bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Issues in Cloud Federations
Authors: Rak Massimiliano , Ficco Massimo , Luna Jesus , Ghani Hamza , Suri Neeraj , Panica Silviu , Petcu Dana
Published: April 2012

The cloud paradigm, based on the idea of delegating to the network any kind of computational resources, is showing a considerable success. The estimated trend is that the number of different cloud-based solutions, approaches, and service providers (CSP) will continue growing. Despite the big number of different cloud solutions that currently exist, most of them are “walled gardens” unable to interoperate. On the other side, a large effort is taking place in the cloud community to develop and identify open solutions and standards. In such a context the concept of cloud federation, an architecture that combines the functionalities of different CSP, is a hot topic. This chapter presents an overview of the cloud federation topic, with special focus on its most important security challenges. Furthermore, it proposes a taxonomy of possible approaches to federation. Then it proposes a comparison of security problems in cloud and grid environment, and a detailed analysis of two relevant security problems, identity management and Cyber Attacks analysis, trying to outline how they can be applied in a federated context.
Economic Analysis of the SLA Mapping Approach for Cloud Computing Goods
Authors: Maurer Michael , Emeakaroha Vincent C. , Brandic Ivona
Published: April 2012

Because of the large number of different types of service level agreements (SLAs), computing resource markets face the challenge of low market liquidity. The authors therefore suggest restricting the number of different resource types to a small set of standardized computing resources to counteract this problem. Standardized computing resources are defined through SLA templates. SLA templates specify the structure of an SLA, the service attributes, the names of the service attributes, and the service attribute values. However, since existing approaches working with SLA templates are static so far, these approaches cannot reflect changes in user needs. To address this shortcoming, the chapter presents a novel approach to adaptive SLA matching. This approach adapts SLA templates based on SLA mappings of users. It allows Cloud users to define mappings between a public SLA template, which is available in the Cloud market, and their private SLA templates, which are used for various in-house business processes. Besides showing how public SLA templates are adapted to the demand of Cloud users, the chapter also analyzes the costs and benefits of this approach. Costs are incurred every time a user has to define a new SLA mapping to a public SLA template that has been adapted. In particular, it investigates how the costs differ with respect to the public SLA template adaptation method. The simulation results show that the use of heuristics for adaptation methods allows balancing the costs and benefits of the SLA mapping approach.
Nonmanipulable Collective Decision-Making for Games
Authors: LeGrand Rob , Roden Timothy , Cytron Ron K.
Published: April 2012

This chapter explores a new approach that may be used in game development to help human players and/or non-player characters make collective decisions. The chapter describes how previous work can be applied to allow game players to form a consensus from a simple range of possible outcomes in such a way that no player can manipulate it at the expense of the other players. Then, the text extends that result and shows how nonmanipulable consensus can be found in higher-dimensional outcome spaces. The results may be useful when developing artificial intelligence for non-player characters or constructing frameworks to aid cooperation among human players.
Modular Game Engine Design
Authors: Boudreaux Aaron , Primeaux Brandon
Published: April 2012

The usage of software engineering principles in designing a game engine is discussed in this chapter using a simple tower defense game implemented using C# and the XNA Framework to illustrate usage of the engine. Essential functions, such as collision detection, input/output, graphics, object management, state management, and sound, will be implemented as independent units called managers. Because each manager is independent from the rest, essential development tasks such as implementing each manager and isolating bugs are much simpler.
ERP Implementation in Higher Education
Authors: Okunoye Adekunle , Frolick Mark , Crable Elaine
Published: April 2012

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems long have been known as systems that bring integration to numerous business activities within complex organizations. However, in today’s contemporary organizations, ERP systems are becoming a standard information system, irrespective of size and nature of the business. This case focuses on the implementation of an ERP system in higher education. The case covers the key stages of implementation. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of the ERP system and the organizational dynamics involved. The implementation of the first two modules and the views of users are discussed. The depth of the case can enable managers to understand the complexity of an ERP system selection and the organizational issues involved. The analysis of the case sheds light on the activities involved in ERP projects and what to expect during the implementation stage.
Requirements Analysis and Implementation
Authors: Ardalan Ali , Ardalan Roya K. , Coppage Samuel
Published: April 2012

This case deals with issues related to conversion of a mostly manual information system to an electronic information system where the new system significantly changes the way users interact with the system. The case focuses on the elements of analysis and design, followed by implementation and results. This case provides scenarios and settings that may be used for role plays and group discussions to highlight the importance and the need for following the accepted systems analysis and design steps in the analysis, design, and implementation of IT systems.
Preservation of Olfactory Function following Endoscopic Resection of Select Malignancies of the Nasal Vault
Authors: Ong Yew Kwang , Solares C. Arturo , Carrau Ricardo L. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Kassam Amin B.
Published: April 2012

Preservation of olfactory function during anterior skull base surgery has been previously described. However, its feasibility during oncological resection remains undefined. The aim of this study was to clarify the feasibility of preserving olfactory function in select patients undergoing oncological anterior skull base resection via endonasal endoscopic approach. This is a retrospective case series study. Postoperatively, all patients underwent a standardized smell identification test (Sensonics Inc., Haddon, NJ, USA). From January 2002 to December 2009, we attempted to preserve olfactory function in 9 patients who required an endoscopic resection involving the anterior skull base for treatment of various malignancies presenting unilateral extension. These included: esthesioneuroblastoma (n = 6), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), adenocarcinoma (n = 1) and hemangiopericytoma (n = 1). In 7 patients, resection included a unilateral endoscopic craniectomy with preservation of the contralateral middle and superior turbinates. Two patients underwent resection of the entire lateral nasal wall and the olfactory epithelium as the superior limit of tumor resection. Six patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Postoperatively, olfaction was documented in 7 patients (3 normosmic, 4 microsmic). All patients are free of recurrence at the original site at a mean follow-up period of 55.7 months (range 21–101 months). One patient with an esthesioneuroblastoma developed a cervical lymph node recurrence four years after surgery. In selected cases, it is feasible to preserve olfactory function without apparent compromise of oncological outcomes. The success rate depends largely on the extent of the resection, which, in turn, is dictated, by the extent of the tumor.
In Silico Prediction for Regulation of Transcription Factors on Their Shared Target Genes Indicates Relevant Clinical Implications in a Breast Cancer Population
Authors: Liu Li-Yu D , Chang Li-Yun , Kuo Wen-Hung , Hwa Hsiao-Lin , Shyu Ming-Kwang , Chang King-Jen , Hsieh Fon-Jou
Published: April 2012

Aberrant transcriptional activities have been documented in breast cancers. Studies often find some transcription factors to be inappropriately regulated and enriched in certain pathological states. The promoter regions of most target genes have binding sites for their transcription factors. An ample of evidence supports their combinatorial effect on their shared target gene expressions. Here, we used a new statistic method, bivariate CID, to predict combinatorial interaction activity between ERα and a transcription factor (E2F1or GATA3 or ERRα) in regulating target gene expression via four regulatory mechanisms. We identified gene sets in three signal transduction pathways perturbed in breast tumors: cell cycle, VEGF, and PDGFRB. Bivariate network analysis revealed several target genes previously implicated in tumor angiogenesis are among the predicted shared targets, including VEGFA, PDGFRB. In summary, our analysis suggests the importance for the multivariate space of an inferred ERα transcriptional regulatory network in breast cancer diagnostic and therapeutic development.
C*–algebras Nearly Contained in Type I Algebras
Authors: Christensen Erik , Sinclair Allan M. , Smith Roger R. , White Stuart
Published: April 2012

In this paper we consider near inclusions of C*-algebras. We show that if B is a separable type I C*-algebra and A satisfies Kadison's similarity problem, then A is also type I. We then use this to obtain an embedding of A into B.
On Flag Curvature of Homogeneous Randers Spaces
Authors: Deng Shaoqiang , Hu Zhiguang
Published: April 2012

In this paper we give an explicit formula for the flag curvature of homogeneous Randers spaces of Douglas type and apply this formula to obtain some interesting results. We first deduce an explicit formula for the flag curvature of an arbitrary left invariant Randersmetric on a two-step nilpotent Lie group. Then we obtain a classification of negatively curved homogeneous Randers spaces of Douglas type. This results, in particular, in many examples of homogeneous non-Riemannian Finsler spaces with negative flag curvature. Finally, we prove a rigidity result that a homogeneous Randers space of Berwald type whose flag curvature is everywhere nonzero must be Riemannian.
Normality of Maximal Orbit Closures for Euclidean Quivers
Authors: Bobiński Grzegorz
Published: April 2012

Let Δ be a Euclidean quiver. We prove that the closures of the maximal orbits in the varieties of representations of Δ are normal and Cohen–Macaulay (even complete intersections). Moreover, we give a generalization of this result for the tame concealed-canonical algebras.
Note on the Kasparov Product of C*-algebra Extensions
Authors: Wei Changguo
Published: April 2012

Using the Dadarlat isomorphism, we give a characterization for the Kasparov product of C*-algebra extensions. A certain relation between KK(A;𝓠(B)) and KK(A;𝓠(KB)) is also considered when B is not stable, and it is proved that KK(A;𝓠(B)) and KK(A;𝓠(KB)) are not isomorphic in general.
Assessing enigmatic boulder deposits in NE Aegean Sea: importance of historical sources as tool to support hydrodynamic equations
Authors: Vacchi M. , Rovere A. , Zouros N. , Firpo M.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Due to their importance in the assessment of coastal hazards, several studies have focused on geomorphological and sedimentological field evidence of catastrophic wave impacts related to historical tsunami events. Among them, many authors used boulder fields as important indicators of past tsunamis, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism of deposition of clusters of large boulders, consisting of beachrock slabs, which were found on the southern coasts of Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea). Methods to infer the origin of boulder deposits (tsunami vs. storm wave) are often based on hydrodynamic models even if different environmental complexities are difficult to be incorporated into numerical models. In this study, hydrodynamic equations did not provide unequivocal indication of the mechanism responsible for boulder deposition in the study area. Further analyses, ranging from geomorphologic to seismotectonic data, indicated a tsunami as the most likely cause of displacement of the boulders but still do not allow to totally exclude the extreme storm origin. Additional historical investigations (based on tsunami catalogues, historical photos and aged inhabitants interviews) indicated that the boulders are likely to have been deposited by the tsunami triggered by the 6.7 Ms Chios-Karaburum earthquake of 1949 or, alternatively, by minor effects of the destructive tsunami produced by 1956's Amorgos Island earthquake. Results of this study point out that, at Mediterranean scale, to flank numerical models with the huge amount of the available historical data become a crucial tool in terms of prevention policies related to catastrophic coastal events.
Effectiveness and Ergonomic of Integrated Navigation System
Authors: Vidan Pero , Stanivuk Tatjana , Bielić Toni
Published: April 2012

Ergonomics increases the efficiency of people and device interaction. Nowadays, modern navigation bridges are designed in accordance with the requirements of navigators, designers and shipowners, production costs etc. The bridge design, various layouts, instrument arrangements and their capacities etc. have not been fully regulated by the SOLAS convention. The Convention regulates manufacturers’ requirements which refer to accuracy, device sensitivity etc. However, factors that are important for ergonomics, and time required for familiarization and exploitation of the device are left to shipbuilders and charterers to decide. In this paper, authors are analyzing the ergonomics of the integrated navigation bridge - INS.
Cutting-edge Mathematical Tools in Processing and Analysis of Signals in Marine and Navy
Authors: Vujović Igor , Šoda Joško , Kuzmanić Ivica
Published: April 2012

Signal processing plays a pivotal role in information gathering and decision making. This paper presents and compares different signal processing techniques used in marine and navy applications, primarily based on using wavelets as kernel. The article covers Fourier transform, time frequency wavelet based techniques such as bandelets, contourlets, curvelets, edgelets, wedgelets, shapelets, and ridgelets. In the example section of the paper, several transform techniques are presented and commented on the harbour surveillance video stream example.
In Situ Synchrotron Study of B19 Phase Formation in an Intermetallic γ‐TiAl Alloy
Authors: Schmoelzer Thomas , Stark Andreas , Schwaighofer Emanuel , Lippmann Thomas , Mayer Svea , Clemens Helmut
Published: April 2012

A multitude of phases exists in the binary Ti–Al phase diagram and even greater numbers are formed in structural TiAl alloys, which contain additional alloying elements to improve their properties. In the current study, a Ti–45 Al–3 Mo–0.1 B (in at%) alloy was investigated with respect to the phases occurring in chemical non‐equilibrium. In situ high‐energy X‐ray diffraction experiments enabled to identify a transient phase to be of the B19 type and to determine its temperatures of formation and dissolution.
Small pneumoconiotic opacities on U.S. coal worker surveillance chest radiographs are not predominantly in the upper lung zones
Authors: Laney A. Scott , Petsonk Edward L.
Published: April 2012

Background

Radiographic shadows of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) are commonly described as predominantly in the upper lung zones.

Methods

We evaluated the lung distribution of small opacities on surveillance chest radiographs (CXRs) taken between 1981 and 2010 among 2,467 underground US coal miners. All had evidence of pneumoconiosis (category ≥1/0), based on the contemporary International Labour Office Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses.

Results

Small opacity involvement was approximately equal over all lung zones, with 30.7% of the total involvement reported in the upper zones, 37.1% in the middle zones, and 32.1% in the lower zones. Primarily rounded opacities were seen in 62.1% of miners and primarily irregular opacities were seen in 37.9%. Miners with primarily rounded opacities had a distribution with moderate upper zone predominance (upper = 36.8%, middle = 36.5%, and lower = 27.2%). In contrast, miners with primarily irregular opacities showed a lower zone preponderance (upper = 20.5%, middle = 38.4%, and lower = 41.1%).

Conclusion

The distribution of small pneumoconiotic opacities on surveillance CXRs of working US coal miners is not consistent with the conventional expectations of upper lung zone predominance. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:793–798, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Scaffolds Using Multiple Orthogonal Conjugations: Applications in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Authors: Beal David M. , Jones Lyn H.
Published: April 2012

Heteromultifunctional scaffolds that harness sequential “click” reactions will find significant utility in the areas of chemical biology and chemically enabled/enhanced biotherapeutics (“chemologics”). Here we review the existing synthetic technologies that illustrate the considerable potential of the field.
Deliberation Versus Intuition: Decomposing the Role of Expertise in Judgment and Decision Making
Authors: Dijkstra Koen A. , van der Pligt Joop , van Kleef Gerben A.
Published: April 2012

What produces better judgments: deliberating or relying on intuition? Past research is inconclusive. We focus on the role of expertise to increase understanding of the effects of judgment mode. We propose a framework in which expertise depends on a person's experience with and knowledge about a domain. Individuals who are relatively experienced but have modest knowledge about the subject matter (“intermediates”) are expected to suffer from deliberation and to benefit from a more intuitive approach, because they lack the formal knowledge to understand the reasons underlying their preferences. Individuals who are high (“experts”) or low (“novices”) on both experience and knowledge are expected to do well or poorly, respectively, regardless of decision mode. We tested these predictions in the domain of art. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that intermediates performed better when relying on intuition than after deliberation. Judgments of experts and novices were unaffected. In line with previous research relating processing style to judgment mode, Experiment 3 showed that the effect of processing style (global versus local) on judgment quality is similarly moderated by expertise. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A brief introduction to data mining projects in the humanities
Authors: Hagood Jonathan
Published: April 2012

Editor's Summary

Data mining offers the capability to view data in a new light, discovering associations and patterns not appreciated before. For the humanities domain, it exemplifies the interdisciplinary efforts of digital humanities. The technique provides answers and prompts further questions from new discoveries. Part of knowledge discovery in databases, data mining involves identifying relevant n‐grams, classifying and reclassifying results, modeling the interdependence of variables and clustering results into meaningful subgroups. From designing research questions to determining how best to display and communicate results, the process requires collaboration between information professionals and humanities scholars. A selection of data mining projects illustrates how the technique is being applied for humanities research. Tools for data mining are readily available online, through simple web interfaces or for download and customization for optimal results.
Pale Males 2.0: Revisiting a traditional american studies project using digital humanities tools
Authors: Margolin Stephanie
Published: April 2012

Editor's Summary

Though research papers have traditionally been presented as text, digital humanities tools bring new capabilities that can transform a presentation. Moving from a familiar written format to a digital multimedia work can be daunting, involving an unfamiliar work process. Technology options and support are available through a variety of sources, including universities, the American Studies Association's Digital Humanities Caucus and the Alliance for Digital Humanities Organizations. Choosing a presentation tool that supports desired features, such as interactive conversation, is key. While the process of developing a digital presentation can be initially challenging for an author, reproducing a traditional thesis in a dynamic format makes it more lively and engaging, collaborative and available for broader use.
When computers read: Literary analysis and digital technology
Authors: Jones Sarah
Published: April 2012

Editor's Summary

The study of literature is changing in dramatic ways, stimulated by new opportunities that digital technology presents. Data visualization upends the dynamic for literary analysis, focusing not on questions stemming from a critic's personal viewpoint but on revealing and displaying connections between elements of the literary experience. The dominant association between critic and text is downplayed, replaced with associations within the text and between it and its context. The basis of interpretation shifts from reading to seeing, from qualitative analysis to quantitative. The reader's role is transformed, as well, from following the critic's path of thinking to actively exploring a network of multisensory and interdisciplinary information. The distinction between the authoritative presenter/critic and the learner/explorer is blurred. By inviting literary scholars to ask different questions for computational analysis, digital technology and visualization inspire innovative investigations and enable new insights.
Catalytic Azide Reduction in Biological Environments
Authors: Sasmal Pijus K. , Carregal‐Romero Susana , Han Alice A. , Streu Craig N. , Lin Zhijie , Namikawa Kazuhiko , Elliott Samantha L. , Köster Reinhard W. , Parak Wolfgang J. , Meggers Eric
Published: April 2012

In the quest for the identification of catalytic transformations to be used in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, we identified iron(III) meso‐tetraarylporphines as efficient catalysts for the reduction of aromatic azides to their amines. The reaction uses thiols as reducing agents and tolerates water, air, and other biological components. A caged fluorophore was employed to demonstrate that the reduction can be performed even in living mammalian cells. However, in vivo experiments in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) revealed a limitation to this method: the metabolic reduction of aromatic azides.
Initial findings of impact of strut width on stent coverage and apposition of sirolimus‐eluting stents assessed by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Nakatani Shimpei , Nishino Masami , Taniike Masayuki , Makino Nobuhiko , Kato Hiroyasu , Egami Yasuyuki , Shutta Ryu , Tanouchi Jun , Yamada Yoshio
Published: April 2012

Objectives

We investigate the influence of stent design on stent coverage at 6–9 months after sirolimus eluting stent (SES) implantation using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Background

Although some reports suggest that stent design may correlate with stent coverage of stent struts, there were few detailed data whether stent design impact on stent coverage in the same drug‐eluting stent.

Methods

A total of 21 SESs (15 patients), who had implanted 2.5, 2.75, and 3.0 mm stents, underwent OCT at 6–9 months after stent implantation. SES is constructed by two different strut width‐components; narrow strut width parts (59 μm) and wide strut width parts (115 μm). Thus, we divided stent struts of SESs into two groups: narrow strut width parts (narrow group) and wide ones (wide group). We compared the incidence of incomplete apposed struts, uncovered struts, and neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) thickness between the two groups.

Results

We could detect 2,948 struts (narrow group consisted of 1,132 struts and wide group consisted of 1,816 struts). Incidence of uncovered struts in the narrow group was significantly lower than in the wide group (30.2% vs. 40.8%, P < 0.001), and NIH thickness in the narrow group was significantly greater than in the wide group (127.5 ± 93.4 μm vs. 118.6 ± 81.4 μm, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Stent design, especially strut width, affects stent coverage of SES. The narrow strut may avoid the absence of stent coverage in SES, which correlates with stent thrombosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Active learning for spectroscopic data regression
Authors: Douak Fouzi , Melgani Farid , Alajlan Naif , Pasolli Edoardo , Bazi Yakoub , Benoudjit Nabil
Published: April 2012

In this work, we introduce an active learning approach for the estimation of chemical concentrations from spectroscopic data. Its main objective is to opportunely collect training samples in such a way as to minimize the error of the regression process while minimizing the number of training samples used, and thus to reduce the costs related to training sample collection. In particular, we propose two different active learning strategies developed for regression approaches based on partial least squares regression, ridge regression, kernel ridge regression, and support vector regression. The first strategy uses a pool of regressors in order to select the samples with the greatest disagreements among the different regressors of the pool, while the second one is based on adding samples that are distant from the current training samples in the feature space. For support vector regression, a specific strategy based on the selection of the samples distant from the support vectors is proposed. Experimental results on three different real data sets are reported and discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Study of the Reduction of Uranium(VI) Aquo Complexes on Titania Particles and by Alcohols
Authors: Odoh Samuel O. , Pan Qing‐Jiang , Shamov Grigory A. , Wang Feiyue , Fayek Mostafa , Schreckenbach Georg
Published: April 2012

To provide insights into the adsorption and photoreduction of uranium(VI) on TiO2, we have studied the structural and electronic properties of uranium(VI) aquo complexes adsorbed on stoichiometric and defected TiO2 surfaces and nanoparticles. Plane wave calculations with the pure PBE density functional and the PBE+U approach were used to study UVI complexes on a periodic rutile (110) slab. In addition, a nanoparticulate Ti38O76 cluster was used to simulate anatase nanoparticles. The electronic structures of the adsorbed UVI complexes indicate that the photoreduction process is a consequence of the photocatalytic properties of TiO2. The reduction of the adsorbed complexes can only occur if the energy of the incident photon exceeds the semiconductor band gap. The gap states induced by single or neighboring hydrogen atoms and oxygen vacancies at the rutile (110) surface cannot reduce adsorbed UVI complexes as the unoccupied 5f orbitals are found deeper in the conduction band. In the absence of a solid substrate, photoreduction proceeds by abstraction of a hydrogen atom from water or organic molecules present in solution. Photoreduction by chlorophenol results in lower product yield than reduction by aliphatic alcohols. This is because the triplet uranyl‐chlorophenol complex is much more stable than similar complexes formed with methanol and ethanol. In the case of water, the hydroxyl photoproduct easily re‐oxidizes the pentavalent species formed. In addition, it is easier for the triplet uranyl–water complex to decompose to the photoreactants.
Docetaxel Nanotechnology in Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Zhao Pengxiang , Astruc Didier
Published: April 2012

Taxanes have been recognized as a family of very efficient anticancer drugs, but the formulation in use for the two main taxanes—Taxol for paclitaxel and Taxotere for docetaxel—have shown dramatic side effects. Whereas several new formulations for paclitaxel have recently appeared, such as Abraxane and others currently in various phases of clinical trials, there is no new formulation in clinical trials for the other main taxane, docetaxel, except BIND‐014, a polymeric nanoparticle, which recently entered phase I clinical testing. Therefore, we review herein the state of the art and recent abundance in published results of academic approaches toward nanotechnology‐based drug‐delivery systems containing nanocarriers and targeting agents for docetaxel formulations. These efforts will certainly enrich the spectrum of docetaxel treatments in the near future. Taxotere′s systemic toxicity, low water solubility, and other side effects are significant problems that must be overcome. To avoid the limitations of docetaxel in clinical use, researchers have developed efficient drug‐delivery assemblies that consist of a nanocarrier, a targeting agent, and the drug. A wide variety of such engineered nanosystems have been shown to transport and eventually vectorize docetaxel more efficiently than Taxotere in vitro, in vivo, and in pre‐clinical administration. Recent progress in drug vectorization has involved a combined therapy and diagnostic (“theranostic”) approach in a single drug‐delivery vector and could significantly improve the efficiency of such an anticancer drug as well as other drug types.
Comparing central nervous system (CNS) and extra‐CNS hemangiopericytomas in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program
Authors: Hall William A. , Ali Arif N. , Gullett Norleena , Crocker Ian , Landry Jerome C. , Shu Hui‐Kuo , Prabhu Roshan , Curran Walter
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) and in extra‐CNS sites. The authors of this report used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program to study prognostic factors in patients with HPC.

METHODS:

The SEER database was analyzed for patients who were diagnosed with HPC tumors from 1973 to 2007. Patients were stratified into CNS and extra‐CNS groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the overall survival (OS) endpoint using major demographic factors (age, race, and sex) and disease factors (tumor site).

RESULTS:

In total, 655 patients with HPC were stratified into a CNS group (n = 199) and an extra‐CNS group (n = 456). The patients with extra‐CNS HPC were statistically older (mean age, 53 years vs 49 years; P = .008) and were more likely to have larger tumors (median greatest dimension, 7.0 cm vs 5.2 cm; P < .001). Patients who had CNS tumors had better OS and cause‐specific survival (CSS) compared with patients who had extra‐CNS tumors (P < .001 for both). Negative predictors of OS on multivariate analysis included extra‐CNS tumor site (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; P = .005) and older age (ages 40‐59 years: HR, 2.08; P = .032; ages 60‐79 years: HR, 3.9; P < .001; aged ≥80 years: HR, 7.7; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current analysis demonstrated that patients with extra‐CNS HPCs had worse OS and CSS than patients with CNS HPCs. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Treatment of pancreatic cancer using an oncolytic virus harboring the lipocalin‐2 gene
Authors: Xu Bin , Zheng Wen‐yan , Jin Da‐yong , Wang Dan‐song , Liu Xin‐yuan , Qin Xin‐yu
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The 5‐year survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer is <5%, and it is always resistant to the current chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, new, effective agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. The promising strategy of cancer‐targeting gene virotherapy (CTGVT) has demonstrated great anticancer potential. The objective of the current study was to determine whether 1 CTGVT approach, oncolytic virus (OV)‐harboring lipocalin‐2, is capable of treating pancreatic cancer.

METHODS:

Tissue microarrays were constructed to detect the expression of lipocalin‐2 in 60 specimens of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The clinical significance of lipocalin‐2 was investigated in an analysis of correlations between lipocalin‐2 expression and matched clinical characteristics. A lipocalin‐2–expressing OV, ZD55‐lipocalin‐2, was constructed by deleting the adenoviral protein E1B55kD. The antitumor efficacy and mechanisms of the OV were investigated in pancreatic cancer cells with v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS:

Lipocalin‐2 expression was correlated with a good prognosis in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ZD55‐lipocalin‐2 dramatically inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo by inducing cytolysis and caspase‐dependent apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Higher lipocalin‐2 expression predicted a better prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. The results indicated that ZD55‐lipocalin‐2, which specifically expressed higher levels of lipocalin‐2 in tumor cells, may serve as a potent anticancer drug for pancreatic cancer therapy, especially for patients who have pancreatic adenocarcinoma with KRAS mutations. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Utility of serum tumor markers during surveillance for stage I seminoma
Authors: Vesprini Danny , Chung Peter , Tolan Shaun , Gospodarowicz Mary , Jewett Michael , O'Malley Martin , Sweet Joan , Moore Malcolm , Panzarella Tony , Sturgeon Jeremy , Sugar Linda , Anson‐Cartwright Lynn , Warde Padraig
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The serum tumor markers α‐fetoprotein (AFP), β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are often measured as part of surveillance protocols in patients with stage I seminoma. In this study, the authors evaluated the utility of routine measurement of these markers in the detection of disease relapse.

METHODS:

Data were gathered from a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent surveillance for stage I testicular seminoma diagnosed between 1982 and 2005 at Princess Margaret Hospital. Patients were followed on a predefined schedule with physical examination (PE), serum tumor markers, abdominopelvic computed tomography, and chest x‐rays. The records of patients who relapsed were examined for details of imaging and serum tumor markers throughout the period of follow‐up until the time of relapse.

RESULTS:

Of the 527 patients who were managed by surveillance, 75 patients (14%) relapsed at a median follow‐up of 72 months. Of these, 65 patients relapsed within the first 3 years and had routine serum tumor markers measured. In total, 11 patients had abnormal tumor markers at the time of relapse (AFP, 0 patients; HCG, 6 patients; LDH, 4 patients; and HCG and LDH, 1 patient). Only 1 patient had an elevated tumor marker (LDH) before relapse, as defined by an abnormal imaging study (n = 64) or physical examination (n = 1), for which the treatment and outcome were not affected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum tumor marker levels did not aid in the early diagnosis of disease relapse in patients with stage I seminoma who were managed with surveillance. The current results indicated that routine measurement of serum tumor markers can be discontinued safely in seminoma surveillance schedules. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The use of single‐agent sorafenib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with underlying Child‐Pugh B liver cirrhosis
Authors: Chiu Joanne , Tang Yuen Fong , Yao Tzy‐Jyun , Wong Ashley , Wong Hilda , Leung Roland , Chan Pierre , Cheung Tan To , Chan Albert C. , Pang Roberta , Fan Sheung‐Tat , Poon Ronnie , Yau Thomas
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study explored the efficacy, tolerability, and survival benefits of using sorafenib in patients with Child‐Pugh class B (CPB) cirrhosis.

METHODS:

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated with sorafenib at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China, were analyzed retrospectively. Treatment outcomes were analyzed according to their respective Child‐Pugh status. Patients with CPB disease were further divided into CPB7 (those with a score of 7) and CPB8‐9 (a score of 8 or 9) subgroups.

RESULTS:

The baseline demographic parameters were comparable between 108 patients with Child‐Pugh class A (CPA) disease and 64 CPB patients. Both clinical benefit rate (21.3% vs 32.4% vs 14.8%; P = .23) and progression‐free survival (median: 3.2 months vs 3.2 months vs 2.3 months; P = .26) were similar among CPA, CPB7, and CPB8‐9 groups, respectively. The overall survival was different among these groups (P = .002) and showed a trend toward worse outcome in CPB patients: the median was 6.1, 5.4, and 2.7 months among CPA, CPB7, and CPB8‐9 patients, respectively. The commonest grade 3/4 adverse events were hand‐foot syndrome (13.5%), diarrhea (9.9%), and rash (7.0%). Grade 3/4 leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurred in 2.9%, 5.3%, and 8.8% of the patients, respectively. Overall, the 3 groups of patients experienced similar incidence of most of these adverse events. Nonetheless, CPB patients experienced more anemia (P = .01), gastrointestinal bleeding (P = .02), and hepatic encephalopathy (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

CPA and CPB patients tolerated sorafenib similarly and derived similar clinical and progression‐free survival benefit. Among CPB patients, most benefits were observed in patients with a score of 7. Nevertheless, CPB patients were more susceptible to developing cirrhotic complications, and thus more vigilant surveillance is needed. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Topotecan and vincristine combination is effective against advanced bilateral intraocular retinoblastoma and has manageable toxicity
Authors: Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Billups Catherine A. , Tagen Michael , Stewart Clinton F. , Wu Jianrong , Helton Kathleen , McCarville M. Beth , Merchant Thomas E. , Brennan Rachel , Free Tammy M. , Given Vicki , Haik Barrett G. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Wilson Matthew W.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

New, effective chemotherapeutic agents are needed for intraocular retinoblastoma.

METHODS:

This institutional clinical trial sought to estimate the rate of response to 2 courses of vincristine and topotecan (VT) window therapy in patients with bilateral retinoblastoma and advanced disease (Reese‐Ellsworth group IV or V) in at least 1 eye. The topotecan dose started at 3 mg/m2/day for 5 days and was adjusted to target a systemic exposure of 140 ± 20 ng/mL · hour. The vincristine dose was 0.05 mg/kg for patients <12 months of age and 1.5 mg/m2 for those >12 months of age at diagnosis.

RESULTS:

From February 2005 to June 2010, 27 patients received VT window therapy. Median age at enrollment was 8.1 months (range, 0.7‐22.1 months). Twenty‐four patients (88.9%) responded to window therapy (95% confidence interval = 71.3%‐96.9%). Hematologic toxicity comprised grade 4 neutropenia (n = 27), grade 3 anemia (n = 19), and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (n = 16). Thirteen patients had grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor support was added after 10 patients had been treated, and it significantly reduced the duration of grade 4 neutropenia (median, 7 vs 24 days; P < .001). Pharmacokinetic studies showed rapid changes in topotecan clearance rates during the first year of life.

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of topotecan and vincristine is effective for the treatment of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor treatment alleviates the duration of grade 4 neutropenia. Appropriate topotecan starting doses for patients 0‐3, 3‐6, 6‐9, 9‐12, and >12 months of age are specified. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Does skin cancer screening save lives?
Authors: Katalinic Alexander , Waldmann Annika , Weinstock Martin A. , Geller Alan C. , Eisemann Nora , Greinert Ruediger , Volkmer Beate , Breitbart Eckhard
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

From July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, a population‐based skin cancer screening project was conducted in Schleswig‐Holstein, Germany. In total, 360,288 individuals aged ≥20 years were screened by means of a whole‐body examination. In this report, the authors compare trends in melanoma mortality in Schleswig‐Holstein with those in all adjacent regions, none of which had population‐based skin cancer screening.

METHODS:

Trends in melanoma mortality rates for Schleswig‐Holstein and the adjacent regions (Denmark and the German federal states of Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Lower Saxony) and in Germany excluding Schleswig‐Holstein were compared. Log‐linear regression was used to assess mortality trends.

RESULTS:

In Schleswig‐Holstein during the pre skin cancer screening period (1998‐1999), the age‐standardized melanoma mortality rate (World standard population) was 1.9 per 100,000 for men and 1.4 per 100,000 for women. Melanoma mortality declined by 47% to 1.0 per 100,000 men and by 49% to 0.7 per 100,000 women by 2008/2009. The annual percentage change in the most recent 10‐year period (2000‐2009) was −7.5% (95% confidence interval, −14.0, −0.5) for men and −7.1% (95% confidence interval, −10.5, −2.9) for women. In each of the 4 adjacent regions and in the rest of Germany, mortality rates were stable, and the decline in Schleswig‐Holstein was significantly different from the changes observed in all of the other areas studied.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current data represent strong evidence, but not absolute proof, that the skin cancer screening program produced a reduction in melanoma mortality in Schleswig‐Holstein. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Leiomyosarcoma and sarcoma with myogenic differentiation
Authors: Colombo Chiara , Miceli Rosalba , Collini Paola , Radaelli Stefano , Palassini Elena , Stacchiotti Silvia , Fiore Marco , Mariani Luigi , Casali Paolo G. , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the distinction between leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and sarcomas with myogenic differentiation (SMD), based on the expression of muscular markers, has any clinical implications.

METHODS:

Patients with localized LMS (excluding any gynecologic subtype) or SMD who underwent surgery at the authors' institution from 1994 to 2010 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and the crude cumulative incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis (DM) were calculated, and multivariable analyses for DM and OS were carried out.

RESULTS:

In total, 327 patients were studied (71% LMS, 29% SMD). The median follow‐up was 58 months (interquartile range, 31‐97 months). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 72.9% (95% confidence interval, 66.3%‐80.2%) for the patients with LMS and 64.4% (95% confidence interval, 53.7%‐77.1%) for the patients with SMD. The 5‐year crude cumulative incidence of distant metastasis was 36.2% (95% confidence interval, 30.1%‐43.5%) in the LMS group and 32.6% (95% confidence interval, 24%‐44.2%) in the SMD group. Although tumor grade in LMS identified 3 distinct classes of risk, patients with grade 2 and grade 3 SMD had a similar course. The median postmetastasis survival was longer in patients with grade 3 LMS compared versus patients with grade 3 SMD (31 months vs 15 months, respectively). In patients who had grade 3 lesions, adjuvant chemotherapy yielded a better outcome in the SMD group compared with the LMS group (hazard ratio, 0.38). Patients who had superficial LMS had better outcomes compared with patients who had superficial SMD.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that LMS and SMD do not share the same natural history. A limited prognostic impact of grade was observed in patients with SMD. Differences in response to chemotherapy should be taken into account in planning the therapeutic approach for patients with these tumors. The current clinical observations may correspond to the biology of a different disease and deserve further study. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Does on‐site adequacy evaluation reduce the nondiagnostic rate in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of pancreatic lesions?
Authors: Cermak Therese S. , Wang Brant , DeBrito Pedro , Carroll John , Haddad Nadim , Sidawy Mary K.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

This retrospective study compared the nondiagnostic rate for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided (EUS) fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of pancreatic lesions in 2 settings: 1 with and 1 without on‐site evaluation.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed 381 consecutive cases and divided them into groups with and without on‐site adequacy evaluation. For the group with on‐site evaluation, cytopathology personnel prepared and evaluated Diff‐Quik–stained direct smears and rinsed the remaining material in CytoLyt solution (Cytyc Corporation, Marlborough, Mass). The group without on‐site evaluation was divided into 2 subgroups: the clinical team either prepared an air‐dried smear for each FNA pass and then rinsed the remaining material in CytoLyt, or the entire sample was rinsed in CytoLyt. The cytologic diagnoses were reviewed and the nondiagnostic rates for each group were calculated.

RESULTS:

On‐site evaluation was provided for 167 cases with a nondiagnostic rate of 25.8% (43 of 167 cases). On‐site evaluation was not provided for 214 cases with a nondiagnostic rate of 24.3% (52 of 214 cases). The nondiagnostic rate for the subgroup with air‐dried smears prepared by the clinical team was 25.6% (43 of 168 cases) and that for the subgroup with the entire sample rinsed in CytoLyt was 19.6% (9 of 46 cases). There were no significant statistical differences in nondiagnostic rates noted among the different groups or subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicate that when experienced operators perform EUS FNA of pancreatic lesions, on‐site adequacy evaluation offers no benefit in reducing the nondiagnostic rate. Optimizing visualization of the sampled material by omitting the preparation of direct smears and rinsing the entire sample in liquid‐based media demonstrated a trend toward improving the diagnostic rate. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Immunoglobulin heavy‐chain fluorescence in situ hybridization‐chromogenic in situ hybridization DNA probe split signal in the clonality assessment of lymphoproliferative processes on cytological samples
Authors: Zeppa Pio , Sosa Fernandez Laura Virginia , Cozzolino Immacolata , Ronga Valentina , Genesio Rita , Salatiello Maria , Picardi Marco , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo , Vigliar Elena
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The human immunoglobulin heavy‐chain (IGH) locus at chromosome 14q32 is frequently involved in different translocations of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and the detection of any breakage involving the IGH locus should identify a B‐cell NHL. The split‐signal IGH fluorescence in situ hybridization‐chromogenic in situ hybridization (FISH‐CISH) DNA probe is a mixture of 2 fluorochrome‐labeled DNAs: a green one that binds the telomeric segment and a red one that binds the centromeric segment, both on the IGH breakpoint. In the current study, the authors tested the capability of the IGH FISH‐CISH DNA probe to detect IGH translocations and diagnose B‐cell lymphoproliferative processes on cytological samples.

METHODS:

Fifty cytological specimens from cases of lymphoproliferative processes were tested using the split‐signal IGH FISH‐CISH DNA probe and the results were compared with light‐chain assessment by flow cytometry (FC), IGH status was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and clinicohistological data.

RESULTS:

The signal score produced comparable results on FISH and CISH analysis and detected 29 positive, 15 negative, and 6 inadequate cases; there were 29 true‐positive cases (66%), 9 true‐negative cases (20%), 6 false‐negative cases (14%), and no false‐positive cases (0%). Comparing the sensitivity of the IGH FISH‐CISH DNA split probe with FC and PCR, the highest sensitivity was obtained by FC, followed by FISH‐CISH and PCR.

CONCLUSIONS:

The split‐signal IGH FISH‐CISH DNA probe is effective in detecting any translocation involving the IGH locus. This probe can be used on different samples from different B‐cell lymphoproliferative processes, although it is not useful for classifying specific entities. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.