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Background: A high Mandard score implies a non-response to chemotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, some patients exhibit tumour volume reduction and a nodal response despite a high score. This study examines survival and recurrence patterns in these patients.Methods: Clinicopathological factors were analysed using multivariable Cox regression assessing time to death and recurrence. Computed tomography-estimated tumour volume change was examined in a subgroup of consecutive patients.Results: Five hundred and fifty-five patients were included. Median survival was 55 months (Mandard 1-3) and 21 months (Mandard 4 and 5). In the Mandard 4 and 5 group (332 patients), comparison between complete nodal responders and persistent nodal disease showed improved survival (90 vs 18 months), recurrence rates (locoregional 14.75 vs 28.74%, systemic 24.59 vs 48.42%) and circumferential resection margin positivity (22.95 vs 68.11%). Complete nodal response independently predicted improved survival (hazard ratio 0.34 (0.16-0.74). Post-chemotherapy tumour volume reduction was greater in patients with a complete nodal response (-16.3 vs -7.7 cm3, p = 0.033) with no significant difference between Mandard groups.Conclusion: Patients with a complete nodal response to chemotherapy have significantly improved outcomes despite a poor Mandard score. High Mandard score does not correspond with a non-response to chemotherapy in all cases and patients with nodal downstaging may still benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an overview on an extended study of Celtic ceramics from the oppidum of Manching and from some contemporary Celtic sites. The results of neutron activation analysis, thin section microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy are combined with the existing detailed archaeological typology to provide information on the provenance of Celtic pottery and on details of its production. The data indicate that there was only very limited exchange of material but far reaching transfer of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface tension measurements in aqueous cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were performed in presence of various amounts of 9-(hydroxymethyl)anthracene (AM), 9-[1-(1-hydroxy)ethyl]anthracene (THAE), and 9-[1-(1-hydroxy-2,2,2-trifluoro)ethyl]anthracene (TFAE). Free energies ΔG and ΔG of micellization and of adsorption to the air-water interface, respectively, were determined as well as the corresponding enthalpies and entropies. ΔG of micellization increased in the presence of AM and THAE, but became more negative when TFAE was added. In contrast to AM and THAE, TFAE addition decreases ΔS . For this peculiarity of TFAE, its location and orientation in micellar solution was investigated by means of UV and 19F-NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosities, flow properties, and static low-angle light scattering of dilute (≤250 mmol/dm) aqueous micellar solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide were measured in the presence of various amounts of 9-anthrylmethanol (AM), 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl)ethanol (TFAE), 1-(9-anthryl)ethanol (AE), 9-methylanthracene (MA), and 9-ethylanthracene (EA). At room temperature the solubilization of AM induces an increase of viscosity and a rise in aggregation numbers (as determined from low-angle light scattering). Both features are reverted upon in in situ photodimerization of AM. After lowering the temperaure, non-Newtonian flow is detected by means of a rotating viscometer. The solubilization of AE and EA, respectively, leads to analogous observations, while no viscoelastic features were obtained with solubilized MA. TFAE containing systems at room temperature show non-Newtonian flow accompanied by viscoelasticity which can be ascribed to the formation of long rod-like micelles. Raising the temperature as well as photodimerization diminish the lengths of the micelles and the non-Newtonian features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the topological setting of the preceding paper by Callias. In particular, an alternate way of deriving his results is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]