bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New approaches to advanced polymers by selective cellulose functionalization
Authors: Klemm D. , Heinze T. , Philipp B. , Wagenknecht W.
Published: April 2003

The uniform structure of cellulose, combined with its hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, chirality, and structure‐forming capacity, as well as its broad synthetic potential, make the design of cellulose‐based advanced materials a challenge for polysac‐charide research. The synthesis of new cellulose products with regiocontrolled pattern of functionalization and of well defined supramolecular nanoscale architectures is a highlight in recent cellulose chemistry.

The present feature will discuss regioselective functionalization of cellulose and cellulose derivatives with respect to reactivity of the polymer depending on molecular and supramolecular structure. Experimental examples of functionalization via ester intermediates of controlled stability as well as via protecting or activating ether groups are described and the efficiency of the reaction routes and procedures is evaluated.

Moreover, problems and progress in techniques of product analysis and structure–property relationships as well as potential applications of regioselectively functionalized cellulosics are presented together with a discussion of possible future developments in cellulose chemistry.
Polyesters with 1,4,7‐trioxanonyl segments in their main chain. Novel ion‐conducting matrices
Authors: Mertens J. J. A. , Jenneskens L. W. , Wentzel B. B. , Wübbenhorst M. , Van Turnhout J. , Van de Leur R. H. M.
Published: April 2003

The amorphous polyester 1a prepared by melt condensation of 1,5‐bis‐(9‐hydroxy‐1,4,7‐trioxanonyl)naphthalene (2a) and adipoylchloride (3a), which contains bis‐1,4,7‐trioxanonyl (triethyleneglycol) segments in its main chain, represents a matrix for ion‐conducting materials. Despite the fact that only triethyleneglycol segments are present, which are shorter than the minimum required for full solvation of Li+ cations, ion‐conductivities of σ = 3.3 times; 10—5 S cm—1 at 368 K are found for Li+/1a 0.25 (cations per polymer repeat unit). Hence, more than one bis‐1,4,7‐trioxanonyl segment (either intra‐ or interchain) has to be involved in Li+ complexation. The σ value compares favorably with previous data for more complex polymer matrices.
Poly(norbornene carboxylic acid ester)s: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Heinz B. S. , Heitz W. , Krügel S. A. , Raubacher F. , Wendorff J. H.
Published: April 2003

The vinylic polymerization of 5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylic esters with different palladium catalysts to polymers of high molecular weights is reported. Computer simulations based on a force field approach show that these polymers display a rigid statistical chain conformation and are thus a further example of rotationally strongly constrained polymers. The polymers are soluble in a variety of solvents despite their rigidity, they are amorphous, possess glass transition temperatures well above 250°C, and have a high packing density. The dipoles located in the lateral groups perform a secondary relaxation process similar to the case of flexible or rigid rod‐like polymers containing ester groups.
Photochemical and photopolymerization study of 2,6‐dihalogen derivatives of p‐nitroaniline in the presence of N,N‐dimethylaniline as a bimolecular photoinitiator system
Authors: Costela A. , Garcia‐Moreno I. , Diaz F. , Dabrio J. , Sastre R.
Published: April 2003

Steady‐state photolysis at 365 nm has been employed to carry out a structure—reactivity investigation of the 2,6‐dihalogen derivatives of p‐nitroaniline (pNA). Detailed studies of the spectroscopy of these molecules were accomplished. Photoreduction behavior of the 2,6‐dihalogen derivatives of p‐nitroaniline in the presence of N,N‐dimethylaniline (DMA) has been analyzed. The efficiency of these compounds as photoinitiators was studied by following the polymerization kinetics of the lauryl acrylate (LA) monomer by differential scanning photo‐calorimetry (Photo‐DSC) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis of the polymers their number‐average molecular weights, the number‐average degree of polymerization, and the length of the kinetic chain were determined and information on the nature of the end‐chain groups and the chain‐transfer behavior of these photoinitiators systems were obtained. The polymerization activity of the 2,6‐dihalogen derivatives of pNA proved to be higher than those obtained with conventional aromatic ketone photoinitiators.
In situ conductivity of a low band‐gap conducting polymer: Measurement of intrinsic conductivity
Authors: Huang H. , Pickup P. G.
Published: April 2003

In situ conductivity measurements on the low band‐gap polymer, poly‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4,b′]dithiophene have provided both p‐ and n‐type conductivities as a function of the potential. A minimum in the conductivity, at a potential between the formal potentials for p‐ and n‐doping, yields an intrinsic conductivity of 1.0 × 10−8 S cm−1, consistent with the optical band‐gap of ∼0.8 eV.
Impact of degradation mechanisms on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) during composting
Authors: Eldsäter C. , Albertsson A.‐C. , Karlsson S.
Published: April 2003

The individual impact of different degradation mechanisms occurring during composting on the degradation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐6%‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) [poly(3HB‐co‐6%‐3HV)] have been assessed in simulated tests. Biotic hydrolysis with Aspergillus fumigatus had the largest impact on the breakdown of poly(3HB‐co‐6%‐3HV) during composting conditions, with small changes in molecular weight and large weight loss. The major degradation products in the biotic environment were 3‐hydroxy butyric acid and 3‐hydroxy valeric acid. Abiotic hydrolysis during composting conditions (sterile water pH 7 at 60°C) has minor or no effect during such short times as 21 days. During abiotic hydrolysis both monomers and dimers were idientified while the abiotic thermo‐oxidation of poly(3HB‐co‐6%‐3HV) showed no degradation at all. The quantitation of degradation products and copolymer composition analysis by 1H NMR indicate that the abiotic hydrolysis is not random. Crotonic and 2‐pentenoic acid which is produced at 100°C in air was not produced at 60°C during 298 days. We propose that this temperature is too low to promote the well‐known six‐member transition that produces crotonic acid, 2‐pentenoic acid and oligomers with crotonyl or pentenoyl end groups.
Stabilization of aqueous α‐Al2O3 suspensions with block copolymers
Authors: Orth J. , Meyer W. H. , Bellmann C. , Wegner G.
Published: April 2003

Water‐soluble diblock copolymers (DBCPs) with a polyelectrolyte block are accessible by sequential anionic polymerization of tert‐butylmethacrylate (TBMA) and ethylene oxide (EO), followed by polymer analogous conversion of the PTBMA into poly(methyacrylic acid) (PMAA) blocks. These materials are highly efficient dispersants for oxide ceramic powders in aqueous media. A series of block copolymer samples with Mn ranging from 1300 to 38 900, and (EO:MAA) block length ratios from 0.5 to 11.7 were prepared with polydispersities close to 1.2. The influence of overall molecular weight and block length ratio, pH and ionic strength on the stability of aqueous α‐Al2O3 suspensions was investigated by sedimentation and adsorption experiments, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrokinetic measurements. The copolymers are capable of stabilizing alumina suspensions by a combination of specific adsorption of one block on the particle surface and a shielding effect provided by the nonadsorbing block. In addition, the adsorption of the negatively charged PMAA block on the oppositely charged alumina surface reverses the electrophoretic potential of the oxide particles, a process which is strongly pH dependent. With respect to the powder dispersing efficiency, an optimum was found when the DBCP consisted of a short PMAA anchoring and an approximately tenfold longer PEO stabilizer block with an overall molecular weight of about 5000. Alumina suspensions with the DBCP added were highly dispersed and rather stable against salt addition in a much wider pH window than block‐copolymer‐free suspensions.
Highly conjugated alternated poly(3‐octylthiophene‐co‐thiophene)
Authors: Bolognesi A. , Bertini F. , Consonni R. , Mendichi R. , Schieroni A. Giacometti , Provasoli A.
Published: April 2003

A soluble copolymer formed by thiophene and 3‐octylthiophene has been obtained by using nickel catalyst polymerization. The nearly alternated structure allows the formation of a highly conjugated system although the copolymer microstructure is not regioregular. 1H‐NMR, GPC characterization and pyrolysis experiments support the alternated structure of the copolymer. Moreover, theoretical calculations indicate that the average angle between adjacent monomeric units has been reduced, in agreement with the observed shift towards lower energy of the electronic spectra of this alternated structure.
Viscosity of fractions from end‐linked polystyrene star macromolecules
Authors: Weissmüller M. , Burchard W.
Published: April 2003

A number of OH‐terminated three‐arm star molecules were prepared by anionic polymerization with a specially functionalized initiator. The stars were crosslinked over the OH groups with varying amounts of toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. The samples were fractionated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) on‐line with a low angle laser light scattering (LALLS) and a viscosity (VISC) detector. The Kuhn—Mark—Houwink—Sakurada (KMHS) relationships from the various samples resulted in a common relationship. Shrinking parameters g′j≡[η]j,b/[η]j,lin were determined for each slice and could satisfactorily be interpreted on the basis of the Zimm—Stockmayer theory in connection with a suggestion by Kurata et al. The Kurata suggestion was checked with data from star molecules. The examination revealed that randomly branched and star‐branched macromolecules exhibit significantly different hydrodynamic behavior. The ratio of the Fox—Flory coefficients Φb/Φlin in the relationship [η] = Φ(R/M) increases in both cases with branching. This is a consequence of the enhanced segment density and the resulting increase in the hydrodynamic interaction.
Molecular dynamics study of a gelsolin‐derived peptide binding to a lipid bilayer containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate
Authors: Liepiņa Inta , Czaplewski Cezary , Janmey Paul , Liwo Adam
Published: April 2003

Gelsolin is an actin‐severing protein whose action is initiated by Ca2+ and inhibited by binding to phosphorylated inositol lipid or phosphoinositides. The regions of gelsolin responsible for phosphoinositide binding are comprised of residues 150–169 (G150–169) and 135–142 (G135–142). The corresponding peptides possess similar binding potency as native gelsolin. Their common feature is the presence of arginine and lysine residues that can bind to negatively charged phosphate groups of phosphoinositides. In this work the binding of the G150–169 peptide to a phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) cluster in a lipid membrane model was investigated by molecular dynamics calculations (MD) with the AMBER 4.1 force field, taking into account explicit solvent molecules. Initially the structure of G150–169 was simulated by using the electrostatically driven Monte Carlo (EDMC) and MD methods, and the resulting structure agreed within 3.7 Å backbone‐atom root mean square deviation with the corresponding experimentally derived structure (PDB code: 1SOL). Using this model for the peptide, a subsequent MD simulation of G150–169 in a periodic box containing a model of dimyristoyl‐phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) lipids with a cluster of four PIP2 molecules was carried out. During the simulation G150–169 interacted strongly with PIP2 molecules, initially by formation of salt bridges between its N‐terminal basic groups and the phosphate groups of PIP2, followed by formation of hydrophobic bonds between the hydrophobic side chains of the peptide and the fatty acid tail of the lipid. As a result of the formation of hydrophobic bonds, the PIP2 molecules were pulled out from the lipid bilayer. This mode of binding differs from those of other PIP2‐binding protein motifs such as PH domains that interact solely with the hydrophilic head group of PIP2. These results suggest that dissociation of gelsolin from actin by PIP2 lipids may involve entering of the PIP2 molecules to the gelsolin–actin interface, thereby weakening the interactions between these proteins. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 71: 49–70, 2003
Telomerase activity is prognostic in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Manshouri Taghi , Smith Franklin O. , Giles Francis J. , Cortes Jorge , Estey Elihu , Kantarjian Hagop , Keating Michael , Jeha Sima , Albitar Maher
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Significantly elevated telomerase activity (TA) has been found in samples from patients with almost all malignant hematologic diseases. The impact of elevated TA on the course of pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (P‐AML) is unknown.

METHODS

Using a modified polymerase chain reaction‐based, telomeric repeat‐amplification protocol assay, the authors measured TA in bone marrow samples from 40 patients with P‐AML and, for comparison, in 65 adult patients with AML (A‐AML), excluding patients with French–American–British M3 disease. The results were correlated with patient characteristics and survival.

RESULTS

TA in patients with P‐AML was significantly lower compared with TA in patients with A‐AML (P = 0.005). Patients who had P‐AML with low TA had a projected 5‐year survival rate of 88%, whereas patients who had P‐AML with high TA had a projected 5‐year survival rate of 43% (P = 0.009). Conversely, patients who had A‐AML with very high TA (upper quartile) had significantly longer survival compared with patients who had A‐AML with lower TA (P = 0.03). There was no correlation between complete remission rate or disease free survival and TA in P‐AML or A‐AML. In the A‐AML group, when patients were separated by cytogenetic findings (poor prognosis vs. others), it was found that TA was significantly lower in patients with a poor prognosis, but the prognostic value of TA was not independent of cytogenetic status.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results suggest, that for patients with P‐AML, bone marrow TA is a highly significant prognostic factor. Cancer 2003;97:2212–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11313
Pregnancy and early‐stage melanoma
Authors: Daryanani Deepu , Plukker John T. , De Hullu Joanne A. , Kuiper Hilde , Nap Raoul E. , Hoekstra Harald J.
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous melanomas are aggressive tumors with an unpredictable biologic behavior. It has been suggested that women who present with melanoma during pregnancy have a worse prognosis due to more aggressive behavior of the melanoma. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of pregnancy on disease progression in women with Stage I–II melanoma.

METHODS

From 1965 to 2001, 46 pregnant women were treated for a Stage I–II melanoma at the University Medical Center Groningen. These patients were compared with an age‐matched and gender‐matched control group (nonpregnant) of 368 women with Stage I–II melanoma. The patients were staged according to the 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification system for melanoma. The 10‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and 10‐year overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The median age of patients in the pregnant group was 30 years (range, 18–46 years), and the median age of patients in the nonpregnant group was 36 years (range, 17–45 years). The median follow‐up was 109 months (range, 1–356 months). Pregnant patients presented more often with thicker melanomas (median, 2.0 mm vs. 1.7 mm; not statistically significant). No differences with regard to tumor location, histologic subtype, tumor ulceration, or vascular invasion were detected between the pregnant group and the nonpregnant group. There was no statistical difference in the 10‐year DFS and 10‐year OS rates between the two groups. The 10‐year DFS rates for patients in the pregnant and nonpregnant groups, respectively, were 88% versus 86% for patients with Stage I melanoma and 67% versus 73% for patients with Stage II melanoma. The 10‐year OS rates for patients in the pregnant and nonpregnant groups, respectively, were 94% versus 90% for patients with Stage I melanoma and 82% versus 81% for patients with Stage II melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy does not appear to have an adverse, long‐term effect on survival in patients with clinically localized melanoma. Further studies should address whether pregnant patients present with thicker lesions and/or whether they have decreased DFS compared with nonpregnant women. The prognosis for women with melanoma during pregnancy, as it relates to survival, still is dependent on tumor thickness and ulceration. Cancer 2003;97:2248–53. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11321
Correlation between genetic alteration and long‐term clinical outcome of patients with oligodendroglial tumors, with identification of a consistent region of deletion on chromosome arm 1p
Authors: Hashimoto Naoya , Murakami Mamoru , Takahashi Yoshinobu , Fujimoto Masahito , Inazawa Johji , Mineura Katsuyoshi
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

In oligodendroglial tumors, allelic losses on chromosome arms 1p and 19q are not only diagnostic molecular markers but also statistically significant predictors of both chemosensitivity and longer recurrence‐free survival. In the current study, the authors attempted to analyze 21 patients genetically and clinically, with special emphasis on the correlation between genetic alterations and long‐term therapeutic results.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the clinical cases of 21 patients who had undergone surgery for oligodendroglial tumors (13 oligodendrogliomas, World Health Organization [WHO] Grade II; 3 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, WHO Grade III; 3 oligoastrocytomas, WHO Grade II; and 2 anaplastic oligoastrocytomas, WHO Grade III). Genetic testing for 1p deletions was performed using fluorescence in situ hybridization, and testing for 1p, 17p, and 19q deletions was carried out by microsatellite analysis. Survival was analyzed with univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. In addition, a high‐resolution deletion map of 1p, which led to the discovery of a new deleted region on 1p, was obtained.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed that both loss of 1p and loss of 19q independently and significantly predicted overall survival. A high‐resolution deletion map, which displayed unusually narrow deletions, revealed a new region of deletion between D1S513 and D1S458 (1p34.3–36.11).

CONCLUSIONS

One of the putative tumor suppressor loci exists more proximally than ever reported. Based on the observation that 1p and 19q deletions predicted survival, the authors suggest further use of diagnostic and prognostic genetic testing in the clinical setting. Cancer 2003;97:2254–61. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11322
Clinical and biologic significance of nuclear unrest in Wilms tumor
Authors: Hill D. Ashley , Shear Torin D. , Liu Tiebin , Billups Catherine A. , Singh Pratima K. , Dome Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Nuclear unrest is a term applied to Wilms tumors (WT) with favorable histology that show nuclear enlargement similar to that seen in anaplasia but with no abnormal mitotic figures. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and pathogenetic significance of WT with nuclear unrest.

METHODS

The authors reviewed primary nephrectomy specimens and clinical data from 173 patients who were treated for WT on 1 of 5 consecutive clinical trials at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A subset of 70 patients was selected for p53 immunohistochemistry. Seventeen samples of recurrent tumors were also reviewed.

RESULTS

WT with nuclear unrest had age and stage distribution similar to that for WT with favorable histology. Patients who had tumors with favorable histology, nuclear unrest, and anaplastic histology had 5‐year cumulative incidences of recurrence of 12.2%, 22.2%, and 36.4%, respectively (P = 0.010). Despite the difference in recurrence incidence, patients who had tumors with nuclear unrest and patients who had tumors with favorable histology had nearly identical overall survival. Immunostaining for p53 was positive in 2 of 24 tumors (8.3%) with favorable histology, 1 of 25 tumors (4%) with nuclear unrest, and 16 of 21 tumors (76%) with anaplastic histology (P < 0.001). Histologic review of samples from recurrent tumors showed that 7 of 10 of primary tumors converted from favorable histology to either nuclear unrest or anaplastic histology in the recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

WT with nuclear unrest more closely resembles favorable histology than anaplastic histology, both clinically and pathogenetically. Analysis of samples from recurrent tumors suggests that WT with nuclear unrest represents an intermediary in the continuum from favorable histology to anaplastic histology. For treatment stratification, it is appropriate to continue grouping nuclear unrest with favorable histology, although a larger analysis will be necessary to confirm the current findings. Cancer 2003;97:2318–26. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11325
Sentinel lymph node analysis in patients with sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Delgado Ruby , Kraus Dennis , Coit Daniel G. , Busam Klaus J.
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy (SLNB) has become a standard staging procedure for patients with cutaneous neoplasms of known metastatic potential. In the current study, the authors explored the use of SLNB in patients with primary sweat gland carcinomas (SGCs).

METHODS

Six patients with SGC underwent SLNB. The tumors and lymph nodes were examined using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections and by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratins.

RESULTS

Metastases were detected in the SLNs of four of the six patients with SGC. One patient with a primary tumor of the neck was found to have bilateral positive SLNs. Tumor deposits were detected by H&E stained sections alone in all but two SLNs, in which the metastatic cells were recognized only with the aid of immunohistochemical stains. Positive non‐SLNs were found in two patients after complete regional lymph node dissection was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of positive SLNs in this small series suggests that SLNB is a useful staging tool for patients with SGC. As in SLNBs of other tumors, immunohistochemistry appears to facilitate the recognition of small microscopic metastases. Cancer 2003;97:2279–84. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11327
Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in the detection of early metastasis from sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Bogner Paul N. , Fullen Douglas R. , Lowe Lori , Paulino Augusto , Sybil Biermann J. , Sondak Vernon K. , Su Lyndon D.
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Several subtypes of sweat gland carcinoma have been found to demonstrate a propensity to metastasize systemically and to regional lymph nodes. The predictive value and benefit of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy have been established in numerous other malignancies, but to the authors' knowledge there is little literature published to date regarding the use of SLN biopsy in patients with sweat gland carcinoma. In the current study, the authors demonstrated the utility of SLN biopsy in detecting subclinical metastases of sweat gland carcinoma, which may result in early treatment.

METHODS

The authors identified five patients with malignant eccrine tumors in whom SLN biopsy was performed at the study institution. Clinical and histopathologic data were reviewed.

RESULTS

The five study cases included two cases of aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (both occurring on upper extremity digits), two cases of hidradenocarcinoma (occurring on the knee and foot, respectively), and an eccrine carcinoma (occurring on the scalp). In each biopsy‐established case, there was no clinical evidence of metastatic disease, and a wide local excision or amputation was performed with concurrent SLN biopsy. Four of 18 SLNs in 3 of the 5 patients (60%) were found to be positive for metastatic carcinoma, as identified in hematoxylin and eosin stains and/or cytokeratin immunohistochemical stains. All three lymph node‐positive patients subsequently underwent regional lymphadenectomy and were found to have no evidence of additional metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that SLN biopsy detects subclinical metastases from sweat gland carcinomas to regional lymph nodes. SLN mapping and biopsy at the time of resection can provide useful information with which to guide early treatment. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this procedure results in a survival benefit in patients with sweat gland carcinomas. Cancer 2003;97:2285–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11328
Role of E‐cadherins in development of lymphatic tumor emboli
Authors: Gupta Anita , Deshpande Charuhas G. , Badve Sunil
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

E‐cadherin (E‐cad) is a cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in normal breast tissue. While loss of E‐cad expression is a characteristic feature of lobular carcinoma, it also is observed in infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC). The presence of peritumoral intralymphatic emboli also is a poor prognostic feature in IDC. Invasive lobular carcinoma rarely is associated with intralymphatic emboli. In the current study, the authors assessed E‐cad expression in cases of IDC with and without intralymphatic tumor emboli to examine the potential role played by these molecules in the development of lymphatic emboli.

METHODS

Fifty patients with high‐grade invasive ductal carcinoma—25 with prominent lymphatic invasion (LVI) and intralymphatic tumor emboli and 25 without LVI—were tested for expression of E‐cad. For both groups, the intensity and frequency of E‐cad expression was evaluated in tumor cells and lymphatic emboli; normal lobules were used as internal controls.

RESULTS

Membranous expression of E‐cad was observed in normal lobules and tumor cells in all patients, with the tumor cells exhibiting varying degrees of loss of expression. In the 25 LVI‐positive patients, the majority of tumor cells (including intralymphatic emboli) expressed E‐cad with an intensity and distribution similar to what was seen in normal lobules. In the LVI‐negative patients, the intensity and the distribution of E‐cad staining varied significantly. Tumor cells at the tumor‐stroma interface showed a greater frequency and intensity of E‐cad expression than did cells in the central region of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong expression of E‐cad was observed in LVI‐positive patients with high‐grade IDC but not in LVI‐negative patients. Emboli also exhibited high‐intensity expression. These findings, taken in conjunction with the knowledge that intralymphatic tumor emboli in lobular carcinoma (which is E‐cad‐negative) are rare, suggest that E‐cad plays an important role in tumor development and growth within the lymphatics. Cancer 2003;97:2341–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11332
Current management of patients with melanoma who are pregnant, want to get pregnant, or do not want to get pregnant
Authors: Schwartz Jennifer L. , Mozurkewich Ellen L. , Johnson Timothy M.
Published: April 2003

The authors discuss the issues raised in a report by Daryanani et al. in this issue of Cancer regarding pregnancy and hormonal contraception before, during, or after a woman is diagnosed with melanoma. Their objectives were to address the management of these patients and enhance the information provided by the authors.

See also pages 2248–53.
Prediction of initial cytogenetic response for subsequent major and complete cytogenetic response to imatinib mesylate therapy in patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive chronic myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop , Talpaz Moshe , O'Brien Susan , Giles Francis , Beth Rios Mary , White Kevin , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Verstovsek Srdan , Wierda William , Kornblau Steven , Cortes Jorge
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND

Obtaining a major (Philadelphia chromosome [Ph] of < 35%) or a complete cytogenetic response (Ph of 0%) has been associated with excellent long‐term survival. Cytogenetic response may continue to improve with therapy. Because early allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) may be associated with a better outcome, early parameters predicting for subsequent cytogenetic responses would optimize the treatment decision‐making.

METHODS

The current study was performed to analyze whether early cytogenetic responses may be predictive of later major or complete cytogenetic responses to imatinib mesylate therapy in patients with Ph‐positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty‐one patients with Ph‐positive, chronic‐phase CML after failure with interferon therapy who were treated with imatinib mesylate therapy were analyzed. A persistence of 100% Ph‐positive cells after ≥ 6 months of imatinib mesylate therapy was associated with a major cytogenetic response rate of 9–13% and a complete cytogenetic response rate of 0–4%. However, a minor cytogenetic response after 3–12 months of therapy still was associated with high rates of major (68–83%) or complete (35–54%) cytogenetic response rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Ph‐positive, chronic‐phase CML who have persistent 100% Ph‐positive disease after ≥ 6 months of imatinib mesylate therapy may be offered allogeneic SCT or considered for alternative investigational therapies. Cancer 2003;97:2225–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11381
Archaeological planning at Parris island Santa Elena national landmark
Authors: Wise Stephen R.
Published: April 2003

Since the establishment of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, the command has been dealing with an
archaeological site that dates from 1562 that contains the remains of Spanish and French colonial settlements.
Known as the Santa Elena/Charlesfort site, the area has been under excavation since the early 1920s. Because
of its importance to the colonial history of the United States, the site has been designated a national landmark.
Besides its cultural importance, the site has also served as a learning tool for the Depot in its care and
handling of cultural resources. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Success of the Army's 1996 red‐cockaded woodpecker management guidelines
Authors: Beaty Timothy A. , Bivings Albert E. , Reid Theodore , Myers Terence L. , Parris Stephen D. , Costa Ralph , Hayden Timothy J. , Ayers Thomas E. , Farley Scott M. , Woodson William E.
Published: April 2003

In 1996, the U.S. Army's guidelines for management of red‐cockaded woodpeckers were revised to
reduce training restrictions and promote recovery. These seemingly opposed objectives in fact turned out to be
mutually supportive. The type of open pine forest that constitutes good red‐cockaded woodpecker habitat also
provides visibility and maneuver freedom that is suitable for many types of military training. Training
restrictions have not been shown to be particularly important in promoting expansion of red‐cockaded
woodpecker populations, but they are certainly a disincentive to installation commanders who must balance the
requirement to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the requirement to train soldiers to
fight and win wars. This paper describes the circumstances that led to the revision of the Army's guidelines,
the approach that was used, and a summary of the important changes between the former and the new management
guidelines. Population trend data are also presented, and show that red‐cockaded woodpecker populations on
Army lands are increasing, suggesting that the new guidelines are beneficial. Furthermore, all Army installations
with adequate forested acreage are vigorously pursuing continued population growth to achieve recovery. Lessons
learned from the process of revising the Army's approach to red‐cockaded woodpecker management are
likely to have applications for other species, particularly on military lands. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals,
Inc.
The use of natural systems to remediate groundwater: Department of energy experience at the Savannah river site
Authors: Blount Gerald C. , Caldwell Cathleen C. , Cardoso‐Neto Joao E. , Conner Karen R. , Jannik G. T. , Murphy Charles E. , Noffsinger David C. , Ross Jeff A.
Published: April 2003

Natural remediation is moving toward the forefront as engineers clean groundwater at the Savannah River Site
(SRS), a major Department of Energy (DOE) installation near Aiken, South Carolina. This article
reviews two successful, innovative remediation methods currently being deployed: biosparging to treat chlorinated
solvents and phytoremediation to address tritium in groundwater. The biosparging system reintroduces oxygen into the
groundwater and injects nutrient compounds for in‐situ remediation. The system has greatly reduced the
concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) and vinyl chloride in wells downgradient from a sanitary
landfill (SLF). Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that promises effective and inexpensive cleanup
of certain hazardous wastes. Using natural processes, plants can break down, trap and hold, or transpire
contaminants. This article discusses the use of phytoremediation to reduce the discharge of tritium to an
on‐site stream at SRS. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Reprinted from Remediation Volume 12,
Number 3.
Treatment of perchlorate‐contaminated groundwater using highly selective, regenerable ion‐exchange technology: A pilot‐scale demonstration
Authors: Gu Baohua , Ku Yee‐Kyoung , Brown Gilbert M.
Published: April 2003

Treatment of perchlorate‐contaminated groundwater using highly selective, regenerable
ion‐exchange technology has been recently demonstrated at Edwards Air Force Base, California. At an
influent concentration of about 450 μg/l ClO4‐, the bifunctional
anion‐exchange resin bed treated approximately 40,000 empty bed volumes of groundwater before a
significant breakthrough of ClO4‐ occurred. The presence of relatively high
concentrations of chloride and sulfate in site groundwater did not appear to affect the ability of the
bifunctional resin to remove ClO4‐. The spent resin bed was successfully
regenerated using the FeCl3‐HCl regeneration technique recently developed at the
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and nearly 100 percent of sorbed ClO4‐ was
displaced or recovered after elution with as little as about two bed volumes of the regenerant solution. In
addition, a new methodology was developed to completely destroy ClO4‐ in the
FeCl3‐HCl solution so that the disposal of perchlorate‐containing hazardous
wastes could be eliminated. It is therefore anticipated that these treatment and regeneration technologies may
offer an efficient and cost‐effective means to remove ClO4‐ from
contaminated groundwater with significantly reduced generation of waste requiring disposal. © 2003 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc. Reprinted from Remediation Volume 12, Number 2.
Designing and implementing global staffing systems: Part I—Leaders in global staffing
Authors: Wiechmann Darin , Ryan Ann Marie , Hemingway Monica
Published: April 2003

The creation of global HR systems remains a real challenge. This article provides an indepth look at six
organizations—Agilent Technologies, Dow Chemical Company, IBM, Motorola, Procter and Gamble, and Shell
Oil—that have instituted globally standardized staffing tools and systems. The systems they have created and
the challenges they have faced are described. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant thymoma in the United States: Demographic patterns in incidence and associations with subsequent malignancies
Authors: Engels Eric A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M.
Published: April 2003

The cause of thymoma is unknown. No population‐based study has described demographic patterns of thymoma incidence. Previous reports have linked thymoma with diverse subsequent malignancies, but these associations are uncertain. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data to study the incidence of malignant thymoma by sex, age and race in the United States (1973–1998). Incidence was modeled with joinpoint regression (for age) and Poisson regression. We also used SEER data to compare malignancies following thymoma diagnosis with those expected from general population rates, calculating the standardized incidence ratio (SIR, observed/expected cases) to measure risk. The overall incidence of malignant thymoma was 0.15 per 100,000 person‐years (849 cases). Thymoma incidence increased into the 8th decade of age and then decreased. Incidence was higher in males than females (p=0.007) and was highest among Asians/Pacific Islanders (0.49 per 100,000 person‐years). Following thymoma, there were 66 malignancies (SIR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2–1.9). The most notable excess risk for subsequent malignancy was for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (B immunophenotype) where the SIR was 4.7 (95%CI 1.9–9.6, 7 cases). There were also excess digestive system cancers (SIR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1–2.9) and soft tissue sarcomas (SIR 11.1, 1.3–40.1). No other cancers were increased after thymoma. In conclusion, malignant thymoma is extremely rare. The peak in late adulthood deserves further study. Variation in incidence by race suggests a role for genetic factors. Our study did not demonstrate broadly increased risk for malignancies following thymoma. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic analysis of benign ovarian tumors
Authors: Thomas Nicola A. , Neville Phillippa J. , Baxter Simon W. , Campbell Ian G.
Published: April 2003

Ovarian cancer represents a major cause of cancer death among women and yet remarkably little is known about its etiology. The paradigm established by the colorectal carcinogenesis model would suggest that ovarian cancers are likely to arise through malignant transformation of benign ovarian tumors. However, molecular genetic data that could answer this important question is lacking. In our study, we analyzed 80 benign ovarian tumors for TP53 and K‐ras mutations and for LOH on chromosomes 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 using 56 microsatellite markers. Twenty‐five percent (5/20) of non‐epithelial tumors and 73% (44/60) of epithelial tumors exhibited LOH on at least 1 chromosome arm. A particularly high frequency of LOH was detected among the epithelial tumors on chromosome arms 6q (17%), 7p (17%), 7q (27%) and 11p (18%), which are also regions of frequent LOH among ovarian carcinomas. No K‐ras mutations were detected in any tumor but somatic TP53 mutations were detected in 2/34 (6%) serous and 1/26 (4%) mucinous epithelial tumors. In contrast to most previous studies our data is derived from a relatively large number of microdissected tumors and is likely to represent a more accurate picture of the frequency of alterations in these tumors. We conclude that LOH is common in benign ovarian tumors, suggesting that inactivation of tumor suppressor genes are pivotal in their development. The high frequency of alterations is consistent with their being precursors to malignant disease but does not unequivocally prove this continuum. It does however provide a framework for future analysis of the molecular genetic etiology of ovarian tumorigenesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing incidence of childhood leukemia in Northwest Italy, 1975–98
Authors: Magnani Corrado , Dalmasso Paola , Pastore Guido , Terracini Benedetto , Martuzzi Marco , Mosso Maria Luisa , Merletti Franco
Published: April 2003

Although some childhood cancer registries reported increasing incidence, the evidence and magnitude of time trends in the incidence of childhood leukemia are debated and the scientific evidence is conflicting. Only limited data have so far been supplied from Southern European countries. We present an analysis of the incidence trend of childhood leukemia in Piedmont (NW Italy) in 1975–98, based on data from the population‐based childhood cancer registry. The Childhood Cancer Registry of Piedmont has been recording cases of childhood neoplasms since 1967. Procedures have been uniform and are based on an active search for cases and relevant information. Only cases with confirmed residence in Piedmont at diagnosis are included. Eight hundred cases of leukemia (622 acute lymphoblastic [ALL], 133 acute nonlymphoblastic [AnLL], 45 other and unspecified) were recorded in the period 1975–98 considered in our study. Incidence trends were analyzed using piecewise regression and Poisson regression, based on annual incidence rates. As results from the 2 analyses were similar, only the former were reported. In the age group 1–4 years, a statistically significant annual 2.6% increase in incidence rate of ALL (adjusted by age and gender; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–4.13) was estimated. There was no evidence of increase in other age groups. During 1980–98, a statistically significant 4.4% annual increase (95% CI 1.86–6.90) was seen for pre‐B‐All in the age group 1–4 years. An increase was also seen for T‐ALL that was not statistically significant. Sensitivity analyses were conducted, with no relevant differences from the main results. Our data suggest an increasing trend in ALL incidence for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years. These results are unlikely to be explained by changes in quality of data or exhaustiveness in reporting in the study period. The results were not changed in the sensitivity analyses we conducted. Possible causes to be investigated include environmental factors, changes in family size and parental age, socioeconomic conditions and geographical distribution of cases. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of reduced expression of β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminylated N‐linked oligosaccharides in human breast cancer
Authors: Kitamura Noriaki , Guo Shanchun , Sato Takeshi , Hiraizumi Sen , Taka Junko , Ikekita Masahiko , Sawada Shuzo , Fujisawa Hirosuke , Furukawa Kiyoshi
Published: April 2003

Our previous studies showed that expression of the GalNAcβ1→4GlcNAc group on N‐linked oligosaccharides is associated with functional differentiation of the bovine mammary gland. In the present study, the occurrence of the GalNAcβ1→4GlcNAc group was established in human milk proteins and membrane glycoproteins from a human breast cancer cell line, MRK‐nu‐1, by structural analysis of oligosaccharides released by hydrazinolysis. Whether the expression level of the disaccharide group is affected upon malignant transformation was examined in human breast cancer specimens using Wistaria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) which interacts with oligosaccharides with N‐acetylgalactosamine at their termini. Lectin blot analysis of membrane glycoprotein samples from human breast cancer specimens showed that the number of protein bands reacting with WFA, as well as their intensities, are lower in samples from primary carcinoma lesions compared with samples from surrounding normal tissues. No lectin binding was observed when the blots were treated with jack bean β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase or N‐glycanase, indicating that WFA‐reactive oligosaccharides are N‐linked. A histochemical study of tissue specimens from 92 patients with breast cancer revealed that the reduced WFA staining levels in primary carcinoma lesions correlate with advancing clinical stages and prognostic status (i.e., 58% of patients in a group showing reduced/negative staining died of disease recurrence, whereas more than 90% of those in the positive staining group survived for 5 years after surgery). These results indicate that reduced expression of β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminylated N‐linked oligosaccharides on primary carcinoma lesions predicts a poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maximal sets of hamilton cycles in complete multipartite graphs
Authors: Daven Mike , MacDougall J. A. , Rodger C. A.
Published: April 2003

A set S of edge‐disjoint hamilton cycles in a graph G is said to be maximal if the edges in the hamilton cycles in S induce a subgraph H of G such that G − E(H) contains no hamilton cycles. In this context, the spectrum S(G) of a graph G is the set of integers m such that G contains a maximal set of m edge‐disjoint hamilton cycles. This spectrum has previously been determined for all complete graphs and for all complete bipartite graphs. In this paper, we extend these results to the complete multipartite graphs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 43: 49–66, 2003
Tree‐width and circumference of graphs
Authors: Birmele Etienne
Published: April 2003

We prove that every graph of circumference k has tree‐width at most k − 1 and that this bound is best possible. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 43: 24–25, 2003
Dipole moment, stress relaxation, and birefringence of viton fluoroelastomer
Authors: Krigbaum W. R. , Kaneko M. , Roig A.
Published: April 2003

The dielectric constant of a crosslinked sheet of Viton was measured at two frequencies, 200 cycles/sec. and 100 kcycles/sec., for various elongations. The difference (ϵs − ϵ∞) decreased sharply when the sample was strained and then increased slowly during stress relaxation. Relaxation was slow at the temperature of these measurements (35°C.), so that we were only able to estimate the behavior at long time for the lowest elongations. Even under these conditions it was possible to demonstrate that the (ϵs − ϵ∞) values corresponding to long times decrease with elongation. The root mean square dipole moments for a C5F8H2 group are estimated from these data by both a modified form of the Onsager relation and the more recent treatment of Harris and Alder. Stress relaxation and birefringence measurements were performed with elongation and temperature as variables. Viton exhibits linear viscoelastic behavior up to an elongation a of 1.5. The isothermal data indicate a linear relationship between birefringence and stress, both during stress relaxation and recovery. The streas‐optical coefficient, C, is 2.35 × 10−4 cm.2/kg. at 28°C. Master curves could be constructed from both the reduced stress and birefringence data a t different temperatures for the same shift factors, aT. The apparent activation energy i s 56 kcal./mole and the characteristic temperature in the simplified WLF equation is TS, = 336 ± 5°C. The birefringence as measured under essentially equilibrium conditions at α = 1.23 was independent of temperature in the range 30–70°C.; however, the CT product measured during relaxation increased from 7 × 10−2 to 8.8 × 10−2 in the same temperature interval. The data were insufficient to determine whether this departure from Gaussian behavior arose from the time dependence or represented an equilibrium effect.
Radical‐Anion polymerization
Authors: Tobolsky A. V. , Hartley D. B.
Published: April 2003

Two cases of initiation of vinyl polymerization by radical‐ions are considered. In the one case the transfer from radical‐ion to monomer is instantaneous and virtually complete. Here the relative amount of free radical propagation as compared to anionic propagation is negligibly small. In the second case a continuous feed of radical‐ion initiator is considered. Here the relative amount of free radical propagation as compared to anionic propagation may be considereable. Exact expressions are developed for this relative radical versus ionic propagation as a function of conversion. It is suggested that the results of lithium‐initiated copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene may be understood in terms of a model similar to the second case of radical‐ion initiation considered in this paper.