bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Prediction of Spilled Oil Behavior in the Sea of Okhotsk Under Sea Ice Conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi Hajime , Ohshima Kay I. , Nakazawa Naoki
Published: December 2011

A numerical prediction system for sea ice and spilled oil has been developed specifically for the Okhotsk Sea. Our method enables the prediction of the behavior of oil spilled in an ocean with sea ice present using PCs to obtain high resolution results; a one-week forecast of spilled oil behavior can be obtained in a few hours of computation. First, sea ice behavior is computed for the entire Okhotsk Sea (grid size: 16 km×16 km). Second, appropriate results such as ice concentration and velocities are set as boundary conditions for high-resolution (grid size: 4 km×4 km or 2 km×2 km) computations of areas of interest. Third, predictions of sea-ice and spilled oil behavior are computed. We used a Distributed Mass/Discrete Floe (DMDF) model for sea ice computations that can predict the behavior of spilled oil on both open water and ice-covered seas. The DMDF model combines the advantages of both a continuum model and a discrete element model: the shorter computation times found in continuum models as well as being able to express the discrete nature of sea ice. In addition, this combined model can treat a larger number of floes in much shorter computation times than previously developed discrete element models.

Introduction

In cold ocean environments with sea ice present, oil-spill cleanup is technologically difficult since spilled oil remains under/between sea-ice cover. Up-to-date information of spilled oil drift is indispensable for the development and implementation of an effective response. In particular, shorter computation times would be advantageous for timely implementation of oil-spill cleanup procedures, e.g., deployment of oilspill equipment, protection of fisheries, and rescue of wildlife. Sea ice is generated every winter in the Okhotsk Sea and drifts to the coastal area of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Within this environment, the Sakhalin Oil & Gas Project, undergoing continuing development offshore of Sakhalin Island, has greatly increased oil transportation in the Okhotsk Sea. Any oil spilled in this area may drift to the coastal areas of Hokkaido and cause damage to the marine environment and economy of this area. The risk of oil spill incidents requires a system for anticipating, simulating, and monitoring oil spills. Figure 1 shows the affected region, including Hokkaido, Japan, and Sakhalin Island.

The Engineering Advancement Association of Japan (ENAA) started a six-year program, "A Study to Predict Spilled Oil Behavior in the Okhotsk Sea Under Sea Ice Conditions," in 2003 that was sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan. The University of Tokyo (Prof. Hajime Yamaguchi) and Hokkaido University (Prof. Kay I. Ohshima) joined the project to work on the numerical modeling of the ice-spilled-oil rheology and the ocean circulation, respectively, of the Okhotsk Sea.
Diurnal variations of ambient particulate wood burning emissions and their contribution to the concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seiffen, Germany
Authors: Poulain L. , Iinuma Y. , Müller K. , Birmili W. , Weinhold K. , Brüggemann E. , Gnauk T. , Hausmann A. , Löschau G. , Wiedensohler A. , Herrmann H.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Residential wood burning is becoming an increasingly important cause of air quality problems since it has become a popular source of alternative energy to fossil fuel. In order to characterize the contribution of residential wood burning to local particle pollution, a field campaign was organized at the village of Seiffen (Saxony, Germany). During this campaign, an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) was deployed in parallel to a PM1 high volume filter sampler. The AMS mass spectra were analyzed using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to obtain detailed information about the organic aerosol (OA). Biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA), Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA), and Oxygenated Organic Aerosol (OOA) were identified and represented 20%, 17% and 62% of total OA, respectively. Additionally, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured by the AMS with an average concentration of 10 ng m−3 and short term events of extremely high PAH concentration (up to 500 ng m−3) compared to the mean PAH value were observed during the whole measurement period. A comparison with the results from PM1 filter samples showed that the BBOA factor and the AMS PAH are good indicators of the total concentration of the different monosaccharide anhydrides and PAH measured on the filter samples. Based on its low correlation with CO and the low car traffic, the HOA factor was considered to be related to residential heating using liquid fuel. An influence of the time of the week (week vs. weekend) on the diurnal profiles of the different OA components was observed. The weekdays were characterized by two maxima; a first one early in the morning and a stronger one in the evening. During the weekend days, the different OA components principally reached only one maximum in the afternoon. Finally, the PAH emitted directly from residential wood combustion was estimated to represent 1.5% of the total mass of the BBOA factor and around 62% of the total PAH concentration measured at Seiffen. This result highlights the important contribution of residential wood combustion to air quality and PAH emissions at the sampling place, which might have a significant impact on human health. Moreover, it also emphasizes the need for a better time resolution of the chemical characterization of toxic particulate compounds in order to provide more information on variations of the different sources through the days as well as to better estimate the real human exposure.
A case study of aerosol processing and evolution in summer in New York City
Authors: Sun Y. L. , Zhang Q. , Schwab J. J. , Chen W. N. , Bae M. S. , Lin Y. C. , Hung H. M. , Demerjian K. L.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We have investigated an aerosol processing and evolution event from 21–22 July during the summer 2009 Field Intensive Study at Queens College in New York City (NYC). The evolution processes are characterized by three consecutive stages: (1) aerosol wet scavenging, (2) nighttime nitrate formation, and (3) photochemical production and evolution of secondary aerosol species. Our results suggest that wet scavenging of aerosol species tends to be strongly related to their hygroscopicities and also mixing states. The scavenging leads to a significant change in bulk aerosol composition and average carbon oxidation state because of scavenging efficiencies in the following order: sulfate > low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA) > semi-volatile OOA (SV-OOA) > hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA). The second stage involves a quick formation of nitrate from heterogeneous reactions at nighttime. During the third stage, simultaneous increases of sulfate and SV-OOA were observed shortly after sunrise, indicating secondary aerosol formation. Organic aerosols become highly oxidized in ~ half day as the result of photochemical processing, consistent with previously reported results from the CO-tracer method (OA/ΔCO). The photochemical reactions appear to progress gradually associated with a transformation of SV- OOA to low-volatility species based on the evolution trends of oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio, relationship between f44 (fraction of m/z 44 in OA) and f43 (fraction of m/z 43 in OA), and size evolution of OOA and HOA. Aerosols appear to become more internally mixed during the processing. Our results suggest that functionalization by incorporation of both C and O plays a major role in the early period of OA oxidation (O/C < 0.5). Our results also show that photochemical production of LV-OOA during this event is approximately 2–3 h behind of sulfate production, which might explain, sometimes, the lack of correlations between LV-OOA and sulfate, two secondary aerosol species which often exist in internal mixtures over regional scales.
Climatology and trends in the forcing of the stratospheric zonal-mean flow
Authors: Monier E. , Weare B. C.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The momentum budget of the Transformed Eulerian-Mean (TEM) equation is calculated using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis (ERA-40) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Reanalysis 2 (R-2). This study outlines the considerable contribution of unresolved waves, deduced to be gravity waves, to the forcing of the zonal-mean flow. A trend analysis, from 1980 to 2001, shows that the onset and break down of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) stratospheric polar night jet has a tendency to occur later in the season in the more recent years. This temporal shift follows long-term changes in planetary wave activity that are mainly due to synoptic waves, with a lag of one month. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the polar vortex shows a tendency to persist further into the SH summertime. This also follows a statistically significant decrease in the intensity of the stationary EP flux divergence over the 1980–2001 period. Ozone depletion is well known for strengthening the polar vortex through the thermal wind balance. However, the results of this work show that the SH polar vortex does not experience any significant long-term changes until the month of December, even though the intensification of the ozone hole occurs mainly between September and November. This study suggests that the decrease in planetary wave activity in November provides an important feedback to the zonal wind as it delays the breakdown of the polar vortex. In addition, the absence of strong eddy feedback before November explains the lack of significant trends in the polar vortex in the SH early spring. A long-term weakening in the Brewer-Dobson (B-D) circulation in the polar region is identified in the NH winter and early spring and during the SH late spring and is likely driven by the decrease in planetary wave activity previously mentioned. During the rest of the year, there are large discrepancies in the representation of the B-D circulation and the unresolved waves between the two reanalyses, making trend analyses unreliable.
Comparisons of temperature, pressure and humidity measurements by balloon-borne radiosondes and frost point hygrometers during MOHAVE-2009
Authors: Hurst D. F. , Hall E. G. , Jordan A. F. , Miloshevich L. M. , Whiteman D. N. , Leblanc T. , Walsh D. , Vömel H. , Oltmans S. J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We compare coincident, in situ, balloon-borne measurements of temperature (T) and pressure (P) by two radiosondes (Vaisala RS92, Intermet iMet-1-RSB) and similar measurements of relative humidity (RH) by RS92 sondes and frost point hygrometers. Data from a total of 28 balloon flights with at least one pair of radiosondes are analyzed in 1-km altitude bins to quantify measurement differences between the sonde sensors and how they vary with altitude. Each comparison (T, P, RH) exposes several profiles of anomalously large measurement differences. Measurement difference statistics, calculated with and without the anomalous profiles, are compared to uncertainties quoted by the radiosonde manufacturers. Excluding seven anomalous profiles, T differences between 19 pairs of RS92 and iMet sondes exceed their measurement uncertainty limits (2 σ) 31% of the time and reveal a statistically significant, altitude-independent bias of 0.5 ± 0.2 °C. Similarly, RS92-iMet P differences in 22 non-anomalous profiles exceed their uncertainty limits 23% of the time, with a disproportionate 83% of the excessive P differences at altitudes >16 km. The RS92-iMet pressure differences increase smoothly from −0.6 hPa near the surface to 0.8 hPa above 25 km. Temperature and P differences between all 14 pairs of RS92 sondes exceed manufacturer-quoted, reproducibility limits (σ) 28% and 11% of the time, respectively. About 95% of the excessive T differences are eliminated when 5 anomalous RS92-RS92 profiles are excluded. Only 5% of RH measurement differences between 14 pairs of RS92 sondes exceed the manufacturer's measurement reproducibility limit (σ). RH measurements by RS92 sondes are also compared to RH values calculated from frost point hygrometer measurements and coincident T measurements by the radiosondes. The influences of RS92-iMet Tand P differences on RH values and water vapor mixing ratios calculated from frost point hygrometer measurements are examined.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Global Assessment in the World Bank Education Strategy 2020
Authors: Collins Christopher S.
Published: December 2011

This article examines the language of global accountability as well as the recommended tools used to assess the quality of higher education as noted in the new World Bank Education Strategy 2020. This article concludes that intended learning outcomes often reflect ideological dispositions and when imposed on countries considered “developing,” have the potential to replicate the pattern of placing greater value on knowledge produced in “developed” countries. This trend may continue to relegate developing countries to the role of consumers in the knowledge economy.
Tacticity in Vinyl Polymers
Authors: Woo Eamor M. , Chang Ling
Published: December 2011

Various issues of tacticity in vinyl polymers are discussed. First, tacticity is defined and the concepts of tactic forms in polymers as a stereoregular configuration order are introduced, and illustration schemes for common polymer tacticity are shown. Effects of tacticity in polymer structures on crystalline morphology and property are briefly discussed. Several commercially useful tactic polymers are examined, by using examples of vinyl‐type polymers such as tactic polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Catalysts and synthesis routes for producing stereoregular tactic polymers are discussed mainly using PMMA as an example. Tacticity in polymers is related to differences in microstructures, morphology, crystalline polymorphism, and physical/mechanical properties. Tactic polymers possess structural order and are to crystallize. Tacticity and crystalline properties of polymers are discussed. Crystal polymorphism in some tactic polymers, such as syndiotactic polystyrene (s‐PS), is discussed in greater detail. Complex formation in mixtures of polymers of opposite tacticities, just like mixtures of polymers of opposite chiral forms, has been reported. Complex formation in mixtures of polymers of opposite (s‐ and i‐tacticity) is discussed using examples of isotactic PMMA (i‐PMMA) and syndiotactic PMMA (s‐PMMA); on the other hand, complex formation of mixtures of other tactic polymers, such as i‐PS/s‐PS or i‐PP/s‐PP, is not known. Effects of tacticity on the miscibility and phase behavior in blends of tactic polymers with other polymers are surveyed and expounded. Blends of polymers of same chemical structure but opposite tacticities are not always miscible, as exemplified in a blend of nonpolar and highly crystalline s‐PP with i‐PP, showing immiscibility with upper critical solution temperature behavior but a‐PP being miscible with s‐PP or i‐PP. In addition, phase behaviors of binary blends of two isomeric polymers are addressed. In blends with weak interactions and borderline phase homogeneity, the tacticity effect on miscibility is usually more pronounced; in contrast, the effect on the phase behavior may be minimal in systems with strong intermolecular interactions.
Radiopaque Polymers
Authors: Cabasso Israel
Published: December 2011

Radiopaque polymers have been primarily developed for the service of radiographic nondestructive evaluation by x‐rays absorption. The x‐ray adsorption depends on the fourth power of the atomic number, and consequently elements with high atomic number are associated with effective x‐ray absorption of a material. Materials that are composed of solely of light elements as most polymers are essentially x‐ray transparent. The synthesis of a radiopaque polymer is accomplished by either dispersing the radiopacifying agent into the polymer resin or permanently anchoring the additive to the polymer matrix. So far, only elements in the sixth period (or higher) of the periodical table, except iodine, have been found commonly useful as radiopaque compounds. Iodine, barium, lead, bismuth, and to a lesser degree other organometallic compounds, which can be incorporated into a variety of polymers, have been presently in use in the medical and other fields. Toxicity and uncontrolled degradation and release of the radiopacifier from the polymer matrix are the important factors in the selection of these materials. The preparation, systems relation and measurements, and a wide variety of radiopaque polymers are discussed.
Solid‐State Polymerization
Authors: Vouyiouka S. N. , Papaspyrides C. D.
Published: December 2011

Solid‐state polymerization (SSP) comprises a bulk polymerization technique industrially applied for step‐growth polymers. It involves heating the starting material (crystalline monomer or prepolymer) in an inert atmosphere or under vacuum, at a temperature below its melting point, permitting the initiation and propagation of typical polymerization reactions. Both chemical and physical steps occur during an SSP process, namely chemical reactions, reactive chain end movement in the amorphous phase, and condensate removal through diffusion. These phenomena are herewith discussed and correlated to operational variables, such as reaction temperature, initial stoichiometry and crystallinity, reacting particles size, condensate content in the surroundings, catalyst's presence. Equipment requirements and pertinent assemblies are also presented, and SSP of the most important polyamides and polyesters is summarized.
Mechanical Confinement: An Effective Way of Tuning Properties of Piezoelectric Crystals
Authors: Marsilius Mie , Frederick Josh , Hu Wei , Tan Xiaoli , Granzow Torsten , Han Pengdi
Published: December 2011

Using <001>‐oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric single crystals as a model material, the impact of mechanical confinements on polarization hysteresis, coercive field, and remanent polarization of relaxor‐based piezocrystals is investigated. Comparative studies are made among rhombohedral and tetragonal single crystals, as well as a polycrystalline ceramic, under uniaxial and radial compressive pre‐stresses. The dramatic changes observed are interpreted in terms of the piezoelectric effect and possible phase transitions for rhombohedral crystals, and ferroelastic domain switching and the piezoelectric effect for tetragonal crystals. Under radial compressive stresses, the coercive field for the rhombohedral crystal is observed to increase to 0.67 kV/mm and that for the tetragonal crystal is increased to 0.78 kV/mm. This is a 200% increase relative to the unstressed condition. The results demonstrate a general and effective approach to overcome the drawback of low coercive fields in these relaxor‐based ferroelectric crystals, which could help facilitate widespread implementation of these piezocrystals in engineering devices.
Electrospun Nanofibers for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Liu Wenying , Thomopoulos Stavros , Xia Younan
Published: December 2011

This Progress Report reviews recent progress in applying electrospun nanofibers to the emerging field of regenerative medicine. It begins with a brief introduction to electrospinning and nanofibers, with a focus on issues related to the selection of materials, incorporation of bioactive molecules, degradation characteristics, control of mechanical properties, and facilitation of cell infiltration. Next, a number of approaches to fabricate scaffolds from electrospun nanofibers are discussed, including techniques for controlling the alignment of nanofibers and for producing scaffolds with complex architectures. The article also highlights applications of the nanofiber‐based scaffolds in four areas of regenerative medicine that involve nerves, dural tissues, tendons, and the tendon‐to‐bone insertion site. The Progress Report concludes with perspectives on challenges and future directions for design, fabrication, and utilization of scaffolds based on electrospun nanofibers.
Gain of glycosylation: A new pathomechanism of myelin protein zero mutations
Authors: Prada Valeria , Passalacqua Mario , Bono Maria , Luzzi Paola , Scazzola Sara , Nobbio Lucilla Alessandra , Capponi Simona , Bellone Emilia , Mandich Paola , Mancardi Gianluigi , Shy Michael , Schenone Angelo , Grandis Marina
Published: December 2011

We report the first case of a missense mutation in MPZ causing a gain of glycosylation in myelin protein zero, the main protein of peripheral nervous system myelin. The patient was affected by a severe demyelinating neuropathy caused by a missense mutation, D32N, that created a new glycosylation sequence. We confirmed that the mutant protein is hyperglycosylated, is partially retained into the Golgi apparatus in vitro, and disrupts intercellular adhesion. By sequential experiments, we demonstrated that hyperglycosylation is the main mechanism of this mutation. Gain of glycosylation is a new mechanism in Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1B. Ann Neurol 2012;71:–
Altered inhibition in tuberous sclerosis and type IIb cortical dysplasia
Authors: Talos Delia M. , Sun Hongyu , Kosaras Bela , Joseph Annelise , Folkerth Rebecca D. , Poduri Annapurna , Madsen Joseph R. , Black Peter M. , Jensen Frances E.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

The most common neurological symptom of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is early life refractory epilepsy. As previous studies have shown enhanced excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission in TSC and FCD brains, we hypothesized that neurons associated with these lesions may also express altered γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated inhibition.

Methods:

Expression of the GABAAR subunits α1 and α4, and the Na+‐K+‐2Cl− (NKCC1) and the K+‐Cl− (KCC2) transporters, in human TSC and FCD type II specimens were analyzed by Western blot and double label immunocytochemistry. GABAAR responses in dysplastic neurons from a single case of TSC were measured by perforated patch recording and compared to normal‐appearing cortical neurons from a non‐TSC epilepsy case.

Results:

TSC and FCD type IIb lesions demonstrated decreased expression of GABAAR α1, and increased NKCC1 and decreased KCC2 levels. In contrast, FCD type IIa lesions showed decreased α4, and increased expression of both NKCC1 and KCC2 transporters. Patch clamp recordings from dysplastic neurons in acute slices from TSC tubers demonstrated excitatory GABAAR responses that were significantly attenuated by the NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide, in contrast to hyperpolarizing GABAAR‐mediated currents in normal neurons from non‐TSC cortical slices.

Interpretation:

Expression and function of GABAARs in TSC and FCD type IIb suggest the relative benzodiazepine insensitivity and more excitatory action of GABA compared to FCD type IIa. These factors may contribute to resistance of seizure activity to anticonvulsants that increase GABAergic function, and may justify add‐on trials of the NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide for the treatment of TSC and FCD type IIb‐related epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2012
Electric modulus and polarization studies on piezoelectric polyimides
Authors: Gonzalo Beatriz , Vilas Jose Luis , San Sebastián María , Breczewski Tomasz , Pérez‐Jubindo Miguel Ángel , de la Fuente María Rosario , Rodríguez Matilde , León Luis Manuel
Published: December 2011

The piezoelectric polymeric sensors and actuators are widely valued because of their low density, availability to obtain complex shapes, and easy processing among other characteristics. However, there are not many useful piezoelectric polymers. Aromatic polyimides are high‐performance polymeric materials characterized by thermal stability, chemical resistance, and excellent mechanical properties. Besides, some of these polymers have been reported as candidates to present piezoelectric properties. Our research focuses in the electric characterization of three piezoelectric amorphous aromatic polyimides, containing CN groups in different number and positions. The piezoelectricity in amorphous polymers is mainly due to the orientation polarization of the molecular dipoles, which is induced by the application of an external electrical field to a temperature over their glass transition temperature (Tg). Polyimides are measured by thermally stimulated depolarization currents and dielectric spectroscopy and the analysis of the dielectric data has been performed using the electric modulus formalism to separate conductive and dipolar processes. These measurements have evidenced that the frozen‐in polarization is mainly due to the dipole orientation of the dipolar CN groups, allowing us to understand in depth the mechanism of polarization that contributes to the piezoelectric properties. This will facilitate the obtention of materials with the best possible piezoelectric properties, comparable to those currently available but with higher mechanical and thermal performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of a dimethacrylates monomer with low shrinkage and water sorption for dental application
Authors: He Jingwei , Liu Fang , Luo Yuanfang , Jia Demin
Published: December 2011

In this study, a dimethacrylates monomer 1,3‐bis[2‐(4‐(2′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methacryloyloxy‐propoxy)phenyl)‐2propyl]benzene (BMPB) was synthesized to replace 2,2‐bis[4‐(2′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methacryloyloxy‐propoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis‐GMA) as one component of dental restorative material with the aim of reducing polymerization shrinkage and water sorption. The structure of BMPB was confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and elemental analysis. Double bond conversion, polymerization shrinkage, contact angle, water sorption, solubility, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of BMPB/tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) based resin were measured. Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA based resin was used as reference. The results illustrated that double bond conversion, polymerization shrinkage, water sorption, and solubility of BMPB/TEGDMA were lower than that of Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA (P < 0.05). BMPB/TEGDMA had the same flexural strength with Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA (P > 0.05), but higher flexural modulus (P < 0.05). Therefore, BMPB could possibly replace Bis‐GMA as one component of dental restorative materials with the advantages of similar mechanical properties, being slightly more hydrophobic but presenting less shrinkage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Adaptation of retrovirus producer cells to serum deprivation: Implications in lipid biosynthesis and vector production
Authors: Rodrigues A.F. , Amaral A.I. , Veríssimo V. , Alves P.M. , Coroadinha A.S.
Published: December 2011

The manufacture of enveloped virus, particularly retroviral (RV) and lentiviral (LV) vectors, faces the challenge of low titers that are aggravated under serum deprivation culture conditions. Also, the scarce knowledge on the biochemical pathways related with virus production is still limiting the design of rational strategies for improved production yields. This work describes the adaptation to serum deprivation of two human RV packaging cell lines, 293 FLEX and Te Fly and its effects on lipid biosynthetic pathways and infectious vector production. Total lipid content as well as cellular cholesterol were quantified and lipid biosynthesis was assessed by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy; changes in gene expression of lipid biosynthetic enzymes were also evaluated. The effects of adaptation to serum deprivation in lipid biosynthesis were cell line specific and directly correlated with infectious virus titers: 293 FLEX cells faced severe lipid starvation—up to 50% reduction in total lipid content—along with a 68‐fold reduction in infectious vector titers; contrarily, Te Fly cells were able to maintain identical levels of total lipid content by rising de novo lipid biosynthesis, particularly for cholesterol—50‐fold increase—with the consequent recovery of infectious vector productivities. Gene expression analysis of lipid biosynthetic enzymes further confirmed cholesterol production pathway to be prominently up‐regulated under serum deprivation conditions for Te Fly cells, providing a genotype–phenotype validation for enhanced cholesterol synthesis. These results highlight lipid metabolism dynamics and the ability to activate lipid biosynthesis under serum deprivation as an important feature for high retroviral titers. Mechanisms underlying virus production and its relationship with lipid biosynthesis, with special focus on cholesterol, are discussed as potential targets for cellular metabolic engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1269–1279. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction of stable producer cells to make high‐titer lentiviral vectors for dendritic cell‐based vaccination
Authors: Lee Chi‐Lin , Chou Michael , Dai Bingbing , Xiao Liang , Wang Pin
Published: December 2011

Lentiviral vectors (LVs) enveloped with an engineered Sindbis virus glycoprotein can specifically bind to dendritic cells (DCs) through the surface receptor DC‐SIGN and induce antigen expression, thus providing an efficient method for delivering DC‐directed vaccines. In this study, we constructed a stable producer line (LV‐MGFP) for synthesizing DC‐SIGN‐targeted HIV‐1‐based LVs (DC‐LVs) encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) by a concatemeric array transfection technique. We demonstrated that the established stable clones could routinely produce vector supernatants with titers above 107 transduction units per milliliter (TU/mL) during a continuous 3‐month cell passage. The producer cells were also capable of generating similar titers of DC‐LVs in serum‐free medium. Moreover, the addition of 1‐deoxymannojirimycin (DMJ) enabled the producer cells to manufacture DC‐LVs with both improved titers and enhanced potency to evoke antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. The stable lines could accommodate the replacement of the internal murine stem cell virus (MSCV) promoter with the human ubiquitin‐C (Ubi) promoter in the lentiviral backbone. The resulting DC‐LVs bearing Ubi exhibited the enhanced potency to elicit vaccine‐specific immunity. Based on accumulated evidence, our studies support the application of this production method in manufacturing DC‐LVs for preclinical and clinical testing of novel DC‐based immunization. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1551–1560. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cutaneous lymphatics and chronic lymphedema of the head and neck
Authors: Feely Meghan A. , Olsen Kerry D. , Gamble Gail L. , Davis Mark D. , Pittelkow Mark R.
Published: December 2011

Extensive attention has been directed to lymphedema involving the extremities. However, there has been relatively limited study of the cutaneous lymphatics of the head and neck. In this review of head and neck lymphatics, we capsulize the history of the lymphatics, the anatomy of the cutaneous lymphatics, lymphatic function and physiology, and imaging modalities used to define this intricate vascular system. To appreciate the clinical challenges associated with head and neck lymphatic dysfunction, we also provide an overview of disease processes of the cutaneous lymphatics and their treatment, theories on the etiology of lymphedema, and future directions to better understand lymphatic function and disease. Knowledge of the cutaneous lymphatics of the head and neck are critical to the clinical evaluation of patients, who present with this debilitating condition and to our understanding of its pathogenesis and appropriate management. Clin. Anat. 25:72–85, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and Catalytic Performances of a Molecularly Imprinted Ru‐Complex Catalyst with an NH2 Binding Site on a SiO2 Surface
Authors: Yang Yong , Weng Zhihuan , Muratsugu Satoshi , Ishiguro Nozomu , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi , Tada Mizuki
Published: December 2011

A catalyst surface with an active metal site, a shape‐selective reaction space, and an NH2 binding site for o‐fluorobenzophenone was designed and prepared by the molecular imprinting of a supported metal complex on a SiO2 surface. A ligand of a SiO2‐supported Ru complex that has a similar shape to the product of o‐fluorobenzophenone hydrogenation was used as a template. An NH2 binding site for o‐fluorobenzophenone was spatially arranged on the wall of a molecularly imprinted cavity with a similar shape to the template. The structures of the SiO2‐supported and molecularly imprinted Ru catalysts were characterized in a step‐by‐step manner by means of solid‐state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, XPS, UV/Vis, N2 adsorption, XRF, and Ru K‐edge EXAFS. The molecularly imprinted Ru catalyst exhibited excellent shape selectivity for the transfer hydrogenation of benzophenone derivatives. It was found that the NH2 binding site on the wall of the molecularly imprinted cavity enhanced the adsorption of o‐fluorobenzophenone, of which the reduction product was imprinted, whereas there was no positive effect in the case of o‐methylbenzophenone, which cannot interact with the NH2 binding site through hydrogen bonding.
Visible‐Light‐Triggered Release of Nitric Oxide from N‐Pyramidal Nitrosamines
Authors: Karaki Fumika , Kabasawa Yoji , Yanagimoto Takahiro , Umeda Nobuhiro , Firman  , Urano Yasuteru , Nagano Tetsuo , Otani Yuko , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: December 2011

Although many organic/inorganic compounds that release nitric oxide (NO) upon photoirradiation (phototriggered caged‐NOs) have been reported, their photoabsorption wavelengths mostly lie in the UV region, because XNO bonds (X=heteroatom and metal) generally have rather strong π‐bond character. Thus, it is intrinsically difficult to generate organic compounds that release NO under visible light irradiation. Herein, the structures and properties of N‐pyramidal nitrosamine derivatives of 7‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes that release NO under visible light irradiation are described. Bathochromic shifts of the absorptions of these nitrosamines, attributed to HOMO (n)–LUMO (π*) transitions associated with the nonplanar structure of the NNO moiety, enable the molecules to absorb visible light, which results in NNO bond cleavage. Thus, these compounds are innate organic caged‐NOs that are uncaged by visible light.
Resolution of sertraline with (R)‐mandelic acid: Chiral discrimination mechanism study
Authors: He Quan , Rohani Sohrab , Zhu Jesse , Gomaa Hassan
Published: December 2011

The chiral discrimination mechanism in the resolution of sertraline with mandelic acid was investigated by examining the weak intermolecular interactions (such as hydrogen bond, CH/π, and van der Waals interactions) and molecular packing difference in crystal structures of the resulting diastereomeric salts. A new one‐dimensional chain‐like hydrogen‐bonding network and unique supramolecular packing mode are disclosed. The investigation demonstrated that stable hydrogen‐bonding pattern, herringbone‐like arrangement of aromatic rings, and planar boundary surface in the hydrophobic region are the three most important structural characteristics expected in less soluble diastereomeric salts. The existence and magnitude of hydrogen bond, CH/π interaction, and van der Waals interaction related to three characteristic structures, determine the stability of diastereomeric salt. The hydrogen bond is not necessarily the dominant factor while the synergy and optimization of all weak intermolecular interactions attribute to the chiral recognition. Chirality, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postoperative radiation therapy for low‐grade glioma
Authors: Suneja Gita , Alonso‐Basanta Michelle , Lustig Robert , Lee John Y. K. , Bekelman Justin E.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

The role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in the management of low‐grade glioma remains controversial. An analysis using data from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 22844/22845 studies concluded that several factors portend a poor prognosis: age ≥40 years, astrocytoma histology, tumor size ≥6 cm, tumor crossing midline, and preoperative neurologic deficits. PORT may benefit patients with high‐risk features. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends and determinants of the use of PORT.

METHODS:

By using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, the authors identified 1127 adult patients diagnosed with low‐grade glioma (World Health Organization grade I and II) who underwent surgical resection between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2006. The primary outcome was receipt of PORT. The authors performed multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between clinical, patient, and demographic characteristics and receipt of PORT.

RESULTS:

Receipt of PORT declined during the study period, from 64% of patients in 1998 to 36% of patients in 2006. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of receipt of PORT were age ≥40 years, tumor crossing midline, and partial surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of PORT for patients with low‐grade glioma has declined in the period from 1998 to 2006 for both low‐risk and high‐risk patients. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for large, extremity soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Mullen John T. , Kobayashi Wendy , Wang Jing Jing , Harmon David C. , Choy Edwin , Hornicek Francis J. , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Chen Yen‐Lin , Spiro Ira J. , DeLaney Thomas F.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Patients with large, high‐grade, extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are at significant risk for distant recurrence and death. A regimen of preoperative chemotherapy consisting of mesna, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), ifosfamide, and dacarbazine (MAID), interdigitated with radiotherapy (RT) and followed by resection and postoperative chemotherapy with or without RT, has demonstrated high rates of local and distant control. We report the long‐term follow‐up data on 48 patients treated with this regimen compared to an historical matched‐control patient population.

METHODS:

Adult patients with high‐grade extremity STS ≥ 8 cm were treated with 3 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy combined with 44 Gy of RT followed by surgery. Three cycles of postoperative MAID were planned. For patients with positive surgical margins, 16 Gy of RT was delivered postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Patients received the MAID/RT regimen from 1989 through 1999. After a median follow‐up of 9.3 years in surviving patients in the MAID group and 13.2 years in surviving patients in the control group, the 7‐year disease‐specific and overall survival rates were 81% and 50% (P = .004) and 79% and 45% (P = .003) for the MAID and control patients, respectively. Five of 11 patients in the MAID group and 7 of 25 control patients died of sarcoma ≥5 years after treatment. One patient in the MAID group developed a fatal myelodysplasia at 53 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients with high‐risk, extremity STS, the significant survival benefits conferred by an intense regimen of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery are sustained even with long‐term follow‐up. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Garet Deborah , Sternlieb Beth , Ganz Patricia A. , Irwin Michael R. , Olmstead Richard , Greendale Gail
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Cancer‐related fatigue afflicts up to 33% of breast cancer survivors, yet there are no empirically validated treatments for this symptom.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a 2‐group randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility and efficacy of an Iyengar yoga intervention for breast cancer survivors with persistent post‐treatment fatigue. Participants were breast cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatments (other than endocrine therapy) at least 6 months before enrollment, reported significant cancer‐related fatigue, and had no other medical conditions that would account for fatigue symptoms or interfere with yoga practice. Block randomization was used to assign participants to a 12‐week, Iyengar‐based yoga intervention or to 12 weeks of health education (control). The primary outcome was change in fatigue measured at baseline, immediately post‐treatment, and 3 months after treatment completion. Additional outcomes included changes in vigor, depressive symptoms, sleep, perceived stress, and physical performance. Intent‐to‐treat analyses were conducted with all randomized participants using linear mixed models.

RESULTS:

Thirty‐one women were randomly assigned to yoga (n = 16) or health education (n = 15). Fatigue severity declined significantly from baseline to post‐treatment and over a 3‐month follow‐up in the yoga group relative to controls (P = .032). In addition, the yoga group had significant increases in vigor relative to controls (P = .011). Both groups had positive changes in depressive symptoms and perceived stress (P < .05). No significant changes in sleep or physical performance were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

A targeted yoga intervention led to significant improvements in fatigue and vigor among breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue symptoms. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Examining the pathways linking lower socioeconomic status and advanced melanoma
Authors: Pollitt Ricardo A. , Swetter Susan M. , Johnson Timothy M. , Patil Pratima , Geller Alan C.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND.

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with more advanced melanoma at diagnosis and decreased survival. Exploring the pathways linking lower SES and thicker melanoma will help guide public and professional strategies to reduce deaths.

METHODS.

The authors surveyed 566 newly diagnosed patients at Stanford University Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, and University of Michigan. SES was assessed by education level (high school/general education degree or less [HS], associate/technical school degree, or ≥college graduate). All data was obtained by self‐report among patients within three months of their diagnosis.

RESULTS.

HS‐educated individuals were significantly more likely than college graduates to believe that melanoma was not very serious (odds ratio [OR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79‐4.71) and were less likely to know the asymmetry, borders (irregular), color (variegated), and diameter (>6 mm) (ABCD) melanoma rule or the difference between melanoma and ordinary skin growths (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.23‐0.52] and 0.26 [95% CI, 0.16‐0.41] respectively). Physicians were less likely to have ever told HS‐educated versus college‐educated individuals they were at risk for skin cancer (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.71) or instructed them on how to examine their skin for signs of melanoma (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.63). HS‐educated individuals were less likely to have received a physician skin examination within the year before diagnosis (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.80).

CONCLUSIONS.

Decreased melanoma risk perception and knowledge among low‐SES individuals and decreased physician communication regarding skin examinations of these individuals may be key components of the consistently observed socioeconomic gradient in mortality. The current findings suggest the need to raise melanoma awareness among lower‐SES patients and to increase physician awareness of socioeconomic disparities in clinical communication and care. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Behavioral determinants of successful early melanoma detection
Authors: Swetter Susan M. , Pollitt Ricardo A. , Johnson Timothy M. , Brooks Daniel R. , Geller Alan C.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND.

Reduced melanoma mortality should result from an improved understanding of modifiable factors related to early detection. The authors of this report surveyed newly diagnosed patients to identify differences in prediagnosis behavioral and medical care factors associated with thinner versus thicker melanoma.

METHODS.

In total, 566 adults with invasive melanoma completed questionnaires within 3 months of diagnosis on demographics, health care access, skin self‐examination (SSE), and physician skin examination (PSE) practices in the year before diagnosis. SSE was measured by us e of a melanoma picture aid and routine examination of some/all body sites versus none. Patient‐reported partial or full‐body PSE also was assessed. Melanoma thickness was dichotomized at 1 mm.

RESULTS.

Patient ranged in age from 18 years to 99 years, and 61% were men. The median tumor thickness was 1.25 mm, and 321 tumors (57%) were >1 mm thick. Thinner tumors (≤1 mm) were associated with age ≤60 years (P = .0002), women (P = .0127), higher education level (P = .0122), and physician discovery (P ≤ .0001). Patients who used a melanoma picture aid and performed routine SSE were more likely to have thinner tumors than those who did not (odds ratio [OR], 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48‐4.80). Full‐body PSE was associated with thinner tumors (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.62‐3.87), largely because of the effect of PSE in men aged >60 years (OR, 4.09 95% CI, 1.88‐8.89).

CONCLUSIONS.

SSE and PSE were identified as complementary early detection strategies, particularly in men aged >60 years, in whom both partial and full‐body PSE were associated with thinner tumors. Given the high rates of physician access, PSE may be a more practical approach for successful early detection in this subgroup with highest mortality. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Histologic tumor involvement of superior mesenteric vein/portal vein predicts poor prognosis in patients with stage II pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Wang Jiansheng , Estrella Jeannelyn S. , Peng Lan , Rashid Asif , Varadhachary Gauri R. , Wang Hua , Lee Jeffrey E. , Pisters Peter W. T. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Katz Matthew H. , Gomez Henry F. , Evans Douglas B. , Abbruzzese James L. , Fleming Jason B. , Wang Huamin
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Studies have shown that superior mesenteric vein (SMV)/portal vein (PV) resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is safe and feasible for patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). However, the prognostic significance of tumor involvement of the resected vein in patients who received neoadjuvant therapy is unclear.

METHODS:

The authors evaluated 225 consecutive patients with stage II PAC who received neoadjuvant therapy and PD with or without SMV/PV resection. The resected SMV/PV was entirely submitted for histologic assessment and reviewed in all cases. Tumor involvement of the SMV/PV was correlated with clinicopathologic features and survival.

RESULTS:

Among the 225 patients, SMV/PV resection was performed in 85 patients. Histologic tumor involvement of the resected SMV/PV was identified in 57 patients. Histologic tumor involvement of the SMV/PV was associated with larger tumor size, higher rates of positive margin, and local/distant recurrence. By multivariate analysis, tumor involvement of the SMV/PV was an independent predictor of both disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). However, addition of venous resection to PD itself had no impact on either DFS or OS compared with those with PD alone.

CONCLUSIONS:

Histologic tumor involvement of the SMV/PV is an independent predictor of both DFS and OS in patients with stage II PAC treated with neoadjuvant therapy and PD. Complete histologic evaluation of the resected SMV/PV is important for the prognosis in patients with PAC who received neoadjuvant therapy and PD. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.