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Background Lobectomy is the recommended treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Little is known about variations of access to health service areas and hospital types for lobectomy overall and according to specific surgical techniques, such as the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (2007-2012) was queried for lung cancer patients who underwent elective lobectomy. Hospitals were defined as nearest high-volume hospital (nHVH, reference), distant HVH (dHVH), close or distant low-volume hospital (cLVH or dLVH) using lobectomy volume and travel burden by the distance to nHVH. Results Utilization of hospitals within patients' health service areas ranged between 44% and 82% for three different geographic units. Approximately 26%, 34%, 31%, and 9% of the 9099 lobectomies were performed in nHVH, dHVH, cLVH, and dLVH, respectively. Patients in nHVH were older and more likely to have private insurance. Patients in dHVH were treated more with VATS and by higher volume surgeons, opposite of what observed in cLVH and dLVH. The use of dHVH was associated with more comorbidities and higher income. The use of dLVH was higher in Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks than that in non-Hispanic whites. The odds of adverse postoperative events were higher in cLVH and dLVH but lower for patients treated with VATS and by high-volume surgeons. Conclusions Multiple factors likely resulted in differences in patterns of elective lobectomy among lung cancer patients. These variations should be taken into account when accessing and planning specialized health care delivery services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a measure of super weak noncompactness Γ defined for bounded subsets and bounded linear operators in Banach spaces that allows to state and prove a characterization of the Banach spaces which are subspaces of a Hilbert-generated space. The use of super weak compactness and Γ casts light on the structure of these Banach spaces and complements the work of Argyros, Fabian, Farmaki, Godefroy, Hájek, Montesinos, Troyanski and Zizler on this subject. A particular kind of relatively super weakly compact sets, namely uniformly weakly null sets, plays an important role and exhibits connections with Banach-Saks type properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Banach space X admits an equivalent strongly uniformly Gâteaux smooth norm if and only if it contains the dense range of a super weakly compact operator, which is equivalent to say that X is generated by a convex super weakly compact set. Moreover, if X is strongly generated by a convex super weakly compact set, then there is an equivalent norm on X such that its restriction to any reflexive subspace of X is both uniformly convex and uniformly Fréchet smooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO and Al doped ZnO nanorods have been successfully synthesized on ITO substrate via solgel dip coating method without using any catalyst. The X-ray diffraction studies showed that the Al doped ZnO samples are of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The Al ions were successfully incorporated into the ZnO lattice. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal that the average diameter of ZnO nanorods and Al doped ZnO nanorods are ∼300 nm and ∼200 nm respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis confirmed the presence Al in the ZnO thin films. The CdS quantum dot sensitized Al doped ZnO solar cell exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu doped zinc oxide nanorod thin films have been prepared by simple sol-gel dip coating method. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that the ZnO nanorod and Cu doped ZnO nanorod thin film samples exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the ZnO samples have aligned nanorod arrangement and Cu doped ZnO have bunch-like nanorod assembly. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence Cu in the ZnO thin films. The presence of functional groups and the chemical bonding has been studied using FTIR spectra. The photoluminescence spectra (PL) of the samples were recorded at room temperature. Ultraviolet emission peak and green emission peak were observed for the Cu doped ZnO samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The class of asymptotically uniformly smoothable Banach spaces has been considered in connection with several problems of Nonlinear Functional Analysis, as the differentiability of Lipschitz functions, the uniform classification of Banach spaces or the fixed point property. The known characterizations for those spaces come from p-estimates when finite dimensional block decompositions are available or via duality by means of the Szlenk index. In this paper we found a geometrical characterization for the existence of asymptotically uniformly smooth renorming using an ordinal type index defined for subsets of the space. Among the applications, we prove that the modulus of asymptotic uniform smoothness is the same for all the non-asymptotically uniformly smoothable Banach spaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Szlenk index has found many applications in the isomorphic theory of Banach spaces. Its definition is based in some kind of interplay between a weak topology and the norm metric with not much care on the linear structure. There is no obstacle to consider the notion of Szlenk index in more general settings. In this paper we study the compact spaces of Szlenk index ω at most with respect to an associated metric. We include new applications to Banach spaces of the these methods, where the estimations of the growth speed of the finite Szlenk indices play a fundamental role. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study the relationships between the ordinal indices of set derivations associated to several measures of non-compactness. We obtain applications to the Szlenk index, improving a result of Lancien, and LUR renorming, providing a non-probabilistic proof of a result of Troyanski. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Given an injective bounded linear operator T :X→Y between Banach spaces, we study the Borel measurability of the inverse map T−1 :TX→X. A remarkable result of Saint-Raymond (Ann. Inst. Fourier (Grenoble) 26 (1976) 211–256) states that if X is separable, then the Borel class of T−1 is α if, and only if, X* is the αth iterated sequential weak*-closure of T*Y* for some countable ordinal α. We show that Saint-Raymond''s result holds with minor changes for arbitrary Banach spaces if we assume that T has certain property named co-σ-discreteness after Hansell (Proc. London Math. Soc. 28 (1974) 683–699). As an application, we show that the Borel class of the inverse of a co-σ-discrete operator T can be estimated by the image of the unit ball or the restrictions of T to separable subspaces of X. Our results apply naturally when X is a WCD Banach space since in this case any injective bounded linear operator defined on X is automatically co-σ-discrete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We prove that a dual Banach space X* has an equivalent W*LUR norm if and only if the weak* topology has a σ-isolated network. We give sufficient conditions for the existence of equivalent norms with various kinds of differentiability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We prove that a bounded convex lower semicontinuous function defined on a convex compact set K is continuous at a dense subset of extreme points. If there is a bounded strictly convex lower semicontinuous function on K, then the set of extreme points contains a dense completely metrizable subset. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A disconnect between community perceptions and officially documented Superfund remedial actions and health outcomes may hinder the essential community engagement at Superfund sites. This study evaluates the extent of one such potential disconnect in Butte, Montana, which is part of the largest U.S. Superfund site in the U.S. Since the 1860s, when mining began in Butte, mine waste disposal practices in Butte and surrounding areas have left behind massive deposits that have contaminated the area's soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water with arsenic and heavy metals. Over the last four decades, a substantial amount of remediation work has been completed along with requisite community engagement and health studies at this Superfund site. The potential disconnect was evaluated using a new survey instrument that covered: (a) general environmental health perceptions, (b) mine-waste specific environmental health perceptions, (c) effectiveness of community engagement, (d) knowledge of health outcomes, and (e) demographics. The survey results demonstrated a disconnect in many instances where objective remedial improvements may not have resulted in improved environmental health perceptions in the community. The disconnect was most pronounced in the case of drinking water protection from mine waste and knowledge of health outcomes (cancer incidence rates and children's blood levels). The use of similar environmental health perception measurements may aid responsible agencies in monitoring for and addressing environmental health perception disconnects through better community engagement for the benefit of the impacted communities. • Environmental health perceptions at a Superfund site in the U.S., were evaluated. • A disconnect between perceptions and actual improvements was quantified. • The disconnect was most pronounced in drinking water and health outcomes. • Fundamental redesign of communication processes is required to address the disconnect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two different structure of Cu/Sr-WO 3 /p-Si metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) and Cu/Sr-WO 3 /FTO metal-insulator-metal (MIM) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) fabricated with an insulating layer of pure tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) and Sr-WO 3 thin films have been reported. The Sr-WO 3 layer was coated separately, with different concentrations (0, 4, 8 and 12 wt %) of strontium (Sr) via jet nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique (JNSP) on the p-type silica wafer (p-Si) and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates which are been optimized at 400 °C. The XRD analysis reveals the multiphase crystalline structures for 12 wt % of Sr-WO 3 film with higher average crystallite size. FE-SEM images show the randomly oriented sub-microsized slab and seashell like structures. Higher surface roughness with improved grain size for 12 wt % of Sr-WO 3 film. The presence of W, O and Sr atoms was confirmed by EDX spectra. In optical studies, Maximum absorption with minimum optical band gap was observed for 12 wt % of Sr-WO 3 composite film. There was a linear increase in the electrical conductivity of the films with higher wt. % of Sr. Evidently the activation energy decreased with Sr concentration which is in accordance with the bandgap values. The fitting results of the measured I-V, reveal that MIS (SBDs) under illumination condition have minimum ideality factor (n = 2.39) and maximum barrier height (Φ b  = 0.57) values for higher concentration (12 wt %) of Sr film compared to MIM SBDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the general measures of non-compactness defined on subsets of a dual Banach space, their associated derivations and their ω -iterates. We introduce the notions of convexifiable and sublinear measure of non-compactness and investigate the properties of its associated fragment and slice derivations. We apply our results to the Kuratowski measure of non-compactness and to the study of the Szlenk index of a Banach space. As a consequence, we obtain that the Szlenk index and the convex Szlenk index of a separable Banach space are always equal. We also give, for any countable ordinal α , a characterization of the Banach spaces with Szlenk index bounded by ω α + 1 in terms of the existence of an equivalent renorming. This extends a result by Knaust, Odell and Schlumprecht on Banach spaces with Szlenk index equal to ω . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present a quantitative version of the Radon–Nikodým property and some other results related to it. This approach gives an extra insight to the classical results. We introduce two indexes: an index of representability of measures and an index of dentability. We review classic results in order to obtain relationships between these and other indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 8 wt% rare earth (RE = Ce, Gd, and Y) doped zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by spin-coating technique and annealed at 600 °C. Also, the RE:ZrO 2 based metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) type Schottky barrier diodes were fabricated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed the mixed phase of monoclinic and tetragonal ZrO 2 for the RE:ZrO 2 films, and the pure monoclinic phase for the undoped ZrO 2 film. Because of the doping with RE ions, the crystallite size reduced with the increase of oxygen vacancies. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images exhibited the rod-shaped and square-shaped grains for the undoped ZrO 2 and Gd:ZrO 2 thin films, respectively. Elemental compositions were confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The UV–vis analysis showed the lower transmittance for the RE:ZrO 2 films with a reduced band gap (E g). The dc electrical conductivity (σ dc) was increased with the decrease of activation energy (E a) due to the RE doping. When compared to the Al/undoped ZrO 2 /p-Si Schottky barrier diode, the Al/RE:ZrO 2 /p-Si showed an improvement in the values of barrier height (Φ B), ideality factor (n), and series resistance (R S). • Rare earth (Ce, Gd, and Y) doped ZrO 2 insulating layer based MIS type Schottky barrier diodes have been fabricated. • The mixed phase of m-ZrO 2 and t-ZrO 2 is observed for the Gd:ZrO 2 thin film with the smaller crystallite size of 4.640 nm. • In Gd:ZrO 2 film, the increase in reverse current density is owing to the presence of square-shaped grains with dislocations. • A higher dc electrical conductivity (σ dc) is observed for the Gd:ZrO 2 film. • When compared to the Al/undoped ZrO 2 /p-Si SBD, the Al/Gd:ZrO 2 /p-Si SBD shows an improvement in the values of Φ B , R S , and n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction : Multiple series have demonstrated the feasibility of full-thickness diaphragm resection for ovarian cancer metastatic to the diaphragm. However, direct extension of tumor into the lung is sometimes encountered, and successful resection of this type of implant has not been previously described in the gynecologic oncology literature. Case report : We present the first case of en bloc full-thickness diaphragm resection including a portion of lung tissue using the EndoGIA® stapler with primary diaphragmatic closure. Discussion : En bloc full-thickness diaphragm resection including a portion of lung tissue using the EndoGIA® stapler is a safe, feasible, and effective method to optimize cytoreduction with disease-free margins in the context of invasive diaphragmatic ovarian cancer metastasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ZnO nanorods and Cu doped ZnO nanorods thin films have been prepared by simple hydrothermal method. CdS quantum dots are sensitized with Cu doped ZnO nanorod thin films using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The X-ray diffraction study reveals that ZnO nanorods, and CdS quantum dot sensitized Cu doped ZnO nanorods exhibit hexagonal structure. The scanning electron microscope image shows the presence of ZnO nanorods. The average diameter and length of the aligned nanorod is 300 nm and 1.5 μm respectively. The absorption spectra shows that the absorption edge of CdS quantum dot sensitized ZnO nanorod thin film is shifted toward longer wavelength region when compared to the absorption edge of ZnO nanorods film. The conversion efficiency of the CdS quantum dot sensitized Cu doped ZnO nanorod thin film solar cell is 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We identify novel leptin B duplicated genes in four salmonid species. [•] We reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among leptin genes. [•] We examine changes of leptins expression in embryos and adult tissues. [•] Early subfunctionalization of SsLepB1 and SsLepB2. [•] SsLepA1 plays a role during early development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the utility of thoracoscopy in defining the extent of intrathoracic disease and survival outcomes in patients with moderate to large pleural effusions at the time of diagnosis of advanced ovarian carcinoma. Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients with untreated advanced ovarian carcinoma and moderate to large pleural effusions who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) our institution between 6/01 and 10/08. Demographic, clinicopathologic and outcome data were collected for all patients with a final diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Results: Forty-two patients met eligibility criteria, with a median age of 58 years; median CA-125 level of 1747 U/mL; and medium serum albumin of 3.9 g/dl. VATS was performed for right-sided effusions in 30 patients (71%). Macroscopic pleural disease was found in 29 patients (69%). Of the 11 patients with negative cytology, macroscopic pleural disease was found in 4 (36%). Intrathoracic cytoreductive surgery was performed in 6 (33%) of the 18 patients with intrathoracic disease >1 cm. After VATS, 29/42 (69%) patients underwent attempted primary abdominal surgical debulking. Thirteen patients (31%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Twelve (92%) of these patients underwent interval cytoreductive surgery. Patients who were directed after VATS to neoadjuvant chemotherapy instead of primary surgical cytoreduction had a 2-year PFS rate of 22% compared to 42% for the primary cytoreductive group (P =0.36). Conclusions: Overall, management was altered based on VATS findings in 43% of cases. Further investigation is needed to define the prognostic significance of VATS evaluation of the burden of pleural disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives. : We previously reported our initial experience of patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions who underwent video-assessed thoracic surgery (VATS) before planned abdominal exploration. The objective of this study was to report the surgical findings and management of patients who underwent VATS in an update of our experience. Methods. : We performed a retrospective review of all patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions who underwent VATS for assessment of extent of intrathoracic disease at our institution between 6/01 and 8/05. Results. : Twenty-three patients with a median age of 61 years (range, 36–79) were identified. VATS was performed for right-sided effusions in 17 patients (74%), and a median of 1350 ml (400–3700 ml) of pleural fluid was drained. VATS demonstrated macroscopic disease in 15 (65%) patients, with nodules >1 cm in 11/15 (73%), and nodules <1 cm in 4/15 (27%). Macroscopic intrathoracic disease was found in 4/10 (40%) patients with negative cytology. Intrathoracic cytoreduction was performed in 3/11 patients (27%) with intrathoracic disease >1 cm. After VATS, 12/23 patients (52%) underwent primary surgical management, with cytoreduction to ≤1 cm achieved in 11/12 patients (92%). The other eleven patients received primary chemotherapy after undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy alone (4/11) or no further abdominal exploration (7/11). Nine of these patients proceeded to interval cytoreduction, while 2 had pathology demonstrating upper gastrointestinal and lymphoma primaries at the time of VATS. Final diagnosis of primary site of disease included: ovary, 14 (61%); endometrial, 2 (9%); dual ovarian/endometrial primaries, 1 (4%); fallopian tube, 1 (4%); primary peritoneal, 1 (4%); other, 4 (17%). Overall, findings at VATS altered primary surgical management in 11/23 (48%) patients. Conclusions. : Sixty-five percent of patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions had gross intrathoracic disease identified at VATS, with the majority (11/15, 73%) having disease >1 cm in diameter. Use of VATS allows for assessment of intrathoracic disease and may help identify candidates for primary cytoreductive surgery and possible intrathoracic cytoreduction versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To analyze the findings and impact on the management of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) before planned abdominal exploration in patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions.Methods. We reviewed the charts of all patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions who underwent VATS from 10/01 to 7/03. VATS was performed under double lumen endotracheal anesthesia. A 2-cm chest wall incision was made in the fifth intercostal space on the side of the effusion. The thoracoscope was introduced and biopsies of suspicious lesions were performed through the single incision. After VATS, all patients had a chest tube placed through the incision, and those with malignant effusions underwent talc pleurodesis either intraoperatively or postoperatively.Results. Twelve patients underwent VATS during the study period. Median operative time for VATS was 31 min (range: 20–49 min) with no complications attributable to the procedure. The median amount of pleural fluid drained was 1000 ml (range: 500–2000 ml). Solid, pleural-based tumor was found in six cases (50%), with nodules >1 cm noted in four patients (33%) and nodules <1 cm noted in two patients (17%). Of the six cases with no grossly visible pleural tumor, the pleural fluid was positive for malignant cells in two patients (17%) and negative in four patients (33%). Further initial patient management included the following: laparotomy with optimal cytoreduction, 6 (50%); diagnostic laparoscopy, 3 (25%); and no abdominal exploration, 3 (25%). Final diagnosis of primary disease site was as follows: ovary, 9 (75%); fallopian tube, 1 (8%); endometrium, 1 (8%); and lymphoma, 1 (8%). Based on the findings during VATS, laparotomy and attempted cytoreduction were avoided in four patients (33%), and the cytoreductive procedure was modified in one patient (8%).Conclusion. Fifty percent of patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer and moderate to large pleural effusions who underwent VATS had solid pleural-based tumor identified, and in 33% of cases the tumor nodules were >1 cm in diameter. VATS should be considered in these cases to delineate the extent of disease, treat the effusion, and to potentially select patients for either intrathoracic cytoreduction or a neoadjuvant chemotherapy approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background.: Previous studies have reported the results of full-thickness diaphragmatic resection for ovarian cancer metastatic to the diaphragm. Case.: We present the first case of an extensive full-thickness diaphragmatic resection performed using the EndoGIA® [US Surgical Corp., Norwalk, CT] staple device followed by successful reconstruction using a Gore-tex® (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Newark, DE) graft. Conclusion.: Full-thickness diaphragmatic resection using the EndoGIA stapling device is a safe and effective method to completely remove extensive tumor during cytoreductive surgery. Use of the stapler expeditiously assists in removal of the specimen with minimal blood loss. In cases where large defects cannot be repaired primarily, a Gore-tex® patch should be used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]