bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two radiation regimens and prognostic factors for brain metastases in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Rades Dirk , Schild Steven E. , Lohynska Radka , Veninga Theo , Stalpers Lukas JA , Dunst Juergen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND.Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases usually receive whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Most of these patients survive for only a few months. A short course of WBRT would be preferable to longer regimens if it could provide similar survival. This retrospective study of NSCLC patients compared longer treatment programs with short‐course WBRT with 5 × 4 Gy given during 5 days.METHODS.Data from 404 NSCLC patients treated with WBRT for brain metastases were retrospectively analyzed. The 140 patients who received 5 × 4 Gy given in 5 days were compared for survival with 264 patients who received either 10 × 3 Gy given in 2 weeks or 20 × 2 Gy given in 4 weeks. Seven further potential prognostic factors were investigated for survival including age, sex, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of brain metastases, extracranial metastases, interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT, and RPA (recursive partitioning analysis) class.RESULTS.The WBRT regimen was not associated with survival (P = .55). On multivariate analysis, age < 60 years (vs ≥60 years, P = .020), KPS ≥70 (vs KPS < 70, P < .001), interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT > 12 months (vs ≤12 months, P = .007), no extracranial metastases (P < .001), and RPA class 1 (vs RPA class 2 vs RPA class 3, P = .007) were significantly associated with improved survival.CONCLUSIONS.Short‐course WBRT with 5 × 4 Gy appeared preferable for most NSCLC patients, as it was associated with survival similar to longer WBRT programs, and the short course was less time consuming. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Extrapulmonary small‐cell carcinoma compared with small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Cicin Irfan , Karagol Hakan , Uzunoglu Sernaz , Uygun Kazim , Usta Ufuk , Kocak Zafer , Caloglu Murat , Saynak Mert , Tokatli Fusun , Uzal Cem 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND.The study was conducted with the aim of reviewing the clinical features, therapy, and natural course of patients with extrapulmonary small‐cell carcinoma (EPSCC) and small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) to better define current concepts regarding EPSCCs.METHODS.The medical records of patients with proven diagnosis of small‐cell carcinoma (SmCC) between January 1999 and May 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 65 SmCC cases were included in the study (11 [17%] cases of EPSCC and 54 [83%] cases of SCLC).RESULTS.Progression‐free survival of all patients with EPSCC and patients with extensive EPSCC disease was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–13.42) and 7 months (95% CI, 4.71–13.29), respectively. Overall survival of all patients with EPSCC and patients with extensive EPSSC disease was 32 months (95% CI, 18.74–45.26) and 28 months (95% CI, 12.24–43.76), respectively. Progression‐free survival and overall survival for all patients with SCLC were 5 months (95% CI, 2.26–7.74) and 10 months (95% CI, 5.95–14.05), respectively. Progression‐free survival and overall survival for patients with extensive disease were 3 months (95% CI, 4.71–13.29) and 5 months (95% CI, 3.33–6.67), respectively. Overall survival was significantly better in all patients with EPSCC and in patients with extensive EPSCC disease compared with all patients with SCLC and patients with extensive SCLC disease (P = .014, P = .004, respectively). Early death and brain metastasis were observed in a higher number of patients with SCLC compared with EPSCC; however, these results were not statistically significant (P = .33 and P = .076, respectively). Smoking history was significantly less in the EPSCC group (P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS.EPSCC is usually treated similarly to SCLC. However, this study suggests some differences such as etiology, clinic course, survival, frequency of brain metastases, and early death between these entities. These possible differences may influence the choice of therapeutic approach. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Distribution of progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in the fetal and neonatal rat forebrain
Authors: Quadros Princy S. , Pfau Jennifer L. , Wagner Christine K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSteroid hormones play an influential role in neural development. In addition to androgens and estrogens of fetal and neonatal origin, the developing brain may also be exposed to progesterone. In this regard, identifying forebrain nuclei that are sensitive to progesterone during neural development may elucidate the impact of progesterone on the developing brain. Using immunocytochemistry, the present study documented the distribution of progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the rat forebrain from embryonic day (E) 17 through postnatal day (P) 28. The results indicate that PR expression in the developing brain is extensive, present in numerous forebrain nuclei, but transient, in that PR expression was absent in most nuclei by P28. Regions displaying the highest levels of PR‐immunoreactivity (PRir) were found in preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei including the medial preoptic, anteroventral periventricular, arcuate, and ventromedial nuclei. PRir was moderately abundant in the limbic region, particularly in subdivisions of the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hippocampus. The choroid plexus and neocortex were additional structures that demonstrated relatively abundant levels of PRir. The presence PR expression in the developing forebrain implicates the involvement of progesterone and PR in fundamental mechanisms of neural development. J. Comp. Neurol. 504:42–56, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degeneration of vagal efferent axons and terminals in cardiac ganglia of aged rats
Authors: Ai Jing , Gozal David , Li Lihua , Wead William B. , Chapleau Mark W. , Wurster Robert , Yang Baofeng , Li Hulun , Liu Rugao , Cheng Zixi (Jack) 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBaroreflex control of the heart rate is significantly reduced during aging. However, neural mechanisms that underlie such a functional reduction are not fully understood. We injected the tracer DiI into the left nucleus ambiguus (NA), then used confocal microscopy and a Neurolucida Digitization System to examine qualitatively and quantitatively vagal efferent projections to cardiac ganglia of young adult (5–6 months) and aged (24–25 months) rats (Sprague Dawley). Fluoro‐Gold was injected intraperitoneally to counterstain cardiac ganglionic principal neurons (PNs). In aged, as in young rats, NA axons projected to all cardiac ganglia and formed numerous basket endings around PNs in the hearts. However, significant structural changes were found in aged rats compared with young rats. Vagal efferent axons contained abnormally swollen axonal segments and exhibited reduced or even absent synaptic‐like terminals around PNs, such that the numbers of vagal fibers and basket endings around PNs were substantially reduced (P< 0.01). Furthermore, synaptic‐like varicose contacts of vagal cardiac axons with PNs were significantly reduced by approximately 50% (P< 0.01). These findings suggest that vagal efferents continue to maintain homeostatic control over the heart during aging. However, the marked morphological reorganization of vagal efferent axons and terminals in cardiac ganglia may represent the structural substrate for reduced vagal control of the heart rate and attenuated baroreflex function during aging. J. Comp. Neurol. 504:74–88, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct patterns of motor nerve terminal sprouting induced by ciliary neurotrophic factor vs. Botulinum toxin
Authors: Wright Megan C. , Cho Wha‐Ja , Son Young‐Jin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBoth diffusible and surface‐bound molecules are thought to induce sprouting of motor nerve terminals in response to paralysis. Here we report that the sprouting induced by ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is qualitatively different from the sprouting induced by botulinum toxin (BoTX). We show first that subcutaneous application of CNTF to levator auris longus muscles of adult mice evokes sprouting from nearly all nerve terminals. Surprisingly, however, most terminal sprouts remain within the boundaries of the endplate region and rarely grow extrasynaptically even if CNTF is administered chronically. In contrast, terminal sprouts induced by BoTX extend vigorously along the extrasynaptic muscle surface. The different patterns of sprout elongation are attributable in part to different patterns of initiation: whereas CNTF‐induced sprouts emerge randomly from the surface of terminal branches, BoTX‐induced sprouts emerge exclusively along the perimeter of terminal branches in direct apposition to muscle fiber membranes. Combined treatment with CNTF and BoTX produces exceptionally robust extraterminal sprouting with little if any intrasynaptic growth of terminal sprouts. We interpret these results as showing that paralysis induces sprouting primarily by muscle‐associated, surface‐bound molecules rather than by diffusible factors. Our findings may be useful in defining the physiological role of the numerous candidate sprouting‐inducers and in promoting compensatory sprouting after nerve injury for therapeutic benefit. J. Comp. Neurol. 504:1–16, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collective communication: theory, practice, and experience
Authors: Chan Ernie , Heimlich Marcel , Purkayastha Avi , van de Geijn Robert 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe discuss the design and high‐performance implementation of collective communications operations on distributed‐memory computer architectures. Using a combination of known techniques (many of which were first proposed in the 1980s and early 1990s) along with careful exploitation of communication modes supported by MPI, we have developed implementations that have improved performance in most situations compared to those currently supported by public domain implementations of MPI such as MPICH. Performance results from a large Intel Xeon/Pentium 4 (R) processor cluster are included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photochemical Z→E Isomerization of a Hemithioindigo/Hemistilbene ω‐Amino Acid
Authors: Cordes Thorben , Heinz Björn , Regner Nadja , Hoppmann Christian , Schrader Tobias E. , Summerer Wolfram , Rück‐Braun Karola , Zinth Wolfgang 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe molecule HTI, which combines hemithioindigo and hemistilbene molecular parts, allows reversible switching between two isomeric states. Photochromic behaviour of the HTI molecule is observed by irradiation with UV/Vis light. The photochemical reaction, a Z/E isomerization around the central double bond connecting the two molecular parts, is investigated by transient absorption and emission spectroscopy. For a special HTI molecule, namely, an ω‐amino acid, the Z→E isomerization process occurs on a timescale of 30 ps. In the course of the reaction fast processes on the 1–10 ps timescale are observed which point to motions of the molecule on the potential‐energy surface of the excited state. The combination of transient absorption experiments in the visible spectral range with time‐resolved fluorescence and infrared measurements reveal a photochemical pathway with three intermediate states. Together with a theoretical modelling procedure the experiments point to a sequential reaction scheme and give indications of the nature of the involved intermediates.
Association Behavior of a Nitrilotriacetic‐Acid‐Modified Dye in a Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Film Containing Ni(II)‐Adsorbed Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sakamoto Masanori , Tachikawa Takashi , Kim Sung Sik , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe association behavior of the dyes 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)‐modified 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein (F‐NTA) in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film and in a PVA film containing metal nanoparticles is investigated. Well‐dispersed gold nanoparticles (AuNps) and Ni(II)‐adsorbed AuNps are formed in the PVA film using in situ photochemical fabrication method. 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein and F‐NTA are doped into the films. The F‐NTA forms an H‐aggregate in the PVA film containing Ni(II)‐adsorbed AuNps. It is suggested that the interaction between NTA and Ni(II) adsorbed on the AuNps promotes the formation of the H‐aggregate.
“Why aren't we screening?” A survey examining domestic violence screening procedures and training protocol in community mediation centers
Authors: Clemants Elizabeth , Gross Alan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article analyzes survey data from ninety‐four North American community mediation centers regarding their policies and practices for identifying and managing cases that include a history of domestic violence. We report the rate at which community mediation centers formally screen for cases with a history of domestic violence and the extent to which they mandate domestic violence training for their staff and mediators. We also examine the differences in screening and training related to the differences among the centers' policies for accepting cases with a history of domestic violence.
High‐field dielectric properties of polypropylene films in high‐temperature region
Authors: Tokoro Tetsuroh , Tohyama Kazuyuki , Takusagawa Mamoru , Nagao Masayuki , Kosaki Masamitsu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNonpolar polymers are used widely as electrical insulation materials, and their operating conditions sometimes become high‐electric field and high temperature. Under these conditions, the conduction loss is assumed to affect the dielectric properties and to make the ac dissipation factor (tan δ) increase. Therefore the high‐field dielectric properties of polymeric materials in the high‐temperature region become very important.This paper describes the high‐field dielectric properties of polypropylene films measured at 50 and 400 Hz above room temperature with the new electrodes developed by authors. At low temperature, the high‐field tan δ is independent of the frequency of the applied field. However, at high‐temperature, the high‐field tan δ becomes almost inversely proportional to the frequency, namely, the conductivity is independent of the frequency. The theoretical analysis shows that the high‐field dielectric loss is governed by two processes: one is the loss which appears only under ac field; and the other is conduction loss which appears also under dc field. The latter loss becomes prominent under high‐electric field at high temperature.
Voltage‐current characteristics of high‐current pulsed discharges in SF
Authors: Akiyama Hidenori , Tanigawa Tetsuro , Maeda Sadao , Takaki Koichi , Kristiansen M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA high‐current pulsed discharge in SF6 has been used as a closing switch for a pulsed power generator. The characteristics of a high‐current pulsed discharge are not clear, since it is difficult to measure the time‐dependent arc voltage accurately.In the present paper, the voltage‐current characteristics and the time‐dependent arc resistance of the high‐current pulsed discharge in SF6 are obtained accurately from the arc current and the breakdown voltage by solving the circuit equation. The electrode separation and the pressure are changed from 0.1 to 1 cm and from 200 to 760 torr, respectively. The current rise time is about 380 ns. The minimum arc resistance occurs at the maximum arc current, and is from 0.04 to 0.1 Ω under the experimental conditions. The voltage‐current characteristics in SF6, which are characterized by five phases, are similar to the characteristics in air but not in Ar.
Study on grounding in the vicinity of the work site on 1000‐kV power transmission line. Part 2. Electromagnetic induction and its protection
Authors: Yoshioka Masayuki , Kitamura Satoshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn order to clarify the grounding conditions for protecting workers on a de‐energized circuit from induction from a live circuit and to determine the required current capacity of the grounding conductor for a 1,000 kV double‐circuit power transmission line, the phenomena caused by electromagnetic induction resulting from a live circuit are discussed. The electromagnetic induction current Ig flowing through the body of a worker and the electromagnetic induction current IgO flowing through the grounding conductor can be analyzed by dividing the various power line conditions into three main factors, and using electromagnetic induction current calculations for a power line of infinite length. The zone where Ig does not exceed 1 mA is within 1 km of the grounding point on the de‐energized circuit owing to the grounding resistance (0.1 Ω) of the substations at the ends of the line and the difference in the phase configurations on the line when the current I1 of the live circuit is a constant 1 kA through the line. Similarly the value of IgO is determined by the grounding resistance of the substations at the ends of the line and the difference in the phase configurations on the line. IgO is approximately 10 A per 1 kA of I1. The currents Ig and IgO produced by electromagnetic induction are additive, allowing Ig and IgO in the actual power line to be evaluated by summation.
Semiconductor thermoelectric‐energy conversion systems working at low temperature differences
Authors: Ikeda Yoshitaka , Itsumi Jiroh , Haneji Nobuo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present thermoelectric semiconductor integrated into the commercially available thermoelectric units are not designed elaborately for low temperature difference operation. Those elements available in the room‐temperature range are usually applicable for the temperature difference around 60 K with relatively poor coefficient of performance. For air‐conditioning purposes, it is expected that the thermoelectric energy conversion will have a high coefficient of performance as well as economical advantage because of the low temperature difference operation.This paper describes basic and analytical considerations for low temperature‐difference operation, and also the new design systems desired from viewpoints of the effective and economical use of environmental energy. An appropriate design allows a drastic economy in the material and also a drastic improvement in the coefficient of performance, and it is possible to put the material, with the presently available figure of merit, in practical use.The availability of a simple cascade connection is discussed for the operation under some increased temperature difference. The concept of the cooling or heating systems using thermoelectric units driven by a solar‐cell array will also be proposed and experimental results will be illustrated.
Ultralow resistivity in the surface direction of LB heterofilms
Authors: Hino Taro , Kushida Masahito 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLB heterofilms of double layer consisting of arachidic acid and 2‐pentadecyl‐7, 7′, 8, 8′‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (C15 · TCNQ) LB films were sandwiched between Al and Au thin evaporated films. Such layer structures of Al/LB heterofilm/Au were deposited on the SiO2 insulating film of silicon wafters.Resistance in the surface direction of the above layer structure was measured by the four‐point probe technique. As a result, very low resistance of 10−2 ∼ 10−3 Ω was obtained by the electrode system of gap 3.3 mm with width 10 mm. It was clarified in the experiments that the current flowed through the LB heterofilms of about 200 ∼ 30 Å in thickness; accordingly the resistivity of LB heterofilms was calculated to be 10−8 ∼ 10−9 Ω cm. Such a value of resistivity was much smaller than the metal resistivity of 10−5 Ω cm. Furthermore, the current through the LB film, increased up to 1.3A, was equivalent to the very high current density of 4.1 ∼ 105 A/cm2. However, the resistance was increased suddenly by 106 times at that time and the current was decreased to 3 ∼ 10−4 A. Such a switching phenomenon could be observed repeatedly.The ultraflow resistance and the very high current density observed in the LB heterofilms will be explained by the model of the potential well filled with electron gas which was generated in the LB hetero‐film by the polarization of C15 · TCNQ LB film.
Study of a future metropolitan electric network adapted to introduction of cryogenic high‐power cables
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kito Yukio , Matsumura Toshiro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe authors have investigated the operational feasibility of a future metropolitan electric power system associated with highly densified cryogenic cables. A new concept of power system configuration with cryogenic cables and its operation have been proposed. Three different models of future power transmission systems in large cities of Japan have been constructed as the background systems prior to introduction of cryogenic cables in the 21st century.This paper considers one of the three models which is characterized by its conventional transmission system constructed mainly by 154‐kV transmission lines stepping down directly from the 500‐kV outer ring without any intermediate voltage class. This paper also discusses whether or not the power system model will be operated effectively together with cryogenic cables to supply demands forecasted in the period subsequent to the first decade of the 21st century. The computer simulations are carried out to obtain power flow and bus voltage distributions for a peak load period as well as for an off‐peak one in the power system model. These simulations reveal that the conventional background power system should be arranged very carefully before introducing the cryogenic cables to facilitate their operations.(1) On a contingent trip of a cryogenic cable in the peak in the peak load period, not all bus voltages are expected to be kept within a tolerant zone due to the high impedance of 154‐kV conventional transmission lines in the power system model.(2) Thus it is proposed that the background conventional system prior to introduction of cryogenic cables should be developed not only by extension of 154‐kV conventional transmission lines but also by introduction of 275‐kV lines.(3) Bus voltage rises induced in the off‐peak load period are reduced by effective utilization of 275‐kV conventional transmission lines.
Classification and analysis of voltage stabilities in power systems
Authors: Yorino Naoto , Masuda Yoshihiko , Sasaki Hiroshi , Nishikame Kazuhiro , Tamura Yasuo , Kitagawa Minoru , Ohshimo Akira 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe voltage stability problem has long been studied by many researchers mainly by means of two approaches: the static approach in which voltage stability is considered as a load‐flow problem; and the dynamic approach in which it is dealt with as a stability problem in dynamic systems. However, up to now, these separate approaches have not clarified sufficiently the overall aspect of the voltage problem. In fact, there are no proper criteria to determine which approach is suited to analyze voltage stability. Thus, a basic study seems to be needed under such a situation.This paper investigates the voltage stability problem from the viewpoint of mechanism causing voltage instability. Various dynamic factors which affect voltages are studied as much as possible. First, possible voltage instability patterns are classified based on singular perturbation theory. That is, four categories of instabilities are defined mathematically. Second, a method of stability assessment for each instability is presented. It is clarified that the determinant of the load‐flow Jacobian is an effective index to approximately assess two types of instabilities. On the other hand, the remaining instabilities require eigenvalue analyses or direct nonlinear analyses. The validity of these results is verified through numerical simulations and eigenvalue analyses in which dynamic characteristics of generating units, loads and tap‐changing transformers are taken into account.