bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-Placing Southern Geographies: The Role of Latino Migration in Transforming the South, Its Identities, and Its Study
Authors: Winders Jamie
Published: June 2011

This manuscript argues that southern geographies are being re-placed materially, discursively, and institutionally through Latino migration. Drawing on ethnographic research in Nashville and scholarship on Latino migration to the South, it shows, first, how southern geographies are being re-placed materially , as southern neighborhoods are transformed by Latino residents. These changes, I suggest, locate new and old place-claims at the center of the South’s immigration politics. Second, the manuscript illustrates how southern geographies are being re-placed discursively , as the South is skipped in Latino and long-term residents’ narrations of community change. The South’s absence in these narratives may reconfigure what southern identity means and how it is formed and transformed. Finally, the manuscript notes that southern geographies are being re-placed institutionally , as other disciplines begin to study Latino migration to the South. Latino migration to southern locales touches nearly every theme southern geographers examine and, thus, merits increased attention from them.
Latino Migration and Neoliberalism in the U.S. South: Notes Toward a Rural Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Popke Jeff
Published: June 2011

Este artículo examina la relación entre discursos del neoliberalismo y entendimientos sobre la migración latina en el sur rural de los EE.UU. Como un conjunto de políticas económicas, el neoliberalismo ha proporcionado el marco para la rápida globalización de las zonas rurales y el reciente aumento de la migración latina. Al mismo tiempo, sin embargo, el discurso neoliberal despolitiza la toma de decisiones económicas y promueve un individualismo ético que reduce el ámbito de la responsabilidad hacia los migrantes mismos. En oposición a este tipo de pensamiento, exploro las posibilidades de un cosmopolitismo rural, el cual expandiría un sentido de obligación y respeto mutuo, y por lo tanto promovería una red más amplia de responsabilidad ética.
Ideological Barriers to American Sign Language: Unpacking Linguistic Resistance
Authors: Reagan Timothy
Published: June 2011

Although there have been significant advances in the status and use of ASL in the United States, there also have often been backlashes to such developments. The latter have typically been manifested in controversies over beliefs about the nature of ASL as a "real" or an "appropriate" language for study. This has been the case, for instance, in four particular areas: efforts to achieve official recognition of ASL, early identification of hearing impairment and ASL, the rise of ASL-English bilingual/bicultural education programs, and the teaching of ASL as a foreign language in educational institutions. In this article, the debate over the status of ASL is addressed as an example of ideological beliefs that impact linguistic judgments and policies. Also discussed are the major challenges to the status of ASL with respect to formal legislative recognition, its use as a medium of instruction, and its designation as a legitimate foreign language, all of which are both empirically and conceptually problematic. Further, it is suggested that the resistance to ASL is grounded in large part in a misunderstanding of the nature of human language and of the nature, structure, and history of natural sign languages in general and ASL in particular.
Kinship in Mongolian Sign Language
Authors: Geer Leah
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this investigation is twofold: I determine (1) what and how kinship terms are used in Mongolian Sign Language (MSL) and (2) to what extent other languages and cultural practices have influenced the kinship terms in MSL. Through a variety of methods, including spontaneous production, as well as direct and indirect elicitation, data were collected from three deaf signers studying at Gallaudet University. The data suggest that a basic kinship system exists and that it appears to be native to MSL. This system is lineal and elaborated only for the immediate family and grandparents. It unifies the terms for all collaterals (e.g., aunts, cousins). However, it appears that Mongolian Deaf people prefer another kinship system, one that has been created by the lexicalization of fingerspelled sequences for analogous Mongolian kinship terms. It appears, then, that the most significant influence on current MSL kinship terminology is the majority spoken language of Mongolia and not the surrounding signed languages. The data, along with general comments from the consultants about their kinship terms, suggest that the extension of the basic system could have arisen from the desire to dissimilate from MSL's relationship to Russian Sign Language, which had a significant impact on MSL in earlier decades.
Pinky Extension as a Phonestheme in Mongolian Sign Language
Authors: Healy Christina
Published: June 2011

In Mongolian Sign Language, many signs with negative connotations are produced with a hand configuration in which the pinky is extended while the other fingers are flexed. This article describes the lexemes articulated with this hand configuration and gives their meanings, reviews morphological processes and phonetic symbolism, and argues that the hand configuration is a strong phonestheme. A less frequent tendency in the language is described, wherein the thumb appears to be associated with positive meaning as a weak phonestheme. Reviews of international perspectives on these two hand configurations indicate they are not universal. A possible origin of the evaluative implications is suggested by a hand game commonly played in Mongolia, in which each finger beats another finger, which may imply power or prestige toward the thumb and away from the pinky.
Identifying In-Group and Out-Group Effects in the Trust Game
Authors: Smith Alexander
Published: June 2011

This paper presents an experiment measuring how lab-induced group identity affects trust and trustworthiness in a repeated trust game with random matching. Identity had positive in-group and negative out-group effects on trust. However, the in-group effect was small and statistically insignificant, while the out-group effect was large. Trustworthiness was determined mainly by reciprocity effects.
Some Applications of Bayes' Rule in Probability Theory to Electrocatalytic Reaction Engineering
Authors: Fahidy Thomas Z.
Published: June 2011

Bayesian methods stem from the principle of linking prior probability and conditional probability (likelihood) to posterior probability via Bayes' rule. The posterior probability is an updated (improved) version of the prior probability of an event, through the likelihood of finding empirical evidence if the underlying assumptions (hypothesis) are valid. In the absence of a frequency distribution for the prior probability, Bayesian methods have been found more satisfactory than distribution-based techniques. The paper illustrates the utility of Bayes' rule in the analysis of electrocatalytic reactor performance by means of four numerical examples involving a catalytic oxygen cathode, hydrogen evolution on a synthetic metal, the reliability of a device testing the quality of an electrocatalyst, and the range of Tafel slopes exhibited by an electrocatalyst.
Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: A Case Report of High-Energy Type without surgical Repair
Authors: Ajisaka Hideyuki , Okura Seiichiro , Wakasugi Masahiro
Published: June 2011

Repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) has been reported to be necessary. Reported here is one case of TAWH without repair. A 27-year-old man was accidentally sandwiched between a rock and a truck and admitted to our emergency department. There was a swelling of 10 cm in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The enhanced computed tomographic scan demonstrated a large abdominal wall muscular defect, transverse colon protrusion, and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema at the site. Based on these findings, lacerated transverse colon entrapped in TAWH was diagnosed. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy for laceration of the transverse colon, duodenum and pancreas, and open book fracture of the pelvis. Repair of the hernia was not performed because of the possibility of abscess formation by stool contamination. However, the hernia disappeared and the patient is doing well without recurrence of hernia 16 months after injury.
Dexlansoprazole Delayed Release: Pharmacotherapy of Erosive Esophagitis and GERD
Authors: Bardou Marc , Goirand Francoise
Published: June 2011

Dexlansoprazole MR is a modified release formulation of the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole, which employs a novel Dual Delayed Release (DDR) technology. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the DDR technology provides a two peaks drug release, accuring 1–2 hours and 4–5 hours after dosing, leading to an extended duration of therapeutic plasma drug concentrations compared with conventional delayed release lansoprazole. Dexlansoprazole MR 30 and 60 mg provided superior intragastric pH control compared to that obtained with lansoprazole 15 mg and 30 mg once daily dosing. Dexlansoprazole can be taken without regard to food. The drug has been shown to be as efficacious as lansoprazole in healing, and superior to placebo in maintaining healing, of erosive esophagitis. Dexlansoprazole appears to be well tolerated with a comparable safety profile to lansoprazole. Overall, dexlansoprazole DR has an interesting pharmacokinetic profile and is effective and well tolerated in the healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis and in the treatment of GERD. Nevertheless in the absence of head-to-head comparison there is no mean to recommend its use preferentially to other PPIs.
Supported Metal Oxide Nanosystems for Hydrogen Photogeneration: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Barreca Davide , Carraro Giorgio , Gombac Valentina , Gasparotto Alberto , Maccato Chiara , Fornasiero Paolo , Tondello Eugenio
Published: June 2011

Hydrogen has attracted a great share of attention both as an energy carrier and as an irreplaceble reagent for many industrial processes. Photoactivated routes, ranging from photocatalytic and photo‐electrochemical water splitting to photoreforming of suitable oxygenates, appear to be attractive long‐term solutions among possible strategies for hydrogen production. However, the success of such processes depends on the efficient use of solar energy and on the identification of active and stable catalysts, which, in addition, should be eco‐friendly and available in large amounts at accessible costs. Researchers are exploring the use of supported oxide nanomaterials, which enable an easy catalyst recovery and exhibit unique advantages due to their peculiar nano‐organization. In this Feature Article, the potential of such systems towards photoinduced hydrogen evolution is discussed based on selected case studies that highlight the relations between structure, morphology, composition, and functional performances of oxide nanomaterials. In addition, potential limitations of oxide‐based nanomaterials as well as unexplored key aspects that require special attention in future investigations are discussed.
Identifying a Threshold Impurity Level for Organic Solar Cells: Enhanced First‐Order Recombination Via Well‐Defined PC84BM Traps in Organic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Cowan Sarah R. , Leong Wei Lin , Banerji Natalie , Dennler Gilles , Heeger Alan J.
Published: June 2011

Small amounts of impurity, even one part in one thousand, in polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells can alter the electronic properties of the device, including reducing the open circuit voltage, the short circuit current and the fill factor. Steady state studies show a dramatic increase in the trap‐assisted recombination rate when [6,6]‐phenyl C84 butyric acid methyl ester (PC84BM) is introduced as a trap site in polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells made of a blend of the copolymer poly[N‐9″‐hepta‐decanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) and the fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM). The trap density dependent recombination studied here can be described as a combination of bimolecular and Shockley–Read–Hall recombination; the latter is dramatically enhanced by the addition of the PC84BM traps. This study reveals the importance of impurities in limiting the efficiency of organic solar cell devices and gives insight into the mechanism of the trap‐induced recombination loss.
Polyol‐Mediated Synthesis and Properties of Nanoscale Molybdates/Tungstates: Color, Luminescence, Catalysis
Authors: Schmitt Peter , Brem Nadine , Schunk Stephan , Feldmann Claus
Published: June 2011

The nanometer‐scale molybdates/tungstates Fe2(MoO4)3, CoMoO4, NiMoO4, CuMoO4, In2(MoO4)3, and CuWO4 are synthesized via a polyol‐mediated approach. All nanomaterials are obtained as spherical particles with mean diameters between 25 and 75 nm. Detailed characterization is carried out based on DLS, SEM, XRD, EDX, UV–visible, and luminescence spectroscopy. The as‐prepared, non‐crystalline nanoparticles already exhibit interesting material properties. CoMoO4, CuWO4, and Fe2(MoO4)3 show brilliant blue, green, and orange‐yellow colors. Moreover, a surprisingly high photocatalytic activity is observed for as‐prepared, non‐crystalline CuWO4 and In2(MoO4)3. Comparing the degradation of methylene blue in neutral water, CuWO4 and In2(MoO4)3 are found to be 4.2 and 7.4 times faster in daylight than standard TiO2 nanoparticles (i.e., Degussa P25). On short‐timeframe sintering the nanomaterials become crystalline with an almost preserved particle size. Sintered In2(MoO4)3 (450 °C, 0.5 h) doped with europium (5 mol%) shows intense red luminescence with a quantum yield of 37%−39% upon UV excitation. Finally, sintered CuMoO4 (600 °C, 1 h) supported on commercial porous SiO2 substrates turns out to be well‐suited for the oxidation of o‐xylene to o‐tolyl aldehyde by air, with a selectivity of 64%.
The study of visual image improvement of an organic light‐emitting diode by dye‐polarizer composed of optical film
Authors: Lan Wen Jeng , Wu Ho Shing
Published: June 2011

The visual image improvement of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED), which is based on some theoretical frameworks and the optical property of the dye‐polarizer composed of optical film, is investigated. The key performance indexes of visions, i.e., visual reflective sensitivity, contrast ratio, and color saturation are focused. First, the reflectance and color saturation of an OLED were simulated and calculated by using the transfer matrix method with thin‐film optical filters and the definition rule of color performances in the 1931 index proposed by the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE1931). The results clearly showed excellent performance when using the dye‐polarizer on the panel of an OLED in the theoretical calculation and practical application. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1755–1763, 2012
Organokatalytischer, enantioselektiver Acyltransfer auf racemische sowie meso‐Alkohole, ‐Amine und ‐Thiole
Authors: Müller Christian E. , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: June 2011

Der Acyltransfer ist ein Paradebeispiel für den Transfer funktioneller Gruppen, sowohl in der Natur als auch im chemischen Labor. Acylierungen sind am Aufbau komplexer natürlicher Moleküle beteiligt und spielen eine entscheidende Rolle für den biologischen Energietransport. Die Charakterisierung kovalenter Acyl‐Enzym‐Intermediate trieb sowohl mechanistische Studien als auch die Entwicklung biomimetischer Verfahren an. Folglich verwendeten Chemiker zunächst die Werkzeuge der Natur in Form von Enzymen und natürlichen Alkaloiden als Katalysatoren, um schließlich eine Vielzahl kleiner, synthetischer Moleküle für den selektiven Acyltransfer zu entwickeln. Anders als die Natur nutzen Chemiker praktische Acylierungsreaktionen für die Stereoselektion und zum Schutz funktioneller Gruppen. Die Zahl der Studien zum Acyltransfer hat in den letzten 15 Jahren deutlich zugenommen. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt diese Entwicklungen mit einem Schwerpunkt auf den im Titel genannten Substanzklassen.
Identification of Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors by Screening of Phenol Fragments Library
Authors: Rubino Maria Teresa , Maggi Dariana , Laghezza Antonio , Loiodice Fulvio , Tortorella Paolo
Published: June 2011

In the last 20 years, a great variety of synthetic, low molecular weight MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have been synthesized and tested, although none has reached clinical utility. Exploration of novel ZBGs and development of non‐hydroxamate MMPI has become a focus in current research. It's well‐known that polyphenols can produce beneficial effects on human health by their antioxidant properties as well as they have the ability to block gelatinase activity. In this work we tested a series of selected phenols as MMP inhibitors. The most interesting hit (B6) shows sub‐micromolar activity against MMP‐2 (IC50 0.59 ± 0.05 µM, LE = 1.07) and a fairly good selectivity spectrum.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography Investigations of MultiLayered Archaeological Settlements: Part I – Modelling
Authors: Berge Meriç Aziz , Drahor Mahmut Göktuğ
Published: June 2011

In archaeology, multilayered settlements (höyük, tell, tepe) are among the most important sites for investigation and excavation. This type of site is a subcircular, nucleated settlement composed of mud‐ and stone‐based materials remaining from different archaeological times; it presents a complex archaeological context. This study tests the capability of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method by simulation of multilayered archaeological settlements. This study also discusses the usefulness of the data acquisition and inversion facilities of ERT surveys to define buried structures and settlement plans of various archaeological layers of the settlements. A robust inversion technique was performed during the modelling studies in which the forward solution of the objective function (Poisson equation) was solved using the finite‐element approach. The ERT results reveal that a 'semi‐fully three‐dimensional' investigation provides more accurate solutions than 'quasi‐three‐dimensional' applications. According to the inversion results, dipole–dipole and pole–dipole arrays describe the model better than Wenner, Wenner–Schlumberger and pole–pole arrays. The effects of interelectrode and interline spacing, as well as line orientation, were also investigated during the modelling studies. Based on the modelling approach, a reasonable field and inversion strategy for ERT studies of the multilayered settlements is suggested. We conclude that ERT is a highly suitable technique for the determination of settlements that have layered stratigraphy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of intermittent UMTS electromagnetic field effects on blood circulation in the human auditory region using a near‐infrared system
Authors: Spichtig Sonja , Scholkmann Felix , Chin Lydia , Lehmann Hugo , Wolf Martin
Published: June 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential effects of intermittent Universal Mobile Telecommunications System electromagnetic fields (UMTS‐EMF) on blood circulation in the human head (auditory region) using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on two different timescales: short‐term (effects occurring within 80 s) and medium‐term (effects occurring within 80 s to 30 min). For the first time, we measured potential immediate effects of UMTS‐EMF in real‐time without any interference during exposure. Three different exposures (sham, 0.18 W/kg, and 1.8 W/kg) were applied in a controlled, randomized, crossover, and double‐blind paradigm on 16 healthy volunteers. In addition to oxy‐, deoxy‐, and total haemoglobin concentrations ([O2Hb], [HHb], and [tHb], respectively), the heart rate (HR), subjective well‐being, tiredness, and counting speed were recorded. During exposure to 0.18 W/kg, we found a significant short‐term increase in Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[tHb], which is small (≈17%) compared to a functional brain activation. A significant decrease in the medium‐term response of Δ[HHb] at 0.18 and 1.8 W/kg exposures was detected, which is in the range of physiological fluctuations. The medium‐term ΔHR was significantly higher (+1.84 bpm) at 1.8 W/kg than for sham exposure. The other parameters showed no significant effects. Our results suggest that intermittent exposure to UMTS‐EMF has small short‐ and medium‐term effects on cerebral blood circulation and HR. Bioelectromagnetics 33:40–54, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An intelligent approach to the discovery of luminescent materials using a combinatorial approach combined with Taguchi methodology
Authors: Chen Lei , Chu Cheng‐I , Chen Kuo‐Ju , Chen Po‐Yuan , Hu Shu‐Fen , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: June 2011

A significant advance made in combinatorial approach research was that the emphasis shifted from simple mixing to intelligent screening, so as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of discovering new materials from a larger number of diverse compositions. In this study, the long‐lasting luminescence of SrAl2O4, which is co‐doped with Eu2+, Ce3+, Dy3+, Li+ and H3BO3, was investigated based on a combinatorial approach in conjunction with the Taguchi method. The minimal number of 16 samples to be tested (five dopants and four levels of concentration) were designed using the Taguchi method. The samples to be screened were synthesized using a parallel combinatorial strategy based on ink‐jetting of precursors into an array of micro‐reactor wells. The relative brightness of luminescence of the different phosphors over a particular period was assessed. Ce3+ was identified as the constituent that detrimentally affected long‐lasting luminescence. Its concentration was optimized to zero. Li+ had a minor effect on long‐lasting luminescence but the main factors that contributed to the objective property (long‐lasting luminescence) were Eu2+, Dy3+ and H3BO3, and the concentrations of these dopants were optimized to 0.020, 0.030 and 0.300, respectively, for co‐doping into SrAl2O4. This study demonstrates that the utility of the combinatorial approach for evaluating the effect of components on an objective property (e.g. phosphorescence) and estimating the expected performance under the optimal conditions can be improved by the Taguchi method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5d–4f transition in new phosphate‐based phosphors
Authors: Shinde K. N. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: June 2011

The preparation of Ce3+‐doped Sr6AlP5O20 and Ba6AlP5O20 by a combustion method is described. Formation of compounds was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra were observed at 355 nm when excited at 307 nm for the various concentrations. The PL emission spectra of phosphors showed strong Ce3+ emission due to the 5 d → 4f transition of Ce3+ ions. The Ce3+ emission intensity in Sr6AlP5O20:Ce phosphor was higher than that in Ba6AlP5O20:Ce and it may be useful for scintillation applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A terbium‐sensitized spectrofluorimetric method for determination of catecholamines in a serum sample with micelle medium
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Alam Al‐Mahmnur , Lee Sang Hak , Kim Young Ho , Kim Sung Hong
Published: June 2011

A terbium‐sensitized spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for determination of catecholamines such as norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EP) and dopamine (DA), using sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS). Fluorescence sensitization of terbium ions (Tb3+) by complexation with catecholamines in the presence of SDBS was observed. The fluorescence intensities of the Tb3+–catecholamine complexes were highly enhanced by introducing SDBS with an emission maximum at 545 nm after excitation at 290 nm. The conditions for the complex formation of Tb3+–catecholamine were investigated systematically and optimized to determine catecholamines in a serum sample. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensities of the Tb3+–catecholamine complexes were increased linearly with the concentration of NE, EP and DA over the ranges 2.5 × 10–10–1.0 × 10–8, 2.5 × 10–10–1.0 × 10–8 and 2.5 × 10–9–1.0 × 10–7 g/mL with correlation coefficients of 0.999, 0.999 and 0.9996, respectively. The limits of detection (3δ) of NE, EP and DA were found to be 4.6 × 10–11, 7.8 × 10–11 and 8.38 × 10–10 g/mL, respectively. Precision of the method was tested at the concentration level of 1.2 × 10−7 g/mL for five replicate measurements of NE, EP and DA, giving relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.41%, 1.23% and 1.89%, respectively. The interaction mechanism of the Tb3+–catecholamine complexes system was investigated and presented with ultraviolet absorption spectra. The proposed method has been applied for the quantitative determination of NE, EP and DA in a spiked serum sample and a pharmaceutical preparation sample. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ laccase‐assisted overdyeing of denim using flavonoids
Authors: Guimarães Clara , Kim Suyeon , Silva Carla , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur
Published: June 2011

A laccase‐mediated system for denim overdyeing using phenolic compounds was developed. Laccase from ascomycete Myceliophthora thermophila was able to oxidize phenolic compounds such as catechol and catechin and mediate their attachment to denim surfaces. Laccase‐generated polymers gave rise to new coloration states from dark brown to green–yellow and replaced dyes in the overdyeing process. Process parameters, such as enzyme dosage, incubation time and presence of mediator, were studied by considering a compromise between the highest overdyeing level and lower energy/products consumption (2 U/mL laccase; 4 h incubation in the absence of mediator). Enzyme‐generated polymers were followed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry and their level of attachment to denim surfaces was evaluated by means of spectral values quantification [k/s, Kubelka–Munk relationship (k=absorption coefficient, s=scattering coefficient)]. Overdyeing of denim with phenolics, such as catechol or catechin, was successfully achieved with acceptable levels in terms of durability.
Telomerisation of Buta‐1,3‐diene and Methanol: Superiority of Chromanyl‐Type Phosphines in the Dow Process for the Industrial Production of 1‐MOD
Authors: Tschan Mathieu J.‐L. , Launay Hélène , Hagen Henk , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: June 2011

Butadiene and methanol were telomerised in the presence of palladium catalysts with ligands containing 8‐diphenylphosphinochromane‐like substituents at phosphorus. MonoXantphos and monoSPANphos afforded the most active, stable and selective catalysts known to date under commercially relevant production conditions for 1‐methoxyocta‐2,7‐diene, the precursor to oct‐1‐ene.
Evaluation of the ratio of the evaporation energy to the activation energy for estimating the thermodiffusion coefficient
Authors: Abbasi Alireza , Saghir M. Ziad , Kawaji Masahiro
Published: June 2011

Thermodiffusion has an important role in displacements of hydrocarbon reservoir. The ratio of the evaporation energy to the activation energy of viscous flow in pure limits, τpure,k, is of a great importance in estimating the thermodiffusion coefficient for non‐associating fluid mixtures. Several methods may be used to estimate τpure,k which causes different values for thermodiffusion coefficients. A fixed value for τpure,k was considered to predict the thermodiffusion coefficient. In this paper, Abbasi et al.'s [J. Non‐Equilib. Thermodyn. 2010;35:1–14] model and Shukla and Firoozabadi's model have been applied to predict thermodiffusion coefficients for linear chain hydrocarbon binary mixtures. The results show a very good performance of the simple approach in respect to the previous models in estimating thermodiffusion coefficients. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Study of sawdust pyrolysis and its devolatilisation kinetics
Authors: Aqsha Aqsha , Mahinpey Nader , Mani Thilakavathi , Salak Feridoun , Murugan Pulikesi
Published: June 2011

Pyrolysis of sawdust was studied using a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) to understand the devolatilisation process and to obtain its global kinetic parameters. The influences of particle size, initial weight of the sample and heating rate on the devolatilisation of sawdust particles have been studied. Results from proximate analysis show that smaller particle size has more ash content compared to larger particle size. The TG and derivative TG curve for variation in particle size and initial weight of the sample showed significant difference in the third stage of the pyrolysis. In addition, the pyrolysis of sawdust differed significantly for variation in heating rate. As the heating rates increased, the char yield also increased. The devolatilisation kinetics was studied considering different stages of pyrolysis. The kinetic parameters for thermal devolatilisation of the sawdust were determined through a nonlinear optimisation method of two independent parallel nth‐order reaction models. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor and order of the reaction for the two stages considered in the model were: E2 = 79.53 (kJ/mol), E3 = 60.71 (kJ/mol); k02 = 1.90 × 106 (1/min), k03 = 1.01 × 103 (1/min); n2 = 0.91, n3 = 1.78, respectively. The results show good agreement between the proposed model and the experimental data of the sawdust pyrolysis.
Electrochemical removal of boron from water: Adsorption and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Vasudevan Subramanyan , Lakshmi Jothinathan
Published: June 2011

The present work provides an electrochemical removal of boron from water and its kinetics, thermodynamics, isotherm using mild steel and stainless steel as anode and cathode respectively. The various operating parameters on the removal efficiency of boron were investigated, such as initial boron ion concentration, initial pH, current density and temperature. The results showed that the optimum removal efficiency of 93.2% was achieved at a current density of 0.2 A dm−2 at pH of 7.0. First‐, second‐order rate equations, Elovich and Intraparticle models were applied to study adsorption kinetics. Adsorption isotherms of boron on Fe(OH)3 were determined and correlated with isotherm equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich and D‐R models. Thermodynamic parameters, such as standard Gibb's free energy (ΔG°), standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and standard entropy (ΔS°), were also evaluated by Van't Hoff equation. The adsorption process follows second‐order kinetics. The adsorption of boron preferably fits with Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggesting monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. The adsorption of boron onto Fe(OH)3 was found to be spontaneous and endothermic. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and removal of total chromium from wastewater using scrap iron in the form of zerovalent iron(ZVI): Batch and column studies
Authors: Prasad P. V. V. V. , Das Chandan , Golder Animes Kumar
Published: June 2011

This work experimentally investigates Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) using waste scrap iron in the form of zerovalent iron (ZVI) collected from the mechanical workshop of the Institute, both in batch and continuous operation. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was found to be complete (∼100%) depending on the experimental conditions. Lower pH values favour Cr(VI) reduction. Two concurrent reactions take place, that is reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe0 (ZVI) and by Fe2+ generated due to H+ corrosion of iron. Maximum around 22%, 11% and 2% Cr(III) remained dissolved in solution while the experiments were carried out at initial pH of 2, 4.67 and 7. Higher ZVI loading increases Cr(VI) reduction rate, however, consumption of iron is noted to be higher. The results indicate that the bed is exhausted rapidly at higher pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration and flow rate. This is attributable to predominance passivation of ZVI surface forming Cr(III)–Fe(III)‐oxide layer. SEM analysis of ZVI before and after the experiments confirms formation of passive oxide on iron surface is responsible for deterioration of Cr(VI) reduction efficiency due to its blanketing effect.
Symptomatic mucocutaneous toxicity of hydroxyurea in Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Latagliata Roberto , Spadea Antonio , Cedrone Michele , Di Giandomenico Jonny , De Muro Marianna , Villivà Nicoletta , Breccia Massimo , Anaclerico Barbara , Porrini Raffaele , Spirito Francesca , Rago Angela , Avvisati Giuseppe , Alimena Giuliana , Montanaro Marco , Andriani Alessandro ,   and Gruppo Laziale SMPC Ph1 neg
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

The current study was conducted to evaluate severe mucocutaneous toxicity during treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) in a large cohort of patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

METHODS:

Among 993 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with MPN at 4 centers in Rome between January 1980 and December 2009, 614 patients (277 men and 337 women with a median age of 64.4 years [interquartile range (IR), 54.4 years‐72.7 years]) received HU. HU was administered as first‐line treatment in 523 patients (85.2%) and as ≥ second‐line treatment in 91 patients (14.8%).

RESULTS:

Mucocutaneous toxicity was reported in 51 patients (8.3%) after a median period from the initiation of HU treatment of 32.1 months (IR, 10.5 months‐74.6 months) and a mean HU dose of 1085 mg (± 390 mg); 30 patients (58.8%) developed a painful ulcerative skin toxicity, mainly located in the perimalleolar area; 11 patients (21.6%) had oral aphthous ulcers; and 10 patients (19.6%) developed a nonulcerative skin toxicity with erythema and skin infiltration. After the mucocutaneous toxicity occurred, HU treatment was continued at the same dose in 5 patients (9.8%), reduced in 12 patients (23.5%), and temporarily discontinued in 7 patients (13.7%); the remaining 27 patients (52.9%) required a permanent drug discontinuation. After a median period of 4.3 months (IR, 2.4 months‐9.0 months) from the onset of the skin toxicity, 39 patients (76.5%) had a complete resolution and 12 patients (23.5%) had improvement without complete resolution.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mucocutaneous toxicity during HU treatment is more common than expected and may present with different clinical features. Moreover, it often requires a permanent drug discontinuation and only a partial resolution is reported to occur in approximately 25% of patients. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Eradication of chemotherapy‐resistant CD44+ human ovarian cancer stem cells in mice by intraperitoneal administration of clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
Authors: Casagrande Francesca , Cocco Emiliano , Bellone Stefania , Richter Christine E. , Bellone Marta , Todeschini Paola , Siegel Eric , Varughese Joyce , Arin‐Silasi Dan , Azodi Masoud , Rutherford Thomas J. , Pecorelli Sergio , Schwartz Peter E. , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Emerging evidence has suggested that the capability to sustain tumor formation, growth, and chemotherapy resistance in ovarian as well as other human malignancies exclusively resides in a small proportion of tumor cells termed cancer stem cells. During the characterization of CD44+ ovarian cancer stem cells, we found a high expression of the genes encoding for claudin‐4. Because this tight junction protein is the natural high‐affinity receptor for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), we have extensively investigated the sensitivity of ovarian cancer stem cells to CPE treatment in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS:

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry were used to evaluate claudin‐3/‐4 expression in ovarian cancer stem cells. Small interfering RNA knockdown experiments and MTS assays were used to evaluate CPE‐induced cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer stem cell lines in vitro. C.B‐17/SCID mice harboring ovarian cancer stem cell xenografts were used to evaluate CPE therapeutic activity in vivo.

RESULTS:

CD44+ ovarian cancer stem cells expressed claudin‐4 gene at significantly higher levels than matched autologous CD44− ovarian cancer cells, and regardless of their higher resistance to chemotherapeutic agents died within 1 hour after exposure to 1.0 μg/mL of CPE in vitro. Conversely, small‐interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of claudin‐3/‐4 expression in CD44+ cancer stem cells significantly protected cancer stem cells from CPE‐induced cytotoxicity. Importantly, multiple intraperitoneal administrations of sublethal doses of CPE in mice harboring xenografts of chemotherapy‐resistant CD44+ ovarian cancer stem cells had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor progression leading to the cure and/or long‐term survival of all treated animals (ie, 100% reduction in tumor burden in 50% of treated mice; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

CPE may represent an unconventional, potentially highly effective strategy to eradicate chemotherapy‐resistant cancer stem cells. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Comprehensive pathway‐based interrogation of genetic variations in the nucleotide excision DNA repair pathway and risk of bladder cancer
Authors: Xing Jinliang , Dinney Colin P. , Shete Sanjay , Huang Maosheng , Hildebrandt Michelle A. , Chen Zhinan , Gu Jian
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Growing evidence suggests that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway genes play an important role in bladder cancer etiology. However, only a limited number of genes and variations in this pathway have been evaluated to date.

METHODS:

In this study, the authors applied a comprehensive pathway‐based approach to assess the effects of 207 tagging and potentially functional SNPs in 26 NER genes on bladder cancer risk using a large case‐control study that included 803 bladder cancer cases and 803 controls.

RESULTS:

In total, 17 SNPs were associated significantly with altered bladder cancer risk (P < .05), of which, 7 SNPs retained noteworthiness after they were assessed with a Bayesian approach for the probability of false discovery. The most noteworthy SNP was reference SNP 11132186 (rs11132186) in the inhibitor of growth family, member 2 (ING2) gene. Compared with the major allele‐containing genotypes, the odds ratio was 0.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.32‐0.83; P = .005) for the homozygous variant genotype. Three additional ING2 variants also exhibited significant associations with bladder cancer risk. Significant gene‐smoking interactions were observed for 3 of the top 17 SNPs. Furthermore, through an exploratory classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, potential gene‐gene interactions were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this a large association study of the NER pathway and the risk of bladder cancer, several novel predisposition variants were identified along with potential gene‐gene and gene‐environment interactions in modulating bladder cancer risk. The results reinforce the importance of a comprehensive, pathway‐focused, and tagging SNP‐based candidate gene approach to identify low‐penetrance cancer susceptibility loci. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Pilot study of duloxetine for treatment of aromatase inhibitor‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Henry N. Lynn , Banerjee Mousumi , Wicha Max , Van Poznak Catherine , Smerage Jeffrey B. , Schott Anne F. , Griggs Jennifer J. , Hayes Daniel F.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 50% of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive early stage breast cancer treated with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) develop musculoskeletal symptoms. Standard analgesics are relatively ineffective. Duloxetine is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with proven efficacy for treatment of multiple chronic pain states. The authors investigated the hypothesis that duloxetine is efficacious for treatment of AI‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms.

METHODS:

The authors performed a single‐arm, open‐label phase 2 study of duloxetine in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who developed new or worsening pain after treatment with an AI for at least 2 weeks. Patients were treated with duloxetine for 8 weeks (30 mg for 7 days, then 60 mg daily). The primary endpoint was a 30% decrease in average pain score over 8 weeks, and secondary outcomes included change in average and worst pain, pain interference, depression, sleep quality, and hot flashes. Statistical analysis was done with t tests for paired data.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐one of 29 evaluable patients (72.4%) achieved at least a 30% decrease in average pain, and 18 of 23 patients (78.3%) who completed protocol‐directed treatment continued duloxetine. The mean percentage reduction in average pain severity between baseline and 8 weeks was 60.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.6%‐73.1%), and in maximum pain severity it was 59.9% (95% CI, 47.0‐72.7%). The most common adverse events were grade 1 or 2 fatigue, xerostomia, nausea, and headache.

CONCLUSIONS:

Duloxetine appears to be effective and well tolerated for treatment of AI‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms. Future randomized, placebo‐controlled studies are warranted. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Hospital racial composition and the treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Pollack Craig Evan , Bekelman Justin E. , Liao K. J. , Armstrong Katrina
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Racial differences in the treatment of men with localized prostate cancer remain poorly understood. This study examines whether hospital racial composition is associated with the type of treatment black and white men receive.

METHODS:

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of men in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare diagnosed with localized prostate cancer from 1995 to 2005 linked to hospital and census data. A total of 134,291 men were assigned to the hospital where they received care. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine whether hospital racial composition was associated with the receipt of definitive therapy and type of treatment.

RESULTS:

Black men were less likely to receive radiation and/or prostatectomy compared with white men (55.5% vs 63.7%, P < .001) and, among those who received definitive therapy, were less likely to undergo prostatectomy (27.5% vs 31.9%, P < .001). The percentage of black men who received their care at hospitals with a high proportion of black patients was 48.0%, compared with only 5.2% of white patients who received care in this subset of hospitals. Men were significantly less likely to receive definitive treatment (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.74‐0.90) in hospitals with a high proportion of black patients compared with men seen at hospitals with fewer black patients. The association between hospital racial composition and treatment did not significantly differ by patient race.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospital racial composition is consistently associated with the care that men receive for localized prostate cancer. Better understanding of the factors that determine where men receive care is an important component in reducing variation in treatment. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II colon cancer
Authors: McKenzie Shaun , Nelson Rebecca , Mailey Brian , Lee Wendy , Chung Vincent , Shibata Stephen , Garcia‐Aguilar Julio , Kim Joseph
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

It is unclear whether the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II colon cancer.

METHODS:

The authors used the State of California Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) to assess patients ages 18 to 80 years with AJCC stage II colon cancer (ie, T3 or T4 and N0) who underwent surgical resection during 1991 and 2006. Patients who had rectal and rectosigmoid cancers were excluded. The cohort was stratified according to the receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, and clinical and pathologic characteristics and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS:

From the CSP data, 3716 patients were identified who underwent curative‐intent surgical resection for stage II colon cancer. When the 2 treatment groups (surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy [n = 916] and surgery alone [n = 2800]) were compared, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were more likely to be younger and to have left‐sided lesions with ≥12 lymph nodes examined. There was no difference in sex or tumor differentiation between the 2 groups. According to a Kaplan‐Meier analysis, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy had improved overall survival compared with patients who underwent surgery alone (median survival, 12 years vs 9.2 years, respectively; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was identified as an independent predictor of improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.78‐0.99; P = .031).

CONCLUSIONS:

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first population‐based analysis to identify a survival advantage for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with AJCC stage II colon cancer. On the basis of the current findings, the authors concluded that the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in select patients with stage II disease. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Colorectal carcinoma cell production of transforming growth factor beta decreases expression of endothelial cell vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2
Authors: Kuczynski Elizabeth A. , Viloria‐Petit Alicia M. , Coomber Brenda L.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is a target for antiangiogenic cancer therapy. The authors have previously observed that up to 40% of vessels in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tumors are negative for VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression. Differential activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) is a potential contributor to this receptor heterogeneity because TGF‐β contributes to both angiogenesis and CRC tumor progression.

METHODS:

The authors analyzed VEGFR2 expression by Western blotting, and TGF‐β expression in endothelial and CRC cell lines, respectively. In addition, they immunostained endothelial cells in CRC xenografts to find an association between VEGFR2 and TGF‐β levels or activity.

RESULTS:

In bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), TGF‐β1 significantly repressed VEGFR2 protein in a time‐dependent and dose‐dependent fashion (P < .05). Serum‐free conditioned media from various malignant human CRC cell lines (HCT116, 379.2, Dks8, and DLD1) induced down‐regulation of VEGFR2 in BAECs. This effect was proportional to the total levels of TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 and was blocked by SB‐431542 and SD‐208, TGF‐β receptor I inhibitors. Immunofluorescence staining of subcutaneous mouse xenografts of HCT116, 379.2, Dks8, and SW480 cells revealed vessels with an inverse relationship between TGF‐β activity and VEGFR2 expression. Oxygen and bone morphogenetic protein 9 levels were shown to modulate TGF‐β–induced VEGFR2 down‐regulation.

CONCLUSIONS:

In combination with other factors, TGF‐β may contribute to the vascular heterogeneity in human colorectal tumors. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.