bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
mRNA expression profile of multidrug resistance genes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Low expression levels associated with a higher risk of toxic death
Authors: Cortez Maria A.A. , Scrideli Carlos A. , Yunes José A. , Valera Elvis T. , Toledo Sílvia R.C. , Pavoni‐Ferreira Patrícia C.B. , Lee Maria L.M. , Petrilli Antônio S. , Brandalise Silvia R. , Tone Luiz G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundIncreased activity of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes has been associated with treatment failure in acute leukemias, although with controversial reports. The objective of the present study was to assess the expression profile of the genes related to MDR: ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC3, ABCG2, and LRP/MVP in terms of the clinical and biological variable and the survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).ProcedureThe levels of mRNA expression of the drug resistance genes ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC3, ABCG2, and LRP/MVP were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR using the median values as cut‐off points, in consecutive samples from 140 children with ALL at diagnosis.ResultsExpression levels of the ABCG2 gene in the patient group as a whole (P = 0.05) and of the ABCG2 and ABCC1 genes in patients classified as being at high risk were associated with higher rates of 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01). Expression levels of the ABCG2 gene below the median were associated with a greater chance of death related to treatment toxicity for the patient group as a whole (P = 0.009) and expression levels below the median of the ABCG2 and ABCC1 genes were associated with a greater chance of death due to treatment toxicity for the high‐risk group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionThe present data suggest a low participation of the drug efflux genes in treatment failure in patients with childhood ALL. However, the low expression of some of these genes may be associated with a higher death risk related to treatment toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:996–1004. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement of neurological status and quality of life in children with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome at long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Catsman‐Berrevoets Coriene E. , Aarsen Femke K. , van Hemsbergen Marloes L.C. , van Noesel Max M. , Hakvoort‐Cammel Frederique G.A.J. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundKinsbourne syndrome or opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is characterized by rapid, involuntary, irregular conjugate eye movements (opsoclonus), myoclonic jerking of the limbs and trunk, ataxia, and behavioral disturbances. In general, the outcome of neurologic and behavioral symptoms is poor. Studies on quality of life (Qol) and recovery after very long‐term follow‐up of children with OMS are lacking.MethodsWe studied long‐term cancer survival, neurologic recovery, and Qol of a consecutive series of eight patients with OMS that were treated in our center. Two cross‐sectional follow‐up evaluations were conducted at a 3‐year interval (T1 and T2).ResultsIn four out of eight children with OMS a neuroblastoma (NBL) was diagnosed and surgically removed completely. All children received immuno‐modulatory therapy, consisting of prednisone (three children), prednisone and ACTH (four children), or prednisone, ACTH, and gammaglobulin (one child). At T1, median follow‐up time was 9.5 years (range 3–14 years) after OMS onset and at T2, 11.6 years (range 6–17 years). Neurologic functioning improved in all children, reflected by a significant improvement of the mean Z‐score in the motor domain of the Qol questionnaire at T2 as compared to T1. In contrast, seven children continued to have a severe developmental delay at T2. No significant difference in any of the variables was found between NBL survivors and OMS patients without NBL.ConclusionCognitive and behavioral impairments and not a motor impairment, such as ataxia, appear to be predominant at long‐term in children with OMS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1048–1053. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alexander disease: An important mimicker of focal brainstem glioma
Authors: Van Poppel Katherine , Broniscer Alberto , Patay Zoltan , Morris E. Brannon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe report the case of a 6‐year‐old male who was referred to a tertiary oncology center with a focal brainstem lesion which was presumed to be neoplastic. Due to the symmetric nature of the lesion on magnetic resonance imaging, the evaluation was expanded to investigate other possible causes and eventual diagnosis of Alexander's disease (AD) was made. AD is a neurodegenerative disease which must be included in the differential for tumor‐like lesions within the posterior fossa. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1355–1356. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural, electrical and percolation threshold of Al/polymethylmethacrylate nanocomposites
Authors: Álvarez M.P. , Poblete V.H. , Rojas P.A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAluminum‐embedded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites were produced by using different aluminum concentrations in the polymer matrix. The aluminum particles were spherical with a particle size of 80 nm. The hot compression molding method in inert atmosphere for all the composites was used in their preparation. The PMMA matrix was analyzed using solution viscosimetry analysis and it did not evidence degradation of the PMMA matrix. The microstructure of the composites was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity was measured as a function of the aluminum content and the composite fabricated with 10 vol.% aluminum presented a conductivity three order of magnitude higher than that of pure PMMA. The enhancement in conductivity can be explained by means of segregated percolation path theory and the experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical law. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Validity of computerized diagnoses, procedures, and drugs for inflammatory bowel disease in a northern California managed care organization
Authors: Liu Liyan , Allison James E. , Herrinton Lisa J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeResources for studying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are needed in evaluations of drug safety including traditional drugs and new biologics agents. We developed an IBD registry, with ascertainment from computerized visit information.ObjectiveWe sought to characterize the positive predictive value (PPV) of IBD case‐finding using computerized data compared with chart review.MethodsWe identified 2906 persons aged 89 years or younger with one or more IBD diagnoses in computerized visit data during the period of 1996–2002. The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed through chart review. Adopting chart review as the gold standard, the validity of computerized encounter data to determine IBD was estimated.ResultsAmong the 2906 study subjects with one or more ICD‐9 diagnosis codes of 555 or 556 in computerized data, 81% were confirmed as having IBD by chart review. Defining cases as those who underwent two or more visits without regard to diagnostic procedures or drug utilization maximized the correct classification of cases (PPV, 95%).ConclusionsThe quality of IBD diagnoses in computerized data is adequate to meet the aims of a wide range of research studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychological impact of a specialist referral and telephone intervention on male cancer patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Livingston Patricia M. , White Victoria M. , Hayman Jane , Maunsell Elizabeth , Dunn Stewart M. , Hill David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective: To examine the psychological impact of a referral and telephone intervention, involving information and support, among men with colorectal cancer (CRC) and prostate cancer.Methods: 571 newly diagnosed male CRC (N=182) and prostate (N=389) cancer patients were block‐randomised into three arms. In the two intervention arms, the specialist actively referred men to a Cancer Helpline. In Active Referral—4 outcalls, men received calls from the Helpline within 1 week of diagnosis, and at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post‐diagnosis. In Active Referral—1 outcall, men received one call within 1 week of diagnosis. In the control arm, Passive Referral, patients were referred to the Helpline, with contact at their initiative. Participants completed scales measuring cancer‐specific distress, anxiety and depression at study entry, then 4, 7 and 12 months post‐diagnosis. Random effects regression models compared rates of change in these outcomes between study arms.Results: At the first outcall, over 85% of participants in both intervention arms discussed treatment management and psychological/emotional issues. Among the Active Referral—4 outcalls arm, over 80% of participants discussed psychological/emotional issues at each call. Mean changes over time in cancer‐specific distress, anxiety and depression were similar between study arms.Conclusion: Although men were willing to discuss psychosocial issues via the telephone, we found no psychological impact. Further research is required to determine whether the intervention is more effective for patients who do not have psychosocial support or have unmet information needs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional ventilation distribution in non‐sedated spontaneously breathing newborns and adults is not different
Authors: Schibler Andreas , Yuill Margaret , Parsley Chloe , Pham Trang , Gilshenan Kristen , Dakin Carolyn 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground:In adults, ventilation is preferentially distributed towards the dependent lung. A reversal of the adult pattern has been observed in infants using radionuclide ventilation scanning. But these results have been obtained in infants and children with lung disease. In this study we investigate whether healthy infants have a similar reverse pattern of ventilation distribution.Study Design:Measurement of regional ventilation distribution in healthy newborn infants during non‐REM sleep in comparison to adults.Methods:Twenty‐four healthy newborns and 13 adults were investigated with electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in supine and prone position. Regional ventilation distribution was assessed with profiles of relative impedance change. The phase lag between dependent and non‐dependent ventilation was calculated as a measure of asynchronous ventilation.Results:In newborns and adults the geometric center of ventilation was centrally located in the lung at 52.2 ± 6.2% from anterior to posterior and at 50.5 ± 14.7%, respectively. Using impedance profiles, ventilation was equally distributed to the dependent and non‐dependent lung regions in newborns. Ventilation distribution in adults was similar. Phase lag characteristics of the impedance signal showed that infants had slower emptying of the dependent lung than adults.Conclusion:The speculated reverse pattern of regional ventilation distribution in healthy infants compared to adults could not be demonstrated. Gravity had little effect on ventilation distribution in both infants and adults measured in supine and prone position. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:851–858. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case of localized adrenergic urticaria mimicking an allergic reaction to a sweat chloride test
Authors: Klebanova Y. , LeGrys V. , Cooper D. , Levy D. , Santora D. , Schwindt C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAdrenergic urticaria (AU) is a rare type of physical urticaria triggered by stress. It is frequently confused with IgE‐mediated urticaria or other physical urticarias. This report describes a case of localized adrenergic urticaria triggered by a sweat chloride test in an adolescent male with multiple atopic disorders. A pruritic papular rash at the site of a sweat chloride test prompted an evaluation for allergic and physical urticarias using multiple skin test methods. A positive intradermal skin test to noradrenaline, which reproduced the rash observed during the sweat test, lead to the diagnosis of adrenergic urticaria. This is the first case report describing an immediate adrenergic urticarial reaction to sweat chloride testing in a patient with other atopic disorders. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:935–938. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermoelectric properties of rapid hot pressed polycrystalline Ag1−xPb18SbTe20synthesized from doping PbTe nanocrystals
Authors: Xin Xingliang , Jiang Yang , Kong Daxing , Zhong Honghai , Chen Lei , Yu Dabin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPolycrystalline thermoelectric (TE) materials of n‐type and with compositions of Ag1−xPb18SbTe20(x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) were prepared by rapid hot pressing from alloy powders, which were obtained by ball milling crystalline ingots. The ingots were synthesized from PbTe nanoparticles, made by solvothermal reactions, and Ag, Sb and Te powders via vacuum‐sealed melting in quartz ampoules. Through rapid hot pressing at 748 K for 15 min under 80 MPa, the polycrystalline samples possessed 95% relative densities with the average grain size of 5 µm. The electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity of the Ag1−xPb18SbTe20(x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) samples were measured in the range from room temperature (RT) to 673 K. The thermal conductivity was dramatically decreased, caused by scattering of phonons from grain boundaries and interfaces. By optimizing the values of carrier concentration and carrier transference, the Ag1−xPb18SbTe20(x = 0.2) sample achieved a maximumZTvalue of 1.019 at 673 K.
Influence of admixtures on the properties of biferroic Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramic
Authors: Bochenek Dariusz , Surowiak Zygmunt 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe ferroelectromagnetic Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN) ceramic was synthesized by a powder calcining method. The aim of this work was to decrease the electric conduction of the biferroic PFN ceramic as a result of admixing it with metal oxides or carbonates. Investigation results concerning the influence of admixtures of manganese, chromium and lanthanum oxides and potassium and strontium carbonates on direct current electric conduction and dielectric parameters of the PFN ceramic are presented. Crystallographic and morphological studies were carried out using X‐ray diffraction and scanning microscopy techniques. The specimens obtained were subjected to dielectric, electric direct current conductivity, hysteresis loop and electromechanical tests. By adding small amounts of admixtures it was possible to decrease (admixtures of manganese or chromium) or increase (admixtures of lanthanum, strontium or potassium) the area of the phase transition of the PFN ceramic. It was found that admixtures of manganese and potassium decreased the electric conduction of the PFN ceramic. PFN admixed with elements of small ions, manganese and chromium, is characterized by a better set of dielectric parameters and lower dielectric losses compared to the PFN ceramic without admixtures.
Device characteristics and metal–dielectric high reflectivity coating analysis of λ ∼ 1.3 µm InGaAsP/InGaAsP MQW PBH lasers
Authors: Leem J. W. , Yu J. S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe cavity length‐dependent characteristics of compressively strained InGaAsP/InGaAsP multiple quantum well planar buried heterostructure lasers operating at λ ∼ 1.3 µm were investigated under continuous‐wave mode. The uncoated 600 µm long laser exhibits Pmax = 33.6 mW and Ith = 12.9 mA at 25 °C with dλ/dT = 0.35 nm/K and dλ/dPe = 0.044 nm/mW, leading to stable beam characteristics of 19.7° (parallel) × 24.1° (perpendicular). From the inverse slope efficiency versus cavity length plot, the loss parameters of internal differential efficiency (ηi) and internal optical loss (αi) were extracted, i.e., ηi = 78% and αi = 10.6 cm−1. The transparent current density of Jtr = 0.12 kA/cm2 and modal gain of G = 49.5 cm−1 were also estimated from cavity length‐dependent threshold current density measurements. Metal–dielectric Au/Ti/SiO2 layers for high reflectivity (HR) coating were analyzed using theoretical calculations and experimental results. For the HR‐coated 600 µm long laser with Au (150 nm)/Ti (5 nm)/SiO2 (250 nm), Pmax increased up to 61 mW at 25 °C with a reduced Ith of 10.6 mA compared to the uncoated laser, providing an HR of about 94%.
Amorphous films of tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium: Force‐field, morphology, and charge transport
Authors: Lukyanov Alexander , Lennartz Christian , Andrienko Denis 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe effect of the force‐field parameters on the morphology and charge dynamics is assessed for amorphous films of tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium. Two force‐fields are used for non‐bonded parameters, OPLS and Williams 99, whereas bonded interactions are obtained from first‐principles calculations. By comparing densities and glass transition temperatures we conclude that the OPLS‐based force field provides a better description of the amorphous morphology. At the same time, the difference in molecular packing does not significantly affect the distribution of charge hopping rates or charge carrier mobility.
Conductive diamond tips with sub‐nanometer electrical resolution for characterization of nanoelectronics device structures
Authors: Hantschel T. , Demeulemeester C. , Eyben P. , Schulz V. , Richard O. , Bender H. , Vandervorst W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOver the past decade, boron‐doped diamond tips have become the ultimate choice for electrically characterizing microelectronics devices using scanning probe methods such as scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM). Although nanometer‐scale electrical resolution has been demonstrated, the development of a reliable probe process remained a challenge. Therefore, we did develop in this work solid diamond tips with sub‐nanometer electrical resolution and integrated them into metal cantilevers using a peel‐off approach. It is shown that the ultra‐high tip resolution is achieved by diamond nanocrystals protruding from the apex of the diamond pyramid. The yield for sub‐nanometer probes is 20–30% in air and 40–60% in vacuum. This paper describes the fabrication scheme, discusses probe characterization, and shows SSRM measurements obtained with these probes. Our probes are routinely used for SSRM measurements and current efforts are focusing on increasing the yield for sub‐nanometer tips further.
Aharonov–Bohm interference in single‐walled carbon nanotube electron resonators
Authors: Zhang Yong , Han Mei , Zheng Hongbo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractUsing the π orbital tight‐binding model and the multi‐channel Laudauer–Büttiker formula, both the effects of the Aharonov–Bohm effect and the curvature on quantum conductance oscillations of the electron resonators composed of armchair and primary zigzag single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in an axial magnetic field have been studied. It is found that the rapid and slow conductance oscillation periods of the armchair SWNTs depend on both the magnetic field and gate voltage in addition to the sample length. More interestingly, for the case of the primary zigzag SWNTs, one or two conductance oscillations in two different ranges of gate voltages was found for the first time, which would not exist without the curvature effect and should be observed in future experiments.
The polaron properties in GaAs and CdSe quantum‐well wires under an applied electric field
Authors: Vartanian Arshak L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe effect of an electric field on the polaron properties in GaAs and CdSe quantum‐well wires embedded in a polar matrix are studied theoretically. By using the Lee, Low, and Pines (LLP) variational method, the analytical expressions for the quasi‐one‐dimensional Fröhlich polaron self‐energy (PSA), effective mass (PEM), and mean number of virtual phonons are obtained as functions of the wire sizes and the strength of the electric field applied along the growth direction.
Clustering of functional molecules on a single‐walled carbon‐nanotube surface and its effect on hydrogen storage
Authors: Iyakutti K. , Surya V. J. , Rajarajeswari M. , Venkataramanan N. S. , Kawazoe Y. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis first‐principles study deals with the effect of clustering of different functional molecules adsorbed on the surface of the single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (5, 5). Here we report the results of our investigation on the effect of clustering on storage capacity, the nature of H2 bonding and strength of H2 binding. The investigation is carried out for (5, 5) SWCNT functionalized with different types of hydrogen‐rich molecules such as AlH3, NH3, BH3 and NiH2. In the case of AlH3, the clustering turns into dimerization with the adsorption of H2. This is distinctly different from the other three cases. Weak clustering is observed for full coverage of NH3 molecules. The clustering starts with higher coverage of H2 molecules in the case of SWCNT functionalized with BH3 molecules. The clusters of NiH2 molecules, chemisorbed on the surface of carbon nanotube, are observed. Our study indicates that depending upon the materials used for the functionalization, the clustering pattern is different and the effect on the above‐mentioned factors is also different.
On the properties of auxetic rotating stretching squares
Authors: Attard Daphne , Manicaro Elaine , Gatt Ruben , Grima Joseph N. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAuxeticity (i.e. negative Poisson's ratios) is associated with particular geometrical features and deformation mechanisms occurring within a system. Among the models which have been shown to exhibit such behaviour are the ‘rotating rigid unit’ models, in particular two‐dimensional systems constructed from connected squares. In this work, we consider such a system which deforms through simultaneous stretching and rotation of the squares. We derive the analytical model describing its mechanical behaviour to show that the mechanical properties depend on the relative magnitude of the stretching and hinging constants, the square dimensions and the angle between the squares. In particular we show that the mechanical properties of the combined model are dependent on the relative contribution of the individual mechanisms and that by changing the relative magnitude of the force constants and/or the geometric parameters describing the system, the contribution from each of the two mechanisms, and thus the Poisson's ratio, can be set to predesired values.
Associations between the plant communities of floodplain wetlands, water regime and wetland type
Authors: Barrett Rose , Nielsen Daryl L. , Croome Roger 
Published: August 2009

AbstractUnderstanding how floodplain wetland vegetation is influenced by water regimes can inform the management of regulated river systems by targeting appropriate environmental water allocations. In this study, we examined plant community structure in 21 floodplain wetlands adjacent to the Murray River between Hume Reservoir and Tocumwal, south‐eastern Australia. Correlations between the water regime of the previous 25 years, and wetland type were investigated. We found the structure of plant communities, as assessed by the richness and percentage cover of plants, to be related to water regime, with clear differences between the communities of wetlands with historical ‘Wet’, ‘Dry’ and ‘Intermediate’ water regimes. Plant community structure was also related to wetland type, with differences being found between the communities of floodplain depressions, flood‐runners and cut‐off meanders. Managers of riverine/floodplain ecosystems need to consider both wetland type and water regime when planning strategies for the restoration or conservation of floodplain wetland vegetation in regulated river systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.