Elevated levels of preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA serum levels have independently poor prognostic significance in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative tumor markers, cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in breast cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels of 1681 patients were measured. The association of both tumor markers levels with clinicopathological parameters and outcomes was investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Among 1681 patients, elevated preoperative CA15-3 and CEA levels were identified in 176 and 131 patients, respectively. Higher preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels were significantly associated with a larger tumor size, axillary node metastases, and advanced stage. Patients with elevated CA 15-3 and CEA levels showed worse survival, even in stage-matched analysis. Patients with normal levels of both CA15-3 and CEA showed better survival than those with one or both markers levels elevated. In multivariate analysis, elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels were independent prognostic factors. The statistical significance of elevated preoperative tumor markers levels on survival was solidified with longer follow-up and larger study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels are associated with tumor burden and showed independent prognostic significance. Therefore, new treatment strategies are necessary for patients with elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels in clinical practice.

Association of CXCL1 promoter polymorphism with ischaemic stroke in Korean population

This is a pilot study analysing association of chemokine gene polymorphisms (CXCL1, rs3117604; CXCL2, rs3806792; CCL2, rs2857656 and rs3760396; CCL5, rs2107538) in Korean patients with ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 120) and age-matched controls (n = 267). The CXCL1 gene and particularly T allele of rs3117604 was associated with IS.

Measurements of the top-quark mass and the tt cross section in the hadronic τ+jets decay channel at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present the first direct measurement of the top-quark mass using tt events decaying in the hadronic τ+jets decay channel. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.2 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, we measure the tt cross section, σ(tt), and the top-quark mass, M(top). We extract M(top) from a likelihood based on per-event probabilities calculated with leading-order signal and background matrix elements. We measure σ(tt) = 8.8 ± 3.3(stat) ± 2.2(syst) pb and M(top) = 172.7 ± 9.3(stat) ± 3.7(syst) GeV/c(2).

Search for the standard model Higgs Boson produced in association with top quarks using the full CDF data set

A search is presented for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with top quarks using the full Run II proton-antiproton collision data set, corresponding to 9.45 fb(-1), collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. No significant excess over the expected background is observed, and 95% credibility-level upper bounds are placed on the cross section σ(ttH → lepton + missing transverse energy+jets). For a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV/c(2), we expect to set a limit of 12.6 and observe a limit of 20.5 times the standard model rate. This represents the most sensitive search for a standard model Higgs boson in this channel to date.

A randomized phase II study of irinotecan plus cisplatin versus irinotecan plus capecitabine with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

We investigated the efficacy of irinotecan/cisplatin (IP) versus irinotecan/capecitabine (IX) with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) in chemo-naïve advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Initially, 74 patients were randomly assigned to either IP or IX. Given the potential benefits of ISMN on chemotherapy, the protocol was amended during the study. Subsequently, 72 patients were randomly assigned to either IP + ISMN or IX + ISMN. Patients were treated with predefined second-line therapies (docetaxel/capecitabine for IP or IP + ISMN, docetaxel/cisplatin for IX or IX + ISMN) when disease progressed.

RESULTS

A total of 146 received treatment. Response rate (RR), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 49%, 5.5 months, 14.5 months in IP; 33%, 3.3 months, 13.0 months in IP + ISMN; 30%, 4.3 months, 16.1 months in IX; and 25%, 3.4 months, 13.6 months in IX + ISMN, respectively. While IP arm showed a trend toward higher RR and longer PFS than IX arm, IX arm showed a trend toward longer OS than IP arm. No significant differences were observed between IP + ISMN and IX + ISMN.

CONCLUSION

IP showed better RR and PFS but no OS benefit when compared with IX. The addition of ISMN to IP or IX chemotherapy did not seem to improve the treatment outcome.

Measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase in the full CDF data set

We report a measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase β(s) using the time evolution of B(s)(0)→J/ψ(→μ(+)μ(-))φ(→K(+)K(-)) decays in which the quark-flavor content of the bottom-strange meson is identified at production. This measurement uses the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at √s=1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron, corresponding to 9.6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. We report confidence regions in the two-dimensional space of β(s) and the B(s)(0) decay-width difference ΔΓ(s) and measure β(s)∈[-π/2,-1.51]∪[-0.06,0.30]∪[1.26,π/2] at the 68% confidence level, in agreement with the standard model expectation. Assuming the standard model value of β(s), we also determine ΔΓ(s)=0.068±0.026(stat)±0.009(syst) ps(-1) and the mean B(s)(0) lifetime τ(s)=1.528±0.019(stat)±0.009(syst) ps, which are consistent and competitive with determinations by other experiments.

Enhanced infrared magneto-optical response of the nonmagnetic semiconductor BiTeI driven by bulk Rashba splitting

We study the magneto-optical (MO) response of the polar semiconductor BiTeI with giant bulk Rashba spin splitting at various carrier densities. Despite being nonmagnetic, the material is found to yield a huge MO activity in the infrared region under moderate magnetic fields (up to 3 T). Our first-principles calculations show that the enhanced MO response of BiTeI comes mainly from the intraband transitions between the Rashba-split bulk conduction bands. These transitions connecting electronic states with opposite spin directions become active due to the presence of strong spin-orbit interaction and give rise to distinct features in the MO spectra with a systematic doping dependence. We predict an even more pronounced enhancement in the low-energy MO response and dc Hall effect near the crossing (Dirac) point of the conduction bands.

Precision top-quark mass measurement at CDF

We present a precision measurement of the top-quark mass using the full sample of Tevatron √s = 1.96 TeV proton-antiproton collisions collected by the CDF II detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.7 fb(-1). Using a sample of tt¯ candidate events decaying into the lepton+jets channel, we obtain distributions of the top-quark masses and the invariant mass of two jets from the W boson decays from data. We then compare these distributions to templates derived from signal and background samples to extract the top-quark mass and the energy scale of the calorimeter jets with in situ calibration. The likelihood fit of the templates from signal and background events to the data yields the single most-precise measurement of the top-quark mass, M(top)=172.85±0.71(stat)±0.85(syst) GeV/c(2).

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with one charged lepton and large missing transverse energy using the full CDF data set

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W boson in sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV pp collision data collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the W boson to an electron or muon and a neutrino, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the WH production cross section times the H→bb branching ratio as a function of Higgs boson mass. At a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), we observe (expect) a limit of 4.9 (2.8) times the standard model value.

Measurement of the difference in CP-violating asymmetries in D(0)→K(+)K(-) and D(0)→π(+)π(-) decays at CDF

We report a measurement of the difference (ΔA(CP)) between time-integrated CP-violating asymmetries in D(0)→K(+)K(-) and D(0)→π(+)π(-) decays reconstructed in the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab, corresponding to 9.7  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The strong decay D(*+)→D(0)π(+) is used to identify the charm meson at production as D(0) or D[over ¯](0). We measure ΔA(CP)=[-0.62±0.21(stat)±0.10(syst)]%, which differs from zero by 2.7 Gaussian standard deviations. This result supports similar evidence for CP violation in charm-quark decays obtained in proton-proton collisions.

Combined search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair using the full CDF data set

We combine the results of searches for the standard model (SM) Higgs boson based on the full CDF Run II data set obtained from sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV pp collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). The searches are conducted for Higgs bosons that are produced in association with a W or Z boson, have masses in the range 90-150  GeV/c(2), and decay into bb pairs. An excess of data is present that is inconsistent with the background prediction at the level of 2.5 standard deviations (the most significant local excess is 2.7 standard deviations).

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with no charged leptons and large missing transverse energy using the full CDF data set

We report on a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a vector boson in the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV recorded by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). We consider events having no identified charged lepton, a transverse energy imbalance, and two or three jets, of which at least one is consistent with originating from the decay of a b quark. We place 95% credibility level upper limits on the production cross section times standard model branching fraction for several mass hypotheses between 90 and 150  GeV/c(2). For a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), the observed (expected) limit is 6.7 (3.6) times the standard model prediction.

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with two oppositely charged leptons using the full CDF data set

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a Z boson in data collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the Z boson to electron or muon pairs, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the ZH production cross section times the H→bb branching ratio as a function of Higgs boson mass. At a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), we observe (expect) a limit of 7.1 (3.9) times the standard model value.

Fast microtomography using bright monochromatic x-rays

A fast microtomography system for high-resolution high-speed imaging has been developed using bright monochromatic x-rays at the BL29XU beamline of SPring-8. The shortest scan time for microtomography we attained was 0.25 s in 1.25 μm effective pixel size by combining the bright monochromatic x-rays, a fast rotating sample stage, and a high performance x-ray imaging detector. The feasibility of the tomography system was successfully demonstrated by visualization of rising bubbles in a viscous liquid, an interesting issue in multiphase flow physics. This system also provides a high spatial (a measurable feature size of 300 nm) or a very high temporal (9.8 μs) resolution in radiographs.

Evidence for a particle produced in association with weak bosons and decaying to a bottom-antibottom quark pair in higgs boson searches at the tevatron

We combine searches by the CDF and D0 Collaborations for the associated production of a Higgs boson with a W or Z boson and subsequent decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-antibottom quark pair. The data, originating from Fermilab Tevatron pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV, correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 9.7 fb(-1). The searches are conducted for a Higgs boson with mass in the range 100-150 GeV/c(2). We observe an excess of events in the data compared with the background predictions, which is most significant in the mass range between 120 and 135 GeV/c(2). The largest local significance is 3.3 standard deviations, corresponding to a global significance of 3.1 standard deviations. We interpret this as evidence for the presence of a new particle consistent with the standard model Higgs boson, which is produced in association with a weak vector boson and decays to a bottom-antibottom quark pair.

Forming mechanism of the bipolar resistance switching in double-layer memristive nanodevices

To initiate resistance switching phenomena, it is usually necessary to apply a strong electric field to a sample. This forming process poses very serious obstacles in real nanodevice applications. In unipolar resistance switching (URS), it is well known that the forming originates from soft dielectric breakdown. However, the forming in bipolar resistance switching (BRS) is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the forming processes in Pt/Ta₂O₅/TaOx/Pt and Pt/TaOx/Pt nanodevices, which showed BRS and URS, respectively. By comparing the double- and single-layer systems, we were able to observe differences in the BRS and URS forming processes. Using computer simulations based on an 'interface-modified random circuit breaker network model', we could explain most of our experimental observations. This success suggests that the BRS forming in our Pt/Ta₂O₅/TaOx/Pt double-layer system can occur via two processes, i.e., polarity-dependent resistance switching in the Ta₂O₅ layer and soft dielectric breakdown in the TaOx layer. This forming mechanism can be used to improve the performance of BRS devices. For example, we could improve the endurance properties of Pt/Ta₂O₅/TaOx/Pt cells by using a small forming voltage.

Lacrimal drainage obstruction in gastric cancer patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of lacrimal drainage obstruction (LDO) in patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive 170 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery and received adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy were enrolled. S-1 was administered orally (40 mg/m2 b.i.d. on days 1-28 every 6 weeks) for 1 year. Ophthalmologic examinations were carried out on patients complaining of epiphora.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (18%) developed epiphora. Among 31 patients, 25 underwent ophthalmologic examinations and 22 (88%) were diagnosed with LDO. The median time to the onset of LDO was 2.9 months. The most common site of obstruction was the nasolacrimal duct [86% (19/22)]; punctal [23% (5/22)] and canalicular obstruction [14% (3/22)] were also noted. In multivariate analysis, total gastrectomy [versus partial gastrectomy: hazard ratio (HR), 2.9; P=0.014] and creatinine clearance<50 ml/min (versus ≥50 ml/min: HR, 2.9; P=0.038) were independent risk factors for the development of LDO.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high incidence of LDO in patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy, oncologists should be alert to epiphora and cooperate with ophthalmologists in the early stages to improve the quality of life of patients and avoid more complicated ophthalmologic procedures.

Efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer patients harboring either exon 19 or 21 mutation

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation shows good and rapid response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of EGFR TKI for metastatic brain tumors in NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutation. This was an open-label, single-institution, phase II study. Patients diagnosed with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation and measurable metastatic brain tumors were eligible. They received either erlotinib or gefitinib once a day. Out of total 28 patients enrolled, 23 patients (83%) showed a partial response (PR) and 3 patients (11%) did stable disease (SD), giving a disease control rate of 93%. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.6 months (95% CI, 3.8-9.3 months) and 15.9 months (95% CI, 7.2-24.6 months), respectively. There was no difference in PFS and OS according to EGFR TKIs used. After discontinuation of the treatment, 14 patients (50%) received local therapy for metastatic brain tumors during their disease course, either whole brain radiotherapy or radiosurgery, giving a local therapy-free interval of 12.6 months (95% CI, 7.6-17.6 months). EGFR TKI therapy might be the treatment of choice for metastatic brain tumors in NSCLC patients harboring an activating EGFR mutation.

Search for dark matter in events with one jet and missing transverse energy in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for dark matter production in the monojet signature. We analyze a sample of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √s=1.96 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7 fb(-1) recorded by the CDF II detector. In events with large missing transverse energy and one energetic jet, we find good agreement between the standard model prediction and the observed data. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the dark matter production rate. The limits are translated into bounds on nucleon-dark matter scattering rates which are competitive with current direct detection bounds on spin-independent interaction below a dark matter candidate mass of 5 GeV/c(2), and on spin-dependent interactions up to masses of 200 GeV/c(2).

Interactions between occlusion and human brain function activities

There are few review articles in the area of human research that focus on the interactions between occlusion and brain function. This systematic review discusses the effect of occlusion on the health of the entire body with a focus on brain function. Available relevant articles in English from 1999 to 2011 were assessed in an online database and as hard copies in libraries. The selected 19 articles were classified into the following five categories: chewing and tongue movements, clenching and grinding, occlusal splints and occlusal interference, prosthetic rehabilitation, and pain and stimulation. The relationships between the brain activity observed in the motor and sensory cortices and movements of the oral and maxillofacial area, such as those produced by gum chewing, tapping and clenching, were investigated. It was found that the sensorimotor cortex was also affected by the placement of the occlusal interference devices, splints and implant prostheses. Brain activity may change depending on the strength of the movements in the oral and maxillofacial area. Therefore, mastication and other movements stimulate the activity in the cerebral cortex and may be helpful in preventing degradation of a brain function. However, these findings must be verified by evidence gathered from more subjects.

Search for a heavy particle decaying to a top quark and a light quark in pp ¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new heavy particle X produced in association with a top quark, pp[over ¯]→t(X→t[over ¯]q) or pp[over ¯]→t[over ¯](X[over ¯]→tq[over ¯]), where q stands for up quarks and down quarks. Such a particle may explain the recent anomalous measurements of top-quark forward-backward asymmetry. If the light-flavor quark (q) is reconstructed as a jet (j), this gives a t[over ¯]+j or t+j resonance in tt[over ¯]+jet events, a previously unexplored experimental signature. In a sample of events with exactly one lepton, missing transverse momentum and at least five jets, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.7 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector, we find the data to be consistent with the standard model. We set cross-section upper limits on the production (pp[over ¯]→Xt or X[over ¯]t[over ¯]) at 95% confidence level from 0.61 pb to 0.02 pb for X masses ranging from 200 GeV/c(2) to 800 GeV/c(2), respectively.

Evidence for the charmless annihilation decay mode B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-)

We search for annihilation decay modes of neutral b mesons into pairs of charmless charged hadrons with the upgraded Collider Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Using a data sample corresponding to 6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we obtain the first evidence for the B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-) decay, with a significance of 3.7σ, and a measured branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-))=(0.57±0.15(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6). A search for the B(0)→K(+)K(-) mode in the same sample yields a significance of 2.0σ, and a central value estimate B(B(0)→K(+)K(-))=(0.23±0.10(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6).

Clinical guidelines for the management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a non-malignant condition caused by post-zygotic, activating mutations of the GNAS gene that results in inhibition of the differentiation and proliferation of bone-forming stromal cells and leads to the replacement of normal bone and marrow by fibrous tissue and woven bone. The phenotype is variable and may be isolated to a single skeletal site or multiple sites and sometimes is associated with extraskeletal manifestations in the skin and/or endocrine organs (McCune-Albright syndrome). The clinical behavior and progression of FD may also vary, thereby making the management of this condition difficult with few established clinical guidelines. This paper provides a clinically-focused comprehensive description of craniofacial FD, its natural progression, the components of the diagnostic evaluation and the multi-disciplinary management, and considerations for future research.

Measurement of Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios

The decays Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- are reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.8  fb-1 collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron pp[over ¯] collider. All decay modes are observed with a significance of more than 10σ, and we measure the Bs0 production rate times Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios relative to the normalization mode B0→Ds+D-to be 0.183±0.021±0.017 for Bs0→Ds+Ds-, 0.424±0.046±0.035 for Bs0→Ds*±Ds^∓, 0.654±0.072±0.065 for Bs0→Ds*+Ds*-, and 1.261±0.095±0.112 for the inclusive decay Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)-, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic. These results are the most precise single measurements to date and provide important constraints for indirect searches for nonstandard model physics in Bs0 mixing.

Search for a dark matter candidate produced in association with a single top quark in pp collisions at √[s]=1.96 TeV

We report a new search for dark matter in a data sample of an integrated luminosity of 7.7  fb-1 of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √[s]=1.96  TeV, collected by the CDF II detector. We search for production of a dark-matter candidate, D, in association with a single top quark. We consider the hadronic decay mode of the top quark exclusively, yielding a final state of three jets with missing transverse energy. The data are consistent with the standard model; we thus set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross section of the process pp[over ¯]→t+D as a function of the mass of the dark-matter candidate. The limits are approximately 0.5 pb for a dark-matter particle with mass in the range of 0-150  GeV/c2.

Patterns of pncA mutations in drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from patients in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Pyrazinamide (PZA), one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis drugs, becomes toxic to Mycobacterium tuberculosis when converted to pyrazinoic acid by pyrazinamidase (PZase). PZA resistance is caused mainly by the loss of enzyme activity by mutation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the patterns of pncA mutations in PZA-resistant mycobacteria isolated from South Korean patients.

METHODS

Mycobacterial isolates with clinically proven drug resistance were cultured to determine susceptibility to anti-tuberculosis agents. pncA mutations were recognised by sequencing and compared with the relevant wild-type DNA sequence.

RESULTS

Among 108 isolates, 102 were successfully cultured and underwent drug susceptibility testing; all were multidrug-resistant (MDR). pncA mutations were found in 86 cultured isolates (85.1%): 55 (84.6%) in MDR and 31 (86.1%) in extensively drug-resistant isolates. Substitution of a single nucleotide was most common. The most frequent mutations were a deletion that caused a frameshift at nucleotide (nt) 71, a substitution at nt 403 and a substitution at nt 11. Combined, these accounted for ≈ 40% of all mutations. However, 15 samples (14.9%) with defective PZase activity showed no mutation.

CONCLUSION

pncA mutation in M. tuberculosis is a major mechanism of PZA resistance in MDR isolates from patients in South Korea. The patterns of mutation might be more scattered and diverse. DNA-based diagnosis of PZA resistance has potential for the rapid detection of drug resistance.

Search for a low-mass standard model Higgs boson in the ττ decay channel in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report on a search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying into pairs of τ leptons in pp collisions produced by the Tevatron at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV. The analyzed data sample was recorded by the CDFII detector and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 6.0  fb(-1). The search is performed in the final state with one τ decaying leptonically and the second one identified through its semihadronic decay. Since no significant excess is observed, a 95% credibility level upper limit on the production cross section times branching ratio to the ττ final state is set for hypothetical Higgs boson masses between 100 and 150  GeV/c2. For a Higgs boson of 120  GeV/c2 the observed (expected) limit is 14.6 (15.3) the predicted value.

MRI to differentiate benign from malignant soft-tissue tumours of the extremities: a simplified systematic imaging approach using depth, size and heterogeneity of signal intensity

OBJECTIVE

Differentiating between malignant and benign lesions on the basis of MR images depends on the experience of the radiologist. For non-experts, we aimed to develop a simplified systematic MRI approach that uses depth, size and heterogeneity on T(2) weighted MR images (T(2)WI) to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions, and evaluated its diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

MR images of 266 patients with histologically proven soft-tissue tumours of the extremities (102 malignant, 164 benign) were analysed according to depth (superficial or deep), size (<50, ≥50 mm) and signal intensity (homogeneous or heterogeneous) on T(2)WI, to determine the ability of each to predict benign and malignant tumours. These three parameters were categorised into systematic combinations of different orders of application, and each combination was assessed for its ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that depth, size and heterogeneity on T(2)WI differed significantly between benign and malignant masses (p<0.0001 each). Multiple logistic regression analysis, however, showed that depth was not helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. The systematic combination of signal intensity, size and depth, in that order, was superior to other combinations, resulting in higher diagnostic values for malignancy, with a sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 85%, a positive predictive value of 32%, a negative predictive value of 59% and an accuracy of 77%.

CONCLUSION

A simplified systematic imaging approach, in the order signal intensity, size and depth, would be a reference to distinguish between benign and malignant soft-tissue tumours for non-experts.

Measurements of the angular distributions of muons from Υ decays in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

The angular distributions of muons from Υ(1S,2S,3S) → μ+ μ- decays are measured using data from pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7  fb(-1) and collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. This analysis is the first to report the full angular distributions as functions of transverse momentum p(T) for Υ mesons in both the Collins-Soper and s-channel helicity frames. This is also the first measurement of the spin alignment of Υ(3S) mesons. Within the kinematic range of Υ rapidity |y|<0.6 and p(T) up to 40  GeV/c, the angular distributions are found to be nearly isotropic.

Precise measurement of the W-boson mass with the CDF II detector

We have measured the W-boson mass M(W) using data corresponding to 2.2  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. Samples consisting of 470,126 W → eν candidates and 624,708 W → μν candidates yield the measurement M(W) = 80,387 ± 12(stat.) ± 15(syst.) = 80,387 ± 19  MeV/c2. This is the most precise measurement of the W-boson mass to date and significantly exceeds the precision of all previous measurements combined.

Size effects on the stabilization and growth of tetragonal ZrO2 crystallites in a nanotubular structure

The size effects on the stabilization of ZrO2 polymorphs in nanoscale and the growth behavior of their crystallites in 1-D nanotubular structures were investigated. Polycrystalline nanotubular structures of ZrO2 with tetragonal nanocrystallites were fabricated using nanoporous polycarbonate (PC) templates and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The as-prepared ZrO2 nanotubes showed polycrystalline structures of stabilized tetragonal polymorphs at room temperature. The wall thickness of the ZrO2 nanotubes was well controlled by the number of ALD cycles. Faster growth of the tetragonal nanocrystallites was observed in the nanotubes with a 50 nm outer diameter, than those of 200 nm. The Gibbs-Thompson relation can be used to explain the observed nanosize effects on the growth of the tetragonal ZrO2 nanocrystallites.

Indirect Estimation of CH4 from Livestock Feeds through TOCs Evaluation

Thirty-five available feeds were fermented in vitro in order to investigate their soluble total organic carbon (TOCs) and methane (CH₄) production rate. A fermentation reactor was designed to capture the CH₄ gas emitted and to collect liquor from the reactor during in vitro fermentation. The results showed that CH₄ production rate greatly varied among feeds with different ingredients. The lowest CH₄-producing feeds were corn gluten feed, brewer’s grain, and orchard grass among the energy, protein, and forage feed groups, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in digestibility, soluble total organic carbon (TOCs), and CH₄ emissions among feeds, during 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Digestibility and TOCs was not found to be related due to different fermentation pattern of each but TOCs production was directly proportional to CH₄ production (y = 0.0076x, r² = 0.83). From this in vitro study, TOCs production could be used as an indirect index for estimation of CH₄ emission from feed ingredients.

Development of decay energy spectroscopy using low temperature detectors

We have developed a high-resolution detection technique for measuring the energy and activity of alpha decay events using low-temperature detectors. A small amount of source material containing alpha-emitting radionuclides was enclosed in a 4π metal absorber. The energy of the alpha particles as well as that of the recoiled nuclides, low-energy electrons, and low-energy x-rays and γ-rays was converted into thermal energy of the gold absorber. A metallic magnetic calorimeter serving as a fast and sensitive thermometer was thermally attached to the metal absorber. In the present report, experimental demonstrations of Q spectroscopy were made with a new meander-type magnetic calorimeter. The thermal connection between the temperature sensor and the absorber was established with annealed gold wires. Each alpha decay event in the absorber resulted in a temperature increase of the absorber and the temperature sensor. Using the spectrum measured for a drop of (226)Ra solution in a 4π gold absorber, all of the alpha emitters in the sample were identified with a demonstration of good detector linearity. The resolution of the (226)Ra spectrum showed a 3.3 keV FWHM at its Q value together with an expected gamma escape peak at the energy shifted by its γ-ray energy.

Measurement of ZZ production in leptonic final states at sqrt[s] of 1.96 TeV at CDF

In this Letter, we present a precise measurement of the total ZZ production cross section in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV, using data collected with the CDF II detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 6  fb(-1). The result is obtained by combining separate measurements in the four-charged (ℓℓℓ' ℓ') and two-charged-lepton and two-neutral-lepton (ℓℓνν) decay modes of the Z boson pair. The combined measured cross section for pp → ZZ is 1.64(-0.38)(+0.44)  pb. This is the most precise measurement of the ZZ production cross section in 1.96 TeV pp collisions to date.

Conservative treatment of pediatric trigger thumb: follow-up for over 4 years

We analyzed the outcomes of our conservative treatment for pediatric trigger thumb. Since March 2004, we have used conservative treatment for all patients with pediatric trigger thumb. We prospectively analyzed 30 patients in whom 35 thumbs were affected (10 right, 15 left, 5 bilateral). The mean age at diagnosis was 28 (11-50) months. The treatment consisted of passive exercises performed by the children's mothers, 10-20 times daily. How reliably this was performed is unproven. Trigger thumb severity was graded as 0A (extension beyond 0°), 0B (extension to 0°), 1 (active extension with triggering), 2 (passive extension with triggering), and 3 (cannot extend either actively or passively i.e. locked). At diagnosis, six of the 35 thumbs (17%) were grade 1, 25 (71%) were grade 2, and four (11%) were grade 3. After a mean follow-up period of 63 (range, 49-73) months, 28 thumbs (80%) were grade 0A or 0B, 5 (14%) were grade 1 and 2 (6%) were grade 2. The bilateral cases and the patients who initially had grade 3 severity had significantly more unfavorable results than the other patients. This study suggests that conservative treatment for pediatric trigger thumb is a successful method, although cases that present with bilateral involvement or locking (grade 3) should be considered for early surgical release.

Observation of exclusive γγ production in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We have observed exclusive γγ production in proton-antiproton collisions at √s=1.96 TeV, using data from 1.11±0.07 fb(-1) integrated luminosity taken by the Run II Collider Detector at Fermilab. We selected events with two electromagnetic showers, each with transverse energy E(T)>2.5 GeV and pseudorapidity |η|<1.0, with no other particles detected in -7.4<η<+7.4. The two showers have similar E(T) and azimuthal angle separation Δφ~π; 34 events have two charged particle tracks, consistent with the QED process pp¯→p+e(+)e(-)+p¯ by two-photon exchange, while 43 events have no charged tracks. The number of these events that are exclusive π(0)π(0) is consistent with zero and is <15 at 95% C.L. The cross section for pp¯→p+γγ+p¯ with |η(γ)|<1.0 and E(T)(γ)>2.5 GeV is 2.48(-0.35)(+0.40)(stat)(-0.51)(+0.40)(syst) pb.

Measurements of the angular distributions in the decays B→K(*)μ(+)μ(-) at CDF

We report an indirect search for nonstandard model physics using the flavor-changing neutral current decays B→K(*)μ(+)μ(-). We reconstruct the decays and measure their angular distributions, as a function of q(2)=M(μμ)(2)c(2), where M(μμ) is the dimuon mass, in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.8 fb(-1). The transverse polarization asymmetry A(T)(2) and the time-reversal-odd charge-and-parity asymmetry A(im) are measured for the first time, together with the K* longitudinal polarization fraction F(L) and the muon forward-backward asymmetry A(FB) for the decays B(0)→K(*0)μ(+)μ(-) and B(+)→K(*+)μ(+)μ(-). The B→K*μ(+)μ(-) forward-backward asymmetry in the most sensitive kinematic regime, 1≤q(2)<6 GeV(2)/c(2), is measured to be A(FB)=0.29(-0.23)(+0.20)(stat)±0.07(syst), the most precise result to date. No deviations from the standard model predictions are observed.

Pulmonary artery pressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without resting hypoxaemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale, which are predictors of mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in COPD patients without resting hypoxaemia, and to characterise COPD patients with increased PAP.

DESIGN

A study of 117 COPD patients from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort who had measurable tricuspid regurgitant flow under transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and no resting hypoxaemia.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 67 years. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) was 47% predicted, mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 145 g/l and mean systolic PAP (sPAP) was 33 mmHg. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Hb was the only factor independently associated with sPAP (beta = -1.752, P = 0.005). Cluster analysis using FEV(1)% predicted, sPAP and Hb concentration as variables indicated three patient clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 36; mean FEV(1) 44% predicted, mean sPAP 39 mmHg, mean Hb 132 g/l), Cluster 2 (n = 45; FEV(1) 35% predicted, sPAP 31 mmHg, Hb 154 g/l), and Cluster 3 (n = 36; FEV(1) 65% predicted, sPAP 29 mmHg, Hb 148 g/l).

CONCLUSION

Elevated PAP was linked to low haemoglobin levels in COPD without resting hypoxaemia.

Clinicopathological correlation of cutaneous metastatic breast carcinoma using lymphatic and vascular markers: lymphatics are mainly involved in cutaneous metastasis

Precise clinicopathological correlations of the clinical features of metastatic breast carcinoma with lymphatic-specific markers are rare. We classified 28 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma according to their clinical features. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using D2-40, CD31 and CD34. Of the 28 patients, 8 (28.6%) had inflammatory metastatic carcinoma, 6 (21.4%) had the telangiectatic type, 5 had the nodular type, 3 had the en cuirasse type, 3 had alopecia neoplastica, and 3 had a combination of features. D2-40 staining revealed dilated lymphatic channels (lymphangiectasia) in the upper dermis of all patients; in addition, 13 patients (46.4%) had intralymphatic tumour-cell emboli, which were common in those with the inflammatory and telangiectatic types. Intratumoral lymphatic invasion in the main tumour nodule was seen in 12 patients (42.9%). Our results suggest that cutaneous metastatic breast carcinomas have various clinical presentations, and that lymphatic vessels play an important role in all types of cutaneous metastasis.

High performance flexible organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with octadecyltrichlorsilane/ Al2O3/poly(4-vinylphenol) multilayer insulators

The incorporation of a thin, atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layer in between a spin-coated poly-4-vinyl phenol (PVP) organic layer and octadecyltrichlorsilane (OTS) in the multilayer gate dielectric for pentacene organic thin film transistors on a n(+)-Si substrate reduced the gate leakage current and thereby significantly enhanced the current on/off ratio up to 2.8 x 10(6). Addition of the OTS monolayer on the UV-treated Al2O3 improved the crystallinity of the pentacene layer, where the OTS/UV-treated Al2O3 surfaces increased their contact angles to 100 degrees. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a more intense (001) crystal reflectance of pentacene deposited on OTS/UV-treated Al2O3 surface than that on OTS/Al2O3 surface. Moreover, the improved pentacene layer contributed to the field effect mobility (0.4 cm2/Vs) and subsequently improved the electrical performances of organic thin film transistor (OTFT) devices. This PVP/UV treated Al2O3/OTS multilayer gate dielectric stack was superior to those of the device with the single PVP gate dielectrics due to the improved crystallinity of pentacene.

Memory effect of low-temperature processed ZnO thin-film transistors having metallic nanoparticles as charge trapping elements

In this study, non-volatile memory effect was characterized using the single-transistor-based memory devices based on self-assembled gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as the charge trapping elements and atomic-layer deposited ZnO as the channel layer. The fabricated memory devices showed controllable and reliable threshold voltage shifts according to the program/erase operations that resulted from the charging/discharging of charge carriers in the charge trapping elements. Reliable non-volatile memory properties were also confirmed by the endurance and data retention measurements. The low temperature processes of the key device elements, i.e., AuNP charge trapping layer and ZnO channel layer, enable the use of this device structure to the transparent/flexible non-volatile memory applications in the near future.

Prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases in Korean children: associations with a farming environment and rural lifestyle

BACKGROUND

The results of recent studies suggest that factors in rural environments may protect against the development of allergic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of allergic diseases, to establish if this prevalence is influenced by migration from rural to urban areas and to identify environmental risk factors associated with these diseases.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of children aged 9-12 years from a rural village, a rural town and an urban city in Korea was conducted. Demographic and disease-related information was obtained via a detailed questionnaire, and skin prick tests were performed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in lifestyle and environmental factors between children from the rural village, the rural town and the urban children. The prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy was higher in urban children. A lower prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy was associated with farming parents, contact with farm animals during pregnancy, owning pets or a stable, breast-feeding and having older siblings. A comparison of rural village and rural town children revealed no evidence of an association of allergic diseases and atopy with farming parents, contact with farm animals during pregnancy or owning a stable. On the other hand, having older siblings and antibiotic use during infancy were significantly associated with allergic diseases and atopy in these children.

CONCLUSIONS

Protective factors associated with a farming environment and/or rural lifestyle may influence the prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy in Korean children.

Red cell microparticle enumeration: validation of a flow cytometric approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

  There is growing interest in the clinical application of red blood cell (RBC) microparticle (MP) enumeration as they have been postulated to be effectors of coagulation and inflammation following transfusion and in sickle cell disease. No uniform approach in MP enumeration exists and a key limitation is the lack of an internal validation process. We present and validate a flow cytometric approach where an internal standard is utilized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  Glycophorin A(+) Annexin V(+) events were enumerated using MPs isolated from RBC units or plasma samples obtained from volunteers. A mixture of absolute counting (7·6 μm) and calibration beads (0·5, 0·9 and 3 μm) at a fixed ratio was added to each sample.

RESULTS

  RBC MPs were initially selected based upon a fluorescence threshold, and the 0·5- and 0·9-μm beads defined the upper and lower light scatter distribution of MPs. The ratio of 7·6:3-μm bead events was used as an internal standard to validate the precision of MP enumeration across samples (coefficient of variation = 2·5-7·2%) and remained constant in both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-free plasma (PFP). RBC MP counts increased in both PRP and PFP obtained from whole blood stimulated with ionophore and increasing calcium concentrations, with PRP showing higher MP counts than PFP at every concentration studied.

CONCLUSION

  This method is a useful strategy to detect RBC MP counts across bio-samples provided that the flow cytometer can reliably discriminate the size of the calibration beads.

Search for a Higgs boson in the diphoton final state in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

A search for a narrow Higgs boson resonance in the diphoton mass spectrum is presented based on data corresponding to 7.0  fb{-1} of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV collected by the CDF experiment. No evidence of such a resonance is observed, and upper limits are set on the cross section times branching ratio of the resonant state as a function of Higgs boson mass. The limits are interpreted in the context of the standard model and one fermiophobic benchmark model where the data exclude fermiophobic Higgs bosons with masses below 114  GeV/c{2} at a 95% Bayesian credibility level.

A tale of two systems: peptide ligand-receptor pairs in plant development

Plants have developed intercellular signaling systems that use secreted peptides and plasma membrane-localized receptor-like kinases (RLKs). Although there has been little experimental evidence linking specific peptide ligands to receptors, recent studies of several ligand-receptor pairs have revealed their increasingly important roles in cell-cell communications during plant development. In this review, we focus on two specific families of plant peptides: the CLAVATA3/ENDOSPERM SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptide family and the EPIDERMAL PATTERING FACTOR (EPF) family, along with their corresponding RLKs. We discuss how these two unrelated peptide-mediated signaling systems control plant cell fate and development using similar receptor kinases as well as the mechanisms for how these peptide ligand-receptor pairs precisely regulate various distinct aspects of plant development at the level of ligand-receptor recognition and signal transduction.

Cryobanking of Korean allium germplasm collections: results from a 10 year experience

This paper reviews a 10-year experience in establishing a cryopreserved Allium germplasm collection at the genebank of the National Agrobiodiversity Center, Republic of Korea. A systematic approach to Allium cryopreservation included: 1. revealing the most critical factors that affected regeneration after cryostorage; 2. understanding the mechanisms of cryoprotection by analyzing the thermal behavior of explants and cryoprotectant solutions using DSC and influx/efflux of cryoprotectants using HPLC; 3. assessing genetic stability of regenerants; and 4. revealing the efficiency of cryotherapy. Bulbil primordia, i.e. asexual bulbs formed on unripe inflorescences, proved to be the most suitable material for conservation of bolting varieties due to high post-cryopreservation regrowth and lower microbial infection level, followed by apical shoot apices from single bulbs and cloves. A total of 1,158 accessions of garlic as well as some Allium species have been cryopreserved during 2005-2010 using the droplet-vitrification technique with a mean regeneration percentage of 65.9 percent after cryostorage. These results open the door for large-scale implementation of cryostorage and for simplifying international exchange for clonal Allium germplasm.

Measurement of the B(s)0 lifetime in fully and partially reconstructed B(s)0→D(s)(-)(ϕπ(-))X decays in p¯p collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the B(s)(0) lifetime in fully and partially reconstructed B(s)(0)→D(s)(-)(ϕπ(-))X decays in 1.3  fb(-1) collected in pp ¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We measure τ(B(s)(0))=1.518±0.041(stat)±0.027(syst)  ps. The ratio of this result and the world average B(0) lifetime yields τ(B(s)(0))/τ(B(0))=0.99±0.03, which is in agreement with recent theoretical predictions.

Measurement of polarization and search for CP violation in B(s)0→φφ decays

We present the first measurement of polarization and CP-violating asymmetries in a B(s)(0) decay into two light vector mesons, B(s)(0)→φφ, and an improved determination of its branching ratio using 295 decays reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to 2.9 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The fraction of longitudinal polarization is determined to be f(L)=0.348±0.041(stat)±0.021(syst), and the branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→φφ)=[2.32±0.18(stat)±0.82(syst)]×10(-5). Asymmetries of decay angle distributions sensitive to CP violation are measured to be A(u)=-0.007±0.064(stat)±0.018(syst) and A(v)=-0.120±0.064(stat)±0.016(syst).

Search for a heavy toplike quark in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for pair production of a heavy toplike (t') quark decaying to Wq final states using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV. We perform parallel searches for t'→Wb and t'→Wq (where q is a generic down-type quark) in events containing a lepton and four or more jets. By performing a fit to the two-dimensional distribution of total transverse energy versus reconstructed t' quark mass, we set upper limits on the t't' production cross section and exclude a standard model fourth-generation t' quark decaying to Wb (Wq) with mass below 358 (340) GeV/c(2) at 95% C.L.