bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel chiral thiazoline‐containing N―O ligands in the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes: substituent effect on the enantioselectivity
Authors: Gong Zhiyong , Liu Qingwen , Xue Pengchong , Li Kechang , Song Zhiguang , Liu Zaiqun , Jin Yinghua
Published: January 2012

Several novel chiral thiazoline primary and tertiary alcohols were easily synthesized from commercially available l‐cysteine in three steps and with high yield. These ligands were subsequently applied to the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc (Et2Zn) to various aldehydes. Products with S configuration were obtained when thiazoline‐containing tertiary alcohol ligands were used as catalysts. The primary alcohol induced corresponding products with R configuration in 68% enantiomeric excess, which was a higher value relative to other N―O ligands possessing a primary alcohol unit in the literature. Furthermore, a plausible transition state model was proposed to explain the observed enantioselectivities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of toughened polyamide‐6/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Augustine J. M. , Maiti S. N. , Gupta A. K.
Published: January 2012

This article presents a study on nanocomposite prepared by incorporation of single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) into the blend of polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) and ethylene–propylene–diene elastomer grafted with maleic anhydride (EPDM‐g‐MA), with varying SWNT content from 1 to 3% with the fixed composition of the matrix (PA‐6: EPDM‐g‐MA being 65 : 35). Tensile properties of the rubber toughened PA‐6 (i.e., PA‐6/EPDM‐g‐MA blend) increased on incorporation of the nanofiller SWNT. Crystallization behavior studied through the analysis of the DSC crystallization exotherm showed distinct changes with varying content of the nanofiller. The SWNT nanofiller showed initially an enhancement of nucleation rate, which was overlapped with slowing down of crystallization growth rate, which results in smaller crystallinity and decreased crystal size. This slowing down of crystalline growth with increasing SWNT content is attributed to the presence of SWNT in the form of network like dispersion as seen by the scanning electron microscopic measurement. The decrease of crystallinity with increasing SWNT content is also shown by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The changes in XRD pattern indicate a variation in the relative proportion of α and γ crystalline forms of PA‐6 due to the presence of SWNT nanofiller. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Curing and characterization of oxazolidone‐isocyanurate‐ether networks
Authors: Flores Marjorie , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Morancho Josep M. , Serra Àngels , Ramis Xavier
Published: January 2012

Oxazolidone‐isocyanurate‐ether networks were prepared by copolymerization of mixtures of DGEBA and toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) in presence of benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) as catalyst. Changes during curing and final properties of the cured materials were investigated by using DSC, FTIR/ATR, TMA, DMTA, TGA, and densitometry. The influence of the molar ratio of isocyanate to epoxide groups on the properties and curing were studied. The kinetics of curing was analyzed by means of an integral isoconversional nonisothermal procedure. The fractions of oxazolidone, isocyanurate, and ether groups present in the final network were evaluated and were found to be dependent on the initial isocyanate/epoxy ratio and curing conditions. By increasing the initial proportion of isocyanate the glass transition temperature, the thermal stability, the shrinkage, and the amount of isocyanurate rings increase, whereas the fraction of ether linkages and oxazolidones decreases. It was observed that the gelation is controlled by the formation of isocyanurate rings at the beginning of the curing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Molecular weight effect on theta‐gel formation in poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(ethylene glycol) mixtures
Authors: Bodugoz‐Senturk Hatice , Oral Ebru , Choi Jeeyoung , Macias Celia , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: January 2012

Injectable hydrogel formulations that undergo in situ gelation at body temperature are promising for minimally invasive tissue repair. This work focuses on the investigation of injectable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) mixtures. The injectable PVA–PEG aqueous solutions form a hydrogel as temperature is reduced to near body temperature, while filling a defect in the injection site. Gamma sterilization of these solutions compromises injectability presumably due to crosslinking of PVA. We hypothesized that by modifying the PEG molecular weight and its concentration, injectability of radiation sterilized PVA–PEG hydrogels can be optimized without compromising the mechanical properties of the resulting gel. The use of a bimodal mixture of higher and lower molecular weight PEG (600 and 200 g/mol) resulted in lower PVA/PEG solution viscosity, better injectability, and higher gel mechanical strength. The PVA/bimodal‐PEG had a lower viscosity at 2733 ± 149 cP versus a viscosity of 5560 ± 278 cP for PVA/unimodal‐PEG (400 g/mol). The gel formed with the bimodal PEG mixture had higher creep resistance (61% total creep strain under 0.5 MPa) than that formed with unimodal PEG (84%). These hydrogel formulations are promising candidates for minimally invasive tissue repair. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Controlling the structure and rheology of polyimide/nanoclay composites by condensation polymerization
Authors: Wang Jia , Iroh Jude O. , Long Amy
Published: January 2012

A novel in situ condensation polymerization method for controlling the structure and dispersion of clay in the polyimide (PI) matrix has been investigated. Initially, the viscosity of the polymerizing poly(amic acid) (PAA) solution increases rapidly with increasing shear rate and polymerization time. In the presence of clay, the PAA solution viscosity became significantly higher than that for the neat PAA solution at initial polymerization stage; however, it attained a final value, which was significantly lower than that for a neat PAA solution after a long polymerization time. The PAA/clay solution synthesized by in situ polycondensation reaction also showed an interesting optical activity between 500 and 600 nm. The PAA/clay solution prepared by a two‐step method involving polymerization followed by the addition of clay shows no unusual optical behavior above 400 nm. The imidization of PAA is enhanced in the presence of clay. The imidization temperature decreased significantly in the presence of clay, and the extent of imidization increased with increasing amount of clay and cure temperature. X‐ray diffraction and microscopy studies show the existence of exfoliated clays at low concentration of clay and at high curing temperatures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of scratch velocity on scratch behavior of injection‐molded polypropylene
Authors: Chivatanasoontorn Vadee , Aoki Naoya , Kotaki Masaya
Published: January 2012

Scratch tests of polypropylene injection moldings were conducted with a progressive load scratch test according to ISO 19252. Effect of scratch velocity on scratch visibility and damage initiation was investigated. The results showed that the critical normal load for onset of scratch visibility was independent of scratch velocity in the range from 1 to 10 mm/s. However, the critical normal load decreased with increase of scratch velocity higher than 10 mm/s. The other scratch damage transitions such as onset of fish‐scale and cutting pattern, the critical normal load also decreased with increase of scratch velocity. A correlation between scratch behavior and subsurface deformation was observed by polarized optical microscope. The formation of yielded zone under scratch groove was clearly observed at onset of scratch visibility. It was found that the yielded zone size becomes shallower at higher scratch velocity. The results suggested that localized stress was generated near the surface at higher scratch velocity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of fluorescent poly(1‐vinylimidazole‐co‐(1‐pyrene) methyl 2‐methyl‐2‐propenote) and determination of monomer reactivity ratios
Authors: Yan Yehai , Lu Na , Cui Jian , Zhang Jinfang
Published: January 2012

A new fluorescent copolymer, poly(1‐vinylimidazole‐co‐(1‐pyrene) methyl 2‐methyl‐2‐propenote) (VI‐co‐PyMMP), has been designed and synthesized by a free‐radical copolymerization of VI and PyMMP as well as characterized using ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopies. The monomer reactivity ratios are determined by two methods of Fineman‐Ross (r1 = 0.28 ± 0.04 for VI, r2 = 1.32 ± 0.11 for PyMMP) and Kelen‐Tüdös (r1 = 0.23 ± 0.05, r2 = 1.22 ± 0.12). Based on the reactivity ratios, the monomer sequence lengths and Q and e for PyMMP monomer are further calculated. The results suggest that the copolymerization of VI and PyMMP is a nonideal copolymerization without an azeotropic point (i.e., r1 < 1, r2 > 1 and r1r2 < 1) and has a low alternation tendency. The conclusions drawn in this work may not only direct the later synthesis of the copolymers but also enrich the database of free‐radical copolymerization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of a pore‐forming agent on swelling, network parameters, and permeability of poly(ethylene glycol)‐crosslinked poly(methyl vinyl ether‐co‐maleic acid) hydrogels: Application in transdermal delivery systems
Authors: Raj Singh Thakur Raghu , Garland Martin J. , Migalska Katarzyna , Salvador Ester Caffarel , Shaikh Rahamatullah , McCarthy Helen O. , David Woolfson A. , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: January 2012

We characterized hydrogels, prepared from aqueous blends of poly(methyl vinyl ether‐co‐maleic acid) (PMVE/MA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 10,000 Daltons) containing a pore‐forming agent (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3). Increase in NaHCO3 content increased the equilibrium water content (EWC) and average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) of hydrogels. For example, the %EWC was 731, 860, 1109, and 7536% and the Mc was 8.26, 31.64, 30.04, and 3010.00 × 105 g/mol for hydrogels prepared from aqueous blends containing 0, 1, 2, and 5% w/w of NaHCO3, respectively. Increase in NaHCO3 content also resulted in increased permeation of insulin. After 24 h, percentage permeation was 0.94, 3.68, and 25.71% across hydrogel membranes prepared from aqueous blends containing 0, 2, and 5% w/w of NaHCO3, respectively. Hydrogels containing the pore‐forming agent were fabricated into microneedles (MNs) for transdermal drug delivery applications by integrating the MNs with insulin‐loaded patches. It was observed that the mean amount of insulin permeating across neonatal porcine skin in vitro was 20.62% and 52.48% from hydrogel MNs prepared from aqueous blends containing 0 and 5% w/w of NaHCO3. We believe that these pore‐forming hydrogels are likely to prove extremely useful for applications in transdermal drug delivery of biomolecules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Cooperative effect of molecular orientation and β‐form on toughening injection‐molded isotactic polypropylene with β‐nucleating agent
Authors: Lv Ruihua , Li Zhujun , Na Bing , Zou Shufen , Pan Huayan
Published: January 2012

The toughness of conventional injection‐molded isotactic polypropylene bars has been investigated with respect to the notch location and β‐nucleating agent. Superior toughness is achieved in the β‐nucleated bars with notches near the gate, but is absent in the near‐gate bars without β‐nucleating agent or in the β‐nucleated ones far from the gate. With detailed structural analysis across the sample thickness, it is indicated that in these tough bars, extensive flow close to the surface suppresses the formation of β‐form to a large extent but favors the generation of oriented α‐form, whereas toward inner region, an opposite tendency is presented with the decay of flow strength and the activation of β‐nucleating agent. Allowing that this peculiar hierarchical structure is absent in other two kinds of bars, it is deduced that the cooperative effect of molecular orientation of α‐form in the skin layer and rich β‐form in the inner region is responsible for the significant toughness enhancement in the β‐nucleated bars near the gate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Dual regulation of metalloproteinase expression in chondrocytes by Wnt‐1–inducible signaling pathway protein 3/CCN6
Authors: Baker Natasha , Sharpe Paul , Culley Kirsty , Otero Miguel , Bevan Damon , Newham Peter , Barker Wendy , Clements Kristen M. , Langham Caroline J. , Goldring Mary B. , Gavrilović Jelena
Published: January 2012

Objective

Wnt‐1–inducible signaling pathway protein 3 (WISP‐3)/CCN6 is mutated in progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia and may have effects on cartilage homeostasis. The aim of this study was to ascertain additional roles for WISP‐3/CCN6 by determining its expression in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage and by investigating its effects on cartilage‐relevant metalloproteinase expression in immortalized (C‐28/I2) and primary chondrocytes.

Methods

Cartilage steady‐state levels of WISP‐3/CCN6 messenger RNA and protein production were determined by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. WISP‐3/CCN6 was overexpressed in C‐28/I2 cells, and the resultant clones were analyzed by quantitative RT‐PCR. The stable clones were analyzed by RT‐PCR for metalloproteinase expression, and the signaling pathways involved were investigated using pharmacologic inhibition. The effects of WISP‐3/CCN6 on metalloproteinase expression in primary chondrocytes were investigated using a small interfering RNA approach.

Results

WISP‐3/CCN6 was highly expressed in OA cartilage compared with undamaged cartilage, at both the RNA and protein levels. WISP‐3/CCN6 overexpression in C‐28/I2 cells resulted in unexpected dual regulation of metalloproteinases; expression of the potent aggrecanase ADAMTS‐5 was down‐regulated 9‐fold, while expression of MMP‐10 was up‐regulated 14‐fold, and these responses were accentuated in the WISP‐3/CCN6 clones grown in suspension. MMP‐10 up‐regulation was dependent on several MAPKs, but WISP‐3/CCN6–mediated ADAMTS‐5 repression was independent of these pathways and was partially relieved by activation of β‐catenin signaling. WISP‐3/CCN6 also suppressed ADAMTS‐5 expression in C‐28/I2 cells treated with cytokines. In cytokine‐treated primary chondrocytes, gene silencing of WISP‐3/CCN6 resulted in enhanced ADAMTS‐5 expression, while MMP‐10 expression was suppressed.

Conclusion

WISP‐3/CCN6 was highly expressed in end‐stage OA cartilage, suggesting a role for this growth factor in cartilage homeostasis. WISP‐3/CCN6–induced repression of ADAMTS‐5 expression and regulation of MMP‐10 expression suggest complex and context‐dependent roles for WISP‐3/CCN6 in cartilage biology.
Brief Report: Decreased intrinsic brain connectivity is associated with reduced clinical pain in fibromyalgia
Authors: Napadow Vitaly , Kim Jieun , Clauw Daniel J. , Harris Richard E.
Published: January 2012

Objective

A major impediment to the development of novel treatment strategies for fibromyalgia (FM) is the lack of an objective marker that reflects spontaneously reported clinical pain in patients with FM. Studies of resting‐state intrinsic brain connectivity in FM have demonstrated increased insular connectivity to the default mode network (DMN), a network whose activity is increased during nontask states. Moreover, increased insular connectivity to the DMN was associated with increased spontaneous pain levels. However, as these analyses were cross‐sectional in nature, they provided no insight into dynamic changes in connectivity or their relationship to variations in self‐reported clinical pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in the intrinsic brain connectivity of FM patients treated with nonpharmacologic interventions known to modulate pain levels in this patient population, and to test the hypothesis that the reduction of DMN–insula connectivity following therapy would correlate with diminished pain.

Methods

Seventeen FM patients underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and following 4 weeks of a nonpharmacologic intervention to diminish pain. Intrinsic DMN connectivity was evaluated using probabilistic independent components analysis. Longitudinal changes in intrinsic DMN connectivity were evaluated by paired analysis, and correlations between longitudinal changes in clinical pain and changes in intrinsic DMN connectivity were investigated by multiple linear regression analysis. Changes in clinical pain were assessed with the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ).

Results

Clinical pain as assessed using the sensory scale of the SF‐MPQ was reduced following therapy (P = 0.02). Intrinsic DMN connectivity to the insula was reduced, and this reduction correlated with reductions in pain (corrected P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that intrinsic brain connectivity can be used as a candidate objective marker that reflects changes in spontaneous chronic pain within individual FM patients. We propose that intrinsic connectivity measures could potentially be used in either research or clinical settings as a complementary, more objective outcome measure for use in FM.
Inflammatory regulation of glucocorticoid metabolism in mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Ahasan Mohammad M. , Hardy Rowan , Jones Christopher , Kaur Kirren , Nanus Dominika , Juarez Maria , Morgan Stuart A. , Hassan‐Smith Zaki , Bénézech Cécile , Caamaño Jorge H. , Hewison Martin , Lavery Gareth , Rabbitt Elizabeth H. , Clark Andrew R. , Filer Andrew , Buckley Christopher D. , Raza Karim , Stewart Paul M. , Cooper Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Tissue glucocorticoid (GC) levels are regulated by the GC‐activating enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1). This enzyme is expressed in cells and tissues arising from mesenchymal stromal cells. Proinflammatory cytokines dramatically increase expression of 11β‐HSD1 in stromal cells, an effect that has been implicated in inflammatory arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, and myopathy. Additionally, GCs act synergistically with proinflammatory cytokines to further increase enzyme expression. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms underlying this regulation.

Methods

Gene reporter analysis, rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), chemical inhibition experiments, and genetic disruption of intracellular signaling pathways in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were used to define the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of 11β‐HSD1 expression.

Results

Gene reporter, RACE, and chemical inhibitor studies demonstrated that the increase in 11β‐HSD1 expression with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)/interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) occurred via the proximal HSD11B1 gene promoter and depended on NF‐κB signaling. These findings were confirmed using MEFs with targeted disruption of NF‐κB signaling, in which RelA (p65) deletion prevented TNFα/IL‐1β induction of 11β‐HSD1. GC treatment did not prevent TNFα‐induced NF‐κB nuclear translocation. The synergistic enhancement of TNFα‐induced 11β‐HSD1 expression with GCs was reproduced by specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK. Inhibitor and gene deletion studies indicated that the effects of GCs on p38 MAPK activity occurred primarily through induction of dual‐specificity phosphatase 1 expression.

Conclusion

The mechanism by which stromal cell expression of 11β‐HSD1 is regulated is novel and distinct from that in other tissues. These findings open new opportunities for development of therapeutic interventions aimed at inhibiting or stimulating local GC levels in cells of mesenchymal stromal lineage during inflammation.
Influence of Process Parameters on Mechanical Properties of Nanoparticulate Coatings
Authors: Barth Nina , Schilde Carsten , Kwade Arno
Published: January 2012

Die Erzeugung dünner partikulärer Schichten, die mit einem Filmziehgerät auf feste Edelstahl‐Substrate aufgetragen wurden, wurde untersucht. Die hierfür verwendeten pyrogenen Al2O3‐Nanopartikel (x50 = 139 nm) wurden mit einer Dreiwalze in Wasser dispergiert. Mittels Nanoindentation wurde der Einfluss der Spalthöhe und der Trocknungstemperatur auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Wobei insbesondere auch die Methodenetablierung der Nanoindentation für dünne partikuläre Schichten diskutiert wird. Die Nanoindentation zeigte sich als eine leistungsfähige Methode, um die mechanischen Eigenschaften dieser Schichten zu untersuchen. Der Substrateinfluss konnte für Schichtdicken größer 10 μm oder sehr geringe Indentationstiefen ausgeschlossen werden.
Surface Functionalization of Toner Particles for the Assembly of Three‐Dimensional Objects via Click Chemistry
Authors: Speyerer Christian , Borchers Kirsten , Güttler Stefan , Tovar Günter , Hirth Thomas , Weber Achim
Published: January 2012

In diesem Artikel wird die Entwicklung von Polyacrylat‐Partikeln als potenzielles Tonermaterial für ein elektrophotographisches Rapid‐Prototyping‐Verfahren beschrieben, mit dessen Hilfe in Zukunft dreidimensionale Objekte aus verschiedenen Tonern aufgebaut werden können. Die Polyacrylat‐Partikel wurden an der Oberfläche funktionalisiert, um einen dreidimensionalen Aufbau mittels Klick‐Chemie zu ermöglichen.
Therapeutic misconception, misestimation, and optimism in participants enrolled in phase 1 trials
Authors: Pentz Rebecca D. , White Margaret , Harvey R. Donald , Farmer Zachary Luke , Liu Yuan , Lewis Colleen , Dashevskaya Olga , Owonikoko Taofeek , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Ethical concerns about phase 1 trials persist. Important conceptual advances have been made in understanding concepts used to describe misunderstanding. However, a systematic, empirical evaluation of the frequency of misunderstanding incorporating recent developments is lacking.

METHODS:

The authors queried 95 participants in phase 1 trials to provide a more sophisticated estimate of the proportion who had therapeutic misconception (TM), defined as misunderstanding the research purpose or how research differs from individualized care, and therapeutic misestimation (TMis), defined as incorrectly estimating the chance of a research trial benefit as >20% or underestimating risk as 0%.

RESULTS:

Sixty‐five of 95 respondents (68.4%) had TM, which was associated in a multivariate analysis with lower education and family income (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively), but TM was not associated with the vulnerability of having hardly any treatment options. Eighty‐nine of 95 respondents (94%) had TMis, although only 18% reported this was a factual estimate. Although the risks of investigational agents and those exacerbated by research, such as uncertain outcomes, were mentioned (39% and 41% of respondents, respectively), risks novel to research, such as research biopsies, were rarely mentioned (3% of respondents). Although most of these respondents believed that their chance of benefit was greater and that their risk was lower than the population chance (optimists) (54.6%), a substantial minority of respondents (37.6%) were pessimists.

CONCLUSIONS:

TM continues to be prevalent. Estimates of personal benefit were not usually meant to report facts, it remains unknown whether respondents in the current study had TMis. Although they are not more vulnerable, phase 1 participants need improved understanding of key TM concepts, with attention to risks that are not present in standard of care. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Ellington Christopher L. , Goodman Michael , Kono Scott A. , Grist William , Wadsworth Trad , Chen Amy Y. , Owonikoko Taofeek , Ramalingam Suresh , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Beitler Jonathan J. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck (ACCHN) is a rare tumor of minor salivary, parotid, and submandibular glands. The biologic behavior of the disease is poorly understood, and nonsurgical treatment strategies have yet to be standardized. The long‐term prognosis continues to be guarded, with an estimated 10‐year survival of <60%. Population‐based studies examining ACC are scarce. The authors aimed to analyze incidence rates and survival outcomes for patients diagnosed with ACCHN using national population‐based data.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Newly diagnosed ACCHN cases reported to SEER from 1973 through 2007 were categorized according to their sex, race, age, year of diagnosis, marital status, treatment interventions, primary tumor site, and disease stage. Incidence of ACCHN and postdiagnosis survival were examined over time and compared across different demographic and disease‐related categories.

RESULTS:

The authors identified 3026 patients with ACCHN. The mean age at diagnosis among those cases was 57.4 years (range, 11‐99 years). Analyses of incidence data demonstrated a decline in ACCHN rates between 1973 and 2007, noted across all sexes and races with no detectable inflexion points. The overall 5‐year, 10‐year, and 15‐year survival outcomes for ACCHN patients were 90.3%, 79.9%, and 69.2%, respectively. Females, patients with localized disease, and younger patients were found to have significantly better survival across all time periods (all comparison‐specific log‐rank P values <0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed better prognosis among women compared with men (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65‐0.82), among married compared with unmarried individuals (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.91), with certain sites of origin and stage of disease (HR, 2.788; 95% CI, 2.36‐3.29), and in those who had surgery of the primary tumor site (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.54).

CONCLUSIONS:

The overall incidence of ACC is declining. The noted differences in survival based on sex, marital status, site of origin, and treatment intervention require further investigation. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society
Comparison of adverse events during 5‐fluorouracil versus 5‐fluorouracil/oxaliplatin adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer
Authors: Sanoff Hanna K. , Carpenter William R. , Freburger Janet , Li Ling , Chen Kun , Zullig Leah L. , Goldberg Richard M. , Schymura Maria J. , Schrag Deborah
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

In clinical trials, combined 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) plus oxaliplatin improves the survival of patients who have resected, stage III colon cancer with manageable toxicity. However, the tolerability of this in the general population of patients with colon cancer is uncertain.

METHODS:

Adverse outcomes were compared in patients with stage III colon cancer who received either 5FU or 5FU/oxaliplatin within 120 days of undergoing resection versus a control group of patients with stage II colon cancer who did not receive chemotherapy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database and in data from the New York State Cancer Registry linked to Medicare and Medicaid. Hospitalizations, emergency room (ER) visits, and outpatient adverse events (AEs) were measured in claims from 30 days to 9 months after patients underwent resection. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios of events by treatment. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias.

RESULTS:

Adverse outcomes were more frequent for chemotherapy recipients. AE rates were higher in patients who received 5FU/oxaliplatin (81%) compared with patients who received 5FU alone (72%), in the SEER‐Medicare data. The effect of oxaliplatin on AEs was greater in older patients: The odds ratio was 2.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.53‐2.87) for patients aged ≥75 years versus 1.75 (95% confidence interval, 1.39‐2.21) for patients aged <75 years. ER use was high in Medicaid patients (83% of those who received chemotherapy), but neither ER use nor hospitalization was increased by oxaliplatin. The 60‐day mortality rate was 1% to 3% for patients who received 5FU alone and 1% to 2% for patients who received combined 5FU/oxaliplatin.

CONCLUSIONS:

The incremental harms of adjuvant chemotherapy with 5FU/oxaliplatin versus 5FU alone were modest in patients with stage III colon cancer who were insured by Medicare and Medicaid. The additional harms in patients aged ≥75 years largely were restricted to outpatient events and did not extend to an increased rate of hospitalization or early death. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society
Gender representation of cancer patients in medical treatment and psychosocial survivorship research
Authors: Hoyt Michael A. , Rubin Lisa R.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Prior studies raise concern about gender bias in cancer research, including insufficient inclusion of women or men, or studying women and men differently. The 1993 National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act aimed to eliminate gender bias in medicine. To examine changes in medical and psychological literature, this study reviews gender representation in biomedical treatment studies and psychosocial survivorship studies published in a single year.

METHODS:

Research published in Cancer in 2007, and all empirical psychological studies about cancer published that year, provided a 15‐year update to findings reported by Meyerowitz and Hart. The gender distribution and context of included articles were coded and compared with findings from 1983 and 1992.

RESULTS:

Across biomedical studies, 34.3% of subjects were women (vs 47% of new cancers and 48% of cancer deaths). Among men, 41.3% had sex‐specific cancers (vs 12.5% [1983] and 12.3% [1992]). Among women, 46.1% had sex‐specific cancers (vs 69.1% [1983] and 64.6% [1992]). Fewer women (36.8%) were represented in sex‐nonspecific cancer studies (vs 41.4% [1983] and 42.5% [1992]); however, fewer studies had a significant (>20%) gender disparity. Across psychosocial studies, representation of men increased to 47.9% (vs 30.4% [1983] and 29.9% [1992]). The proportion of men in studies of feelings/relationships increased to 47% (vs 22.9% [1992]); the proportion of women in studies assessing physical/functional ability increased to 58.3% (vs 45.4%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Women remain under‐represented in sex‐nonspecific biomedical research, whereas men's representation in sex‐specific research increased substantially. Psychosocial research trends suggest movement from research questions supporting traditional stereotypes that women feel and men act. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society
Nucleation of GaN on sapphire substrates at intermediate temperatures by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Lukin G. , Röder C. , Niederschlag E. , Shashev Y. , Mühle U. , Pätzold O. , Kortus J. , Rafaja D. , Stelter M.
Published: January 2012

A novel approach to deposit GaN layers directly on a sapphire substrate by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy is presented. The two‐step deposition process includes the growth of GaN nucleation layers at intermediate temperatures in the range of 750 – 900 °C and subsequent high‐temperature overgrowth at about 1040 °C. Closed and non‐closed nucleation layers with a thickness of up to 2 μm were produced and characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. A growth temperature of 780 °C is found to be optimal with respect to density and size distribution of nucleation islands. Raman measurements performed on the nucleation layers reveal nearly zero residual stress indicating effective stress relaxation on cooling down from growth temperature. The results of first overgrowth experiments demonstrate the possibility to grow 10 μm thick, crack‐free GaN layers of high crystalline quality on the nucleation layers. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation, characterization and phase transformation of new ginsenoside compound k hydrate and methanol solvates
Authors: Li Runyan , Dong Weibing , He Huining , Yan Hao , Jiang Xiaobin , Gong Junbo
Published: January 2012

Two new solvates of ginsenoside compound K (nonstoichiometric hydrate/CKH and methanol solvate/CKM) have been discovered and characterized in this paper. They were obtained through cooling crystallization in different solvents, and CKM could be prepared by transformation from CKH as well. The solvates were analysed by Power X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. From the thermal studies, it is shown that the two new products are both solvates with different onset melting points. The PXRD and FTIR data support different crystal structures of them. It also describes the solution‐mediated phase transformation from CKH to CKM with a combination usage of process analytical technology tools. It is shown that the transformation process can be divided into three stages. The results reveal that seeding and low temperature help to accelerate the transformation, but initial solution concentration do little to the transformation kinetics. The kinetics and the rate‐controlling step for the transformation depend on the nucleation of the CKM. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role of the gene Miniature in Drosophila wing maturation
Authors: Bilousov Oleksii O. , Kozeretska Iryna A. , Katanaev Vladimir L.
Published: January 2012

Miniature is an extracellular zona pellucida domain‐containing protein, required for flattening of pupal wing epithelia in Drosophila. Here, we show that Miniature also plays an important role in the post‐eclosion wing maturation processes triggered by the neurohormone bursicon. Wing expansion and epithelial apoptosis are drastically delayed in miniature loss‐of‐function mutants, and sped up upon overexpression of the protein in wings. Miniature acts upstream from the heterotrimeric Gs protein transducing the bursicon signal in wing epithelia. We propose that Miniature interacts with bursicon and regulates its diffusion through or stability within the wing tissue. genesis 50:525–533, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanostars as Filler of Tunneling Conductive Polymer Composites
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Cauda Valentina , Canavese Giancarlo , Manfredi Diego , Pirri Candido Fabrizio
Published: January 2012

Highly multibranched gold nanostars were obtained by a room‐temperature synthesis assisted by deep‐eutectic solvents (DES). The concentration of the ascorbate ions and the presence of water in the solution were found to both have a profound influence on branch formation. A growth mechanism of the nanostar is therefore proposed from the analysis of the particle dimensions, the aspect ratio of their protuberances, and the gold crystal size. These spiky nanoparticles would find an application as conductive filler in polymeric piezoresistive composites, based on a tunneling conduction mechanism.
A Novel Type of Chiral Triangulane‐Based Diphosphane Ligands for Transition Metals
Authors: Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Kozhushkov Sergei I. , Yufit Dmitry S. , Schill Heiko , Reggelin Michael , Spohr Volker , de Meijere Armin
Published: January 2012

A new original strategy for the synthesis of axially and helically chiral bidentate diphosphane ligands featuring a rigid triangulanyl backbone has been elaborated and executed for several representative enantiomerically pure ligands. Thus,(1R,3S,4S)‐1,4‐bis[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]spiro[2.2]pentane [(1R,3S,4S)‐24·(BH3)2], [(1R,3R,4S)‐4‐(diphenylphosphanyl)methylspiro[2.2]pentan‐1‐yl]diphenylphosphane [(1R,3R,4S)‐27·(BH3)2], [(1R,3R,4S,5R)‐5‐(diphenylphosphanyl)methyldispiro[2.0.2.1]heptan‐1‐yl]diphenylphosphane [(1R,3R,4S,5R)‐30·(BH3)2], (1S,3S,4S)‐1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)spiropentane [(1R,3S,4S)‐35·(BH3)2], (1S,3S,4S)‐1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)spiropentane [(1S,3S,4S)‐35·(BH3)2], (1S,3S,4S)‐1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)spiropentane [(1R,3R,4S)‐35·(BH3)2], and (1R,3R,4R,5R)‐1,5‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)dispiro[2.0.2.1]heptane [(1R,3R,4R,5R)‐36·(BH3)2] with a spiropentyl and a dispiro[2.0.2.1]heptyl moiety, respectively, have been prepared as bishydroborane complexes applying repetitively the same set of standard synthetic operations, starting from [(1S,3R)‐4‐methylenespiropent‐1‐yl]methyl acetate [(1S,3R)‐7], (4,4‐dibromospiropent‐1‐yl)methanols [(1S,3R)‐8 and (1R,3S)‐8] and (dibromodispiro[2.0.2.1]heptyl)methanols (1R,3S,4R)‐9, (1S,3R,4S)‐9 and (1S,3R,4R)‐9 in 4–7 steps. The relative configurations of all important intermediates as well as the absolute configurations of the key intermediates and most final products were established by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.
Bi‐directional flow induced by an AC electroosmotic micropump with DC voltage bias
Authors: Islam Nazmul , Reyna Jairo
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses the principle of biased alternating current electroosmosis (ACEO) and its application to move the bulk fluid in a microchannel, as an alternative to mechanical pumping methods. Previous EO‐driven flow research has looked at the effect of electrode asymmetry and transverse traveling wave forms on the performance of electroosmotic pumps. This paper presents an analysis that was conducted to assess the effect of combining an AC signal with a DC (direct current) bias when generating the electric field needed to impart electroosmosis (EO) within a microchannel. The results presented here are numerical and experimental. The numerical results were generated through simulations performed using COMSOL 3.5a. Currently available theoretical models for EO flows were embedded in the software and solved numerically to evaluate the effects of channel geometry, frequency of excitation, electrode array geometry, and AC signal with a DC bias on the flow imparted on an electrically conducting fluid. Simulations of the ACEO flow driven by a constant magnitude of AC voltage over symmetric electrodes did not indicate relevant net flows. However, superimposing a DC signal over the AC signal on the same symmetric electrode array leads to a noticeable net forward flow. Moreover, changing the polarity of electrical signal creates a bi‐directional flow on symmetrical electrode array. Experimental flow measurements were performed on several electrode array configurations. The mismatch between the numerical and experimental results revealed the limitations of the currently available models for the biased EO. However, they confirm that using a symmetric electrode array excited by an AC signal with a DC bias leads to a significant improvement in flow rates in comparison to the flow rates obtained in an asymmetric electrode array configuration excited just with an AC signal.
A highly efficient fire‐retardant nanomaterial based on carbon nanotubes and magnesium hydroxide
Authors: Knight Chase C. , Ip Filbert , Zeng Changchun , Zhang Chuck , Wang Ben
Published: January 2012

Hybrid buckypapers (HBP) were developed and showed potential as efficient fire‐retardant materials by implementing multiple fire retardance mechanisms. The fabrication of HBP was performed using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) nanoparticles. The Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles were well dispersed throughout the CNTs network, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry both confirmed the decomposition of magnesium hydroxide in the HBPs and heat absorption under elevated temperatures. Our initial results indicated that when used as a skin layer, the HBP has the potential to significantly improve the fire‐retardant properties of epoxy carbon fiber composites. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A spectral approach to inertial confined thin‐film flow
Authors: Laure Patrice , Khayat Roger E.
Published: January 2012

A spectral approach is proposed to determine the flow field of a thin film inside narrow channels of arbitrary shape. Although the method is easily extended to transient flow, only steady flow is considered here. The flow field is represented spectrally in the depthwise direction in terms of orthonormal shape functions, which together with the Galerkin projection lead to a system of ordinary differential equations that can be solved using standard methods. The method is particularly effective for nonlinear flow, including nonlinearities of geometrical or material origins. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated for a flow with inertia, and, unlike the depth‐averaging method, is not limited to a flow at small Reynolds number. The problem is closely related to high‐speed lubrication flow. The validity of the spectral representation is assessed by examining the convergence of the method, and comparing it with the fully two‐dimensional finite‐element solution, and the widely used depth‐averaging method from shallow‐water theory. It is found that a low number of modes are usually sufficient to secure convergence and accuracy. The influence of inertia is examined on the velocity and pressure fields. The pressure distributions reflect excellent agreement between the low‐order spectral method and the finite‐element solution, even at moderately high Reynolds number. The depth‐averaging solution is unable to predict accurately (qualitatively and quantitatively) the high‐inertia flow. Comparison of the velocity field reflects the expected discrepancy in a boundary layer formulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parathyroid cancer: Outcome analysis of 16 patients treated at the princess margaret hospital
Authors: Erovic Boban M. , Goldstein David P. , Kim Dae , Mete Ozgur , Brierley James , Tsang Richard , Freeman Jeremy L. , Asa Sylvia L. , Rotstein Lorne , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: January 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to discuss the appropriate management options for parathyroid carcinomas, which is still a subject of controversy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 16 patients with parathyroid carcinoma was undertaken to determine the clinical outcome.

Results

All patients were initially treated with surgery, and 11 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. The 5‐ and 10‐year disease‐specific survival rates were 100% and 80%, respectively; the 5‐ and 10‐year disease‐free survival rates were 69% and 43%, respectively. The 5‐ and 10‐year locoregional control rates were 69% and 52%, respectively; the 5‐ and 10‐year distant control rates were 89% and 74%, respectively. In this cohort, none of the clinicopathologic parameters could be defined as a predictor.

Conclusion

In patients with parathyroid carcinoma, definition of prognostic factors and the role of adjuvant radiation treatment has still to be elucidated. Nevertheless, angioinvasion and positive resection margins are critical factors regarding disease‐free survival in patients with parathyroid carcinomas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Sporadic or familial head neck paragangliomas enrolled in a single center: Clinical presentation and genotype/phenotype correlations
Authors: Bacca Alessandra , Sellari Franceschini Stefano , Carrara Davide , Bernini Matteo , Zampa Virna , Taddei Stefano , Miccoli Paolo , Congregati Caterina , Simi Paolo , Ferrari Mauro , Bernini Giampaolo
Published: January 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical features and prevalence of germline mutations of patients with head/neck paragangliomas.

Methods

Genetic analysis on known susceptibility genes for paragangliomas (VHL, RET, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, and SDHAF2) was performed in 17 consecutive patients with head/neck paraganglioma (age range, 14–82 years) and 17 relatives.

Results

Head/neck paragangliomas were usually symptomatic with “mass effect” (88.2%), without family history (82.3%), often multifocal (41.2%), never functioning, and malignant. Germline mutations were detected in 7 of 17 patients (41%; 6 SDHD and 1 SDHB). Patients with mutations were younger, with head/neck paragangliomas usually multifocal and with higher biologic aggressiveness than wild‐type subjects. To date, 4 families have been studied and the prevalence of carriers was elevated (58.8%). These mutated relatives (age range, 17–71 years) were disease‐free, except 4 patients in whom multiple head/neck paragangliomas were detected.

Conclusion

Adequate morpho‐functional screening and follow‐up and, if possible, genetic testing is advisable in patients with head/neck paraganglioma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
The ecology of temporary streams II. General remarks on temporary streams
Authors: Williams D. Dudley , Hynes H. B. Noel
Published: January 2012

This, the second of two papers on the ecology of temporary streams, attempts a generalization of the unique features of these habitats. The fauna is shown to consist of three main groups: permanent stream species, facultative species and specialized species. The members of certain major taxonomic groups tend to oversummer as similar stages in their life cycles and the oversummering method used reflects the type of life cycle exhibited by a particular species. These variations in life cycle lead to faunal succession. The coexistence of closely related species is shown to be common in temporary aquatic habitats and, as far as the most abundant taxa are concerned, the species composition is very stable from year to year.
Changes in morphology and abundance of Stylophora pistillata and Acropora variabilis (anthozoa, hexactiniaria) with respect to depth at Elat, Red Sea
Authors: Sohn Joel Jay
Published: January 2012

Entire colonies of Stylophora pistillata and Acropora variabilis were collected along a depth transect 100 m south of the Marine Biological Laboratory of Hebrew University Elat, Israel. The branch height of Acropora variabilis decreases significantly with respect to depth, and this species is equitably distributed from 5 to 30 m. Stylophora pistillata demonstrated no decrease in branch height with respect to depth and its distribution is limited to shallow water. The changes in morphology and distribution enhance the credibility of a suggestion made by Roos (1967) that corals common at all depths would show changes in morphology that minimized self‐shading. Stylophora pistillata demonstrated an increase in branch density with respect to depth. A hypothesis, based upon the occurrence of Lithophaga cumingiana and water turbulence, is presented to explain the increase in branch density with respect to depth of Stylophora pistillata.
Biomasseentwicklung submerser Makrophyten in langsam fließenden Gewässern in Beziehung zum Sauerstoffhaushalt
Authors: Jorga Werner , Weise Günther
Published: January 2012

The river Kleine Elster was studied as a typical example of slowly running waters of the lowlands with dense growths of submerged macrophytes. Photosynthetic oxigenation was found to be a function of biomass and light intensity as long as the biomass did not exceed 250 g (dry mass) per square meter. Crops going beyond this limit caused a substantial decrease in oxygen supply in the early morning hours. A biomass exceeding 250 g/m2 also gave rise to critical situations in autumnal oxygen budget (dying of macrophytes), increased water level, retardation in flow and a drop in atmospheric oxigenation. Necessary management practices (cutting of weeds) were derived from the objective of stabilizing the oxygen balance.
The index of lake basin permanence
Authors: Kerekes Joseph
Published: January 2012

The index of basin permanence, the ratio of basin volume to shoreline length, gives a morphometric index that reflects the littoral effect on basin volume. A large, deep lake would have a large permanence index (10,000 for Lake Baikal), while an extinct lake or a nearly extinct lake would have an index number of zero or a number approaching zero.