnosis. Initial histopathological diagnoses were differing from the reference pathology in 50% of the SPT and 45% of the P‐CA. In the group of SPT survival rate was 100%; all patients underwent surgical resection. There were two cases of tumor relapse and one late secondary malignancy of the pancreas (DCA). In P‐CA patients, survival rate was 14%, in the PBL group the survival rate was 25%. Concepts of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical intervention in P‐CA and PBL were varying widely.

Conclusions

In all cases of pediatric PT reference pathology and reference radiology should be involved. Standardized treatment concepts as well as prospective data registrations need to be entrenched. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 366–371. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of carbon nanofiber (CNF) silanization on the properties of CNF/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Nie Yaru , Hübert Thomas
Published: June 2011

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were functionalized by a multistage process including oxidation, reduction and silanization. The chemical modifications were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The silanized CNFs were then added into an epoxy resin (EPON 828) to study the effect of the surface modification of CNFs on the properties of nanocomposites. For comparison, nanocomposites containing original unmodified CNFs were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy indicates better dispersion of modified fibers in the epoxy polymer matrix; the mechanical and thermal properties of composites are also improved; the electrical conductivity of the composites is reduced. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The cost of mental health – is the price right?
Authors: Titmarsh Steve
Published: June 2011

Cost is a major focus in healthcare, and in the current economic climate the pressure to reduce costs is greater than ever. The latest round of organisational changes proposed for the NHS may encourage new thinking about commissioning and delivery of care, as well as the way the total cost of one treatment is compared with another. Some of the issues in managing mental healthcare costs within the NHS were discussed at a satellite symposium, organised by Lundbeck Ltd, held at the 10th Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium in London in March. Steve Titmarsh reports. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Proteome and cytokine serum profiling to diagnose a mycosis fungoides
Authors: Moshkovskii Sergei A. , Sokolova Elizaveta E. , Brattseva Ekaterina V. , Karpova Maria A. , Pyatnitskiy Mikhail A. , Kubanova Anna A. , Archakov Alexander I.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate a possibility of mycosis fungoides (MF) diagnostics based on protein profiling in blood serum.

Experimental design: We obtained and analysed samples of blood serum from 23 patients with MF, and 29 psoriasis patients and 22 healthy donors as controls. Protein profiling was carried out using SELDI TOF MS SELDI‐TOF and also profiling of 27 cytokines with multiplex immunoassay technology was implemented.

Results: MS data analysis of sera did not give satisfactory statistical discrimination between the groups. Antibody‐based cytokine profiling revealed a number of cytokines with a change in their concentrations in both MF and psoriasis (IL‐1Ra, IL‐4, G‐CSF). The C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 (IP‐10, CXCL10) cytokine had a significantly increased concentration (p<0,001) in samples from MF patients as compared with the other groups.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: IP‐10 may be considered as a promising biomarker for the differentiation between MF and other skin conditions.
Bending of nanowire–flexible substrate assemblies integrated via direct synthesis methods
Authors: Rodgers Justin , Edel Julia , Rivera Johan , Englander Ongi
Published: June 2011

Nanowires are successfully synthesized directly onto two types of flexible substrates, Kapton and silicone. Reduced temperature catalyst‐assisted chemical vapor deposition techniques enable the direct integration. The mechanical properties of these assemblies are evaluated using bending tests where tensile or compressive strains are applied to the samples. Substrate‐dependent nanowire properties, thin film formation, and failure of the integrated assemblies are observed.

magnified image

Image: Failure of a germanium nanowire (GeNW) array synthesized on a flexible substrate once subjected to compressive strains.
Orientation Relationship between the TRIP Steel Substrate and the ZrO2 thin Film
Authors: Poklad A. , Klemm V. , Schreiber G. , Rafaja D. , Abendroth B. , Haverkamp M.
Published: June 2011

Distinct orientation relationships between face‐centred cubic austenite (γ‐Fe) and cubic c‐ZrO2 were found and assigned using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) that was complemented by the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the HRTEM micrographs. These orientation relationships were described as [110] γ‐Fe || [111] c‐ZrO2 and ($1{\bar {1}}1$) γ‐Fe || ($02\overline {2} $) c‐ZrO2. They imply the heteroepitaxial growth of the counterparts that improved substantially the adhesion between γ‐Fe and c‐ZrO2. The analysed specimens were prepared by magnetron sputtering from an unstabilized ZrO2 ceramic target in argon atmosphere on TRIP steel substrate. The microstructure of the thin zirconia films was analysed using glancing‐angle x‐ray diffraction (GAXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and TEM.