bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O Direito frente à incerteza: um olhar sobre os avanços biotecnológicos à luz do Biodireito e da teoria da complexidade de Edgar Morin
Authors: Maders Angelita Maria
Published: June 2011

Diversas mudanças ocorreram na sociedade mundial nas últimas décadas, muitas delas decorrentes dos avanços biotecnológicos e das certezas oriundas do conhecimento científico. Tais certezas, no entanto, são questionadas quando consideradas verdades absolutas, inclusive por Edgar Morin, já que carregam em si a factibilidade do erro e da ilusão, além da complexidade. O aumento da complexidade das relações, assim como os conflitos delas oriundos ensejam a crescente busca progressiva de uma solução. Nesse contexto, surge o Biodireito como uma resposta condizente à complexidade dos problemas bioéticos.
Palavras-chave: Biodireito; Complexidade; Conhecimento; Incerteza.
Au@Hg Nanoalloy Formation Through Direct Amalgamation: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Computational Evidence for Slow Nanoscale Diffusion
Authors: Mertens Stijn F. L. , Gara Matthew , Sologubenko Alla S. , Mayer Joachim , Szidat Sönke , Krämer Karl W. , Jacob Timo , Schiffrin David J. , Wandlowski Thomas
Published: July 2011

Dynamic core–shell nanoparticles have received increasing attention in recent years. This paper presents a detailed study of Au–Hg nanoalloys, whose composing elements show a large difference in cohesive energy. A simple method to prepare Au@Hg particles with precise control over the composition up to 15 atom% mercury is introduced, based on reacting a citrate stabilized gold sol with elemental mercury. Transmission electron microscopy shows an increase of particle size with increasing mercury content and, together with X‐ray powder diffraction, points towards the presence of a core–shell structure with a gold core surrounded by an Au–Hg solid solution layer. The amalgamation process is described by pseudo‐zero‐order reaction kinetics, which indicates slow dissolution of mercury in water as the rate determining step, followed by fast scavenging by nanoparticles in solution. Once adsorbed at the surface, slow diffusion of Hg into the particle lattice occurs, to a depth of ca. 3 nm, independent of Hg concentration. Discrete dipole approximation calculations relate the UV–vis spectra to the microscopic details of the nanoalloy structure. Segregation energies and metal distribution in the nanoalloys were modeled by density functional theory calculations. The results indicate slow metal interdiffusion at the nanoscale, which has important implications for synthetic methods aimed at core–shell particles.
Alternating Copolymers of Cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene and Thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione for High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Zhao , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Du Xiaomei , Scoles Ludmila , Robertson Gilles , Zhang Yanguang , Toll Floyd , Tao Ye , Lu Jianping , Ding Jianfu
Published: July 2011

A series of alternating copolymers of cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene (CPDT) and thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) have been prepared and characterized for polymer solar cell (PSC) applications. Different alkyl side chains, including butyl (Bu), hexyl (He), octyl (Oc), and 2‐ethylhexyl (EH), are introduced to the TPD unit in order to adjust the packing of the polymer chain in the solid state, while the hexyl side chain on the CPDT unit remains unchanged to simplify discussion. The polymers in this series have a simple main chain structure and can be synthesized easily, have a narrow band gap and a broad light absorption. The different alkyl chains on the TPD unit not only significantly influence the solubility and chain packing, but also fine tune the energy levels of the polymers. The polymers with Oc or EH group have lower HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy levels, resulting higher open circuit voltages (Voc) of the PSC devices. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 5.5% and 6.4% are obtained from the devices of the Oc substituted polymer (PCPDTTPD‐Oc) with PC61BM and PC71BM, respectively. This side chain effect on the PSC performance is related to the formation of a fine bulk heterojunction structure of polymer and PCBM domains, as observed with atomic force microscopy.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyclic Thioureas via Mannich Reaction and Concise Synthesis of Highly Optically Active Methylthioimidazolines: Discovery of a More Potent Antipyretic Agent
Authors: Jiang Xianxing , Wang Yiqing , Zhang Gen , Fu Dan , Zhang Futing , Kai Ming , Wang Rui
Published: June 2011

Drug lead synthesis by the rapid construction of chiral molecular complexity around the biologically relevant framework using a highly efficient strategy is a key goal of organic synthesis. Herein, a highly efficient and convenient strategy that allows the rapid synthesis of highly optically active methylthioimidazolines through the novel rosin‐derived thiourea‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of cyclic thioureas with high levels of enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity (up to 99% ee, and 20:1 dr) via Mannich reaction is described fior the first time. Several of the new methylthioimidazolines showed extremely promising antipyretic activity in the development of neuroinflammation through preliminary biological studies. Additionally, to gain a better understanding of the structural stability‐activity relationships, explicit molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in water at room temperature and at body temperature were investigated.
A CFD‐PBM‐PMLM integrated model for the gas–solid flow fields in fluidized bed polymerization reactors
Authors: Yan Wei‐Cheng , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Lu Ying‐Hua , Chen Xiao‐Dong
Published: June 2011

Although the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model coupled with population balance (CFD‐PBM) is becoming a common approach for simulating gas–solid flows in polydisperse fluidized bed polymerization reactors, a number of issues still remain. One major issue is the absence of modeling the growth of a single polymeric particle. In this work a polymeric multilayer model (PMLM) was applied to describe the growth of a single particle under the intraparticle transfer limitations. The PMLM was solved together with a PBM (i.e. PBM‐PMLM) to predict the dynamic evolution of particle size distribution (PSD). In addition, a CFD model based on the Eulerian‐Eulerian two‐fluid model, coupled with PBM‐PMLM (CFD‐PBM‐PMLM), has been implemented to describe the gas–solid flow field in fluidized bed polymerization reactors. The CFD‐PBM‐PMLM model has been validated by comparing simulation results with some classical experimental data. Five cases including fluid dynamics coupled purely continuous PSD, pure particle growth, pure particle aggregation, pure particle breakage, and flow dynamics coupled with all the above factors were carried out to examine the model. The results showed that the CFD‐PBM‐PMLM model describes well the behavior of the gas–solid flow fields in polydisperse fluidized bed polymerization reactors. The results also showed that the intraparticle mass transfer limitation is an important factor in affecting the reactor flow fields. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1717–1732, 2012
New antimicrobial agents: The synthesis of Schiff base polymers containing transition metals and their characterization and applications
Authors: Nishat Nahid , Rasool Raza , Parveen Shadma , Khan Shamim Ahmad
Published: June 2011

A new polymeric Schiff base containing formaldehyde and 2‐thiobarbituric acid moieties was synthesized by the condensation of a monomeric Schiff base derived from 2‐hydroxyacetophenone and hydrazine. Polymer–metal complexes were also synthesized by the reaction of the polymeric Schiff base with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) acetate. The polymeric Schiff base and its polymer–metal complexes were characterized with magnetic moment measurements, elemental analyses, and spectral techniques (infrared, 1H‐NMR, and ultraviolet–visible). The thermal behaviors of these coordination polymers were studied by thermogravimetric analysis in a nitrogen atmosphere up to 800°C. The thermal data revealed that all of the polymer–metal complexes showed higher thermal stabilities than the polymeric Schiff base and also ascribed that the Cu(II) polymer–metal complex showed better heat resistant properties than the other polymer–metal complexes. The antimicrobial activity was screened with the agar well diffusion method against various selected microorganisms, and all of the polymer–metal complexes showed good antimicrobial activity. Among all of the complexes, the antimicrobial activity of the Cu(II) polymer–metal complex showed the highest zone of inhibition because of its higher stability constant and may be used in biomedical applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Correlation of Arrhenius parameters for UHMWPE synthesis with ethylene solubility characteristics in different polymerization media
Authors: Kishor Rupak , Padmanabhan Sudhakar , R Sarma Krishna , Patel Viral , Sharma Shashikant , Parikh Parimal A.
Published: June 2011

The effect of different polymerization media like n‐hexane, cyclohexane, isooctane, n‐decane, toluene, varsol, and light normal paraffin (LNP) on the kinetics of the slurry polymerization of ethylene using a highly active Ziegler Natta (ZN) catalyst for synthesizing UHMWPE was studied. Attempts have been made to determine the solubility of ethylene in the above polymerization media in a very basic manner and to correlate same with the process activation energy based on the Arrhenius plots. The ethylene solubility seemed to depend on the number of carbon atoms in the media, besides other parameters like geometry, dipole moment, etc. It is obvious and well understood that the monomer (ethylene) concentration has a direct bearing on the polymerization kinetics, which influenced the activation energy (Ea) besides other parameters like catalyst/cocatalyst concentration, temperature, etc which were kept constant during the study. The role of the catalyst system in controlling the activation energy was also further exemplified by employing a different ZN catalyst system wherein higher activation energy was observed. This was ascribed to restricted activation pathways for the catalyst under the comparable experimental conditions employed. As soon as better activation pathways for the catalyst were enabled the activation energy dropped down remarkably. The Ea for the synthesis of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) using traditional MgCl2 supported Ti catalyst was found to be 5–12 kcal/mol which compared well with the values obtained by other researchers using other similar catalyst systems for different ethylene polymerization processes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Metformin Induces G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhao Li , Wen Zhi‐Hua , Jia Chun‐Hong , Li Ming , Luo Shen‐Qiu , Bai Xiao‐Chun
Published: June 2011

It has been reported that metformin, a biguanide derivative widely used in type II diabetic patients, has antitumor activities in some cancers by activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). But its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not known. Here, we reported for the first time that 1–50 mM of metformin in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation in NPC cell line, C666‐1. Further studies revealed that the protein level of cyclin D1 decreased and the percentage of the cells in G0/G1 phase increased by 5 mM metformin treatment. Metformin also induced the phosphorylation of AMPK (T172) in a time‐dependent manner. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which is negatively regulated by AMPK and plays a central role in cell growth and proliferation, was inhibited by metformin, as manifested by dephosphorylation of its downstream targets 40S ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) (T389), the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1) (T37/46) and S6 (S235/236) in C666‐1 cells. In a summary, metformin prevents proliferation of C666‐1 cells by down‐regulating cyclin D1 level and inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. AMPK‐mediated inhibition of mTORC1 signaling may be involved in this process. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normal Location Of Thumb/Big Toe may be Related to Programmed Cell Death in the Preaxial Area of Embryonic Limb
Authors: Kimura Sumiko , Yamada Shigehito , Naruse Ichiro
Published: June 2011

The forelimbs and hindlimbs of newborn Polydactyly Nagoya (Pdn) mice were examined to analyze the roles of programmed cell death (PCD) in the preaxial region of the limb. Special attention was paid to the relationship between the PCD in the preaxial area and the location and shape of the first digit (thumb/big toe). Although a large, bifurcated or duplicated thumb/big toe appeared in Pdn/+ mice, digit I (thumb/big toe) in Pdn/+ mice, as in +/+ ones, was located more ventro‐proximally than the other four digits. On the other hand, abnormal preaxial digits of the fore/hindlimb in Pdn/Pdn mice lay distally and were aligned at the radial/tibial end of a serial curved plane formed by digits II–V; that is, a thumb and big toe of normal shape and location were not detectable in any preaxial digits of Pdn/Pdn mice. In the limb development of Pdn mouse embryos on Day 11‐12, PCD did not occur in the preaxial mesoderm of fore/hindlimb only in one‐fourths of all embryos obtained by Pdn/+ x Pdn/+ mating. In addition to digital rays II‐V, extra preaxial digital rays appeared in the prominent preaxial expansion of fore/hindlimbs in these embryos on early Day 12. These abnormal limb configurations in embryos were closely similar to those in Pdn/Pdn newborn mice. The present findings suggest that PCD in the preaxial region not only prevents the formation of extra digits but also determines the location of the thumb/big toe for the normal limb morphogenesis. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The development of perceptual expertise for faces and objects in autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Damiano Cara , Churches Owen , Ring Howard , Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: June 2011

Previous research indicates that individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) do not develop face expertise to the same extent as typical individuals. Yet it remains unclear whether this atypicality is specific to faces or related to more pervasive perceptual or cognitive deficits involved in the actual process of gaining expertise. To address this question, we examined the extent to which adults with ASC were capable of developing expertise with non‐face objects. To become experts, all participants completed a 2‐week training program with novel objects, known as Greebles. Level of expertise was assessed throughout training by measuring the ability to identify Greebles on an individual level. The perceptual strategies acquired as a result of expertise were measured through an inversion effect task completed before and after training, in which performance with upright Greebles and faces was compared to performance with inverted Greebles and faces. After expertise training, it was found that individuals in both the ASC and the typical group successfully achieved expertise and showed an enhanced Greeble inversion effect as a result of training. The development of an inversion effect with Greebles suggests that individuals with ASC may employ the same processing strategies as the typical group. Although exploratory, these findings have implications for understanding the nature of the face processing deficit in ASC as well as offering potential insights into face processing interventions for individuals with ASC. Autism Res 2011, 4:297–301. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Überarbeitung der DAfStb‐Richtlinie Instandsetzung – Statusbericht
Authors: Bastert Heinrich , Dickhaut Heinz Dieter , Eßer Angelika , Hintzen Wilhelm , Hohberg Inga , Kühne Hans‐Carsten , Kühner Stefan , Meyer Lars , Raupach Michael , Westendarp Andreas , Wiens Udo
Published: July 2011

Derzeit erfolgt in mehreren Arbeitsgruppen unter Einbindung interessierter Kreise die Überarbeitung der 2001 erschienenen Richtlinie “Schutz und Instandsetzung von Betonbauteilen” (Instandsetzungsrichtlinie) des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton e.V. (DAfStb). Hierüber wird in dem nachfolgenden Beitrag berichtet, um der Fachwelt frühzeitig darzustellen, in welche Richtung die Fortschreibung des Regelwerkes geplant ist.

Die geplante neue Richtlinie wird nach derzeitigem Beratungsstand eine deutliche inhaltliche Erweiterung erfahren. Daher wird sie in “Richtlinie für die Instandhaltung von Betonbauteilen” (Instandhaltungsrichtlinie) umbenannt und wird Festlegungen zu der grundsätzlichen Vorgehensweise bei der Instandhaltung unter Berücksichtigung der Komponenten Wartung, Inspektion, Instandsetzung und Verbesserung in Anlehnung an DIN 31051 enthalten. Da diese umfassenderen Aufgaben deutlich präziser beschrieben werden, konkretisieren sich auch die Anforderungen an die erforderliche Qualifikation des sachkundigen Planers, der zukünftig verstärkt die “Restnutzungsdauer” bei seiner Planung beachten und in entsprechende Maßnahmen umsetzen muss.

Mit den Ergänzungen und Änderungen wird die Richtlinie an die aktuellen Entwicklungen und Regelungen im Betonbau angepasst. Gleichzeitig gewinnt die Planungsleistung erheblich an Bedeutung. Für Instandsetzungsprodukte gemäß DIN EN 1504 werden, die Beseitigung derzeit noch enthaltener Unklarheiten und technischer Defizite auf europäischer Ebene vorausgesetzt, Verwendbarkeitsmöglichkeiten aufgezeigt. Die Ausführung von Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen wird durch die Einführung von Überwachungsklassen mit zugehörigen Anforderungen an die durchzuführenden Prüfungen spezifiziert und damit konkretisiert.
Routine colonoscopy following acute uncomplicated diverticulitis
Authors: Westwood D A , Eglinton T W , Frizelle F A
Published: June 2011

Background

The evidence supporting current recommendations that the colon should be evaluated following an initial episode of acute diverticulitis is poor. The aim of this study was to clarify whether acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is a valid indication for subsequent colonoscopy/computed tomography (CT) colonography.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study of patients with an initial presentation of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis on the basis of CT criteria, at a single institution between January 2004 and December 2008.

Results

A radiological diagnosis of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis was made in 292 patients. Some 205 patients underwent subsequent colonic evaluation or had undergone colonoscopy/CT colonography within the preceding 2 years. Colorectal polyps were present in 50 patients (24·4 per cent). Twenty patients (9·8 per cent) had hyperplastic polyps and 19 (9·3 per cent) had adenomas. Eleven patients (5·4 per cent) had advanced colonic neoplasia, including one (0·5 per cent) with a colorectal cancer. One patient had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The patients with colorectal cancer and IBD had clinical indicators that independently warranted colonoscopy. None of the 87 patients who did not undergo colonic evaluation had a diagnosis of colorectal cancer registered with the New Zealand Cancer Registry.

Conclusion

The yield of advanced colonic neoplasia in this cohort was equivalent to, or less than that detected on screening asymptomatic average-risk individuals. In the absence of other indications, subsequent evaluation of the colon may not be required to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Stakeholders' Engagement in Promoting Sustainable Development: Businesses and Urban Forest Carbon
Authors: Poudyal Neelam C. , Siry Jacek P. , Bowker J. M.
Published: June 2011

To better understand how businesses' motivation and support for green projects varies by their organizational objectives and characteristics, this study investigates a case of urban forestry carbon credits in a broader context of climate change mitigation efforts. Companies and organizations currently participating in the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) were surveyed regarding their perception of consumers' concerns with climate change, attitudes toward government regulations, factors important to their emission management decisions, and their interest in buying and paying premiums for carbon credits sourced from urban forestry. Statistical analysis of the responses reveals noticeable differences among various types of business organizations. The findings are useful for understanding how businesses respond to different kinds of green products and will help in the development of green product markets. Finally, the results will help in developing effective environmental policies that respond well to businesses' objectives and preferences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
On the Nature of Actinide– and Lanthanide–Metal Bonds in Heterobimetallic Compounds
Authors: Vlaisavljevich Bess , Miró Pere , Cramer Christopher J. , Gagliardi Laura , Infante Ivan , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: June 2011

Eleven experimentally characterized complexes containing heterobimetallic bonds between elements of the f‐block and other elements were examined by quantum chemical methods: [(η5‐C5H5)2(THF)LuRu(η5‐C5H5) (CO)2], [(η5‐C5Me5)2(I)ThRu(η5‐C5H5) (CO)2], [(η5‐C5H5)2YRe(η5‐C5H5)2], [{N(CH2CH2NSiMe3)3}URe(η5‐C5H5)2], [Y{Ga(NArCh)2}{C(PPh2NSiH3)2}(CH3OCH3)2], [{N(CH2CH2NSiMe3)3}U{Ga(NArCH)2}(THF)], [(η5‐C5H5)3UGa(η5‐C5Me5)], [Yb(η5‐C5H5){Si(SiMe3)3(THF)2}], [(η5‐C5H5)3U(SnPh3)], [(η5‐C5H5)3U(SiPh3)], and (Ph[Me]N)3USi(SiMe3)3. Geometries in good agreement with experiment were obtained at the density functional level of theory. The multiconfigurational complete active space self‐consistent field method (CASSCF) and subsequent corrections with second order perturbation theory (CASPT2) were applied to further understand the electronic structure of the lanthanide/actinide–metal (or metal–metalloid) bonds. Fragment calculations and energy‐decomposition analyses were also performed and indicate that charge transfer occurs from one supported metal fragment to the other, while the bonding itself is always dominated by ionic character.
Free‐surface turbulent flow induced by a Rushton turbine in an unbaffled dish‐bottom stirred tank reactor: LDV measurements and CFD simulations
Authors: Haque J. N. , Mahmud T. , Roberts K. J. , Liang J. K. , White G. , Wilkinson D. , Rhodes D.
Published: June 2011

Laser Doppler velocimetry measurements and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of turbulent flows with free‐surface vortex in an unbaffled dish‐bottom stirred tank reactor agitated by a Rushton turbine are presented. Measurements of the three mean and fluctuating components of the velocity vector are made in order to characterise the flow field and to provide data for CFD model validation. An Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase flow model coupled with a volume‐of‐fluid method for capturing the gas–liquid interface is applied to determine the vortex shape and to compute the flow field. Turbulence is modelled using the standard k−ε, shear‐stress transport and the differential Reynolds‐stress model with two variants of the pressure‐strain correlation. The predicted mean flow field obtained using all four turbulence models are on the whole similar and generally in good agreement with measurements. However, the Reynolds‐stress models provide somewhat better predictions of the mean axial velocity. The turbulent kinetic energy is well predicted in the flow below the impeller, near the bottom of the tank; whereas it is underpredicted in the region close to the impeller and near the wall by all turbulence models.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Behavior of GZTO·H2O
Authors: Zhong Yitang , Huang Jie , Song Jirong , Xu Kang , Zhao Dan , Wang Liqin , Zhang Xinyu
Published: July 2011

Guanidimium‐4,4‐azo‐1‐hydro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (GZTO·H2O) was synthesized from 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one as a starting material by two‐step including oxidation coupling using acid KMnO4 and reaction with (NH2)2CNH·HNO3 (GN) in KOH solution. The single crystal of the title compound was obtained by slow evaporation method at room temperature, and its structure was firstly determined with X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometer. It is a orthorhombic crystal, space group Pbca with cell dimensions of a=1.0459(2) nm, b=1.3584(3) nm, c=1.6103(3) nm, α=90.00(10)°, β=90.00(11)°, γ=90.00(11)°, V=2.2878(8) nm3, Z=8, Dc=1.587 g·cm−3, F(000)=1136, µ=0.132 mm−1, R1=0.0455, wR2=0.1397. The thermal behavior of GZTO·H2O was studied under a non‐isothermal condition by DSC‐TGA method, and its thermal decomposition process can be divided into three stages, and the first stage is an intense exothermic decomposition process. The second stage and the third stage are slow exothermic decomposition processes. The critical temperature of thermal explosion is 237.74°C.
Cr(VI) Immobilization Process in a Cr‐Spiked Soil by Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Alidokht Leila , Khataee Ali Reza , Reyhanitabar Adel , Oustan Shahin
Published: June 2011

The response surface methodology involving the five‐level central composite design (CCD) was employed to model and optimize the Cr(VI) immobilization process in a Cr‐spiked soil using starch‐stabilized zerovalent iron nanoparticles (ZVIn). ZVIn were synthesized via a borohydride reduction method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All Cr(VI) immobilization experiments were conducted in a batch system. The variables for the CCD optimization were the ZVIn dosage (% w/w), reaction time (min), and initial Cr(VI) concentration in soil (mg/kg). The predicted response values by the second‐order polynomial model were found to be in good agreement with experimental values (R2 = 0.968 and adj‐R2 = 0.940). The optimization result showed that the Cr(VI) immobilization efficiency presented the maximal result (90.63%) at the following optimal conditions: ZVIn dosage of 1.5% w/w, reaction time of 60 min, and an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 400 mg/kg.
A role for katanin in plant cell division: Microtubule organization in dividing root cells of fra2 and lue1Arabidopsis thaliana mutants
Authors: Panteris Emmanuel , Adamakis Ioannis‐Dimosthenis S. , Voulgari Georgia , Papadopoulou Galini
Published: June 2011

Severing of microtubules by katanin has proven to be crucial for cortical microtubule organization in elongating and differentiating plant cells. On the contrary, katanin is currently not considered essential during cell division in plants as it is in animals. However, defects in cell patterning have been observed in katanin mutants, implying a role for it in dividing plant cells. Therefore, microtubule organization was studied in detail by immunofluorescence in dividing root cells of fra2 and lue1 katanin mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. In both, early preprophase bands consisted of poorly aligned microtubules, prophase spindles were multipolar, and the microtubules of expanding phragmoplasts were elongated, bended toward and connected to the surface of daughter nuclei. Accordingly, severing by katanin seems to be necessary for the proper organization of these microtubule arrays. In both fra2 and lue1, metaphase/anaphase spindles and initiating phragmoplasts exhibited typical organization. However, they were obliquely oriented more frequently than in the wild type. It is proposed that this oblique orientation may be due to prophase spindle multipolarity and results in a failure of the cell plate to follow the predetermined division plane, during cytokinesis, producing oblique cell walls in the roots of both mutants. It is therefore concluded that, like in animal cells, katanin is important for plant cell division, influencing the organization of several microtubule arrays. Moreover, failure in microtubule severing indirectly affects the orientation of the division plane. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Inverse Type II β‐Turn on D‐Trp‐Phe, a Pharmacophoric Motif for MOR Agonists
Authors: Gentilucci Luca , Tolomelli Alessandra , De Marco Rossella , Spampinato Santi , Bedini Andrea , Artali Roberto
Published: June 2011

Herein we propose the D‐Trp‐Phe sequence within an inverse type II β‐turn as a new kind of pharmacophoric motif for μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) cyclopeptide agonists. Initially, we observed that c[Tyr‐D‐Pro‐D‐Trp‐Phe‐Gly] (4), an analogue of endomorphin‐1 (H‐Tyr‐Pro‐Trp‐Phe‐NH2) lacking the crucial protonatable amino group of Tyr 1, is a MOR agonist with 10−8 M affinity. Molecular docking analysis suggested that the relevant interactions with the receptor involve D‐Trp‐Phe. The bioactive conformation of this region was investigated by selected derivatives of 4 designed to adopt an inverse type II β‐turn. These efforts led to c[Tyr‐Gly‐D‐Trp‐Phe‐Gly] (14) and to the cyclotetrapeptide c[D‐Asp‐1‐amide‐β‐Ala‐D‐Trp‐Phe] (15), showing improved nanomolar affinity. Both 14 and 15 selectively bind MOR, as they have negligible affinity for the κ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors. Both 14 and 15 behave as partial MOR agonists in functional assays. Conformational and docking analyses confirm the role of the inverse β‐turn in binding. These results indicate that the D‐Trp‐Phe inverse β‐turn structure can be used for designing non‐endomorphin‐like peptidomimetic opioid agonists in general, characterized by an atypical mechanism of interaction between ligand and receptor.
Disseminated tumor cells predict survival after neoadjuvant therapy in primary breast cancer
Authors: Hall Carolyn , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Lodhi Ashutosh , Bhattacharyya Anirban , Anderson Amber , Kuerer Henry , Bedrosian Isabelle , Singh Balraj , Lucci Anthony
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Tumor cells that disseminate to the bone marrow (disseminated tumor cells [DTCs]) have been identified in 30% of patients with stage I through II breast cancer (BC) and predict outcome. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is effective in reducing the size of primary tumors or eradicating lymph node metastases before surgery, but little is known regarding the presence or significance of DTCs after NACT.

METHODS:

The authors evaluated DTCs in 95 patients with clinical stage I through III BC. Bone marrow samples were collected after completion of NACT at the time they underwent surgery for primary BC. DTCs were assessed using an anticytokeratin antibody cocktail. Primary tumor markers, the extent of lymph node (LN) involvement, they type of NACT administered, and response to NACT were compared with presence of DTCs. Chi‐square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS:

The median patient age at diagnosis was 51 years, and the median follow‐up was 24 months. Forty‐six percent of patients had tumors classified as T1/T2, 20% had T3 tumors, 34.5% had T4 tumors, and 81% had lymph node metastasis before NACT. DTCs were identified in 26% of patients after NACT. No associations were observed between DTCs and primary tumor characteristics or LN involvement. A pathologic complete response was observed in 25 patients (26%) but was not predictive of DTCs after NACT (P = .83). DTCs after NACT predicted worse BC‐specific survival (P < .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of DTCs was an independent predictor of outcome after NACT. The current results indicated that monitoring hematogenous micrometastatic disease after NACT may be useful in selecting patients who might benefit from additional systemic adjuvant therapies. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Genetic variants of the p53 and p73 genes jointly increase risk of second primary malignancies in patients after index squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Zhang Yang , Sturgis Erich M. , Huang Zhigang , Zafereo Mark E. , Wei Qingyi , Li Guojun
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Because of the structural and biochemical similarities between the antitumor p53 and p73 proteins, the authors hypothesized that individuals who carry high‐risk genotypes of p53 codon 72 and p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphisms have a higher risk of developing second primary malignancy (SPM) after index squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

METHODS:

A cohort of 1269 patients with index cases of SCCHN was recruited between May 1995 and January 2007 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and followed for SPM development. Patients were genotyped for p53 codon 72 and p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphisms. A log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare SPM‐free survival and SPM risk among different risk groups with the combined risk genotypes of the 2 polymorphisms.

RESULTS:

The data demonstrated that patients with p53 WP + PP and p73 GC/GC genotypes had a worse SPM‐free survival and an increased SPM risk compared with the corresponding p53 WW and p73 GC/AT + AT/AT genotypes. After combining the 2 polymorphisms, a borderline significantly or significantly reduced SPM‐free survival and increased SPM risk were observed in the medium‐risk group (p53 WW and p73 GC/GC or p53 P carriers and p73 AT carriers) and high‐risk group (p53 P carriers and p73 GC/GC) compared with low‐risk group (p53 WW and p73 AT carriers), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest an increased risk of SPM after index SCCHN with both p53 and p73 polymorphisms individually and in combination. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Trends in radical prostatectomy: centralization, robotics, and access to urologic cancer care
Authors: Stitzenberg Karyn B. , Wong Yu‐Ning , Nielsen Matthew E. , Egleston Brian L. , Uzzo Robert G.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Robotic surgery has been widely adopted for radical prostatectomy. We hypothesized that this change is rapidly shifting procedures away from hospitals that do not offer robotics and consequently increasing patient travel.

METHODS:

A population‐based observational study of all prostatectomies for cancer in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2009 was performed using hospital discharge data. Hospital procedure volume was defined as the number of prostatectomies performed for cancer in a given year. Straight‐line travel distance to the treating hospital was calculated for each case. Hospitals were contacted to determine the year of acquisition of the first robot.

RESULTS:

From 2000 to 2009, the total number of prostatectomies performed annually increased substantially. The increase occurred almost entirely at the very high‐volume centers (≥106 prostatectomies/year). The number of hospitals performing prostatectomy fell 37% from 2000 to 2009. By 2009, the 9% (21/244) of hospitals that had very high volume performed 57% of all prostatectomies, and the 35% (86/244) of hospitals with a robot performed 85% of all prostatectomies. The median travel distance increased 54% from 2000 to 2009 (P<.001). The proportion of patients traveling ≥15 miles increased from 24% to 40% (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Over the past decade, the number of radical prostatectomies performed has risen substantially. These procedures have been increasingly centralized at high‐volume centers, leading to longer patient travel distances. Few prostatectomies are now performed at hospitals that do not offer robotic surgery. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A comparison of the outcomes of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for clinical T2‐T4aN0‐N2M0 bladder cancer
Authors: Wosnitzer Matthew S. , Hruby Gregory W. , Murphy Alana M. , Barlow Lamont J. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Mansukhani Mahesh , Petrylak Daniel P. , Benson Mitchell C. , McKiernan James M.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Despite evidence supporting perioperative chemotherapy, few randomized studies compare neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer. Consequently, the standard of care regarding the timing of chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder cancer remains controversial. We compared patient outcomes following neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic chemotherapy for cT2‐T4aN0‐N2M0 bladder cancer.

METHODS:

In a retrospective review of a single institutional database from 1988 through 2009, we identified patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant multiagent platinum‐based systemic chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder cancer. Survival analysis was performed comparing disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

A total of 146 patients received systemic perioperative chemotherapy (73 neoadjuvant, 73 adjuvant). Of these, 84% (122/146) received cisplatin‐based chemotherapy compared with carboplatin‐based chemotherapy (24/146, 16.4%). Most patients receiving cisplatin‐based chemotherapy were treated with methotrexate/vinblastine/adriamycin/cisplatin (79/122, 64.8%), whereas the remaining patients received gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) (43/122, 35.2%). In multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in DSS (P = .46) or OS (P = .76) between neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy groups. There was statistically significant improvement in DSS when patients received neoadjuvant GC rather than adjuvant GC (P = .049, hazard ratio, 10.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.01‐112.2).

CONCLUSION:

In this study, there was no statistically significant difference in OS and DSS between patients receiving neoadjuvant versus adjuvant systemic platinum‐based chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder cancer. In addition, there was no significant difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant cisplatin‐ or carboplatin‐based chemotherapy. Chemotherapy sequence relative to surgery appeared less important than whether or not a patient actually received perioperative chemotherapy. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The prognostic impact of tumor cell expression of estrogen receptor‐α, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor in patients irradiated for nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Rades Dirk , Setter Cornelia , Dahl Olav , Schild Steven E. , Noack Frank
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

The current study was performed to investigate the potential impact of tumor cell expression of estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) on the outcomes of patients who received radiotherapy (RT) for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS:

Tumor cell expression of ER‐α, PR, and AR as well as 9 additional potential prognostic factors were retrospectively evaluated in 64 patients who underwent RT for AJCC stage II/III NSCLC. The endpoints investigated were locoregional control, metastases‐free survival, and overall survival. The additional potential prognostic factors were age, gender, Karnofsky performance score, histology, T classification, N classification, surgery, smoking during RT, and hemoglobin levels during RT. Subgroup analyses were performed for women and men.

RESULTS:

On univariate analysis, locoregional control was not found to be associated with expression of PR or AR. ER‐α expression demonstrated a strong trend toward worse locoregional control. On multivariate analysis, ER‐α expression was found to be significantly associated with worse locoregional control (risk ratio [RR], 3.12; P = .035). On univariate analysis, metastases‐free survival was not associated with expression of ER‐α, PR, or AR. On univariate analysis, survival was found to be negatively associated with expression of ER‐α (P = .003) but not with PR or AR expression. On multivariate analysis, ER‐α expression maintained significance (RR, 2.73; P = .022).

CONCLUSIONS:

Tumor cell expression of ER‐α was found to be a negative prognostic factor for treatment outcomes in both women and men. Expression of PR and AR was not associated with outcomes. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Medullary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Kazaure Hadiza S. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Medullary thyroid microcarcinomas (microMTCs) are medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) that measure ≤1 cm in size for which there is a paucity of data on incidence, characteristics, and clinical significance.

METHODS:

Patients who had a diagnosis of microMTC were abstracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1988‐2007). The data were analyzed using chi‐square tests, t tests, and log‐rank tests; multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that were associated independently with lymph node metastases. Tests for diagnostic accuracy, including likelihood ratio tests and post‐test probability tests, were computed to evaluate the size‐specific likelihood of developing lymph node metastases among patients with microMTC.

RESULTS:

In total, 310 patients had microMTC; its incidence increased during the study period (Ptrend = .033), and microMTC as a proportion of all MTCs increased by 39%. The mean tumor size was 5.7 mm. Thirty‐one percent of tumors were multifocal, and 7.8% had extrathyroid extension. Lymph node metastases occurred in nearly 37% of patients who had any lymph nodes removed (65 of 176 patients). Nearly 20% of patients had regional disease, and 5% had distant metastases. The overall 10‐year survival rates for patients with localized, regional, and distant disease stages were 96%, 87%, and 50%, respectively (P < .001). After adjustment, extrathyroid extension (odds ratio [OR], 41.9; P < .001) and tumor size (OR, 1.2; P = .008) retained an independent association with lymph node metastases. MTCs that measured ≤5 mm were associated with a probability of lymph node metastases of approximately 23%, and the probability increased for patients who had tumors >5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that microMTCs have significant rates of poor prognostic features known to impact the survival of patients with MTC. These microcarcinomas are an important clinical entity that requires comprehensive evaluation and surgical management. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The long‐term postsurgical prognosis of patients with pineoblastoma
Authors: Tate Matthew , Sughrue Michael E. , Rutkowski Martin J. , Kane Ari J. , Aranda Derick , McClinton LaShaun , McClinton LaShay , Barani Igor J. , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

For this report, the authors comprehensively summarized the existing literature on patients with pineoblastoma and identified the variables and treatments that had an impact patient on outcomes.

METHODS:

A comprehensive search identified 109 studies that collectively described the outcomes of patients with pineoblastoma. Individual patient data were classified based on treatment and were subjected to univariate comparisons. Cox regression analysis included comparisons of survival outcomes controlling for age, extent of resection, and treatment group, and between‐group survival comparisons were performed using the Kendall tau (rank correlation) statistic.

RESULTS:

Two hundred ninety‐nine patients met inclusion criteria. The overall survival rate was 54% (175 of 299 patients) at a mean follow‐up of 31 ± 1.9 months (range, 1‐159 months). The analyses demonstrated a markedly worse prognosis for children aged ≤5 years compared with older patients (5‐year survival rate: 15% for children aged ≤5 years vs 57% for children aged ≥5 years; log‐rank P < .00001). In addition, a graded increase in survival was observed with increasing degrees of resection (5‐year survival rate: 84% for patients who underwent gross total resection vs 53% for patients who underwent subtotal resection vs 29% for patients who underwent debulking; log‐rank P < .0001). Multivariate analysis indicated that not achieving gross total resection markedly worsened patient survival (subtotal resection: hazard ratio, 6.47; 95% confidence interval, 2.3‐19; P = .001. debulking: hazard ratio, 9.27; 95% confidence interval, 3.2‐27; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current findings emphasize the importance of aggressive surgical resection in the treatment of pineoblastoma. In addition, the authors conclude that clinical trials should not mix young patients with older patients or patients who undergo subtotal resection with patients who undergo gross total resection, because such heterogeneity may alter the variability of responses to treatment and reduce the likelihood of success. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization assay: A monitoring tool in the surveillance of patients with a history of non–muscle‐invasive urothelial cell carcinoma
Authors: Galván Ana B. , Salido Marta , Espinet Blanca , Placer José , Pijuan Lara , Juanpere Núria , Lloreta Josep , Solé Francesc , Gelabert‐Mas Antoni
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND:

Non–muscle‐invasive urothelial cell carcinoma (NMIUCC) has a high tendency to recur and affected patients must be monitored regularly using invasive cystoscopies. The aim of the current study was to compare a multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay (UroVysion) with routine follow‐up (cystoscopy and cytology) in the monitoring of patients with a previous history of NMIUCC.

METHODS:

An unselected cohort of patients under surveillance for a previous history of NMIUCC was prospectively studied. A total of 248 examinations in 223 patients were analyzed. Each exploration was comprised of cytological and FISH microscopic examination of voided urine samples and cystoscopy. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for tumor recurrence of all 3 techniques were determined.

RESULTS:

The sensitivities of FISH and cystoscopy were not found to be significantly different (92.9% and 82.1%, respectively). The specificities of FISH and cystoscopy were 92.7% and 89.7%, respectively. The PPV and NPV of FISH were 53.5% and 97.2%, respectively, whereas those of cystoscopy were 63.4% and 98.9%, respectively. No significant differences were found between these 2 tests. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of cytology were 14.3% and 99.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Given the lack of statistically significant differences with regard to FISH and cystoscopy results, the authors propose that FISH could be a useful monitoring tool in the surveillance of patients with a previous history of NMIUCC. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Biocompute 2.0: an improved collaborative workspace for data intensive bio‐science
Authors: Carmichael Rory , Braga‐Henebry Patrick , Thain Douglas , Emrich Scott
Published: June 2011

The explosion of data in the biological community requires scalable and flexible portals for bioinformatics. To help address this need, we proposed characteristics needed for rigorous, reproducible, and collaborative resources for data‐intensive science. Implementing a system with these characteristics exposed challenges in user interface, data distribution, and workflow description/execution. We describe ongoing responses to these and other challenges. Our Data‐Action‐Queue design pattern addresses user interface and system organization concepts. A dynamic data distribution mechanism lays the foundation for the management of persistent datasets. Makeflow facilitates the simple description and execution of complex multi‐part jobs and forms the kernel of a module system powering diverse bioinformatics applications. Our improved web portal, Biocompute 2.0, has been in production use since the summer of 2010. Through it and its predecessor, we have provided over 56 years of CPU time through its five modules—BLAST, SSAHA, SHRIMP, BWA, and SNPEXP—to research groups at three universities. In this paper, we describe the goals and interface to the system, its architecture and performance, and the insights gained in its development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.