bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigmented tumor in the nostril
Authors: Jaada Nawel , Zaraa Ines , Chelly Ines , Cheikhrouhou Rym , Trojjet Sondes , Euch Dalenda , Mokni Mourad , Haouet Slim , Ben Osman Amel
Published: November 2011

A 64-year-old man was noted to have a single pigmented lesion in the nostril of his nose. Clinical examination revealed a 5 mm nodular growth and brown lesion. With a presumed clinical diagnosis of malignant skin tumor, a biopsy was performed. The histological examination revealed the unexpected diagnosis of pigmented inverted follicular keratosis.

The inverted follicular keratosis is an uncommon benign lesion that is usually diagnosed histologically rather than clinically. It commonly simulates other proliferative skin lesions.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Achenbach Ricardo
Published: November 2011

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Detection and Analysis of Proteins Modified by O‐Linked N‐Acetylglucosamine
Authors: Zachara Natasha E. , Vosseller Keith , Hart Gerald W.
Published: November 2011

O‐GlcNAc is a common post‐translational modification of nuclear, mitochondrial, and cytoplasmic proteins that is implicated in the etiology of type II diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, as well as cardioprotection. This unit covers simple and comprehensive techniques for identifying proteins modified by O‐GlcNAc, studying the enzymes that add and remove O‐GlcNAc, and mapping O‐GlcNAc modification sites. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 66:12.8.1‐12.8.33. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of Protein Ubiquitination
Authors: Laney Jeffrey D. , Hochstrasser Mark
Published: November 2011

Attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to a protein requires a series of enzymes that recognize the substrate and promote Ub transfer. Several methods are described in this unit for determining if a protein has Ub‐transferring activity. They include immunoblotting of immunoprecipitated proteins, affinity purification using His‐tagged Ub, assaying for auto‐ubiquitination of E3, and assaying ubiquitination of a model substrate protein in vitro and in E. coli cells that express Ub‐ligation enzymes. These methods are suitable for a variety of eukaryotic cells, but techniques are specifically described for use with yeast and mammalian cells. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 66:14.5.1‐14.5.13. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Crystallization of Macromolecules
Authors: Friedmann David , Messick Troy , Marmorstein Ronen
Published: November 2011

X‐ray crystallography has evolved into a very powerful tool to determine the three‐dimensional structure of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes. The major bottleneck in structure determination by X‐ray crystallography is the preparation of suitable crystalline samples. This unit outlines steps for the crystallization of a macromolecule, starting with a purified, homogeneous sample. The first protocols describe preparation of the macromolecular sample (i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, and macromolecular complexes). The preparation and assessment of crystallization trials is then described, along with a protocol for confirming whether the crystals obtained are composed of macromolecule as opposed to a crystallization reagent. Next, the optimization of crystallization conditions is presented. Finally, protocols that facilitate the growth of larger crystals through seeding are described. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 66:17.4.1‐17.4.26. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Safe Use of Hazardous Chemicals
Authors: Lunn George , Lawler Gretchen
Published: November 2011

This unit provides protocols for some commonly used disposal and decontamination procedures along with analytical techniques that are used to verify that reagents have been decontaminated. Some of the specific reagents covered are diaminobenzidine, ethidium bromide, cyanogen bromide, and chloromethylsilane. With modification, these assays may also be used to determine the concentration of a particular chemical. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 23:1A.3.1‐1A.3.36. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Methods for Analysis of Bacterial Autoinducer‐2 Production
Authors: Taga Michiko E. , Xavier Karina B.
Published: November 2011

Quorum sensing is a cell‐cell signaling process that many bacteria use to regulate gene expression as a function of the density of the population. This phenomenon involves the production, release, and response to small chemical molecules termed autoinducers. Most autoinducers are species‐specific; however, one autoinducer called autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) is produced and detected by many species of bacteria and thus can foster inter‐species communication. This unit describes two assays to detect and quantify AI‐2 from biological samples. The first uses a bacterial reporter strain, which produces bioluminescence in response to AI‐2. The second is an in vitro assay based on a modified version of an AI‐2 receptor fused to a cyan fluorescent protein and a yellow fluorescent protein. Binding of AI‐2 to this fusion protein induces a dose‐dependent decrease in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), enabling quantification of the AI‐2 concentration in the samples. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 23:1C.1.1‐1C.1.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Manipulation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Dillard Joseph P.
Published: November 2011

The sexually transmitted pathogen, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, undergoes natural transformation at high frequency. This property has led to the rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance markers and to the panmictic structure of the gonococcal population. However, high‐frequency transformation also makes N. gonorrhoeae one of the easiest bacterial species to manipulate genetically in the laboratory. Techniques have been developed that result in transformation frequencies >50%, allowing the identification of mutants by screening and without selection. Constructs have been created to take advantage of this high‐frequency transformation, facilitating genetic mutation, complementation, and heterologous gene expression. Techniques are described for genetic manipulation of N. gonorrhoeae, as well as for growth of this fastidious organism. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 23:4A.2.1‐4A.2.24. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)—Bentonite clay nanocomposite films in relation to polymer–clay interactions
Authors: Sapalidis A. A. , Katsaros F. K. , Steriotis Th. A. , Kanellopoulos N. K.
Published: November 2011

This study describes an effective way for the preparation of well‐dispersed, high‐loaded PVA/bentonite nanocomposites with improved properties, based on nanoscale interactions. To this end, a series of Poly(vinyl alcohol)—bentonite clay nanocomposites have been prepared via solvent casting technique and their properties were thoroughly investigated by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐Ray diffraction, oxygen and water permeability, water sorption along with mechanical and thermal studies. Microscopic and XRD techniques revealed highly organized regions. Clay content up to 10% led to nanocomposites with high degree of exfoliation. In addition samples with increased filler content (20%) demonstrated also, apart from the delaminated, well‐organized intercalated regions. The nanocomposites exhibited increased mechanical, thermal and gas barrier properties, though they retained their optical clarity. Thus, the Young's modulus of the sample containing 20% clay was increased by 193 times, while the oxygen permeability was decreased about seven times, in regard to the corresponding values of the neat polymer. The obtained results were explored on the basis of nanoscale phenomena and it was concluded that the organized structures and intercalated regions observed on highly loaded samples are attributed to the competitive effect between weaker polymer–polymer interactions in relation to stronger polymer–clay ones. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The plasticizer‐assisted formation of a percolating multiwalled carbon nanotube network in biodegradable poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Zou Shufen , Na Bing , Lv Ruihua , Pan Huayan
Published: November 2011

A plasticizer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), was used to disperse multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in biodegradable poly(L‐lactide) during one‐step melt mixing. Incorporation of PEG significantly promotes the formation of a percolating MWCNT network in the plasticized composites, as revealed by rheological measurements and morphological observations. It, in turn, results in the retarded glass transition and cold crystallization behaviors in these plasticized composites as a result of constrained chain relaxation. It is believed that noncovalent wrapping of MWCNTs by PEG is responsible for the improved affinity between MWCNTs and the poly(L‐lactide) matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The diacetone acrylamide crosslinking reaction and its control of core‐shell polyacrylate latices at ambient temperature
Authors: Zhang Xinya , Liu Yanhong , Huang Hong , Li Yongjin , Chen Huanqin
Published: November 2011

Self crosslinkable core‐shell polyacrylate latices (PAs) cured at ambient temperature were synthesized by semicontinuous‐seeded emulsion polymerization with diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) and adipic dihydrazide (ADH) as crosslinkable monomers. The influences of DAAM monomer mass content, neutralizer, and curing temperature on the properties of self crosslinkable core‐shell latices and the keto‐hydrazide crosslinking were discussed. The spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle instruments were used to determine the structure and properties of PAs. The water evaporating rate during the film‐forming process of self crosslinkable core‐shell latices was also investigated. FTIR analyses demonstrate that the keto‐hydrazide crosslinking reaction does not occur in the latex environment but occurs at ambient temperature with the evaporation of water during the film‐forming process. The results of DSC show that the core‐shell crosslinkable PAs have two glass transition temperatures (Tg), and Tgs of crosslinked film are higher than that of non crosslinked fim. Moreover, the keto‐hydrazide reaction is found to be acid catalyzed and favored by the loss of water and the simultaneous decrease in pH arising from the evaporation of ammonia or amines during film‐forming process. Hence, in the volatile ammonia or amines neutralized latices, the latex pH value adjusted to 7–8, which not only ensure the crosslinkable latex with good storage stability but also obtain a coating film with excellent performances by introducing the keto‐hydrazine crosslinking reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Solid state NMR analysis of poly(L‐lactide) random copolymer with poly(ε‐caprolactone) and its reactive extrusion process
Authors: Nishida Masakazu , Nishimura Yoshiro , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Oonishi Miyoko , Kanematsu Wataru
Published: November 2011

A random copolymer based on poly(L‐lactide) (PLA) with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was prepared and characterized by mechanical testing and solid state NMR, compared with a polymer blend. For a monofilament sample consisting of PLA/PCL random copolymer, there were negative correlations between the CL content and the mechanical properties: tensile strength, tensile elastic modulus, flexural rigidity, and flexural hysteresis decreased with increasing CL content. In contrast, the mechanical properties of the polymer blend were only slightly changed by addition of the CL unit. For the random copolymer, the addition of a small amount of CL reduced relaxation times, T1C and T1ρH, gradually. The T1C and T1ρH values correlated closely with the tensile elastic modulus and the tensile strength, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A study on effect of different reaction conditions on grafting of psyllium and acrylic acid‐based hydrogels
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Kaith B. S. , Mittal Hemant
Published: November 2011

In this study, Psyllium and acrylic acid based polymeric networks were synthesized under different reaction conditions such as in‐air, in‐vacuum, and under the influence of γ‐radiations using potassium persulphate (KPS)‐ hexamethylene tetramine (HMTA) as an initiator‐crosslinker system. Initially, optimization of varied reaction parameters was performed under all the different reaction conditions. The synthesized networks were then characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA/DTA, and XRD techniques. It has been found that the percent grafting varies with varying reaction conditions with maximum grafting (138 ± 1.15%) reported in case of synthesis carried‐out in‐vacuum followed by the synthesis in‐air (125 ± 1.00%) and then in case of synthesis under the influence of γ‐radiations (124 ± 1.15%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A new way to construct luminescent functionalized polysiloxane based on ternary lanthanide complexes of 1, 10‐phenanthroline
Authors: Lu Haifeng , Liu Lei , Feng Shengyu
Published: November 2011

A kind of polysiloxane with ester group as the functional side chain was prepared via hydrosilylation reaction in this article. Then the functionalized polysiloxane was submitted to complex with 1, 10‐phenanthroline and lanthanide ions (Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions, respectively) to obtain two luminescent functionalized polysiloxanes. The molecular energy transfer process takes place within these systems in terms of sensitized functions of 1, 10‐phenanthroline. Narrow‐width green and red emissions were achieved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Epoxy toughening using low viscosity liquid diglycidyl ether of ethoxylated bisphenol‐A
Authors: Yang Xin , Huang Wei , Yu Yunzhao
Published: November 2011

Two new epoxy resins, diglycidyl ether of ethoxylated bisphenol‐A (BPA) with two and six oxyethylene units (DGEBAEO‐2 and DGEBAEO‐6) were synthesized and characterized. DGEBAEO‐6 was used to toughen the conventional epoxy resin diglycidyl ether of BPA (DGEBA). The blends of DGEBA with different amounts of DGEBAEO‐6 were cured by 4,4′‐diamino diphenylmethane (DDM), and their thermal and mechanical properties were examined. The DSC and DMA results presented that DGEBA/DGEBAEO‐6 blends exhibited a homogenous phase, and the glass transition temperature of the blends was inversely proportional to the content of DGEBAEO‐6. The impact strength of the cured blends was directly proportional to the content of DGEBAEO‐6, and reached five times higher than that of the neat DGEBA when 50 wt % DGEBAEO‐6 was used; the same impact strength was achieved for DDM‐cured DGEBAEO‐2. The viscosities of the blends decreased with increasing the DGEBAEO‐6 content, whereas the tensile and flexural strength and the thermal stabilities were not obviously affected. Scanning electron microscopic results confirmed that the plastic deformation inducing by the incorporated flexible oxyethylene units was responsible for the toughness improvement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide) (PCL/PLCL) blend filament by melt spinning
Authors: Gupta Bhuvanesh , Geeta  , Ray Alok R.
Published: November 2011

Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide) (PCL/PLCL) blend filaments with various ratios of PCL and PLCL were prepared by melt spinning. The effect of PLCL content on the physical properties of the blended filament was investigated. The melt spinning of the blend was carried out and the as spun filament was subsequently subjected to drawing and heat setting process. The addition of PLCL caused significant changes in the mechanical properties of the filaments. Crystallinity of blend decreased with the addition of PLCL as observed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the fracture surface becomes rougher at higher PLCL content. It may be proposed that PCL and PLCL show limited interaction within the blend matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Morphological Correlates of the Grooming Claw in Distal Phalanges of Platyrrhines and Other Primates: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Maiolino Stephanie , Boyer Doug M. , Rosenberger Alfred
Published: November 2011

Grooming claws are present on the second pedal digits of strepsirhines and on the second and third pedal digits of tarsiers. However, their presence in New World monkeys is often overlooked. As such, the absence of a grooming claw is generally considered an anthropoid synapomorphy. This study utilizes a quantitative multivariate analysis to define grooming claw morphology and document its presence in platyrrhine monkeys. Our results show that owl monkeys possess grooming claws similar to those of strepsirhines, while titi monkeys possess grooming claw‐like morphology. Therefore, we conclude that anthropoids are not clearly united by the absence of a grooming claw. Furthermore, due to their presence in three major primate clades, we infer that it is likely that a grooming claw was present on the second pedal digit of the ancestor of living primates. Therefore, we advise the reassessment of fossil adapids in light of the anatomical correlates described here. This should increase resolution on the homology and polarity of grooming claw morphology, and, therefore, will help provide a sharper picture of primate evolution. Anat Rec, , 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paleodiet of Extinct Platyrrhines With Emphasis on the Caribbean Forms: Three‐Dimensional Geometric Morphometrics of Mandibular Second Molars
Authors: Cooke Siobhán B.
Published: November 2011

A three‐dimensional geometric morphometric approach was employed to examine shape variation in laser‐scan generated models of lower second molars and its relationship to diet in a sample of 9 extant and 16 extinct platyrrhine genera. Principal component analysis of twenty‐three x,y,z landmarks describing the occlusal table and sidewalls showed that dental relief was the main contributing factor to variation along the first axis. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) of PC 1 scores and centroid size accurately classified extant platyrrhines according to dietary preference; however, without centroid size, the DFA was less successful. Within this framework, most of the fossil platyrrhines, including specimens from Patagonia, Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean, were predicted to have had a frugivorous diet, but several taxa were classified as having a frugivorous/insectivorous diet, the middle Miocene Neosaimiri, Patasola, and Laventiana, all from La Venta. Alouattins, including the La Ventan Stirtonia and the Cuban Paralouatta, showed variable classification as either frugivores or folivore/frugivores. Xenothrix, from Jamaica, was classified either as a frugivore or frugivore/omnivore. Dietary profiles across different extinct platyrrhine communities are compared and discussed in a paleoecological context. Anat Rec, , 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral and Ecological Consequences of Sex‐Based Differences in Gustatory Anatomy in Cebus apella
Authors: Muchlinski Magdalena N. , Docherty Beth A. , Alport Laura J. , Burrows Anne M. , Smith Timothy D. , Paesani Sylvia M
Published: November 2011

Fungiform papillae (FPs) are the only gustatory structures on the anterior tongue. Taste buds (TBs), which are located in FPs, house taste receptors. Each TB has a taste pore (TP) by which tastants are transmitted. In humans, FP and TB densities correlate with taste sensitivity and food preferences. Females have higher FP densities than males in Homo, Pan, and Cebus. Homo, Pan, and Cebus also have larger brains, slower ontogenetic development, and higher maternal investment in offspring compared to most primates. An increase in maternal investment places intense pressure on females to 1) obtain high‐quality foods, and 2) detect potential toxins at low levels. This study examines sex differences in FPs and TPs (a TB surrogate) in 11 Cebus apella to test the hypothesis that higher FP density in females may be an adaptation specific to reproductive strategies of females. Tongues were imaged using an environmental scanning electron microscope; from these images FP surface area, FP density, TP count, and TP densities were calculated. We found that there were no significant differences between males and females in the number of TPs per FP. However, we did find that females do have larger FP surface areas and higher FP densities than males. The anatomical evidence indicates that females may have greater taste sensitivity than males because females have more FP than males. Future research on food preference and selection in Cebus is expected to show sex‐specific behaviors similar to those observed in Homo and Pan. Anat Rec,, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Locomotor Diversification in New World Monkeys: Running, Climbing, or Clawing Along Evolutionary Branches
Authors: Youlatos Dionisios , Meldrum Jeff
Published: November 2011

Modern platyrrhines exhibit a remarkable diversity of locomotor and postural adaptations, which evolved along multiple trajectories since the initial immigration to the island continent of South America. We trace this diversification by reviewing the available paleontological and neontological data for postcranial morphology and ecological adaptation. Fossil platyrrhines are notably diverse, from the Oligocene Branisella, to the varied Patagonian early Miocene quadurpedal‐leaping and quadrupedal‐climbing fossils of disputed affinities, on through the rich middle Miocene Colombian quadurpedal‐leaping forms. More recent taxa exhibit even more derived positional patterns, from the largest suspensory atelids in Pleistocene Brazil, to the remarkable Antillean radiation with suspensory forms and also semiterrestrial species, with postcranial morphology convergent on some Old World monkeys. Field studies of positional behavior of modern platyrrhines set the framework for a spectrum of locomotor adaptations. Central within this spectrum is a cluster of medium‐sized species with generalized locomotion (quadrupedal‐leaping). At opposite poles lie the more derived conditions: large‐bodied species exhibiting locomotor specializations for climbing‐suspension; small‐bodied species exhibiting adaptations for claw climbing and leaping. This behavior‐based spectrum of locomotor diversification is similarly evident in a morphology‐based pattern, that is, that produced by the shape of the talus. The implications of the record of platyrrhine postcranial evolution for the competing hypotheses of platyrrhine phylogenetic patterns, the “long lineage hypothesis” and the “stem platyrrhine hypothesis,” are considered. Anat Rec, , 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The characteristics and motivations of health answerers for sharing information, knowledge, and experiences in online environments
Authors: Oh Sanghee
Published: November 2011

In Web 2.0 environments, people commonly share their knowledge and personal experiences with others, but little is known about their background characteristics and motivations. Thus, the current study examines some of the characteristics and motivations common among answerers, who produce health‐related answers to questions asked by anonymous others in a social Q&A site, Yahoo! Answers. An online survey questionnaire was distributed to top and recent answerers to investigate their demographics, areas of health expertise, and other characteristics related to answering behaviors online. Also, 10 motivation factors are proposed and tested in the survey:enjoyment, efficacy, learning,personal gain, altruism, community interest, social engagement, empathy, reputation, andreciprocity. Findings show thataltruismis the most influential motivation, whilepersonal gainis the least.Enjoymentandefficacyare more influential than other social motivations, such asreputationorreciprocity, although there are some variations across different groups of answerers. Motivational factors among top answerers or health experts are further analyzed. The findings of this study have practical implications for promoting health answerers to share knowledge and experiences in social contexts. Furthermore, the study design of the current study can be used to examine motivations of answerers in other topic areas as well as other social contexts.
Sensitivity of NWP model skill to the obliquity of the GPS radio occultation soundings
Authors: Cucurull Lidia
Published: November 2011

The impact of accounting for the drift of the tangent point of the global positioning system radio occultation (GPS RO) profiles within a data assimilation system has been investigated. The GPS RO processing centers provide geographic coordinates for each retrieved value within a profile, as well as profile‐representative coordinates. Instead of assimilating each retrieved value with its corresponding latitude and longitude, several numerical weather prediction (NWP) centers have alternatively been using the profile‐representative horizontal coordinates. This study shows that this simplification of the geometry of the GPS RO data should be avoided when possible in order to get optimal results in terms of NWP forecast skill. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Biennial variability in aerosol optical depth associated with QBO modulated tropical tropopause
Authors: Abish B. , Mohanakumar K.
Published: November 2011

The role of quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in determining the distribution of atmospheric aerosols over the north Indian region has been investigated. The results reveal that aerosol optical depth (AOD) undergoes a biennial variability in response to positive and negative phases of QBO. Large aerosol loading occurring in the pre‐monsoon season during westerly phase (positive phase) of QBO is concurrent with a quasi‐horizontal advection, diffusion and gravitational sedimentation. Further analysis of tropopause anomalies confirm that warming (cooling) of the tropical tropopause during the positive (negative) phase of QBO is accompanied by an increase (decrease) in AOD over the study region. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Female gender and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: Results from a large registry
Authors: Kovacic Jason C. , Mehran Roxana , Karajgikar Rucha , Baber Usman , Suleman Javed , Kim Michael C. , Krishnan Prakash , Dangas George , Sharma Samin K. , Kini Annapoorna
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To investigate if previously reported gender‐based outcome disparities following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are applicable in a large and racially‐diverse cohort in the drug eluting stent (DES) era. Background: It is generally believed that women suffer inferior outcomes compared to men after PCI. However, various strategies have evolved that may have mitigated this imbalance, including improved medical therapy, attention to risk‐factors, and procedural advances of PCI including DES. Methods: We identified 13,752 patients (4,761 female, 34.6%) with complete follow‐up data who underwent de novo lesion PCI from 04/2003 to 04/2009. Relevant data were extracted from an IRB‐approved registry. Results: Compared to males, females were significantly older (69.0 vs. 64.8 years) and more frequently from a minority or non‐Caucasian background. Females smoked less, but more were hypertensive and/or diabetic. Women had higher HDL, but also higher LDL cholesterol levels. More women presented with an unstable coronary syndrome and required left anterior descending artery PCI. While unadjusted post‐PCI mortality rates were higher in females versus males (30 days, 1.3 vs. 0.8%, P = 0.009; 1 year, 6.1 vs. 4.8%, P = 0.001; 3 year, 10.4 vs. 8.4%, P < 0.0001), multivariable regression analyses failed to identify female gender as an independent predictor of mortality. Propensity‐adjusted modeling confirmed that females were not at intrinsically higher risk for mortality after PCI. Conclusions: Females undergoing PCI exhibit more comorbidities and adverse prognostic factors than males. However, risk‐adjusted analyses identified that gender is not an independent predictor of mortality after PCI in the DES era. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized double‐blind phase 2 trial of 3 doses of TAS‐108 in patients with advanced or metastatic postmenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Buzdar Aman , Vogel Charles , Schwartzberg Lee , Garin August , Perez Alejandra , Ingle James , Houghton Michele , Zergebel Christopher , Kimball Bill
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to evaluate 3 different doses of (7α)‐21‐(4‐[(diethylamino)methyl]‐2 methoxyphenoxy)‐7 methyl‐19 norpregna‐1,3,5(10)‐trien‐3‐ol 2‐hydroxy‐1,2,3‐propanetricarboxylate (TAS‐108) in patients with recurrent, hormone‐responsive breast cancer.

METHODS:

In this randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study, TAS‐108 was administered daily at a dose of 40 mg, 80 mg, or 120 mg to postmenopausal patients with locally advanced, or inoperable, or metastatic hormone‐receptor positive breast cancer. The primary efficacy outcome was clinical benefit (CB), defined as the total number of patients who achieved a complete response, a partial response, or stable disease for ≥24 weeks. The study was a 2‐stage design in which 19 patients per dose group were planned in the first stage. If at least 3 patients in any dose group achieved a CB, then that dose group was to be allowed to continue enrolling for the second stage, and the group could include up to a total of 60 patients.

RESULTS:

The 40‐mg and 80‐mg groups met the criterion and enrolled patients into the second stage. In the 40‐mg group, there were 13 CB events in 60 patients (21.7%); and, in the 80‐mg group, there were 12 CB events in 60 patients (20%). The 120‐mg daily dose was stopped early, because it failed to achieve the criterion. For the 40‐mg and 80‐mg groups, the median time to progression was 15.0 weeks and 15.9 weeks, respectively. Only 1 drug‐related serious adverse event (grade 3 hyperglycemia) was reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

TAS‐108 at 40 mg and 80 mg daily demonstrated clinical activity with an encouraging duration of benefit. Because of its superior safety profile, TAS‐108 40 mg daily is recommended for further development. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Comparison of doxorubicin and weekly paclitaxel efficacy in metastatic angiosarcomas
Authors: Italiano Antoine , Cioffi Angela , Penel Nicolas , Levra Matteo Giaj , Delcambre Corinne , Kalbacher Elsa , Chevreau Christine , Bertucci François , Isambert Nicolas , Blay Jean‐Yves , Bui Binh , Antonescu Cristina , D'Adamo David R. , Maki Robert G. , Keohan Mary Louise
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

Data regarding the role of anthracyclines and taxanes as first‐line treatments of metastatic angiosarcoma are limited.

METHODS:

Records of 117 metastatic angiosarcoma patients who were treated with either doxorubicin or weekly paclitaxel were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Seventy‐five patients (64%) were treated with weekly paclitaxel and 42 (36%) with single‐agent doxorubicin. Patients in the weekly paclitaxel group were older and more frequently had angiosarcomas arising from the skin. In the doxorubicin group, 34 patients were evaluable for response: 2 (6%) had complete response, 8 (23.5%) had partial response, 10 (29.5%) had stable disease, and 14 (41%) had progressive disease. In the weekly paclitaxel group, 68 patients were evaluable for response: 9 (13%) had complete response, 27 (40%) had partial response, 20 (29.5%) had stable disease, and 12 (17.5%) had progressive disease. Objective responses to weekly paclitaxel were more frequent in cutaneous angiosarcomas, whereas tumor location did not impact response to doxorubicin. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 4.9 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.9‐6.0 months). Median overall survival (OS) was 8.5 months (95% CI, 6.4‐10.7 months). On multivariate analysis, ECOG performance status (PS) was the sole independent factor associated with PFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS:

First‐line single‐agent doxorubicin and weekly paclitaxel seem to have similar efficacy in metastatic angiosarcomas. Cutaneous angiosarcomas respond favorably to weekly paclitaxel. Best supportive care should be considered in patients with poor PS. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Role of ancillary studies in fine‐needle aspiration from selected tumors
Authors: Schmitt Fernando , Barroca Helena
Published: November 2011

The routine use of ancillary studies is reshaping the practice of cytopathology. Currently, most cytopathologists recognize the importance of immunocytochemistry and molecular techniques as adjuncts to morphology to achieve a precise diagnosis. Cytopathologists also are expected to include specific prognostic and predictive information in their reports. The objective of this review was to address the use of immunocytochemistry and molecular techniques to refine the preoperative diagnosis and classification of lung cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and soft tissue tumors. Fine‐needle aspiration also offers a suitable alternative to biopsy in a variety of clinical settings, in particular, when it may be useful to obtain material to study prognostic and predictive markers. This is particularly relevant to obtain material from metastatic sites. The study of KRAS in colon cancer, CKIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and epidermal growth factor receptor mutational status in lung cancer also are addressed particularly in this report. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma a series of five cytologic cases with literature review and emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Qian Xiaohua , Hornick Jason L. , Cibas Edmund S. , Cin Paola Dal , Domanski Henryk A.
Published: November 2011

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is an uncommon and mostly indolent soft tissue neoplasm, which usually occurs in the subcutaneous tissue of the extremities in children and young adults. Although the histologic features of AFH are well established, reports of its cytomorphology are very limited. This report characterizes the cytomorphologic features of five cases of AFH, with correlation to clinical, histology, and cytogenetic findings.

Smears of fine needle aspiration (FNA; four cases) and intraoperative scrape (one case) were reviewed from five patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of AFH. A review of six previously reported AFH cases with cytomorphology was also performed.

The tumor presented as a cystic, deep dermal mass in three pediatric cases and as a solid, deeply seated mass in two adults. The cytomorphologic features are mostly nondistinctive and include cellular smears with ovoid to spindled histiocytoid cells that may be isolated or in clusters. Some of these cells are atypical and others contain hemosiderin. Large cellular clusters with a capillary structure and a whorled arrangement of tumor cells can be appreciated in some cases. There is always a bloody background, but a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate is uncommon. The presences of EWSR1 rearrangement in one case and three copies of FUS gene in another case were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Diagnosing AFH by FNA cytology alone can be challenging because of its rarity and usually nonspecific cytologic findings. Clinical correlation and ancillary studies are essential to reach a specific diagnosis of AFH in small needle biopsies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships between surface-bound and internalized copper and cadmium and toxicity in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Stoiber Tasha L. , Shafer Martin M. , Armstrong David E.
Published: November 2011

In the present study, the adsorption and uptake of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were examined to establish fundamental toxicity relationships to glutathione and cell-growth endpoints. Establishing these fundamental relationships of metal accumulation and toxicity metrics is necessary to subsequently implement an algal biotic ligand model. The glutathione response was similar to the response measured from growth endpoints for both internal and adsorbed Cu, indicating that glutathione may be a useful biomarker of toxicity. The glutathione response with Cd contrasted markedly with that observed with Cu and was therefore observed to be a metal-specific biomarker. The density of sites binding metals and the related stability constants for the algal cell surface were also determined. Short exposures to metals (2 h) were conducted, and we determined 6.0 × 10−6 mol/g sites binding Cu and 2.0 × 10−6 mol/g sites binding Cd and conditional stability constants as log K′ = 7.2 and log K′ = 6.7 for Cu and Cd, respectively. Experiments were also conducted to determine the effect on toxicity endpoints of varying nitrate concentrations and different humic acids (HA) in the exposure media. Varying nitrate concentrations did not have an effect on cell growth over 24 h. The surface-adsorbed Cu measurements from the experiments with HA depended on the type and concentration of HA. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:324–335. © 2011 SETAC
Metabolism and distribution of p,p′-DDT during flight of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
Authors: Scollon Edward J. , Carr James A. , Rintoul David A. , McMurry Scott T. , Cobb George P.
Published: November 2011

This study evaluated the interactions of flight, fasting, and 1,1,1-trichloro-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p′-DDT) loading on residue metabolism and distribution in recently exposed white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Female sparrows were dosed with 5 mg p,p′-DDT per kg body weight over 3 d. Following 1 d of recovery, sparrows were flown in a wind tunnel for up to 140 min, in 15-min blocks. Food was withheld from the start of the flight period until birds were euthanized. DDT, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4 chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) were present in all tissues examined. 1-Chloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethene (DDµ), 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p′-DDη), and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol (p,p′-DDOH) were not found. Fasting did not significantly affect the rate of residue increase over time in any of the tissues examined. When sparrows flew and fasted simultaneously, fasting seldom contributed to an increase in tissue residues. However, the length of time flown was significantly correlated with increasing toxicant concentrations in the brain, kidney, and liver, effectively demonstrating the potential for brief flights to enhance mobilization of DDT and its metabolites. Dose, flight, and fasting also increased residues in brain tissue. These contaminant redistributions may have important ramifications on the stresses experienced by migratory birds. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:336–346. © 2011 SETAC
GSTP1 hypermethylation is associated with reduced protein expression, aggressive disease and prognosis in neuroblastoma
Authors: Gumy‐Pause Fabienne , Pardo Bruno , Khoshbeen‐Boudal Mary , Ansari Marc , Gayet‐Ageron Angèle , Sappino André‐Pascal , Attiyeh Edward F. , Ozsahin Hulya
Published: November 2011

Epigenetic modifications such as methylation of CpG islands in tumor‐suppressor gene promoter regions have been associated with tumor development in many human cancers. Using methylation specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification method, we analyzed the methylation status of 35 different genes in 16 neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines and 50 NB tumor samples (NBs), and investigated whether specific hypermethylation was associated with biological and/or clinical parameters. Among the genes found hypermethylated, the effect of GSTP1 hypermethylation on mRNA and protein expression was also explored. The median number of hypermethylated genes was higher in cell lines compared to NBs (5.5 vs. 2). For eight genes, aberrant methylation of CpG‐islands in NB was not (ESR1, PAX5, WT1, CADM1, MSH6, and CDKN2B) or very rarely (CDH13 and GSTP1) reported in literature. GSTP1 was found hypermethylated in 44% of the NB cell lines and in 33% of the stage 4‐11qLOH ‐non MYCN‐amplified high risk NBs. Hypermethylation was correlated with reduced mRNA and protein expression. In the whole NBs cohort, GSTP1 hypermethylation was less frequently detected (8%), but found to be associated with lower event‐free (EFS) and overall survival. Hypermethylation of GSTP1 showed also association with lower EFS in high risk subgroups as stage 4 and older patients (≥547 days). Our results suggest that, as in several adult cancers, aberrant methylation of GSTP1 may contribute to the carcinogenetic process in NB and could be potentially used as a new marker leading to define an ultra‐high risk subgroup. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of a bioactive tissue‐engineered sling in a rat of stress incontinence model
Authors: Kim In Gul , Piao Shuyu , Hong Sung Hoo , Kim Sae Woong , Hwang Tae Kon , Oh Se Heang , Lee Jin Ho , Lee Ji Youl
Published: November 2011

In this study, we attempt to examine the feasibility of the bioactive tissue‐engineered sling by using muscle precursor cells (MPCs)‐seeded Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber sheet in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In vitro, MPCs were cultured on a PCL nanofiber sheet for one week, where the MPCs‐seeded PCL nanofiber sheet showed constant twitching contraction by electrical field stimulation in an organ bath. In vivo, MPCs‐seeded PCL nanofiber sheet was placed under the female rat's urethra after pudendal nerve denervation (animal model of SUI). The leak point pressure (LPP) was evaluated with the vertical tilt table after the operation for four weeks. The resulting LPP of MPCs‐seeded PCL nanofiber sheet group was observed to be significantly higher than the denervation‐only group's. Furthermore, PKH‐26‐labeled MPCs were observed under the urethral sphincter by immunohistochemistry. These results indicated that, the MPCs‐seeded PCL nanofiber sheet have not only provided support for the deficient sphincter, but also actively improved the sphincter's function overall. In conclusion, this bioactive tissue‐engineered sling could be used as an ideal material for the treatment of SUI. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
MATCH: An atom‐typing toolset for molecular mechanics force fields
Authors: Yesselman Joseph D. , Price Daniel J. , Knight Jennifer L. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: November 2011

We introduce a toolset of program libraries collectively titled multipurpose atom‐typer for CHARMM (MATCH) for the automated assignment of atom types and force field parameters for molecular mechanics simulation of organic molecules. The toolset includes utilities for the conversion of multiple chemical structure file formats into a molecular graph. A general chemical pattern‐matching engine using this graph has been implemented whereby assignment of molecular mechanics atom types, charges, and force field parameters are achieved by comparison against a customizable list of chemical fragments. While initially designed to complement the CHARMM simulation package and force fields by generating the necessary input topology and atom‐type data files, MATCH can be expanded to any force field and program, and has core functionality that makes it extendable to other applications such as fragment‐based property prediction. In this work, we demonstrate the accurate construction of atomic parameters of molecules within each force field included in CHARMM36 through exhaustive cross validation studies illustrating that bond charge increment rules derived from one force field can be transferred to another. In addition, using leave‐one‐out substitution it is shown that it is also possible to substitute missing intra and intermolecular parameters with ones included in a force field to complete the parameterization of novel molecules. Finally, to demonstrate the robustness of MATCH and the coverage of chemical space offered by the recent CHARMM general force field (Vanommeslaeghe, et al., J Comput Chem 2010, 31, 671), one million molecules from the PubChem database of small molecules are typed, parameterized, and minimized. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Theoretical investigation on redox‐switchable second‐order nonlinear optical responses of push–pull Cp*CoEt2C2B4H3‐expanded (metallo)porphyrins
Authors: Ma Nana , Liu Chunguang , Qiu Yongqing , Sun Shiling , Su Zhongmin
Published: November 2011

The second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the Cp*Co(C2H5)2C2B4H3‐expanded (metallo)porphyrins (Cp* = C5Me5) have been investigated by using ab inito RHF and density functional theory (DFT) methods. The investigation shows that the compound with expand porphyrin possesses remarkable large molecular hyperpolarizability βtot value, ∼414.1 × 10−30 esu (at LC‐ωPBE level), and might be an excellent second‐order NLO material. From the character of charge transfer (CT) transition, it indicates that the −Cp*Co(C2H5)2C2B4H3 acts as an electron donor in this kind of systems. As a result of the redox behavior on expanded (metallo)porphyrin, the redox switching character of the NLO responses for the systems 2a–4a has also been studied. The results show that the βtot values of reduced forms are larger than that of neutral ones. Furthermore, the time‐dependent DFT calculation illustrates that reduced forms have a significant difference on the CT patterns versus neutral ones. The present investigation provides insight into the comparison with DFT results on estimating first hyperpolarizability and the NLO properties of the series of push–pull compounds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Mechanism for the reaction of 2‐naphthol with N‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐hydrazine suggested by the density functional theory investigations
Authors: Gao Jie Ying , Zhang Cheng Hua , Luo Mei Ming , Kim Chan Kyung , Chu Wei , Xue Ying
Published: November 2011

For the first time the computed mechanisms for the novel reaction of 2‐naphthol with N‐methyl‐N‐phenylhydrazine, leading to 1‐amino‐2‐naphthol (Tang et al., J Am Chem Soc 2008, 130, 5840), have been investigated using the density functional theory. Four distinct possible pathways were evaluated: two amination mechanisms with the attack of NH2 group respectively at the α‐position C1 and β‐position C3 atoms of 2‐naphthol (pathways 1 and 2) as well as two rearrangement processes with displacement of the phenolic hydroxyl group followed by the benzidine‐like rearrangement at the α‐position C1 and β‐position C3 atoms of 2‐naphthol, respectively (pathways 3 and 4). Solvent effect has been tested based on the optimized geometries of the stationary points in solution at the B3LYP/PCM/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory with an averaged dielectric constant of binary solvent. Single‐point energies of the optimized structures have been calculated using three hybrid density functionals, B3LYP, MPW3LYP, and B3PW91 with the 6‐311++G(3df,2p) basis set. Our computed results clearly manifest that pathway 1 (α‐amination) has the highest possibility to occur, with the Gibbs free energies being lower by 6 to 20 kcal/mol compared with the other three pathways, which leads to 1‐amino‐2‐naphthol and N‐methylaniline as products. It is in excellent agreement with the experimental observation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011