bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structured pseudospectra in structural engineering
Authors: Wagenknecht Thomas , Agarwal Jitendra 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a new method for computing the pseudospectra of a matrix that respects a prescribed sparsity structure. The pseudospectrum is defined as the set of points in the complex plane to which an eigenvalue of the matrix can be shifted by a perturbation of a certain size. A canonical form for sparsity preserving perturbations is given and a computable formula for the corresponding structured pseudospectra is derived. This formula relates the computation of structured pseudospectra to the computation of the structured singular value (ssv) of an associated matrix. Although the computation of the ssv in general is an NP‐hard problem, algorithms for its approximation are available and demonstrate good performance when applied to the computation of structured pseudospectra of medium‐sized or highly sparse matrices.The method is applied to a wing vibration problem, where it is compared with the matrix polynomial approach, and to the stability analysis of truss structures. New measures for the vulnerability of a truss structure are proposed, which are related to the ‘distance to singularity’ of the associated stiffness matrix. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating physical function in an adolescent bone tumor population
Authors: Pakulis P. Janine , Young Nancy L. , Davis Aileen M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundSurvival rates for patients with bone tumors have increased dramatically over the past few decades. Unfortunately, many patients face functional limitations resulting from disease management, but there is little evidence regarding physical functioning in adolescents with bone tumors. This lack is largely due to the absence of a standardized measure for evaluating adolescent sarcoma physical functioning. This review discusses considerations in searching for a measure of adolescent physical functioning, evaluates measures previously used in assessing functional outcome in young sarcoma patients, reviews self‐report measures of pediatric physical functioning, and makes recommendations for future research.ProcedureElectronic databases were searched for studies published between 1980 and 2004. Studies examining physical functioning in adolescent sarcoma patients and those describing measures of pediatric physical functioning were included.ResultsThe study includes measures previously used in the adolescent bone tumor literature (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Mankin, Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score [TESS]), and three measures of pediatric physical function (Functional Disability Inventory, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument [PODCI], Activities Scale for Kids [ASK]). The TESS, PODCI, and ASK each met at least four of the outlined applicability and feasibility components.ConclusionThe search for a measure of physical functioning for adolescent sarcoma patients requires an exploration of many developmental and measurement issues. Based on the sensibility review presented, the TESS, PODCI, and ASK are recommended for further evaluation of content and of the measurement properties of reliability, validity, and responsiveness, prior to their use in evaluating adolescent sarcoma patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for diabetes insipidus in langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Grois N. , Pötschger U. , Prosch H. , Minkov M. , Arico M. , Braier J. , Henter J‐I. , Janka‐Schaub G. , Ladisch S. , Ritter J. , Steiner M. , Unger E. , Gadner H. ,   for the DALHX‐ and LCH I and II Study Committee
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes insipidus (DI) is the most frequent central nervous system (CNS)‐related permanent consequence in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), which mostly requires life‐long hormone replacement therapy. In an attempt to define the population at risk for DI, 1,741 patients with LCH registered on the trials DALHX 83 and DALHX 90, LCH I and LCH II were studied.ResultsOverall 212 of 1,741 patients (12%) was reported to have DI. In 102 of 1,741 patients (6%) DI was present at diagnosis of LCH. One thousand one hundred eighty three of 1,539 patients without DI at diagnosis had follow up information. One hundred ten of these (9%) later developed DI. The risk of developing DI was 20% at 15 years after diagnosis. Multisystem disease patients at diagnosis carried a 4.6‐fold risk for DI compared to single system patients. Craniofacial lesions, in particular in the “ear,” “eye,” and oral region were associated with a significantly increased risk for DI (relative hazard rate, RHR 1.7), independent of the extent of disease. No influence of the duration of therapy could be determined, but the duration of initial disease activity (RHR 1.5) and the occurrence of reactivations (RHR 3.5) significantly increased the risk for DI.ConclusionsPatients with multisystem disease and craniofacial involvement at diagnosis, in particular of the “ear,” “eye,” and the oral region carry a significantly increased risk to develop DI during their course. This risk is augmented when the disease remains active for a longer period or reactivates. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Few but severe viral infections in children with cancer: A prospective RT‐PCR and PCR‐based 12‐month study
Authors: Christensen Merete Stubkjaer , Nielsen Lars Peter , Hasle Henrik 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of low‐risk febrile episodes with oral administered antibiotics at home is a new approach in pediatric oncology and protective isolation is loosened in more centers. The impact of viral respiratory infections in febrile diseases in this population is still unclear in terms of occurrence and morbidity.ProcedureA prospective follow‐up study of all febrile episodes during 12 months in a pediatric oncology department with a high level of protective isolation was set‐up with expanded molecular viral examinations. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and PCR diagnostics of ten viruses, two atypical bacteria, and one fungus were performed and clinical information on all infections was registered.ResultsA total of 250 febrile episodes in 66 patients were registered. In all, 198 respiratory secretions, predominantly oral washes, and 165 anal swabs were analyzed. Twenty‐two infections were diagnosed: 7 rhinovirus infections, 4 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, 2 varicella‐zoster‐virus (VZV) infections, 1 influenza B virus infection, 1 parainfluenza virus type 3 infection (PIV3), 1 human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, 1 enterovirus infection, 0 adenovirus infections, 0 influenza A virus infections, and 3 non‐viral pneumonias: 1 M. Pneumonia, 1 C. Pneumonia, and 1 P. Carinii. The detected pathogens correlated well to the clinical disease. Patients with viral infections were as affected as patients with bacteria in the blood. One of 19 viral infections was lethal, a RSV pneumonia. C‐reactive protein concentrations were not able to distinguish viral infections from bacteremias.ConclusionsThe applied sampling method was acceptable and molecular diagnosis of viruses, atypical bacteria and P. Carinii increased the microbiological verification of infections by 35%. Viral infections were few in our protected population but caused severe infectious complications in these patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paraneoplastic syndrome and intrathoracic Castleman disease
Authors: Hung Iou‐Jih , Lin Jainn‐Jim , Yang Chao‐Ping , Hsueh Chuen 
Published: July 2005

AbstractWe report two cases of intrathoracic Castleman disease presenting with paraneoplastic syndrome. Patient 1 was a 10‐year‐old girl with short stature. She was found to have delayed bone age, slow growth velocity, and iron‐deficiency anemia, which was refractory to treatment. Thrombocytosis and hypergammaglobulinemia were later detected. Chest X‐ray revealed a hilar mass. Patient 2 was a 14‐year‐old boy who had severe cough, progressive mucocutaneous erosion, and dermatitis. Chest X‐ray showed a mediastinal mass. Sections of skin biopsy showed findings consistent with pemphigus disease. In each case, the histological diagnosis of Castleman disease was made. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:616–620. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of childhood intracranial germinoma: Long‐term survival and late effects
Authors: Strojan Primož , Zadravec Lorna Zaletel , Anžič Jožica , Korenjak Roman , Jereb Berta 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present report was to evaluate the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of childhood intracranial germinoma in view of long‐term survival and functional outcome.ProcedureNine children with histologically verified intracranial germinomas treated in Slovenia between 1983 and 1995 were reviewed. The four boys and five girls were 8.8–16.9 years old (median, 11.3 years). Five tumors were suprasellar, three were in the pineal region, and one patient had bifocal disease. Two patients had disseminated tumor. All patients received radiotherapy: six to the tumor bed, one to the whole brain, and two to the whole central nervous axis (CNA). The doses to the tumor bed ranged from 30 to 46 Gy (median, 44 Gy) and to the CNA were 24 and 34.5 Gy. Five patients received neoadjuvant cyclophosphamide and three patients, all with β‐human chorionic gonadotropin secreting tumors, received neoadjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.ResultsSix patients are alive 12.8–21.8 years (median, 19 years) from diagnosis. The causes of death in three patients were disseminated disease, toxicity of salvage chemotherapy, and secondary etoposide‐induced leukemia. All patients with suprasellar tumors presented with overt endocrinopathy. Results of psychological evaluation were subnormal in one out of five patients tested. Estimate of mental deterioration due to therapy ranged from 0% to 30% (median, 15%). Emotional disorder was registered in four patients and psycho‐organic syndrome in three.ConclusionsOur results on long‐term survival and functional outcome confirm the efficacy and relative safety of limited‐field and reduced‐dose radiotherapy for childhood intracranial germinoma when supplemented with chemotherapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temozolomide and oral VP‐16 for children and young adults with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas
Authors: Korones David N. , Smith Amy , Foreman Nicholas , Bouffet Eric 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundChildren and young adults with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas have limited responses to temozolomide or oral VP‐16 when either is administered as a single agent. We postulated that a combination of these two drugs for patients with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas might result in better and more prolonged responses. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients treated with the combination of temozolomide and VP‐16.ProcedureEleven patients with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas were treated with varying combinations of temozolomide (150–210 mg/m2/d for 5 days) and oral VP‐16 (50 mg/m2/d for 4–12 days). Responses were assessed by MRI scan, and data on clinical course and toxicity were retrospectively obtained from the medical record.ResultsThe median age of the 11 patients was 17 years (range 5–23 years). Diagnoses included recurrent brain stem glioma (2), recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma (2), and glioblastoma (7) (3 treatment‐induced, 2 malignant transformations of lower grade tumors, 1 recurrence, and 1 second tumor arising 10 months after diagnosis of medulloblastoma). All 11 patients had received radiotherapy (including 4 who received craniospinal radiation), and 7 had prior chemotherapy. Nine patients were treated at first recurrence, two at second recurrence. One patient had a complete response (CR), six had partial responses (PR), and four had progressive disease (PD). The median progression‐free survival for the seven responding patients was 6 months (range 4–15+ months). There was one grade 4 neutropenia, but no other grade 3 or 4 toxicities.ConclusionsThese data suggest there is activity of temozolomide in combination with oral VP‐16 for children and young adults with recurrent malignant gliomas. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged severe pancytopenia preceding the cutaneous lesions of juvenile xanthogranuloma
Authors: Hara Takuya , Ohga Shouichi , Hattori Sagano , Hatano Miho , Kaku Noriyuki , Nomura Akihiko , Takada Hidetoshi , Kokuba Hisashi , Ohshima Koichi , Hara Toshiro 
Published: July 2005

AbstractWe report a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) having progressive pancytopenia for 6 months until the proliferating skin lesions. A 2‐month‐old infant presented recurrent fever, anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly mimicking hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). At 8 months of age, the biopsy of a growing papule on the elbow made the diagnosis. Bone marrow (BM) specimens showed clustering foamy cells including hemophagocytosis by histiocytes. Treatment with etoposide followed by vinblastine plus prednisolone (PSL) therapy improved the disease. Although JXG is a benign non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis, the multisystem‐visceral form should be considered as a potential aggressive disease when associated with BM failure in early infancy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of ventricular function in sickle cell disease: Effect of long‐term erythrocytapheresis
Authors: Raj Ashok B. , Condurache Tania , Bertolone Salvatore , Williams David , Lorenz Douglas , Sobczyk Walter 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies on cardiac function in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrated abnormalities of systolic and diastolic function including elevated left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI) on chronic transfusion protocols. LVMPI has been validated as a useful and easy non‐invasive measure of overall cardiac function. Up to now, there are no reported studies on cardiac function in patients with SCD maintained on long‐term erythrocytapheresis (LTE).ProceduresWe recorded LVMPI in 22 patients with SCD aged 3–20 years and we compared the results between non‐transfused patients (NT‐SCD) and patients on LTE (T‐SCD).ResultsMales with SCD had higher mean LVMPI than females (P = 0.04). There were significant differences among T‐SCD, severe NT‐SCD, and mild NT‐SCD patients with respect to hemoglobin (Hb) levels (P = .003) and TR velocity (P = .03). T‐SCD patients showed elevated LVMPI compared to NT‐SCD patients with severe and mild disease (P = 0.002). Pair‐wise comparisons demonstrated that T‐SCD patients had LVMPI that was significantly higher than NT‐SCD (mild) patients (P = 0.01).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that patients SCD on LTE have cardiac dysfunction based on elevated LVMPI. This may be a reflection of the global severity of disease. Our findings merit further investigation with serial monitoring of LVMPI on a larger number of patients with SCD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of prefractionation methods as a preparatory step for multidimensional based chromatography of serum proteins
Authors: Barnea Eilon , Sorkin Raya , Ziv Tamar , Beer Ilan , Admon Arie 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPrefractionations of proteins prior to their proteolysis, chromatography, and MS/MS analyses help reduce complexity and increase the yield of protein identifications. A number of methods were evaluated here for prefractionating serum samples distributed to the participating laboratories as part of the human Plasma Proteome Project. These methods include strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography, slicing of SDS‐PAGE gel bands, and liquid‐phase IEF of the proteins. The fractionated proteins were trypsinized and the resulting peptides were resolved and analyzed by multidimensional protein identification technology coupled to IT MS/MS. The MS/MS spectra were clustered, combined, and searched against the IPI protein databank using Pep‐Miner. The identification results were evaluated for the efficacy of the different prefractionation methodologies to identify larger numbers of proteins at higher confidence and to achieve the best coverage of the proteins with the identified peptides. Prefractionation based on SCX resulted in the largest number of identified proteins, followed by gel slices and then the liquid‐phase IEF. An important observation was that each of the methods revealed a set of unique proteins, some identified with high confidence. Therefore, for comprehensive identification of the serum proteins, several different prefractionation approaches should be used in parallel.
Efficient prefractionation of low‐abundance proteins in human plasma and construction of a two‐dimensional map
Authors: Cho Sang Yun , Lee Eun‐Young , Lee Joon Seok , Kim Hye‐Young , Park Jae Myun , Kwon Min‐Seok , Park Young‐Kew , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Kang Min‐Jung , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin , Park Sung Jin , Cho Jin Won , Kim Hyon‐Suk , Paik Young‐Ki 
Published: July 2005

AbstractHuman plasma is the most clinically valuable specimen, containing not only a dynamic concentration range of protein components, but also several groups of high‐abundance proteins that seriously interfere with the detection of low‐abundance potential biomarker proteins. To establish a high‐throughput method for efficient depletion of high‐abundance proteins and subsequent fractionation, prior to molecular analysis of proteins, we explored how coupled immunoaffinity columns, commercially available as multiple affinity removal columns (MARC) and free flow electrophoresis (FFE), could apply to the HUPO plasma proteome project. Here we report identification of proteins and construction of a human plasma 2‐DE map devoid of six major abundance proteins (albumin, transferrin, IgG, IgA, haptoglobin, and antitrypsin) using MARC. The proteins were identified by PMF, matching with various internal 2‐DE maps, resulting in a total of 144 nonredundant proteins that were identified from 398 spots. Tissue plasminogen activator, usually present at 10–60 ng/mL plasma, was also identified, indicative of a potentially low‐abundance biomarker. Comparison of representative 2‐D gel images of three ethnic groups (Caucasian, Asian‐American, African‐American) plasma exhibited minor differences in certain proteins between races and sample pretreatment. To establish a throughput fractionation of plasma samples by FFE, either MARC flow‐through fractions or untreated samples of Korean serum were subjected to FFE. After separation of samples on FFE, an aliquot of each fraction was analyzed by 1‐D gel, in which MARC separation was a prerequisite for FFE work. Thus, a working scheme of MARC → FFE → 1‐D PAGE → 2‐D‐nanoLC‐MS/MS may be considered as a widely applicable standard platform technology for fractionation of complex samples like plasma.
Anionic copolymerization of styrenic‐tipped macromonomers: A route to novel triblock–comb copolymers of styrene and isoprene
Authors: Christodoulou Spiros , Iatrou Hermis , Lohse David J. , Hadjichristidis Nikos 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe following triblock–comb copolymers of isoprene (I) and styrene (S)—PS‐b‐(PI‐g‐PI)‐b‐PS, PS‐b‐[PI‐g‐(PI‐b‐PS)]‐b‐PS, and (PS‐g‐PS)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PI)‐b‐(PS‐g‐PS) (where PS is polystyrene and PI is polyisoprene)—with PS contents of 20–30% were synthesized with high‐vacuum techniques and the anionic copolymerization of styrenic‐tipped macromonomers with I and S. The macromonomers, prepared by the reaction of living PI or PS with 4‐(chlorodimethylsilyl) styrene, were used without isolation. Molecular characterization by size exclusion chromatography, size exclusion chromatography/two‐angle laser light scattering, and NMR spectroscopy indicated that the triblock–comb copolymers had high molecular and compositional homogeneity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4030–4039, 2005
Effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization and properties of polypropylene
Authors: Leelapornpisit Weawkamol , Ton‐That Minh‐Tan , Perrin‐Sarazin Florence , Cole Kenneth C. , Denault Johanne , Simard Benoit 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe effect of different concentrations of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) matrix composites obtained by melt compounding was investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Microscopy showed well‐dispersed nanotube ropes together with small and large aggregates. The modulus was found to increase by about 75% at a level of 0.5 wt % nanotubes. The SWNTs displayed a clear nucleating effect on the PP crystallization, favoring the α crystalline form rather than the β form. The crystallization kinetics analysis showed a significant increase in activation energy on incorporating nanotubes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2445–2453, 2005
Solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: a new method for species identification of truffles
Authors: Gioacchini Anna Maria , Menotta Michele , Bertini Luana , Rossi Ismaela , Zeppa Sabrina , Zambonelli Alessandra , Piccoli Giovanni , Stocchi Vilberto 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis study describes a rapid method to identify different truffle species by analysis of their volatile compound fraction using static headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were extracted using a new 2‐cm 50/30 µm DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber placed for 10 min in the headspace of the truffle sample with the vial maintained at 20°C (in a thermostatically controlled analysis room). The mass spectra of the VOC chromatograms were represented as ‘fingerprints’ of the analysed samples. Next, stepwise factorial discriminant analysis afforded a limited number of characteristic fragment ions that allowed a classification of the truffle species studied. This new method provides an effective approach to rapid quality control and identification of truffle species by analysis of their volatile fraction. Moreover, this method offers the advantage of minimizing thermal, mechanical, and chemical modifications of the truffles, thereby reducing the risk of analytical artifacts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.