bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pixantrone dimaleate in combination with fludarabine, dexamethasone, and rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Srokowski Tomasz P. , Liebmann James E. , Modiano Manuel R. , Cohen Gary I. , Pro Barbara , Romaguera Jorge E. , Kuepfer Christine , Singer Jack W. , Fayad Luis E.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Pixantrone dimaleate (pixantrone) has been shown to have antitumor activity in leukemia and lymphoma in vitro models and to lack delayed cardiotoxicity associated with mitoxantrone in animal models. FND‐R, a combination regimen of fludarabine, mitoxantrone, dexamethasone, and rituximab, has been shown to be an effective regimen for low‐grade lymphomas.

METHODS:

This dose‐escalation study, with an expansion cohort, was conducted to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of FPD‐R, in which pixantrone was substituted for mitoxantrone in the FND‐R regimen, in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Escalated doses of pixantrone were administered to newly enrolled patients on day 2 of each 28‐day cycle of FPD‐R.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐eight of 29 enrolled patients received at least 1 cycle of FPD‐R (median, 5 cycles). Pixantrone 120 mg/m2 was identified as the recommended dose in this regimen. Grade 3‐4 adverse events were primarily hematologic; grade 3‐4 lymphopenia occurred in 89% of patients and leukopenia in 79%. No patients developed congestive heart failure or grade 3‐4 cardiac adverse events. Left ventricular ejection fraction decreases occurred in 8 (29%) patients, and most were grade 1 or 2, transient, and asymptomatic. The overall response rate was 89%. Estimated survival was 96% after 1 year and 92% after 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

The FPD‐R regimen was well‐tolerated and highly active in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent NHL. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Examination of new vector control system of permanent magnet synchronous motor for high‐speed drives
Authors: Tobari Kazuaki , Endo Tsunehiro , Iwaji Yoshitaka , Ito Yoshiki
Published: June 2011

A new vector control system for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives has been developed. To stabilize the current control loop in the high‐rotating‐speed region, a novel configuration of current controller is introduced. The unique characteristic of the proposed current controller is that the current regulator is connected to the conventional motor model in a series. By analyzing the transfer characteristics of the control, it became clear that the influence of the coupling component between the d–q axes can be deleted theoretically if the control parameters are set properly. The stability and torque response of the proposed vector control system were improved, and the effectiveness of the proposed controller was demonstrated by a time domain simulation and some experiments. In addition, the robustness of the controlling system was investigated experimentally. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 61–72, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21123
Development of gate drive circuit for next‐generation ultrahigh‐speed switching devices
Authors: Noguchi Toshihiko , Yajima Satoshi , Komatsu Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2011

This paper describes a gate drive circuit which is capable of driving an ultrahigh‐speed switching device and of suppressing high‐frequency noise caused by its high dV/dt ratio of 104 V/μs order. SiC (silicon carbide)‐based power semiconductor devices are very promising as next‐generation ultrahigh‐speed switching devices. However, one of their application problems is how to drive them with less high‐frequency noise without sacrificing their ultrahigh‐speed operation capability. The paper proposes a new gate drive circuit specialized for such devices, which charges and discharges the input capacitance of the device by using an impulse voltage generated by inductors. This ultrahigh‐speed switching operation causes a high‐frequency common‐mode noise current in the gate drive circuit, which penetrates an isolated power‐supply transformer due to the parasitic capacitance between the primary and the secondary windings. In order to overcome this secondary problem, a toroidal multicore transformer is also proposed in the paper in order to reduce the parasitic capacitance drastically. By applying the former technique, the turn‐on time and turn‐off time of the power device were shortened by 50% and by 20%, compared with a conventional push‐pull gate drive circuit, respectively. In addition, the latter technique allows reduction of the peak common‐mode noise current to 25%, compared with the use of a conventional standard utility power‐supply transformer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 52–60, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21124
Influence of wind turbulence on yaw‐control gears in wind turbine
Authors: Suzuki Kazuo , Hoshino Naoki , Inomata Noboru , Kimura Hiroshi , Fujiwara Tamiya
Published: June 2011

This paper describes the influence of wind turbulence on the yaw‐control gears of the nacelle in a wind power station. The site is located on Tappi Cape in Aomori prefecture, where major wind turbulence occurs due to the strong western wind and the steep slope of the cape. This paper discusses two adjacent wind towers out of a total of eleven and clarifies the influence of wind turbulence on the leeward wind power generator. Measurements showed that the turbulence and the standard deviation frequently exceeded IEC Wind Turbine Standards. Consequently, the torque applied to the yaw‐control gears oscillated with a short time period and its magnitude was frequently greater than 4.8 ton‐m (47 kN‐m), regarded as the metal fatigue limit. By a method in which the output of the wind turbine generator is controlled, the magnitude of the oscillating torque can be reduced below the limit of material fatigue. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 15–25, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21141
Determination method for loss‐minimum configuration considering reconnection of distributed generators
Authors: Takano Hirotaka , Tomida Takafumi , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Matsuki Junya
Published: June 2011

In the field of electrical power system, various approaches, such as utilization of renewable energy, loss reduction, and so on, have been taken to reduce CO2 emission. So as to work toward this goal, the total number of distributed generators (DGs) using renewable energy connected into 6.6‐kV distribution systems has been increasing rapidly. The DGs can reduce distribution loss by appropriate allocation. However, when a fault occurs such as distribution line fault and bank fault, DGs connecting outage sections are disconnected simultaneously. Since the simultaneous disconnection of DGs influences restoration configuration and normal configuration after the restoration, it is necessary to determine the system configuration in the normal state considering simultaneous disconnection of DGs.

In this paper, the authors propose a computation method to determine the loss minimum configuration in the normal state considering reconnection of DGs after simultaneous disconnection by fault occurrence. The feature of determined loss minimum configuration is satisfying with operational constraints even if all DGs are disconnected from the system. Numerical simulations are carried out for a real‐scale distribution system model with 252 sectionalizing switches (configuration candidates are 2252) and 120 DGs (total output is 38.46 MW which is 23% of total load) in order to examine the validity of the proposed algorithm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(4): 7–14, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21142
Complete Two‐Step Spin‐Transition in a 1D Chain Iron(II) Complex with a 110‐K Wide Intermediate Plateau
Authors: Bauer Wolfgang , Pfaffeneder Toni , Achterhold Klaus , Weber Birgit
Published: June 2011

Three new spin crossover compounds [FeL1(azpy)] (1), [FeL1(azpy)]·toluene [1(tol)] and [FeL2(azpy)] (2), where L1 and L2 are the tetradentate N2O22– coordinating Schiff base like ligands {diethyl (E,E)‐2,2′‐[1,2‐phenyl‐bis(iminomethylidyne)]bis[3‐oxobutanoate]‐(2‐)‐N,N′,O3,O3′} and {dimethyl(E,E)‐2,2′‐[1,2‐phenyl‐bis(iminomethylidyne)]bis[3‐oxobutanoate]‐(2‐)‐N,N′,O3,O3′}, respectively, and azpy = 4,4′‐azopyridine are presented. All compounds have been investigated by using T‐dependent susceptibility measurements, and different types of spin transitions are observed. In the case of 1 and 2, intermediate plateaus (γHS ≈ 0.5) with widths of 110 and 75 K, respectively, were observed, while for 1(tol) a gradual spin transition is obtained. Upon heating of 1(tol) above 390 K, a loss of the included solvent molecule toluene is observed, which results in a two‐step spin transition of the tempered sample similar to that of 1. Mössbauer spectra of 1, 1(tol) and the tempered sample 1(temp) reveal two different iron(II) sites in the low‐spin (LS) state for all three samples. T‐dependent Mössbauer spectra indicate that the inequivalent iron centres are one but not the only reason for the wide plateau of 1. Results from X‐ray structure analysis of 1 in the region of the plateau show the presence of two inequivalent iron centres, of which one is in the high‐spin (HS) state and one in the low‐spin state. The 1D chains of alternating HS and LS iron centres are arranged in a parallel manner within one layer; between the different layers, the direction of the chains rotates by 90° relative to the previous one. This cross‐linked arrangement with an interlocking of the layers is most likely the reason for the appearance of the wide plateau.
First Evidence of the Oxidative Addition of Fe0(N,N)2 to Aryl Halides: This Precondition Is Not a Guarantee of Efficient Iron‐Catalysed C–N Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Lefèvre Guillaume , Taillefer Marc , Adamo Carlo , Ciofini Ilaria , Jutand Anny
Published: June 2011

It has been shown by cyclic voltammetry (CV) that the electrochemical reduction of [Fe(acac)3] in the presence of 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen; ≥2 equiv.) or FeCl3 in the presence of N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine (dmeda; 2 equiv.) in DMF leads to [Fe0(phen)2] and [Fe0(dmeda)2], respectively. They undergo unprecedented oxidative addition to aryl halides to generate [ArFeIIX(phen)2] (X = I, Br) and [ArFeIIX(dmeda)2] (X = Br), characterized by CV, ESI‐MS and DFT. The order of reactivity in the oxidative addition was deduced by CV and supported by DFT: [Fe0(phen)2] < [Fe0(dmeda)2]. [ArFeIIX(phen)2] and [ArFeIIX(dmeda)2] are nucleophilic reagents (reaction with H+ and CO2) and do not react with the investigated N‐nucleophiles (imidazole or pyrazole) often tested as reagents in catalytic C–N cross‐coupling reactions, even in the presence of a base. Moreover, it has been established that {[Fe(acac)3] + 2 phen} and {FeCl3 + 2 dmeda} cannot be reduced in situ to Fe0(N,N)2 (precondition required to activate ArX) by N‐nucleophiles (pyrazole, imidazole) even in the presence of a base. All this explains why {[Fe(acac)3] + 2 phen} and {FeCl3 + 2 dmeda} are inefficient precatalysts for C–N cross‐couplings reactions, as recently reported in the literature.
Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Umuravumbolide
Authors: Shekhar Vanam , Reddy Dorigondla Kumar , Reddy Sudina Purushotham , Prabhakar Peddikotla , Venkateswarlu Yenamandra
Published: June 2011

A simple and efficient stereoselective total synthesis of desacetylumuravumbolide (1a) and umuravumbolide (1b), starting from commercially available valeraldehyde has been described. The synthetic strategy involves a highly enantioselective zinc‐mediated addition of protected 2 alkyn‐1‐ol to aldehyde, a Crimmins aldol reaction, and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination as key steps.
Physicobiological properties and biocompatibility of biodegradable poly(oxalate‐co‐oxamide)
Authors: Song Yiseul , Kwon Jungil , Kim Byungkuk , Jeon Yuyong , Khang Gilson , Lee Dongwon
Published: June 2011

The development of biodegradable and biocompatible materials is the basis for tissue engineering and drug delivery. The aims of this study are to develop the poly(oxalate‐co‐oxamide) (POXAM) and evaluate its physicochemical properties and biocompatibility as the initial step for the development of new biomaterials. POXAM had a molecular weight of ∼70,000 Da and rapidly degraded under physiological condition with a half‐hydrolysis of ∼4 days. POXAM films exhibited relative hydrophilic nature because of the presence of oxamide linkages and induced a higher cell attachment and proliferation compared with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) films. In vitro inflammatory responses to POXAM were evaluated using murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. POXAM films minimally stimulated the cells to generate less production of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) than PLGA films. We assessed the in vivo inflammatory responses to POXAM films implanted in the dorsal skin of rats. Histological studies revealed that POXAM provoked remarkably reduced inflammatory responses, evidenced by the less accumulation of inflammatory cells and giant cells, thinner fibrotic capsules, in comparison with PLGA. Given its excellent biocompatibility, fast degradation, and very mild inflammatory responses, POXAM has great potential for biomedical applications, such as scaffolds, wound dressing, and fast drug delivery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Poly(dimethyl siloxane) surface modification with biosurfactants isolated from probiotic strains
Authors: Pinto S. , Alves P. , Santos A. C. , Matos C. M. , Oliveiros B. , Gonçalves S. , Gudiña E. , Rodrigues L. R. , Teixeira J. A. , Gil M. H.
Published: June 2011

Depending on the final application envisaged for a given biomaterial, many surfaces must be modified before use. The material performance in a biological environment is mainly mediated by its surface properties that can be improved using suitable modification methods. The aim of this work was to coat poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) surfaces with biosurfactants (BSs) and to evaluate how these compounds affect the PDMS surface properties. BSs isolated from four probiotic strains (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Streptococcus thermophilus A, and Streptococcus thermophilus B) were used. Bare PDMS and PDMS coated with BSs were characterized by contact angle measurements, infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The influence of the surface modifications on the materials blood compatibility was studied through thrombosis and hemolysis assays. The cytotoxicity of these materials was tested against rat peritoneal macrophages. AFM results demonstrated the successful coating of the surfaces. Also, by contact angle measurements, an increase of the coated surfaces hydrophilicity was seen. Furthermore, XPS analysis indicated a decrease of the silicon content at the surface, and ATR‐FTIR results showed the presence of BS characteristic groups as a consequence of the modification. All the studied materials revealed no toxicity and were found to be nonhemolytic. The proposed approach for the modification of PDMS surfaces was found to be effective and opens new possibilities for the application of these surfaces in the biomedical field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Estrogen inhibits Dlk1/FA1 production: A potential mechanism for estrogen effects on bone turnover
Authors: Abdallah Basem M , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Srinivasan Bhuma , Tabassi Nadine C , Garnero Patrick , Delaissé Jean-Marie , Khosla Sundeep , Kassem Moustapha
Published: June 2011

We have recently identified delta-like 1/fetal antigen 1 (Dlk1/FA1) as a novel regulator of bone mass that functions to mediate bone loss under estrogen deficiency in mice. In this report, we investigated the effects of estrogen (E) deficiency and E replacement on serum (s) levels of Dlk1/FA1 (s-Dlk1FA1) and its correlation with bone turnover markers. s-Dlk1/FA1 and bone turnover markers (serum cross-linked C-telopeptide [s-CTX] and serum osteocalcin) were measured in two cohorts: a group of pre- and postmenopausal women (n = 100) and a group of postmenopausal women, where half had received estrogen-replacement therapy (ERT, n = 166). s-Dlk1/FA1 and s-CTX were elevated in postmenopausal E-deficient women compared with premenopausal E-replete women (both p < 0.001). s-Dlk1/FA1 was correlated with s-CTX (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). ERT in postmenopausal women decreased s-Dlk1/FA1, as well as s-CTX and s-osteoclacin (all p < .0001). Changes in s-Dlk1 were significantly correlated with those observed in s-CTX (r = 0.18, p < 0.05) and s-osteocalcin (r = 0.28, p < 0.001). In conclusion, s-Dlk1/FA1 is influenced by E-deficiency and is correlated with bone turnover. Increased levels of s-Dlk1/FA1 in postmenopausal women may be a mechanism mediating the effects of estrogen deficiency on bone turnover. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Thymoquinone‐induced platelet apoptosis
Authors: Towhid Syeda Tasneem , Schmidt Eva‐Maria , Schmid Evi , Münzer Patrick , Qadri Syed M. , Borst Oliver , Lang Florian
Published: June 2011

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a nutrient with anticarcinogenic activity that stimulates suicidal death of tumor cells. Moreover, TQ triggers suicidal death of erythrocytes or eryptosis, an effect at least partially due to increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity and ceramide formation. The present experiments explored whether TQ influences apoptosis of blood platelets. Cell membrane scrambling was determined utilizing Annexin V binding to phosphatidylserine exposing platelets, cytosolic Ca2+ activity utilizing Fluo 3‐AM fluorescence, caspase activity utilizing immunofluorescence and Western blotting of active caspase‐3 and inactive procaspase‐3, mitochondrial potential utilizing DiOC6 fluorescence and ceramide by FACS analysis of ceramide‐binding antibodies. A 30 min exposure to TQ (≥5 µM) was followed by Annexin V binding, paralleled by caspase activation, increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity, mitochondrial depolarization, and ceramide formation. P‐selectin exposure and integrin αIIbβ3 activation did not increase in response to TQ. Nominal absence of extracellular Ca2+ blunted but did not fully abolish the TQ‐induced activation of caspase‐3. The effects of TQ on platelets are significantly abolished with phosphoinositide‐3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin and G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) inhibitor pertussis toxin treatment prior to TQ stimulation. In conclusion, TQ triggers suicidal death of blood platelets in a PI3K‐dependent manner, possibly through a GPCR family receptor; an effect paralleled by increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity, ceramide formation, mitochondrial depolarization, and caspase‐3 activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3112–3121, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR LAND DEGRADATION MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY THINKING
Authors: Reed M. S. , Fazey I. , Stringer L. C. , Raymond C. M. , Akhtar‐Schuster M. , Begni G. , Bigas H. , Brehm S. , Briggs J. , Bryce R. , Buckmaster S. , Chanda R. , Davies J. , Diez E. , Essahli W. , Evely A. , Geeson N. , Hartmann I. , Holden J. , Hubacek K. , Ioris A. A. R. , Kruger B. , Laureano P. , Phillipson J. , Prell C. , Quinn C. H. , Reeves A. D. , Seely M. , Thomas R. , van der Werff Ten Bosch M. J. , Vergunst P. , Wagner L.
Published: June 2011

It is increasingly recognised that land degradation monitoring and assessment can benefit from incorporating multiple sources of knowledge, using a variety of methods at different scales, including the perspectives of researchers, land managers and other stakeholders. However, the knowledge and methods required to achieve this are often dispersed across individuals and organisations at different levels and locations. Appropriate knowledge management mechanisms are therefore required to more efficiently harness these different sources of knowledge and facilitate their broader dissemination and application. This paper examines what knowledge is, how it is generated and explores how it may be stored, transferred and exchanged between knowledge producers and users before it is applied to monitor and assess land degradation at the local scale. It suggests that knowledge management can also benefit from the development of mechanisms that promote changes in understanding and efficient means of accessing and/or brokering knowledge. Broadly, these processes for knowledge management can (i) help identify and share good practices and build capacity for land degradation monitoring at different scales and in different contexts and (ii) create knowledge networks to share lessons learned and monitoring data among and between different stakeholders, scales and locations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a Difunctional Orthogonal Coupler for the Preparation of Carbohydrate‐Functionalized sP(EO‐stat‐PO) Hydrogels
Authors: Anders Thorsten , Adamiak Kathrin , Keul Helmut , Elling Lothar , Möller Martin
Published: June 2011

The synthesis and characterization of a new difunctional coupler (4) based on trimethylolpropane (TMP) are described. The coupler is used to connect biologically active N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) on amino‐reactive microtiter plates and on star‐shaped poly[(ethylene oxide)‐stat‐(propylene oxide)] hydrogel layers in microtiter plates. The biological activity of immobilized carbohydrates is determined using an enzyme‐linked lectin assay.

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Low‐Voltage‐Driven Sustainable Weightlifting Actuator Based on Polymer–Nanotube Composite
Authors: Hu Ying , Wang Guangfeng , Tao Xiaoming , Chen Wei
Published: June 2011

A low‐voltage‐induced sustainable composite actuator is fabricated by repeated grinding of multiwalled carbon nanotubes into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The composite exhibits a reversible elongation motion with the applied dc voltage, and a visible strain of nearly 7.5% can be obtained under the 30 V voltage. An electrothermal effect introduced by the carbon nanotube networks in the composite and the induced thermal expansion of the composite is responsible for the electrical actuation behavior. Moreover, the actuated displacement can be controlled by tuning the input electrical power and sustained for a long time period under electrical stimulus without performance degradation. This is due to the dynamic thermal equilibrium of the thermal generation and loss reached in the composite. A coin that is 40 times heavier than the weight of the actuator can be easily lifted upward under the electrical actuation, which demonstrates the excellent weightlifting property.

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DNA mismatch repair network gene polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Dong Xiaoqun , Li Yanan , Chang Ping , Hess Kenneth R. , Abbruzzese James L. , Li Donghui
Published: June 2011

DNA repair plays a critical role in human cancers. We hypothesized that DNA mismatch repair gene variants are associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively genotyped 102 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 13 mismatch repair related genes in 706 patients with pancreatic cancer and 706 cancer‐free controls using the mass spectroscopy‐based MassArray method. Association of genotype with pancreatic cancer risk was tested by multivariate logistic regression models. A significance level of P ≤ 0.0015 was set at the false discovery rate (FDR) <1% using the Beta‐Uniform Mixture method. We found 28 SNPs related to altered pancreatic cancer risk (P < 0.05). Adjusting for multiple comparisons, MGMT I143V AG/GG, PMS2 IVS1‐1121C > T TC/TT, and PMS2L3 Ex1 + 118C > T CT/TT genotypes showed significant main effects on pancreatic cancer risk at FDR <1% with OR (95% CI) of 0.60 (0.46–0.80), 1.44 (1.14–1.81), and 5.54 (2.10–14.61), respectively (P ≤ 0.0015). To demonstrate genotype–phenotype association, we measured O
6‐ethylguanosine (O
6‐EtGua) adduct levels in vitro by immunoslot blot assay in lymphocytes treated with N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) in 297 case/control subjects. MGMT I143V GG, MGMT K178R GG, MSH6 G39E AG/AA, PMS2L3 IVS3 + 9A > G GA and TP73 IVS1‐7449G > C CG/CC genotypes correlated with a higher level of ENU‐induced DNA adducts. Haplotypes of MGMT, MSH6, PMS2, PMS2L3, and TP73 were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer risk (P ≤ 0.0015). Our findings suggest that mismatch repair gene variants may affect susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss of desmocollin 3 in skin tumor development and progression
Authors: Chen Jiangli , O'Shea Charlene , Fitzpatrick James E. , Koster Maranke I. , Koch Peter J.
Published: June 2011

Desmocollin 3 (DSC3) is a desmosomal cadherin that is required for maintaining cell adhesion in the epidermis as demonstrated by the intra‐epidermal blistering observed in Dsc3 null skin. Recently, it has been suggested that deregulated expression of DSC3 occurs in certain human tumor types. It is not clear whether DSC3 plays a role in the development or progression of cancers arising in stratified epithelia such as the epidermis. To address this issue, we generated a mouse model in which Dsc3 expression is ablated in K‐Ras oncogene‐induced skin tumors. Our results demonstrate that loss of Dsc3 leads to an increase in K‐Ras‐induced skin tumors. We hypothesize that acantholysis‐induced epidermal hyperplasia in the Dsc3 null epidermis facilitates Ras‐induced tumor development. Further, we demonstrate that spontaneous loss of DSC3 expression is a common occurrence during human and mouse skin tumor progression. This loss occurs in tumor cells invading the dermis. Interestingly, other desmosomal proteins are still expressed in tumor cells that lack DSC3, suggesting a specific function of DSC3 loss in tumor progression. While loss of DSC3 on the skin surface leads to epidermal blistering, it does not appear to induce loss of cell–cell adhesion in tumor cells invading the dermis, most likely due to a protection of these cells within the dermis from mechanical stress. We thus hypothesize that DSC3 can contribute to the progression of tumors both by cell adhesion‐dependent (skin surface) and likely by cell adhesion‐independent (invading tumor cells) mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circuit modeling methodology for small UWB antenna with vector fitting technique
Authors: Ren Wang
Published: June 2011

This article presents a new method of SPICE‐compatible circuit modeling for small ultra‐wideband antennas.It can be derived from the input impedance or admittance of the antenna with the vector fitting method. The antenna input impedance or admittance can be easily simulated by an electro magnetic (EM) simulator or measured using a vector network analyzer. And the vector fitting technique is employed to convert input impedance or admittance to a SPICE equivalent circuit. The most important contribution of this study is to show that radio frequency components such as small ultra‐wideband antennas can be integrated into the simulation of communication systems and helps system designers to predict and consider the effect of the radio frequency components in the design process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26164
Novel cross‐coupled filter design using improved split‐ring resonators based on stepped impedance resonator
Authors: Zhou Liang , Liu Shaobin , Kong Xiangkun , Guo Yanan
Published: June 2011

In this letter, a novel miniaturized split‐ring resonator (SRR) structure is introduced in designing high‐frequency selectivity and stopband expanded bandpass filter (BPF) with four transmission zeros.Such fundamental resonators consist of a pair of half‐wavelength hairpin‐shaped ring resonators nested in each other, which improved SRR structure. Compared with conventional SRR, this stepped impedance SRR (SISRR) has better performance on miniaturization. To verify good characteristics of the novel structure, a new resonator‐embedded cross‐coupled filter, which is constructed by a pair of new resonators, is proposed. This novel filter is very compact and has high‐frequency selectivity. The improved SRR unit cell has size of 0.108λg × 0.108λg (λg being the signal wavelength at central frequency (2.2 GHz) of the passband). It also has good in‐band and out‐band performances. Its stopbands are extended 0–2.08 GHz at lower band and 2.4–6.68 GHz at upper band with a rejection level of about 20 dB. The measured and simulated results are well complied with each other. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26169
Miniaturized patch antenna for RFID tags on metallic surfaces
Authors: Eldek Abdelnasser A.
Published: June 2011

The majority of commercial ultra high frequency radio frequency identification tags are based on the dipole antenna, whose performance degrades significantly when the tag is placed near a conducting surface. In this article, we present a radio frequency identification patch tag to operate on conducting surfaces. The antenna provides good bandwidth and return loss level at 915 MHz. It has a very small size on low dielectric material, without the need for shorting pins or walls, which significantly lowers the fabrication cost in mass production using monolithic microwave integrated circuits. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26177
A compact UWB slot antenna optimized by genetic algorithm
Authors: Xie L. , Jiao Y.‐C. , Wei Y.‐Q. , Zhao G. , Zhang F.‐S.
Published: June 2011

A compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) slot antenna based on a mesh‐grid structure is designed. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the mesh‐grid structure as well as other parameters of the proposed antenna for good impedance matching in the UWB band. The optimized UWB antenna has a compact size of 24 mm × 30 mm and is fabricated and measured. According to the measured results, the proposed antenna yields a wide bandwidth, defined by VSWR<2, ranging from 3.1 to 12.2 GHz and a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern in the H‐plane. The antenna gains within the matching band are measured and a gain variation from 3.1 to 5.9 dBi is obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26179
Fractal‐shaped regular hexagon patch resonators and application in miniaturized band‐pass filters
Authors: La Dong‐Sheng , Lu Ying‐Hua , Liu Ning , Cui Dong‐Nuan , Zhang Jin‐Ling
Published: June 2011

In this article, two types of band‐pass filters using fractal‐shaped regular hexagon patch resonators are proposed and optimized in detail.Because of the space‐filling property of the fractal geometry, the resonant characteristics of the filters are reported for the first time and can be adjusted by changing the parameters of the fractal‐shaped structures. Using etched fractal‐shaped defected structures in the regular hexagon patch resonators, the filters have many remarkable advantages, such as compact size, high selectivity, transmission zeros, and simple structure. Two types of band‐pass filters are designed, fabricated, and measured. The measurement results of the proposed band‐pass filters are in good agreement with the simulation ones. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26182
A 0.35‐μm CMOS cross‐coupled complementary Colpitts voltage controlled oscillator
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Liu Wei‐Chih , Chang Chia‐Wei , Huang Jhin‐Fang
Published: June 2011

This article presents a differential cross‐coupled complementary Colpitts CMOS voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO).The low phase noise CMOS VCO has been implemented with the TSMC 0.35‐μm 2P4M CMOS technology and adopts a pair of cross‐coupled PMOS transistors to achieve faster start‐up oscillation. The VCO operates from 6.16 to 6.5 GHz with 5.3% tuning range. The measured phase noise at 1 MHz offset is −121.12 dBc/Hz at 6.417 GHz. The power consumption of the VCO core is 6.16 mW. The figure of merit is −189.37 dBc/Hz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26192
A dualband monopole microstrip antenna
Authors: Sarkar I. , Sarkar P. P. , Chowdhury S. K.
Published: June 2011

A novel monopole rectangular printed antenna has been investigated. The simulated result shows wide operating impedance‐bandwidth at two different center frequencies which are verified experimentally with −10‐dB return loss bandwidth of about 3.17 GHz (4.19−7.36 GHz) and 2.43 GHz (8.695–11.125 GHz). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26196
Single‐mode–multimode–single‐mode fiber structures for simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature
Authors: Wu Qiang , Semenova Yuliya , Hatta Agus Muhammad , Wang Pengfei , Farrell Gerald
Published: June 2011

This article presents two related techniques for the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature: (1) using two single‐mode–multimode–single‐mode (SMS) fiber structures accompanied with an optical spectral analyzer (OSA); (2) using three SMS fiber structures and a ratiometric power measurement system.Experimental results show that (1) the technique accompanied with an OSA has a resolution of 1.64 με for strain in the range from 0 to 1000 με and 0.11°C for temperature and (2) the technique based on ratiometric system offers a resolution of better than 2 με for strain measurements in the range from 0 to 1000 με and a resolution better than 0.84°C for temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26205
A DC to 30‐GHz ultra‐wideband CMOS T/R switch
Authors: Shouxian Mou , Kaixue Ma , Seng Yeo Kiat
Published: June 2011

A DC to 30‐GHz ultra‐wideband T/R switch based on a 0.18‐μm SiGe process using only CMOS components is implemented. The switch with 1.5‐ to 3.3‐dB insertion loss and 20‐ to 80‐dB isolation achieves wideband on‐chip impedance matching. Besides Vdd/ground, no extra biasing or control voltage level is required in this 0.05‐mm2 switch. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26217
On the antenna efficiencies for the dielectric leaky‐wave antennas with a sinusoidal metallic diffraction grating coupled from the broad and the narrow face of the dielectric
Authors: Salman A. Oral
Published: June 2011

The antenna efficiencies of dielectric leaky‐wave antennas (DLWA) with sinusoidal metallic diffraction grating for the couplings from the narrow and the broad faces of the dielectric line are compared. It is observed that the narrow face‐coupled DLWA does not exhibit stop‐band behavior giving the opportunity of a wideband operating range while the broad face‐coupled DLWA gives much higher antenna efficiency out of the resonance region. The effects of the geometrical parameters on the antenna efficiency are also investigated. As a common property for both coupling types, choosing a larger teeth depth/amplitude or more number of periods of the sinusoidal grating provides higher antenna efficiency. On the other hand, for the broad face coupling case, the stop‐band frequency shifts significantly for the chosen different values of the grating's period. By this complementary study, an additional data is provided to the antenna designer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26223
A multiband planar monopole antenna for mobile communication applications
Authors: Mireles Elias , Brar Manveer K. , Moody Robert A. , Varanasi Shiv K. , Sharma Satish K.
Published: June 2011

A planar multiband antenna is proposed for mobile communication applications. The antenna performance is achieved by splitting a planar monopole antenna into two radiating elements. The combination of both halves generates the lower band by means of a meandered slot in the left side and rectangular slots in the right side while upper band resonances are, respectively, attained by each of these radiating elements separately. The antenna can be directly printed onto a circuit board at low cost and requires an area of 50 × 25 mm2. The manufactured antenna is experimentally verified and covers 11 wireless communication bands, namely, GSM850, GSM900, DCS, PCS, IMT‐2000, UMTS, UMTS‐2110, WLAN, ISM/Bluetooth, and WiMAX (2500–2690 MHz and 3400–3600 MHz) with acceptable omnidirectional radiation patterns. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26227
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of children with intraocular retinoblastoma: A report from a Chinese cooperative group
Authors: Gao Yi‐Jin , Qian Jiang , Yue Han , Yuan Yi‐Fei , Xue Kang , Yao Yi‐Qun
Published: June 2011

Background

To present the characteristics and treatment outcome of patients with intraocular retinoblastoma in a Chinese cooperative group.

Procedure

Between January 2005 and March 2009, 159 eyes of 133 patients with retinoblastoma were included in this retrospective study. The International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) staging system was noted for each patient. Cases with visible extraocular extension at diagnosis were excluded. The patient data were reviewed for demographic information, clinical findings, and managements.

Results

Of 133 cases, there were 83 (62%) male and 50 (38%) female, ranging in age from 2 months to 134 months (median, 23 months; mean, 26 months). There were 26 bilateral cases (20%). One hundred and twenty‐four cases (93%) were deemed sporadic and nine cases (7%) were deemed familial. Leukocoria was the most common presenting symptom. One hundred and twenty‐three eyes (77%) of 123 patients (92%) had no visual potential. Only 36 eyes (23%) of 30 patients (23%) utilized vision‐preserving treatments. The ocular salvage rate was 83% (30/36) for this group. The cumulative probability of survival was 98% (Kaplan–Meier method) at 60 months follow up.

Conclusions

The overall survival rate of this study is in agreement with data from developed countries. In appropriate patients, systemic chemotherapy, and focal ophthalmic therapy are effective and carry little morbidity. Compared with more medically developed countries, there are still many challenges in the management of retinoblastoma in China. Early detection and doctor education should be an important future goal. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1113–1116. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunophenotype and cytogenetic characteristics in the relationship between birth weight and childhood leukemia
Authors: O'Neill Kate A. , Bunch Kathryn J. , Vincent Tim J. , Spector Logan G. , Moorman Anthony V. , Murphy Michael F.G.
Published: June 2011

Background

High birth weight increases the risk of childhood acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) through unknown mechanisms. Whether this risk is specific to ALL subtypes is unknown, and low case numbers have prevented investigation of the rarer leukemias. Here we address these associations using a large population‐based dataset.

Procedure

Using the National Registry of Childhood Tumors, birth weights of 7,826 leukemia cases, defined by immunophenotype and cytogenetic subgroup, were compared with those of 10,785 controls born in England and Wales between 1980 and 2007.

Results

The risk for overall leukemia increases 7% with each 0.5 kg increase in birth weight (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.04–1.10). This risk is limited to the lymphoid leukemias (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.05–1.12) diagnosed between 1 and 9 years of age. Analysis by cytogenetic feature reveals that there appears to be association with specific chromosomal abnormality: the risk of tumors with high hyperdiploid karyotypes increases 12% per 0.5 kg increase in birth weight (OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.05–1.20), and t(1;19) tumors show an increased risk of 41% per 0.5 kg increase (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.09–1.84). The risk of acute myeloid leukemia is elevated in high and low birth weight babies. There is no significant risk relationship to other leukemias or myeloproliferative diseases.

Conclusions

Birth weight is a risk factor for ALL and AML. Other subtypes of the disease are not significantly affected. There appears to be association with specific chromosomal abnormality, which may aid our understanding of the development of childhood leukemia in utero. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 7–11. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First contact physicians and retinoblastoma in Mexico
Authors: Leal‐Leal Carlos A. , Dilliz‐Nava Hector , Flores‐Rojo Martha , Robles‐Castro Julieta
Published: June 2011

Background

Early detection and timely referral are keys to improve survival in patients with retinoblastoma (Rb). In México, one of the main obstacles for an early diagnosis is the lack of knowledge of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate Rb comprehension in students in their last year of medical school.

Procedure

A questionnaire was completed by 791 students from 12 universities. Descriptive statistics from the population were obtained and every answer to each question was analyzed.

Results

Only 3.3% of the students got a proficiency grade. Less than 50% diagnosed Rb when an image was shown.

Conclusions

The students evaluated do not have the knowledge to detect the disease. It is necessary to develop continuous educational programs for first contact physicians. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1109–1112. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rituximab and cyclosporine therapy for accelerated phase Chediak–Higashi syndrome
Authors: Ogimi Chikara , Tanaka Risa , Arai Takashi , Kikuchi Akira , Hanada Ryoji , Oh‐ishi Tsutomu
Published: June 2011

A 19‐month‐old male with Chediak–Higashi syndrome developed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated accelerated phase. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed high EBV–DNA levels in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. His condition was refractory to conventional treatments for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and etoposide. In situ hybridization revealed higher proportion of EBER‐1‐positive cells in CD19+ cell fraction than in CD8+ cell fraction. Complete remission was achieved by combination therapy with rituximab and cyclosporine; subsequent bone marrow transplantation was successful. Combination therapy with rituximab and cyclosporine could be effective in patients with EBV‐infected T and B cells. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 677–680. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utilisation of transdermal fentanyl in Germany from 2004 to 2006
Authors: Garbe Edeltraut , Jobski Kathrin , Schmid Ulrike
Published: June 2011

Purpose Oral morphine is the first‐choice opioid for moderate to severe cancer pain. Transdermal fentanyl is an alternative in patients with stable requirements of high‐potency opioids (HPO) or if drugs cannot be taken orally. Drug regulatory authorities have issued several alerts to use transdermal fentanyl only for chronic pain and in HPO‐tolerant patients to minimise the risk of severe opioid side effects. The aim of this study was to characterise utilisation of transdermal fentanyl in Germany.

Methods The analysis was based on data from four German statutory health insurances from the years 2004–2006. Descriptive analyses were performed in new users of transdermal fentanyl to assess HPO‐naïvety, potential difficulties with the oral route in HPO‐naïve patients and the number of transdermal fentanyl dispensations. The initial dose in new users was assessed in 2005–2006 after marketing of transdermal fentanyl 12.5 µg/hour.

Results Of 35 262 patients with new use of transdermal fentanyl, 29 793 (84.5%) were assessed as HPO‐naïve. Of those, 21 596 (72.5%) did not have diagnoses indicating difficulties with the oral route. For 71.2% of the HPO‐naïve new users of transdermal fentanyl, the first dose exceeded the recommended dose of 12.5 µg/hour, and 49.3% of them received only one prescription of the drug.

Conclusions Transdermal fentanyl was used as a first‐choice opioid, which may increase the risk of serious opioid side effects, in a substantial number of HPO‐naïve patients. Inappropriate prescribing included also high initial doses in HPO‐naïve patients and possible prescription for acute pain in a considerable proportion of patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delocalized π‐electrons in 2‐oxazoline rings resulting in negatively charged nitrogen atoms: revealing the selectivity during the initiation of cationic ring‐opening polymerizations
Authors: Bodner Thomas , Ellmaier Lisa , Schenk Verena , Albering Jörg , Wiesbrock Frank
Published: June 2011

The inventory of the single‐crystal X‐ray structures of aliphatic and aromatic 2‐oxazolines, namely 2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline, 2,2′‐tetramethylenebis(2‐oxazoline) and 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline, reveals significant delocalization of π‐electrons along the NCO segment. The delocalization of π‐electrons is stabilized by inductive and resonance contributions of the side‐chains; in 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline, also π‐arene interactions between the benzene ring and the CN and the CO bond stabilize the crystalline phase. This delocalization gives a partial negative charge to the nitrogen atom and a partial positive charge to the oxygen atom. The partial negative charge of the nitrogen atom makes this atom the exclusive reaction partner also for highly reactive non‐selective cations, which explains the regioselectivity of electrophilic attacks in cationic ring‐opening polymerizations. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
RhoGDIα suppresses growth and survival of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Yezi , Tummala Ramakumar , Liu Chengfei , Nadiminty Nagalakshmi , Lou Wei , Evans Christopher P. , Zhou Qinghua , Gao Allen C.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND

Treatment for primary prostate cancer (CaP) is the withdrawal of androgens. However, CaP eventually progresses to grow in a castration‐resistant state. The mechanisms involved in the development and progression of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remain unknown. We have previously generated LNCaP‐IL6+ cells by treating LNCaP cells chronically with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), which have acquired the ability to grow in androgen‐deprived conditions.

METHODS

We compared the protein expression profile of LNCaP and LNCaP‐IL6+ cells using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The gels were then silver stained in order to visualize proteins and the differentially expressed spots were identified and characterized by micro sequencing using MALDI‐PMF mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

In this study, we have identified RhoGDIα (GDIα) as a suppressor of CaP growth. Expression of GDIα was reduced in LNCaP‐IL6+ cells and was down‐regulated in more aggressive CaP cells compared to LNCaP cells. Over expression of GDIα inhibited the growth of CaP cells and caused LNCaP‐IL6+ cells reversal to androgen‐sensitive state, while down‐regulation of GDIα enhanced growth of androgen‐sensitive LNCaP CaP cells in androgen‐deprived conditions. In addition, GDIα suppressed the tumorigenic ability of prostate tumor xenografts in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that loss of GDIα expression promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer. Prostate 72:392–398, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.