bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of materials dielectric properties on the petroleum oil removal from waste under microwave irradiation
Authors: Shang Hui , Guo Yonggang , Yang Xiaoqing , Zhang Wenhui
Published: September 2011

The effects of dielectric materials on the petroleum oil removal from solid waste under microwave heating were fully detailed within this research. The experiments clearly show that although water has high dielectric properties, it is not efficient to remove heavy oils due to its volatility. Salt water having high loss factor contributes to the oil removal at low concentration, whereas high concentration results in less. Activated carbon was proved to be more efficient for either light or heavy petroleum oils. The simulation results yielded good estimations of power density throughout the sample. The simulated temperature distribution clearly explains the experimental results and can be used to predict the efficiency of organic removal from solid wastes. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Left Ventricular Torsional Mechanics in Uncomplicated Pregnancy
Authors: Yoon Andrew J. , Song Jason , Megalla Sherry , Nazari Reza , Akinlaja Olukayode , Pollack Simcha , Bella Jonathan N.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Alterations in left ventricular (LV) twist (torsion) and untwist have been described for a variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. Little information is available regarding changes in these parameters during normal pregnancy.

Hypothesis:

Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in LV torsional mechanics.

Methods:

Left ventricular twist and untwist was measured in 32 pregnant females (mean gestation 199 ± 48 d) and 23 nonpregnant controls using speckle‐tracking echocardiography.

Results:

Left ventricular ejection fraction (68 ± 5% vs 66 ± 5%) was similar between the groups (P not significant). There was a significant increase in peak LV twist from nonpregnant controls (9.4 ± 3.7 degrees) to second‐trimester (12.0 ± 4.2 degrees) and third‐trimester subjects (12.6 ± 5.9 degrees, all P<0.05). Peak LV twist velocity was also increased in second‐ and third‐trimester groups compared with controls (94 ± 24 degrees/sec and 93 ± 30 vs 64 ± 21 degrees/sec, respectively, both P<0.05). Both peak untwist velocity and time to peak untwist velocity were not significantly different between groups (P not significant). Multiple regression analysis indicate that only systolic blood pressure (r = 0.394, P = 0.005) was an independent predictor for increased LV torsion.

Conclusions:

There are significant changes in LV torsional indices during the course of pregnancy, whereas untwist parameters remain unchanged. Blood pressure is independently associated with increased torsion during pregnancy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Development of 2,3,5‐Triaryl‐1H‐pyrroles as Estrogen Receptor α Selective Ligands
Authors: Schäfer Anja , Wellner Anja , Strauss Martin , Wolber Gerhard , Gust Ronald
Published: September 2011

1‐Alkyl‐2,3,5‐triaryl‐1H‐pyrroles (for which alkyl=methyl, ethyl, n‐propyl, or 2‐methylpropyl) were tested for stability, estrogen receptor (ER) binding, and inhibition of tumor cell growth. These pyrroles (type B) showed higher stability in aqueous solution than their 1,2,4‐triaryl‐1H‐pyrrole congeners (type A pyrroles), exclusive ERα binding (no ERβ interaction), and a hormonal profile of partial agonists at ERα. The most potent compound, 1‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐2,3,5‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole (5 d), was less active than the lead structure 1,3,5‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐propyl‐1H‐pyrazole (PPT) in MCF‐7 cells stably transfected with the plasmid EREwtcluc (MCF‐7/2a), but more potent in U2‐OS/α cells. Furthermore, 5 d showed weak anti‐estrogenic properties (IC50=310 nM). An additional propyl chain at C4 decreased the stability and pharmacological effects.
Asymmetric Synthesis and Conformational Analysis by NMR Spectroscopy and MD of Aba‐ and α‐MeAba‐Containing Dermorphin Analogues
Authors: Vandormael Bart , De Wachter Rien , Martins José C. , Hendrickx Pieter M. S. , Keresztes Attila , Ballet Steven , Mallareddy Jayapal R. , Tóth Fanni , Tóth Géza , Tourwé Dirk
Published: September 2011

Dermorphin analogues, containing a (S)‐ and (R)‐4‐amino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2‐benzazepin‐3‐one scaffold (Aba) and the α‐methylated analogues as conformationally constrained phenylalanines, were prepared. Asymmetric phase‐transfer catalysis was unable to provide the (S)‐α‐Me‐o‐cyanophenylalanine precursor for (S)‐α‐MeAba in acceptable enantiomeric purity. However, by using a Schöllkopf chiral auxiliary, this intermediate was obtained in 88 % ee. [(S)‐Aba 3‐Gly 4]dermorphin retained μ‐opioid affinity but displayed an increased δ‐affinity. The corresponding R epimer was considerably less potent. In contrast, the [(R)‐α‐MeAba 3‐Gly 4]dermorphin isomer was more potent than its S epimer. Tar‐MD simulations of both non‐methylated [Aba 3‐Gly 4]dermorphin analogues showed a degree of folding at the C‐terminal residues toward the N terminus of the peptide, without however, adopting a stabilized β‐turn conformation. The α‐methylated analogues, on the other hand, exhibited a type I/I′ β‐turn conformation over the α‐MeAba 3 and Gly 4 residues, which was stabilized by a hydrogen bond involving Tyr 5‐HN and D‐Ala 2‐CO.
Novel germline PALB2 truncating mutations in African American breast cancer patients
Authors: Zheng Yonglan , Zhang Jing , Niu Qun , Huo Dezheng , Olopade Olufunmilayo I.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

It has been demonstrated that the partner and localizer of breast cancer 2 (PALB2) acts as a bridging molecule between the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and BRCA2 proteins and is responsible for facilitating BRCA2‐mediated DNA repair. Truncating mutations in the PALB2 gene reportedly are enriched in patients with Fanconi anemia and breast cancer in various populations.

METHODS:

The authors evaluated the contribution of PALB2 germline mutations in 279 African American women with breast cancer, including 29 patients with a strong family history, 29 patients with a moderate family history, 75 patients with a weak family history, and 146 patients with nonfamilial or sporadic breast cancer.

RESULTS:

After direct sequencing of all the coding exons, exon/intron boundaries, and 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of PALB2, 3 novel, monoallelic, truncating mutations (1.08%; 3 in 279 patients) were identified (c.758dupT [exon 4], c.1479delC [exon 4], and c.3048delT [exon 10]) together with 50 sequence variants, 27 of which were novel. None of the truncating mutations were identified in a group of 262 controls from the same population.

CONCLUSIONS:

PALB2 mutations were present in both familial and nonfamilial breast cancers among African Americans. Rare PALB2 mutations accounted for a small but substantial proportion of patients with breast cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Predictive clinical outcome of the intratumoral CD66b‐positive neutrophil‐to‐CD8‐positive T‐cell ratio in patients with resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Ilie Marius , Hofman Véronique , Ortholan Cécile , Bonnetaud Christelle , Coëlle Céline , Mouroux Jérôme , Hofman Paul
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The role of the interaction between tumor cells and inflammatory cells in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is unclear. In this study, the authors assessed the prognostic impact of intratumoral cluster of differentiation 66b (carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 8 [CD66b])‐positive neutrophils and of the intratumoral CD66b‐positive neutrophil‐to‐cluster of differentiation 8 (cell surface antigen T8 [CD8])‐positive lymphocytes (the CD66b‐positive neutrophil‐to‐CD8‐positive lymphocyte ratio [iNTR]) in patients with resectable NSCLC.

METHODS:

Expression levels of CD66b and CD8 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays consisting of 632 NSCLC specimens from patients who underwent curative surgery. The relation between clinicopathologic variables and patient outcome was assessed.

RESULTS:

Intratumoral CD66b‐positive neutrophils were elevated in 318 patients (50%). In univariate analysis, an increase in CD66b‐positive cells was associated with a high cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) (median CIR, 51 months for low CD66b‐positive cell density; 36 months for high CD66b‐positive cell density; P = .002) and trended toward worse overall survival (OS) (median OS, 57 months for low CD66b‐positive cell density; 54 months for high CD66b‐positive cell density; P = .088). The iNTR was elevated in 190 patients (30%). An increased iNTR was strongly associated with both a high CIR (median CIR: 43 months for an iNTR ≤1; 34 months for an iNTR >1; P < .0001) and poor OS (median OS: 60 months for an iNTR ≤1; 46 months for an iNTR >1; P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors for a higher CIR were high iNTR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56‐0.90; P = .005) and tumor stage >I, (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.52; P < .0001). Independent prognostic factors for worse OS were a high iNTR (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.91; P = .007) and tumor stage >I (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.26‐0.47; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that the iNTR is a novel, independent prognostic factor for a high rate of disease recurrence and poor OS in patients with resectable NSCLC. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Clinical impact of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies in first‐line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Loupakis Fotios , Cremolini Chiara , Salvatore Lisa , Schirripa Marta , Lonardi Sara , Vaccaro Vanja , Cuppone Federica , Giannarelli Diana , Zagonel Vittorina , Cognetti Francesco , Tortora Giampaolo , Falcone Alfredo , Bria Emilio
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Antiepidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, but some scientific issues concerning their efficacy are currently unsolved.

METHODS:

A literature‐based meta‐analysis was conducted. Hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted from randomized trials for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS); the event‐based risk ratio was derived for response. Sensitivity analyses to look for interactions according to KRAS status and chemotherapy association regimens were performed.

RESULTS:

Eight trials (6609 patients) were identified. A significant interaction according to KRAS status was found for PFS (wild type vs mutant, P = .001) and response rate (wild type vs mutant, P < .0001). The addition of an anti‐EGFR MoAb to first‐line chemotherapy increased PFS in the KRAS wild‐type population (HR, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84‐0.99; P = .03), and had a detrimental effect in the KRAS mutant population (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.25; P = .013). A significant increase in the probability of achieving a response was evident in KRAS wild‐type patients (relative risk, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.33; P = .011). In this population, the interaction in response rate according to adopted chemotherapy favored irinotecan‐containing regimens (P = .01), and at meta‐regression analysis the relative increase in response rate was significantly related to PFS (P = .00001) and OS (P = .00193) benefit.

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of an anti‐EGFR MoAb to first‐line chemotherapy produces a clear benefit in response rate. This advantage is restricted to KRAS wild‐type patients and translates into a small benefit in PFS. At present, irinotecan‐based backbone chemotherapy could be a preferable option. The correlation between activity and survival parameters corroborates the hypothesis that anti‐EGFR MoAbs might be more suitable for patients needing tumoral shrinkage. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
18F‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography in assessment of myeloma‐related bone disease: A systematic review
Authors: van Lammeren‐Venema Danielle , Regelink Josien C. , Riphagen Ingrid I. , Zweegman Sonja , Hoekstra Otto S. , Zijlstra Josée M.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The goal of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of whole body X‐ray (WBXR) and 18F‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG PET) in staging and response assessment of multiple myeloma.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic review of studies comparing 18FDG PET with WBXR and/or magnetic resonance imaging in terms of sensitivity for myeloma‐related bone disease at staging and during follow‐up.

RESULTS:

Eighteen studies involving 798 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) score, expressed as a percentage of the maximum score, was 61%. In 7 studies (n = 242 patients), concordance assessment between WBXR and 18FDG PET scan was possible, showing a higher sensitivity of the 18FDG PET in the detection of myeloma bone lesions in 6 studies. The only study reporting on the prognostic value of 18FDG PET at staging found that the number of FDG‐avid focal lesions was an independent prognostic parameter. In addition, the limited studies on response monitoring showed that normalization of 18FDG PET during treatment correlated with a superior clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

In general, 18FDG PET has a superior sensitivity for myeloma bone lesions compared with WBXR. Future studies have to validate the additive value of myeloma‐related bone disease detected on 18FDG PET–computed tomography (CT) in predicting outcome. Response monitoring with the use of 18FDG PET‐CT during treatment is promising, allowing more precise prediction of prognosis compared with the standard response monitoring. In view of the expanding treatment options for multiple myeloma, this may provide important information for treatment decisions in the future. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Influence of socioeconomic status and hospital type on disparities of lymph node evaluation in colon cancer patients
Authors: Hsieh Mei‐Chin , Velasco Cruz , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Pareti Lisa A. , Andrews Patricia A. , Chen Vivien W.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

A minimum of 12 dissected lymph nodes (LNs) has been recommended as a consensus guideline for resections in colon cancer patients. This study assessed the influence of both socioeconomic status (SES) and hospital type on compliance with this colon LN dissection guideline and examined the time trend for ≥12 LNs dissected.

METHODS:

Stage I to III incident colon cancer cases diagnosed from 1996 to 2007 were obtained from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. A composite census tract‐level SES score was created to serve as a surrogate for individual‐level SES. Hospitals performing colon resections were categorized into 5 groups according to the Commission on Cancer Accreditation Program. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS:

Of 10,460 colon cancer cases diagnosed during the study period, 43.9% had ≥12 LNs dissected. Patients residing in less affluent SES areas were less likely to receive a dissection of ≥12 nodes than those residing in more affluent areas. SES was no longer significant after adjusting for race, sex, age, stage, grade, anatomic subsite, diagnosis year, and hospital type. In contrast, hospital type was significantly associated with the number of LNs dissected, even after adjusting for other factors. Patients diagnosed from 2002 to 2007 were twice as likely (95% confidence interval, 1.84‐2.17) to have ≥12 LNs dissected than those diagnosed from 1996 to 2001 after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

In Louisiana, hospital type is an independent significant predictor of adequate LN evaluation for colon cancer. Training and education are needed to reduce this disparity in the facilities with consistently lower LN yield in their dissections. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Morbidity and mortality of radical prostatectomy differs by insurance status
Authors: Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Schmitges Jan , Sun Maxine , Sammon Jesse , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Zorn Kevin , Sukumar Shyam , Bianchi Marco , Perrotte Paul , Graefen Markus , Rogers Craig G. , Peabody James O. , Menon Mani , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Private insurance status may favorably affect various health outcomes including those associated with radical prostatectomy (RP). We explored the effect of insurance status on 5 short‐term RP outcomes.

METHODS:

Within the Health Care Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) we focused on RPs performed within the 5 most contemporary years (2003‐2007). We tested the rates of blood transfusions, extended length of stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as in‐hospital mortality, stratified according to insurance status. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, fitted with general estimation equations for clustering among hospitals, adjusted for confounding factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 61,167 RPs were identified. Of those, private insurance accounted for the majority of cases (n = 41,312, 67.5%), followed by Medicare (n = 18,759, 30.7%) and Medicaid (n = 1096, 1.8%). Insurance status other than private was associated with higher rates of blood transfusions (P < .001), higher overall postoperative complication rates (P < .001), higher rates of hospital stay above the median (P < .001), as well as higher in‐hospital mortality (P = .01). In multivariable analyses, compared with patients with private insurance, Medicaid patients had higher rates of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, P < .001), length of stay beyond the median (OR = 1.61, P < .001) postoperative complications (OR= 1.24, P = .02), and in‐hospital mortality (OR = 4.91, = .01). Similarly, Medicare patients had higher rates of blood transfusions (OR = 1.21, P < .001), overall postoperative complications (OR = 1.17, P×< .001) and length of stay beyond the median (OR = 1.25, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Even after adjusting for confounding factors, patients with private insurance have better outcomes than their counterparts with nonprivate insurance. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Return to work in low‐income Latina and non‐Latina white breast cancer survivors: A 3‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Blinder Victoria S. , Patil Sujata , Thind Amardeep , Diamant Allison , Hudis Clifford A. , Basch Ethan , Maly Rose C.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Previous research has found an 80% return‐to‐work rate in mid‐income white breast cancer survivors, but little is known about the employment trajectory of low‐income minorities or whites. We set out to compare the trajectories of low‐income Latina and non‐Latina white survivors and to identify correlates of employment status.

METHODS:

Participants were low‐income women who had localized breast cancer, spoke English or Spanish, and were employed at the time of diagnosis. Interviews were conducted 6, 18, and 36 months after diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of employment status at 18 months.

RESULTS:

Of 290 participants, 62% were Latina. Latinas were less likely than non‐Latina whites to be working 6 months (27% vs 49%; P = .0002) and 18 months (45% vs 59%; P = .02) after diagnosis, but at 36 months there was no significant difference (53% vs 59%; P = .29). Latinas were more likely to be manual laborers than were non‐Latina whites (P < .0001). Baseline job type and receipt of axillary node dissection were associated with employment status among Latinas but not non‐Latina whites.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neither low‐income Latinas nor non‐Latina whites approached the 80% rate of return to work seen in wealthier white populations. Latinas followed a protracted return‐to‐work trajectory compared to non‐Latina whites, and differences in job type appear to have played an important role. Manual laborers may be disproportionately impacted by surgical procedures that limit physical activity. This can inform the development of rehabilitative interventions and may have important implications for the surgical and postsurgical management of patients. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Pretreatment and routine echocardiogram monitoring during chemotherapy for anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity rarely identifies significant cardiac dysfunction or alters treatment decisions
Authors: Watts Raymond G. , George McKenzie , Johnson Walter H.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The widespread use of anthracycline chemotherapy has contributed to improved outcomes in children with cancer. The most feared complication of the anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity. Routine echocardiographic monitoring typically is used before, during, and after treatment to minimize cardiotoxicity. The ideal use of screening before and during chemotherapy remains uncertain.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective review of children who were treated at a single cancer treatment center over 5 years. The results of all echocardiograms and related clinical decisions were reviewed.

RESULTS:

In 356 patients who were identified for review (age range, 3 months to 22 years; mean age, 10 years; median age, 11 years), 991 echocardiograms were reviewed (average, 2.78 echocardiograms per patient; median, 2 echocardiograms per patient; mode, 1; maximum, 11 echocardiograms per patient). Nine abnormal echocardiograms were identified (2.5% of patients and 0.9% of echocardiograms performed). Four echocardiograms were performed during episodes of septic shock, 2 echocardiograms represented false‐positive studies after repeat evaluation, and 1 echocardiogram demonstrated mild abnormality of function on the day of surgical resection of a large Wilms tumor. None of the 356 pretreatment echocardiograms altered treatment decisions. In 635 follow‐up echocardiograms during treatment, cardiac defects were detected in 2 patients (0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The routine use of echocardiograms to screen for anthracycline‐induced cardiac damage before and during chemotherapy rarely identified significant cardiac damage to impact treatment decisions. Improved screening techniques with better discrimination and predictability are needed. Pediatric Oncology cooperative groups should consider a revision of standard monitoring protocols before and during treatment. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Two stem cell markers, ATP‐binding cassette, G2 subfamily (ABCG2) and BMI‐1, predict the transformation of oral leukoplakia to cancer
Authors: Liu Wei , Feng Jin‐Qiu , Shen Xue‐Min , Wang Hai‐Yan , Liu Yang , Zhou Zeng‐Tong
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Although oral leukoplakia (OL) is the best‐known potentially malignant disorder, the risk of OL malignant transformation is difficult to assess. ATP‐binding cassette, G2 subfamily (ABCG2) and BMI‐1 are stem cell markers that have been found to be associated with head and neck tumorigenesis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of ABCG2 and BMI‐1 in predicting OL transformation.

METHODS:

In a retrospective cohort of 135 patients with OL from the study institution who had a mean follow‐up of 5.5 years, 32 developed cancer between 1985 and 2008. The expression of ABCG2 and BMI‐1 was determined using immunohistochemistry in samples from these patients, and included untransformed OL (n = 103) and malignant‐transformed OL (n = 32). The association between protein expression and clinicopathological parameters and transformation was analyzed.

RESULTS:

Expression of ABCG2 and BMI‐1 was observed in 58 (43.0%) and 44 (32.6%) of 135 patients, respectively. The correlation between ABCG2 and BMI‐1 expression was significant (P = .024). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that 37.9% of patients with ABCG2 positivity developed cancer compared with 13.0% of patients with ABCG2 negativity (P = .014, log‐rank test). Approximately 40.9% of patients with BMI‐1 positivity developed cancer compared with 15.4% of patients with BMI‐1 negativity (P = .029, log‐rank test). Multivariate analysis revealed that ABCG2 and BMI‐1 expression was associated with a 3.24‐fold (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.31‐7.98; P = .011) and 4.03‐fold (95% CI, 1.59‐10.26; P = .003) increased the risk of transformation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

ABCG2 and BMI‐1 expression was found to be associated with the development of oral cancer in a large cohort of patients with OL for whom long‐term follow‐up was available, which suggests that ABCG2 and BMI‐1 may be used as predictors of OL transformation. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Occult tumor burden contributes to racial disparities in stage‐specific colorectal cancer outcomes
Authors: Hyslop Terry , Weinberg David S. , Schulz Stephanie , Barkun Alan , Waldman Scott A.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

There are differences in outcomes in blacks compared with whites with lymph node–negative (pN0) colorectal cancer. Recurrence in pN0 patients suggests the presence of occult metastases undetected by conventional approaches. This study explores the association of racial differences in outcomes with occult tumor burden in regional lymph nodes.

METHODS:

Lymph nodes (range, 2‐159) from 282 prospectively enrolled pN0 colorectal cancer patients followed for a median of 24 months (range, 2‐63 months) were subjected to molecular analysis. Occult tumor burden was estimated by quantifying the expression of GUCY2C, a biomarker for metastatic colorectal cancer cells. Risk categories defined using occult tumor burden was the primary outcome measure. Association of prognostic variables and risk were defined by multivariate polytomous logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Occult tumor burden stratified this cohort of 259 whites and 23 blacks into categories with low (60%; recurrence rate [RR] = 2.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1%‐4.5%), intermediate (31%; RR = 33.3%; 95% CI, 23.7%‐44.1%), and high (9%; RR = 68.0%; 95% CI, 46.5%‐85.1%; P < .001) risk. Blacks compared with whites exhibited 4‐fold greater occult metastases in individual lymph nodes (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that race (P = .02), T stage (P = .02), and number of lymph nodes collected (P = .003) were independent prognostic markers of risk category. Blacks compared with whites were more likely to harbor levels of occult tumor burden, associated with the highest recurrence risk (adjusted odds ratio = 5.08; 95% CI, 1.69‐21.39; P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS:

Racial disparities in stage‐specific outcomes in colorectal cancer are associated with differences in occult tumor burden in regional lymph nodes. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A randomized phase 2 trial of a preparative regimen of bortezomib, high‐dose melphalan, arsenic trioxide, and ascorbic acid
Authors: Sharma Manish , Khan Hassan , Thall Peter F. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Bassett Roland L. , Shah Nina , Bashir Qaiser , Parmar Simrit , Wang Michael , Shah Jatin J. , Hosing Chitra M. , Popat Uday R. , Giralt Sergio A. , Champlin Richard E. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Bortezomib is active for newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma, and it has synergistic activity with melphalan. The authors of this report conducted a randomized trial to determine the safety and efficacy of adding bortezomib to a preparative regimen of arsenic trioxide (ATO), ascorbic acid (AA), and melphalan.

METHODS:

Among 60 patients who enrolled between October 2006 and September 2007, 58 patients underwent autologous transplantation with a preparative regimen of melphalan 200 mg/m2 intravenously, AA 1000 mg daily intravenously for 7 days, and ATO 0.25 mg/kg intravenously for 7 days. Patients were randomized to receive no bortezomib (Group 1), bortezomib 1 mg/m2 × 3 doses (Group 2), and bortezomib 1.5 mg/m2 × 3 doses (Group 3). Primary endpoints were complete response (CR), grade IV toxicity, and 90‐day treatment‐related mortality (TRM). Secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

The median follow‐up of all surviving patients was 36 months (range, 20‐43 months). The CR rates in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 20%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 nonhematologic toxicities and TRM were comparable. The median OS was not reached in the groups, whereas the median PFS in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 17.8 months, 17.4 months, and 20.7 months, respectively. PFS and OS were significantly shorter in patients who had high‐risk cytogenetics (P = .016 and P = .0001, respectively) and relapsed disease (P = .0001 and P = .0001, respectively) regardless of the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adding bortezomib to a preparative regimen of ATO, AA, and high‐dose melphalan was safe and well tolerated in patients with multiple myeloma. There was no significant improvement in the CR rate, PFS, or OS in the bortezomib groups. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Implementation of FocalPoint GS location‐guided imaging system
Authors: Levi Angelique W. , Chhieng David C. , Schofield Kevin , Kowalski Diane , Harigopal Malini
Published: September 2011

Background:

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the location‐guided imaging system FocalPoint GS (FPGS), on SurePath Papanicolaou (Pap) tests for primary screening. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of FPGS on the following: distribution of diagnostic categories; rate of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV)–positive ASC‐US cases; and quality control (QC) data before and after FPGS implementation.

Methods:

A search of the laboratory information system was performed to identify all SurePath Pap tests processed in our laboratory for the first 19 months after FPGS implementation. We also retrieved all SurePath specimens from a 16‐month period prior to FPGS implementation to serve as the control. During the period from Janaury 2008 to April 2009, the FocalPoint Slide Profiler was used.

Results:

Implementation of FPGS resulted in a significantly higher percentage of LSIL and ASC‐US interpretations, as well as a significant increase in the detection of candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. The ASC‐to‐SIL ratio was 1.4 and 1.9 before and after FPGS implementation, respectively. There was a decrease in the HR‐HPV positive rate in ASC‐US cases, and a decrease in the estimated false‐negative fraction after FPGS implementation.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our study seems to demonstrate a favorable performance of FPGS in the routine clinical setting. FPGS may have the potential to be a promising screening tool for gynecologic cytology in a low‐risk patient population. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Efficient computation of inviscid flow fields around complex configurations using a multiblock multigrid method
Authors: Rossow C.‐C.
Published: September 2011

The efficient implementation of a multigrid technique for use on block‐structured, body‐fitted meshes is investigated. The algorithm employed for the solution of inviscid flow fields uses central differences with artificial dissipation, and time integration is performed by a five‐stage Runge—Kutta scheme. A major point of concern is the amount of work which may be performed within a block before switching to the next block. In this study three different strategies are under consideration. In the first strategy data are exchanged between blocks in each stage of the Runge—Kutta time‐stepping scheme. This keeps a possible time lag between blocks to a minimum, but requires a large amount of I/O operations and storage. The second strategy performs a complete Runge—Kutta cycle within a block before switching to the next. Having completed one time step in all blocks, a second sweep through all blocks is done in order to evaluate residuals necessary for the restriction to coarser meshes. In the third strategy both a complete Runge—Kutta cycle and the residual evaluation for the restriction operator are done within a block, allowing a minimum of I/O and storage. A primary application of all three strategies to a two‐block mesh around a wing‐body combination showed no significant differences in the convergence of the multigrid algorithm. To investigate the impact of the different strategies on complex configurations, computations were carried out on an 11‐block mesh around a wing‐body—engine‐pylon configuration. Both the first and second strategies delivered converged results, but the third failed due to the larger time lag between blocks. Full multigrid was then used to obtain a preconditioned starting solution for the finest grid. This alleviated the time lag to such an extent that even the third strategy yielded convergence.
Optimal multistage schemes for multigrid smoothing of two‐dimensional advection operators
Authors: Catalano L. A. , Napolitano M. , Deconinck H.
Published: September 2011

An optimal multistage explicit scheme is applied to solve a non‐linear advection equation using a standard first‐order‐accurate upwind scheme and three different genuinely two‐dimensional first‐order‐accurate discrete operators, within a finite‐volume context. Such an explicit time integration procedure is combined with a classical multigrid method to accelerate convergence to steady state.
Comparative Study of CeO2 and Doped CeO2 with Tailored Oxygen Vacancies for CO Oxidation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Qi , Liao Yuchao , Shen Genli , Gong Xuzhong , Han Ning , Liu Haidi , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2011

We report on the preparation and characterization of CeO2 nanofibers (CeO2‐NFs) and nanocubes (CeO2‐NCs), as well as Sm‐ and Gd‐doped CeO2 nanocubes (Sm‐CeO2‐NCs and Gd‐CeO2‐NCs), synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process for CO catalytic oxidation. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Their oxygen‐storing capacity (OSC) was examined by means of hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR) and oxygen pulse techniques. Their catalytic properties for CO catalytic oxidation were comparatively investigated. The results showed that the CeO2‐NFs possessed a higher catalytic activity compared to the CeO2‐NCs because of their smaller size and the greater number of oxygen vacancies. The activity of the Sm‐CeO2‐NCs was higher than that of the CeO2‐NCs due to an increase in the number of oxygen vacancies, which results from the substitution of Ce4+ species with Sm3+ ions. In contrast, Gd doping had a negative effect on the CO catalytic oxidation due to the special electron configuration of Gd3+ (4f7). Our work demonstrates that the oxygen vacancies in pure CeO2 and the electron configuration of the dopants in doped CeO2 play an important role in CO oxidation.
Long‐Lived States to Monitor Protein Unfolding by Proton NMR
Authors: Bornet Aurélien , Ahuja Puneet , Sarkar Riddhiman , Fernandes Laetitia , Hadji Sonia , Lee Shirley Y. , Haririnia Aydin , Fushman David , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Vasos Paul R.
Published: September 2011

The relaxation of long‐lived states (LLS) corresponds to the slow return to statistical thermal equilibrium between symmetric and antisymmetric proton spin states. This process is remarkably sensitive to the presence of external spins and can be used to obtain information about partial unfolding of proteins. We detected the appearance of a destabilized conformer of ubiquitin when urea is added to the protein in its native state. This conformer shows increased mobility in the C‐terminus, which significantly extends the lifetimes of proton LLS magnetisation in Ser‐65. These changes could not be detected by conventional measurements of T1 and T2 relaxation times of protons, and would hardly be sensed by carbon‐13 or nitrogen‐15 relaxation measurements. Conformers with similar dynamic and structural features, as revealed by LLS relaxation times, could be observed, in the absence of urea, in two ubiquitin mutants, L67S and L69S.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Gallium Nanowires and Macroporous Structures in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Al Zoubi Mohammad , Al‐Salman Rihab , El Abedin Sherif Z. , Li Yao , Endres Frank
Published: September 2011

The electrochemical synthesis of gallium nanostructures in an ionic liquid is presented. Gallium nanowires and macroporous structures were synthesized by the template‐assisted electrodeposition in the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py1,4]TFSA) containing GaCl3 as the precursor. Track‐etched polycarbonate membranes with an average pore diameter of 90 nm and a thickness of 21 μm were used as templates for the nanowire synthesis. Ga nanowires with a length of more than 4 μm and an average diameter corresponding to that of the template′s pores were easily obtained by this method. Macroporous structures with an average pore diameter of 600 nm were obtained by the electrochemical deposition of Ga inside polystyrene colloidal crystal templates and the subsequent removal of the template by THF. The macroporous deposit showed a granular morphology with smallest grain sizes of about 40 nm and light reflections. The nanostructures of Ga were characterized by HR‐SEM and EDX analysis.
Universal laws and economic phenomena
Authors: Gerig Austin
Published: September 2011

Despite the idiosyncratic behavior of individuals, empirical regularities exist in social and economic systems. These regularities often arise from simple underlying mechanisms which, analogous to the natural sciences, can be expressed as universal principles or laws. In this essay, I discuss the similarities between economic and natural phenomena and argue that it is advantageous for economists to adopt methods from the natural sciences to discover “universal laws” in economic systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
Evolving dynamical networks: A formalism for describing complex systems
Authors: Gorochowski Thomas E. , Bernardo Mario Di , Grierson Claire S.
Published: September 2011

We introduce a comprehensive formalism called an Evolving Dynamical Network (EDN) that aims to provide a common description for many types of complex system in applied science and engineering. We expand the currently available formalisms and define a new modeling framework able to incorporate network topology, dynamics, and evolution in an integrated way. Although the main focus is to provide a common framework, we find that evolving dynamical networks also highlight several interesting implications regarding possible control mechanisms for complex systems. A physical example is used throughout to illustrate the advantages and limitations of the various approaches described in the article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
Behavioural Risk of Bipolar Disorder in an Analogue Population: The Role of Cognitive, Developmental and Interpersonal Factors
Authors: Schwannauer Matthias , Noble Abbi , Fraser Gillian
Published: September 2011

Research to date has identified the contribution of a number of cognitive, developmental and interpersonal risk factors in the development of bipolar affective disorder. However, further work is needed to understand the mechanisms and interactions between these risk factors in relation to bipolar mood instability. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of identifying high risk of bipolar disorder through cognitive and interpersonal factors and to further expand our knowledge regarding the relationship between such factors. The findings from this work demonstrate that when both cognitive and interpersonal variables are entered into one model to predict bipolar high risk, direct effects are observed for the interpersonal factors, which then have a fully mediational effect on the cognitive factors. This work proposes that interpersonal factors develop and maintain cognitive risk factors and that future formulations and treatment of bipolar disorder need to focus on addressing such interpersonal issues. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

This study highlights the importance of the interpersonal context of mood dysregulation and the interaction of cognitive and interpersonal aspects of affect regulation.

The interpersonal context needs to be fully considered when investigating and working with individuals at risk of bipolar disorder.
Comparison of radiation detector performance for different metal contacts on CdZnTe deposited by electroless deposition method
Authors: Zheng Q. , Dierre F. , Ayoub M. , Crocco J. , Bensalah H. , Corregidor V. , Alves E. , Fernandez‐Ruiz R. , Perez J. M. , Dieguez E.
Published: September 2011

A comparative study of four different metals gold (Au), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) and rhodium (Rh) deposited on CdZnTe(CZT) by the electroless deposition method has been carried out. Two of these materials, Ru and Rh, have been deposited for the first time by this method. In contrast to the Pt deposition, the deposition of Ru and Rh were not carried out under the optimal conditions. The metals deposited on the samples were identified by Total reflection X‐ray Fluorescence (TXRF). Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) analyses show that Au forms the thickest layer (∼160 nm) for the experimental conditions of this work. Current‐voltage measurements show that Pt forms a more linear ohmic contact with the lowest leakage current. A 57Co gamma ray spectrum gave a better detector performance with a FWHM 11 keV at 122 keV. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Remarkable Uptake of CO2 and CH4 by Graphene‐Like Borocarbonitrides, BxCyNz
Authors: Kumar Nitesh , Subrahmanyam K. S. , Chaturbedy Piyush , Raidongia Kalyan , Govindaraj Achutharao , Hembram Kailash P. S. S. , Mishra Abhishek K. , Waghmare Umesh V. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: September 2011

The surface areas and uptake of CO2 and CH4 by four graphene samples are measured and compared with activated charcoal. The surface areas are in the range of 5–640 m2 g−1, whereas the CO2 and CH4 uptake values are in the range of 18–45 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and 0–2.8 wt % (at 273 K, 5 MPa), respectively. The CO2 and CH4 uptake values of the graphene samples vary linearly with the surface area. In contrast, graphene‐like BxCyNz samples with compositions close to BC2N exhibit surface areas in the range of 1500–1990 m2 g−1 and CO2 and CH4 uptake values in the ranges 97–128 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and 7.5–17.3 wt %, respectively. The uptake of these gases varies exponentially with the surface area of the BxCyZn samples, and the uptake of CH4 varies proportionally with that of CO2. The uptake of CO2 for the best BC2N sample is 64 wt % at 298 K. The large uptake of both CO2 and CH4 gases by BC2N betters the performance of graphenes and activated charcoal. First‐principles calculations show that the adsorption of CO2 and CH4 is more favored on BCN samples compared to graphene.
Local Kinetic Modeling of Aluminum Oxide Metal‐Organic CVD From Aluminum Tri‐isopropoxide
Authors: Vergnes Hugues , Samélor Diane , Gleizes Alain N. , Vahlas Constantin , Caussat Brigitte
Published: September 2011

A numerical model for the MetalOrganic CVD of alumina from aluminium tri‐isopropoxide (ATI), based on an apparent heterogeneous kinetic law was developed using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code Fluent. The kinetic parameters were fitted from experimental deposition rates obtained between 360°C and 496°C at a total pressure of 5Torr. Simulated local profiles of alumina deposition rate allowed reproducing the non uniformity of experimental deposition rates due to the dominance of convective gas transport and the depletion of ATI.
Amorphous Hydrogenated Silicon Carbide (a‐SiC:H) Coatings Produced by Remote Hydrogen Microwave Plasma CVD from Bis(dimethylsilyl)ethane ‐ a Novel Single‐Source Precursor
Authors: Wróbel Aleksander M. , Walkiewicz‐Pietrzykowska Agnieszka , Uznanski Pawel , Glebocki Bartosz
Published: September 2011

The effect of substrate temperature (TS) on the growth rate, chemical structure, surface morphology, density, refractive index and photoluminescence (PL) of a‐SiC:H films is reported. The increase in TS from 30°C to 400°C causes the elimination of organic moieties from the film and the formation of Si‐carbidic network structure. The films produced at high TS are morphologically homogeneous, dense, and hard materials of high refractive index and extremely low PL intensity.
Cytofluorometric detection of rodent malaria parasites using red‐excited fluorescent dyes
Authors: Gerena Y. , Gonzalez‐Pons M. , Serrano A. E.
Published: September 2011

Flow cytometry is a potentially efficient approach for the quantification of parasitemias in experimental malaria infections and drug susceptibility assays using rodent malaria models such as Plasmodium berghei. In this study, we used two red DNA‐binding fluorochromes, rhodamine 800 (R800) and LD700, to measure parasitemia levels in whole blood samples from mice infected with P. berghei. Blood samples were treated with RNAse A to eliminate RNA‐derived signals. Propidium iodide, which stains both DNA and RNA, was used as a positive control. The parasitemia levels determined by R800 and LD700 were comparable to those calculated by microscopic analysis of blood smears and flow cytometry using Hoechst 33258. RNAse treatment did not affect these measurements. We also used R800 or LD700 to quantify parasitemias in mice infected with a GFP‐expressing P. berghei line to correlate the parasitemia levels determined by DNA staining versus parasite numbers using GFP fluorescence as a surrogate measurement. A positive correlation was found between levels determined by flow cytometry using these dyes and those measured by GFP expression. Similar results were obtained when parasitemias determined by flow cytometry were compared to those determined by conventional microscopy. The limit of detection of infected red blood cells using R800 or LD700 staining was 0.1% and 0.15%, respectively. This study demonstrates that red laser‐based flow cytometry using R800 or LD700 can be used for effective quantification of parasitemia levels in Plasmodium infected red blood cells. Furthermore, this method has the advantage that it does not require RNAse pretreatment and allows for a greater amount of cells to be analyzed for parasite burden than otherwise measured by conventional microscopy. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Effects of shear rate and suspending medium viscosity on elongation of red cells tank‐treading in shear flow
Authors: Fischer Thomas M. , Korzeniewski Rafal
Published: September 2011

Elongation measurements of red cells subjected to simple shear flow are usually performed using a single suspending medium (viscosity η0) and varying the mean shear rate
$(\dot \gamma )$. Such data are often plotted versus the shear stress $(\tau = \eta _0 \dot \gamma )$
suggesting that the elongation scales with τ. In this work, normal blood samples were tested in a rheoscope varying both η0 and $\dot \gamma$. The ranges of $\dot \gamma$
were chosen to restrict the elongation of the red cells to low values where the behavior is dominated by their intrinsic properties. It was found that the elongation scales with $\eta _0^s \dot \gamma$
with s decreasing from two at η0 = 20 mPas to unity at η0 = 70 mPas. Above η0 = 70 mPas, the elongation is therefore essentially determined by the membrane elasticity alone. A side observation was a large variation of the elongation both intraindividually and interindividually. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry