bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The UAB Virtual Campus
Authors: Yábar José Manuel , Hernández Jesús , Roldán Pedro López , Castellà Joaquim
Published: April 2012

The university is currently involved--within Europe--in a process of coordinating higher education for adaptation to the new ECTS European credits, which implies changing from a teacher-centred model (teacher conveys knowledge) to a learner-centred model, a real challenge. Since 1996, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) has been carrying out the “Campus Virtual de la UAB” project. This platform fulfils several roles that aim at providing an answer to this challenge: it provides support to face-to-face teaching; it encourages teaching innovation; it promotes the creation of learning materials; it fosters communication; it favours monitoring of the learning process; it favours self-learning and self-assessment; and it enables blended teaching experiences. This chapter will focus on how to use the communication and discussion functionalities between teachers and students, between students themselves, and on monitoring of the students’ learning process.
EVAINU Research
Authors: Bosco Alejandra
Published: April 2012

New virtual learning environments for educational innovation at the university of the present-future--EVAINU--is a research project financed by the Autonomous University of Barcelona as part of its support for emerging research groups. The project came about as a result of the growing presence of the ICTs in the higher education system and has focused on identifying typical cases, which use these media at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) involving some form of curricular innovation or improvement in accordance with the European convergence processes, which the Spanish university system is currently undergoing. As a result, three case studies of different qualifications were carried out in order to investigate their potential for improving university education. One of these cases--Virtual Veterinary Science--is described in this study. Among the preliminary results of this research so far, of particular interest is the fact that while the ICTs are clearly an important opportunity to make a qualitative leap and to go beyond teaching outlooks based on exposition, passive reception, and memorising, more institutional support is necessary in terms of working strategies, which promote new ways of organising teaching, the development of ICT skills among teaching staff and students, and the creation of incentives for teacher training, among other initiatives.
Financial Distress Prediction of Chinese-Listed Companies Based on PCA and WNNs
Authors: Xin Xiu , Xiong Xiaoyi
Published: April 2012

The operating status of an enterprise is disclosed periodically in a financial statement. Financial distress prediction is important for business bankruptcy prevention, and various quantitative prediction methods based on financial ratios have been proposed. This paper presents a financial distress prediction model based on wavelet neural networks (WNNs). The transfer functions of the neurons in WNNs are wavelet base functions which are determined by dilation and translation factors. Back propagation algorithm was used to train the WNNs. Principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to reduce the dimension of the inputs of the WNNs. Multiple discriminate analysis (MDA), Logit, Probit, and WNNs were employed to a dataset selected from Chinese-listed companies. The results demonstrate that the proposed WNNs-based model performs well in comparison with the other three models.
1 Corinthians 7:17�24. Identity and human dignity amidst power and liminality
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: April 2012

Paul�s concern with identity, and in particular the identity of the believer in relation to Jesus Christ, is an important concern in his writings. In the midst of an important section dedicated to advice and instruction on marriage in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul encouraged his audience in 1 Corinthians 7:17�24 to remain in the calling by, or position in, which they were called. Concerning these circumstances he refers to circumcision (1 Cor 7:18�19) and slavery (1 Cor 7:21�23) by name. These Pauline instructions are investigated against the backdrop of both the 1st century CE context and post-apartheid South Africa, where issues of identity and marginality rub shoulders with claims to ownership and entitlement, on the one hand, and issues of human dignity, on the other.
On the Dihedral Main Conjectures of Iwasawa Theory for Hilbert Modular Eigenforms
Authors: Van Order Jeanine
Published: April 2012

We construct a bipartite Euler systemin the sense ofHoward forHilbertmodular eigenforms of parallel weight two over totally real fields, generalizing works of Bertolini–Darmon, Longo, Nekovar, Pollack–Weston, and others. The construction has direct applications to Iwasawa's main conjectures. For instance, it implies inmany cases one divisibility of the associated dihedral or anticyclotomicmain conjecture, at the same time reducing the other divisibility to a certain nonvanishing criterion for the associated p-adic L-functions. It also has applications to cyclotomic main conjectures for Hilbert modular forms over CM fields via the technique of Skinner and Urban.
On a Theorem of Bombieri, Friedlander, and Iwaniec
Authors: Fiorilli Daniel
Published: April 2012

In this article, we show to what extent one can improve a theorem of Bombieri, Friedlander and Iwaniec by using Hooley's variant of the divisor switching technique. We also give an application of the theorem in question, which is a Bombieri-Vinogradov type theorem for the Tichmarsh divisor problem in arithmetic progressions.
Selective Autooxidation of Ethanol over Titania‐Supported Molybdenum Oxide Catalysts: Structure and Reactivity
Authors: Caro Carlos , Thirunavukkarasu K. , Anilkumar M. , Shiju N. R. , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: April 2012

We study the selective catalytic oxidation of ethanol with air as a sustainable alternative route to acetaldehyde. The reaction is catalysed by molybdenum oxide supported on titania, in a flow reactor under ambient pressure. High selectivity to acetaldehyde (70%–89%, depending on the Mo loading) is obtained at 150 °C. Subsequently, we investigate the structure/performance relationship for various molybdenum oxide species using a combination of techniques including diffuse reflectance UV‐visible, infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction and temperature programmed reduction. As their surface density increases, the monomeric molybdenum oxide species undergo two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional oligomerisation. This results in polymolybdates and molybdenum oxide crystallites. Importantly, the ethanol oxidation rate depends not only on the overall molybdenum loading and dispersion, but also on the type of molybdenum oxide species prevalent at each surface density and on the domain size. As the molybdenum oxide oligomerisation increases, electron delocalisation becomes easier. This lowers the absorption edge energy and increases the reaction rate.
Bifunctional Metal Organic Framework Catalysts for Multistep Reactions: MOF‐Cu(BTC)‐[Pd] Catalyst for One‐Pot Heteroannulation of Acetylenic Compounds
Authors: Arnanz Avelina , Pintado‐Sierra Mercedes , Corma Avelino , Iglesias Marta , Sánchez Félix
Published: April 2012

A bifunctional metal organic framework catalyst containing palladium and copper(II) benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate – MOF‐Cu(BTC)‐[Pd] – has been prepared. This catalyst enables the performance of the tandem Sonogashira/click reaction starting from 2‐iodobenzylbromide, sodium azide and alkynes to produce 8H‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoindoles with good yields under mild reaction conditions.
Multiple Oxidative Dehydrogenative Functionalization of Arylacetaldehydes Using Molecular Oxygen as Oxidant Leading to 2‐Oxo‐acetamidines
Authors: Zhang Chun , Zhang Liangren , Jiao Ning
Published: April 2012

A novel copper‐catalyzed, multiple oxidative dehydrogenative functionalization of arylacetaldehydes leading to 2‐oxo‐acetamidine compounds has been developed. This transformation is highly efficient with dissociation of six hydrogens including two sp3 CH and one sp2 CH bond activations. This method not only provides an efficient approach to 2‐oxo‐acetamidine compounds, but also offers a valuable mechanistic insight into this novel copper catalysis.
Exploiting Acyl and Enol Azolium Intermediates via N‐Hetero‐ cyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Reactions of α‐Reducible Aldehydes
Authors: Vora Harit U. , Wheeler Philip , Rovis Tomislav
Published: April 2012

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are well known for their role in catalyzing benzoin and Stetter reactions: the generation of acyl anion equivalents from simple aldehydes to react with a variety of electrophiles. However, when an aldehyde bearing a leaving group or unsaturation adjacent to the acyl anion equivalent is subjected to an NHC, a new avenue of reactivity is unlocked, leading to a number of novel transformations which can generate highly complex products from simple starting materials, many of which are assembled through unconventional bond disconnections. The field of these new reactions – those utilizing α‐reducible aldehydes to access previously unexplored catalytic intermediates – has expanded rapidly in the past eight years. This review aims to provide the reader with a historical perspective on the underlying discoveries that led to the current state of the art, a mechanistic description of these reactions, and a summary of the recent advances in this area.
Bespoke latex allergen testing improves assessment of respiratory symptoms in textile‐braiding workers
Authors: Harris‐Roberts J. , Tate P. , Robinson E. , Griffin P. , Mason H. , Barber C. , Curran A.D. , Fishwick D.
Published: April 2012

Background

Latex allergy is poorly understood in latex‐exposed textile workers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out to better characterize respiratory symptoms, using personal breathing zone latex allergen measurement and specific IgE to latex allergens.

Results

Forty‐four of the 86 (51% participation rate) participated. Ten of 39 workers who gave a blood sample (25.6%) were found to have IgE to at least one workplace allergen (5/39 positive to either latex braiding coated with silica or talc, 4/39 were positive to the dyed cotton extract, and 1/39 to latex braiding coated with silica or talc and dyed cotton extract), whilst only 2 of these 10 had specific IgE to the commercial latex extract.

Conclusions

The presence of symptoms with evidence of sensitization was strongly dictated by current latex exposure. Bespoke workplace allergen IgE testing identified cases of WR respiratory symptoms with sensitization that otherwise would not have been identified. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:616–623, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mehrfache orthogonale Konjugationen mit Molekülgerüsten: Anwendung in der chemischen Biologie und Wirkstoff‐Forschung
Authors: Beal David M. , Jones Lyn H.
Published: April 2012

Heteropolyfunktionelle Molekülgerüste, die sich sequenzielle Klick‐Reaktionen zunutze machen, werden eine bedeutende Rolle in den Bereichen der chemischen Biologie und chemisch aktivierten Biotherapeutika, der so genannten “Chemologics” spielen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz fasst die bestehenden Synthesetechniken zusammen und verdeutlicht das beträchtliche Potenzial, das dieses Fachgebiet birgt.
THE INTEGRATIVE EFFECTS OF POPULATION DENSITY, PHOTOPERIOD, TEMPERATURE, AND HOST PLANT ON THE INDUCTION OF ALATE APHIDS INSCHIZAPHIS GRAMINUM
Authors: An Chunju , Fei Xiaodong , Chen Wenfeng , Zhao Zhangwu
Published: April 2012

The wheat aphidSchizaphis graminum (Rondani) displays wing dimorphism with both winged and wingless adult morphs. The winged morph is an adaptive microevolutionary response to undesirable environmental conditions, including undesirable population density, photoperiod, temperature, and host plant. Here we studied the integrative effects of population density, photoperiod, temperature, and host plant on the induction of alate aphids inS. graminum. The present results show that these four factors all play roles in inducing alate aphids inS. graminum but population density is the most important under almost all circumstances. In importance, population density is followed by photoperiod, host plant, and temperature, in that order. These results indicate that ambient environmental factors are highly important to stimulation of alate aphids inS. graminum, especially when population density reaches 64 individuals per leaf.
CLONING AND EXPRESSION PATTERN OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN GENES FROM THE ENDOPARASITOID WASP, Pteromalus puparum IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Kai , Zhu Jia‐Ying , Fang Qi , Ye Gong‐Yin , Wang Huan , Li Kai , Zhu Jia‐Ying
Published: April 2012

Six heat shock protein (HSP) genes from five HSP families in the parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum, were evaluated for their response to temperature (−15 ∼ 3°C , and 30 ∼ 42°C for 1 h), heavy metals (0.5 ∼ 5 mM Cd2+ and Cu2+ for 24 h and 60 h), and starvation (24 h). Compared with other insect HSPs, all conserved motifs are found in P. puparum HSPs, and they are very similar to those of the recently sequenced ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis. The temporal gene expression patterns indicated that these six HSP genes were all heat‐inducible, of which hsp40 was the most inducible. The temperatures for maximal HSP induction at high and low temperature zone were 36 or 39°C and −3°C, respectively. In the hot zone, all HSP genes have the same initial temperature (33°C) for up‐regulation. Low concentrations of Cd2+ for a short‐term promoted the expression of all HSP genes, but not high concentrations or long‐term treatments. Cu2+ stress for 24 h increased expression of nearly all HSP. Four HSP genes changed after starvation. We infer that all six HSP genes are sensitive to heat. This may help understand the absence of P. puparum during the summer and winter. The expression profiles of six HSP genes in P. puparum under heavy metal stress indicates that HSP is a short‐term response to cellular distress or injury induced by Cd2+ and Cu2+.
Visualizing social connections in the humanities: Beyond bibliometrics
Authors: Sula Chris Alen
Published: April 2012

Editor's Summary

Reflecting the formal record of scholarly communication, bibliometrics in the humanities may inaccurately represent scholars as solitary, making limited references to colleagues. Bibliometric methods are derived from scientific and technical literature, where joint authorship and co‐citation are more common than in the humanities. Yet the influence of social connections among humanities scholars is strong and lasting, especially through chains of personal relationships. The most significant social connections among academics are those between student and teacher, among departmental colleagues and, to a lesser extent, among conference participants and association members. Documenting the connections includes acknowledgments and citations but largely goes beyond bibliometrics, drawing on dissertation front matter, attendance records and departmental rosters. Visualization of these connections can disclose invisible colleges and spheres of influence, useful in the humanities as well as other fields.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation without balloon predilatation
Authors: Chan Pak Hei , Mario Carlo Di , Moat Neil
Published: April 2012

Balloon predilatation has been regarded as an essential step before implanting the self‐expandable prosthesis during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Recent evidence showed that without balloon predilatation, an implantation success rate of >95% could be achieved. We report two cases in which balloon predilatation was not performed initially during TAVI but eventually required it to facilitate device crossing and implantation. They illustrated the importance of case selection and alerted us the potential limitation in performing TAVI without balloon predilatation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term serial angiographic outcomes after sirolimus‐eluting stent implantation
Authors: Ko Euihong , Nasu Kenya , Habara Maoto , Tanaka Nobuyoshi , Terashima Mitsuyasu , Kinoshita Yoshihisa , Tsuchikane Etsuo , Asakura Yasushi , Katoh Osamu , Suzuki Takahiko
Published: April 2012

Objective

We evaluated, using quantitative coronary angiography, the natural history of change that occurred in target lesions after successful sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) implantation.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents (DES) has significantly reduced the rate of repeated target lesion revascularization. However, early studies have raised concerns regarding the “late catch‐up” phenomenon of DES.

Methods

Between June 2004 and March 2007, consecutive 217 patients with 306 lesions without restenosis at early angiographic follow‐up underwent late angiographic follow‐up (early follow‐up: 11.2 ± 2.1 months and late follow‐up: 29.4 ± 5.2 months). Predictors of late catch‐up were identified with univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Although reference vessel diameter did not significantly change during follow‐up [3.15 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 2.81–3.49 mm), 3.12 mm (IQR: 2.79–3.47 mm), and 3.08 mm (IQR: 2.76–3.46 mm) at postprocedure, and early and late angiographic follow‐up, respectively; P = 0.2653], late loss (LL) significantly increased during follow‐up [0.05 mm (IQR: 0.00–0.13 mm) and 0.08 mm (IQR: 0.01–0.19 mm) at early and late follow‐up, respectively; P < 0.0001]. Univariate analysis showed previous intervention, adjunctive use of cutting balloon, lesion length, and progression of MLD, LL, %DS at early follow‐up as predictors of late catch‐up. Multivariate regression analysis identified %DS at early follow‐up as a predictor of late catch‐up (OR 1.076, CI 1.039–1.114, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Significant and continuous progression of neointima after SES implantation was observed in the present study. Larger LL may be a sign of late catch‐up phenomenon. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective multicenter observational study of the interventional management of coronary disease in the very elderly: The NINETY
Authors: Sillano Dario , Resmini Chiara , Meliga Emanuele , Boccuzzi Giacomo , Zuffi Andrea , Barbato Emanuele , Gunn Julian , Price Matthew , Gaita Fiorenzo , Sheiban Imad
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The aim of this observational, multicenter study was to describe the outcome of very elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

There is a paucity of data among nonagenarians undergoing PCI.

Methods

All consecutive patients 90 years of age or older undergoing PCI with stent implantation between April 2002 and June 2009 were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the long‐term rate of net adverse cardiac events (NACE), that is, death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization, and life‐threatening or major bleedings.

Results

One hundred forty‐six nonagenarians were divided in three groups according to clinical setting: 27 (group A) stable angina or silent ischemia, 85 (group B) unstable angina or non‐ST elevation MI, and 34 (group C) with ST elevation MI (STEMI). At 30 days, the incidence of NACE was significantly lower in patients in Group A vs. B or C (0% vs. 17.3% vs. 31.2%, P = 0.006), and the frequency of definite stent thrombosis was higher in Group C vs. A or B (9.4% vs. 0% vs. 0%, P = 0.007), respectively. Up to a median follow‐up of 24 months, NACE rate was 33.3% in group A, 49.3% in group B, and 50% in group C (P = 0.32). There were no significant differences between groups in the individual components of the primary endpoint.

Conclusions

PCI in nonagenarians is safe and feasible with acceptable major bleeding rates. However, long‐term results show high mortality rates particularly in the STEMI group. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remote ischemic preconditioning immediately before percutaneous coronary intervention does not impact myocardial necrosis, inflammatory response, and circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts: A single center randomized sham controlled trial
Authors: Prasad Abhiram , Gössl Mario , Hoyt John , Lennon Ryan J. , Polk Lynn , Simari Robert , Holmes David R. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Lerman Amir
Published: April 2012

Aims: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is frequently accompanied by myocardial injury. The present study was performed to determine whether remote ischemic preconditioning (IP) induces cardioprotection during PCI. Methods: We enrolled 95 patients requiring nonemergency PCI for stable disease or unstable angina into this prospective clinical trial. Patients were randomized to either remote IP (induced by three 3‐min cycles of blood pressure cuff inflations to 200 mm Hg around the upper arm, followed by 3‐min of reperfusion n = 47) or sham control (n = 48) immediately preceding PCI. The primary outcome measure was the frequency of post‐PCI myonecrosis, defined as a peak postprocedural cTnT T ≥0.03 ng/dL. Secondary outcome measures were the change in plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels following PCI and in endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) counts following IP. Results: There was no difference in the primary endpoint of the frequency of PCI related myonecrosis which occurred in 22 (47%) and 19 (40%) patients in the remote IP and control groups, respectively, P = 0.42. There was significant increase in hsCRP post‐PCI in both groups (P < 0.001), but there was no difference between the groups (median %change in hsCRP 46% vs. 54%, P = 0.73). There was no significant change in circulating early (CD34 −/CD133+/KDR+), intermediate (CD34+/CD133+/KDR+), or late (CD34+/CD133−/KDR+) EPC in the two groups immediately following IP. The composite rate of death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 1 year was 14.1% versus 13.7% (P = 0.90). Conclusions: Our study indicates that remote IP immediately before PCI does not induce cardioprotection in low to moderate risk patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent coronary artery thrombosis after anomalous right coronary artery re‐implantation to the aorta
Authors: Han Seol Young , Heitner John F. , Brener Sorin J.
Published: April 2012

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the pulmonary artery is a rare entity. The current recommendation is corrective operation even in asymptomatic patients when this cardiac malformation is found. We report a case of a 21‐year‐old male who initially presented with ST elevations. After surgical repair with re‐implantation of the RCA to the aorta, he was found to have an acute thrombus in his left circumflex and several months later developed a thrombus in the proximal left anterior descending artery. We propose that the change from a hyperkinetic high flow state to a slow flow state in the setting of inadequate coronary flow reserve and endothelial function predisposed our patient to thrombus formation in the persistently dilated coronary arteries. It is expected that restoration of normal flow pattern in all coronary arteries will result in normalization of perfusion, decrease in feeding artery size, and return of endothelial function. Because this anomaly is rare, limited information exists on the effects of the procedure on myocardial perfusion. These findings raise the question of whether re‐implantation of the anomalous artery is truly the superior approach. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia into Dinitrogen over a Zeolite‐Supported Ruthenium Dioxide Catalyst
Authors: Heylen Steven , Delcour Nele , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Martens Johan A.
Published: April 2012

RuO2@Na‐Y zeolite is a highly active catalyst for the selective catalytic oxidation of NH3 into N2 at relatively low temperatures. RuO2@Na‐Y zeolite achieved the stoichiometric conversion of NH3 into N2 at 175 °C in the presence of water vapor and CO2. Increasing the reaction temperature led to the formation of more‐oxidized reaction products (N2O, NO, and NO2). This catalyst was successfully operated in a cycling mode with alternating ammonia‐ and oxygen‐containing gas streams. As expected, the catalyst was only poorly efficient in the selective catalytic reduction of ammonia.
New Insight into Daylight Photocatalysis of AgBr@Ag: Synergistic Effect between Semiconductor Photocatalysis and Plasmonic Photocatalysis
Authors: Jiang Jing , Li Hao , Zhang Lizhi
Published: April 2012

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) are often used as electron scavengers in conventional semiconductor photocatalysis to suppress electron–hole (e−–h+) recombination and promote interfacial charge transfer, and thus enhance photocatalytic activity of semiconductors. In this contribution, it is demonstrated that noble metal NPs such as Ag NPs function as visible‐light harvesting and electron‐generating centers during the daylight photocatalysis of AgBr@Ag. Novel Ag plasmonic photocatalysis could cooperate with the conventional AgBr semiconductor photocatalysis to enhance the overall daylight activity of AgBr@Ag greatly because of an interesting synergistic effect. After a systematic investigation of the daylight photocatalysis mechanism of AgBr@Ag, the synergistic effect was attributed to surface plasmon resonance induced local electric field enhancement on Ag, which can accelerate the generation of e−–h+ pairs in AgBr, so that more electrons are produced in the conduction band of AgBr under daylight irradiation. This study provides new insight into the photocatalytic mechanism of noble metal/semiconductor systems as well as the design and fabrication of novel plasmonic photocatalysts.
Electronic Structure and Aromaticity of Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Martín‐Martínez Francisco J. , Fias Stijn , Van Lier Gregory , De Proft Frank , Geerlings Paul
Published: April 2012

We analyse the electronic structure and aromaticity of graphene nanoribbons and carbon nanotubes through a series of delocalisation and geometry analysis methods. In particular, the six‐centre index (SCI) is found to be in good agreement with the mean bond length (MBL) and ring bond dispersion (RBD) geometry descriptors. Based on DFT periodic calculations, three distinct classes of aromaticity patterns have been found for armchair graphene nanoribbons, appearing periodically as the width of the ribbon is increased. The periodicity in the band gap is found to be related to these aromaticity patterns. Also, the appearance of such distinct aromaticity distribution is explained within the framework of the Clar’s sextet theory. Both delocalisation and geometry analysis methods are shown to be very fast and reliable tools for easily analysing the aromaticity in carbon nanosystems.
Synthesis and Conformation of Fluorinated β‐Peptidic Compounds
Authors: Peddie Victoria , Butcher Raymond J. , Robinson Ward T. , Wilce Matthew C. J. , Traore Daouda A. K. , Abell Andrew D.
Published: April 2012

Experimental and theoretical data indicate that, for α‐fluoroamides, the FCC(O)N(H) moiety adopts an antiperiplanar conformation. In addition, a gauche conformation is favoured between the vicinal CF and CN(CO) bonds in N‐β‐fluoroethylamides. This study details the synthesis of a series of fluorinated β‐peptides (1–8) designed to use these stereoelectronic effects to control the conformation of β‐peptide bonds. X‐ray crystal structures of these compounds revealed the expected conformations: with fluorine β to a nitrogen adopting a gauche conformation, and fluorine α to a CO group adopting an antiperiplanar conformation. Thus, the strategic placement of fluorine can control the conformation of a β‐peptide bond, with the possibility of directing the secondary structures of β‐peptides.
Life years lost—comparing potentially fatal late complications after radiotherapy for pediatric medulloblastoma on a common scale
Authors: Brodin N. Patrik , Vogelius Ivan R. , Maraldo Maja V. , Munck af Rosenschöld Per , Aznar Marianne C. , Kiil‐Berthelsen Anne , Nilsson Per , Björk‐Eriksson Thomas , Specht Lena , Bentzen Søren M.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The authors developed a framework for estimating and comparing the risks of various long‐term complications on a common scale and applied it to 3 different techniques for craniospinal irradiation in patients with pediatric medulloblastoma.

METHODS:

Radiation dose‐response parameters related to excess hazard ratios for secondary breast, lung, stomach, and thyroid cancer; heart failure, and myocardial infarction were derived from large published clinical series. Combined with age‐specific and sex‐specific hazards in the US general population, the dose‐response analysis yielded excess hazards of complications for a cancer survivor as a function of attained age. After adjusting for competing risks of death, life years lost (LYL) were estimated based on excess hazard and prognosis of a complication for 3‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

RESULTS:

Lung cancer contributed most to the estimated LYL, followed by myocardial infarction, and stomach cancer. The estimates of breast or thyroid cancer incidence were higher than those for lung and stomach cancer incidence, but LYL were lower because of the relatively good prognosis. Estimated LYL ranged between 1.90 years for 3D CRT to 0.28 years for IMPT. In a paired comparison, IMPT was associated with significantly fewer LYL than both photon techniques.

CONCLUSIONS:

Estimating the risk of late complications is associated with considerable uncertainty, but including prognosis and attained age at an event to obtain the more informative LYL estimate added relatively little to this uncertainty. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Data for cancer comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Meyer Anne‐Marie , Carpenter William R. , Abernethy Amy P. , Stürmer Til , Kosorok Michael R.
Published: April 2012

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) can efficiently and rapidly generate new scientific evidence and address knowledge gaps, reduce clinical uncertainty, and guide health care choices. Much of the potential in CER is driven by the application of novel methods to analyze existing data. Despite its potential, several challenges must be identified and overcome so that CER may be improved, accelerated, and expeditiously implemented into the broad spectrum of cancer care and clinical practice. To identify and characterize the challenges to cancer CER, the authors reviewed the literature and conducted semistructured interviews with 41 cancer CER researchers at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness (DEcIDE) Cancer CER Consortium. Several data sets for cancer CER were identified and differentiated into an ontology of 8 categories and were characterized in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and utility. Several themes emerged during the development of this ontology and discussions with CER researchers. Dominant among them was accelerating cancer CER and promoting the acceptance of findings, which will necessitate transcending disciplinary silos to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise. Multidisciplinary collaboration is required, including those with expertise in nonexperimental data, statistics, outcomes research, clinical trials, epidemiology, generalist and specialty medicine, survivorship, informatics, data, and methods, among others. Recommendations highlight the systematic, collaborative identification of critical measures; application of more rigorous study design and sampling methods; policy‐level resolution of issues in data ownership, governance, access, and cost; and development and application of consistent standards for data security, privacy, and confidentiality. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Incidence of soft tissue sarcoma and beyond
Authors: Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Ducimetière Françoise , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Fadda Emanuela , Blay Jean‐Yves , Buja Alessandra , Fedeli Ugo , Cegolon Luca , Frasson Alvise , Ranchère‐Vince Dominique , Montesco Cristina , Ray‐Coquard Isabelle , Rossi Carlo Riccardo
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objectives of this study were to measure the incidence of sarcomas, including viscerally sited tumors that are not reported in cancer statistics, and to draw explanatory clues from a large and reliable sarcoma incidence data set.

METHODS:

Cases of sarcomas regardless of primary site (except bone and joints) were collected during 2 years in 3 European regions totaling approximately 26,000,000 person‐years. The sources used were pathology reports and hospital discharges forms. Diagnoses were reviewed by expert sarcoma pathologists and were classified according to 2002 World Health Organization criteria. Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) were considered those located in arms, legs, trunk, head, neck, and retroperitoneum; visceral sarcomas (VS) were considered those that arose in internal organs. Rates were age standardized using the European (ASR‐E) and the USA standard population. The rate of coexistence of VS and STS was calculated by dividing the 2 corresponding ASRs.

RESULTS:

There were 1558 sarcomas, 968 STS, and 590 VS. The ASRs‐USA per 100,000 person‐years was 5.12 × 105 among males and 4.58 × 105 among females for all sarcomas. For males and females, respectively, the ASR‐E per 100,000 person‐years was 3.58 × 105 and 2.55 × 105, respectively, for STS; 1.47 × 105 and 1.97 × 105, respectively, for VS; and 0.55 × 105 and 0.10 × 105, respectively, for Kaposi sarcoma. The coexistence rate of VS and STS was 0.41 for males and 0.77 for females. For dermatofibrosarcoma (both sexes), uterine sarcoma, liposarcoma (females), and leiomyosarcoma, including or excluding the uterus (females), the age‐specific rates depicted a curve with a rapid increasing trend until ages 40 to 50 years and little variation thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with the incidence of STS, VS incidence made up an additional 41% in males and 77% in females. Because the shape of age‐specific curves for some histotypes was similar to that of breast cancer, the authors concluded that sex hormones (plus many chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors) may be involved in carcinogenesis. This evidence could pave the way to investigate alternative treatments and to explore etiology. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Association between contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and breast cancer outcomes by hormone receptor status
Authors: Brewster Abenaa M. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Parker Patricia A. , Dong Wenli , Peterson Susan K. , Cantor Scott B. , Crosby Melissa , Shen Yu
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The effect of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) on the survival of patients with early‐stage breast cancer remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of CPM using a propensity scoring approach that reduces selection bias from the nonrandom assignment of patients in observational studies.

METHODS:

A total of 3889 female patients with stage I to III breast cancer were identified who were treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1997 to 2009. We assessed the association between CPM and disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS), by using Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), and by matching patients in the CPM and no‐CPM groups using propensity scores (n = 497 pairs).

RESULTS:

With a median follow‐up time of 4.5 years, CPM was associated with improved DFS (HR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59‐0.97) and OS (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.99), adjusted for prognostic factors. The improved DFS was seen predominantly among hormone receptor–negative (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.95) compared with hormone receptor–positive patients (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.58‐1.10). For the matched patient cohort, stratified survival analysis also showed an improvement in DFS with CPM (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22‐1.01) in hormone receptor–negative patients that was nearly statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

CPM was associated with improved DFS for some patients with hormone receptor–negative breast cancer, after reducing selection bias. Identifying subsets of patients most likely to benefit from CPM may have important implications for a more personalized approach to treatment decisions about CPM. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Standardized uptake value by positron emission tomography/computed tomography as a prognostic variable in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Morris Patrick G. , Ulaner Gary A. , Eaton Anne , Fazio Maurizio , Jhaveri Komal , Patil Sujata , Evangelista Laura , Park Joseph Y. , Serna‐Tamayo Cristian , Howard Jane , Larson Steven , Hudis Clifford A. , McArthur Heather L. , Jochelson Maxine S.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

In this retrospective, single‐institution study, the authors examine the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images as a prognostic variable in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

METHODS:

Patients with ≥1 metastatic lesion on PET/CT images that were obtained within 60 days of their MBC diagnosis between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008 were included. Patients were excluded if they had received chemotherapy ≤30 days before the PET/CT images were obtained. Electronic medical reports were reviewed to determine the SUVmax and overall survival. Because of intraindividual variation in the SUV by body site, separate analyses were conducted by metastatic site. Relationships between site‐specific PET/CT variable tertiles and overall survival were assessed using Cox regression; hazard ratios for the highest tertile versus the lowest tertile were reported.

RESULTS:

In total, 253 patients were identified, and their median age was 57 years (range, 27‐90 years). Of these, 152 patients (60%) died, and the median follow‐up was 40 months. On univariate analysis, SUVmax tertile was strongly associated with overall survival in patients who had bone metastases (N = 141; hazard ratio, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.79‐5.48; P < .001). This effect was maintained on multivariate analysis (HR = 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.64‐6.20, P = .002) after correcting for known prognostic variables. A greater risk of death was associated with SUVmax tertile in patients who had metastases to the liver (N = 46; hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.90‐4.76), lymph nodes (N = 149; hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.69‐1.88), and lung (N = 62; hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.97‐4.95), although these results were not significant (P = .18, P = .31, and P = .095, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicate that PET/CT has value as a prognostic tool in patients with newly diagnosed MBC to bone. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Proteasome inhibitor interacts synergistically with autophagy inhibitor to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hui Bo , Shi Ying‐Hong , Ding Zhen‐Bin , Zhou Jian , Gu Cheng‐Yu , Peng Yuan‐Fei , Yang Hua , Liu Wei‐Ren , Shi Guo‐Ming , Fan Jia
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The ubiquitin‐proteasome system and autophagy‐lysosome system are 2 major protein degradation pathways in eukaryotic cells, which are tightly linked to cancer. Proteasome inhibitors have been approved in clinical use against hematologic malignancies, but their application in solid tumors is uncertain. Moreover, the role of autophagy after proteasome inhibition is controversial.

METHODS:

Two proteasome inhibitors, 2 autophagy inhibitors, and 3 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines were investigated in the current study. In vitro, cell proliferation was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis of annexin‐V/propidium iodide staining, and autophagy was evaluated by green fluorescent protein‐light chain 3 (GFP‐LC3) redistribution and LC3 Western blot analysis. In vivo, Ki‐67 staining was used to detect cell proliferation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis, and electron microscopy and p62 immunohistochemical staining were used to detect autophagy.

RESULTS:

Proteasome inhibitors suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis, and activated autophagy in HCC cell lines in vitro, and autophagy exerted a protective role after proteasome inhibition. In vivo, anticancer effects of bortezomib on the MHCC‐97H orthotopic model (human HCC cells) were different from the effects observed on the Huh‐7 subcutaneous model (human HCC cells). The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine interacted synergistically with bortezomib to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in both tumor models.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that simultaneous targeting of the proteasome and autophagy pathways may represent a promising method for HCC treatment. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Nanomaterial‐Based Treatments for Medical Device‐Associated Infections
Authors: Tran Nhiem , Tran Phong A.
Published: April 2012

Bacterial infections remain one of the biggest concerns to our society. Conventional antibiotic treatments showed little effect on the increasing number of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Advances in synthetic chemistry and nanotechnology have resulted in a new class of nanometer‐scale materials with distinguished properties and great potential to be an alternative for antibiotics. In this Minireview, we address the current situation of medical‐device‐associated infections and the emerging opportunities for antibacterial nanomaterials in preventing these complications. Several important antimicrobial nanomaterials emergent from advances in synthesis chemistry are introduced and their bactericidal mechanisms are analyzed. In addition, concerns regarding the biocompatibility of such materials are also addressed.
Essential Data and Techniques for Conducting Microbial Fuel Cell and other Types of Bioelectrochemical System Experiments
Authors: Logan Bruce E.
Published: April 2012

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioelectrochemical systems are new technologies that require expertise in a variety of technical areas, ranging from electrochemistry to biological wastewater treatment. There are certain data and critical information that should be included in every MFC study, such as specific surface area of the electrodes, solution conductivity, and power densities normalized to electrode surface area and volumes. Electrochemical techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry can be used to understand the performance of the MFC, but extremely slow scans are required for these biological systems compared to more traditional fuel cells. In this Minireview, the critical information needed for MFC studies is provided with examples of how results can be better conveyed through a full description of materials, the use of proper controls, and inclusion of a more complete electrochemical analysis.
Case studies on ESA‐doping as revealed by the Biological Passport
Authors: Zorzoli Mario , Rossi Francesca
Published: April 2012

Blood doping, through the increase of red cells, induces changes of hematological parameters. The aim of the Biological Passport is first to analyse individual longitudinal profiles in order to identify, through variations of the specific parameters, doping manipulations. Additionally, on the basis of abnormal values or profiles, athletes can be targeted for traditional anti‐doping tests in order to detect forbidden substances or methods.

We report the experience of the International Cycling Union in applying the Biological Passport to target athletes for the presence of erythropoiesis stimulating agents. All positive results which have been reported between 2008 and 2010 concerning athletes enrolled in the Biological Passport program are presented. Four cases are discussed more in details. To conclude, we propose possible ways of using the Biological Passport in order to better understand athletes' doping modalities, so that testing programs efficiency can be improved. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding degradation of phenolic compounds during olive oil processing by inhibitor addition
Authors: Migliorini Marzia , Cecchi Lorenzo , Cherubini Chiara , Trapani Serena , Cini Enrico , Zanoni Bruno
Published: April 2012

The aim of this work was to study, under different conditions, degradation of secoiridoids during extraction of extra virgin olive oil by following the effect of ascorbic and citric acid addition. Their effect was evaluated on oil obtained from both damaged olives and undamaged fresh olives. Addition of enzyme inhibitors to damaged olives during olive milling allowed us to obtain oil with a higher phenolic compound content. Conversely, addition of the same inhibitors to undamaged fresh olives, during oil milling, resulted in no significant improvement in the phenolic compound content of oil. A high presence of PPO was thus indirectly confirmed, as damaged olives were only found to be sensitive to action of inhibitors. Ascorbic acid was found to be more effective than citric acid in preserving phenolic compounds of oil. Trials on undamaged fresh olives confirmed occurrence of hydrolytic transformation phenomena for secoiridoids during extra virgin olive oil production process. In particular, the quantitatively most representative component for Frantoio cultivar was found to be 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA. This compound may be considered a direct marker for the degree of transformation of secoiridoids during production process.

Practical applications: The processing of undamaged olives resulted in the extraction of extra virgin olive oil with a higher phenol content. It could be indirectly inferred that a reduced activity of PPO caused a low secoiridoid degradation both before and after malaxation. Lightly scratched, overripe olives could be used in those markets where the addition of oxidation‐inhibiting substances is allowed. Using inhibitors can be suggested for olive washing step.
Plasma fibronectin deficiency impedes atherosclerosis progression and fibrous cap formation
Authors: Rohwedder Ina , Montanez Eloi , Beckmann Karsten , Bengtsson Eva , Dunér Pontus , Nilsson Jan , Soehnlein Oliver , Fässler Reinhard
Published: April 2012

Atherosclerotic lesions are asymmetric focal thickenings of the intima of arteries that consist of lipids, various cell types and extracellular matrix (ECM). These lesions lead to vascular occlusion representing the most common cause of death in the Western world. The main cause of vascular occlusion is rupture of atheromatous lesions followed by thrombus formation. Fibronectin (FN) is one of the earliest ECM proteins deposited at atherosclerosis‐prone sites and was suggested to promote atherosclerotic lesion formation. Here, we report that atherosclerosis‐prone apolipoprotein E‐null mice lacking hepatocyte‐derived plasma FN (pFN) fed with a pro‐atherogenic diet display dramatically reduced FN depositions at atherosclerosis‐prone areas, which results in significantly smaller and fewer atherosclerotic plaques. However, the atherosclerotic lesions from pFN‐deficient mice lacked vascular smooth muscle cells and failed to develop a fibrous cap. Thus, our results demonstrate that while FN worsens the course of atherosclerosis by increasing the atherogenic plaque area, it promotes the formation of the protective fibrous cap, which in humans prevents plaques rupture and vascular occlusion.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201200238