bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of surgically treated primary gastric MALT lymphoma
Authors: Insabato Luigi , Di Vizio Dolores , Tornillo Luigi , D'Armiento Francesco P. , Siciliano Antonella , Milo Mario , Palmieri Giovanna , Pettinato Guido , Terracciano Luigi M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesB‐cell MALT lymphoma is a well‐recognized entity and its characterization as low‐grade (LG) and high‐grade (HG) lymphoma has been widely accepted. In the present study we reviewed a series of 95 surgical specimens of primary gastric MALT lymphoma selected between 1979 and 1998. Immunohistochemical expression of p53, bcl‐2, and Ki67 and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection was evaluated, along with a correlation with clinical outcome.MethodsA morphologic and immunohistochemical analysis, including p53, bcl‐2, and Ki67 expression, was carried out in all cases. A complete follow‐up was obtained in 49 patients and in these cases a survival analysis was performed.Resultsbcl‐2 protein was highly expressed in 25 of 25 assessed LG tumors and in 20 of 24 assessed HG tumors. p53 protein was expressed in 13 of 25 assessed LG tumors and in 21 of 24 assessed HG tumors. High proliferation rate as expressed by Ki67 was detected in 15 of 25 assessed LG tumors and in 23 of 24 assessed HG tumors. Hp infection was detected in 11 of 16 assessed LG tumors and 2 of 10 assessed HG tumors. Median survival rates were 72 months for LG tumors and 24 months for HG tumors.ConclusionsA significant inverse relationship between Hp infection and histological grade was found. High p53 expression and high‐proliferation rate correlated with HG tumors. However, a correlation between p53, bcl‐2, and Ki67 expression with clinical outcome was not found. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:106–111. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneic expression of estrogen receptor between the primary tumor and the corresponding involved lymph nodes in patients with node‐positive breast cancer and its implications in patient outcome
Authors: Iguchi Chikage , Nio Yoshinori , Itakura Masayuki 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe estrogen‐receptor (ER) status of breast cancers has typically been evaluated in primary tumors (PTs), and the influence of ER expression in the involved lymph nodes (LNs) on prognosis of the patients with node‐positive breast cancer remains unclear. The expression of ER was compared between PT and corresponding involved LNs in patients with node‐positive breast cancer.MethodsEighty‐seven patients with node‐positive breast cancer were immunohistochemically assessed to measure the expression of ER in PT and involved LN with anti‐ER monoclonal antibody.ResultsThirty‐five (40.2%) of PTs and 26 (29.9%) of involved LNs were evaluated as ER(+). The ER expression in PTs was significantly correlated with that in involved LNs (P < 0.0001), and the ER expression was almost the same in both the PT and corresponding involved LN in 66 cases (75.9%): both (+), 20 (23.0%); and both (−), 46 (52.9%). However, ER expression differed in 21 cases (24.1%) between involved LN and the corresponding PT: PT‐ER(+)/LN‐ER(−), 15 (17.2%); and PT‐ER(−)/LN‐ER(+), 6 (6.9%). The survival of patients with ER(+)‐PT was significantly better than that of ER(−)‐PT patients (P = 0.0086), but ER expression in involved LN did not have any significant effect on patient survival. Furthermore, when survival periods were grouped by coexpression of ER in the PT and involved LN, the best survival was seen in the PT‐ER(+)/LN‐ER(−) group (P < 0.001 vs. others). In the patients, who received adjuvant endocrine therapy, the survival of the PT‐ER(+) group was significantly better than that of PT‐ER(−) group (P = 0.0145), but LN‐ER expression did not show any significant influence on the survival rate. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that clinical stage and ER‐expression in the PT were significant variables, but ER expression in the involved LN was not.ConclusionsThe ER expression was discordant between PT and involved LN in about 24% of the breast cancers evaluated, and ER expression in involved LNs had less influence on patient prognosis than ER expression in the corresponding PT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:85–93. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgeon volume compared to hospital volume as a predictor of outcome following primary colon cancer resection
Authors: Schrag Deborah , Panageas Katherine S. , Riedel Elyn , Hsieh Lillian , Bach Peter B. , Guillem Jose G. , Begg Colin B. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesA strong association between high hospital procedure volume and survival following colon cancer resection has been demonstrated. However, the importance of surgeon case volume as a determinant of outcome has been less well studied, and it is unclear whether hospital or surgeon volume is the more powerful predictor of outcomes.MethodsA retrospective population‐based cohort study utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database identified 24,166 colon cancer patients aged 65 years and older who had surgery for a primary tumor diagnosed in 1991–1996 in a SEER area. Hospital and surgeon‐specific procedure volume was ascertained based on the number of claims submitted over the 6‐year study period. Outcome measures were mortality at 30 days and 2 years, overall survival, and the frequency of operations requiring an intestinal stoma. Age, sex, race, comorbid illness, cancer stage, socioeconomic status, emergent hospitalization, and the presence of obstruction/perforation were used to adjust for differences in case‐mix.ResultsAfter adjusting for surgeon procedure volume, high hospital procedure volume remained a strong predictor of low post‐operative mortality rates (P < 0.001 for each outcome with and without adjustment for surgeon procedure volume). Surgeon‐specific procedure volume was also an important predictor of surgical outcomes (P = 0.002 for 30‐day mortality, P = 0.001 for 2‐year mortality), although this effect was attenuated after adjusting for hospital volume (P = 0.03 for 30‐day mortality, P = 0.02 for 2‐year mortality). Hospital volume and surgeon volume were each an important predictor of the ostomy rate. Among high volume institutions and surgeons, individual providers with unusually high ostomy rates could be identified.ConclusionsBoth hospital and surgeon‐specific procedure volume predict outcomes following colon cancer resection; but hospital volume may exert a stronger effect. Therefore, efforts to optimize the quality of colon cancer surgery should focus on multidisciplinary aspects of hospital care rather than solely on intraoperative technique. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:68–78. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFas‐L) balance in laryngeal carcinoma before and after surgical treatment
Authors: Pignataro Lorenzo , Arisi Elena , Sambataro Giuseppe , Corsi Massimiliano Marco 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFas and its specific ligand (Fas‐L), both of which are involved in apoptosis, exist in membrane‐bound and soluble forms. The soluble forms (sFas and sFas‐L) have been observed in various tumours, but their clinical significance has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to assess serum sFas and sFas‐L levels in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and their possible correlations with surgical treatment.MethodsSerum sFas and sFas‐L levels were determined by ELISA in samples taken from 26 LSCC patients on the day before surgery (T0), and 2 weeks (T1) and 6 months after surgery (T2), and in samples taken from 35 healthy volunteers.ResultsThe mean serum sFas levels in the 35 healthy volunteers and the 26 LSCC patients at T0 were respectively 5941 ± 411 pg/ml and 6290 ± 652 pg/ml (P = 0.63), and the mean serum sFas‐L levels were 0.1 ± 0.05 ng/ml and 2.95 ± 0.8 ng/ml (P < 0.0001). After surgery, there was a statistically significant decrease in sFas at both T1 (P < 0.05) and T2 (P < 0.01), and in sFas‐L at T2 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe decrease in sFas and sFas‐L levels after surgery suggest that they may be produced by or closely linked to tumour cells. Larger prospective clinical studies of patients with LSCC will be needed to establish the clinical significance of sFas and sFas‐L, as reported for other neoplasms. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:112–115. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current management of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck
Authors: Medina Jesus E. , Ferlito Alfio , Pellitteri Phillip K. , Shaha Ashok R. , Khafif Avi , Devaney Kenneth O. , Fisher Samuel R. , O'Brien Christopher J. , Byers Robert M. , Robbins K. Thomas , Pitman Karen T. , Rinaldo Alessandra 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWhile mucosal‐based melanomas of the head and neck region are uncommon lesions, when they do arise they usually follow an inexorably aggressive course. Experience with these tumors is, necessarily, limited; as such, well‐worked out treatment protocols for the treatment of such lesions are in short supply. It appears as though mucosal melanomas (MuMs) develop more frequently in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus region, and less often in the oral cavity. It seems that the incidence of nodal metastasis is significantly lower for sinonasal MuMs than it is for MuMs of the oral cavity; this observation may influence decisions about performing neck dissection as a function of location of the primary MuM. At present, surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment; however, anatomical complexities within the region can hamper attempts at complete excision. Radiotherapy has not traditionally been relied on for routine treatment of MuM, although some recent reports have challenged this view. Chemotherapy is, at present, employed principally in the treatment of disseminated disease and for palliation. As a diagnostic matter, MuM belongs to the class of tumors that, on light microscopy, may with some regularity be confused with other malignancies (including sarcomas, plasmacytomas, and carcinomas); as a consequence, this is a diagnosis which is often best confirmed by way of ancillary testing via immunohistochemical studies. A better grasp of the best means of treating MuM will likely come only when large referral centers are able to pool their experiences with these uncommon yet virulent malignancies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:116–122. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of preoperative ultrasound scan in detecting lymph node metastasis before sentinel node biopsy in melanoma patients
Authors: Riccardo Rossi Carlo , Mocellin Simone , Scagnet Barbara , Foletto Mirto , Vecchiato Antonella , Pilati Pierluigi , Tregnaghi Alberto , Zavagno Giorgio , Stramare Roberto , Rubaltelli Leopoldo , Montesco Cristina , Borsato Simonetta , Rubello Domenico , Lise Mario 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of preoperative ultrasound (US) scanning in identifying lymph node metastasis before sentinel node biopsy (SNB), we conducted a prospective study on 125 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (CM).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 125 patients with >1 mm thick CM and candidate for SNB. Preoperatively, patients underwent US scanning of regional lymphatic basins and FNA of suspected lymph nodes (LN). All patients underwent lymphatic mapping and SNB.ResultsCombined with fine‐needle aspirate (FNA) of suspect LN, US scan allowed the correct preoperative detection of 12 out of 31 histologically positive lymphatic basins, specificity and sensitivity being 100 and 39%, respectively. The false negative rate (61%) was mainly linked to tumor deposits less than 2 mm in diameter, which can be considered the current spatial resolution limit of this technique.ConclusionsPreoperative US scan could reduce the number of SNB, thus avoiding the stress of this surgical procedure in ∼10% of patients and reducing health care costs. As a non‐invasive and relatively inexpensive technique, lymph node US scan can be part of the preoperative staging process of patients' candidate for SNB in order to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:80–84. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interfacial Modification of Polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene/Magnesium Hydroxide Composites, 1
Authors: Liauw Christopher Mark , Dumitru Paul , Lees Graham Clayton , Clemens Mark Lawrence , Rothon Roger Norman 
Published: May 2003

AbstractComposites based on polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS triblock thermoplastic elastomer) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) (5–60 wt.‐%) have been prepared by twin screw extrusion. Interfacial modifiers included dispersants, i.e., isostearic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid; and coupling agents, i.e., maleanised polybutadiene and vinyltriethoxysilane. In each case, approximately one monolayer of treatment was used. A dual bore motor driven extrusion rheometer was used for assessment shear and elongation flow behavior (Cogswell's method) over a shear rate range of 100 s−1 to 5 000 s−1. Untreated filler and filler treated with coupling agents gave composites that become increasingly pseudoplastic as filler level increased. Fatty acid structure was shown to have some influence over the level of melt viscosity reduction normally associated with such treatments; stearic acid gave the most pronounced reduction in melt viscosity possibly due to the tightly packed monolayer. Elongational flow properties, determined using Cogswell's method, indicated significant chain extension/branching of the bulk matrix when high levels of untreated filler were present and long range filler‐matrix interaction in composites modified with maleanised polybutadiene.Elongational viscosity versus extensional stress (obtained by Cogswell's method) for SBS blended with filler surface treatments (□) unfilled matrix, and unfilled matrix plus (•) Hist and (▵) MPBD.magnified imageElongational viscosity versus extensional stress (obtained by Cogswell's method) for SBS blended with filler surface treatments (□) unfilled matrix, and unfilled matrix plus (•) Hist and (▵) MPBD.
One‐Step Synthesis of Hybrid Composites of Poly(6‐hexanelactam) Combining Solid Tribological Additives and Reinforcing Components
Authors: Horský Jaroslav , Kolařík Jan , Fambri Luca 
Published: May 2003

AbstractFour types of composites of polyamide 6 with hybrid tribological additives were synthesized via anionic adiabatic “in situ” polymerization of 6‐hexanelactam (ε‐caprolactam) initiated with metallic sodium and activated with cyclic trimer of phenyl isocyanate or diphenylmethane 4,4′‐diisocyanate. The optimization of the initiator/activator systems in the range of 0.3 to 1.2 mol‐% and of the initial polymerization temperatures from 125 to 150 °C preceded the composite preparation. Combinations of fillers and their maximum applied concentrations (in wt.‐%) were the following: MoS2/graphite/oil (5/16/9), carbon fibers/graphite/oil (5/20/10), copper phthalocyanine (7), and B2O3 (11). Analysis of selected composites encompassed water extraction, DSC, and DMTA measurements. All tested fillers decreased the polymerization rate, polymer yield, melting temperature and crystalline fraction. Polymerization rate constants of the neat polyamide 6 obtained for various initial temperatures obeyed the Arrhenius plot giving an average activation energy value of 78.6 kJ · mol−1.Rate of polymerization as a function of the total fillers content in adiabatic anionic polymerization of 6‐hexanelactam (A: MoS2 + G/O, Na/PIC, B: CPC, Na/MDI, C: MoS2 + G/O, Na/MDI, D: CF + G/O Na/MDI).magnified imageRate of polymerization as a function of the total fillers content in adiabatic anionic polymerization of 6‐hexanelactam (A: MoS2 + G/O, Na/PIC, B: CPC, Na/MDI, C: MoS2 + G/O, Na/MDI, D: CF + G/O Na/MDI).
Dissolution and Enzymatic Degradation Studies Before and After Artificial Ageing of Silk‐ or Linen‐Reinforced Gelatin Laminates, 1
Authors: Boyanova M. , Stambolieva N. , Apostolov A. A. , Fakirov S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn an attempt to overcome the poor mechanical properties of native, i.e., untreated gelatin, laminates based on gelatin and gelatin/starch blend reinforced with fabrics (linen or silk) were prepared by melt pressing. The mechanical properties of fresh and artificially aged samples were reported previously. In the present series of two consecutive papers we present data concerning the dissolution and biodegradation of these laminates. A two‐step procedure for treatment of the laminates was used. The first step is treatment with an aqueous buffer solution, the second with a buffered solution of the enzyme subtilisin. The time‐course of the absorbance at 280 nm of the “washing” solutions was followed. A number of kinetic characteristics was determined and discussed with respect to laminate composition and their treatments. In the present Part 1 about the environmental behavior of these new biodegradable materials, the non‐enzymatic solubilization in water and buffer solution (i.e., simple dissolution) of fresh and artificially aged samples is described. The dissolution process was followed spectrophotometrically as well as by the weight losses. It was found that gelatin‐based silk‐ or linen‐reinforced laminates were subject to dissolution, similarly to the gelatin and gelatin‐based materials studied in previous works. In addition, it was established that the thermal treatment of the laminates during their melt pressing leads to postcondensation reactions and crosslinking of the gelatin macromolecules. Similar reactions occur between the matrix and the reinforcing element silk, thus improving their mutual adhesion. Decreased gelatin dissolution ability was observed after the thermal treatment, in the presence of reinforced fabrics and upon “additional” crosslinking with methylenedi(p‐phenyl) diisocyanate. The untreated gelatin is the only one that dissolves completely in water. The artificially aged samples tend to dissolve better than the respective fresh samples due to degradation processes during aging.
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Fracture Behaviour of Styrene/Butadiene Block Copolymers having Different Molecular Architecture
Authors: Adhikari Rameshwar , Lach Ralf , Michler Goerg H. , Weidisch Roland , Knoll Konrad 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe crack toughness behaviour of styrene/butadiene block copolymers of triblock and star architectures was investigated using instrumented Charpy impact testing. In order to evaluate adequately the toughness behaviour of the investigated materials, different concepts of elastic‐plastic mechanics (J‐integral and crack‐tip opening displacement, CTOD concepts) were used. Although the lamellar block copolymers showed a remarkably enhanced ductility in the tensile test than the neat block copolymer having hexagonal PB cylinders in PS matrix, no pronounced difference in crack toughness was found. This behaviour implies that the tensile strain cannot be regarded as the only parameter defining the toughness value. A brittle/tough transition was observed in a lamellar star block copolymer on blending with a linear thermoplastic elastomeric SBS triblock copolymer.SEM micrograph showing the details of the stable crack propagation region in a binary block copolymer blend.magnified imageSEM micrograph showing the details of the stable crack propagation region in a binary block copolymer blend.
Crystallization Controlled by Silicate Surfaces in Nylon 6‐Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Maiti Pralay , Okamoto Masami 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe crystallization behavior of pure nylon 6 (N6) and its nanocomposite with montmorillonite has been studied in detail. The crystallization rate of N6 is faster in the presence of clay compared to pure N6, as revealed by light scattering experiments. Nylon 6 crystallizes exclusively in the γ‐form in the nanocomposite because of the epitaxial crystallization, which is also revealed from the transmission electron microscopic images (sandwiched structure) of the crystallized sample. The storage modulus of the nanocomposite is always higher than the pure nylon 6, irrespective of crystallization temperatures. Much higher increment of storage modulus for pure nylon 6 with increasing crystallization temperature is explained by the higher amount of the thermally stable α‐form at higher temperature. A unique mechanism has been proposed to illustrate the crystallization behavior of nylon 6 in the presence of the clay particles.Transmission electron micrograph of N6C3.7 crystallized at 210 °C, showing the typical shish‐kebab type of structure.magnified imageTransmission electron micrograph of N6C3.7 crystallized at 210 °C, showing the typical shish‐kebab type of structure.
Synthesis of Poly(methyl‐co‐trifluoropropyl)silsesquioxanes and Their Thin Films for Low Dielectric Application
Authors: Hyeon‐Lee Jingyu , Kim Woon Chun , Min Sung Kyu , Ree Hee‐Woo , Yoon Do Y. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPoly(methyl‐co‐trifluoropropyl)silsesquioxanes (P(M‐co‐TFP)SSQs) were prepared using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane (TFPTMS). The molecular weight, microstructure of the copolymers and properties of their thin films have been changed by adjusting reaction parameters such as the molar ratio of water to silane, the molar ratio of catalyst to silane, reaction time, solvent content, and temperature. The refractive index of the copolymer thin film decreased from 1.404 to ca. 1.348 as curing temperature was increased to 420 °C. The dielectric constant of the film decreased with an increase of the molecular weight of the copolymer, and the lowest dielectric constant obtained was ca. 2.2. Hardness and elastic modulus of the thin films were 0.7 and 5 GPa, respectively. Crack velocity was measured to be 10−11 m/s at the film thickness of around 0.9 μm under aqueous environment.magnified image
A mathematical model for impulse resistance welding
Authors: Duderstadt F. , Hömberg D. , Khludnev A. M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe present a mathematical model of impulse resistance welding. It accounts for electrical, thermal and mechanical effects, which are non‐linearly coupled by the balance laws, constitutive equations and boundary conditions. The electrical effects of the weld machine are incorporated by a discrete oscillator circuit which is coupled to the field equations by a boundary condition.We prove the existence of weak solutions for a slightly simplified model which however still covers most of its essential features, e.g. the quadratic Joule heat term and a quadratic term due to non‐elastic energy dissipation.We discuss the numerical implementation in a 2D setting, present some numerical results and conclude with some remarks on future research. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplicity of solutions for a class of non‐symmetric eigenvalue hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Ciulcu Claudiu , Motreanu Dumitru , Rădulescu Vicenţiu 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to establish the influence of a non‐symmetric perturbation for a symmetric hemivariational eigenvalue inequality with constraints. The original problem was studied by Goeleven et al. (Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 1997; 20: 548) who deduced the existence of infinitely many solutions for the symmetric case. In this paper it is shown that the number of solutions of the perturbed problem becomes larger and larger if the perturbation tends to zero with respect to a natural topology. The approach relies on topological methods in non‐smooth critical point theory leading to this new multiplicity information. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.