bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated docking to explore subsite binding by glycoside hydrolase family 6 cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases
Authors: Mertz Blake , Hill Anthony D. , Mulakala Chandrika , Reilly Peter J.
Published: August 2007

Cellooligosaccharides were computationally docked using AutoDock into the active sites of the glycoside hydrolase Family 6 enzymes Hypocrea jecorina (formerly Trichoderma reesei) cellobiohydrolase and Thermobifida fusca endoglucanase. Subsite –2 exerts the greatest intermolecular energy in binding β‐glucosyl residues, with energies progressively decreasing to either side. Cumulative forces imparting processivity exerted by these two enzymes are significantly less than by the equivalent glycoside hydrolase Family 7 enzymes studied previously. Putative subsites –4, –3, +3, and +4 exist in H. jecorina cellobiohydrolase, along with putative subsites –4, –3, and +3 in T. fusca endoglucanase, but they are less important than subsites –2, –1, +1, and +2. In general, binding adds 3–7 kcal/mol to ligand intramolecular energies because of twisting of scissile glycosidic bonds. Distortion of β‐glucosyl residues to the 2SO conformation by binding in subsite –1 adds ∼7 kcal/mol to substrate intramolecular energies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 249–260, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of lutein diesters in non‐aqueous media is favored at extremely low water activities
Authors: Mora‐Pale J. Mauricio , Pérez‐Munguía Sandra , González‐Mejía Jessica C. , Dordick Jonathan S. , Bárzana Eduardo
Published: August 2007

The enzymatic hydrolysis of a mixture of lutein diesters from Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) was performed both in organic solvents and supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) using two commercial lipases: lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) and the lipase from Mucor miehei (Lipozyme RM IM). Both lipases showed an unexpected dependence of initial reaction rate with the initial water activity (awi) in hexane, with the highest rates of hydrolysis taking place at the lowest awi of the biocatalyst particles. The same result was observed using isooctane, toluene, or SC‐CO2. It is proposed that an increase in awi generates a hydrophilic microenvironment that prevents efficient partitioning of the highly hydrophobic lutein diesters to the enzyme. The critical role of water in this system has not been reported for other hydrolytic reactions in low water media. Calculations of water available for hydrolysis from isotherm analysis, Karl‐Fischer titration, and substrate conversion at awi = 0.13, indicate that the extent of reaction is not limited by the amount of available water. Accordingly, the enzyme that holds the largest amount of water after prehydration at the same awi (0.13) will yield the greatest substrate conversion and concentration of the free lutein product. The highest conversion occurred in SC‐CO2, which opens up new opportunities to develop a combined extraction–reaction process for the environmentally benign synthesis of lutein, an important nutraceutical compound. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 535–542. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear Real‐time Process Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis Based on Principal Component Analysis and Kernel Fisher Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Zhang X. , Yan W.‐W. , Zhao X. , Shao H.‐H.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this paper is to propose a novel real‐time process monitoring and fault diagnosis method based on the principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel Fisher discriminant analysis (KFDA). There is a need to develop this method in order to overcome the inherent limitations of the current kernel FDA method. The idea of the method is to initially reduce dimensionality using PCA and then to map the score data in the reduced original space to the high‐dimensional feature space via a nonlinear kernel function. Following this, the optimal Fisher feature vector and discriminant vector are extracted to perform process monitoring. If faults occur, the method uses the degree of similarity between the optimal discriminant vector presented and the optimal discriminant vector of the faults in the historical dataset to perform a diagnosis. The proposed method can effectively capture nonlinear relationships in process variables. In comparison with kernel FDA, the PCA plus kernel FDA method is more efficient and has a more rapid response when used to undertake online monitoring and fault diagnosis. In this study, the method is evaluated by applying it to the fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process. As a consequence, its effectiveness is demonstrated.
An Electrospray Method Using a Multi‐Capillary Nozzle Emitter
Authors: Tatemoto Y. , Ishikawa R. , Takeuchi M. , Takeshita T. , Noda K. , Okazaki T.
Published: August 2007

A multi‐capillary nozzle emitter consisting of one metal plate with capillary nozzles and a ring type counter electrode was used as a multi‐electrospray atomizer. The number of capillary nozzles, flow rate of the liquid and the interval between the capillary nozzles were changed, and the droplet diameter and the voltage required for a steady cone‐jet mode were measured. For the multi‐capillary nozzle emitter, the interaction between the capillary nozzles is the important factor for obtaining fine droplets of uniform size. These fine droplets are obtained when there is only a small interaction between the capillary nozzles, and the equations obtained from the single capillary nozzle case are also applicable for the multi‐capillary nozzle emitter. When the number of capillary nozzles decreases (a situation which is not good for obtaining a large amount of droplets) or the interval between the capillary nozzles increases, the interaction between the capillary nozzles can be reduced. As the number of capillary nozzles increase, a higher voltage is required to obtain a fine droplet of uniform size.
Emulsion Liquid Membrane Pertraction of Zinc and Copper: Analysis of Emulsion Formation using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ganesh Prasadh K. , Venkatesan S. , Meera Sheriffa Begum K. M. , Anantharaman N.
Published: August 2007

This work reports on a study of batch extraction of metal ions (copper and zinc) from dilute aqueous solutions as well as recovery of copper from electroplating waste water by the emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technique. Several experiments were conducted to assess the effect of membrane composition on metal recovery. The effect of surfactant concentration, carrier concentration, and emulsification time on the emulsion stability has been reported. The velocity profile and flow model of the two‐phase mixing system during the preparation of the emulsion was generated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The batch extraction was carried out under various experimental conditions, such as agitation speed, M/E ratio, solute concentration in the feed phase, and carrier concentration in the membrane phase on the percentage recovery of zinc and copper ions in their respective feed streams. The operating parameters were optimized for maximum recovery. A comparison on the percentage recovery was made between synthetic solution and electroplating effluent containing copper ions.
CFD Simulation of Gas Distribution Performance of Gas Inlet Systems in Packed Columns
Authors: Haghshenasfard M. , Zivdar M. , Rahimi R. , Nasr Esfahany M.
Published: August 2007

Packed columns are widely used in the chemical process industries. The optimum operation of these columns requires an even distribution of gas and liquid flows. This paper describes a method for modeling the flow pattern which develops above the gas inlet system using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The uniformity of the gas flow through the packing is assessed by means of a maldistribution factor, MF. Several factors which affect gas distribution, such as gas inlet type, gas inlet diameter and the distance between gas inlet and column bottom, were analyzed. It was found that gas distribution is more uniform as the inlet diameter and bottom distance are increased. Comparison of experimental data with a CFD simulation for several types of gas inlets, such as straight, slope and bend inlets, shows good agreement.
Loading Dependence of Self‐Diffusivities of Gases in Zeolites
Authors: Krishna R. , van Baten J. M.
Published: August 2007

Experimental data on the self‐diffusivities, Di,self, of a variety of gases (CH4, N2, Kr, C2H6, and C3H8) in three different zeolites, LTA, FAU, and MFI, show different dependences on the molar loading, qi. In LTA, Di,self appears to increase with qi for all molecules except N2. In FAU and in MFI the Di,self shows a sharp decrease with increasing qi. In order to gain insights into the causes behind the loading dependences, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to determine the self‐diffusivities of seven gases (CH4, N2, Kr, C2H6, C3H8, Ar, and Ne) in six different all‐silica zeolite structures (MFI, AFI, FAU, CHA, DDR, and LTA). The simulation results show that the variation of Di,self with qi is determined by a variety of factors that include molecular size and shape, and degree of confinement within the zeolite. For one‐dimensional channels (AFI) and intersecting channel structures (MFI), the Di,self invariably decreases with increasing qi. For zeolite structures that consist of cages separated by windows (FAU, CHA, DDR, LTA), the size of the windows is an important determinant. When the windows are wide (FAU), the Di,self decreases with qi for all molecules. If the windows are narrow (CHA, DDR and LTA), the Di,self often exhibits a sharp increase with qi, reaches a maximum and reduces to near‐zero values at saturation. The sharpness with which Di,self increases with qi, is dictated by the degree of confinement at the window. Weakly confined molecules, such as Ne, do not exhibit an increase of Di,self with qi.
Kinetics of SO2Removal from Flue Gas on CuO/Al2O3Sorbent Catalyst
Authors: Jia Z. H. , Liu Z. Y. , Zhao Y. H.
Published: August 2007

The dependence of SO2removal on Cu loading, SO2concentration, and temperature are studied experimentally on a thermo‐balance using a series of CuO/Al2O3catalysts in the fresh state as well as in a NH3‐regenerated state. A kinetic study on SO2removal is then carried out using a surface model, which assumes the SO2removal rate is being controlled by a surface chemical reaction and takes into account the effect of SO2adsorption and consumption of surface CuO. The difference in SO2removal between fresh and regenerated CuO/Al2O3is expressed by a parametern, which is similar to the order of a reaction. The effect of SO2adsorption is expressed in the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood form. The results show that the SO2removal behavior of NH3‐regenerated CuO/Al2O3is different from that of fresh CuO/Al2O3and the developed model describes the SO2removal behavior well.
Isoconversional Kinetic Analysis of Isothermal Selective Ethanol Adsorption on Zeolite Type NaZSM‐5
Authors: Adnadevic B. , Mojovic Z. , Abu Rabi A. , Jovanovic J.
Published: August 2007

The kinetic parameters of the selective isothermal adsorption of ethanol from an aqueous solution onto a hydrophobic zeolite type NaZSM‐5 were determined using a series of the so‐called standard methods (the initial rate, the saturation rate and the maximum rate methods). The kinetic model of ethanol adsorption was determined by the “model fitting” method. The dependence of the kinetic parameters on the degree of adsorption and the presence of a compensation effect were determined by the isoconversional method. The complex changes of the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor with the degree of adsorption were explained by the model of the activation energy distribution of elemental adsorption processes.
Coal to Liquid (CTL): Commercialization Prospects in China
Authors: Hao X. , Dong G. , Yang Y. , Xu Y. , Li Y.
Published: August 2007

Production of fuels/chemicals from syngas (CO + H2) is receiving increased attention with the background of the resource depletion and the unstable prices of petroleum oil. The fuels, especially diesel, obtained from the syngas conversion via Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS), are proved to be of very high quality that will contribute much to environmental protection and raising the energy efficiency in the transportation sector when modern diesel engines are massively applied in vehicles. FTS technologies developed in recent years have reached the stage for the feasibility of construction of large‐scale complexes. Under a long‐term consideration of developing the field of coal to liquids (CTL), major issues in successfully applying CTL technologies are those controlling the feasibility of all kinds of projects. Points identified are, in general: (1) efficiency advantage over conventional processes (e.g. thermal power generation process); (2) cost and economic benefit; (3) environment advantage. These questions have been better answered using CTL‐based poly‐generation schemes. Among all the different schemes, in principle, the co‐production of liquid fuels and electricity are naturally the main frame. The simple efficiency increase due to the better energy balance in the co‐production mode and the environment protection advantage due to the easy‐to‐apply technology in the pollutant removal and treatment from syngas in a liquid fuel process has projected a bright future even for applying the more capital intensive IGCC + F‐T scheme, which can raise the efficiency (to end products) from 43–46 % in either single schemes to about 52–60 %. This new process will guarantee a better solution to environment protection.
Distillation Tower with Distributed Control Strategy: Feed Temperature Loads
Authors: Marangoni C. , Machado R. A. F.
Published: August 2007

Distillation towers require control systems adjusted to rapidly reject loads. Temperature control of these units is normally carried out at the bottom and top of the column, increasing the tower response time. In this paper, a change in this temperature control configuration is proposed through the introduction of heating points distributed among the trays throughout the column. The proposed strategy was tested in an experimental unit with an ethanol‐water mixture applying a conventional approach (control at bottom and top only) and the proposed distributed configuration (bottom, top and tower trays) with feed temperature disturbance. The results showed a significant reduction in the time required for the column to stabilize after the load introduction, compared with the conventional approach, making faster dynamics possible.
Nanofiltration Membrane Process for the Removal of Arsenic from Drinking Water
Authors: Uddin M. T. , Mozumder M. S. I. , Islam M. A. , Deowan S. A. , Hoinkis J.
Published: August 2007

The removal of arsenic from drinking water by nanofiltration membranes was investigated. Experiments were conducted with tap water to which arsenate and arsenite were added. Two types of nanofiltration membranes, i.e., NF‐90 and NF‐200, have been tested. The effect of various operating conditions, e.g., applied pressure, feed concentration, pH and temperature, were also investigated. The pH and arsenic concentration in the feed and the operating temperature are found to be decisive factors in determining the arsenic concentration remaining in the permeate. The level of removal of As(V) was higher than 98 % for both membranes, but that of As(III) was much lower. It can be concluded that by controlling the operating parameters, source water containing As(V) may be recovered as drinking water to EPA maximum contaminant level quality standards, but that water containing As(III) must undergo a pre‐oxidation treatment before passing through the nanofiltration membrane in order to maintain drinking water quality.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Glucose on Gold Nanocomposite Electrodes
Authors: Jin C.‐C. , Taniguchi I.
Published: August 2007

The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose on gold nanocomposite electrodes was investigated with cyclic voltammetry. The gold nanocomposite electrodes were prepared by precipitating gold nanoparticles of different sizes from the corresponding colloidal solutions onto planar substrates, and the electrodes exhibited higher catalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in alkaline solution with a negative shift in oxidation potential and a larger current as compared with bare gold electrodes. The high catalytic activity of the gold nanocomposite electrodes also resulted in easy oxidation of gluconolactone produced in the reaction. The modification of the gold nanocomposite electrodes with silver underpotential deposition led to a further negative shift in potential but a drop in current for the glucose oxidation.
A Method for the Design of Divided Wall Columns
Authors: Sotudeh N. , Hashemi Shahraki B.
Published: August 2007

A divided wall column has been modeled as a Petlyuk column with no heat transfer across the column wall. The feed to the column has been generalized as a mixture of saturated liquid and vapor (0 <q<1). The pinch compositions at connection points, the Fenske equation and the Gilliland correlations, which have been commonly used by previous investigators to design divided wall columns, have not been applied. In contrast, a shortcut method based on Underwood's equations has been introduced. Moreover, it is shown that the split of the internal reflux over both sides of the middle wall of the column is bounded and a method for choosing the proper value of the split ratio is suggested. This is a novel approach not attempted before by investigators.
Photodegradation of o‐Cresol with Ag Deposited on TiO2 under Visible and UV Light Irradiation
Authors: Chen H. W. , Ku Y. , Kuo Y. L.
Published: August 2007

This study investigated the effect of dosage of Ag on the characteristics of TiO2, quantum yield, and temporal decomposition behavior of o‐cresol in an annular reactor under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation. In order to extend light absorption and minimize the rapid recombination during photoreaction, the Ag deposited on TiO2 photocatalysts was prepared by a photodeposition process. The results of diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) indicated that Ag deposited on TiO2 promoted the optical absorption in the visible region and made it possible for it to be excited by visible light. The degradation rate of o‐cresol with 0.50 wt % Ag/TiO2 under visible light irradiation was 2.0 times that with pure TiO2.
Intramolecular Triarylmethane–Triarylmethylium Complexes with a Naphthalene‐1,8‐diyl Skeleton: Isolation, Structure, and Reactivities of the CH‐Bridged Carbocations
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori
Published: August 2007

Isolation and low‐temperature X‐ray analyses of intramolecular triarylmethane–triarylmethylium complexes with a naphthalene‐1,8‐diyl‐type skeleton have been achieved. These bridged cations prefer a CH localized structure both in solution and in the solid state. The bridging hydrogen undergoes a facile intramolecular 1,5‐hydride shift from one carbon to another in solution. The CH delocalized geometry is suggested to be the transition‐state structure of the degenerate rearrangement. Charge‐transfer interaction from the triarylmethane to the triarylmethylium units is evident in the electronic spectra. This interaction stabilizes the present cations. Low reactivity toward Brønsted acids indicates that these species are not the reaction intermediates in the acid‐assisted long‐bond cleavage of 1,1,2,2‐tetraarylacenaphthene derivatives.
Molecular mechanics (MM3(π)) conformational analysis of molecules containing conjugated π‐electron fragments: Leucomycin‐V
Authors: Kotev Martin I. , Ivanov Petko M.
Published: August 2007

The conformations of the 16‐membered macrolide antibiotic leucomycin‐V (1) were studied with molecular mechanics. Leucomycin‐V contains a conjugated π‐electron fragment and necessitates special treatment with the MM3(π) modeling protocol. Comparison was made with results from the standard MM3 scheme. The CONFLEX conformational search procedure was used for finding low‐energy conformations. The computed data are indicative for the existence of mainly one conformation of the macro‐ring of 1 and minor participation of several others. Intramolecular hydrogen bonds play important roles for the preferred geometry of the macro‐ring and the conformations of the side chains. The most probable macro‐ring conformation of 1 is very similar to the preferred conformation of another 16‐ring macrolide antibiotic, tylosin. The same order of conformational preference for 1 was estimated with the MM3 and the MM3(π) methods. Surprisingly, when changing the chirality of the C(9) macro‐ring atom of 1, the two methods produced different order of conformational preferences for the 9‐epi form (2), as well as enhanced population of several clusters of conformations. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective investigation of the cigarette smoking–head and neck cancer association by sex
Authors: Freedman Neal D. , Abnet Christian C. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Schatzkin Arthur
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

Men are approximately 3 times more likely to develop squamous cancers of the head and neck (oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx) than women. Very few prospective studies have examined the association between cigarette smoking and cancers of the head and neck in women, even though the rates of smoking in women are increasing rapidly worldwide.

METHODS.

The association between cigarette smoking and head and neck cancer was investigated in 476,211 participants, aged 50–71 years, of the National Institutes of Health/American Association of Retired Persons (NIH‐AARP) diet and health study by using age‐standardized incidence rates and hazard ratios from Cox models adjusted for other risk factors for these cancers.

RESULTS.

Over the course of follow‐up (1995 through 2000), 584 men and 175 women were diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Nonsmoking (24.4), former smoking (36.9), and current smoking (147.3) men had higher rates of incident head and neck cancer per 100,000 person‐years of follow‐up than women did in each equivalent category of cigarette use (non: 4.8; former: 17.2; current: 75.7). The hazard ratios associated with smoking were significantly larger in women (12.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.81–21.52) than in men (5.45, 95% CI, 4.22–7.05; P for interaction: <.001) for head and neck cancer overall and also for the 3 subsites (oral cavity, oro‐hypopharynx, and larynx) examined in stratified analyses. Ever‐smoking accounted for 45% of head and neck cancers in men and 75% in women, assuming causality.

CONCLUSIONS.

Cigarette smoking is a strong risk factor for head and neck cancer in both men and women. Incidence rates of head and neck cancer were higher in male smokers than female smokers, but smoking may explain a higher proportion of head and neck cancer in women than in men. Cancer 2007. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society.
Independent predictors of cancer‐specific survival in transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract
Authors: Novara Giacomo , De Marco Vincenzo , Gottardo Fedra , Dalpiaz Orietta , Bouygues Vianney , Galfano Antonio , Martignoni Guido , Patard Jean Jacques , Artibani Walter , Ficarra Vincenzo
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

The objective of the current study was to identify variables that were predictive of cancer‐specific survival in patients with nonmetastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UUT‐TCC).

METHODS.

Clinical and pathologic data from 269 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for UUT‐TCC from 1989 to 2005 in 3 urologic European centers were collected retrospectively. Log‐rank tests and Cox proportional‐hazards regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS.

Two hundred fifty patients underwent nephroureterectomy, and 19 patients underwent concomitant cystectomy for synchronous muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. The median follow‐up of the whole cohort was 34 months, and the median follow‐up of the patients who remained alive and disease‐free was 52 months. At follow‐up, 57 cancer‐related deaths (21.2%) were censored, and 169 patients (62.8%) were alive and disease‐free. On univariate analysis, a history of previous bladder cancer, pathologic stage of the primary tumor and lymph nodes, tumor grade, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, tumor site, synchronous muscle‐invasive bladder TCC, and tumor multifocality were associated with cancer‐specific survival probabilities. On multivariate analysis, pathologic stage of the primary tumor and lymph nodes, tumor multifocality within the UUT, synchronous muscle‐invasive bladder TCC, and a history of bladder TCC before the diagnosis of UUT‐TCC were independent predictors of cancer‐specific survival probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS.

In a multi‐institutional dataset of patients who had undergone nephroureterectomy for UUT‐TCC, the current results indicated that pathologic stage of the primary tumor and lymph nodes, a history of prior bladder TCC, the presence of synchronous muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, and tumor multifocality within the UUT were independent predictors of cancer‐specific survival probabilities. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Preventing pain during office biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Ashley Richard A. , Inman Brant A. , Routh Jonathan C. , Krambeck Amy E. , Siddiqui Sameer A. , Mynderse Lance A. , Gettman Matthew T. , Blute Michael L.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

A prospective, double‐blind, 3‐arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial was performed to compare 3 anesthetic techniques for preventing pain during prostate biopsy.

METHODS.

A total of 243 men undergoing a 12‐core prostate biopsy were randomized to 1 of 3 anesthetic methods: 1) seminal vesical‐prostatic base blockade, 2) intraprostatic blockade, and 3) apical‐rectal blockade. Pain was estimated with the 10‐point visual analog scale. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated factors predictive of pain. The Kruskal‐Wallis test analyzed overall group comparisons and the Steel‐Dwass test assessed between‐group comparisons in pain scores. Proportional odds ordinal logistic regression quantified the ability of covariates and treatment arms to predict biopsy pain. These values are presented as odds ratios with confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI).

RESULTS.

From November 2005 to June 2006, 81 men were randomized to 3 study arms. Lidocaine administration was the most painful element of the procedure, while probe insertion was the least. Apical biopsies were routinely more painful than mid‐gland biopsies, which were more painful than base biopsies. The apical‐rectal blockade was the most painful to administer, but has lasting effects and led to better pain control than the prostatic base‐seminal vesicle blockade. Similarly, the intraprostatic blockade was more effective than the prostatic base‐seminal vesicle blockade. Besides pain reported at the time of anesthetic injection, no difference was identified between the intraprostatic and apical‐rectal blockades.

CONCLUSIONS.

Mid and apical biopsies of the prostate are more painful than base biopsies. The seminal vesicle‐prostatic base blockade is less effective than intraprostatic and apical‐rectal blockade at controlling pain. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Impact of remission induction chemotherapy on survival in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Baz Rachid , Rodriguez Cristina , Fu Alex Z. , Jawde Rony Abou , Kalaycio Matt , Advani Anjali , Sobecks Ronald , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

Significant controversy surrounds the use of remission induction chemotherapy (IC) in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Earlier clinical trials have yielded conflicting results and possibly a minor survival benefit, often offset by a longer hospitalization time.

METHODS.

To evaluate the role of IC in patients with AML, a case control study of patients 60 years or older treated at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center between 1997 and 2005 was conducted. Forty‐four patients who did not receive IC were matched by a propensity analysis to 138 patients who received an anthracycline‐based regimen.

RESULTS.

The unadjusted median survival of patients who did not receive IC was 53 days, compared with 197 days (P < .001) for those who did. After further adjusting for age, gender, race, leukocyte count at presentation, AML cytogenetics, history of prior hematologic disorder, and assessing for comorbidities, not receiving IC was still associated with worse survival (hazards ratio of 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.05 [P = .01]). Additional predictors of poor outcomes in older adults with AML included higher leukocyte count at presentation, poor‐risk cytogenetics, and African‐American race (compared with Caucasians).

CONCLUSIONS.

The study suggests improved outcomes in older adults with AML who undergo remission induction therapy. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic significance of synaptophysin in stage I of squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: González‐Aragoneses Federico , Moreno‐Mata Nicolás , Cebollero‐Presmanes María , García‐Yuste Mariano , Cañizares‐Carretero Miguel Ángel , Molins‐López‐Rodó Laureano , Quevedo‐Losada Santiago , Torres‐Lanzas Juan , Álvarez‐Fernández Emilio ,   and the Spanish Multicenter Study of Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Lung of the Spanish Society of Pneumonology, ThoracicSurgery (EMETNE‐SEPAR)
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

The prognostic significance of the presence of a neuroendocrine marker (synaptophysin, SY) was analyzed in stage I of squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung.

METHODS.

A multicentric retrospective study was conducted with immunohistochemical staining in a single center of 318 patients resected for squamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma in pathologic stage I.

RESULTS.

In all, 162 cases of squamous carcinoma and 156 cases of adenocarcinoma were identified, which included 105 patients in stage IA (50 patients with squamous carcinoma and 55 patients with adenocarcinoma) and 213 in stage IB (112 with squamous carcinoma and 101 with adenocarcinoma). Eighty‐six tumors showed a presence of SY+ (27%). Univariate analysis showed lower survival rates at 5 years for those patients older than 70 years of age compared with those patients younger than 70 years of age (60.35% vs 70.57%; P = .007) and for those patients with SY+ compared with those with SY− (52.48% vs 72.68%; P = .0017). Patients with SY+ tumors showed a higher rate of recurrence than patients with SY− tumors (50% vs 33.6%; P = .008). Multivariate analysis showed that those patients greater that 70 years of age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.65) and the presence of SY (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.40–3.30) were significant independent prognostic factors associated with a poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS.

Stage I of squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung with SY+ has a poor prognosis, with a higher frequency of recurrence and lower survival rates. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Quality of integrated care for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Ouwens Mariëlle M. M. T. J. , Hermens Rosella R. P. M. G. , Termeer René A. R. , Vonk‐Okhuijsen Saskia Y. , Tjan‐Heijnen Vivianne C. G. , Verhagen Ad F. T. M. , Hulscher Marlies M. E. J. L. , Marres Henri A. M. , Wollersheim Hub C. H. , Grol Richard P. T. M.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

In the current study, the authors focused on determinants influencing the quality of care and variations in the actual quality of integrated care for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to estimate whether there is room for improvement.

METHODS.

The authors tested the quality of integrated care for 276 NSCLC patients with 14 quality indicators of professional (4 indicators), organizational (3 indicators), and patient‐oriented quality (7 indicators). Patient characteristics and actual care data were derived from medical record data, patient‐oriented care was derived from patient questionnaires, and professional and hospital characteristics were derived from questionnaires for professionals. The performance measure was the proportion of patients to whom the indicator applied who had positive scores on the indicator. Multilevel logistic regression analysis determined the influence of patient, professional, and hospital characteristics on care.

RESULTS.

With regard to professional quality, the proportions of patients who underwent fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography or cervical mediastinoscopy according to the guideline criteria were 88% and 84%, respectively. Only 50% of the biopsies were adequately obtained during mediastinoscopy, and in 3% of the patients with clinical stage III disease (based on the TNM classification) there was a search for brain metastases before the initiation of combination therapy. With regard to organizational quality, the diagnostic route of 79% of the patients was completed within 21 days; 51% of patients began therapy within 35 days and 57% were discussed during multidisciplinary consultation. All but 1 patient‐oriented quality indicator scored ≤58%. Hospitals varied by ≥20% with regard to 11 of the 14 indicators. The patient‐related determinants “stage of disease,” “age,” and “comorbidity” were found to influence the indicator scores the most.

CONCLUSIONS.

The quality of integrated care (especially patient‐oriented care) for NSCLC patients needs improvement. Patient characteristics appear to influence performance more than professional or hospital characteristics. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Spinal metastases from myxoid liposarcoma warrant screening with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schwab Joseph H. , Boland Patrick J. , Antonescu Cristina , Bilsky Mark H. , Healey John H.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) has an unusual tendency for extrapulmonary metastasis, particularly to the spine and soft tissues. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of spinal metastasis, treatment outcomes, and optimal screening method for spinal metastasis in patients with MLS.

METHODS.

Data from patients with had spinal metastases were obtained from the authors' institutional soft tissue sarcoma database. The accuracy with which positron emission tomography (PET) scans and bone scans identified metastatic lesions was compared with the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical response to treatment was based on pain, neurologic scores, and survivorship analysis.

RESULTS.

There were 33 patients who developed spinal metastasis after a median 36 months of follow‐up (range, from 7.5 months to 33 years). Known spinal metastases were detected by bone scans in 16% of patients and by PET scans in 14% of patients. Patients who underwent surgery had high‐grade spinal cord compression more often than patients who did not undergo surgery (72% vs 19%, respectively; P = .002). Pain and neurologic function were improved or maintained in all patients who received radiation alone (n = 8 patients) and in all but 1 patient who underwent surgery (n = 18 patients). The median overall survival was 51.4 months from the time of primary diagnosis and 21.9 months from the time of first metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Bone scans and PET scan lack sufficient sensitivity to detect spinal metastasis from MLS. Treatment of metastasis is palliative, but local treatment can yield long‐term disease control in select patients. Screening with whole‐spine MRI may lead to the earlier detection of spinal metastasis. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Intelligent Control of Surface Hydrophobicity
Authors: Gras Sally L. , Mahmud Tanveer , Rosengarten Gary , Mitchell Arnan , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh
Published: August 2007

Switchable surfaces are highly useful materials with surface properties that change in response to external stimuli. These surfaces can be employed in both research and industrial applications, where the ability to actively control surface properties can be used to develop smart materials and intelligent surfaces. Herein, we review a range of surfaces in which hydrophobicity can be controlled. We present the principal ideas of surface switching, discuss recent developments, explore experimental issues and examine factors that influence surface switching, including the nature of the stimuli, the underlying material, the morphology of the surface and the surrounding environment. We have categorised switchable surfaces according to the stimuli that trigger changes in surface hydrophobicity. These are electrically, electrochemically, thermally, mechanically, photo‐ and environmentally inducible surfaces. In addition, we review the use of chemical reactions to modify the properties of switchable surfaces and produce changes in the molecular structure and nanoscale features of the surface.
Label‐Free Electrical Determination of Trypsin Activity by a Silicon‐on‐Insulator Based Thin Film Resistor
Authors: Neff Petra A. , Serr Andreas , Wunderlich Bernhard K. , Bausch Andreas R.
Published: August 2007

A silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) based thin film resistor is employed for the label‐free determination of enzymatic activity. We demonstrate that enzymes, which cleave biological polyelectrolyte substrates, can be detected by the sensor. As an application, we consider the serine endopeptidase trypsin, which cleaves poly‐L‐lysine (PLL). We show that PLL adsorbs quasi‐irreversibly to the sensor and is digested by trypsin directly at the sensor surface. The created PLL fragments are released into the bulk solution due to kinetic reasons. This results in a measurable change of the surface potential allowing for the determination of trypsin concentrations down to 50 ng mL−1. Chymotrypsin is a similar endopeptidase with a different specificity, which cleaves PLL with a lower efficiency as compared to trypsin. The activity of trypsin is analyzed quantitatively employing a kinetic model for enzyme‐catalyzed surface reactions. Moreover, we have demonstrated the specific inactivation of trypsin by a serine protease inhibitor, which covalently binds to the active site of the enzyme.
Staying alive – naïve CD4+ T cell homeostasis
Authors: Purton Jared F. , Sprent Jonathan , Surh Charles D.
Published: August 2007

The immune system must maintain a broad repertoire of naïve T cells in order to respond to the diverse range of pathogens that it will encounter over the course of a lifetime. Although it is known that contact with IL‐7 is crucial for the survival of naïve T cells, the precise intracellular signals that mediate its effects remain obscure. An article in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology has found that IL‐7 requires the coordinated action of multiple pathways to maintain naïve CD4+ T cells.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737234
Cover Picture: Redefining epithelial progenitor potential in the developing thymus – Eur. J. Immunol. 9/2007
Authors: Rossi Simona W. , Chidgey Ann P. , Parnell Sonia M. , Jenkinson William E. , Scott Hamish S. , Boyd Richard L. , Jenkinson Eric J. , Anderson Graham
Published: August 2007

The immunohistochemical analysis of a frozen section of a thymus graft is taken from the article by Rossi et al. (pp. 2411–2418). The image shows cytokeratin expression in green and Aire expression (medullary epithelial cells) in red. The graft shown is generated from the EpCAM1+Mts24+ thymic epithelial subset obtained at embryonic day 16 (BALB/c mice). In their study, Rossi et al. show that, in contrast to previous reports, Mts24 is not a progenitor marker for embryonic epithelial cells capable of creating the required thymic microenvironment for T cell development.
Formation and distribution of oxidized fatty acids during deep‐ and pan‐frying of potatoes
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nick , Salta Fotini N. , Chiou Antonia , Andrikopoulos Nikolaos K.
Published: August 2007

The formation of cis‐9,10‐epoxystearate, trans‐9,10‐epoxystearate, cis‐9,10‐epoxyoleate, cis‐12,13‐epoxyoleate, trans‐9,10‐epoxyoleate, trans‐12,13‐epoxyoleate and the co‐eluting 9‐ and 10‐ketostearates during eight successive pan‐ and deep‐frying sessions of pre‐fried potatoes in five different types of vegetable oils – namely cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, vegetable shortening, palm oil and virgin olive oil – was followed and quantified both in fried oils and in fried potatoes by GC/MS after derivatization to methyl esters. These oxidized fatty acids were present at relatively low concentrations in the fresh oils and pre‐fried potatoes while they increased linearly with frying time, reaching up to 1140.8 µg/g in virgin olive oil (VOO) and 186.9 µg/g in potatoes pan‐fried in VOO after eight pan‐frying sessions, with trans‐9,10‐epoxystearate predominating in all cases. The formation of polymerized triacylglycerols (PTG) was also quantified in frying oils by size exclusion HPLC. Pan‐frying caused higher oxidized fatty acid and PTG formation compared to deep‐frying. Epoxyoleates and PTG concentrations were increased after frying in polyunsaturated oils, while epoxystearate and 9‐ and 10‐ketostearate concentrations were increased after frying in monounsaturated oils. No specific absorption of the oxidized fatty acids by the fried potatoes seems to occur. The dietary intake of oxidized fatty acids and PTG by the consumption of fried potatoes was discussed.
Relevance of interactions between sphingomyelin and cholesterol in biliary and intestinal tract
Authors: van Erpecum Karel J. , Petruzzelli Michele , Groen Albert K. , Moschetta Antonio
Published: August 2007

Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are the major phospholipids of the hepatocytic canalicular membrane outer leaflet. Sphingomyelin may preferentially reside with cholesterol in liquid‐ordered domains. In contrast, phosphatidylcholine is the exclusive phospholipid secreted in rat bile (enriched in hydrophilic species compared to the canalicular membrane), subsequently incorporated into bile salt‐cholesterol micelles. We determined the bile lipid composition in 95 vertebrate species (Moschetta et al., J Lipid Res. 2005, 46, 2221–2232). Phospholipid was often virtually absent in bile of cartilaginous fish and reptiles, occurred in low relative amounts (compared to bile salts) in bony fish or birds and in high relative amounts in most mammals. Biles with low relative amounts of phospholipid often contained high proportions of sphingomyelin. Phosphatidylcholine was the predominant phospholipid in biles with high phospholipid contents. We then compared, in CaCo2 cells (without appreciable phospholipase A2 activity), the effects of incorporating sphingomyelin, egg yolk phosphatidylcholine or lyso‐phosphatidylcholine in apical bile salt‐cholesterol micelles. Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine and (more pronounced) sphingomyelin inhibited cholesterol absorption with decreased ABC‐A1 and ‐G1 expression. Lyso‐phosphatidylcholine enhanced cholesterol absorption with increased basolateral HDL‐dependent cholesterol efflux and high expression of ABC‐A1 and ‐G1. In conclusion, sphingomyelin plays a pivotal role in protecting hepatocytes against detergent bile salts. Dietary sphingomyelin may inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption.
Factors affecting droplet size of sodium caseinate‐stabilized O/W emulsions containing β‐carotene
Authors: Kanafusa Sumiyo , Chu Boon‐Seang , Nakajima Mitsutoshi
Published: August 2007

This work was initiated to prepare an oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion containing β‐carotene by microfluidization. The β‐carotene was dissolved in triolein and microfluidized with an aqueous phase containing sodium caseinate (SC) as the emulsifier. Microfluization at 140 MPa resulted in O/W emulsions with a mean droplet diameter of ca. 120 nm, which was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The influences of SC concentration and microfluidization parameters on the droplet size of the emulsions were studied. The results showed that the mean droplet diameter decreased significantly (p <0.05) from 310 to 93 nm with the increase in SC concentration from 0.1 to 2 wt‐%. However, a further increase in SC concentration did not much change the droplet diameter, although the polydispersity of the emulsions was slightly improved. The droplet diameter of the emulsions was found to decrease from 200 to 120 nm with increasing microfluidization pressure, with narrower droplet size distribution. The storage study showed that the emulsions were physically stable for about 2 weeks at 4 °C in the dark. The results provide a better understanding of the performance of SC in stabilizing the O/W emulsions.
Influence of microemulsion chirality on chromatographic figures of merit in EKC: Results with novel three‐chiral‐component microemulsions and comparison with one‐ and two‐chiral‐component microemulsions
Authors: Kahle Kimberly A. , Foley Joe P.
Published: August 2007

Novel microemulsion formulations containing all chiral components are described for the enantioseparation of six pairs of pharmaceutical enantiomers (atenolol, ephedrine, metoprolol, N‐methyl ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and synephrine). The chiral surfactant dodecoxycarbonylvaline (DDCV, R‐ and S‐), the chiral cosurfactant S‐2‐hexanol, and the chiral oil diethyl tartrate (R‐ and S‐) were combined to create four different chiral microemulsions, three of which were stable. Results obtained for enantioselectivity, efficiency, and resolution were compared for the triple‐chirality systems and the single‐chirality system that contained chiral surfactant only. Improvements in enantioselectivity and resolution were achieved by simultaneously incorporating three chiral components into the aggregate. The one‐chiral‐component microemulsion provided better efficiencies. Enantioselective synergies were identified for the three‐chiral‐component nanodroplets using a thermodynamic model. Additionally, two types of dual‐chirality systems, chiral surfactant/chiral cosurfactant and chiral surfactant/chiral oil, were examined in terms of chromatographic figures of merit, with the former providing much better resolution. The two varieties of two‐chiral‐component microemulsions gave similar values for enantioselectivity and efficiency. Lastly, the microemulsion formulations were divided into categories based on the number of chiral microemulsion reagents and the average results for each pair of enantiomers were analyzed for trends. In general, enantioselectivity and resolution were enhanced while efficiency was decreased as more chiral components were used to create the pseudostationary phase (PSP).
Single‐run separation of cationic, anionic, and polyanionic compounds by CE‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Mokaddem Meriem , Varenne Anne , Belgaied Jamel‐Eddine , Factor Cécile , Gareil Pierre
Published: August 2007

A method for a single‐run separation of cationic, anionic, and polyanionic compounds by CE hyphenated to ESI MS (CE‐ESI‐MS) is described. One of the main issues for coupling CE to MS with an ESI source consists in maintaining an electric contact for the electrophoretic separation. This condition is only performed if a liquid flow arising from the separation capillary is directed to the needle, making it coupling‐compatible. This latter situation is incompatible with the separations of polyanionic compounds of higher electrophoretic mobility (in absolute value) than the electroosmotic mobility, performed in bare fused‐silica capillaries under a negative polarity. In this study, several alternative approaches were evaluated to circumvent this difficulty, and applied to the setup of the CE‐MS separation of a mixture containing both cationic and polyanionic compounds, which are synthesis intermediates of contrast agents for medical imaging. Eventually, the detection of the cationic and anionic compounds in a single run could be obtained by either using neutrally coated polymethylsiloxane (DB‐1) capillaries and simultaneously applying a negative voltage polarity and a pressure allowing to compensate for the residual cathodic EOF or by dynamically modifying the inner wall of a bare fused‐silica capillary with a polycationic polymer (hexadimethrine bromide) and using it afterwards under negative voltage polarity.