bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Preparation of Ammonium Molybdophosphate/Al‐MCM‐41 Composite Material from Natural Clay and Its Use in Cesium Ion Adsorption
Authors: Sun Chunyan , Zhang Feng , Wang Xiao , Cheng Fangqin
Published: March 2015

Ordered hexagonal mesoporous aluminosilicate matrix (Al‐MCM‐41) with incorporated ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) was successfully synthesized by a one‐pot synthesis method with natural clay from low‐grade potash ores of Qinghai salt lake as the silica and aluminum source. We introduced a modified “liquid‐phase transport” step, which allowed the use of impure natural clay as a starting material to directly produce pure product without sedimentation pretreatment. The resultant product was characterized by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, 27Al and 31P magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption, which indicated that the AMP was immobilized in the mesoporous structure of Al‐MCM‐41. The adsorption capacity of the final product for the removal of cesium ions in solution was also investigated. The results suggested that salt lake clay is a promising low‐cost precursor for the production of mesoporous aluminosilicate supports through one‐pot syntheses, and the final composite material is effective for the adsorption of cesium ions from solutions containing other alkali metal ions.
Synthetic, Structural, and Spectroscopic Studies of Bis(porphyrinzinc) Complexes Linked by Two‐Atom Conjugating Bridges
Authors: Harper Shannon R. , Pfrunder Michael C. , Esdaile Louisa J. , Jensen Paul , McMurtrie John C. , Arnold Dennis P.
Published: March 2015

Four ZnII 5,10,15‐triphenylporphyrin (TriPP) complexes meso–meso linked by two‐atom bridges, namely, C2H2 (2), C2 (3), CH=N (4), and N2 (5), were prepared, for comparison of ground‐state inter‐porphyrin conjugation. The X‐ray crystal structure of azoporphyrin 5·py2 (py = pyridine) was determined: it exhibits a stepped‐offset shape and a porphyrin–azo torsion angle of 34.8°. Some new monoporphyrin starting materials were prepared, and ZnTriPPNH2 (27), ZnTriPPCHO (23), NiTriPPCHO (7), and ZnTriPPCH2CH2Ph (18), as well as the byproduct butadiyne‐linked dimer 26 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The conjugation in the dimers was assessed by electronic absorption and steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy. All show variously split B bands: azoporphyrin 5 clearly has the strongest ground‐state inter‐porphyrin interactions. Imine 4 and azo 5 show strongly quenched fluorescence emission, which indicates the presence of efficient relaxation pathways afforded by the N‐containing linkers.
A Convergent Synthesis of 6‐O‐Branched β‐Glucan Oligosaccharides
Authors: Liao Guochao , Burgula Srinivas , Zhou Zhifang , Guo Zhongwu
Published: March 2015

β‐Glucans are important carbohydrate antigens that are found on the surface of fungal cells, and they could be useful for the development of antifungal vaccines. This paper describes a highly convergent and efficient strategy for the synthesis of structurally defined branched β‐glucan oligosaccharides that can be used for detailed studies of β‐glucans and for the design of β‐glucan‐based vaccines. The strategy was highlighted by assembling three target compounds through preactivation‐based glycosylation with thioglycosides as glycosyl donors. It was used to successfully prepare β‐glucan oligosaccharides consisting of a β‐1,3‐linked nonaglucan backbone linked to a β‐1,6‐glucotetraose, a β‐1,3‐glucodiose, or a β‐1,3‐glucotetraose branch at the 6‐O‐position of the nonaglucan central sugar unit. The structure and size of the glycosyl donors and acceptors used in the syntheses did not significantly affect the efficiency of the glycosylation, which suggests that this strategy can be generally useful for the synthesis of more complex structures.
Effects of compression at myofascial trigger points in patients with acute low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takamoto K. , Bito I. , Urakawa S. , Sakai S. , Kigawa M. , Ono T. , Nishijo H.
Published: March 2015

Background

Although there is some evidence that massage therapy, especially compression at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), is effective for sub‐acute and chronic low back pain, the effectiveness of massage therapy with compression at MTrPs for acute low back pain has not been studied.

Methods

To evaluate the effectiveness of compression at MTrPs for acute low back pain, 63 patients with acute low back pain were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the MTrP group who received compression at MTrPs (N = 23), the non‐MTrP group who received compression at non‐trigger points (N = 21), and the effleurage massage group who received superficial massage (N = 19). The patients received the assigned treatment 3 times/week for 2 weeks. The subjective pain intensity in static and dynamic conditions and disability caused by low back pain were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Roland–Morris questionnaire (RMQ), respectively; along with the range of motion (ROM) at the lumbar region and pressure pain threshold (PPT) at trigger points before treatment (baseline), 1 week after the start of treatment, and 1 month after the end of treatment (follow‐up).

Results

Static and dynamic VAS score, PPT and ROM were significantly improved in the MTrP group compared with those in the non‐MTrP and effleurage groups.

Conclusions

These results indicate that compression at MTrPs is effective to treat acute low back pain compared with compression at non‐MTrPs and superficial massage.

For this article, a commentary is available at the Wiley Online Library.
That is how we do it around here: Levels of identification, masculine honor, and social activism against organized crime in the south of Italy
Authors: Travaglino Giovanni A. , Abrams Dominic , Randsley de Moura Georgina , Russo Giuseppina
Published: March 2015

Masculine honor is an important cultural code in the south of Italy. Italian criminal organizations (COs) manipulate and exploit this code to maintain legitimacy among local populations and exert social control in the territory where they operate. This research tested the hypothesis that different levels of identification—the region and the nation—would have opposite associations with male honor‐related values and, indirectly, with intentions to oppose COs collectively. Results from a sample of young southern Italians (N = 170) showed that regional identification positively predicted endorsement of male honor‐related values, which in turn were associated with lowered intentions to oppose COs. In contrast, national identification negatively predicted male honor‐related values, associated in turn with stronger intentions to oppose COs. These results also held when perceived risk and social dominance orientation were taken into account. Directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of continuous flow microfluidics device with 3D electrode structures for high throughput DEP applications using mechanical machining
Authors: Zeinali Soheila , Çetin Barbaros , Oliaei Samad Nadimi Bavil , Karpat Yiğit
Published: March 2015

Microfluidics is the combination of micro/nano fabrication techniques with fluid flow at microscale to pursue powerful techniques in controlling and manipulating chemical and biological processes. Sorting and separation of bio‐particles are highly considered in diagnostics and biological analyses. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has offered unique advantages for microfluidic devices. In DEP devices, asymmetric pair of planar electrodes could be employed to generate non‐uniform electric fields. In DEP applications, facing 3D sidewall electrodes is considered to be one of the key solutions to increase device throughput due to the generated homogeneous electric fields along the height of microchannels. Despite the advantages, fabrication of 3D vertical electrodes requires a considerable challenge. In this study, two alternative fabrication techniques have been proposed for the fabrication of a microfluidic device with 3D sidewall electrodes. In the first method, both the mold and the electrodes are fabricated using high precision machining. In the second method, the mold with tilted sidewalls is fabricated using high precision machining and the electrodes are deposited on the sidewall using sputtering together with a shadow mask fabricated by electric discharge machining. Both fabrication processes are assessed as highly repeatable and robust. Moreover, the two methods are found to be complementary with respect to the channel height. Only the manipulation of particles with negative‐DEP is demonstrated in the experiments, and the throughput values up to is reached in a continuous flow. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results and the limitations on the fabrication techniques are also discussed.
Green electricity and biowastes via biogas to bulk‐chemicals and fuels: The next move toward a sustainable bioeconomy
Authors: Zeng An‐Ping , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: March 2015

To deal with the global challenges of limited fossil resources, climate change, and environmental pollution bioeconomy has been identified globally as a strategic development goal. In this regard, many industrial countries and regions have set very ambiguous targets: e.g. within the EU 25–30% of all chemicals and other industrial products as well as 5–10% of transportation fuels should be bio‐based by 2030. These targets are hardly achievable and not sustainable with presently known bio‐production systems, mainly due to constrains in substrate availability, limited product yield, and high processing costs. Thus, new concepts are desperately needed. Against this background, an innovative and sustainable concept is presented and discussed here. The central idea of the concept is the conversion of organic wastes into a widely usable product—biogas (CO2 +CH4)—which is then used as a clean and uniform substrate for the synthesis of bulk‐chemicals and/or fuels, especially by using green electricity from wind and solar. Such a concept (shortened as E&G2C) has the potential to overcome major limitations of known bioproduction systems. Biogas as a substrate of biosynthesis has many unique advantages, including sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility. The use of electricity for biosynthesis with biogas represents an ideal system for efficient bioelectrochemical conversion. Here, the rationale behind the concept is illustrated, its sustainability is underpinned with concrete data, and the realization of the concept is discussed by looking at the possible conversion routes and key issues to be solved. The markets and perspectives provided by the concept E&G2C are also briefly addressed. In conclusion, the concept E&G2C provides a unique and innovative path for the next move toward a real sustainable bioeconomy.
Know how social media can help you connect with adult learners
Authors: Silva‐Ford Liana
Published: March 2015

The Pew Research Center's 2013 “Social Media Update” stated that 73 percent of those adults they surveyed who were online had a profile on a social‐media site of some sort, and 42 percent of adults have a profile on more than one site. Although the numbers vary among age demographics, it's safe to say that many people in higher education are using social media, whether in a professional capacity or a personal capacity.
Implement retention strategies for students on autism spectrum
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: March 2015

Do you know the retention rate among students with autism‐spectrum disorder at your institution, or how their retention rate compares with that of other students served by your disability services unit? That's valuable information that could help you determine whether your institution is providing students with ASD adequate support or whether you need to work with other units on campus to implement new strategies to help those students succeed.
Local generalised method of moments: an application to point process‐based rainfall models
Authors: Kaczmarska Jo M. , Isham Valerie S. , Northrop Paul
Published: March 2015

Long series of simulated rainfall are required at point locations for a range of applications, including hydrological studies. Clustered point process‐based rainfall models have been used for generating such simulations for many decades. These models suffer from a major limitation, however: their stationarity. Although seasonality can be allowed by fitting separate models for each calendar month or season, the models are unsuitable in their basic form for climate impact studies. In this paper, we develop new methodology to address this limitation. We extend the current fitting approach by allowing the discrete covariate, calendar month, to be replaced or supplemented with continuous covariates that are more directly related to the incidence and nature of rainfall. The covariate‐dependent model parameters are estimated for each time interval using a kernel‐based nonparametric approach within a generalised method‐of‐moments framework. An empirical study demonstrates the new methodology using a time series of 5‐min rainfall data. The study considers both local mean and local linear approaches. While asymptotic results are included, the focus is on developing useable methodology for a complex model that can only be solved numerically. Issues including the choice of weighting matrix, estimation of parameter uncertainty and bandwidth and model selection are considered from this perspective. © 2015 The Authors. Environmetrics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Investigation of optimum working conditions of a micro cross flow turbine
Authors: Kaya Alaattin Metin , Kandemir İlyas , Akşit Mahmut F. , Yiğit K. Süleyman
Published: March 2015

Large‐scale hydropower plants have major impacts on surrounding environment. This is mostly because of flooding land for the reservoir which destroys forests, wildlife habitat, agricultural, and scenic lands (Union of Concern Scientists [2015]: Environmental impacts of hydroelectric power). Small‐scale hydropower systems, on the other hand, can be used as a much environmental choice especially for independent rural electrification. Dam or barrage requirements for mini and micro turbines are fairly small and water is stored in forebay tanks. However, financial considerations dictates utilisation of more efficient turbine technologies than currently available small‐scale turbines can offer. Cross flow turbines (CFT) of small‐scale hydropower plants are highly environmental considering their production and maintenance, but unfavoured due to their difficulty in achieving adequate and sustainable efficiency. Furthermore, maintaining power quality of micro hydropower stations with island operation setup is difficult. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) is applied to investigate and identify the operating conditions of a micro cross flow turbine. A quadratic model is developed through RSM and an experimental setup of CFT is established to investigate the combined effects of flow rate, head and guide vane angle parameters on the turbine performance. RSM analyses are performed for 50 Hz constant frequency as optimal working condition. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1506–1511, 2015
Biosorption of mercury from aqueous solution and oilfield produced water by pristine and sulfur functionalized rice residues
Authors: Song Shiow‐Tien , Saman Norasikin , Johari Khairiraihanna , Mat Hanapi
Published: March 2015

This article presents the biosorption potential of rice residues for Hg(II) removal from aqueous solution and oilfield produced water. Rice husk and rice straw were selected and functionalized with sulfur group from carbon disulfide in alkaline condition. The raw and modified biosorbents were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and X‐ray photoelectric spectroscopy. Batch biosorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of pH, initial ion concentration, contact time, and temperature on the removal process. It was found that the biosorption of rice residues showed a significant improvement in Hg (II) biosorption performance after the functionalization treatment. The maximum Hg(II) capacity of sulfur‐functionalized rice straw (RSS) and sulfur‐functionalized rice husk (RHS) obtained under present experiment condition was 119 and 92 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium data were best‐fitted to Langmuir isotherm model, while the kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The biosorption process was endothermic, feasible and spontaneous in nature. The biosorbents showed good selectivity towards Hg(II) biosorption from the oilfield produced water. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1298–1310, 2015
Urban environment quality assessment by using composite index model
Authors: Robati Maryam , Monavari S. M. , Majedi H.
Published: March 2015

Urban environments are often subject to many challenges, which make it very difficult to assess sustainability performance of urbanization. Indexing can be an appropriate systematic tool for sustainability assessment in sophisticated decision‐making situations involving simultaneous consideration of multiple qualitative and quantitative factors. In this study, a systems approach was adopted to develop a composite index called SUQCI (Sustainable Urban Quality Composite Index) in order to assess the potential of a city to become sustainable. The index is composed of 10 components containing a total number of 16 indicators. According to which, the 22 districts of Tehran City were compared in terms of sustainability of urban environment quality. The obtained results indicated that the Districts 1, 2, and 3 are in ideal sustainability conditions. These areas are among prosperous places of the city. About 59.09% of all districts were below the average SUQCI. The Districts 18 and 19 with the SUQCI values of 0.21 and 0.25 remain in critical condition. In overall, a great injustice in distribution of sustainability components is observed in Tehran so that unsustainable urban environment becomes more evident in underserved areas of the city. In recent years, increasing attempts have been made to overcome the injustice. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1473–1480, 2015
Study on trends and performance of landfill research from 1999 to 2013 by using bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Jia , Chen Zhulei , Yang Lie , Xi Shuang
Published: March 2015

Using related literature published during the period from 1999 to 2013 in journals from the Science Citation Index (SCI), this study aims to explore a bibliometric approach to quantitatively assessing current research trends on landfill. The articles acquired from such literature, using “landfill*” as the string to search titles, abstract and keywords, were concentrated on the general analysis by bibliometric indicators. A significant growth trend in publication outputs, along with more and more participation of countries/territories, was found during the study period. Many articles were published by 2413 publications during the study period and Waste Management published the most articles. Though the developed countries published the majority of the world articles, however, the national concentration concerning landfill research has become more and more unconspicuous. An analysis of the title words and keywords showed that landfill leachate attracted the most attention from researchers during the research period. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1349–1355, 2015
Three‐dimensional energetic and exergetic analysis of the injection orientation of DI diesel engine under different engine speeds
Authors: Taghavifar Hadi , Khalilarya Shahram , Jafarmadar Samad
Published: March 2015

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) computational code was implemented to solve conservation equations based on finite volume method as to simulate 1.8 L Ford diesel engine. Velocity and pressure of each computational cell is achieved by SIMPLE (semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations) algorithm. For the exergetic aspect, the initial condition is set at 0.1 MPa and 300 K. The engine modeling is performed with 130 °, 140 °, and 150 ° with respect to x‐axis under 1500 and 2500 rpm engine speeds. The results, however, indicate better air/fuel mixture (near stoichiometric equivalence ratio) for 130 ° of injection angle, albeit smaller spray droplets (lower sauter mean diameter) were introduced with 140 °. It is seen that higher soot and NOx mass fraction is attributed to 1500 rpm engine speed. The highest NOx and soot are exhausted at 130 ° and 150 ° of injection, respectively. Second law efficiency was calculated for different spray angle and engine speed schemes such that 36.62%, 30.2%, and 32.07% are associated with 130 °, 140 °, and 150 ° of injection angle under 1500 rpm, respectively. In terms of engine performance, that is, indicated mean effective pressure, indicated specific fuel consumption, and temperature, the best performance metrics are of 130 ° equal to 15.4 bar, 0.3856 kg/kW‐h, and 2074.97 K under 1500 rpm, respectively. Instant irreversibility rate is the highest amount with peak value of 17.48 J/deg for 130 deg‐1500 rpm, while 140 ° shows higher mean irreversibility rate over crank angle (CA) period.
Statistical and empirical analyses of the triggers of coastal chalk cliff failure
Authors: Letortu Pauline , Costa Stéphane , Cador Jean‐Michel , Coinaud Cyril , Cantat Olivier
Published: March 2015

The triggering factors of rock falls remain unknown due to a lack of exhaustive, regular and accurate surveys. Based on an inventory of 331 rock falls collected weekly between 2002 and 2009 from Veules‐les‐Roses to Le Treport (Upper Normandy), the relationships between coastal chalk cliff rock falls (dates and geomorphological features) and external factors commonly agreed as triggering (rainfall, temperature variations, tide and wind) are studied. The combination of multivariate statistical and empirical analyses indicates that (1) ‘cold and dry weather’ and ‘high rainfall and high wind’ are the conditions most likely to trigger rock falls, (2) the main triggering factors of rock falls are effective rainfall (for rock falls mostly between 200 and 1400 m3 or larger than 10 000 m3 and coming from the whole cliff face), freeze/thaw cycles (especially for rock falls smaller than 200 m3 and coming from the foot and top of the cliff face) and marine roughness (rock falls mainly smaller than 200 m3 and coming from the cliff foot). However, the contribution of each factor to triggering is difficult to determine because of combinations of factors (85% of 331 cases), relays of processes and hysteresis phenomena. In view of these first results, it is still presumptuous to predict the location and time of triggering of rock falls. However, the statistical and naturalistic approaches adopted and the observations made in this study are from an original database, and constitute a real starting point for the prediction and prevention of the hazard of coastal chalk cliff rock falls in Upper Normandy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the extraction and purification of glycoprotein from the yellow seahorse, Hippocampus kuda Bleeker
Authors: Su Yuting , Xu Yongjian
Published: March 2015

The optimum parameters of extraction for glycoprotein from seahorse were examined and determined by Box‐Behnken combined with ultrasonic extraction technology. Column chromatography of glycoprotein was used for further purification. The optimal extraction conditions of seahorse glycoprotein were extracting time 4.3 h, salt concentration 0.08 mol/L, extracting temperature 73°C, raw material, and water ratio 1:6. At the optimal conditions, the yield of saccharide reached to 1.123%, and the yield of protein reached to 5.898%. For purifying the crude glycoprotein, the stage renounces of DEAE‐52 column chromatography were done, respectively, with 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 mol/L NaHCO3 solution, and further purification was done with Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography. Finally, two pieces of seahorse glycoprotein were obtained by the column chromatography, that is, HG‐11 and HG‐21. The saccharide content was 56.7975% and 39.479%, the protein content was 30.5475% and 51.747%, respectively.
Stochastic Skew and Target Volatility Options
Authors: Grasselli Martino , Marabel Romo Jacinto
Published: March 2015

Target volatility options (TVO) are a new class of derivatives whose payoff depends on some measure of volatility. These options allow investors to take a joint exposure to the evolution of the underlying asset, as well as to its realized volatility. In equity options markets the slope of the skew is largely independent of the volatility level. A single‐factor Heston based volatility model can generate steep skew or flat skew at a given volatility level but cannot generate both for a given parameterization. Since the payoff corresponding to TVO is a function of the joint evolution of the underlying asset and its realized variance, the consideration of stochastic skew is a relevant question for the valuation of TVO. In this sense, this article studies the effect of considering a multifactor stochastic volatility specification in the valuation of the TVO as well as forward‐start TVO. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:174–193, 2016
Booms and Busts in Commodity Markets: Bubbles or Fundamentals?
Authors: Brooks Chris , Prokopczuk Marcel , Wu Yingying
Published: March 2015

This paper considers whether there were periodically collapsing rational speculative bubbles in commodity prices over a 40‐year period from the late 1960s. We apply a switching regression approach to a broad range of commodities using two different measures of fundamental values—estimated from convenience yields and from a set of macroeconomic factors believed to affect commodity demand. We find reliable evidence for bubbles only among crude oil and feeder cattle, showing the popular belief that the extreme price movements observed in commodity markets were caused by pure speculation to be unsustainable. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:916–938, 2015
Coevolution of radial glial cells and the cerebral cortex
Authors: De Juan Romero Camino , Borrell Víctor
Published: March 2015

Radial glia cells play fundamental roles in the development of the cerebral cortex, acting both as the primary stem and progenitor cells, as well as the guides for neuronal migration and lamination. These critical functions of radial glia cells in cortical development have been discovered mostly during the last 15 years and, more recently, seminal studies have demonstrated the existence of a remarkable diversity of additional cortical progenitor cell types, including a variety of basal radial glia cells with key roles in cortical expansion and folding, both in ontogeny and phylogeny. In this review, we summarize the main cellular and molecular mechanisms known to be involved in cerebral cortex development in mouse, as the currently preferred animal model, and then compare these with known mechanisms in other vertebrates, both mammal and nonmammal, including human. This allows us to present a global picture of how radial glia cells and the cerebral cortex seem to have coevolved, from reptiles to primates, leading to the remarkable diversity of vertebrate cortical phenotypes. GLIA 2015;63:1303–1319
Suicide in the oldest old: an observational study and cluster analysis
Authors: Sinyor Mark , Tan Lynnette Pei Lin , Schaffer Ayal , Gallagher Damien , Shulman Kenneth
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The older population are at a high risk for suicide. This study sought to learn more about the characteristics of suicide in the oldest‐old and to use a cluster analysis to determine if oldest‐old suicide victims assort into clinically meaningful subgroups.

Methods

Data were collected from a coroner's chart review of suicide victims in Toronto from 1998 to 2011. We compared two age groups (65–79 year olds, n = 335, and 80+ year olds, n = 191) and then conducted a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis using Ward's method to identify distinct clusters in the 80+ group.

Results

The younger and older age groups differed according to marital status, living circumstances and pattern of stressors. The cluster analysis identified three distinct clusters in the 80+ group. Cluster 1 was the largest (n = 124) and included people who were either married or widowed who had significantly more depression and somewhat more medical health stressors. In contrast, cluster 2 (n = 50) comprised people who were almost all single and living alone with significantly less identified depression and slightly fewer medical health stressors. All members of cluster 3 (n = 17) lived in a retirement residence or nursing home, and this group had the highest rates of depression, dementia, other mental illness and past suicide attempts.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use the cluster analysis technique to identify meaningful subgroups among suicide victims in the oldest‐old. The results reveal different patterns of suicide in the older population that may be relevant for clinical care. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TRAIL and TRAIL receptors in patients with laryngeal cancer
Authors: Erkul Evren , Kucukodaci Zafer , Pinar Dogan , Gungor Atila , Alparslan Babayigit Mustafa , Kurt Onuralp , Cincik Hakan
Published: March 2015

Background

Tumor necrosis factor–related associated‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand currently under clinical trials for laryngeal carcinoma.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded tissues from 40 patients with laryngeal carcinoma and 20 patients with benign laryngeal pathologies were retrospectively analyzed using immunohistochemistry in terms of distribution and intensity, and for final analysis of immunoreactivity of receptors, H‐score was used. The study group was assessed in terms of localization, lymph node staging, tumor stage, overall survival, disease‐free survival, locoregional control, perineural invasion, and vascular invasion.

Results

The H‐score of decoy‐R2 (DcR2) staining were increased significantly in tumor tissue (p = .04). A significantly greater increase in terms of H‐score of DR5 receptor staining (p = .06) was detected in tumor tissue.

Conclusion

TRAIL‐mediated gene therapy may not be effective. Indeed, the findings may indicate treatment resistance. TRAIL and TRAIL receptor levels were not associated with prognosis © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E535–E541, 2016
Toxicity and efficacy of accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly cisplatin for locally advanced head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Driessen Chantal M. L. , Janssens Geert O. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Takes Robert P. , Merkx Thijs A. W. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Kaanders Hans A. M. , van Herpen Carla M. L.
Published: March 2015

Background

The purpose of this report was to present the results of accelerated radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant weekly cisplatin in head and neck cancer.

Methods

One hundred six patients received concomitant cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly with accelerated RT up to a dose of 68 Gy over 5.5 weeks.

Results

Ninety‐nine percent of the patients received planned RT and 90% received ≥5 cycles of cisplatin. Moist desquamation of skin developed in 45% and confluent mucositis in 82%. Feeding tubes were required in 79% of the patients, and after 12 months in 4%. One patient developed nephrotoxicity. Three‐year locoregional control, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were 72%, 54%, and 61%, respectively. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was positive on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and p16 in 11 of 50 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. Three‐year OS was 81% and 66% in HPV‐positive versus HPV‐negative patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Conclusion

Concomitant weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 with accelerated RT was well tolerated and treatment compliance was high. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E559–E565, 2016
Re‐evaluation of hepatitis B virus clinical phases by systems biology identifies unappreciated roles for the innate immune response and B cells
Authors: Vanwolleghem Thomas , Hou Jun , van Oord Gertine , Andeweg Arno C. , Osterhaus A.D.M.E. , Pas Suzan D. , Janssen Harry L.A. , Boonstra Andre
Published: March 2015

To identify immunological mechanisms that govern distinct clinical phases of a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection—immune tolerant (IT), immune active (IA), inactive carrier (IC), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative (ENEG) hepatitis phases—we performed a systems biology study. Serum samples from untreated chronic HBV patients (n = 71) were used for multiplex cytokine measurements, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg levels, HBV genotype, and mutant analysis. Leukocytes were phenotyped using multicolor flow cytometry, and whole‐blood transcriptome profiles were generated. The latter were compared with liver biopsy transcriptomes from IA (n = 16) and IT (n = 3) patients. HBV viral load as well as HBeAg and HBsAg levels (P < 0.001), but not leukocyte composition, differed significantly between distinct phases. Serum macrophage chemotactic protein 1, interleukin‐12p40, interferon (IFN)‐gamma‐inducible protein 10, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta levels were different between two or more clinical phases (P < 0.05). Comparison of blood transcriptomes identified 64 differentially expressed genes. The gene signature distinguishing IA from IT and IC patients was predominantly composed of highly up‐regulated immunoglobulin‐encoding genes. Modular repertoire analysis using gene sets clustered according to similar expression patterns corroborated the abundant expression of B‐cell function‐related genes in IA patients and pointed toward increased (ISG) transcript levels in IT patients, compared to subsequent phases. Natural killer cell activities were clustered in clinical phases with biochemical liver damage (IA and ENEG phases), whereas T‐cell activities were higher in all phases, compared to IT patients. B‐cell‐related transcripts proved to be higher in biopsies from IA versus IT patients. Conclusion: HBV clinical phases are characterized by distinct blood gene signatures. Innate IFN and B‐cell responses are highly active during the IT and IA phases, respectively. This suggests that the presumed immune tolerance in chronic HBV infections needs to be redefined. (Hepatology 2015;62:87‐100)
Genetic deletion of melanin‐concentrating hormone neurons impairs hippocampal short‐term synaptic plasticity and hippocampal‐dependent forms of short‐term memory
Authors: Le Barillier Léa , Léger Lucienne , Luppi Pierre‐Hervé , Fort Patrice , Malleret Gaël , Salin Paul‐Antoine
Published: March 2015

The cognitive role of melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons, a neuronal population located in the mammalian postero‐lateral hypothalamus sending projections to all cortical areas, remains poorly understood. Mainly activated during paradoxical sleep (PS), MCH neurons have been implicated in sleep regulation. The genetic deletion of the only known MCH receptor in rodent leads to an impairment of hippocampal dependent forms of memory and to an alteration of hippocampal long‐term synaptic plasticity. By using MCH/ataxin3 mice, a genetic model characterized by a selective deletion of MCH neurons in the adult, we investigated the role of MCH neurons in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampal‐dependent forms of memory. MCH/ataxin3 mice exhibited a deficit in the early part of both long‐term potentiation and depression in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Post‐tetanic potentiation (PTP) was diminished while synaptic depression induced by repetitive stimulation was enhanced suggesting an alteration of pre‐synaptic forms of short‐term plasticity in these mice. Behaviorally, MCH/ataxin3 mice spent more time and showed a higher level of hesitation as compared to their controls in performing a short‐term memory T‐maze task, displayed retardation in acquiring a reference memory task in a Morris water maze, and showed a habituation deficit in an open field task. Deletion of MCH neurons could thus alter spatial short‐term memory by impairing short‐term plasticity in the hippocampus. Altogether, these findings could provide a cellular mechanism by which PS may facilitate memory encoding. Via MCH neuron activation, PS could prepare the day's learning by increasing and modulating short‐term synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeting FAK scaffold functions inhibits human renal cell carcinoma growth
Authors: Béraud Claire , Dormoy Valérian , Danilin Sabrina , Lindner Véronique , Béthry Audrey , Hochane Mazène , Coquard Catherine , Barthelmebs Mariette , Jacqmin Didier , Lang Hervé , Massfelder Thierry
Published: March 2015

Human conventional renal cell carcinoma (CCC) remains resistant to current therapies. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is upregulated in many epithelial tumors and clearly implicated in nearly all facets of cancer. However, only few reports have assessed whether FAK may be associated with renal tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the potential role of FAK in the growth of human CCC using a panel of CCC cell lines expressing or not the von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene as well as normal/tumoral renal tissue pairs. FAK was found constitutively expressed in human CCC both in culture cells and freshly harvested tumors obtained from patients. We showed that CCC cell growth was dramatically reduced in FAK‐depleted cells or after FAK inhibition with various inhibitors and this effect was obtained through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell apoptosis. Additionally, our results indicated that FAK knockdown decreased CCC cell migration and invasion. More importantly, depletion or pharmacological inhibition of FAK substantially inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Interestingly, investigations of the molecular mechanism revealed loss of FAK phosphorylation during renal tumorigenesis impacting multiple signaling pathways. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized role of FAK in CCC whereby FAK exerts oncogenic properties through a non canonical signaling pathway involving its scaffolding kinase‐independent properties. Therefore, targeting the FAK scaffold may represent a promising approach for developing innovative and highly specific therapies in human CCC.
High nevus counts confer a favorable prognosis in melanoma patients
Authors: Ribero Simone , Davies John R. , Requena Celia , Carrera Cristina , Glass Daniel , Rull Ramon , Vidal‐Sicart Sergi , Vilalta Antonio , Alos Lucia , Soriano Virtudes , Quaglino Pietro , Traves Victor , Newton‐Bishop Julia A. , Nagore Eduardo , Malvehy Josep , Puig Susana , Bataille Veronique
Published: March 2015

A high number of nevi is the most significant phenotypic risk factor for melanoma and is in part genetically determined. The number of nevi decreases from middle age onward but this senescence can be delayed in patients with melanoma. We investigated the effects of nevus number count on sentinel node status and melanoma survival in a large cohort of melanoma cases. Out of 2,184 melanoma cases, 684 (31.3%) had a high nevus count (>50). High nevus counts were associated with favorable prognostic factors such as lower Breslow thickness, less ulceration and lower mitotic rate, despite adjustment for age. Nevus count was not predictive of sentinel node status. The crude 5‐ and 10‐year melanoma‐specific survival rate was higher in melanomas cases with a high nevus count compared to those with a low nevus count (91.2 vs. 86.4% and 87.2 vs. 79%, respectively). The difference in survival remained significant after adjusting for all known melanoma prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43, confidence interval [CI] = 0.21–0.89). The favorable prognostic value of a high nevus count was also seen within the positive sentinel node subgroup of patients (HR = 0.22, CI = 0.08–0.60). High nevus count is associated with a better melanoma survival, even in the subgroup of patients with positive sentinel lymph node. This suggests a different biological behavior of melanoma tumors in patients with an excess of nevi.
Simulating Groundwater Dynamics Using Feflow‐3D Groundwater Model Under Complex Irrigation and Drainage Network of Dryland Ecosystems of Central Asia
Authors: Khalid Awan Usman , Tischbein Bernhard , Martius Christopher
Published: March 2015

Surface and groundwater resources are often conjunctively used to cope with water scarcity in irrigated agriculture. Farmers in the dryland ecosystems of central Asia also utilize shallow groundwater in addition to surface water withdrawn from rivers. This study modelled groundwater dynamics in an irrigation and drainage network in Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. The system, characterized by a vast, unlined channel network used to convey water mainly for flood irrigation and an open drainage system, is typical of Central Asian irrigated areas. Groundwater levels in the region are shallow—this contributes to crop water requirements but threatens crop production through secondary salinization. High losses during irrigation in fields and through the irrigation network are the main causes of these shallow groundwater levels. The main objective of this study was thus to simulate groundwater levels under improved irrigation efficiency scenarios. The FEFLOW‐3D model, applied in a case study to the water users’ association (WUA) of Shomakhulum in south‐west Khorezm, was used to quantify the impact of improved irrigation efficiency scenarios on groundwater dynamics. The modelled scenarios were: current irrigation efficiency (S‐A, our baseline), improved conveyance efficiency (S‐B), increased field application efficiency (S‐C), and improved conveyance and application efficiency (S‐D). Recharge rates were separately determined for six hydrological response units (differing in groundwater level and soil type) and introduced into the FEFLOW‐3D model. After successful model calibration (R2 = 0.94) and validation (R2 = 0.93), the simulations showed that improving irrigation efficiency under existing agro‐hydroclimatic conditions would lower groundwater levels from the baseline scenario (S‐A) in August (the peak irrigation period) on average by 12 cm in S‐B, 38 cm in S‐C and 44 cm in S‐D. Any interventions which would improve irrigation efficiency will lower the groundwater levels and hence policy makers should consider them and formulate the policy accordingly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CRANIOFACIAL RESECTION FOR ANTERIOR SKULL BASE TUMORS
Authors: Sundaresan Narayan , Shah Jatin P.
Published: March 2015

We present the results of treatment of 30 patients with anterior skull base tumors operated on over an 11‐year period. At the time of surgery, intracranial invasion was present in 10 patients. Histology revealed epithelial tumors in 18 patients, sarcoma in 6, esthesioneuroblastoma in 4, and 2 miscellaneous histologies. The overall median survival was 5 years and varied according to histology and grade of tumor. Currently malignancies involving the skull base can be successfully resected using a craniofacial approach, with minimum operative mortality. Limited intracranial invasion need not necessarily represent a major contraindication of this procedure if morbidity can be kept to a minimum.
SYNCHRONICITY, MULTICENTRICITY, AND METACHRONICITY OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Authors: Shaha Ashok R. , Hoover Eddie L. , Mitrani Moises , Marti Jose R. , Krespi Yosef P.
Published: March 2015

Two hundred patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck were evaluated prospectively for synchronous second primary tumors. Complete head and neck examination, chest x‐ray, and barium study (when indicated) revealed synchronous tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract in 24 patients (12%). Eleven patients had a second primary in the head and neck area. Nine patients had carcinoma of the lung, while four had carcinoma of the esophagus. Seven patients had a second primary outside the upper aerodigestive tract either in large bowel or prostate. During the period of this study, an additional 13 patients were seen with metachronous tumors 1–12 years after initial treatment of their index tumor. Most of these metachronous tumors were in the lung and esophagus and were noted within 1–3 years of treatment of the primary head and neck cancer. Detection of synchronous second primary is very important for prognosis and management of the index tumor, while early diagnosis of metachronous lesion is crucial in the follow‐up of these patients.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNX IN YOUNG ADULTS
Authors: Cusumano Robert J. , Persky Mark S.
Published: March 2015

Studies of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx in young adults differ as to whether younger patients resemble the general population of head and neck cancer patients. A retrospective study was performed on 23 patients (40 years old or younger) with oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma at New York University Medical Center between 1961 and 1984. Patients with oropharyngeal cancer resembled the general population of head and neck cancer patients. In contrast, oral cavity carcinoma occurred more frequently in women under the age of 35 and lacked the usual etiologic factors of tobacco and alcohol abuse. Survival correlated best with the TNM stage of disease at initial presentation. Patients with Stage I and II lesions had an excellent response to surgical treatment alone and a high 5‐year survival rate. Patients with advanced Stage III and IV disease had a poor survival rate with single modality treatment. We recommend surgery and radiotherapy in patients with advanced disease.
IMPACT OF LOCAL RADIATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SALIVARY GLAND CARCINOMAS
Authors: Eapen Libni J. , Gerig Lee H. , Catton G.E. , Danjoux C.E. , Girard A.
Published: March 2015

Seventy patients with salivary gland carcinoma (63% major gland and 37% minor gland) are reviewed. Histologies included adenoid cystic (54%), mucoepidermoid (16%), and adenocarcinoma (14%). Patients were analyzed according to extent of surgery and whether or not adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy was given. There is no difference in survival in patients who had complete excision of gross tumor with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients who did not undergo radiotherapy had a 62% actuarial risk of locoregional failure at 5 years, with a 20% risk in the adjuvantly irradiated group (P < 0.001). A failure analysis demonstrates that among the 44% of patients with recurrence 71% (22/31) failed locoregionally and 69% (21/31) had distant metastases. Twenty‐seven percent (19/70) died of disease, with 31% (6/19) dying of locoregional disease and 26% (5/19) of distant disease. Implications for management are discussed.
TUMORS OF THE MAJOR SALIVARY GLANDS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Shikhani Alain H. , Johns Michael E.
Published: March 2015

During the 30‐year period 1955–1985, 21 children with neoplasms of the major salivary glands were treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. A thorough review of the English literature revealed an additional 472 cases. The cases were studied as to age, sex, site, histopathologic characteristics, mode of treatment, and results. The majority of the patients were between 8 and 20 years of age. There was a female preponderance of 1.42:1. The parotid gland was the site of origin in 85.1%, the submandibular in 11.7%, and the sublingual in 3.2%. An equal incidence of benign (50.1%) and malignant (49.9%) lesions is noted. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign neoplasm and mucoepidermoid carcinoma the most common malignant neoplasm. The final prognosis seems to be similar with superficial or total parotidectomy, provided the tumor has been completely removed at the initial surgery. Re‐excision is recommended for tumor recurrence, and the use of radiation therapy should be individually determined in cases of aggressive malignancies.