bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the scratch resistance on acrylic sheet with basic colloidal silica (SiO2)—methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) nanocomposite films by sol–gel technique
Authors: Chantarachindawong Rojcharin , Luangtip Wasutap , Chindaudom Pongpan , Osotchan Tanakorn , Srikhirin Toemsak
Published: December 2011

The formation of scratch‐resistant coating film prepared from colloidal silica and a polysiloxane matrix was investigated. Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) was hydrolysed and mixed with silica sol (SiO2) at various compositions to form the hybrid hard‐coating nanocomposite film. The hydrolysed MTMS (polysiloxane) acts as the polymeric binder that is covalently linked to the colloidal silica surface and provides adhesion for the scratch resistant coating film to the substrate. The ratio between the polymeric matrix and the SiO2 nanoparticles was found to play a major role in controlling the coating film appearance and its resistance to scratching. At a SiO2 content < 30 wt.%, the agglomeration of the hydrolysed polysiloxane was observed and caused the opacity of the coating film. At a SiO2 content >70 wt.%, there was not enough polysiloxane to act as a binder for the SiO2, therefore a shrinkage upon solidification of the coating film caused cracking within the nanocomposite film. The optimum ratio was found to be at 40 wt.% ≤SiO2 ≤60 wt.%, where the films had a transparent, crack free hard coating, with excellent scratch resistance, good adhesion and very good environmental resistance. The nanoindentation revealed that the nanocomposite film, at the optimum loading, possessed a higher strength with a higher SiO2 loading. Film properties, including hardness, scratch resistance, adhesion and environmental resistance were also examined. The morphology of nanocomposite films was identified by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Evaluation of some new hyperbranched polyesters as binding agents for heavy metals
Authors: Asaad J. N. , Ikladious N. E. , Awad F. , Müller T.
Published: December 2011

Different generations of hydroxyl and carboxyl terminated hyperbranched polyesters were synthesised and used as heavy metals chelating compounds. The adsorptive capacity of the 3rd generation of the polyesters (G3‐OH, G3‐COOH) as well as that of nanoclay (Nanofil 116) for cadmium removal was determined through adsorption isotherm studies. The highest metal ion removal capacity was observed for G3‐COOH sample. The extent of binding (EOB) values of various generations of hyperbranched polyesters having the same core structure, but different terminal groups, indicated that, irrespective of the type of terminal group, the higher generations are more effective than the lower ones. EOB data can be adequately described by a bidentate coordination model for carboxyl terminated polyesters [each Cd(II) ion coordinates with two carboxyl groups] and tetradentate coordination model for hydroxyl terminated polyesters [1Cd(II)/4OH]. The EOB and selectivity properties of all prepared polyesters towards the heavy metal ions Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II), were investigated under competitive condition. The results showed that the carboxyl terminated polymers exhibit higher binding capacities than those of hydroxyl terminated ones and the selectivity follows the order: Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II) for all polymer samples, irrespective of the type of terminal group. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
The Adsorption Behavior of Functional Particles Modified by Polyvinylimidazole for Cu(II) Ion
Authors: Wang Ruixin , Men Jiying , Gao Baojiao
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a novel composite material the silica grafted by poly(N‐vinyl imidazole) (PVI), i.e., PVI/SiO2, was prepared using 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) as intermedia through the “grafting from” method. The adsorption behavior of metal ions by PVI/SiO2 was researched by both static and dynamic methods. Experimental results showed that PVI/SiO2 possessed very strong adsorption ability for metal ions. For different metal ions, PVI/SiO2 exhibited different adsorption abilities with the following order of adsorption capacity: Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+. The adsorption material PVI/SiO2 was especially good at adsorbing Cu(II) ion and the saturated adsorption capacity could reach up to 49.2 mg/g. The empirical Freundlich isotherm was found to describe well the equilibrium adsorption data. Higher temperatures facilitated the adsorption process and thus increased the adsorption capacity. The pH and grafting amount of PVI had great influence on the adsorption amount. In addition, PVI/SiO2 particles had excellent eluting and regenerating property using diluted hydrochloric acid solution as eluent. The adsorption ability trended to steady during 10 cycles.
Modeling of the Removal of Arsenic Species from Simulated Groundwater Containing As, Fe, and Mn: A Neural Network Based Approach
Authors: Mondal Prasenjit , Mohanty Bikash , Balomajumder Chandrajit , Saraswati Samir
Published: December 2011

The present paper deals with the modeling of the removal of total arsenic As(T), trivalent arsenic As(III), and pentavalent arsenic As(V) from synthetic solutions containing total arsenic (0.167–2.0 mg/L), Fe (0.9–2.7 mg/L), and Mn (0.2–0.6 mg/L) in a batch reactor using Fe impregnated granular activated charcoal (GAC‐Fe). Mass ratio of As(III) and As(V) in the solution was 1:1. Multi‐layer neural network (MLNN) has been used and full factorial design technique has been applied for the selection of input data set. The developed models are able to predict the adsorption of arsenic species with an error limit of −0.3 to +1.7%. Combination of MLNN with design of experiment has been able to generalize the MLNN with less number of experimental points.
Effects of Operational Parameters on Decolorization of C. I. Acid Red 88 by UV/H2O2 Process: Evaluation of Electrical Energy Consumption
Authors: Modirshahla Nasser , Behnajady Mohammad A. , Rahbarfam Rajab , Hassani Aydin
Published: December 2011

In the present study, effects of operational parameters on the electrical energy consumption for photooxidative process (UV/H2O2) for the decolorization of C. I. Acid Red 88 (AR88) have been investigated. In a series of experiments, 20 mg L−1 of AR88 solution were irradiated in the presence of different concentrations of H2O2 (to find out optimum amount of H2O2) by UV light intensity of 30 W m−2 for certain irradiation times. The decolorization of the dye followed pseudo first‐order kinetics, and hence, the figure‐of‐merit electrical energy per order (EEO) is appropriate for estimating the electrical energy efficiency. The electrical energy consumption was determined during the variation of some parameters such as initial H2O2 concentration, initial dye concentration, UV light intensity, pH, and the gap size of solution. Results showed that electrical energy could be reduced by optimizing operational parameters.
Survival disparities by Medicaid status
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Bakaki Paul M. , Raghavan Derek
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

A study was undertaken to compare survival and 5‐year mortality by Medicaid status in adults diagnosed with 8 select cancers.

METHODS:

Linking records from the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS) with Ohio Medicaid enrollment data, the authors identified Medicaid and non‐Medicaid patients aged 15 to 54 years and diagnosed with the following incident cancers in the years 1996‐2002: cancer of the testis; Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma; early stage melanoma, colon, lung, and bladder cancer; and pediatric malignancies (n = 12,703). Medicaid beneficiaries were placed in the pre‐diagnosis group if they were enrolled in Medicaid at least 3 months before cancer diagnosis, and in the peri/post‐diagnosis group if they enrolled in Medicaid upon or after being diagnosed with cancer. The authors also linked the OCISS with death certificates and data from the US Census. By using Cox and logistic regression analysis, they examined the association between Medicaid status and survival and 5‐year mortality, respectively, after adjusting for patient covariates.

RESULTS:

Nearly 11% of the study population were Medicaid beneficiaries. Of those, 45% were classified in the peri/post‐diagnosis group. Consistent with higher mortality, findings from the Cox regression model indicated that compared with non‐Medicaid, patients in the Medicaid pre‐diagnosis and peri/post‐diagnosis groups experienced unfavorable survival outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27‐1.82 and AHR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.70‐2.38, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Medicaid status was associated with unfavorable survival, even after adjusting for confounders. The findings reflect the vulnerability of Medicaid beneficiaries and possible inadequacies in the process of care. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Menzerath's law at the gene‐exon level in the human genome
Authors: Li Wentian
Published: December 2011

A previous discussion of a linguistic law called Menzerath's law (the longer a word, the shorter the syllables) in the genomic context was focused on the genome‐chromosome‐base level (the more number of chromosomes in a genome, the smaller the chromosome size). We apply this linguistic metaphor to more appropriate levels of gene, exon, and base. Using the human gene data, we found that the Menzerath's law at these levels holds true: the more number of exons in a gene, the shorted the averaged exon size. Since this negative correlation can be a trivial consequence of the constant size of the messenger RNA coded by the gene, we also exclude this possibility by showing that messenger RNA size increases with the number of exons. This increase of messenger RNA size is however not fast enough for genes with large number of exons to maintain a constant exon size. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011.
T‐maze learning in weanling lambs
Authors: Johnson Timothy B. , Stanton Mark E. , Goodlett Charles R. , Cudd Timothy A.
Published: December 2011

A major advantage of sheep models in experimental studies of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., with prenatal neurotoxicant exposure) is that the equivalent of all three trimesters of human brain development occurs in sheep entirely in utero. However, studies of learning and memory in sheep are limited. The goal of this study was to extend the analysis of spatial learning and memory in adolescent sheep using several traditional T‐maze tasks. Both 9‐ and 14‐week‐old lambs acquired a delayed nonmatching‐to‐place task, but the older lambs learned the task significantly faster. In contrast, acquisition of a matching‐to‐place task was significantly more difficult. Lambs, like rodents, appear to have a predisposition toward learning “win‐shift” spatial problems in a T‐maze under appetitive motivation. Lambs also rapidly acquired a position habit and showed typical reversal learning curves. These findings support the use of T‐maze tasks to assess behavioral outcomes in various sheep models. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 785–797, 2012
Signaling the unconditioned stimulus during the preexposure phase does not attenuate the unconditioned stimulus preexposure effect in preweanling rats
Authors: Castello Stefania , Bobbio Antonella , Orellana Estefania , Arias Carlos
Published: December 2011

The unconditioned stimulus preexposure effect (US‐PE) is defined as an attenuation of the conditioned response after preexposure to the US prior to conditioning. Evidence exists that this effect can be weakened or eliminated by the presence of a signal predicting the US during the preexposure phase. This evidence has been found consistently across a variety of procedures in adult rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether, in infant rats, signaling the US (LiCl) during preexposure with a salient cue (almond odor) attenuates the US‐PE. During the preexposure phase, preweanling rats received three (Experiment 1) or one (Experiment 2) preexposures to LiCl, preceded by exposure to almond odor. Appropriate control groups were also included in these experiments. After preexposure, two conditioning trials were carried out in which subjects were given LiCl after saccharin consumption. During preexposure, three (Experiment 1a), although not one (Experiment 2a), contingent exposures to almond odor and LiCl resulted in a strong odor aversion. Extinction of the learned taste aversion was facilitated by prior experience with LiCl (Experiments 1b and 2b). This effect was observed regardless of whether or not LiCl was signaled by the almond odor. These results do not coincide with the associative hypotheses proposed to explain the US‐PE, nor are they concurrent with alternative explanations based on the learned helplessness phenomenon. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 808–817, 2012
Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydropyrans through Tandem and Organocatalytic Oxa‐Michael Reactions: Synthesis of the Tetrahydropyran Cores of ent‐(+)‐Sorangicin A
Authors: Lee Kiyoun , Kim Hyoungsu , Hong Jiyong
Published: December 2011

Tandem and organocatalytic oxa‐Michael reactions of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes were explored for the stereoselective synthesis of structurally complex tetrahydropyrans. Thestereoselective synthesis of 2,6‐trans‐tetrahydropyrans, which are thermodynamically unfavorable, was accomplished through a reagent‐controlled, organocatalytic oxa‐Michael reaction. A temperature‐dependent configurational switch allowed the preparation of both 2,3‐trans‐2,6‐trans‐ and 2,3‐cis‐2,6‐cis‐tetrahydropyrans from a common substrate. This switch was then used to synthesize the precursors of the C21–C29 and C30–C37 fragments of ent‐(+)‐sorangicin A.
Promiscuous Behavior of Rhizomucor miehei Lipase in the Synthesis of N‐Substituted β‐Amino Esters
Authors: Monsalve Leandro N. , Gillanders Florencia , Baldessari Alicia
Published: December 2011

A mild and efficient procedure for the aza‐Michael addition of amines to acrylates by using lipases as catalysts is reported. Various lipases, mono‐ and bifunctional amines, alkyl acrylates, and reaction parameters were studied. Under the optimal conditions, Rhizomucor miehei lipase showed high selectivity. It catalyzed the formation of the Michael monoadduct as the only product in high yield and purity. Moreover, when diamines were used as nucleophiles, the lipase catalyzed the addition of only one of the two amino groups, showing in this case high substrate specificity. This promiscuous and highly selective behavior displayed by Rhizomucor miehei lipase allowed us to obtain 22 N‐substituted β‐amino esters, 15 of them being new products.
Recent advances in amino acid analysis by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Poinsot Véréna , Carpéné Marie‐Anne , Bouajila Jalloul , Gavard Pierre , Feurer Bernard , Couderc François
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the most important articles that have been published on amino acid analysis using CE during the period from June 2009 to May 2011 and follows the format of the previous articles of Smith (Electrophoresis 1999, 20, 3078–3083), Prata et al. (Electrophoresis 2001, 22, 4129–4138) and Poinsot et al. (Electrophoresis 2003, 24, 4047–4062; Electrophoresis 2006, 27, 176–194; Electrophoresis 2008, 29, 207–223; Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 105–121). We present new developments in amino acid analysis with CE, which are reported describing the use of lasers or light emitting diodes for fluorescence detection, conductimetry electrochemiluminescence detectors, mass spectrometry applications, and lab‐on‐a‐chip applications using CE. In addition, we describe articles concerning clinical studies and neurochemical applications of these techniques.
Cognitive dysfunction in cirrhosis is associated with falls: A prospective study
Authors: Soriano Germán , Román Eva , Córdoba Joan , Torrens Maria , Poca Maria , Torras Xavier , Villanueva Càndid , Gich Ignasi J. , Vargas Víctor , Guarner Carlos
Published: December 2011

Falls are frequent among patients with debilitating disorders and can have a serious effect on health status. Mild cognitive disturbances associated with cirrhosis may increase the risk for falls. Identifying subjects at risk may allow the implementation of preventive measures. Our aim was to assess the predictive value of the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) in identifying patients likely to sustain falls. One hundred and twenty-two outpatients with cirrhosis were assessed using the PHES and were followed at specified intervals. One third of them exhibited cognitive dysfunction (CD) according to the PHES (<−4). Seventeen of the forty-two patients (40.4%) with CD had at least one fall during follow-up. In comparison, only 5 of 80 (6.2%) without CD had falls (
P

< 0.001). Fractures occurred in 4 patients (9.5%) with CD, but in no patients without CD (
P

= 0.01). Patients with CD needed more healthcare (23.8% versus 2.5%;

P

< 0.001), more emergency room care (14.2% versus 2.5%;

P

= 0.02), and more hospitalization (9.5% versus 0%;

P

= 0.01) as a result of falls than patients without CD. Patients taking psychoactive treatment (n = 21) had a higher frequency of falls, and this was related to an abnormal PHES. In patients without psychoactive treatment (n = 101), the incidence of falls was 32.4% in patients with CD versus 7.5% in those without CD (
P

= 0.003). In the multivariate analysis, CD was the only independent predictive factor of falls (odds ratio, 10.2; 95% confidence interval, 3.4–30.4;

P

< 0.001). The 1-year probability of falling was 52.3% in patients with CD and 6.5% in those without (
P

< 0.001).

Conclusion:

An abnormal PHES identifies patients with cirrhosis who are at risk for falls. This psychometric test may be useful to promote awareness of falls and identify patients who may benefit from preventive strategies.
Awareness of infection, knowledge of hepatitis C, and medical follow-up among individuals testing positive for hepatitis C: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2008
Authors: Denniston Maxine M. , Klevens Monina R. , McQuillan Geraldine M. , Jiles Ruth B.
Published: December 2011

Many persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unknown to the healthcare system because they may be asymptomatic for years, have not been tested for HCV infection, and only seek medical care when they develop liver-related complications. We analyzed data from persons who tested positive for past or current HCV infection during participation in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 through 2008. A follow-up survey was conducted 6 months after examination to determine (1) how many participants testing positive for HCV infection were aware of their HCV status before being notified by NHANES, (2) what actions participants took after becoming aware of their first positive test, and (3) participants' knowledge about hepatitis C. Of 30,140 participants tested, 393 (1.3%) had evidence of past or current HCV infection and 170 (43%) could be contacted during the follow-up survey and interviewed. Only 49.7% were aware of their positive HCV infection status before being notified by NHANES, and only 3.7% of these respondents reported that they had first been tested for HCV because they or their doctor thought they were at risk for infection. Overall, 85.4% had heard of hepatitis C; correct responses to questions about hepatitis C were higher among persons 40–59 years of age, white non-Hispanics, and respondents who saw a physician after their first positive HCV test. Eighty percent of respondents indicated they had seen a doctor about their first positive HCV test result.

Conclusion:

These data indicate that fewer than half of those infected with HCV may be aware of their infection. The findings suggest that more intensive efforts are needed to identify and test persons at risk for HCV infection.
An antiapoptotic role of sorting nexin 7 is required for liver development in zebrafish
Authors: Xu Liangliang , Yin Wenguang , Xia Jianhong , Peng Meixiu , Li Song , Lin Shuo , Pei Duanqing , Shu Xiaodong
Published: December 2011

Sorting nexin (SNX) family proteins are best characterized for their abilities to regulate protein trafficking during processes such as endocytosis of membrane receptors, endosomal sorting, and protein degradation, but their

in vivo

functions remain largely unknown. We started to investigate the biological functions of SNXs using the zebrafish model. In this study, we demonstrated that SNX7 was essential for embryonic liver development. Hepatoblasts were specified normally, and the proliferation of these cells was not affected when SNX7 was knocked down by gene-specific morpholinos; however, they underwent massive apoptosis during the early budding stage. SNX7 mainly regulated the survival of cells in the embryonic liver and did not affect the viability of cells in other endoderm-derived organs. We further demonstrated that down-regulation of SNX7 by short interfering RNAs induced apoptosis in cell culture. At the molecular level, the cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP)/caspase 8 pathway was activated when SNX7 was down-regulated. Furthermore, overexpression of c-FLIPS was able to rescue the SNX7 knockdown-induced liver defect.

Conclusion:

SNX7 is a liver-enriched antiapoptotic protein that is indispensable for the survival of hepatoblasts during zebrafish early embryogenesis.
Mycophenolic acid augments interferon-stimulated gene expression and inhibits hepatitis C Virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Pan Qiuwei , de Ruiter Petra E. , Metselaar Herold J. , Kwekkeboom Jaap , de Jonge Jeroen , Tilanus Hugo W. , Janssen Harry L.A. , van der Laan Luc J.W.
Published: December 2011

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a highly effective immunosuppressant that has broad antiviral activity against different viruses and can act in synergy with interferon-α (IFN-α) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. MPA is a potent inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor but the antiviral mechanisms are less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition of HCV infection by MPA and the molecular basis for its synergy with IFN-α. The role of IMPDH and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was investigated in two HCV models using gain- or loss-of-function approaches. The

in vivo

effect of MPA treatment was studied in NOD/SCID mice engrafted with HCV replicon cells. Potent antiviral effects of MPA at clinically relevant concentrations were observed with both the subgenomic and JFH1-derived infectious HCV models. MPA treatment in mice resulted in a specific and robust inhibition of HCV replication. Ectopic expression of an MPA-resistant IMPDH2 mutant in HCV host cells completely reversed the antiproliferative effect of MPA but only partially affected the antiviral potency. However, similar to ribavirin, MPA induced expression of multiple antiviral ISGs, including interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Cotreatment of MPA with IFN-α resulted in additive effects on ISG expression and enhanced IFN-induced luciferase reporter activity. Knockdown of IRF1, but not IFITM3, significantly attenuated the inhibition of HCV replication by MPA.

Conclusion:

MPA exerts a potent anti-HCV effect

in vitro

and in mice and acts in synergy with IFN-α. MPA's antiviral activity partially depends on IMPDH but also involves stimulation of ISGs, providing a molecular basis for its synergy with IFN-α.
Prognostic significance of lymph node station 7 for patients with gastric cancers underwent radical surgery
Authors: Tong Jian‐hua , Sun Zhe , Zhu Zhi , Wang Zhen‐ning , Xu Ying‐ying , Huang Bao‐jun , Xu Yan , Xu Hui‐mian
Published: December 2011

Background

To investigate the validity of gastric cancers with nodes metastasis at Level II stations limited to No. 7 being classified as level‐based n1 stage disease and the impact of this revision on lymph node staging.

Methods

Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of 1,606 node positive gastric cancers were retrospectively reviewed. Four patient groups were classified according to the status of node involvement: Group A, 734 patients with node metastasis at Level I stations; Group B, 317 patients with nodes metastasis at Level II stations limited to No. 7; Group C, 501 patients with nodes metastasis at Level II stations besides No. 7; and Group D, 54 patients with nodes metastasis at Level III stations.

Results

Although the extent of node metastasis for patients in Group B was more severe than that for patients in Group A, clinicopathologic features (especially pT stage) were not significantly different. Although overall survival for patients in Group B was significantly worse than that for patients in Group A, no significant differences in prognosis could be observed when stratified by pN or rN category. A revised level‐based n category was established by considering cancers in Group B as level‐based n1 stage disease. Multivariate analysis confirmed rN category and the revised level‐based n category independently predicted patients' survival. A novel N category was established by combining rN category and the revised level‐based n category. Further analysis revealed the novel N category had better homogeneity, discriminatory ability, and monotonicity of gradients than the other node categories, indicating the novel N system might be the most valuable node staging system for prognostic assessment.

Conclusion

It might be more suitable for cancers in Group B being classified as level‐based n1 stage disease. And we recommend the anatomical location of metastatic lymph nodes also being considered in the categorization of lymph node metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:805–812. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary excision compared with re‐excision of extremity soft tissue sarcomas—is anything new?
Authors: Alamanda Vignesh K. , Crosby Samuel N. , Archer Kristin R. , Song Yanna , Schwartz Herbert S. , Holt Ginger E.
Published: December 2011

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and are commonly excised outside of a sarcoma center without appropriate preoperative planning. Studies have shown varying results in survival and outcome when comparing patients undergoing re‐excision to patients undergoing a single, planned excision.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 278 patients treated for STS of the extremities between January 2000 and July 2006. One hundred seventy‐two patients had a primary excision while 106 patients had a sarcoma re‐excised. Survival curves for disease‐free survival, metastasis‐free survival, and local recurrence‐free survival were calculated using competing risk analysis for both groups.

Results

After adjusting for high‐risk variables, our results indicate that re‐excision is a proxy for smaller, low‐grade tumors which tend to have a better survival profile. Death due to sarcoma and distant metastases were correlated with high‐grade and large tumors. The presence of positive microscopic margins was the strongest predictor of local recurrence (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There were no differences in death, metastases, or local recurrence between the two groups after adjusting for high‐risk variables. Survival advantages previously reported with STS re‐excision serve as proxy for tumors that have a better survival profile. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:662–667. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary surgical treatment of T2 oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Psychogios Georgios , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Kuenzel Julian , Koch Michael , Zenk Johannes , Harreus Uli , Waldfahrer Frank , Iro Heinrich
Published: December 2011

Background

The optimal management of oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) is not yet proven. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of primary surgical management of T2 cancers of the oropharynx.

Methods

All patients treated with primary surgery for pT2 OPCs between 1984 and 2005 were evaluated retrospectively. Two hundred and twenty eight cases were assessed for disease‐specific survival (DSS) as well as local control (LC) estimates, with respect to tumor location, surgical technique, status of surgical margins, N classification, and adjuvant therapy. Cases were also evaluated for major complications and functional results.

Results

DSS was 73.2% and LC 88.9%. Carcinoma of the tonsils showed a significantly better DSS than lesions of the base of the tongue (DSS = 76.3 vs. 60.2%, P = 0.02). DSS estimates in patients with pN0–1 classification were significantly better in comparison with pN2–3 (83.6 vs. 64.5%, P = 0.018). Patients who were given adjuvant treatment had a better prognosis. The incidence of occult neck metastases was 17% and complications rate 12.7%.

Conclusions

Primary surgical treatment of T2 OPC proved to be an effective treatment modality with a low rate of complications and satisfactory functional results. Complete tumor excision is essential and a neck dissection is justified. Most patients need adjuvant radiotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:719–723. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous quantification of five marker compounds of Betula utilis stem bark using a validated high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method
Authors: Khan Imran , Sangwan Payare L. , Dhar Jagdish K. , Koul Surrinder
Published: December 2011

A sensitive, selective and robust densitometric high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic method was developed and validated for five marker compounds, namely betulin, lupeol, oleanolic acid, 3‐acetyloleanolic acid and β‐sitosterol, known for their various therapeutic activities. The marker compounds have been isolated from the stem bark of Betula utilis, well characterized by the spectral analysis, and their simultaneous quantitative determination carried out by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method. The resolution of marker compounds was carried out on silica‐gel 60 plates, using n‐hexane:ethyl acetate (8:2 v/v) as the mobile phase. The HPTLC densitometry was performed at 500‐nm wavelength after the post chromatographic derivatization with ceric ammonium sulfate reagent. The optimized method provided good linear relation (r>0.9960) for all the investigated analytes. The method is simple, and reproducible, which may be applied for quantitative analysis of the above‐mentioned marker compounds.
Simple preparative gas chromatographic method for isolation of menthol and menthone from peppermint oil, with quantitative GC‐MS and 1H NMR assay
Authors: Park Hae Eun , Yang Seung‐Ok , Hyun Sun‐Hee , Park Shin Jung , Choi Hyung‐Kyoon , Marriott Philip J.
Published: December 2011

The quantitative performance of a simple home‐built preparative gas chromatography (prep‐GC) arrangement was tested, incorporating a micro‐fluidic Deans switch, with collection of the target compound in a deactivated uncoated capillary tube. Repeat injections of a standard solution and peppermint sample were made into the prep‐GC instrument. Individual compounds were eluted from the trapping capillary, and made up to constant volume. Chloronaphthalene internal standard was added in some cases. Recovered samples were quantitatively assayed by using GC‐MS. Calibration linearity of GC‐MS for menthol standard area response against number of injections (2–20 repeat injections) was excellent, giving R2 of 0.996. For peppermint, menthol correlation over 2–20 repeated injections was 0.998 for menthol area ratio (versus IS) data. Menthone calibration for peppermint gave an R2 of 0.972. 1H NMR spectroscopy was conducted on both menthol and menthone. Good correspondence with reference spectra was obtained. About 80 μg of isolated menthol and menthone solute was collected over a sequence of 80 repeat injections from the peppermint sample, as assayed by 600 MHz 1H NMR analysis (∼100% recovery for menthol from peppermint). A procedure is proposed for prediction of number of injections required to acquire sufficient material for NMR detection.
Electron‐Induced Reactive Processing of Poly(propylene)/Ethylene–Octene Copolymer Blends: A Novel Route to Prepare Thermoplastic Vulcanizates
Authors: Rajeshbabu Ramanujam , Gohs Uwe , Naskar Kinsuk , Mondal Manas , Wagenknecht Udo , Heinrich Gert
Published: December 2011

TPVs are prepared by dynamic vulcanization in which crosslinking of an elastomeric polymer takes place during its melt mixing with a thermoplastic polymer under high‐shear conditions. 30:70 wt% blends of PP and ethylene–octene copolymer are vulcanized using electron‐induced reactive processing (EIReP) employing a range of absorbed doses (25, 50, and 100 kGy) while keeping the electron energy and treatment time fixed. The structure/property relationships of the prepared samples are studied using various characterization techniques such as DMA, DSC, SEM, and melt rheology. The results suggest that EIReP offers a novel route to prepare TPVs without any chemical crosslinking and coupling agents.

magnified image
Silica Transfer in Ternary Rubber Blends: Calculation and Experimental Determination
Authors: Le Hai Hong , Oßwald Katja , Ilisch Sybill , Pham Tung , Stöckelhuber Klaus Werner , Heinrich Gert , Radusch Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2011

A novel model is presented for predicting the phase selective filler localization in an equilibrium state for ternary rubber blends of SBR, NBR, and NR. It is based on surface tension data of the rubber components and the filler. Phase‐selective filler localization in ternary rubber blends is determined experimentally by means of FTIR spectroscopy on the basis of the wetting concept. It is found that by preparation of ternary blends with certain silica loadings, pre‐mixed in each blend phase using the masterbatch technology, silica transfer processes between blend phases take place until the equilibrium filler distribution is reached. The sequence of the silica transfer processes can be explained by taking into consideration the formation of a phase‐in‐phase morphology of the ternary blend.

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Type V collagen and protein kinase C η down‐regulation in 8701‐BC breast cancer cells
Authors: Luparello Claudio , Sirchia Rosalia , Longo Alessandra
Published: December 2011

We previously reported that ductal infiltrating carcinomas (d.i.c.) of the human breast display profound modifications of the stromal architecture, associated with anomalous collagen composition. Among the major alterations observed in the interstitial collagen, the relative increase of type V collagen content was detected. When type V collagen was used as an “in vitro” substrate for 8701‐BC d.i.c. cells, it appeared able to restrain cell growth, inhibit cell motility and invasion “in vitro”, and modify the expression levels of genes coding for apoptosis factors, caspases and stress response proteins. In the present paper we demonstrate that type V collagen induces the down‐regulation of protein kinase C η, an event that may be, at least in part, responsible of the previously‐reported modifications of cell morphology and growth rate, and that appears to be involved in the already‐observed changes of expression levels of genes encoding for anti‐ (Bcl‐2) and pro‐apoptotic factors (Bad, Dapk, Bcl‐Xs) and enzymes (caspase 5 and 8). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a functional variant in SPLUNC1 associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma susceptibility among Malaysian Chinese
Authors: Yew Poh‐Yin , Mushiroda Taisei , Kiyotani Kazuma , Govindasamy Gopala Krishnan , Yap Lee‐Fah , Teo Soo‐Hwang , Lim Paul Vey‐Hong , Govindaraju Selvaratnam , Ratnavelu Kananathan , Sam Choon‐Kook , Yap Yoke‐Yeow , Khoo Alan Soo‐Beng , Pua Kin‐Choo , Nakamura Yusuke ,   The Malaysian NPC Study Group, Ng Ching‐Ching
Published: December 2011

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease with high incidence in Asian countries. Epstein–Barr virus infection, environmental and genetic factors are believed to be involved in the tumorigenesis of NPC. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LPLUNC1 and SPLUNC1 genes with NPC was investigated by performing a two‐stage case control association study in a Malaysian Chinese population. The initial screening consisted of 81 NPC patients and 147 healthy controls while the replication study consisted of 366 NPC patients and 340 healthy controls. The combined analysis showed that a SNP (rs2752903) of SPLUNC1 was significantly associated with the risk of NPC (combined P = 0.00032, odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.25–2.11). In the subsequent dense fine mapping of SPLUNC1 locus, 36 SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs2752903 (r2 ≥ 0.85) were associated with NPC susceptibility. Screening of these variants by electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase reporter assays showed that rs1407019 located in intron 3 (r2 = 0.994 with rs2752903) caused allelic difference in the binding of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor and affected luciferase activity. This SNP may consequently alter the expression of SPLUNC1 in the epithelial cells. In summary, our study suggested that rs1407019 in intronic enhancer of SPLUNC1 is associated with NPC susceptibility in which its A allele confers an increased risk of NPC in the Malaysian Chinese population. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA repair genes XPC, XPG polymorphisms: Relation to the risk of colorectal carcinoma and therapeutic outcome with oxaliplatin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Duo , Wu Hui‐zhe , Zhang Yi‐ning , Kang Hui , Sun Ming‐jun , Wang En‐hua , Yang Xiu‐li , Lian Min‐qiong , Yu Zhao‐jin , Zhao Lin , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Wei Min‐jie
Published: December 2011

Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C and G (XPC, XPG) play important roles in DNA damage repairing machinery. Genetic variations in the XPC and XPG may be associated with increased risk for colorectal carcinoma (CRC). In this study, we evaluated the relation between the XPC Lys939Gln, XPG Asp1104His polymorphisms, and CRC susceptibility in a population‐based case–control study, which included 1,028 CRC cases and 1,085 controls. Compared with the corresponding wild genotypes, we found that individuals with at least one copy of the XPC Lys939Gln (AC or CC genotype) and XPG Asp1104His (GC or CC genotype) had an increased risk for CRC. In addition, the variant genotypes of the XPC Lys939Gln AC/CC (P = 0.027) or XPG Asp1104His GC/CC (P = 0.003) reduced the elevation of preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. Moreover a significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS) after Oxaliplatin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy was observed in patients with XPG Asp1104His wide‐type GG genotype (n = 432, Log‐rank test: P = 0.033). Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that variant genotypes of XPG Asp1104His [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.692, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.202–2.383, P = 0.003] as well as pathology grade (HR = 2.545, 95%CI: 2.139–3.030, P < 0.001), and lymph node metastases (HR = 1.851, 95%CI: 1.306–2.625, P < 0.001) were predictive of shorter PFS for the CRC patients with Oxaliplatin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, the current data suggested that XPC Lys939Gln and XPG Asp1104His polymorphisms might contribute to the identification of patients with increased risk for CRC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of microRNAs, miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐122, miR‐145, miR‐146a, miR‐200c, miR‐221, miR‐222, and miR‐223 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its prognostic significance
Authors: Karakatsanis Andreas , Papaconstantinou Ioannis , Gazouli Maria , Lyberopoulou Anna , Polymeneas George , Voros Dionysios
Published: December 2011

MicroRNAs are a class of non‐coding molecules found to regulate a variety of cellular functions in health and disease. Dysregulation of microRNAs is involved in liver disease, especially hepatocarcinogenesis. Since primary hepatic malignancies are typically characterized by late diagnosis, frequent recurrence, and poor response to adjuvant therapy, there is a need for the discovery of novel biomarkers in order to achieve earlier diagnosis, predict tumor aggressiveness and response to adjuvant therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of certain microRNAs (miR‐21, ‐31, ‐122, ‐145, ‐146a, ‐ 200c, ‐221, ‐222 and ‐223) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), as well as to assess their prognostic significance. Micro‐RNA expression was assessed by reverse transcription and real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). Clinicopathological data and survival rates were retrieved and analyzed. According to our results, miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐122, miR‐221, miR‐222 were significantly up‐regulated in HCC tissues, whereas miR‐145, miR‐146a, miR‐200c, and miR‐223 were found to be down‐regulated. Concerning ICC samples, miR‐21, miR‐31, and miR‐223 were found to be over‐expressed, whereas miR‐122, miR‐145, miR‐200c, miR‐221, and miR‐222 were down‐regulated. Additionally, expression of miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐122, and miR‐221 in HCC correlated with cirrhosis, while miR‐21 and miR‐221 associated with tumor stage and poor prognosis. In ICC tissues, miR‐21, miR‐31, and miR‐223 were found to be over‐expressed, but no correlation with clinicopathological features was found. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional polymorphism rs7072793 C > T affect individual susceptibility to breast cancer by modulating CD25 transcription activity
Authors: Li Hongbin , Zhou Hongfeng , Zhang Qingyuan , Zhao Shu , Zhang Yue , Wang Yan , Liu Jinglei , Song Ying , Yu Xiaojin , Yu Yan
Published: December 2011

Substantial evidence has demonstrated immune defects in breast cancer patients. They have decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes, but higher numbers of functionally suppressive CD4+CD25+ Treg in both peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment. Constitutive high expression of CD25 is a pivotal characteristic of natural Treg cells. This study aims at investigating if CD25 variability affects breast carcinogenesis. Two polymorphisms (rs7072793 C > T, rs3118470 C > T) in the promoter of CD25 were selected and analyzed by a multiple independent case‐control study to assess the association between CD25 genotypes and breast cancer risk. Genotyping a total of 1110 patients and 1060 healthy controls in Chinese populations showed that rs7072793 CT genotype had an odd ratio of 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.23–1.89) for developing breast cancer compared with CC genotype, the rs7072793 TT carriers had a further increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.66–2.87). Furthermore, our transient transfection which focused on reporter gene expression modulated by CD25 promoter demonstrated that the presence of an rs7072793 T allele led to greater transcriptional activity than the C allele. Similarly, rs13347 T carriers were shown to have larger proportion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in the PBMCs than C carriers in the flow cytometry analysis. However, no significant differences were found in genotype frequencies at rs3118470 C > T site between cases and controls. Our findings suggest that rs7072793 C > T genetic variation in CD25 genes may be genetic modifier for developing breast cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SWIFT‐CEST: A new MRI method to overcome T2 shortening caused by PARACEST contrast agents
Authors: Soesbe Todd C. , Togao Osamu , Takahashi Masaya , Sherry A. Dean
Published: December 2011

The exchange of water molecules between the inner sphere of a paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) contrast agent and bulk water can shorten the bulk water T2 through the T2‐exchange (T2ex) mechanism. The line‐broadening T2ex effect is proportional to the agent concentration, the chemical shift of the exchanging water molecule, and is highly dependent on the water molecule exchange rate. A significant T2ex contribution to the bulk water linewidth can make the regions of agent uptake appear dark when imaging with conventional sequences like gradient‐echo and fast spin‐echo. The minimum echo times for these sequences (1–10 ms) are not fast enough to capture signal from the regions of shortened T2. This makes “Off” (saturation at −Δω) minus “On” (saturation at +Δω) imaging of PARACEST agents difficult, because the regions of uptake are dark in both images. It is shown here that the loss of bulk water signal due to T2ex can be reclaimed using the ultrashort echo times (<10 μs) achieved with the sweep imaging with Fourier transform pulse sequence. Modification of the sweep imaging with Fourier transform sequence for PARACEST imaging is first discussed, followed by parameter optimization using in vitro experiments. In vivo PARACEST studies comparing fast spin‐echo to sweep imaging with Fourier transform were performed using EuDOTA‐(gly) uptake in healthy mouse kidneys. The results show that the negative contrast caused by T2ex can be overcome using the ultrashort echo time achieved with sweep imaging with Fourier transform, thereby enabling fast and sensitive in vivo PARACEST imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relating fracture behavior to spherulite size in conrolled‐rheology polypropylenes
Authors: Salazar A. , Rico A. , Rodríguez S. , Navarro J.M. , Rodríguez J.
Published: December 2011

The influence of the spherulite size and distribution on the fracture toughness and Izod impact strength at different temperatures of controlled‐rheology polypropylenes with 0, 154, 402, and 546 ppm of peroxide has been evaluated. As the peroxide content increased, the average spherulite size was enhanced and the distribution width reduced. The fracture toughness and the Izod impact strength were lowered with the peroxide content due to the diminution of the amorphous interconnections among the crystalline regions. Porosity seems to control the fracture behavior for the materials with the highest peroxide content. Besides, a considerable loss of ductility was observed ahead of the stable crack growth zone. Below the glass transition temperature, the impact strength underwent a sudden drop with the temperature, more remarkable as the molecular was higher. The main mechanism of deformation and failure consisted on the formation of crazes, stretch out, and a final collapse through the interspherulitic zones. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of honeycomb‐structured porous films from poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) via the breath figures method
Authors: Huh Mongyoung , Jung Min‐Hye , Park Young Soo , Kang Tae‐Beom , Nah Changwoon , Russell Robert A. , Holden Peter J. , Yun Seok Il
Published: December 2011

Formation of porous films from poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) using the breath figures (BF) method was investigated by evaporating solutions in chloroform in humid air and examining film structure using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). BF films were successfully fabricated from PHB (Mw = 486,000 g/mol) and displayed hexagonal arrays of pores, which varied in diameter (D = 7–2 μm) with solution concentrations (0.5–2.00%). SEM of fractured films also showed subsurface closed nano‐pores (D = 500–700 nm). BF films cast from PHBV (5% HV) formed arrays with smaller pores and apparent surface defects. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that porous PHB and PHBV films produced using the BF method were more crystalline than nonporous solvent cast films of PHB and PHBV. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers