bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive surgery for small breast cancer
Authors: Noguchi Masakuni
Published: September 2003

Background and Methods

So‐called minimally invasive techniques make percutaneous eradication of breast tumors possible, thus leading to breast‐conserving treatment (BCT) without surgery. This paper reviews and discusses the feasibility of minimally invasive techniques for breast cancer.

Results

Although a wide variety of ablation techniques have been investigated for the treatment of primary breast cancer, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains one of the most promising and potentially useful tools. RFA therapy results in effective cell killing in a predictable volume of tissue with a low complication rate. On the other hand, ultrasonography is useful for guiding the needle within the tumor but cannot predict the extent of thermal ablation accurately. Early post‐procedural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be useful for assessing whether complete tumor ablation has been achieved by RFA. Whether adequate ablation of the tumor has been achieved can be confirmed by extensive core needle sampling of the treated area. However, validation of the margin status is also important and this needs to be tackled in further studies.

Conclusions

There are many problems that remain before RFA therapy can be considered for conventional treatment. Further studies are needed to determine whether the use of RFA alone for local treatment of primary breast cancer will result in local recurrence and survival rates equivalent to those seen with BCT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:94–101. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of HER2 overexpression in metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: Inman J. Lucas , Kute Tim , White Wain , Pettenati Mark , Levine Edward A.
Published: September 2003

Background and Objectives

Currently available systemic therapies for malignant melanoma produce low response rates in patients, and more effective treatment modalities are clearly needed. Trastuzumab (Herceptin®), the antibody to the HER2 oncoprotein, has had a significant impact on therapy for patients with HER2‐overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. This study examined the incidences of HER2 protein overexpression and HER2 gene amplification in metastatic malignant melanoma, which remain unclear in the literature.

Methods

The study evaluated patients with stage III and stage IV malignant melanoma who were treated between 1983 and 1999. Tissue blocks were retrieved and reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. From the 101 cases identified, 49 (31 stage III and 18 stage IV) had sufficient residual tumor sample to enable an assay to be performed. The blocks were tested for HER2 overexpression using the DAKO HercepTest™ immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. Any sample that tested 1+ or greater for HER2 expression on IHC and a randomly selected subset of HER2‐negative samples were tested for the presence of HER2 gene amplification using the Vysis PathVysion™ fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay.

Results

The median age of the 49 selected patients was 52.2 years, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 1.23:1 (27 men to 22 women). All of the 49 cases of malignant melanoma were negative for HER2 overexpression by IHC. However, two samples (3%) were found to have a weak level of HER2 expression (1+ level of staining). Subsequent FISH results on the samples that were 1+ on IHC were negative for HER2 gene amplification. FISH results on 21 other randomly selected IHC‐negative samples were also negative for HER2 amplification. Flow cytometry failed to show HER2 overexpression in two melanoma cell lines, and treatment of these cells with trastuzumab did not affect their proliferation rate.

Conclusions

We found a low incidence of HER2 expression and no evidence of HER2 protein overexpression or HER2 gene amplification in metastatic malignant melanoma tissues. Therefore, routine testing for HER2 overexpression or HER2 amplification would not be of benefit in this patient population. These results also imply that anti‐HER2 therapy with trastuzumab is highly unlikely to provide benefit for patients with metastatic melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:82–88. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Periodic solutions of two‐patches predator‐prey dispersion models with continuous delays
Authors: Zhang Zhengqiu , Wang Zhicheng
Published: September 2003

By using the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, the existence of a positive periodic solution for the two‐patches predator‐prey dispersion models with continuous delays is established. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling inhibits LNCaP prostate tumor growth, promatrilysin, and PSA expression
Authors: Udayakumar Thirupandiyur S. , Bair Elisabeth L. , Nagle Raymond B. , Bowden G. Timothy
Published: September 2003

Previously we have shown that the matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP‐7) is overexpressed in human prostate cancers compared with normal epithelium. However, the mechanism for this overexpression is not understood. Human prostate fibroblasts have been shown to express certain fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), including FGF‐1. Evidence from our laboratory and others has indicated that FGFs can regulate the expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases, including matrilysin. The goal of this study was to determine whether pharmacological inhibition of FGFR signaling would alter LNCaP tumor growth as well as expression of promatrilysin when LNCaP cells were co‐injected subcutaneously with human prostate fibroblasts into athymic nude mice. For these inhibitor studies, AG1‐X2 beads were coated with the pharmacological FGFR inhibitor SU5402 and were co‐injected along with LNCaP and human prostate fibroblast cells (PF). Mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads alone demonstrated significant tumor growth, whereas mice injected with LNCaP/PF/SU5402‐coated beads showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that significant promatrilysin expression in tumors was inhibited by the FGFR inhibitor SU5402. Serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and promatrilysin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads expressed promatrilysin and serum PSA levels that were inhibited by co‐injecting with SU5402. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling results in a decrease in the growth of LNCaP tumors generated subcutaneously by co‐injecting LNCaP cells and human prostate fibroblasts. The inhibition in tumor growth was correlated with a decrease in tumor promatrilysin expression and a decrease in serum promatrilysin and PSA. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel consensus DNA‐binding sequence for BRCA1 protein complexes
Authors: Cable P. LouAnn , Wilson Cindy A. , Calzone Frank J. , Rauscher Frank J. , Scully Ralph , Livingston David M. , Li Leping , Blackwell Courtney B. , Futreal P. Andrew , Afshari Cynthia A.
Published: September 2003

Increasing evidence continues to emerge supporting the early hypothesis that BRCA1 might be involved in transcriptional processes. BRCA1 physically associates with more than 15 different proteins involved in transcription and is paradoxically involved in both transcriptional activation and repression. However, the underlying mechanism by which BRCA1 affects the gene expression of various genes remains speculative. In this study, we provide evidence that BRCA1 protein complexes interact with specific DNA sequences. We provide data showing that the upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) physically associates with BRCA1 and is a component of this DNA‐binding complex. Interestingly, these DNA‐binding complexes are downregulated in breast cancer cell lines containing wild‐type BRCA1, providing a critical link between modulations of BRCA1 function in sporadic breast cancers that do not involve germline BRCA1 mutations. The functional specificity of BRCA1 tumor suppression for breast and ovarian tissues is supported by our experiments, which demonstrate that BRCA1 DNA‐binding complexes are modulated by serum and estrogen. Finally, functional analysis indicates that missense mutations in BRCA1 that lead to subsequent cancer susceptibility may result in improper gene activation. In summary, these findings establish a role for endogenous BRCA1 protein complexes in transcription via a defined DNA‐binding sequence and indicate that one function of BRCA1 is to co‐regulate the expression of genes involved in various cellular processes. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.†
The DIRECTIONS nonprofit resource assessment model: A tool for small nonprofit organizations
Authors: Zimmermann Jo An M. , Stevens Bonnie W. , Thames Brenda J. , Sieverdes Christopher M. , Powell Gwynn M.
Published: September 2003

Rapid growth in the number of nonprofits has created a shortage of trained staff and experienced volunteer
leadership for nonprofit organizations. The Nonprofit Education Initiative (NEI) in South Carolina
developed the DIRECTIONS nonprofit resource assessment model to provide tools to help nonprofits better meet the
challenges facing our communities—tools that will help nonprofits develop effective plans, integrate
resources, diversify revenue, communicate effective messages, and motivate constituents. These tools are also
inexpensive and available close to home.

The research and development process was a cooperative effort between the Department of Parks, Recreation, and
Tourism Management and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, with funding from the W. K. Kellogg
Foundation. Cooperative Extension is a component of the land grant university system, the largest educational
delivery system in the world. Cooperative Extension's role is to plan, execute, deliver, and evaluate learning
programs consistent with locally identified needs. It helps people acquire the understanding, capabilities,
attitudes, and skills essential to solving farm, home, and community problems. This article gives a background of
the challenges facing nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, the steps taken to develop this new assessment
model, and results of research conducted throughout the development process.
Development of a disease specific questionnaire to supplement a generic tool for QoL in colorectal cancer
Authors: Davidson‐Homewood J. , Norman A. , Küchler T. , Cunningham D. , Watson M.
Published: September 2003

The need for disease‐specific quality of life measures is highlighted in the literature. The psychometric properties of a supplementary disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire developed for use with a generic Quality of Life tool in colorectal cancer patients are explored. Originally developed and tested in a German sample, the English translation was tested on a cohort of UK colorectal cancer patients. Relevance and acceptability was previously established in Germany. A rigorous factor analysis ascertained the underlying structure of two factors with a number of single items that were retained as clinically important symptom indicators.

In considering validity, four conditions were assessed: Reliability using Cronbach's alpha; Construct validity by comparing patient subgroups; Clinical Validity, by testing the hypothesis that some patient subgroups experience worse quality of life; Construct Reliability using second order factor analysis with the EORTC QOLQ‐C30 scales, confirming that the factors retained provide an excellent measure of physical discomfort and a good measure of physical well being.

Two other such questionnaires were developed in parallel with this one and reported in the literature (FACT‐C and QOLQ‐CR38). However, this questionnaire provides a useful alternative tool for use in clinical trials of colorectal cancer treatments alongside a core QoL questionnaire especially when brevity is an important consideration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The bold legacy of Emil Fischer
Authors: Goodman Murray , Cai Weibo , Smith Nicole D.
Published: September 2003

A century has passed since Emil Fischer won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. From his first synthesis of glycyl‐glycine in 1901 he has been a luminary to peptide chemists over the past 100 years. In this paper, a brief summary of some of the major accomplishments in peptide chemistry will be covered followed by a description of several of our own endeavours in peptide chemistry which arose from the discoveries of the giants of our field. We will include the development of a novel activating agent (DEPBT), the synthesis of a novel building block, α‐methyl‐D‐cysteine, its incorporation into biologically active opioids, and conclude with the synthesis of dendritic collagen mimetics. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developments in connections in cold‐formed building structures and design specifications
Authors: Tomà A W
Published: September 2003

For all building structures national and international Codes are important in the design process. This is also true for connections in cold‐formed building structures. Lightweight construction has developed rapidly in this field, but the Codes, by their very nature are far slower in their development. For this reason a number of connection types are not fully covered, or not covered at all, by the existing Codes. Designers thus face a different situation with respect to connections than for usual steel buildings. This paper describes the relation between traditional connection systems and existing Codes. The ideal situation should be that the development of connection systems and their treatment in Codes (fastener and structural codes) should be well balanced for appropriate application in the building industry. But, because of the comparatively slow development of the Codes, new developments (clinching, air driven pins and adhesive bonding) require guidance on how to proceed in design.

For selection of a connection system the important structural and non‐structural parameters are surveyed. With the use of these parameters it should be possible to choose system, a fit for purpose i.e. a reliable (safe and durable) and economical system.
Determination of earthquake loading and seismic performance in intraplate regions
Authors: Hutchinson G L , Lam N T K , Wilson J L
Published: September 2003

Major intraplate earthquakes are rare, however, their occurrence is often unpredictable and can result in high consequences in terms of both life‐safety and economic loss. Consequently, the issue of intraplate seismic hazard is attracting increasing attention from the world community. It is important that the overall process of modelling earthquake‐induced loads is well understood by structural engineers who are professionally responsible and accountable for the performance of the structure and for life‐safety. The modelling for seismic hazard in regions of low and moderate seismicity is difficult and challenging, owing to the paucity of earthquake data in these regions. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the seismic hazard analysis procedure for regions of low to moderate seismicity to a wide engineering readership. The review covers topics ranging from the modelling of seismic activity, the attenuation of seismic waves and site amplification to the representation of seismic loading for design purposes. Basic concepts that are widely known within the earthquake engineering profession are introduced for the benefit of readers who do not possess specialized knowledge in this field. Further, the latest techniques that have been developed to overcome the challenges associated with the paucity of data in regions of low to moderate seismicity are described.
Optimal hold functions for MDCS sampled‐data problems
Authors: Mirkin Leonid , PalmorM Zalman J.
Published: September 2003

In this paper the H2 and H∞ sampled‐data problems with mixed discrete/continuous specifications (MDCS) are considered. The hold function is not fixed a priory but rather is the design parameter. The (sub)optimal controller obtained is of the form of a serial interconnection of a (sub)optimal digital controller and a (sub)optimal hold function. It is demonstrated that the incorporation of the hold function into the sampled‐data design with MDCS extends considerably the possibility to reach a required trade‐off between discrete and continuous specifications in comparison with designs with a fixed hold function. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fixed‐orderH∞control design via a partially augmented Lagrangian method
Authors: Apkarian Pierre , Noll Dominikus , Duong Tuan Hoang
Published: September 2003

In this paper we develop an augmented Lagrangian method to determine local optimal solutions of the reduced‐ and fixed‐orderH∞synthesis problems. We cast these synthesis problems as optimization programs with a linear cost subject to linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints along with nonlinear equality constraints representing a matrix inversion condition. The special feature of our algorithm is that only equality constraints are included in the augmented Lagrangian, while LMI constraints are kept explicitly in order to exploit currently available semi definite programming (SDP) codes. The step computation in the tangent problem is based on a Gauss–Newton model, and a specific line search and a first‐order Lagrange multiplier update rule are used to enhance efficiency. A number of computational results are reported and underline the strong practical performance of the algorithm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new model for submarine volcanic collapse formation
Authors: Engels Jennifer L. , Edwards Margo H. , Fornari Daniel J. , Perfit Michael R. , Cann Johnson R.
Published: September 2003

Collapse pits and an associated suite of collapse‐related features that form in submarine lava flows are ubiquitous on the global mid‐ocean ridge crest. Collapse pits, the lava tube systems they expose, and lenses of talus created by the collapse process combine to produce a permeable region in the shallow ocean crust and are thought to contribute significantly to the 100–300 m thick low velocity zone observed at intermediate to fast‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges. This horizon of low‐density, high‐porosity material is likely to be an important aquifer for the transfer of hydrothermal fluids in the upper ocean crust. In a recent survey of the East Pacific Rise at 9°37′N, we used photographs, video and observations from the submersible Alvin, and DSL‐120A side scan data to determine that 13% of the 720,000 m2 of seafloor imaged had foundered to form collapse pits. In 98% of the images collapse pits occurred in lobate flows, and the rest in sheet flows. On the basis of our observations and analyses of collapse features, and incorporating data from previous models for collapse formation plus laboratory and theoretical models of basalt lava behavior in the deep ocean, we develop a detailed multistage physical model for collapse formation in the deep ocean. In our model, lava extruded on the seafloor traps pockets of seawater beneath the flow that are instantly vaporized to a briny steam. The seawater is transformed to vapor at temperatures above 480°C with a 20 times expansion in volume. Bubbles of vapor rise through the lava and concentrate below the chilled upper crust of the lava flow, creating gas‐filled cavities at magmatic temperatures. Fluid lava from the cavity roofs drips into the vapor pockets to create delicate drip and septa structures, a process that may be enhanced by water vapor diffusing into the magma and reducing its melting point. As the vapor pocket cools, the pressure within it drops, causing a pressure gradient to develop across the upper crust. The pressure gradient often causes the roof crust to collapse during cooling, though vapor pocket geometry may be such that the roof remains intact during subsidence of the underlying lava. Alternatively, drainaway of the molten lava may cause collapse in locations where inflated lava roof crusts are not supported from below by bounding walls or lava pillars. Post‐eruption seismicity, lava movement, or hydrovolcanic explosions may cause continued collapse of the lava carapace after the eruption.
Cluster observations of the high‐altitude cusp for northward interplanetary magnetic field: A case study
Authors: Vontrat‐Reberac A. , Bosqued J. M. , Taylor M. G. G. T. , Lavraud B. , Fontaine D. , Dunlop M. W. , Laakso H. , Cornilleau‐Werhlin N. , Canu P. , Fazakerley A.
Published: September 2003

Since January 2001, the multisatellite and multiinstrument CLUSTER mission gives a unique opportunity to study the structure and dynamics of the high‐altitude polar cusp. On 17 March 2001, CLUSTER sampled the northern high‐altitude cusp (7–9RE) around noon for more than 1 hour during very quiet interplanetary and magnetospheric conditions (P < 1 nPa, AE ∼ 0) and for an Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) directed northward and duskward. In this paper we present detailed four‐point plasma observations from the electron (Plasma Electron And Current Experiment) and ion (CLUSTER Ion Spectrometer) instruments. Ion observations throughout the cusp crossing reveal repetitive “reverse” ion energy dispersions associated with sporadic electron injections. Ion injections are observed with a variable time repetition rate, from ∼5 min to as low as ∼1 min. Although highly turbulent, the observed convection flows are in close agreement with IMF‐Bz > 0 driven patterns, including one or two lobe reconnection‐cells in the dayside polar cap, according to the amplitude of the By component. The overall convection pattern responds in ∼3–5 min to abrupt changes in the IMF orientation. Successive electron and ion patches are interpreted as signatures of pulsed, enhanced reconnection in the high‐latitude magnetopause, poleward of CLUSTER, at a distance estimated to be 8–12RE and, at times, less. A four‐point boundary analysis demonstrates that reconnected flux tubes (Flux Transfer Events) convect with drift directions and velocities (6–15 km/s) in close agreement with the inferred convective patterns. Furthermore, CLUSTER demonstrates that boundary cusp motions, with a velocity up to ∼20 km/s, are immediately and directly induced by abrupt changes in the IMF orientation.
Vertical distribution of mesozooplankton and its δ15N signature at a deep‐sea site in the Levantine Sea (eastern Mediterranean) in April 1999
Authors: Koppelmann Rolf , Weikert Horst , Lahajnar Niko
Published: September 2003

Mesozooplankton samples were collected throughout the water column in the 4270 m deep Ierapetra basin, 30 nm SE off Crete, in April 1999. Information on trophic relationships within mesozooplankton size classes (<0.5, 0.5–1, 1–2, and 2–5 mm) and the sources of diet were obtained by measuring the composition of stable nitrogen isotopes of size‐fractionated zooplankton and particles collected by sediment traps. Compared to data from the Arabian Sea, the δ15N values of zooplankton were markedly lower in the Levantine Sea. Data from the upper 250 m (2–3‰) suggest that N2 from the atmosphere was used by diazotroph cyanophycea as a nitrogen source for primary production. A loop system is hypothesized by which isotopically light NH4+ is recycled and used by phytoplankton. In the deep mesopelagic zone, an increase in δ15N with increasing depth was observed. In the deep bathypelagic zone, the δ15N values were more or less stable and indicate a trophic level of ∼2.5. A first zooplankton analysis revealed that juveniles of the calanoid copepod Lucicutia longiserrata, one of the rare true deep‐sea species in the Levantine basin, were predominant in this zone. The taxonomic composition as well as the vertical distribution of zooplankton in the large habitat zones resembled that in January 1987, before the onset of a hydrological shift in the eastern Mediterranean. We therefore suggest that the situation in April 1999 does not characterize the mode of nitrogen transfer during the EMT.
Absolute transport estimates of total and individual water masses in the northern Greenland Sea derived from hydrographic and acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements
Authors: Cisewski Boris , Budéus Gereon , Krause Gunther
Published: September 2003

Conductivity‐temperature‐depth transects across the Greenland Sea and Fram Strait provide geostrophic shear velocity profiles, which were absolutely referenced using the simultaneous measurements from a vessel‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler. The measurements are performed mainly in 1997, with supplements in 1998, 1995, and 1994. The observations confirm that all currents within the area have a strong barotropic component so that calculations based on the geostrophic method underestimate the transports considerably. Particulars for the transports of mass and heat are given for all individual and total water masses in the area. Meanders and eddies on horizontal scales between 20 and 70 km affect the total transport in the West Spitsbergen Current significantly. The Atlantic Water transports range between 2 and 7 Sv, mainly dominated by the cross‐sectional area occupied by this water mass. The total northward heat transport across 75°N is estimated as 54.7 TW and across 79°40′N as 42 TW in September 1997.
Dynamics and transport of sulfur dioxide over the Yellow Sea during TRACE‐P
Authors: Tu Fang Huang , Thornton Donald C. , Bandy Alan R. , Kim Mi‐Sug , Carmichael Gregory , Tang Youhua , Thornhill Lee , Sachse Glenn
Published: September 2003

Fast time resolution (>1 Hz) sulfur dioxide (SO2) measurements were obtained using an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer with isotopically labeled internal standard on the NASA Wallops P‐3B during the NASA Transport and Chemical Evolution Over the Pacific (TRACE‐P) field experiment. The high time resolution for SO2 allowed a view into the dynamics of SO2 transport, including the effects of clouds. Two missions along 124.5°E from the vicinity of Taiwan to the northern Yellow Sea near the Korean peninsula were flown on consecutive days with quite different weather conditions. Although the winds on both flights were westerly to northwesterly, the SO2 concentrations were markedly different in vertical and horizontal distributions. Together with turbulence measurements and other high rate data on the P‐3B, we have assessed how cloud processing and atmospheric dynamics may have caused the differences in the SO2 distributions. Below 2 km, SO2 layers of a few hundred meters depth were often isolated from the mixed layer. The relatively slow process of entrainment limited loss of SO2 to the marine mixed layer. When compared to 3‐D model results of SO2 along the flight track, the in situ SO2 data showed that the model poorly represented the SO2 distribution along the flight track for the cloudy day, while the model gave a reasonably good representation of the in situ data during the clear air flight. On the clear air flight day, the model achieved a closer representation of the SO2 distribution, but it overestimated the SO2 concentrations just above the well‐mixed boundary layer. The deviations between the observations and the model appear to be related the treatment of the boundary layer dynamics.
Transverse sample area of two‐ and three‐rod time domain reflectometry probes: Electrical conductivity
Authors: Ferré Ty P. A. , Nissen Henrik H. , Knight John H. , Moldrup Per
Published: September 2003

Numerical models have been applied successfully to the analysis of the sensitivity and transverse spatial sample areas of time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes to lateral variations in dielectric permittivity (ε). However, no similar treatment has been presented for the spatial sensitivity of TDR to lateral variations in electrical conductivity (σ). The objective of this investigation was to examine the response of conventional two‐ and three‐rod probes to sharp changes in σ within their sample areas. The spatial weighting, predicted numerically for probes of varying geometries with sharp ε boundaries and two different σ contrasts in the plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, shows good agreement with the TDR‐measured σ. For low‐loss conditions the sensitivity distribution of TDR is shown to be independent of the value of σ. This demonstrates that the spatial sensitivities to dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity are the same for these conditions and that TDR‐measured water contents can be used to correct TDR‐measured σ for water content effects.
Ionic‐strength effects on colloid transport and interfacial reactions in partially saturated porous media
Authors: Saiers James E. , Lenhart John J.
Published: September 2003

Contaminant migration through the vadose zone may be influenced by the presence of mineral colloids that are mobilized during infiltration events. In this work, we report model calculations and experimental data on the role of pore water ionic strength in the transport of silica colloids through water‐saturated and unsaturated porous media. The transport model solves the advection‐dispersion equation, together with kinetics equations for straining, air‐water interface capture, and mineral‐grain attachment. Parameters for air‐water and solid‐water interfacial area required by the transport model are derived through the application of a published liquid‐vapor configuration model that accounts for dual‐phase (i.e., air and water) occupancy of pore spaces. Comparison of experimental and modeled results reveals that the dominant colloid‐immobilization mechanism transitions from straining, to air‐water interface capture, and finally, to mineral‐grain attachment as the ionic strength increases from 2 × 10−4 M to 0.2 M. The results of this research provide a basic framework for interpreting how interactions between moisture content and pore water chemistry affect colloid mobility in the vadose zone.
Economic benefits of reducing fire‐related sediment in southwestern fire‐prone ecosystems
Authors: Loomis John , Wohlgemuth Pete , González‐Cabán Armando , English Donald
Published: September 2003

A multiple regression analysis of fire interval and resulting sediment yield (controlling for relief ratio, rainfall, etc.) indicates that reducing the fire interval from the current average 22 years to a prescribed fire interval of 5 years would reduce sediment yield by 2 million cubic meters in the 86.2 square kilometer southern California watershed adjacent to and including the Angeles National Forest. This would have direct cost savings to Los Angeles County Public Works in terms of reduced debris basin clean out of $24 million. The net present values of both 5‐ and 10‐year prescribed fire intervals are positive. However, given other multiple use objectives of the USDA Forest Service, a 10‐year prescribed fire interval may be more optimal than a 5‐year fire interval.
First human double hand transplantation: efficacy of a conventional immunosuppressive protocol
Authors: Petruzzo Palmina , Revillard Jean Pierre , Kanitakis Jean , Lanzetta Marco , Hakim Nadey S , Lefrançois Nicole , Owen Earl , Dubernard Jean Michel
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Based on the results achieved in single human hand transplantations, we decided to perform the first double hand transplantation with a conventional immunosuppressive protocol in a patient with a high potential for functional recovery. Two years after transplantation the efficacy and the safety of this immunosuppressive protocol are evaluated. The recipient was a 33‐yr‐old man suffering from a traumatic amputation of both hands in 1996. Five HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DR mismatches were present with the donor; T and B cell cross‐match was negative. Immunosuppressive protocol included tacrolimus, prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil and, for induction, antithymocyte globulins and then anti CD25 monoclonal antibody. Reconstitution of lymphocyte populations proceeded normally. Neither anti‐HLA antibodies nor chimerism in peripheral blood were detected. Two episodes of acute rejection characterized by maculopapular lesions occurred on days 53 and 82 after transplantation. Skin biopsies revealed a dermal lymphocytic infiltrate. Both episodes were completely and rapidly reversed by topical clobetasol and increased systemic corticosteroid therapy. The only side‐effects related to treatment were reversible serum sickness and hyperglycemia. No infectious complications and malignancies occurred. No signs of graft‐versus‐host disease have been detected. This case of double hand transplantation shows that conventional immunosuppression is effective and safe to ensure survival and functional recovery of the grafted limb.
Successful orthotopic liver transplantation after trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole associated fulminant liver failure
Authors: Zaman Fahim , Ye Gang , Abreo Kenneth D , Latif Shahnila , Zibari Gazi B
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMZ) is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. Although many of its adverse effects are well recognized, TMP–SMZ related hepatotoxicity is considered rare and is usually characterized by cholestasis or mixed hepatocellular–cholestatic reactions. In this study, we describe the case of a previously healthy young man with acute fulminant liver failure caused by TMP–SMZ. The patient presented with complaints of ‘flu‐like’ symptoms with myalgia and fever after taking TMP–SMZ for 7 d for otitis externa. The patient subsequently developed fever, worsening jaundice, and a rash on his neck and chest. Liver enzymes peaked on day 3 with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 11 549, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 23 289, alkaline phosphatase 245, and total bilirubin 10.3 mg/dL, with a conjugated bilirubin of 8.3 mg/dL, prothrombin time (PT) 60.5 s, partial normalized ratio (PTT) 49 s, and international normalized ratio (INR) 7.5. Of note, acetaminophen level on admission was undetectable. Serology for hepatitis A, B, C, cytomegalovirus, HIV, toxoplasmosis, and blood cultures were all negative. The patient developed hepatic encephalopathy with hallucination on day 4. Laboratory tests revealed a serum ammonia level of 190 U, serum creatinine kinase (CK) 10 466 (42 on admission), serum creatinine 8.2 mg/dL (1.2 on admission), and significant metabolic acidosis. Renal ultrasound was unremarkable. The patient was started on hemodialysis for acute renal failure. Meanwhile, liver transplantation assessment was also initiated. On day 8 post‐admission (15 d after taking TMP–SMZ), the patient received a successful orthotopic liver transplant.
Monitoring of human cytomegalovirus infections in heart transplant recipients by pp65 antigenemia
Authors: Sénéchal Mario , Dorent Richard , Montcel Sophie Tezenas du , Fillet Anne‐Marie , Ghossoub Jean‐Jacques , Dubois Michelle , Pavie Alain , Gandjbakhch Iradj
Published: September 2003

Abstract:  Background: Rapid diagnostic techniques offer the opportunity of early diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromized patients at risk of developing CMV disease and syndrome. The use of CMV pp65 antigenemia as a predictor of CMV syndrome and disease in heart transplant recipient after induction therapy was studied retrospectively.

Methods: One hundred and nineteen consecutive heart transplant recipients treated with induction therapy who survived more then 14 d were monitored for CMV infection. Ninety‐four recipients were seropositive for CMV. Twenty‐five recipients were seronegative for CMV and received grafts from seropositive donors. Pre‐emptive therapy was used in seropositive patients when CMV pp65 antigenemia was greater than 50 antigen‐positive cells per 2 × 105 peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL); prophylactic therapy was done only in seronegative recipient matched with seropositive donor.

Results: High‐level CMV pp65 antigenemia (50 antigen‐positive cells 2 × 105 PBL) occurred in 34% (41 of 119) of patients at a median of 44 d following transplantation. In seropositive recipients, 16% (15 of 94) of patients developed CMV invasive disease or syndrome, and in seronegative recipients 20% (5 of 25) of patients developed CMV disease or syndrome. Sixty‐six per cent (62 of 94) of CMV seropositive patients were identified as not requiring pre‐emptive therapy. In seropositive and seronegative recipients, the sensibility and negative predictive value of the cut‐off level of 50 antigen positive cell for CMV disease and syndrome was 100%. The specificity was 79% and positive predictive value was 49%.

Conclusion: Because of the excellent sensibility and negative predictive value of the cut‐off level of 50 antigen positive cell per 2 × 105 PBL, application of pre‐emptive therapy guided by high level of CMV pp65 antigenemia in the context of induction therapy allow to omit antiviral therapy in many at risk patients. In the context of pre‐emptive and prophylactic therapy, the cut‐off level of 50 antigen positive cell do not allow to predict with accuracy the development of CMV disease or syndrome.
Predictive factors for early mortality following liver transplantation
Authors: Bilbao Itxarone , Armadans Luis , Lazaro Jose L , Hidalgo Ernest , Castells Luis , Margarit Carlos
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Aims: To retrospectively review our liver transplant performance to identify factors that influenced early outcomes and to prospectively test their validity in predicting outcomes.

Methods: Clinical records from 190 patients with liver transplants (LT; n = 200) performed between 1991 and 1997 were reviewed and the data evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses regarding clinical outcome. The prognostic model thus obtained was prospectively evaluated in 55 patients undergoing transplant between 1999 and 2000.

Results: Main indication for transplant was post‐necrotic cirrhosis (61%), mostly HCV(+). The majority of patients were Child‐Pugh C status (46%). Post‐operative mortality at 3 months was 15.3%. Risk factors predicting death were: Child‐Pugh C status (OR 1.3), pre‐LT renal insufficiency (OR 5.8), malnutrition (OR 2.9) and technically complex surgery requiring cross‐clamping with or without bypass (OR 4.9). None of the donor factors was significant. Prospectively applied to predict outcome in the 55 patients, the model had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 88.8% with a higher‐than‐anticipated accuracy with a positive predictive value of 61.5% and a negative predictive value of 95.3%.

Conclusions: Pre‐LT renal insufficiency is the most significant risk factor for early mortality and suggests that LT should be performed before evidence of irreversible renal insufficiency becomes manifest.
Transmission of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma to a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Gerstenkorn Clemens , Thomusch O
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Transmission of donor tumours in solid organ transplant recipients is rare, but has been reported with fatal outcome in some cases depending on the original tumour type and location. We report a case of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma of donor origin presented as lymphangitis carcinomatosa of the lung in a renal transplant recipient 9 months after transplantation, which is likely to have contributed to the death of the patient 15 months after transplantation. The donor tumour was originally diagnosed on adrenal tissue removed from the donor kidney during bench preparation. At the time of the diagnosis this kidney and the liver of the multi‐organ donor had been transplanted. The liver patient was urgently retransplanted within 24 h. The renal recipient opted not to have a transplant nephrectomy having been made aware of the risk of tumour transmission. The contralateral kidney was discarded. Management of recipients with potential transmission of initially undiagnosed donor malignancy is difficult. Early transplant nephrectomy may be the safest option.
The ACR classification of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: how this helps in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Bae Sang‐Cheol
Published: September 2003

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by diverse clinical manifestations in all organ systems of the body and a variable course and prognosis. Involvement of the nervous system is one of the most profound manifestations of the disease, and it encompasses a wide variety of neurologic (N) and psychiatric (P) manifestations. To date, NP lupus is the most poorly understood subset of the disease, and a major problem of classification of NPSLE has been the lack of definitions for individual manifestations and lack of standardization for investigation and diagnosis. In addressing this, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Ad Hoc Committee on Neuropsychiatric Lupus Nomenclature has recently produced a standard nomenclature and set of 19 case definitions for NPSLE. The new ACR NPSLE classification systems were intended to enhance clinical and basic research, particularly in multicentre studies. Their primary purpose was classification and reporting, rather than making a clinical diagnosis in individual patients. This initiative represents a critical advance for clinical and basic investigations of NPSLE by addressing one of the major obstacles that has marred progress in this area to date. By providing a rational and uniform methodology for defining clinical populations of patients with NP disorders, a solid basis has been developed to evaluate different subsets of NPSLE.
Recycling of sewage sludge to grassland: a review of the legislation to control of the localization and accumulation of potential toxic metals in grazing systems
Authors: Hillman J. P. , Hill J. , Morgan J. E. , Wilkinson J. M.
Published: September 2003

The recycling of sewage sludge or biosolids to grassland is strategically important in the European Union (EU) and its use is tightly regulated to control the risk of pathogen transfer to animals and the food chain. Sewage sludges not only contain valuable concentrations of beneficial nutrients, but also elevated concentrations of potentially toxic metals (PTM) compared with average background concentrations in the soil. The EC and UK regulations refer to six PTM, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Hg, with provisional regulations for Cr, that have to be controlled to prevent detrimental effects on soil and animal health. Despite these regulations, there is still a danger that grazing animals may ingest elevated concentrations of PTM. Biosolids may adhere to herbage after the surface application of sewage sludge to grassland. The repeated surface application of sewage sludge to grassland can lead to elevated concentrations of PTM at the soil surface that may be ingested, together with soil and herbage, by grazing ruminants. This may lead to accumulation of Cd or Pb in liver or kidney. The risk to the human food chain is considered to be low, but the impact on the environment is still unknown. There is little information, for example, on the amount of soil and PTMs that may become incorporated into conserved grass. At present EU and UK legislation and voluntary codes of practice have been developed to protect animal from pathogens in sewage sludge and to minimize any potential risks from accumulation of PTM. The background and implementation of the legislation are examined in this review, and the source and mechanisms of accumulation of PTM by the grazing animal are evaluated.
Effect of cutting date and frequency on yield and quality of kudzu in the southern United States
Authors: Terrill T.H. , Gelaye S. , Mahotiere S. , Amoah E. A. , Miller S. , Windham W. R.
Published: September 2003

Kudzu [Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi.], a vigorous, perennial warm‐season legume, grows widely throughout the south‐eastern United States, predominantly as a volunteer species. It is tolerant of drought and acidic, infertile soils and may have potential as a low‐input forage for livestock. A field experiment was undertaken to determine the effects of cutting date and frequency on yield and nutritive value of kudzu (20‐year‐old stand with no fertilizer or lime inputs) in central Georgia. The cutting treatments included an uncut control, and plots cut once (September), twice (July and September), and three times (June, July, and September) during the 1994 growing season. Dry matter (DM) production and forage quality were determined for total herbage, leaf and stem tissues from quadrat samples taken on all plots in June, July, September, and November (after a killing frost) in 1994, and in June, 1995. Total herbage and leaf DM production was highest for the three‐harvest system and lowest in the no‐cut control plots in 1994, but these results were reversed in the harvest made in 1995. Total herbage production and crude protein concentrations were similar in kudzu cut in the initial summer harvest (either June, July, or September) during the first year. Whole plant and stem in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in these samples declined throughout the growing season, while leaf IVDMD was unchanged until the first frost. Kudzu has the potential to be a low‐input forage for livestock, particularly as supplemental drought feed, or as a protein bank for summer or autumn grazing.
Seminal reactive oxygen species as predictors of fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rates after conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Zorn Branko , Vidmar Gaj , Meden‐Vrtovec Helena
Published: September 2003

High seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) are related to poor semen quality and impaired fertilization. We aimed at finding whether there is an association between ROS and fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rates after conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In prepared semen of 147 male partners of infertile couples, ROS were assessed with luminol chemiluminescence. Spermiogram was assessed in native semen. ROS were negatively correlated with standard sperm characteristics and testicular volume, and positively with abnormal sperm head morphology. Fertilization rate and embryo morphology on day 2 and on day 4 were assessed in 41 IVF and 106 ICSI cycles. The influence of maternal (female age and number of oocytes) and paternal (sperm motility, morphology and ROS) factors on fertilization and embryo quality were assessed by means of regression analyses. After IVF, fertilization and pregnancy rates were negatively associated with ROS level (p = 0.031 and 0.041, respectively). In case of higher ROS, significantly fewer ICSI‐derived embryos (p = 0.036) reached the morula‐blastocyst stage on day 4. High seminal ROS levels are associated with impaired sperm fertilizing ability and lower pregnancy rates after IVF. In ICSI, a negative association of ROS with embryo development to the blastocyst stage has been observed.