bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B‐type natriuretic peptide as a marker for cardiac dysfunction in anthracycline‐treated children
Authors: Aggarwal Sanjeev , Pettersen Michael D. , Bhambhani Kanta , Gurczynski Joellyn , Thomas Ronald , L'Ecuyer Thomas 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundAnthracyclines (AC) are useful antineoplastic agents, whose utility is limited by progressive cardiotoxicity. Our purpose was to evaluate plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), as a screening test for detecting late cardiac dysfunction in AC‐treated children and to determine the prevalence of late cardiac dysfunction at low cumulative AC doses.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective study in which patients who had completed AC therapy at least 1 year earlier, underwent a detailed echocardiogram and a simultaneous BNP level. Cardiac dysfunction was defined as any one of the following: shortening fraction (FS) <29%, rate corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCFc) <0.9 c·sec−1, end systolic wall stress (ESWS) >60 g·cm−2, abnormal VCFc: ESWS ratio or decreased mitral inflow velocity (E/A) ratios, compared to age‐specific norms.ResultsThe cohort (n = 63) included 37 males with a median age of 13.1 years (range, 6.5–26.5 years). Cardiac dysfunction was found in 26 (41%) patients and in 40% of patients who received cumulative doses <150 mg·m−2. ESWS was the most common abnormality. Mean BNP levels in the subset with abnormal function were significantly higher than the normal group (23.4 ± 25.3 vs. 14.2 ± 8.9 pg·ml−1, P = 0.02).ConclusionsPlasma BNP was significantly elevated in AC‐treated patients with late cardiac dysfunction, although there was considerable overlap of levels between groups with and without cardiac dysfunction. BNP may need further evaluation as a serial index of cardiac function in this population. Cardiac dysfunction was observed in a significant proportion of patients, even at low cumulative AC doses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:812–816. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with cancer in Occidental, Mexico
Authors: Gomez‐Martinez Ricardo , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto , Garibaldi‐Covarrubias Roberto 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurposeTo describe the types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by pediatric cancer patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Western Mexico.Patients and MethodsIn a cross‐sectional survey, parents were interviewed and types of CAM employed as well as factors related to their use and their perceived effectiveness were determined.ResultsOne hundred ten parents of pediatric cancer patients completed the survey. Seventy‐seven patients (70%) received CAM. Of CAM used, herbal remedies (69%) and orally administered products (26%) were most common. Mean number of therapies was 2 ± 1.1 (95% CI 1.59–2.12). Prior CAM use by the family was associated with use in patients (P = 0.006) (OR 4.6, CI 95% 1.7–12.9). Perceived usefulness was reported in 79% of CAM users.ConclusionCAM use in Mexican children is common, most frequently with herbal therapies. The majority perceived benefits with its usage but in most cases, the treating physician was not informed about this practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:820–823. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Splenectomy in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A prospective study of 134 children from the Intercontinental Childhood ITP Study Group
Authors: Kühne Thomas , Blanchette Victor , Buchanan George R. , Ramenghi Ugo , Donato Hugo , Tamminga Rienk Y.J. , Rischewski Johannes , Berchtold Willi , Imbach Paul 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundSplenectomy is an effective procedure for children and adults with severe or refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Data regarding pediatric patients are limited.ProcedureSixty‐eight Intercontinental Childhood ITP Study Group (ICIS) investigators from 57 institutions in 25 countries participated in a splenectomy registry. Data from 153 patients were submitted, of whom 134 had a splenectomy and were analyzed.ResultsThe median age at splenectomy was 11.8 (2.7–20.7) years. The median postsplenectomy follow‐up was 2.0 (0.1–4.5) years. Pre‐splenectomy vaccination was not administered in 21 children (15.7%). Open and laparoscopic splenectomy procedures were performed in 67 and 65 evaluable children, respectively. Surgical technique was not reported in two children. Overall immediate platelet response to splenectomy was achieved in 113 patients (86.3%). Eighty percent of responders maintained their status of response during the following 4 years. Older age, longer duration of ITP, and male gender correlated with a complete response. Post‐splenectomy sepsis was reported in seven patients without lethal outcome, although sepsis might be differently defined at participating institutions.ConclusionsSplenectomy is effective in children with ITP. Management varies greatly in different institutions. These Registry data may serve as a basis for future clinical trials to assess the indication and timing of splenectomy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:829–834. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic susceptibility and body mass in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Ross Julie A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractChildhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of many long‐term treatment‐related sequel such as second cancers, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary complications. Certain treatments seem to influence the risk of becoming overweight, obese, or underweight, and abnormal body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Because BMI is modifiable, it is important to identify treatment and patient‐related factors contributing to altered BMI. New research areas include exploring how genetic susceptibility through population polymorphism may contribute to BMI. Illuminating potential gene–environment interactions that influence obesity and underweight might be more readily accomplished in a study of high‐risk individuals (i.e., childhood cancer survivors) with well‐characterized exposures. The new Childhood Cancer Research Network in the Children's Oncology Group, when fully implemented, should make it less difficult in the future to recruit the large numbers of patients needed for such studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:731–735. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential versus reactive thrombocythemia in children: Retrospective analyses of 12 cases
Authors: El‐Moneim Abeer Abd , Kratz Christian P. , Böll Silke , Rister Manfred , Pahl Heike L. , Niemeyer Charlotte M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundEssential thrombocythemia (ET) rarely occurs in the pediatric population and little is known about the clinical course and the molecular characteristics.ProcedureIn this retrospective multi‐institutional study we examine the clinical, hematological, and molecular features of 12 children aged 5–16 years with thrombocytosis and a suspected diagnosis of ET.ResultsMedian follow‐up was 59 months (range 10–72). Seven patients presented with clinical symptoms potentially related to thrombocytosis. The remaining five patients were diagnosed incidentally. Median platelet count at diagnosis was 1,325 × 109/L (range 600–3,050). In 11 out of 12 cases bone marrow morphology was consistent with ET, the remaining patient had chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. Cytogenetic analyses were normal in all studied cases and only one out of nine analyzed cases harbored a JAKV617F allele. Within 6 months after initial presentation one patient who was initially asymptomatic developed thrombosis and another patient had mild bleeding. Eight patients were treated with acetylsalicylic acid, one patient received hydroxyurea, and two patients received anagrelide. At last follow‐up, all patients were alive and none had developed leukemia. Five patients experienced hematological remission. Two children had not received any therapy. During the course of their disease, nine patients developed symptoms possibly attributable to an elevated platelet count.ConclusionsIn JAK2 mutation negative cases, long‐term follow‐up is helpful to distinguish between primary and secondary thrombocytosis. Secondary cases are not associated with organomegaly but may present with unspecific symptoms. Indications for treatment in children remain unclear. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:52–55. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functionalized poly(oxanorbornene)‐block‐copolymers: Preparation via ROMP/click‐methodology
Authors: Kluger Christian , Binder Wolfgang H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBlock copolymers on basis of poly(oxanorbornenes) bearing functional moieties in their side‐chains are prepared via a combination of ROMP‐methods and 1,3‐dipolar‐“click”‐reactions. Starting from N‐substituted‐ω‐bromoalkyl‐oxanorbornenes and alkyl‐/perfluoroalkyl‐oxanorbornenes, block copolymers with molecular weights up to 25,000 g mol−1 were generated. Subsequent nucleophilic exchange‐reactions yielded the block‐copolymers functionalized with ω‐azidoalkyl‐moieties in one block. The 1,3‐azide/alkine‐“click” reactions with a variety of terminal alkynes in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of tetrakis(acetonitrile)hexafluorophosphate copper(I) and tris(1‐benzyl‐5‐methyl‐1H‐ [1,2,3]triazol‐4‐ylmethyl)‐amine furnished the substituted block copolymers in high yields, as proven by NMR‐spectroscopy. The resulting polymers were investigated via temperature‐dependent SAXS‐methods, revealing their microphase separated structure as well as their temperature‐dependent behavior. The presented method offers the generation of a large set of different block‐copolymers from only a small set of starting materials because of the high versatility of the “click” reaction, thus enabling a simple and complete functionalization after the initial polymerization reaction. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 485–499, 2007
Nanometer‐sized polyradical particles: Organic magnetic dot array formed on a silicon microfabricated substrate
Authors: Tanaka Manabu , Imai Shingo , Tanii Takashi , Numao Yoshiteru , Shimamoto Naonobu , Ohdomari Iwao , Nishide Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA magnetically active, purely organic dot array was formed by the selective deposition of polyradical nanoparticles on array‐like‐formed pits on a silicon substrate. The nanometer‐sized polyradical particles, poly(4‐methacryoyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl), were prepared by the emulsion polymerization of 4‐methacryloyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐acetoxyl followed by a deprotection reaction and oxidation in air. The size (diameter) and radical spin concentration of the polyradical nanoparticles were tunable between the polymerization and oxidation conditions. Electrochemical studies revealed the redox property of the polyradical nanoparticles. The magnetic response image of the polyradical nanoparticles was obtained by magnetic force microscopy, reflecting their radical spin concentrations. These results suggested a possible approach for the use of organic polyradical nanoparticles as organic magnetic dot arrays. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 521–530, 2007
Field electroantennogram and trap assessments of aerosol pheromone dispensers for disrupting mating in Epiphyas postvittana
Authors: Suckling David M , Daly John M , Chen Xiong , Karg Gerhard 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAn electronically controlled aerosol system for mating disruption was evaluated against Epiphyas postvittana Walker in apple orchards in New Zealand. The area in which male moths were affected by the aerosol system was examined using catches in traps radiating from a central single‐point source of either one aerosol can dispenser or 100 polyethylene tubing dispensers, compared with catches in orchard plots without pheromone dispensers. Both pheromone dispensing systems decreased moth catch to similar levels at 5–10 m from the central release point, but there was 5.5‐fold more pheromone released from aerosol cans than from polyethylene dispensers over a 24 h period. Trap catches were reduced by about 90% in plots treated with either five aerosol cans per hectare or uniform deployment of polyethylene dispensers. Recordings of electroantennograms in open grassed plots and orchards indicated that the treated cotton pad of an aerosol dispenser and a point source of 100 polyethylene tubing dispensers produced similar electroantennogram recordings. Electroantennogram recordings provided evidence that pheromone plume detection from a single‐point source was maintained over a range of 5–40 m downwind in the orchard. On present evidence, aerosol pheromone dispensers could not be recommended for further testing towards control of E. postvittana under New Zealand conditions owing to their higher cost of purchase and operation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A mixed methodology framework for the assessment of the Voluntary Initiative
Authors: Garrod Guy D , Garratt James A , Kennedy Angela , Willis Ken G 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe Voluntary Initiative (VI) is a UK programme of measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment. It was initiated in 2001 and will be evaluated during 2006 following a five‐year trial period. To assess such a complex scheme, a mixed methodology approach is appropriate, encompassing the assessment of objective deliverables and issues raised by the farming community. A series of focus groups examined the perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Farmer attitudes to the VI appeared to be influenced by the belief that the UK government will, eventually, introduce some form of pesticide tax regardless of the outcome of the VI. Most farmers expressed that they already followed the principles of the VI. It was also evident that the scheme may become more acceptable and better understood as it becomes incorporated into existing farm assurance schemes. This paper proposes a framework for evaluation of the VI that takes into account these perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Based on the analysis of available data, key questions are identified that should be addressed within the final evaluation. These key questions cover the general themes of completion of VI targets and projects, uptake of the VI, environmental impact of the VI and economic implications. To answer the questions, four methods are proposed: a review of literature, a survey of farmers, questions to agencies and environmental modelling. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased optical damage resistance in Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 by doping with Sc2O3 for quasi‐nonvolatile holographic storage
Authors: Fang Shuangquan , Qiao Yingjie , Zhang Xiaohong , Ling Furi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA series of Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals were prepared using the Czochralski method and the occupation mechanism of the dopants is discussed in terms of the results of infrared and UV–visible spectra. The optical damage resistance ability and quasi‐nonvolatile holographic properties of the samples were also obtained. The defect structure is discussed, accounting for the optical damage resistance and two‐photon holographic response speed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Studies of high‐frequency magnetic permeability of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Wu L. Z. , Ding J. , Neo C. P. , Chen L. F. , Ong C. K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractRod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles with an aspect ratio of around 8:1 were studied in this work. The high‐frequency properties (complex magnetic permeability, electric permittivity and reflection coefficient) have been measured on a composite consisting of 20 vol% of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles in a non‐magnetic epoxy resin matrix. The intrinsic magnetic permeability was calculated using an analytical model derived from the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) equation. The effective permeability of the composite consisting of rod‐shaped CrO2 particles embedded in a nonmagnetic matrix (epoxy resin) was calculated using an effective medium theory for randomly orientated ellipsoidal inclusions. The comparison of the experimental values of the effective permeability with the analytical calculation showed that a relatively good agreement was obtained when the interparticle interactions were taken into the consideration. The results showed that CrO2 have a natural resonance frequency at around 8 GHz. The microwave absorbing properties of the composite of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles and epoxy resin were studied. The calculated results of reflection coefficient indicated that the rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles may be interesting for microwave absorption, particularly for the high frequency range around 10 GHz (X‐band). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Soft core behavior in ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistors containing oxides of Ce and Gd
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Li Shengtao , Alim Mohammad A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe effects of sample lengthd0on the average breakdown electric fieldEBof ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistor materials containing oxides of Ce and Gd sintered in the temperature range from 1150 to 1200 °C were investigated. It is observed thatEBdecreases with increasingd0. The breakdown electric fieldE′Bat each location along the axial direction was measured by gradually grinding and lapping both sides of the sample. The experimental results indicate thatE′Bin the core of the varistor material is as low as about 35% of that in the surface layers. This behavior of varistor materials is termed the soft core phenomenon. Further experimental results reveal that the Schottky barrier heightΦBin the core of the material is much lower than in the surface layers. This is indicative of non‐uniform distribution of breakdown electric field. The reasons for the formation of the soft core were explored. The experimental results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that the binding energy of Zn in the core is lower than that in the surface layers implying variation in the chemical environment of the Zn atoms along the axial direction. The analysis of the phases obtained by X‐ray diffraction showed no evidence of Bi2O3phase in the core while Bi2O3phase appears in the surface layers. Consequently, it is proposed that the soft core behavior originates from the decrease of Schottky barrier height along the axial direction of the varistor material doped with rare earth oxides, which may be caused by the non‐uniform distribution of sintering atmosphere and phase morphology at the grain boundaries. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First‐principles study of PbWO4 crystal with interstitial oxygen atoms
Authors: Teng Chen , Ting‐Yu Liu , Qi‐Ren Zhang , Fang‐Fei Li , Zhi‐Jun Yi , Dong‐Sheng Tian , Xiu‐Yan Zhang 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe positions of the interstitial oxygen atoms in PbWO4 (PWO) crystal are simulated by computer technologies. It was found that the formation energy of isolated point defects is low when interstitial oxygen atoms exist around the W6+ ion. Based on the computed results, the total density of states and the partial densities of states for perfect PWO crystals and PWO crystals containing interstitial oxygen atoms were calculated using the DV‐Xα program. By analyzing the calculated results it can be concluded that an interstitial oxygen atom could combine with one or two formal lattice oxygen ions forming oxygen molecular ions, which causes the 350 nm absorption band. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced performance by inserting ultrathin SiO2 layer in organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Niu Lianbin , Zhang Fujia 
Published: December 2006

AbstractImproved performance of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) has been obtained by insertion of an ultrathin film of silicon oxide (SiO2) at the interface of 8‐hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) and N,N ′‐bis(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N ′‐diphenyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diamine (NPB) layers. When a 1.0 nm SiO2 film was inserted, for an unoptimized indium–tin oxide (ITO)/NPB/SiO2/Alq3/Al device, the current efficiency was as high as 7.35 cd/A. Compared with conventional devices, a higher efficiency has been achieved. The mechanism of performance enhancement is discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low‐energy robust host heavily doped with Dy3+ for emission at 1.3 to 1.4 mm
Authors: Tikhomirov V. K. , Driesen K. , Görller‐Walrand C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA transparent, heavily Dy3+‐doped oxyfluoride nano‐glass‐ceramic, 32(SiO2)9(AlO1.5)31.5(CdF2)18.5(PbF2) 5.5(ZnF2):3.5(DyF3) (mol%), has been fabricated, where the Dy3+ dopants dissolve mostly in the 8 nm diameter β‐PbF2‐type nanocrystals. We propose the chemical composition of this Dy3+‐doped PbF2‐type crystalline nanophase is of tveitite type and approaches Pb3DyF9. The low vibration energy of the Dy3+ site results in an intense emission band 6H9/2,6F11/2 → 6H15/2 of Dy3+, centered at about 1.35 μm with a 120 nm half‐height width and a 150 μs lifetime with negligible temperature dependence. This emission band has a potential application as a broad‐band short‐length optical amplifier operating in the extended telecommunications window at about 1.3 to 1.4 μm. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nitrides optoelectronic devices grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kauer M. , Bousquet V. , Hooper S. E. , Barnes J. M. , Windle J. , Tan W. S. , Heffernan J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe report on the characteristics of our recent room temperature continuous‐wave InGaN quantum well laser diodes grown by by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Uncoated ridge waveguide lasers fabricated on freestanding GaN substrates have a continuous‐wave (cw) threshold current of 110 mA, corresponding to a threshold current density of 5.5 kA cm–2. We report on our steps taken to reduce threshold voltage to 7 V. Lasers with uncoated facets have a maximum cw output power of 14 mW and a cw characteristic temperatureT0of 123 K. Cw laser lifetime vs. power dissipation data is presented, with a maximum lifetime of 2.6 hours for the best laser. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GaN MQW microdisks pivoted on Si substrate
Authors: Choi H. W. , Yang B. L. , Lai P. T. , Chen P. , Zhang X. H. , Teng J. H. , Chua S. J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe fabrication and characterization of GaN MQW microdisks pivoted on Si is reported in this paper. The GaN microdisks were patterned by photolithography and dry‐etched. This is followed by an isotropic wet‐etch process to remove the Si underneath the GaN microdisks, exposing the bottom GaN surface. A Si pillar is left behind to support the microdisk structure. The smooth GaN/air interface provides a reflectivity of ∼20%. Modal features are observed in the photoluminescence spectrum with a mode spacing of ∼1.1 nm. From theoretical predictions whispering gallery (WG) modes are likely to dominate in these microdisks structures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of an (Al,In)N insertion layer on the radiative emission properties of (In,Ga)N/GaN multiple quantum well structures
Authors: Monemar B. , Paskov P. P. , Bergman J. P. , Keller S. , DenBaars S. P. , Mishra U. K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAs an effort to investigate new techniques to reduce the effect of the strong internal polarization fields in (In,Ga)N/GaN quantum well (QW) structures we have studied the influence of inserting a thin wide bandgap Al0.95In0.05N interlayer inside the QWs, in order to modify the potential and increase the electron–hole overlap. A strong reduction of the decay times of the photoluminescence (PL) was observed in this case at all temperatures up to 300 K, without a strong reduction in PL intensity. The tunneling electron–hole transition across the interlayer is observed to be dominant at room temperature for high excitation conditions. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)