bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of Necrosis in Grading of Oligodendroglial Neoplasms: A Clinicopathologic and Genetic Study of Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Miller C. Ryan , Dunham Christopher P. , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Perry Arie 
Published: November 2006

Purpose High-grade gliomas (HGGs; WHO grades 3-4) are highly diverse, with survival times ranging from months to years. WHO 2000 grading criteria for high-grade oligodendroglial neoplasms [anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA) and anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO)] remain subjective, and the existence of grade 4 variants is controversial. Patients and Methods Overall survival (OS) of 1,093 adult patients with a cerebral HGG newly diagnosed between 1990 and 2005 was analyzed by univariate and multivariate models for significance of the following factors: patient age, surgery type, year of diagnosis, endothelial proliferation, necrosis, oligodendroglial histology, treatment center, and chromosome 1p, 19q, 7p (EGFR), and 10q (PTEN) abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results Necrosis was a statistically significant predictor of poor OS on univariate and multivariate analyses in AOA but not in AO. Median OS for patients with necrotic AOA (22.8 months) was significantly worse than for patients with non-necrotic AOA (86.9 months; P < .0001) but was better than conventional glioblastomas (9.8 months; P < .0001). In addition to patient age, the following were significant independent prognostic factors (P ≤ .001): grade and surgery type for the entire HGG cohort; modified grade for AOA (3 v 4); and modified grade, 1p/19q codeletion status, and oligodendroglial histology for the 586 HGGs analyzed by FISH. Conclusion Stratification of AOA, but not of pure AO, into grades 3 and 4 on the basis of necrosis is prognostically justified and is more powerful than the current approach. Both routine histology and genetic testing provide independent, prognostically useful information.
Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Relieving Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bardia Aditya , Barton Debra L. , Prokop Larry J. , Bauer Brent A. , Moynihan Timothy J. 
Published: November 2006

Purpose Despite widespread popular use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, a rigorous evidence base about their efficacy for cancer-related pain is lacking. This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating CAM therapies for cancer-related pain. Methods RCTs using CAM interventions for cancer-related pain were abstracted using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and Cochrane database. Results Eighteen trials were identified (eight poor, three intermediate, and seven high quality based on Jadad score), with a total of 1,499 patients. Median sample size was 53 patients, and median intervention duration was 45 days. All studies were from single institutions, four had sample size justification, and none reported any adverse effects. Seven trials reported significant benefit for the following CAM therapies: acupuncture (n = 1), support groups (n = 2), hypnosis (n = 1), relaxation/imagery (n = 2), and herbal supplement/HESA-A (n = 1, but study was of low quality without control data). Seven studies reported immediate postintervention or short-term benefit of the following CAM interventions: acupuncture (n = 2), music (n = 1), herbal supplement/Ai-Tong-Ping (n = 1), massage (n = 1), and healing touch (n = 2). Four studies reported no benefit of CAM interventions (music, n = 2; massage, n = 2) in reducing cancer pain compared with a control arm. Conclusion There is paucity of multi-institutional RCTs evaluating CAM interventions for cancer pain with adequate power, duration, and sham control. Hypnosis, imagery, support groups, acupuncture, and healing touch seem promising, particularly in the short term, but none can be recommended because of a paucity of rigorous trials. Future research should focus on methodologically strong RCTs to determine potential efficacy of these CAM interventions.
Phase II Trial of Amrubicin for Treatment of Refractory or Relapsed Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Thoracic Oncology Research Group Study 0301
Authors: Onoda Sayaka , Masuda Noriyuki , Seto Takashi , Eguchi Kenji , Takiguchi Yuichi , Isobe Hiroshi , Okamoto Hiroaki , Ogura Takashi , Yokoyama Akira , Seki Nobuhiko , Asaka-Amano Yoshiko , Harada Masao , Tagawa Akihiro , Kunikane Hiroshi , Yokoba Masanori , Uematsu Kazutsugu , Kuriyama Takayuki , Kuroiwa Yumi , Watanabe Koshiro 
Published: November 2006

Purpose This multicenter, phase II study was conducted to evaluate the activity of amrubicin, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, against refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Patients and Methods SCLC patients with measurable disease who had been treated previously with at least one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2 were eligible. Two groups of patients were selected: patients who experienced first-line treatment failure less than 60 days from treatment discontinuation (refractory group), and patients who responded to first-line treatment and experienced disease progression ≥ 60 days after treatment discontinuation (sensitive group). Amrubicin was administered as a 5-minute daily intravenous injection at a dose of 40 mg/m2 for 3 consecutive days, every 3 weeks. Results Between June 2003 and December 2004, 60 patients (16 refractory and 44 sensitive) were enrolled. The median number of treatment cycles was four (range, one to eight). Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities comprised neutropenia (83%), thrombocytopenia (20%), and anemia (33%). Febrile neutropenia was observed in three patients (5%). Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. No treatment-related death was observed. The overall response rates were 50% (95% CI, 25% to 75%) in the refractory group, and 52% (95% CI, 37% to 68%) in the sensitive group. The progression-free survival, overall survival, and 1-year survival in the refractory group and the sensitive group were 2.6 and 4.2 months, 10.3 and 11.6 months, and 40% and 46%, respectively. Conclusion Amrubicin exhibits significant activity against SCLC, with predictable and manageable toxicities; this agent deserves to be studied more extensively in additional trials.
Reciprocal Cross Talk between Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Prostaglandin Receptors Regulates GnRH Receptor Expression and Differential Gonadotropin Secretion
Authors: Naor Zvi , Jabbour Henry N. , Naidich Michal , Pawson Adam J. , Morgan Kevin , Battersby Sharon , Millar Michael R. , Brown Pamela , Millar Robert P. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe asynchronous secretion of gonadotrope LH and FSH under the control of GnRH is crucial for ovarian cyclicity but the underlying mechanism is not fully resolved. Because prostaglandins (PG) are autocrine regulators in many tissues, we determined whether they have this role in gonadotropes. We first demonstrated that GnRH stimulates PG synthesis by induction of cyclooxygenase-2, via the protein kinase C/c-Src/phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase/MAPK pathway in the LβT2 gonadotrope cell line. We then demonstrated that PGF2α and PGI2, but not PGE2 inhibited GnRH receptor expression by inhibition of phosphoinositide turnover. PGF2α, but not PGI2 or PGE2, reduced GnRH-induction of LHβ gene expression, but not the α-gonadotropin subunit or the FSHβ subunit genes. The prostanoid receptors EP1, EP2, FP, and IP were expressed in rat gonadotropes. Incubations of rat pituitaries with PGF2α, but not PGI2 or PGE2, inhibited GnRH-induced LH secretion, whereas the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, stimulated GnRH-induced LH secretion. None of these treatments had any effect on GnRH-induced FSH secretion. The findings have thus elaborated a novel GnRH signaling pathway mediated by PGF2α-FP and PGI2-IP, which acts through an autocrine/paracrine modality to limit autoregulation of the GnRH receptor and differentially inhibit LH and FSH release. These findings provide a mechanism for asynchronous LH and FSH secretions and suggest the use of combination therapies of GnRH and prostanoid analogs to treat infertility, diseases with unbalanced LH and FSH secretion and in hormone-dependent diseases such as prostatic cancer.
Mechanical energy fluctuations during hill walking: the effects of slope on inverted pendulum exchange
Authors: Gottschall Jinger S. , Kram Rodger 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYHumans and other animals exchange gravitational potential energy (GPE) and kinetic energy (KE) of the center of mass during level walking. How effective is this energy exchange during downhill and uphill walking? Based on previous reports and our own reasoning, we expected that during downhill walking, the possibility for mechanical energy exchange would be enhanced and during uphill walking, the possibility for exchange would be reduced. We measured the fluctuations of the mechanical energies for five men and five women walking at 1.25 m s-1. Subjects walked on the level, downhill, and uphill on a force measuring treadmill mounted at 3°, 6° and 9°. We evaluated energy exchange during the single support period based on the GPE and KE fluctuation factors of phase relationship, relative magnitude and extent of symmetry. As expected, during level walking, the GPE and KE curves were out of phase, of similar magnitude, and nearly mirror images so that the fluctuations in combined (GPE+KE) energy were attenuated. During downhill walking, the fluctuations in the combined energy of the center of mass were smaller than those on the level, i.e. mechanical energy exchange was more effective. During uphill walking, the fluctuations in the combined energy of the center of mass were larger than those on the level, i.e. mechanical energy exchange was less effective. Mechanical energy exchange occurred during downhill, level and uphill walking, but it was most effective during downhill walking.
Males also have their time of the month! Cyclic disposal of old spermatophores, timed by the molt cycle, in a marine shrimp
Authors: Parnes Shmuel , Raviv Shaul , Shechter Asaf , Sagi Amir 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYThat sexually mature females go through hormonally regulated reproductive cycles is a well-established phenomenon in sexually reproducing organisms. Males, on the other hand, are commonly regarded as being continuously ready to mate. `Programmed sperm degradation' on a periodic basis or an innate sperm`expiry date' have never been shown. This manuscript describes a newly discovered molt-dependent mechanism by which old sperm is periodically removed from the reproductive system of male Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. Firstly, it is shown that the spermatophores of males held in captivity become progressively melanized, a process that eventually renders them impotent. Then, by using melanin specks as a color marker, it is demonstrated that this phenomenon can be delayed and even reversed as long as the males remain sexually active. Lastly and most importantly, it is shown that male shrimp go through reproductive cycles that are strictly associated with their molt cycles, which, in turn, are hormonally regulated. Intact intermolt spermatophores disappeared about 12 h premolt, and a new pair of spermatophores appeared in the ampoules the day after the males had molted. This phenomenon was observed in an almost constant portion of males, both those in an all-male population and those in mixed male/female populations,even during the times that the females of those populations were not vitellogenically active. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of males of any animal species exhibiting endogenous reproductive cycles, as do females, and of the finding that spermatozoa have a predetermined expiry date, a feature that may possibly contribute to male fitness.
Ancestry of neuronal monoamine transporters in the Metazoa
Authors: Caveney Stanley , Cladman Wendy , Verellen LouAnn , Donly Cam 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYSelective Na+-dependent re-uptake of biogenic monoamines at mammalian nerve synapses is accomplished by three types of solute-linked carrier family 6 (SLC6) membrane transporter with high affinity for serotonin(SERTs), dopamine (DATs) and norepinephrine (NETs). An additional SLC6 monoamine transporter (OAT), is responsible for the selective uptake of the phenolamines octopamine and tyramine by insect neurons. We have characterized a similar high-affinity phenoloamine transporter expressed in the CNS of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Phylogenetic analysis of its protein sequence clusters it with both arthropod phenolamine and chordate catecholamine transporters. To clarify the relationships among metazoan monoamine transporters we identified representatives in the major branches of metazoan evolution by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplifying conserved cDNA fragments from isolated nervous tissue and by analyzing available genomic data. Analysis of conserved motifs in the sequence data suggest that the presumed common ancestor of modern-day Bilateria expressed at least three functionally distinct monoamine transporters in its nervous system: a SERT currently found throughout bilaterian phyla, a DAT now restricted in distribution to protostome invertebrates and echinoderms and a third monoamine transporter (MAT), widely represented in contemporary Bilateria, that is selective for catecholamines and/or phenolamines. Chordate DATs, NETs,epinephrine transporters (ETs) and arthropod and annelid OATs all belong to the MAT clade. Contemporary invertebrate and chordate DATs belong to different SLC6 clades. Furthermore, the genes for dopamine and norepinephrine transporters of vertebrates are paralogous, apparently having arisen through duplication of an invertebrate MAT gene after the loss of an invertebrate-type DAT gene in a basal protochordate.
Dual leading-edge vortices on flapping wings
Authors: Lu Yuan , Shen Gong Xin , Lai Guo Jun 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYAn experimental investigation was performed with two aims: (1) to clarify the existence of the dual leading-edge vortices (i.e. two vortices with the same sense of rotation located close to the leading edge above the leeward wing surface) observed on flapping wings in previous studies; (2) to study systematically the influences of kinematic and geometric parameters on such a vortical structure. Based on a scaled-up electromechanical model flapping in a water tank, the leading-edge vortex (LEV) cores were visualized viadye flow visualization, and the detailed sub-structures of LEV were revealed through digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) with high spatial resolution. Five wing aspect ratios (AR) (1.3, 3.5, 5.8, 7.5 and 10),eight mid-stroke angles of attack (αm) (10-80°), and six Reynolds numbers (Re) (160-3200) were examined. In addition, the well-studied case of the fruit fly Drosophila was re-examined.The results confirm for the first time the existence of dual LEVs on flapping wings. The sectional flow structure resembles the dual-vortex observed on non-slender delta wings. Insensitive to AR, a dual LEV system such as this could be created when αm and Rereached certain high levels. The primary vortex was attached to the wing,while at the outer wing the minor vortex shed, generating a same-sense vortex behind.
Micromilling strategies for machining thin features
Authors: Popov K , Dimov S , Pham D T , Ivanov A 
Published: November 2006

Micromilling of metal structures with ‘thin’ features represents a major challenge towards broadening the use of this technology in a range of microengineering applications, for example in producing multi-channel microstructures, housing for mechanical microdevices, and surgical instruments. The most common thin features seen in microengineering products are ribs and webs. This research identifies the main factors affecting the reliability of micromilling technology when employed for the machining of microcomponents incorporating thin features. The general principles that should be followed in designing machining strategies for such features are discussed in this article. Taking these general principles into account, new strategies are proposed to reduce the negative effects of identified factors on part quality and, at the same time, to overcome some of the problems associated with the use of conventional machining strategies for micromilling of ribs and webs. To implement and verify them, initially the milling operations were programmed manually, and then a special CAM module was developed for their automatic generation. Finally, this article reports the validation of the proposed strategies for machining thin features, which was carried out on a specially designed test part.
Comparison between microfabrication technologies for metal tooling
Authors: Uriarte L , Herrero A , Ivanov A , Oosterling H , Staemmler L , Tang P T , Allen D 
Published: November 2006

This paper is based on the information gathered within the Multi-Material Micro-Manufacture (4M) Network activities in the Processing of Metals Division (Task 7.2 ‘Tooling’) ( www.4m-net.org ). The aim of the task involves a systematic analysis of the partners' expertise in different microtechnologies for processing tooling inserts made of metal. The following technologies have been analysed: micromilling, micro-electrodischarge machining (EDM, including wire-EDM, sinking-EDM, and EDM-milling), laser micromachining, electroforming, and electrochemical milling (ECF) (an electrochemical machining innovative process proposed by HSG-IMAT). Considered tool-insert materials are nickel for electroforming, stainless steel for ECF, and tool steel (AISI H13) for all other processes. Typical features (ribs, channels, pins, and holes) required by micro-optics, microfluidics, and sensor and actuator applications have been selected to form the benchmark part and to carry out this analysis. The results provide a global comparison between the micromanufacturing processes mentioned earlier in terms of technical capabilities and cost effectiveness of different feature machinings. As a second result, the current limitations of these technologies concerning feature sizes, surface finish, aspect ratios, etc. have been identified. The main conclusion drawn is the absence of a consolidated technology to produce three-dimensional free-form shapes smaller than 100–200 μm to date.
Design study of a capacitive pressure sensor in non-silicon materials
Authors: Meuwissen M H H , Veninga E P , Tijdink M W W J , Meijerink M G H 
Published: November 2006

This article reports on the design of a capacitive pressure sensor fabricated in non-silicon materials. The sensor consists of a thin membrane placed parallel to a rigid reference plane. The membrane and the reference plane act as two electrodes of a capacitor. Deflection of the membrane due to pressure differences results in changes in capacity. These capacity changes are processed to calculate the pressure on the membrane. Several thermo-mechanical performance aspects of the sensor were addressed during the design stage. Promising variants of the sensor were built and subjected to mechanical tests. In addition, numerical techniques were utilized to assess the performance of certain variants before building and testing physical prototypes. The application of this combination of physical experiments and numerical simulations is demonstrated for the selection of a suitable membrane material and membrane dimensions (diameter and thickness), the specification of the substrate thickness in case the sensor is mounted on the backside of an electronics housing, and the selection of a suitable solder interconnect material and interconnect dimensions. A critical aspect in the latter case was the creep behaviour of the solder material, which had to be minimized in order to obtain an acceptable long-term accuracy of the sensor. A sensor membrane and an interconnect design were finally specified on the basis of the outcome of the design studies. It proved to meet the functional demands imposed by the targeted application on a laboratory scale. It will be subjected to reliability and lifetime assessment tests in a next phase.
Application of Ni electroplating techniques towards stress-free microelectromechanical system-based sensors and actuators
Authors: Matovic J 
Published: November 2006

The bimaterial cantilevers are frequently used in microsensors and microactuators. A bimaterial element consists of two layers of materials with different physical properties and/or deposited under different conditions. For this reason, mechanical stresses of various origins appear along the layers and between them, causing initial deformation of the cantilever. Further, a necessary condition for the optimum response of a bimaterial cantilever to an external stimulus is that Young's moduli of both layers are approximately equal. In thermal cantilever-based actuators commonly met in practice, the first layer is usually made of SiO2, PolySi, or SiNx, whereas the second is made of Al or Au. The Young's moduli of these materials differ significantly and thus the maximum sensitivity is difficult to achieve. To ensure the planarity of the free cantilever, the common goal during fabrication is to obtain low internal stresses within both layers, which sometimes represent a severe technological limitation in high-temperature processes. This work presents a new method of stress compensation between the bimaterial cantilever layers. SiO2, PolySi, or SiNx are still used for the first layer, whereas nickel is used for the second layer. Nickel has many advantages and favourable mechanical properties compared with previously used aluminium and gold.
Introduction to biotribology: Animal locomotion
Authors: Alexander R McN 
Published: November 2006

Limbs of vertebrate animals have synovial joints. Many arthropod joints and the hinges of bivalve molluscs owe their mobility to components that bend, rather than to surfaces that slide over each other. No lubrication systems have been described for the few sliding surfaces in invertebrate joints. Peak forces on animal joints tend to be roughly proportional to (body mass)2/3. The fin spines of some fishes have modified joints at their bases, which enable the fish to lock the spine in the erect position. The ventral surfaces of crawling animals, including earthworms, snakes, and snails, slide over the ground. The conditions required for forward progress are discussed. Particularly, interesting tribological questions arise in the case of snails, which crawl on a mucus trail. For running animals, fast turns and other manoeuvres involving acceleration may be limited by friction with the ground. The feet of insects and geckos adhere to solid surfaces, enabling these animals to climb vertical walls and even to walk on ceilings. Van der Waals adhesion seems to be responsible in the case of geckos and capillary adhesion in many insects. The trap of pitcher plants captures insects by making the adhesive mechanism ineffective.
Tribology of artifical hip joints
Authors: Unsworth A 
Published: November 2006

Artificial hip joints have historically simply replaced the geometrical architecture of the worn natural joints using materials that were known to be biocompatible and possessing low wear properties. More recently, the emphasis has been on more advanced tribological design in which the body's natural lubricant combined with improved surface technology conspire to produce fluid-film lubrication and consequently lower wear. These advances make it possible for recipients to lead more active lives and to do so for a longer time without the increased risks of premature failure due to loosening caused by osteolytic action which itself can be the result of wear debris produced in walking. In this paper, the future of the artificial joints is discussed from a point of view of improved tribological knowledge being utilized to improve the design of artificial hip joints.