bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Instruction Set Computing
Authors: Oklobdzija Vojin G.
Published: December 2007

Reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture started as a fresh look at existing ideas. The main featue of RISC is the architectural support for the exploitation of parallelism on the instruction level. All distinguished features of RISC should be considered in light of their support for the RISC pipeline.
Active Contours: Snakes
Authors: Yilmaz Alper
Published: December 2007

The shape of a real‐world object can be represented by its outline in the image plane. In computer vision, the outline of the object is referred to as theobject contour. A fundamental approach to finding automatically the object contour is the “snakes framework,” which was introduced by the seminal work of Kass, et al. in 1987. For the last two decades, snakes have been used successfully in the context of facial animation, visual speech analysis, traffic monitoring, surveillance, medical imaging (tracking and segmentation of organs), and blue screening in Hollywood movies.

A snake is an elastic model of a continuous and flexible curve that is fitted on the boundary between the object and the rest of the image by analyzing the visual image content. The process of fitting iteratively an initial snake to the object, such that the snake encloses the object tightly, is called “snake evolution.” During its evolution, the snake imposes continuity and smoothness constraints on the evolved contour, which relax the requirement of a noise‐free image. In addition to the continuity and smoothness constraints, snakes have the capability to be attracted to certain shape configurations known a priori. The evolution of a snake from one configuration to another in consecutive frames of a video clip attributes a dynamic behavior to the contour and provides object‐tracking capabilities. The snake performing object tracking is considered adynamic contourmoving from frame to frame.
Parametric Surface Rendering
Authors: Li Frederick W. B.
Published: December 2007

Parametric surface is a surface defined by a tensor‐product of parametric curves, which are represented by parametric equations. As such a surface comes with a well‐defined mathematical definition, it becomes one of the most common geometric tools for computer‐aided geometric design and for the object modeling aids of many computer graphics applications. Typical examples of such a surface include Bézier surfaces and non‐uniform rational B‐Spline (NURBS) surfaces. Unfortunately, because most existing graphics hardware only handle polygons, extra procedures must be carried out to convert a parametric surface into a polygon representation for rendering. This process introduces a significant bottleneck to graphics applications, which involve parametric surfaces, to assure interactiveness in terms of rendering performance.
High‐Quality Texture Mapping and Rendering of Point Models
Authors: Yuan Xiaoru , Nguyen Minh X. , Chen Baoquan
Published: December 2007

Texture mapping enhances the visual richness of image synthesis. In this article, we discuss a novel framework, TSplatting, for high‐quality texture mapping of point‐based models without connectivity information. By splatting texture coordinates of each point followed by a fragment texture lookup, the framework is capable of interactively mapping a coarse point‐based model with high‐resolution textures.
Adaptive synchronization for nonlinear FitzHugh–Nagumo neurons in external electrical stimulation
Authors: Lai Chung‐Wen , Chen Chang‐Kuo , Liao Teh‐Lu , Yan Jun‐Juh
Published: December 2007

This paper investigates the synchronization problem for FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neurons in external electrical stimulations. Using the sliding mode control technique, an adaptive control law is established that guarantees synchronization even when the parameters of the master and slave FHN neurons are fully unknown. A proportional‐integral switching surface is introduced to simplify the task of assigning the stability of the closed‐loop error system in the sliding mode. Furthermore, the proposed synchronization scheme is then applied to a secure communication system. Computer simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive synchronization scheme. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudo‐emulsion based hollow fiber strip dispersion: A novel methodology for gold recovery
Authors: Sonawane J. V. , Pabby A. K. , Sastre A. M.
Published: December 2007

This article presents the study of Au(I) extraction from synthetic cyanide media through pseudo‐emulsion based hollow fiber strip dispersion (PEHFSD) containing LIX‐79/n‐heptane as extractant in the form of a pseudo‐emulsion with NaOH. The permeation of Au(I) is investigated as a function of various experimental variables: hydrodynamic conditions, feed pH, LIX‐79 concentration in pseudo‐emulsion, cyanide concentration in feed phase, NaOH concentration in pseudo‐emulsion as a strippant, and initial Au(I) concentration in feed phase. In PEHFSD, pseudo‐emulsion is an emulsion that is formed temporarily between organic and stripping solutions. The organic and aqueous solutions are separated when the stirring device is stopped. In this study, feed was circulated through the tube side in counter current mode. The linear flow velocity of the feed was varied between 0.74 and 2.58 cm/s and the linear flow velocity of the pseudo‐emulsion was maintained at 0.28 cm/s. The value of the permeation coefficient obtained under standard experimental conditions was 8.19 × 10−5 cm/s. The selectivity of LIX‐79/n‐heptane based PEHFSD toward different metal cyanide salts such as Fe(II), Cu(I), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Ag(I) was also examined. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Modeling of spray pyrolysis—why are the synthesized Y2O3 microparticles hollow?
Authors: Reuge N. , Caussat B. , Joffin N. , Dexpert‐ghys J. , Verelst M. , Dexpert H.
Published: December 2007

There are some major advantages to be gained in processing micronic europium doped yttrium oxide Y2O3 particles for phosphor applications using spray pyrolysis. To better understand the influence of the operating conditions and also why hollow particles are formed, a complete one‐dimensional modeling of the pure evaporation then evaporation/precipitation steps of micronic water/Y(NO3)3 droplets has been performed. Among the main results, it appears that no concentration gradient exists inside droplets during the pure evaporation stage and that the evaporation/precipitation stage, occurring in less than 10−3 s, leads to compact particles theoretically formed of a coherent porous medium of Y(NO3)3·5H2O. But the analysis of phenomena occurring during the thermolysis step between 95 and 300°C has revealed that a partial liquefaction of the hydrated yttrium nitrate occurs with concomitant release of gas. As a consequence, a crust of lightly hydrated yttrium nitrate probably appears, followed by particle inflation and leading to the formation of broken hollow particles. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Bubble velocity, size, and interfacial area measurements in a bubble column by four‐point optical probe
Authors: Xue Junli , Al‐Dahhan Muthanna , Dudukovic M. P. , Mudde R. F.
Published: December 2007

The four‐point optical probe is applied in a bubble column with an air–water system to investigate the bubble properties (local gas holdup, velocity, chord length, specific interfacial area, and frequency) over a range of gas superficial velocities. Both bubbles moving upward and downward are recorded and measured as opposed to only upward bubbles measured and reported in other studies involving probes. The probe worked efficiently in both bubbly flow and highly churn‐turbulent flow at very high superficial gas velocities. Bubble properties at the conditions of churn‐turbulent flow are obtained and investigated for the first time. The changes in the bubble velocity distribution, bubble chord length distribution, and specific interfacial area with superficial gas velocity, sparger design, and with axial and radial positions in the column are discussed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Granular flow fields in vertical high shear mixer granulators
Authors: Ng B. H. , Kwan C. C. , Ding Y. L. , Ghadiri M. , Fan X. F. , Parker D. J.
Published: December 2007

This study aims to elucidate some basic features of the granular flow field in a conical frustum‐shaped vertical high shear mixer granulator by using the Positron Emission Particle Tracking technique. The tested range of particle size (d50 = 23, 43, and 60 μm) and shape as quantified by the angle of internal friction (26° and 38°) have a negligible effect on the granular flow field in the mixer granulator. Density of particle imposes great influence on the flow field where reducing density from 2600 to 700 kg m−3 increase the tangential velocity by 1.95 time. Decreasing fill level from 3.5 to 0.9 kg increases the tangential velocity by a factor of 1.19. No obvious discrepancy in the solids motion is seen between machines of 1 and 5 L capacity and both machines have similar mixing and dispersion with constant tip speed criterion. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Mechanism of foaming on polymer‐paperboard composites
Authors: Annapragada S. Kiran , Patterson Timothy F. , Banerjee Sujit
Published: December 2007

Foamed paperboard is a composite material with applications in the consumer products industry. The composite is comprised of paperboard sandwiched between two layers of polymers. One layer foams upon heating while the other acts as a barrier layer. Foaming is caused by the vaporization of the small amount of moisture present in the board and the resulting increase in pressure. The mechanism of foaming was investigated with a combination of high‐speed photography, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared thermography using foamed paperboard of different compositions prepared both in the laboratory and on a commercial machine. The surface uniformity of the paper was found to be the overriding paper‐related property controlling bubble formation. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Biodegradation and swelling studies of gelatin‐grafted polyethylene
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Bhalla T. C. , Deepika N. , Gautam Neena
Published: December 2007

In this article, we report on biodegradation studies and the swelling/solubility behavior of gelatin‐grafted polyethylene (PE). The successful synthesis of graft copolymers of PE with gelatin was carried out with benzoyl peroxide as the radical initiator. Biodegradation studies of the grafted PE were carried out via a soil burial test (with and without the addition of urea). Percentage weight loss was studied as a function of time, and we observed that the percentage weight loss increased with time and was higher for urea‐enriched soil samples. Microanalysis of the soil containing the samples was carried out after a specified number of days. An increase in the colonies of microorganisms with increasing number of days was observed. This revealed that the microorganisms fed upon the grafted material, which led to an increase in the percentage weight loss. Hydrolysis of the samples, taken out from the soil after a specified number of days, revealed a continuous loss of weight with increasing number of days. The effect of the degradation of the grafted samples buried in soil and urea‐enriched soil on the growth of plants was studied, and we found that the plants grew normally in the soil containing the grafted material. Swelling studies were made in binary and ternary solvent systems comprising water–ethanol and water–ethanol–dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, to study the maximum swelling and solubility of the grafted PE. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Temperature dependence of polarization fatigue in ferroelectric vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene copolymer films
Authors: Zhu Guo Dong , Zeng Zhi Gang , Zhang Li , Yan Xue Jian
Published: December 2007

In this study, we report the temperature dependence of polarization fatigue in ferroelectric copolymer films. Studies on temperature effect show a non‐monotonic change of fatigue rate with increasing temperature. At temperature below ∼ 90°C, fatigue endurance is weakened at higher temperature; while, at temperature above ∼ 90°C, experimental data indicate that the higher the temperature, the lower the fatigue rate. X‐ray diffraction spectra reveal little changes of characteristic peak before and after polarization fatigue. On the basis of the hypothesis of charge‐injection‐induced fatigue, we propose a possible explanation of our experimental results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Impacts of varnishes and impregnation chemicals on combustion properties of oak (Quercus petreae lipsky)
Authors: Atar Musa
Published: December 2007

This study was performed to determine the effects of varnishing after impregnation with boron compounds on combustion properties of oak. For this aim, the test samples prepared from oak (Quercus petreae Liebl.) wood were impregnated according to ASTM D 1413‐99 with boric acid (Ba) and borax (Bx) by vacuum technique. After impregnation, surfaces were coated by cellulosic (Cv), synthetic (Sn), polyurethane (Pu), waterborne (Wb), acrylic (Ac), and acid hardening (Ah) varnishes in accordance to ASTM D 3023. Combustion properties of samples after varnishing process were determined, according to ASTM E 160‐50. According to material and process types, combustion temperature was the highest in Bx and Cv, the lowest in Ba and Ac. An important difference was not observed between without flame source combustion (WFSC) and flame source combustion (FSC). According to combustion type, impregnation material and varnish type, combustion temperature was the highest value in WFSC + Bx + acid hardening varnish combination and the lowest in WFSC + Ba + acrylic varnish combination. As a result, the tested varnishes showed an increasing impact but boron compounds showed a decreasing impact on combustion properties of oak. In consequence, for usage areas having a high risk of fire, impregnation of wood material with boron compounds before varnishing will decrease combustion temperature and provide security. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Synthesis and In‐vitro Pharmacological Evaluation of New 5‐HT1A Receptor Ligands Containing a Benzotriazinone Nucleus
Authors: Fiorino Ferdinando , Severino Beatrice , De Angelis Francesca , Perissutti Elisa , Frecentese Francesco , Massarelli Paola , Bruni Giancarlo , Collavoli Elga , Santagada Vincenzo , Caliendo Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

This paper reports the microwave‐assisted synthesis and the binding assays on the 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors of new benzotriazinone derivatives, in order to identify selective ligands for the 5‐HT1A subtype receptor. Conventional and microwave heating of the reactions were compared. Good yields and short reaction times are the main advantages of our synthetic route. More active compounds were selected and further evaluated for their binding affinities on D1, D2 dopaminergic and α1, α2 adrenergic receptors. The 3‐(2‐(4‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethyl)benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin‐4(3H)‐one 5 with Ki = 0.000178 nM was the most active and selective derivative for the 5‐HT1A receptor with respect to other serotonin receptors and the most selective derivative compared to dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors.
Cross‐validation of neural network applications for automatic new topic identification
Authors: Ozmutlu H. Cenk , Cavdur Fatih , Ozmutlu Seda
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study is to provide results from experiments designed to investigate the cross‐validation of an artificial neural network application to automatically identify topic changes in Web search engine user sessions by using data logs of different Web search engines for training and testing the neural network. Sample data logs from the FAST and Excite search engines are used in this study. The results of the study show that identification of topic shifts and continuations on a particular Web search engine user session can be achieved with neural networks that are trained on a different Web search engine data log. Although FAST and Excite search engine users differ with respect to some user characteristics (e.g., number of queries per session, number of topics per session), the results of this study demonstrate that both search engine users display similar characteristics as they shift from one topic to another during a single search session. The key finding of this study is that a neural network that is trained on a selected data log could be universal; that is, it can be applicable on all Web search engine transaction logs regardless of the source of the training data log.
Development of decision support products based on ensemble forecasts in the European flood alert system
Authors: Ramos Maria‐Helena , Bartholmes Jens , Thielen‐del Pozo Jutta
Published: December 2007

The study presents the development of flood warning decision support products based on ensemble forecasts in the European Flood Alert System (EFAS). EFAS aims to extend the lead time of flood forecasts to 3–10 days in transnational river basins and complement Member States' activities on flood forecasting. Weather forecasts are used as input to a hydrological model and simulated discharges are evaluated for exceedances of flood thresholds. Products were developed in collaboration with users for a concise and useful visualization of probabilistic results. Forecasts of flood events observed in the Danube river basin in 2005 illustrate the analysis. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Core issues in sustainable supply chain management – a Delphi study
Authors: Seuring Stefan , Müller Martin
Published: December 2007

Sustainable supply chain management has emerged as a growing topic, receiving increasing interest in the sustainability and supply chain management area. So far, the field is dominated by either case or survey based research. Few attempts have been made to take a broader look at the overarching issues, which form core topics of sustainable supply chain management. This paper presents the findings from a Delphi study where experts were asked to contribute their opinion. The Delphi study allows an aggregation of these opinions and extracts underlying topics in a structured manner. Four major topics were identified, which are (1) pressures and incentives for sustainable supply chain management, (2) identifying and measuring impacts on sustainable supply chain management, (3) supplier management (particularly addressing issues at the supplier–buyer interface) and (4) supply chain management (dealing with issues across all companies involved in the supply chain). The research presented contributes to substantiating and consolidating the field of sustainable supply chain management. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The impact of financial performance on environmental policy: does firm life cycle matter?
Authors: Elsayed Khaled , Paton David
Published: December 2007

Existing literature has provided inconclusive evidence regarding the impact of financial performance on firm policy relating to environmental issues. In this paper, we propose that the influence of corporate financial performance on corporate environmental policy is unlikely to be monotonic but, rather, will vary with firm life cycle. We test this hypothesis by the application of static and dynamic techniques on panel data from UK companies. The results provide support for our hypotheses that financial performance has the strongest impact on environmental policy in the maturity stage of the firm life cycle and the weakest impact in the rapid growth stage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Consumer sophistication and the role of emotion on satisfaction judgments within credence services
Authors: Garry Tony
Published: December 2007

Evidence which demonstrates a link between the affective dimension and satisfaction in a tangible product based context is well documented. However, when placed in a credence service context the role of Affect becomes more complex. Previous research in this field has assumed consumer homogeneity when there is increasing evidence of consumer heterogeneity. This research attempts to address this by examining affective reactions to service encounters between two groups of respondents, one with the ability to make performance assessments about the service and one without. Findings suggest consumers of differing sophistication will vary in the way they form expectation and performance assessments about the technical, functional and affective components of credence services and that consumer sophistication may have a moderating influence on affective reactions evoked. This in turn has implications for the design and delivery of service offerings within such contexts.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of the Inner Kinetochore Proteins CENP‐A and CENP‐B in Living Human Cells
Authors: Orthaus Sandra , Biskup Christoph , Hoffmann Birgit , Hoischen Christian , Ohndorf Sabine , Benndorf Klaus , Diekmann Stephan
Published: December 2007

DNA segregation in mammalian cells during mitosis is an essential cellular process that is mediated by a specific subchromosomal protein complex, the kinetochore. Malfunction of this complex results in aneuploidy and can cause cancer. A subkinetochore complex, the “inner kinetochore”, is present at the centromere during the entire cell cycle. Its location seems to be defined by the settlement of CENP‐A (CENH3), which replaces histone H3 in centromeric nucleosomes. This suggests that CENP‐A can recruit further inner kinetochore proteins by direct binding. Surprisingly, intense in vitro studies could not identify an interaction of CENP‐A with any other inner kinetochore protein. Instead, centromere identity seems to be maintained by a unique nucleosome, which might have a modified structure or epigenetic state that serves to distinguish the centromere from the rest of the chromosome. We investigated the association of CENP‐A and CENP‐B by fluorescence intensity and lifetime‐based FRET measurements in living human HEp‐2 cells. We observed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CENP‐A and CENP‐B at centromere locations; this indicates that these proteins are in the molecular vicinity (<10 nm) of each other. In addition, we analysed protein–protein interactions within the centromeric nucleosome. We could detect energy transfer between CENP‐A and histone H4 as well as between CENP‐A molecules themselves. On the other hand, no FRET was detected between CENP‐A and H2A.1 or H3.1. Our data support the view that two CENP‐A molecules are packed with H4, but not with H3, in a single centromeric nucleosome.
Quenching of Fluorescent Nucleobases by Neighboring DNA: The “Insulator” Concept
Authors: Wilson James N. , Cho Younjin , Tan Samuel , Cuppoletti Andrea , Kool Eric T.
Published: December 2007

Fluorescent nucleosides are widely used as probes of biomolecular structure and mechanism in the context of DNA, but they often exhibit low quantum yields because of quenching by neighboring DNA bases. Here we characterize the quenching by DNA of fluorescent nucleosides that have pyrene (Y), perylene (E), benzopyrene (B), or 2‐aminopurine (2AP) as nucleobase replacements, and we investigate the effect of inserting varied nucleosides as potential “insulators” between the fluorescent nucleosides and other nearby DNA bases as a strategy for increasing quantum yields. The data show that the hydrocarbons are quenched by adjacent pyrimidines, with thymine being the strongest quencher. The quantum yield of pyrene is quenched 120‐fold by a single adjacent T, that of benzopyrene tenfold, and that of perylene by a factor of 2.5. Quenching of excimer and exciplex dinucleoside labels (Y–Y, Y–E, E–E, etc.) was considerably lessened, but was strongest with neighboring thymine. 2‐Aminopurine (2AP) is most strongly quenched (15‐fold) by neighboring G. We tested four different insulator candidates for reducing this quenching by measuring the fluorescence of short oligonucleotides containing insulators placed between a fluorescent base and a quenching base. The insulators tested were a C3 abasic spacer (S), dihydrothymidine nucleoside (DHT), terphenyl nucleoside (TP), and adenine deoxynucleoside (dA). Results showed that the abasic spacer had little effect on quenching, while the other three had substantial effects. DHT and terphenyl enhanced fluorescence of the fluorophores by factors of 5 to 70. Adenine base reduced the quenching of pyrene 40‐fold. The results underscore the importance of the nearest neighbors in DNA‐quenching mechanisms, and establish simple strategies for enhancing fluorescence in labeled DNAs.
Examination of the Mixed‐Valence State of the Doubly Boron‐Bridged Diferrocene Cation [(FeCp)2{μ‐C10H6(BPh)2}]+
Authors: Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan , Doshi Ami , Nowik Israel , Herber Rolfe H. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Jäkle Frieder
Published: December 2007

A series of mixed‐valent (MV) complexes [(FeCp)2(μ‐C10H6(BPh)2)]+X ([1+]X; X=I5, PF6, SbF6, B(C6F5)4) were prepared by oxidation of diboradiferrocene [(FeCp)2(μ‐C10H6(BPh)2)] (1) with I2, AgPF6, and AgSbF6, respectively, and through anion exchange of the I5− salt with [Li(Et2O)x][B(C6F5)4] in the case of X=B(C6F5)4. The MV state of the cation was investigated in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, CV, and UV/Vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy, and in the solid state by IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 shows two distinct redox waves with a large redox splitting of ΔE=510 mV in CH2Cl2 and the NIR spectrum for the mono‐oxidized species displays an intervalence charge‐transfer band at around 1500 to 1700 nm depending on the specific counterion present. The X‐ray crystal structures of [1+]X show inversion‐symmetric cations with X=I5 and B(C6F5)4 and unsymmetric valence‐trapped structures composed of one ferrocene and one ferrocenium moiety with X=PF6 and SbF6. Mössbauer data for X=PF6 are consistent with valence trapping at all temperatures between 90 and 343 K. In comparison, fast electron transfer is evident on the Mössbauer timescale for X=I5 and temperature‐dependent behavior is observed for X=B(C6F5)4. The anion dependence of the X‐ray structural and Mössbauer data is discussed in the context of crystal symmetry and the possibility of static and dynamic disorder effects is considered.
The chiral pyrethroid cycloprothrin: Stereoisomer synthesis and separation and stereoselective insecticidal activity
Authors: Jiang Biao , Wang Hua , Fu Qun‐Mei , Li Zhu‐Yi
Published: December 2007

The synthesis and separation of the isomers of the pesticide cycloprothrin have been realized for the first time. Complete separation was achieved on a DAICEL CHIRALCEL® OJ‐H column (25 × 0.46 cm) for (1R, α*)‐cycloprothrin isomers and on a DAICEL CHIRALCEL OD‐H column (25 × 0.46 cm) for (1S, α*)‐cycloprothrin isomers. The insecticidal activity of (1R, αR)‐cycloprothrin for the larvae of Mythimaseparata and Aphismedicagini was found to be about six times and four times higher, respectively, than that of racemic cycloprothrin. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk of Cerebrovascular Accident After a First Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ruigómez Ana , García Rodríguez Luis Alberto , Johansson Saga , Wallander Mari‐Ann , Edvardsson Nils
Published: December 2007

Background

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a major risk factor for cerebrovascular accident, including ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Hypothesis

Ischemic cerebrovascular accident is associated with increasing age and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in primary care patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Using the U.K. General Practice Research Database, we identified patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were alive 1 month after initial diagnosis (n = 906). Potential cases of cerebrovascular accident were identified and confirmed by the primary care physician. The incidence of cerebrovascular accident was calculated. A nested case‐control analysis was performed to identify factors associated with cerebrovascular accident among patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

Results

During a mean follow‐up period of 1.8 years (range: 0–3.9 years), 60 patients with atrial fibrillation were diagnosed with a new cerebrovascular accident (22 cases with transient ischemic attack and 38 with ischemic stroke). The incidence of new cerebrovascular accident was 3.6 per 100 patient‐years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8–4.6). Increased age (odds ratios [OR] compared with age 40–69 years: 3.5 [95% CI: 1.2–10.5] for age 70–79 years and 4.9 [95% CI: 1.6–15.0] for age > years), prior cerebrovascular event (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9–6.1) and diabetes (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.0–4.9) were identified as risk factors for a new cerebrovascular accident.

Conclusions

Among patients with atrial fibrillation, risk factors for a new ischemic cerebrovascular accident include previous ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, comorbid diabetes, and increasing age. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paradoxical Septal Motion After Cardiac Surgery: A Review of 3,292 Cases
Authors: Reynolds Harmony R. , Tunick Paul A. , Grossi Eugene A. , Dilmanian Hajir , Colvin Stephen B. , Kronzon Itzhak
Published: December 2007

Background

Paradoxical septal motion (PSM) is the systolic movement of the interventricular septum toward the right ventricle despite normal thickening. The PSM is a frequent echocardiographic finding after cardiac surgery. Although it is universally recognized, there has been no large‐scale study to correlate PSM with the type of surgical procedure. The cause of PSM is unknown; prevailing theories include: (1) operation on the heart alters the degree to which it is restrained by the pericardium and the chest wall and (2) transient ischemia alters septal motion.

Hypothesis

The PSM is related to type of surgery and surgical approach.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2002, 3,292 patients underwent a first cardiac operation and had a postoperative echocardiogram; 313 were excluded due to other explanations for PSM (severe tricuspid regurgitation [TR] cardiac pacing), leaving a study group of 2,979 patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which surgical characteristics were correlated with postoperative PSM. Septal thickening was assessed in a subset.

Results

On multivariate analysis, aortic (p = 0.02) and mitral valve surgery (p < 0.001) and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (p < 0.001) were independently associated with PSM. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was less likely to cause PSM than non‐CABG surgery (p = 0.003) and off‐pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) caused less PSM than did on‐pump CABG.

Conclusions

1. Valve surgery is more likely to cause PSM than CABG.

2. Among patients with CABG, OPCAB causes less PSM.

3. Cardiopulmonary bypass time is associated with the development of PSM.

4. The cause of PSM is likely to be multifactorial. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Family history of cancer
Authors: Orom Heather , Coté Michele L. , González Hector M. , Underwood Willie , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Patients' self‐reports of family history of cancer influence physician cancer screening recommendations. Little is known about rates of reporting a family history of cancer in the immigrant population.

METHODS.

The study used a nationally representative probability sample of adults, 18 years of age and older, living in the United States (N = 5010) who had responded to the 2005 Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS). Likelihood of reporting a family history of cancer was examined as a function of nativity status (foreign‐born vs US‐born) and control variables.

RESULTS.

Immigrants were approximately one‐third as likely as nonimmigrants to report a family history of cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence index [95% CI], 0.25–0.48) after controlling for sociodemographic and cancer knowledge variables.

CONCLUSIONS.

When healthcare providers are assessing cancer risk and making screening recommendations, they should take into account that among foreign‐born patients, and especially nonwhite foreign‐born patients, self‐reported family history of cancer (FHC) may misrepresent their cancer risk. Failure to account for low rates of reporting FHC among immigrants could inadvertently contribute to existing disparities in cancer screening and use of genetic testing by immigrants and ethnic minorities. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Underuse of colorectal cancer screening in a cohort of medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Cooper Gregory S. , Doug Kou Tzuyung
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

To the authors' knowledge, few population‐based studies to date have considered the serial use of colorectal cancer screening tests, which are usually recommended at specific intervals.

METHODS.

The study included a cohort of cancer‐free Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥70 years who were identified in 1998. Inpatient, physician, and outpatient Medicare claims for colorectal screening procedures from 1991 through 1997 and 1998 through 2004 were used to categorize patients as receiving previous and subsequent complete screening, respectively. Codes were also used to identify patients at increased neoplasia risk. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure time to receipt of complete screening in follow‐up.

RESULTS.

The cohort consisted of 153,469 Medicare beneficiaries. Previous complete screening was performed in 29.2% of the cohort, including 76.7% of the increased risk group and 22.9% of other patients (P < .001). In the entire study cohort, the criteria for complete screening during the follow‐up period were met in only 25.4% of patients, and included colonoscopy (17.6%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (2.9%), yearly fecal occult blood testing (0.8%), barium enema (0.1%), and >1 method (4.1%). Subsequent screening was strongly associated with receipt of previous screening (35.7% vs 21.2% of others; P < .001), and was also more frequent in younger and white patients. The differences were maintained in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

In a population‐based cohort of Medicare beneficiaries, despite insurance reimbursement, there is significant underuse of colorectal testing. Given the ability of screening tests to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, continued efforts to promote screening are clearly warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Tongue cancer patients have a high frequency of allelic loss at the von Hippel‐Lindau gene and other loci on 3p
Authors: Asakawa Takeshi , Esumi Mariko , Endo Sohei , Kida Akinori , Ikeda Minoru
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Although genetic abnormalities on 3p have been suggested to be linked to the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, to the authors' knowledge no study to date has examined such genetic abnormalities in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. In the current study, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was evaluated at several loci within 3p, including the von Hippel‐Lindau gene (VHL), in samples of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, the coding region of the intact VHL allele was screened for sequence mutations.

METHODS.

DNA was extracted from tumor and nontumor tissues collected from 28 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. LOH was investigated by analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms within exon 3 of VHL and by microsatellite analysis within another 10 loci. Mutation analysis of the VHL gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the coding region of the gene.

RESULTS.

LOH within VHL was found at a high frequency (45.5%) within the tumor. However, mutations of the VHL gene were not detected in all tumor samples. LOH of other microsatellite markers on 3p was observed in 27.3% to 50% of tumor samples. Eleven (58%) of 19 samples that were informative at more than 2 loci exhibited LOH of at least 1 locus; 10 of these 11 cases exhibited LOH at multiple loci.

CONCLUSIONS.

A wide range of deletions in 3p, including at the VHL gene, may play a role in the development of tongue cancer. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Childhood cancer epidemiology in low‐income countries
Authors: Howard Scott C. , Metzger Monika L. , Wilimas Judith A. , Quintana Yuri , Pui Ching‐Hon , Robison Leslie L. , Ribeiro Raul C.
Published: December 2007

Global studies of childhood cancer provide clues to cancer etiology, facilitate prevention and early diagnosis, identify biologic differences, improve survival rates in low‐income countries (LIC) by facilitating quality improvement initiatives, and improve outcomes in high‐income countries (HIC) through studies of tumor biology and collaborative clinical trials. Incidence rates of cancer differ between various ethnic groups within a single country and between various countries with similar ethnic compositions. Such differences may be the result of genetic predisposition, early or delayed exposure to infectious diseases, and other environmental factors. The reported incidence of childhood leukemia is lower in LIC than in more prosperous countries. Registration of childhood leukemia requires recognition of symptoms, rapid access to primary and tertiary medical care (a pediatric cancer unit), a correct diagnosis, and a data management infrastructure. In LIC, where these services are lacking, some children with leukemia may die before diagnosis and registration. In this environment, epidemiologic studies would seem to be an unaffordable luxury, but in reality represent a key element for progress. Hospital‐based registries are both feasible and essential in LIC, and can be developed using available training programs for data managers and the free online Pediatric Oncology Networked Data Base (www.POND4kids.org), which allows collection, analysis, and sharing of data. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A prospective pilot study of curative‐intent stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with 5 or fewer oligometastatic lesions
Authors: Milano Michael T. , Katz Alan W. , Muhs Ann G. , Philip Abraham , Buchholz Daniel J. , Schell Michael C. , Okunieff Paul
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

It is hypothesized that oligometastatic disease represents a state of potentially curable, limited metastases. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an option for patients who are not amenable to or do not want resection.

METHODS.

From 2001 to 2006, 121 patients with ≤5 detectable metastases were enrolled in 2 prospective studies that used curative‐intent SBRT. Most patients were treated with 10 fractions of 5 Gray. Stereotactic radiosurgery was offered to patients with brain metastases.

RESULTS.

The 2‐year overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), local control (LC), and distant control (DC) rates were 50%, 26%, 67%, and 34%, respectively; and the respective 4‐year rates values were 28%, 20%, 60%, and 25%. A greater net tumor volume predicted significantly worse OS, PFS, LC, and DC. Patients with breast cancer fared significantly better with respect to OS, PFS, LC, and DC; and patients with adrenal metastases had significantly worse OS, PFS, and DC despite the small number of such patients enrolled. Neither the number of metastatic lesions nor the number of organs involved was a significant predictor of outcome. Among 45 patients who remained alive at the last follow‐up, 29 patients had no evidence of disease, including 23 patients with ≥2 years of follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS.

Oligometastatic disease is a potentially curable state of distant cancer spread. In this hypothesis‐generating analysis, patients with less volume burden of their metastatic disease and those with primary breast cancer fared better. SBRT delivered with curative intent in patients with limited metastases should be investigated further. The Southwest Oncology Group is developing a prospective protocol to treat women who have limited breast cancer metastases with SBRT. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Strong immunohistochemical expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, superficial staining pattern of cytokeratin 20, and low proliferative activity define those papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential that do not recur
Authors: Barbisan Francesca , Santinelli Alfredo , Mazzucchelli Roberta , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Cheng Liang , Scarpelli Marina , van der Kwast Theodorus , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) is a clinically significant lesion because recurrence occurs in approximately 35% of patients. To date, it is not possible to identify those cases that will recur based on conventional histopathologic assessment. The objective of the current study was to evaluate immunohistochemically tissue expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and MIB‐1 in nonrecurrent and recurrent PUNLMP.

METHODS.

FGFR3, CK20, and MIB‐1 were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 80 PUNLMP cases (41 nonrecurrent and 39 recurrent), in 4 cases of normal urothelium (NU), and in 5 cases of muscle invasive pT2 urothelial carcinoma (UC). Statistics included discriminant analysis.

RESULTS.

NU demonstrated a weak to moderate FRFG3 staining intensity, a superficial pattern of CK20 staining, and low proliferative activity. UC was found to have FGFR3 staining similar to NU, an abnormal CK20 expression, and high proliferative activity. The nonrecurrent PUNLMP group demonstrated strong FGFR3 intensity in 80.5% of the cases (vs 56.4% of the recurrent cases), a superficial CK20 staining pattern in 53.7% of the cases (vs 28.2% of the recurrent cases), and a percentage of MIB‐1‐positive nuclei below the median value of all the PUNLMP cases in 61% of the cases (35.9% in the recurrent cases). The differences were statistically significant. Discriminant analysis based on these 3 features demonstrated that 67.5% of cross‐validated grouped PUNLMP cases were correctly allocated, with 73.2% of the nonrecurrent and 61.5% of the nonrecurrent cases being correctly classified. The specificity and sensitivity were 73.1% and 61.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Strong immunohistochemical expression of FGFR3, a superficial staining pattern of CK20, and a low proliferative activity define those papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential that do not recur. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Value of endoscopic ultrasound staging in conjunction with the evaluation of lymphovascular invasion in identifying low‐risk esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Cen Putao , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Lee Jeffery H. , Ross William A. , Wu Tsung‐Teh , Swisher Stephen G. , Davila Marta , Rashid Asif , Correa Arlene M. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

With increasing emphasis on endoscopic therapy (ET) for T1 esophageal carcinoma, the identification of low‐risk patients is critical. It was hypothesized that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in concert with detailed histopathologic evaluation would identify low‐risk cancers for an appropriate but organ‐preserving strategy.

METHODS.

All patients who had pretreatment EUS and underwent esophagectomy as primary therapy for esophageal cancer between 1999 and 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The accuracy of EUS in predicting the correct pathologic stage was assessed along with a histopathologic reevaluation including lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Pathologic stage and various features were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS.

A total of consecutive 87 esophageal cancer patients (81 with adenocarcinoma) were evaluable for this analysis. EUS correctly diagnosed 59 T1 cancers and 20 T2‐4 cancers but understaged cancers in 2 patients and overstaged cancers in 6 patients. EUS correctly identified 8 patients with lymph node metastases but not 13 other patients. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of EUS for T1 cancers were 91%, 91%, and 91%, respectively; for T1a (intramucosal) cancers, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were: 82%, 67%, and 93%, respectively, and for lymph node involvement these same values were 81%, 38%, and 94%, respectively. LVI was found to be an independent predictor of lymph node metastases on the multivariate analysis (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS.

Data from the current study demonstrate that EUS has excellent accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (91% each) for identifying T1 esophageal cancers and LVI is an independent predictor of lymph node metastases. A strategy for preservation of the esophagus may be possible in patients who have EUS‐designated T1 cancer without LVI after successful ET. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Renal and cardiovascular morbidity after partial or radical nephrectomy
Authors: Miller David C. , Schonlau Matthias , Litwin Mark S. , Lai Julie , Saigal Christopher S.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

To clarify the benefits of nephron‐sparing surgery among patients with early‐stage kidney cancer, the authors compared the frequency of renal and cardiovascular morbidity after partial or radical nephrectomy.

METHODS.

This retrospective cohort study was based on linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data. The authors identified 10,886 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy between 1991 and 2002. Medical claims were examined for the occurrence of adverse renal and/or cardiovascular outcomes, and multivariate survival models were fit to estimate the association between type of surgery and each clinical outcome, using propensity scores to balance the treatment cohorts with respect to measured patient and disease characteristics. To control for secular trends in the indications for partial nephrectomy, separate analyses were performed based on treatment era (1991–1999 or 2000–2002).

RESULTS.

During the study interval, 10,123 patients (93%) and 763 patients (7%) underwent radical or partial nephrectomy, respectively. During 2000 to 2002, patients who underwent partial nephrectomy experienced fewer adverse renal outcomes (16.4% vs 21.8%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.58‐0.94), including a trend toward less frequent receipt of dialysis services, dialysis access surgery, or renal transplantation. The likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes did not differ by treatment.

CONCLUSIONS.

Among contemporary patients, partial nephrectomy was associated with less clinically apparent renal morbidity than radical nephrectomy. This finding motivates expanded use of partial nephrectomy among patients with early‐stage kidney cancer. Given the potential for selection bias and residual confounding in this observational cohort, additional prospective studies will be necessary to validate the current findings. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.