bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Synthesis of Au25(SG)18 2‐ and 4‐nm Gold Nanoparticles and Comparison of Their Size‐Dependent Properties
Authors: Wu Zhikun , Chen Jenny , Jin Rongchao
Published: October 2010

A one‐pot synthesis of glutathione (denoted as ‐SG) capped gold nanoparticles, including Au25(SG)18 (ca. 1 nm in diameter) 2‐ and 4‐nm particles is reported. These nanoparticles are isolated by methanol‐induced precipitation with a controlled amount of added methanol. Except for their particle size, these nanoparticles have an identical chemical composition (i.e., gold and ‐SG content), synthetic history, and surface conditions, which allows for precise comparison of their size‐dependent properties, in particular the magnetic property as this could be attributed to contamination by trace iron impurities. Specifically, the structure, optical, and magnetic properties of these gold nanoparticles are compared. A trend from non‐fcc (fcc = face centered cubic) Au25(SG)18 nanoclusters (ca. 1 nm) to 2‐ and 4‐nm fcc‐crystalline Au nanocrystals is revealed. The Au25(SG)18 nanoparticles resemble molecules and exhibit multiple optical absorption peaks ascribed to one‐electron transitions, whereas the 4‐nm nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon resonance at around 520 nm related to the collective excitation of conduction electrons upon optical excitation. The transition from the non‐fcc cluster state to the fcc crystalline state occurs at around 2 nm. Interestingly, both 2‐ and 4‐nm particles exhibit paramagnetism, whereas the Au25(SG)18 (anionic) clusters are diamagnetic. The information attained on the evolution of the properties of nanoparticles from nanoclusters to fcc‐structured nanocrystals is of major importance and provides insight into structure—property relationships.
Effect of microencapsulation on dyeing behaviors of disperse dyes without auxiliary solubilization
Authors: Yan Luo , Yi Zhong , Ben Zhang , Juan Du , Shuilin Chen
Published: October 2010

Microencapsulated disperse dye can be used to dye hydrophobic fabric in the absence of auxiliaries and without reduction clearing. However, little available information for dyeing practice is provided with respect to the effect of microencapsulation on the dyeing behaviors of disperse dyes. In this research, disperse dyes were microencapsulated under different conditions. The dyeing behaviors and dyeing kinetic parameters of microencapsulated disperse dye on PET fiber, e.g., dyeing curves, build up properties, equilibrium adsorption capacity C∞, dyeing rate constant K, half dyeing time t1/2, and diffusion coefficient D were investigated without auxiliary solubilization and compared with those of commercial disperse dyes with auxiliary solubilization. The results show that the dyeing behaviors of disperse dye are influenced greatly by microencapsulation. The diffusion of disperse dyes from microcapsule onto fibers can be adjusted by the reactivity of shell materials and mass ratios of core to shell. The disparity of diffusibility between two disperse dyes can be reduced by microencapsulation. In addition, the microencapsulation improves the utilization of disperse dyes due to no auxiliary solubilization. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Water absorption and dimensional stability of short kenaf fiber‐filled polypropylene composites treated with maleated polypropylene
Authors: Law T. T. , Ishak Z. A. Mohd
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this research was to investigate the water absorption behavior and associated dimensional stability of kenaf‐polypropylene‐filled (PP/KF) composites. Composites with different fiber loadings, ranging from 0 to 40 wt %, were prepared with a twin‐screw extruder followed by hot press molding. The influence of the compatibilizer was also studied for PP/KF composite with 5 wt % maleated PP (MAPP). Water absorption testing was carried out at room temperature for 7 weeks. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were also performed on control, wet, and re‐dried specimens. Increasing the fiber content resulted in higher water absorption and thickness swelling. The inferior mechanical properties of the wet composites were attributed to the effect of water, which deteriorates the interfacial properties of composites. On re‐drying, all properties were almost recovered because of the recovery of interfacial area as evident in scanning electron micrographs. Incorporation of the MAPP significantly improved the compatibility between the fiber and matrix and the mechanical properties of the composites compared with those without MAPP. It also diminished the water absorption as well as the related thickness swelling in the composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Poly(para‐dioxanone)/poly(D,L‐lactide) blends compatibilized with poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐para‐dioxanone)
Authors: Bai Wei , Li Qing , Jiang Liu‐Yun , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Zhang Shen‐Lan , Xiong Cheng‐Dong
Published: October 2010

The effect of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐para‐dioxanone) (PLADO) as the compatibilizer on the properties of the blend of poly(para‐dioxanone) (PPDO) and poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA) has been investigated. The 80/20 PPDO/PDLLA blends containing from 1% to 10% of random copolymer PLADO were prepared by solution coprecipitation. The PLADO component played a very important role in determining morphology, thermal, mechanical, and hydrophilic properties of the blends. Addition of PLADO into the blends could enhance the compatibility between dispersed PDLLA phase and PPDO matrix; the boundary between the two phases became unclear and even the smallest holes were not detected. On the other hand, the position of the Tg was composition dependent; when 5% PLADO was added into blend, the Tg distance between PPDO and PDLLA was shortened. The blends with various contents of compatibilizer had better mechanical properties compared with simple PPDO/PDLLA binary polymer blend, and such characteristics further improved as adding 5% random copolymers. The maximum observed tensile strength was 29.05 MPa for the compatibilized PPDO/PDLLA blend with 5% PLADO, whereas tensile strength of the uncompatibilized PPDO/PDLLA blend was 14.03 MPa, which was the lowest tensile strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Evaluation of high performance fabric under light irradiation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Weidong , Pan Ning
Published: October 2010

To investigate the degradation characteristics of Kevlar fabric due to light irradiation, Kevlar fabric samples were irradiated using ATLAS 150S+ of xenon arc light for a range of time durations up to 168 h in this study. The UV–Vis spectrum showed that the transmittance and reflectance from the Kevlar samples decreased and the absorption increased along with the exposure time, showing a definite degradation tendency of Kevlar fabrics after light irradiation. The SEM pictures showed that there are some residual deposits or corrosion on the surface of the fibers after irradiated for 168 h. The DSC curve, FTIR, and X‐ray results showed the Kevlar fabric have a certain change but did not exhibit significant damage due to potential chemical interactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Global exponential synchronization of stochastic switching networks with time‐varying delay
Authors: Liu Weikai , Guan Zhi‐Hong
Published: October 2010

This paper is concerned with the global exponential synchronization of stochastic delayed switching networks via hybrid control. The network under investigation is quite general to reflect the reality, where the network topology consists of r modes and switches from one mode to another according to a Markovian chain with known transition probability. Parameter uncertainties, time varying delay and stochastic disturbances are all taken into account in this study. Based on the Lyapunov functional method and stochastic analysis techniques, some new criteria for the global robust synchronization via hybrid control are established. Finally, one example with numerical simulation is given for illustration.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Nutritional predictors of postoperative outcome in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kanda M , Fujii T , Kodera Y , Nagai S , Takeda S , Nakao A
Published: October 2010

Background

Nutritional status plays an important role in the incidence of postoperative complications and the prognosis of various tumours. The prognostic value of preoperative nutritional factors in patients with pancreatic cancer is not known.

Methods

This retrospective study included 268 patients who underwent resection for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The predictive value of preoperative nutritional status for postoperative outcome (survival, complications) was assessed. Nutritional factors included the three constitutional indices, serum albumin and Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (PNI), calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dl) + 0·005× total lymphocyte count (per mm3).

Results

In multivariable analysis preoperative low PNI (but not low albumin) was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival: hazard ratio (HR) 1·73 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·21 to 2·47). The accuracy of a PNI value of less than 45 as cut-off for clinically significant preoperative malnutrition in predicting 1- or 2-year survival after surgery was, however, limited (66·4 and 56·3 per cent respectively). Low preoperative albumin concentration and PNI were significantly associated with postoperative complications: odds ratio 1·98 (95 per cent c.i. 1·18 to 3·32) and 2·14 (1·23 to 3·73) respectively. Low PNI and low body mass index were independently associated with pancreatic fistula: HR 2·52 (1·37 to 4·63) and 0·40 (0·17 to 0·93) respectively.

Conclusion

The PNI is associated with overall survival and postoperative complications, in particular pancreatic fistula, in patients with pancreatic cancer. The moderate accuracy of PNI as a predictor of survival limits its clinical use.
Controlling Optical Properties and Function of BODIPY by Using Asymmetric Substitution Effects
Authors: Bañuelos‐Prieto Jorge , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , Garcia‐Moreno Inmaculada , Lopez‐Arbeloa Iñigo , Costela Angel , Infantes Lourdes , Perez‐Ojeda M. Eugenia , Palacios‐Cuesta Marta , Ortiz María J.
Published: October 2010

Asymmetrically substituted BODIPY analogues of the dye PM567 have been synthesised from 2‐acylpyrroles and pyrroles that bear indene, fluorene or difluorene units. The type of linkage between the fluorene and the BODIPY core plays an important role in the photophysics of the BODIPY chromophore. Indeed, an aliphatic bridge gives rise to an energy‐transfer process between the chromophores, whereas a vinyl spacer allows an electronic interaction between them, leading to a large red shift of the spectral bands. The laser action of the new dyes has been analysed under transversal pumping at 10 Hz repetition rate, in both liquid phase and incorporated into solid polymeric matrices. Lasing efficiencies of up to 40 % were reached with high photostabilities with the laser output remaining at the initial level after 1×105 pump pulses in the same position of the sample. The laser action of the new dyes outperforms the laser behaviour of commercial dyes that emit in the same spectral region. The replacement of fluorene by indene quenches the fluorescence and laser emission, but allows the development of an iron cation fluorescent sensor.
Retracted: Light‐Induced Bistability in Iron(III) Spin‐Transition Compounds of 5 X‐Salicylaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone (X=H, Cl, Br)
Authors: Yemeli Eddy W. T. , Blake Graeme R. , Douvalis Alexios P. , Bakas Thomas , Alberda van Ekenstein Gert O. R. , van Koningsbruggen Petra J.
Published: October 2010

The iron(III) spin‐crossover compounds [Fe(Hthsa)(thsa)]⋅H2O (1), [Fe(Hth5Clsa)(th5Clsa)2]⋅H2O (2), and [Fe(Hth5Brsa)(th5Brsa)2]⋅H2O (3) (H2thsa=salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, H2th5Clsa=5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, and H2th5Brsa=5‐bromosalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone) have been synthesized and their spin‐transition properties investigated by magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The three compounds exhibit an abrupt spin transition with a thermal hysteresis effect. The more polarizable the substituent on the salicylaldehyde moiety, the more complete is the transition at room temperature with an increased degree of cooperativity. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 in the high‐spin state are revealed. The occurrence of the light‐induced excited‐spin‐state trapping phenomenon appears to be dependent on the substituent incorporated into the 5‐position of the salicylaldehyde subunit. Whereas the compounds with an electron‐withdrawing group (‐Br or ‐Cl) exhibit light‐induced trapped excited high‐spin states with great longevity of metastability, the halogen‐free compound does not, even though strong intermolecular interactions (such as hydrogen‐bonding networks and π stacking) operate in the system. For compound 2, the surface level of photoconversion is less than 35 %. In contrast, compound 3 displays full photoexcitation.
Simulation of extremes of diffusions
Authors: Gou Tingting , Murdoch Duncan
Published: October 2010

The authors consider the problem of simulating the times of events such as extremes and barrier crossings in diffusion processes. They develop a rejection sampler based on Shepp [Shepp, Journal of Applied Probability 1979; 16:423–427] for simulating an extreme of a Brownian motion and use it in a general recursive scheme for more complex simulations, including simultaneous simulation of the minimum and maximum and application to more general diffusions. They price exotic options that are difficult to price analytically: a knock‐out barrier option with a modified payoff function, a lookback option that includes discounting at the risk‐free interest rate, and a chooser option where the choice is made at the time of a barrier crossing. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38: 738–755; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada
Fluorescence cystoscopy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Shah Jay B. , Kamat Ashish M.
Published: October 2010

Shah and Kamat comment on a recent clinical trial of fluorescence cystoscopy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.
Monitoring molecular response in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cortes Jorge , Quintás‐Cardama Alfonso , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: October 2010

Before the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, the evaluation of hematologic and cytogenetic responses was sufficient to gauge treatment efficacy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. However, with more potent TKI therapies, the majority of patients achieve complete cytogenetic response. Furthermore, deeper molecular responses are now commonly achieved, necessitating a reliance on molecular monitoring to assess residual leukemic disease. The prognostic significance between molecular responses and duration of complete cytogenetic response, progression‐free survival, and event‐free survival is described herein. A discussion of the concept of complete molecular response is also provided, and the potential for imatinib treatment discontinuation is evaluated. The implications of rising BCR‐ABL1 transcript levels and caveats of molecular monitoring are also described. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term prognostic impact of the use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agents in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase treated with imatinib
Authors: Santos Fabio P. S. , Alvarado Yesid , Kantarjian Hagop , Verma Dushyant , O'Brien Susan , Mattiuzzi Gloria , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Cortes Jorge
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Anemia is a frequent side effect of imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Erythropoietic‐stimulating agents have been used for treatment of imatinib‐induced anemia. There are no data on long‐term safety of erythropoietic‐stimulating agents in CML patients.

METHODS:

The records of chronic phase CML patients who received treatment with imatinib were reviewed for use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agents and occurrence of thrombotic events. Data on cytogenetic response and survival were analyzed by use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agent.

RESULTS:

A total of 608 patients were included, and 217 patients received erythropoietic‐stimulating agents. There were 30 thrombotic episodes. Patients who received erythropoietic‐stimulating agents had a higher rate of thrombosis (8.5% vs 2.6%,P= .0025). There was no difference in cytogenetic response rate and survival by use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agent. Development of grade 3‐4 anemia occurred in 62 (10%) patients and was associated with significantly worse response and survival in patients in late chronic phase. By multivariate analysis, use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agents was not a risk factor for event‐free survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our cohort of chronic phase CML patients, use of erythropoietic‐stimulating agents did not impact survival or cytogenetic response rate, but was associated with a higher thrombosis rate. Severe anemia is associated with worse survival and response. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A note from history: Landmarks in history of cancer, part 1
Authors: Hajdu Steven I.
Published: October 2010

Review of the earliest written descriptions and reports of cancer show that ancient physicians and surgeons made gradual progress in understanding cancer. It became clear to most of them that early detection and complete removal, before the cancer became ulcerated, afforded the best outcome. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Prospective evaluation of the reliability, validity, and minimally important difference of the functional assessment of cancer therapy‐gastric (FACT‐Ga) quality‐of‐life instrument
Authors: Garland Sheila N. , Pelletier Guy , Lawe Andrew , Biagioni Bradly J. , Easaw Jay , Eliasziw Michael , Cella David , Bathe Oliver F.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Recently, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Gastric (FACT‐Ga) was developed to measure the quality of life (QoL) of patients with gastric cancer. This newly developed instrument has not yet been validated.

METHODS:

Eighty‐two patients with gastric adenocarcinoma completed questionnaires at baseline. The FACT‐Ga scores were measured as a function of disease stage and performance status, and they were correlated with the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36), the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Marlow‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale, the Paulhus Deception Scale, and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patients received a second questionnaire 2 weeks after baseline to evaluate test‐retest reliability and again at 3 months to evaluate the sensitivity of the FACT‐Ga to changes in performance status and to estimate the minimally important differences in scores that represented meaningful change.

RESULTS:

The internal and test‐retest reliability of the FACT‐Ga instrument was adequate. With the exception of the social well being subscale, all FACT‐Ga scores were correlated as hypothesized with other measures. Relevant components of the FACT‐Ga were sensitive to changes in performance status.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that the FACT‐Ga provides a valid and reliable measurement of QoL in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. It is a useful instrument for QoL assessment in clinical trials, and it also may be useful for the detection of significant changes in the QoL of individual patients. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Editorial for “prediction of significant prostate cancer diagnosed 20 to 30 years later with a single measure of prostate‐specific antigen at or before age 50”
Authors: Andriole Gerald L. , Kibel Adam S.
Published: October 2010

Prostate cancer screening with PSA as currently practiced is fraught with overdetection. Finding a new way to use PSA may allow us to focus our screening and diagnostic efforts on the men most in need.
Association of hyaluronic acid family members (HAS1, HAS2, and HYAL‐1) with bladder cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Kramer Mario W. , Escudero Diogo O. , Lokeshwar Soum D. , Golshani Roozbeh , Ekwenna Obi O. , Acosta Kristell , Merseburger Axel S. , Soloway Mark , Lokeshwar Vinata B.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Cancer biomarkers are the backbone for the implementation of individualized approaches to bladder cancer (BCa). Hyaluronic acid (HA) and all 7 members of the HA family, that is, HA synthases (HA1, HA2, HA3), HYAL‐1 hyaluronidase, and HA receptors (CD44s, CD44v, and RHAMM), function in tumor growth and progression. However, the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these 7 HA family members has not been compared simultaneously in any cancer. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of HA family members in BCa.

METHODS:

Using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, expression of HA family members was evaluated in prospectively collected bladder tissues (n = 72); mean and median follow‐up were 29.6 ± 5.3 and 24 months, respectively. Transcript levels were also measured in exfoliated urothelial cells from urine specimens (n = 148).

RESULTS:

Among the HA family members, transcript levels of the HA synthases, HYAL‐1, CD44v, and RHAMM were 4‐ to 16‐fold higher in BCa tissues than in normal tissues (P < .0001); however, CD44s levels were lower. In univariate and multivariate analyses, tumor stage (P = .003), lymph node invasion (P = .033), HYAL‐1 (P = .019), and HAS1 (P = .027) transcript levels, and HYAL‐1 staining (P = .021) were independently associated with metastasis. Tumor stage (P = .019) and HYAL‐1 (P = .046) transcript levels were also associated with disease‐specific mortality. Although HA synthase and HYAL‐1 transcript levels were elevated in exfoliated urothelial cells from BCa patients, the combined HAS2–HYAL‐1 expression detected BCa with an overall sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 79.5% and predicted BCa recurrence within 6 months (P = .004; RR = 6.7).

CONCLUSIONS:

HYAL‐1 and HAS1 expression predicted BCa metastasis, and HYAL‐1 expression also predicted disease‐specific survival. Furthermore, the combined HAS2–HYAL‐1 biomarker detected BCa and significantly predicted its recurrence. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Prediction of significant prostate cancer diagnosed 20 to 30 years later with a single measure of prostate‐specific antigen at or before age 50
Authors: Lilja Hans , Cronin Angel M. , Dahlin Anders , Manjer Jonas , Nilsson Peter M. , Eastham James A. , Bjartell Anders S. , Scardino Peter T. , Ulmert David , Vickers Andrew J.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

We previously reported that a single prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) measured at ages 44‐50 was highly predictive of subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis in an unscreened population. Here we report an additional 7 years of follow‐up. This provides replication using an independent data set and allows estimates of the association between early PSA and subsequent advanced cancer (clinical stage ≥T3 or metastases at diagnosis).

METHODS:

Blood was collected from 21,277 men in a Swedish city (74% participation rate) during 1974‐1986 at ages 33‐50. Through 2006, prostate cancer was diagnosed in 1408 participants; we measured PSA in archived plasma for 1312 of these cases (93%) and for 3728 controls.

RESULTS:

At a median follow‐up of 23 years, baseline PSA was strongly associated with subsequent prostate cancer (area under the curve, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.74; for advanced cancer, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.78). Associations between PSA and prostate cancer were virtually identical for the initial and replication data sets, with 81% of advanced cases (95% CI, 77%‐86%) found in men with PSA above the median (0.63 ng/mL at ages 44‐50).

CONCLUSIONS:

A single PSA at or before age 50 predicts advanced prostate cancer diagnosed up to 30 years later. Use of early PSA to stratify risk would allow a large group of low‐risk men to be screened less often but increase frequency of testing on a more limited number of high‐risk men. This is likely to improve the ratio of benefit to harm for screening. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Activity and safety of dose‐adjusted infusional cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy with rituximab in very elderly patients with poor‐prognostic untreated diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Musolino Antonino , Boggiani Daniela , Panebianco Michele , Vasini Giovanna , Salvagni Stefania , Franciosi Vittorio , Ardizzoni Andrea
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:This study was designed to assess the activity and safety of dose‐adjusted infusional cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy with rituximab (DA‐POCH‐R) in elderly patients with poor‐prognostic untreated diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL).METHODS:From April 2006 to November 2009, 23 patients, aged ≥70 years, with an age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI) of 2 or 3, were enrolled. Only patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% were allowed. The DA‐POCH‐R regimen was administered every 3 weeks for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 cycles.RESULTS:Median patient age was 77 years (range, 70‐90 years); 83% of patients had Ann Arbor stage III to IV disease. Median LVEF at baseline was 62%. Four (17%) patients had a history of abnormal cardiovascular conditions. Twenty‐one (91%) patients were evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 90%, with a complete response rate of 57%. The 3‐year overall survival and event‐free survival rates were 56% and 54%, respectively. Neutropenia (48%) was the most frequent grade 3 to 4 adverse event (AE); no grade 3 to 4 cardiac AEs were observed.CONCLUSIONS:DA‐POCH‐R was an active and safe combination therapy for patients aged ≥70 years with poor‐prognostic untreated DLBCL. This regimen was a reasonable alternative for elderly patients who were not considered to tolerate standard R‐CHOP treatment. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Caregiver symptom burden: The risk of caring for an underserved patient with advanced cancer
Authors: Palos Guadalupe R. , Mendoza Tito R. , Liao Kai‐Ping , Anderson Karen O. , Garcia‐Gonzalez Araceli , Hahn Karin , Nazario Arlene , Ramondetta Lois M. , Valero Vicente , Lynch Garrett R. , Jibaja‐Weiss Maria L. , Cleeland Charles S.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

The growing diversity of the population of the United States and the high burden of cancer‐related symptoms reflect the need for caregiver research within underserved groups. In this longitudinal study, the authors assessed changes in symptom severity in caregivers and underserved minority patients diagnosed with advanced solid tumors who were being treated at public hospitals.

METHODS:

A total of 85 matched patient‐caregiver dyads completed the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory 3 times during 20 weeks of chemotherapy. At each time point, symptom severity and interference with daily activities were assessed. Group‐based trajectory modeling was used to classify caregivers into high‐symptom or low‐symptom burden groups.

RESULTS:

Sadness and distress were more prevalent among caregivers (P = .005). Symptom burden remained stable among caregivers in the high‐symptom group (40%), whereas the low‐symptom group (60%) demonstrated a statistically significant decrease over time. Multivariate analysis found being a family‐member caregiver (adjusted odds ratio [ADJ‐OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.4‐11.6) and caring for a highly symptomatic patient (ADJ‐OR, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.5‐41.4), rather than race, ethnicity, or sociodemographic characteristics, were significant predictors of the caregiver's membership in the high‐symptom burden group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Approximately 40% of the caregivers in the current study were found to be at an increased risk for moderate to severe sadness and distress, which remained severe throughout the patient's treatment course at public hospitals. To the authors' knowledge, this study marks the first time that the concept of symptom burden has been used to measure caregiver burden, and the first time that symptom burden has been measured and documented in dyads of caregivers and underserved minority patients. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Recent trends and future directions in human immunodeficiency virus‐associated cancer
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Goedert James J. , Engels Eric A.
Published: October 2010

Malignancies, including the 3 that are part of the definition of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Kaposi sarcoma [KS], non‐Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], and cervical cancer) as well as certain non‐AIDS–defining cancers, cause significant morbidity and an estimated 33% of the deaths reported among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The US Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) analysis highlighted several interesting and important trends in AIDS‐defining and non‐AIDS–defining cancers among individuals infected with HIV.
The impact of tumor burden characteristics in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib
Authors: Basappa Naveen S. , Elson Paul , Golshayan Ali‐Reza , Wood Laura , Garcia Jorge A. , Dreicer Robert , Rini Brian I.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

An important goal of noncurative therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is tumor burden (TB) control. However, to the authors' knowledge, the impact of TB characteristics on clinical outcome has not been studied in patients with mRCC who were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor‐targeted therapy.

METHODS:

Patients with clear cell mRCC who were treated with sunitinib between June 2004 and October 2007 were retrospectively identified. Computed tomography scans were re‐reviewed from baseline, at the time of maximal TB shrinkage (TS) while receiving sunitinib, and at the time of progressive disease (PD). Measurements were recorded as per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST).

RESULTS:

A total of 69 patients were identified. The majority (54%) were classified as being of favorable risk using Cleveland Clinic Foundation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (CCF TKI) risk group criteria. All patients underwent prior nephrectomy and 77% received prior systemic therapy. There were a median of 8 metastatic deposits across all organs (range, 1‐27 deposits). The median TB at the initiation of therapy was 14.0 cm (range, 3.0 cm‐42.2 cm). On multivariable analysis, baseline characteristics of disease confined to above the diaphragm (P = .03) and a total TB <13 cm (P = .09) were found to be independent positive predictors of progression‐free survival. A+ baseline, total number of metastases <10 (P < .001) and TB above the diaphragm <6.5 cm (P = .05) were found to be independent positive predictors of overall survival (OS). Increased TS while receiving sunitinib was found to be significantly associated with OS (P < .001). At the time of PD, tumor location and pattern of disease progression were not found to be associated with survival as measured from the date of PD. However, total TB (P = .003) and total number of metastatic deposits (≤12 vs >12; P < .001) were found to be significant predictors of survival after PD.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicate that TB characteristics are associated with clinical outcome in patients with mRCC who are treated with sunitinib. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Cell‐type‐specific localization of protocadherin β16 at AMPA and AMPA/kainate receptor‐containing synapses in the primate retina
Authors: Puller Christian , Haverkamp Silke
Published: October 2010

Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are thought to be key features of cell‐type‐specific synapse formation. Here we analyzed the expression pattern of Pcdh subunit β16 (β16) in the primate retina by applying antibodies against β16, different subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs), and cell‐type‐specific markers as well as by coimmunoprecipitation and Western blots. Immunocytochemical localization was analyzed by confocal microscopy and preembedding electron microscopy. In the outer plexiform layer (OPL) H1, but not H2, horizontal cells expressed β16 as revealed by the strong reduction of β16 at short‐wavelength‐sensitive cones. β16 colocalized with the GluR subunits GluR2–4 at horizontal cell dendritic tips and with GluR2–4 and GluR6/7 at the desmosome‐like junctions. At the latter, these AMPA and kainate receptor subunits were found to be clustered within single synaptic hot spots. Additionally, β16‐labeled dendritic tips of OFF cone bipolar cells appeared in triad‐associated positions at the cone pedicle base, pointing to β16 expression by OFF midget or DB3 bipolar cells. In the inner plexiform layer, β16 was localized also postsynaptically at most of the glutamatergic synapses. Overall, we provide evidence for a cell‐type‐specific localization of β16 together with GluRs at defined postsynaptic sites and a coexistence of AMPA and kainate receptors within single synaptic hot spots. This study supports the hypothesis that β16 plays an important role in the formation and/or stabilization of specific glutamatergic synapses, whereas our in vivo protein biochemical results argue against the existence of protein complexes formed by β16 and GluRs. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:467–479, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of retinal function and glial cell response in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy
Authors: Vessey K.A. , Wilkinson‐Berka J.L. , Fletcher E.L.
Published: October 2010

Retinal neovascularization, such as that occurring in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, can have serious effects on visual function. By using a mouse model of neovascularization, oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), the interplay among angiogenesis, neuronal function, and the macro‐ and micro‐glial response was explored. OIR was induced by exposure of mice to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P11 and then room air until P18. Controls were reared in room air. Blood vessel development was assessed by using fluorescence histochemistry. Aberrant intravitreal neovascularization was present across all eccentricities of retina in mice with OIR, whereas the number of vessels present in the deep plexus was reduced in the central regions. Neuronal function of both the rod and cone pathways, assessed by using the electroretinogram, was found to be significantly reduced in OIR. This may in part be explained by an alteration in photoreceptor outer segment morphology and also a loss of neurons and their synapses in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers of the central retina. In addition, there was an increase in the number of gliotic Müller cells and microglia in mice with OIR and the increase in the number of these cells correlated with the absence of the deep plexus. This indicates that the activity of both macro‐ and microglia is altered in regions where the deep plexus blood supply is deficient. Treatments or genetic manipulations directed toward amelioration of proliferative retinopathy need to address not only the vascular changes but also the alterations in neuronal and macro‐ and microglial function. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:506–527, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cannabinoid receptor type 1 expression during postnatal development of the rat retina
Authors: Zabouri N. , Bouchard J.‐F. , Casanova C.
Published: October 2010

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) participates in developmental processes in the central nervous system (CNS). The rodent retina represents an interesting and valuable model for studying CNS development, because it contains well‐identified cell types with clearly established and distinct developmental timelines. Very little is known about the distribution or function of CB1R in the developing retina. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of CB1R in the rat retina during all stages of postnatal development. Western blots were performed on retinal tissue at different time points between P1 and adulthood. In order to identify the cells expressing the receptor and the age at which this expression started, immunohistochemical co‐staining was carried out for CB1R and markers of the different cell types comprising the retina. CB1R was already present at P1 in various cell types, i.e., ganglion, amacrine, horizontal, and mitotic cells. In the course of development, it appeared in cone photoreceptors and bipolar cells. For some cell types (bipolar, Müller, and some amacrine cells), CB1R was transiently expressed, suggesting a potential role of this receptor in developmental processes, such as migration, morphological changes, sub‐identity acquisition, and patterned retinal spontaneous activity. Our results also indicated that CB1R is largely expressed in the adult retina (cone photoreceptors and horizontal, most amacrine, and retinal ganglion cells), and may therefore contribute to retinal functions. Overall these results indicate that, as shown in other structures of the brain, CB1R could play an instrumental role in the development and function of the retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:1258–1280, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperature‐Dependent Rate Coefficients and Theoretical Calculations for the OH+Cl2O Reaction
Authors: Riffault Véronique , Clark Jared M. , Hansen Jaron C. , Ravishankara A. R. , Burkholder James B.
Published: October 2010

Rate coefficients k for the OH+Cl2O reaction are measured as a function of temperature (230–370 K) and pressure by using pulsed laser photolysis to produce OH radicals and laser‐induced fluorescence to monitor their loss under pseudo‐first‐order conditions in OH. The reaction rate coefficient is found to be independent of pressure, within the precision of our measurements at 30–100 Torr (He) and 100 Torr (N2). The rate coefficients obtained at 100 Torr (He) showed a negative temperature dependence with a weak non‐Arrhenius behavior. A room‐temperature rate coefficient of k1(297 K)=(7.5±1.1)×10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 is obtained, where the quoted uncertainties are 2 σ and include estimated systematic errors. Theoretical methods are used to examine OH⋅⋅⋅OCl2 and OH⋅⋅⋅ClOCl adduct formation and the potential‐energy surfaces leading to the HOCl+ClO (1 a) and Cl+HOOCl (1 d) products in reaction (1) at the hybrid density functional UMPW1K/6‐311++G(2df,p) level of theory. The OH⋅⋅⋅OCl2 and OH⋅⋅⋅ClOCl adducts are found to have binding energies of about 0.2 kcal mol−1. The reaction is calculated to proceed through weak pre‐reactive complexes. Transition‐state energies for channels (1 a) and (1 d) are calculated to be about 1.4 and about 3.3 kcal mol−1 above the energy of the reactants. The results from the present study are compared with previously reported rate coefficients, and the interpretation of the possible non‐Arrhenius behavior is discussed.
Ionic Basis of Resting and Action Potentials
Authors: Hille Bertil
Published: October 2010

The sections in this article are:

Development of Membrane Theory

Before Intracellular Recording

First Intracellular Recordings from Squid Giant Axons

Direct Measurement of Ionic Currents in Axon Membranes

Voltage‐clamp Method

Electrochemical Separation of Ionic Currents

Pharmacological Separation of Ionic Currents

Hodgkin‐huxley Model

Quantitative Analysis of INaand Ik

Calculations with Hodgkin‐Huxley Model

Variety of Excitable Cells

Myelinated Nerve

Other Axons

Cell Bodies

Muscle

Ionic Channels

Sodium Channels

Potassium Channels

Calcium Channels

Equations of Ionic Hypothesis

Solving Hodgkin‐Huxley Model

Diffusion of Charged Particles in Electric Field
Increase of core biopsies in visceral organs–experience at one institution
Authors: Gupta Namita J. , Wang Helen H.
Published: October 2010

All targeted core biopsies in the surgical pathology file and all cytology specimens from liver, lung, kidney, and pancreas accessioned in 1997, 2002, and 2007 in the Pathology Department at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, were culled. Cytology specimen type [touch imprint smear (TIS) from core‐only, fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)‐only, or both] was determined. Seven hundred and fifty‐eight targeted core biopsies were identified from the years 1997 (162), 2002 (249), and 2007 (347). Eight hundred and seventy‐eight cytology specimens from the years 1997 (127), 2002 (264), and 2007 (487) were included. The overall percentage of TIS‐only of all cytology specimens increased from 5.5 to 31% in 10 years and most prominently in the liver (14% in 1997 to 87% in 2007). In spite of the increasing use of core biopsies, the volume of cytology specimens from these organs increased from 127 in 1997 to 487 in 2007. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of heart valve morphogenesis by Eph receptor ligand, ephrin‐A1
Authors: Frieden Leslie A. , Townsend Todd A. , Vaught David B. , Delaughter Daniel M. , Hwang Yoonha , Barnett Joey V. , Chen Jin
Published: October 2010

Disease or malformation of heart valves is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. These congenital anomalies can remain undetected until cardiac function is compromised, making it important to understand the underlying nature of these disorders. Here we show that ephrin‐A1, a ligand for class A Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, regulates cardiac valve formation. Exogenous ephrin‐A1‐Fc or overexpression of ephrin‐A1 in the heart inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in chick atrioventricular cushion explants. In contrast, overexpression of wild‐type EphA3 receptor promotes EMT via a kinase‐dependent mechanism. To analyze ephrin‐A1 in vivo, we generated an ephrin‐A1 knockout mouse through gene targeting. Ephrin‐A1 null animals are viable but exhibit impaired cardiac function. Loss of ephrin‐A1 results in thickened aortic and mitral valves in newborn and adult animals. Analysis of early embryonic hearts revealed increased cellularity in outflow tract endocardial cushions and elevated mesenchymal marker expression, suggesting that excessive numbers of cells undergo EMT. Taken together, these data indicate that ephrin‐A1 regulates cardiac valve development, making ephrin‐A1‐deficient mice a novel model for congenital heart defects. Developmental Dynamics 239:3226–3234, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diiron Complexes with a [2Fe3S] Core Related to the Active Site of [FeFe]H2ases
Authors: Charreteur Kévin , Capon Jean‐François , Gloaguen Frédéric , Pétillon François Y. , Schollhammer Philippe , Talarmin Jean
Published: October 2010

Six‐membered heterocycles, 1,4‐dithiane and 1,4‐thioxane, were treated with [Fe2(CO)6(μ‐pdt)] (pdt = propanedithiolate) in order to synthesise [2Fe3S] complexes with well positioned heteroatoms as potential base. Monosubstituted compounds of general formula [Fe2(CO)5L(μ‐pdt)] (L = 1,4‐dithiane, 1,4‐thioxane) were mainly obtained and characterised by 1H NMR, IR, elemental analysis and X‐ray diffraction studies. Electrochemical behaviour of these monosubstituted derivatives was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. An original tetranuclear cluster with a [4Fe8S] core was also isolated as a minor product and structurally characterised.
Shorter and Easier Syntheses of Di‐tert‐butylketene and Relatedgem‐Di‐tert‐butyl Compounds
Authors: Knorr Rudolf , Hennig Karsten‐Olaf , Schubert Bernhard , Böhrer Petra
Published: October 2010

The ketenetBu2C=C=O is prepared fromtBu2C=O in three steps (performable as a two‐stage operation) through elimination of HCl from the intermediate producttBu2CCl–CH=O. The acidtBu2CH–CO2H, obtainable in two, three, or four preparative stages fromtBu2C=O, adds slowly to the ketene to produce the anhydride (tBu2CH–CO)2O. Elemental lithium together with ClSiMe3convertstBu2CCl–CH=O intotBu2C=CH–OSiMe3, which is a durable precursor oftBu2CH–CH=O, making this aldehyde easily and cheaply available fromtBu2C=O. By exclusion of alternative mechanistic possibilities, the reduction oftBu2CCl–CH=O bytBuMgCl is shown to involve at least one single‐electron transfer, leading to the enolatetBu2C=CH–OMgCl, which can be converted intotBu2CH–CH=O (three steps fromtBu2C=O) or intotBu2C=CH–OSiMe3. Hydride transfer from NaBH4totBu2CCl–CH=O affordstBu2CCl–CH2OH, the transformations of which provide an entertaining set of SN1‐type reactions. Several other examples of carbenium‐type behavior are encountered in thisgem‐tBu2system; they are attributed to steric congestion, which also impedes bond rotations in the anhydride and in two esters. A convenient route totBu2CH–C≡N (five steps fromtBu2C=O) uses the conversion oftBu2C=CH–OSiMe3intotBu2CH–CH=NOH. The slow thermal (Z)/(E) equilibration oftBu2CH–NH–CH=O reveals the ranking of ecliptic repulsions as H3C <tBu <tBu2CH.
Abiespiroside A, an Unprecedented Sesquiterpenoid Spirolactone with a 6/6/5 Ring System from Abies delavayi
Authors: Yang Xian‐Wen , Li Su‐Mei , Li Yong‐Li , Xia Jia‐Han , Wu Liang , Shen Yun‐Heng , Tian Jun‐Mian , Wang Ning , Liu Yonghong , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: October 2010

Abiespiroside A (1), a unique sesquiterpenoid spirolactone with a 6/6/5 ring system, was isolated from Abies delavayi Franch. The structure was established as (1R,5R,6R,7S,9R)‐6,9α‐epoxy‐9,15‐bisabolanolide‐5‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside by extensive analysis of various spectroscopic data and further confirmation by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It showed potent inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides.
Use of marble cutting sludges for remediating soils and sediments contaminated by heavy metals
Authors: Pérez‐Sirvent Carmen , García‐Lorenzo María Luz , Martínez‐Sánchez María José , Molina‐Ruiz José , Marimon Jorge , Navarro María Cortes
Published: October 2010

The addition of marble‐cutting sludge to soils and sediments was assessed as a possible way of remediating heavy metal contamination. Two sediments from a site affected by historic mining activities and two sediment samples obtained from a highly industrialized area were used for the study. The samples were mixed with marble‐cutting sludge providing four stabilized samples from which forty leachates were studied. The results suggest that the addition of this sludge, consisting mainly of carbonates, to heavy metal polluted sediments, decreases available metal forms. The leached solutions showed a nontoxic effect when they were submitted to the Microtox® bioassay. The carbonate content plays a role in the chemical stabilization of metals and in lowering the toxicity of these types of samples. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010.
Alzheimer's disease genetics: current knowledge and future challenges
Authors: Hollingworth Paul , Harold Denise , Jones Lesley , Owen Michael J. , Williams Julie
Published: October 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is highly heritable, but genetically complex. Recently, three large‐scale genome‐wide association studies have made substantial breakthroughs in disentangling the genetic architecture of the disease. These studies combined include data from over 43 000 independent individuals and provide compelling evidence that variants in four novel susceptibility genes (CLU, PICALM, CR1, BIN1) are associated with disease risk. These findings are tremendously exciting, not only in providing new avenues for exploration, but also highlighting the potential for further gene discovery when larger samples are analysed. Here we discuss progress to date in identifying risk genes for dementia, ways forward and how current findings are refining previous ideas and defining new putative primary disease mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.