bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus status and gene expression profiles of oropharyngeal and oral cancers from European American and African American patients
Authors: Tomar Swati , Graves Christian A. , Altomare Diego , Kowli Sangeeta , Kassler Susannah , Sutkowski Natalie , Gillespie M. Boyd , Creek Kim E. , Pirisi Lucia
Published: April 2015

Background

Disparities in prevalence, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and mortality rates for head and neck cancer have been described between African American and European American patients.

Methods

We studied the HPV status and gene expression profiles in 56 oropharyngeal/oral cavity tumors and 9 normal tissue samples from European American and African American patients treated in South Carolina between 2010 and 2012.

Results

Overall, 59% of tumors were HPV DNA‐positive, but only 48% of those expressed E7 mRNA (HPV‐active). The prevalence of HPV‐active tumors was 10% in African American patients and 39% in European American patients. Tumors positive for HPV DNA but negative for HPV mRNA exhibited gene expression profiles distinct from those of both HPV‐active and HPV‐negative cancers, suggesting that HPV DNA‐positive/RNA‐negative tumors may constitute a unique group.

Conclusion

This study provides a direct assessment of differential expression patterns in HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer arising from African American and European American patients, for which there is a paucity of data. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 00: 000–000, 2015
Clinical outcomes in elderly patients with human papillomavirus–positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy
Authors: Hanasoge Sheela , Magliocca Kelly R. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Saba Nabil F. , Wadsworth J. Trad , El‐Deiry Mark W. , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo , Beitler Jonathan J. , Higgins Kristin A.
Published: April 2015

Background

The benefit of combined chemoradiation in elderly patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) must be balanced with the potential for higher toxicity rates. We performed a retrospective review of our institutional experience.

Methods

Patients 70 years or older with p16‐positive oropharyngeal SCC treated with definitive chemoradiation from 2005 to 2013 were evaluated. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and locoregional failure–free survival were calculated.

Results

Twenty‐one eligible patients had a follow‐up of 22.4 months. Estimated 5‐year OS, DFS, and locoregional failure–free survival were 76.0%, 40%, and 95%, respectively. There was 1 death from acute toxicity, and 50% had unplanned hospitalizations. Sixty percent had late toxicity, and 6‐month feeding tube dependence was 25%.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with HPV‐positive locally advanced SCC of the oropharynx treated with definitive chemoradiation had good OS but high rates of acute and long‐term toxicity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 846–851, 2015
Past and future impact of next‐generation sequencing in head and neck cancer
Authors: Sethi Neeraj , MacLennan Kenneth , Wood Henry M. , Rabbitts Pamela
Published: April 2015

Progress in sequencing technology is intrinsically linked to progress in understanding cancer genomics. The purpose of this review was to discuss the development from Sanger sequencing to next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. We highlight the technical considerations for understanding reports using NGS. We discuss the findings of studies in head and neck cancer using NGS as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas. Finally we discuss future routes for research utilizing this methodology and the potential impact of this. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2395–E2402, 2016
Pediatric odontogenic fibromyxoma of the mandible: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Haser Grace C. , Su Henry K. , Hernandez–Prera Juan C. , Khorsandi Azita S. , Wang Beverly Y. , Urken Mark L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Odontogenic fibromyxoma is an uncommon benign tumor arising from the maxillofacial bones. Fibromyxomas are rare in children under 10 years of age. Although this tumor is reported most frequently in the mandible for the general population, it has rarely been reported in the mandible in children <10 years of age.

Methods

We reviewed the 39 reported cases of odontogenic fibromyxoma in children under the age of 10. We add 1 case to the literature.

Results

This case represents the seventh case of odontogenic fibromyxoma of the mandible in a child under the age of 10 years reported in the English literature.

Conclusion

A case of pediatric odontogenic fibromyxoma in the mandible is described. Although rare in the pediatric population, odontogenic fibromyxomas should be included as a differential diagnostic consideration when evaluating tumors of the maxillofacial skeleton. Accurate pathologic diagnosis is critical to ensure proper management. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E25–E28, 2016
Endoscope‐assisted transoral accessory parotid mass excision
Authors: Woo Seung Hoon
Published: April 2015

Background

Accessory parotid gland tissue is salivary tissue adjacent to Stensen's duct that is distinctly separate from the main body of the parotid gland. Surgical removal of an accessory parotid mass is usually accomplished through an external neck incision. However, this procedure inevitably results in a neck scar.

Methods

We report the case of a 55‐year‐old man with an accessory parotid mass. We applied a modified approach to accessory parotid mass removal through the mouth with an endoscope system.

Results

The patient, who was diagnosed with a benign pleomorphic adenoma, underwent endoscope‐assisted transoral accessory parotid mass excision. The follow‐up time was 6 months. The patient experienced no serious postoperative complications or recurrence.

Conclusion

Resection of an accessory parotid mass can be performed via an endoscope‐assisted transoral approach. In this study, we describe the procedure of the endoscope‐assisted transoral resection. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E7–E12, 2016
Models to predict changes in annual runoff with thinning and clearcutting of Japanese cedar and cypress plantations in Japan
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru , Shinohara Yoshinori , Otsuki Kyoichi
Published: April 2015

Forest management (thinning and clearcutting) can reduce evapotranspiration and increase catchment runoff. By summarizing data on the increase in annual runoff (ΔQ) due to forest management at various sites and analysing data using linear regression, traditional studies have reported large unexplained variability among data for different sites. To improve the predictability of ΔQ, it might be useful to model ΔQ for specific species and regions while considering underlying processes. This study performed such modelling for Japanese cedar and cypress plantations in Japan. Model 1 predicts ΔQ assuming that ΔQ equals the decrease in canopy interception loss (ΔEi), which was further modelled by stem density using 46 data for interception loss. Model 2 predicts the potential maximum of ΔQ (ΔQmax) assuming that ΔQmax equals the sum of ΔEi and the decrease in canopy transpiration (ΔEt). Here, ΔEt was calculated using a model developed in our previous study. ΔQ predicted using Model 1 approximated ΔQ observed for seven catchments, and the errors in prediction were less than those derived from traditional linear‐regression analysis. ΔQmax predicted using Model 2 was greater than the observed ΔQ for all catchments. Thus, Models 1 and 2 would be respectively useful in assessing the effectiveness and limitations of managing Japanese cedar and cypress plantations to secure water resources, which have been controversial in Japan. Furthermore, the concept of the models gives implications for studies on other species and regions, because the models have demonstrated how to improve predictability of ΔQ considering underlying processes with the input of commonly available data. © 2015 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Preclinical evaluation of a novel CEA‐targeting near‐infrared fluorescent tracer delineating colorectal and pancreatic tumors
Authors: Boonstra Martin C. , Tolner Berend , Schaafsma Boudewijn E. , Boogerd Leonora S.F. , Prevoo Hendrica A.J.M , Bhavsar Guarav , Kuppen Peter J.K. , Sier Cornelis F.M. , Bonsing Bert A. , Frangioni John V. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Chester Kerry A. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: April 2015

Surgery is the cornerstone of oncologic therapy with curative intent. However, identification of tumor cells in the resection margins is difficult, resulting in nonradical resections, increased cancer recurrence and subsequent decreased patient survival. Novel imaging techniques that aid in demarcating tumor margins during surgery are needed. Overexpression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is found in the majority of gastrointestinal carcinomas, including colorectal and pancreas. We developed ssSM3E/800CW, a novel CEA‐targeted near‐infrared fluorescent (NIRF) tracer, based on a disulfide‐stabilized single‐chain antibody fragment (ssScFv), to visualize colorectal and pancreatic tumors in a clinically translatable setting. The applicability of the tracer was tested for cell and tissue binding characteristics and dosing using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cell‐based plate assays and orthotopic colorectal (HT‐29, well differentiated) and pancreatic (BXPC‐3, poorly differentiated) xenogeneic human–mouse models. NIRF signals were visualized using the clinically compatible FLARE™ imaging system. Calculated clinically relevant doses of ssSM3E/800CW selectively accumulated in colorectal and pancreatic tumors/cells, with highest tumor‐to‐background ratios of 5.1 ± 0.6 at 72 hr postinjection, which proved suitable for intraoperative detection and delineation of tumor boarders and small (residual) tumor nodules in mice, between 8 and 96 hr postinjection. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging and pathologic examination confirmed tumor specificity and the distribution of the tracer. Our results indicate that ssSM3E/800CW shows promise as a diagnostic tool to recognize colorectal and pancreatic cancers for fluorescent‐guided surgery applications. If successfully translated clinically, this tracer could help improve the completeness of surgery and thus survival.
Distance and Political Boundaries: Estimating Border Effects under Inequality Constraints
Authors: Borraz Fernando , Cavallo Alberto , Rigobon Roberto , Zipitria Leandro
Published: April 2015

The ‘border effects’ literature finds that political boundaries have a large impact on relative prices across locations. In this paper, we show that the standard empirical specification suffers from selection bias and propose a new methodology based on binned‐quantile regressions. We use a novel micro‐price dataset from Uruguay and focus on city borders. We find that, when the standard methodology is used, two supermarkets separated by 10 km across two different cities have the same price dispersion as two supermarkets separated by 30 km within the same city, implying that crossing a city border is equivalent to tripling the distance. By contrast, when upper quantiles are used the city border effect disappears. These findings imply that transport cost have been systematically underestimated by the previous literature. Our methodology can be applied to measure any kind of border effect. We illustrate this in the context of online–offline price dispersion to measure an ‘online‐border’ effect in the city of Montevideo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fe3O4@SiO2‐imid‐PMAn Magnetic Porous Nanosphere as Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of Polysubstituted Quinolines under Solvent‐free Conditions
Authors: Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Javidi Jaber
Published: April 2015

In this research, a facile one‐pot synthesis of poly‐substituted quinoline derivatives has been demonstrated by using 2‐aminobenzophenones and ethylacetoacetate or ketones in the presence of Fe3O4@SiO2‐imid‐PMAn and Fe3O4@SiO2‐imid‐PMAb nanoparticles as green and reusable catalysts under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction proceeds efficiently in excellent yields and in a state of excellent purity. The nanocatalysts can be recycled and reused for at least four times without noticeably decreasing in catalytic activity.
Properties of a 2,3‐Butanediol Dehydrogenase from Taiwanofungus camphorata
Authors: Ken Chuian‐Fu , Tsai Wei‐Wei , Wen Lisa , Sheu Dey‐Chyi , Lin Chi‐Tsai
Published: April 2015

2,3‐Butanediol dehydrogenase (Bdh) plays important roles in reduction of acetoin to 2,3‐butanediol, an important platform chemical with many industrial applications. Here, a TcBdh cDNA (1348 bp, GenBank accession JF896462) encoding a putative Bdh was cloned from Taiwanofungus camphorata. The deduced amino acid sequence is similar to the Bdhs from other species. A 3‐D structural model of TcBdh has been constructed based on the known structure of Pseudomonas putida formaldehyde dehydrogenase (PpFdh, PDB code 1KOL). To characterize the TcBdh protein, the coding region was subcloned into an expression vector pYEX‐S1 and transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant His6‐tagged TcBdh was expressed and purified by Ni2+‐nitrilotriacetic acid Sepharose. The purified enzyme showed a single band of 49 kDa on 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Michaelis constant (KM) value of the recombinant enzyme for acetoin was 8.5 mM. The enzyme’s optical pH was 6. The thermal inactivation of the enzyme showed a half‐life of 5.3 min at 45 °C.
Toward sustainable dairy waste utilization: enhanced VFA and biogas synthesis via upcycling algal biomass cultured on waste effluent
Authors: Smith Simon A , Hughes Eric , Coats Erik R , Brinkman Cynthia K , McDonald Armando G , Harper Jeric R , Feris Kevin , Newby Deborah
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

In 2012, 9.3 million head of dairy cows in the USA produced an estimated 20 million metric tons of manure solids, but little value was gained from this manure. There is a pressing need to enhance manure resource recovery efforts, as dairy manure has potentially significant environmental impacts. This study evaluated components of an integrated suite of biological processes designed to maximize resource recovery from dairy manure, in which algae grown on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production effluent (PHA‐algae) were fermented and anaerobically digested to determine process impacts.

RESULTS

A 10% PHA‐algae supplement produced 11% more volatile fatty acids (VFA) during fermentation and 11% more methane during anaerobic digestion (AD) (vs. dairy manure); the PHA‐algae biogas also contained a higher percentage (62.7 vs. 59.1%) of methane than manure biogas. Algal augmentation exhibited no negative effect on fermenter or AD operation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the ADs contained substantial populations of both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, which, given the heterogeneous substrate, enhanced process stability. There were significant differences between PHA‐algae batches, and large quantities of COD were released during algae freezing.

CONCLUSION

PHA‐algae yielded more VFA during fermentation, and a more methane‐rich biogas following AD than dairy manure. A 10% PHA‐algae supplement caused no process disturbance in normal manure flora. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of a high specific activity methyl sulfone tritium isotopologue of fevipiprant (NVP‐QAW039)
Authors: Luu Van T. , Goujon Jean‐Yves , Meisterhans Christian , Frommherz Matthias , Bauer Carsten
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of a triple tritiated isotopologue of the CRTh2 antagonist NVP‐QAW039 (fevipiprant) with a specific activity >3 TBq/mmol is described. Key to the high specific activity is the methylation of a bench‐stable dimeric disulfide precursor that is in situ reduced to the corresponding thiol monomer and methylated with [3H3]MeONos having per se a high specific activity. The high specific activity of the tritiated active pharmaceutical ingredient obtained by a build‐up approach is discussed in the light of the specific activity usually to be expected if hydrogen tritium exchange methods were applied.
Characterization of a novel endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Manavalan Tamilvendan , Manavalan Arulmani , Thangavelu Kalaichelvan P. , Heese Klaus
Published: April 2015

We evaluated the production and characterization of endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum using different lignocellulose biomasses. We purified a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolyzing endoglucanase from the white‐rot fungus G. lucidum when the medium was supplemented with 1% (w/v) wheat bran. Endoglucanase was purified 12.5‐fold via ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex G‐100, and Q‐Sepharose column chromatography with a final yield of 15%. SDS‐PAGE analysis revealed that the endoglucanase had a molecular mass of 64.0 kDa. The optimal activity of purified endoglucanase was at pH 5.0 and 35 °C, though it was stable between pH 4.0–7.0 and temperatures of 30–60 °C. The purified enzyme was specific to CMC as a suitable substrate. The metal ions Hg2+, Fe2+, and Cr2+ inhibited enzyme activity, while Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ enhanced enzyme activity. The endoglucanase showed high activity and stability in the presence of different surfactants and non‐polar hydrophobic organic solvents. This endoglucanase is tolerant to high temperature, metal ions, surfactants, and solvents, suggesting that it is appropriate for use in biomass conversion for biofuel production under harsh environmental conditions.
Data Formats for Elementary Gas Phase Kinetics, Part 3: Reaction Classification
Authors: Burgess Donald R. , Manion Jeffrey A. , Hayes Carrigan J.
Published: April 2015

A method denoted InChI‐ER has been developed to describe and identify elementary reactions in a standard computer‐readable notation by extending the IUPAC International Chemical Identifier (InChI) formalism. Five additional hierarchical InChI‐ER layers were developed: Reaction Formula [/v], Reaction Connectivity [/r], Transition State Connectivity [/z], Reaction Class [/k], and Chemical Sites [/w]. These layers, which were developed in a conceptually similar and extensible manner to basic InChI layers, are optional and do not interfere with existing InChI specifications. All five of the layers were described in the preceding article of this series, “Data Formats for Elementary Gas Phase Kinetics, Part 2: Unique Representations of Reactions.” In this work, we provide a more detailed description of the Reaction Class and Chemical Sites layers in the context of reaction classification, giving significantly more extensive examples and discussion. We also provide an illustrated example of the application of the layers, pertaining to reactions in a large hydrocarbon combustion mechanism; the full mechanism is included in the supplementary information of this work.
Colored dissolved organic matter dynamics and anthropogenic influences in a major transboundary river and its coastal wetland
Authors: Tzortziou Maria , Zeri Christina , Dimitriou Elias , Ding Yan , Jaffé Rudolf , Anagnostou Emmanouil , Pitta Elli , Mentzafou Angeliki
Published: April 2015

Most transboundary rivers and their wetlands are subject to considerable anthropogenic pressures associated with multiple and often conflicting uses. In the Eastern Mediterranean such systems are also particularly vulnerable to climate change, posing additional challenges for integrated water resources management. Comprehensive measurements of the optical signature of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were combined with measurements of river discharges and water physicochemical and biogeochemical properties, to assess carbon dynamics, water quality, and anthropogenic influences in a major transboundary system of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Evros (or, Марица or, Meriç) river and its Ramsar protected coastal wetland. Measurements were performed over three years, in seasons characterized by different hydrologic conditions and along transects extending more than 70 km from the freshwater end‐member to two kilometers offshore in the Aegean Sea. Changes in precipitation, anthropogenic dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs from the polluted Ergene tributary, and the irregular operation of a dam were key factors driving water quality, salinity regimes, and biogeochemical properties in the Evros delta and coastal waters. Marsh outwelling affected coastal carbon quality, but the influence of wetlands was often masked by anthropogenic DOM contributions. A distinctive five‐peak CDOM fluorescence signature was characteristic of upstream anthropogenic inputs and clearly tracked the influence of freshwater discharges on water quality. Monitoring of this CDOM fluorescence footprint could have direct applications to programs focusing on water quality and environmental assessment in this and other transboundary rivers where management of water resources remains largely ineffective.
Clearance of yellow tattoo ink with a novel 532‐nm picosecond laser
Authors: Alabdulrazzaq Hamad , Brauer Jeremy A. , Bae Yoon‐Soo , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Although technology and tattoo removal methods continue to evolve, yellow pigment clearance continues to be challenging and usually unsuccessful. We describe a case series of six tattoos containing yellow ink, successfully treated with a frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG 532‐nm picosecond laser.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Case series with six subjects participating for the treatment of multicolored tattoos that contain yellow pigment. Treatments performed with a frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG 532‐nm picosecond laser at 6–8 week intervals.

Results

One subject achieved complete clearance of the treated site after one session, and five subjects required 2–4 treatments to achieve over 75% clearance. Minimal downtime was experienced, and no scarring or textural skin changes were observed in any of the treated sites.

Conclusions

This is the first case series that demonstrates effective and consistent reduction of yellow tattoo ink using a frequency doubled Nd:YAG 532‐nm laser with a picosecond pulse duration. Treatments were well tolerated and subjects had positive outcomes. This is a small observational case series from an ongoing clinical trial, and studies with a larger sample size and comparative group are needed in the future. in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:285–288, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge of diagnosis, treatment history, and risk of late effects among childhood cancer survivors and parents: The impact of a survivorship clinic
Authors: Lindell Robert B. , Koh Shannon J. , Alvarez JoAnn M. , Koyama Tatsuki , Esbenshade Adam J. , Simmons Jill H. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for treatment‐related adverse health outcomes, known as late effects. Through matched and longitudinal cohorts, we assessed the impact of survivorship care on patient and parent knowledge of treatment history and associated health risks.

Procedure

Childhood cancer survivors were recruited from a single‐institution survivorship clinic and matched with survivors receiving routine follow‐up care (controls) on diagnosis, age, and time off therapy. One hundred seventy‐four participants completed telephone interviews assessing knowledge of diagnosis, treatment history, and risk of late effects. Additionally, 48 new survivorship patients were followed longitudinally with serial interviews for 18 months.

Results

In the case‐control study, survivorship participants were more likely than controls to correctly report their diagnosis (98% vs. 90%, P = 0.039) and indicate a previous discussion of risk of late effects (99% vs. 62%, P < 0.0001). Compared to controls, survivorship participants were 13% more sensitive reporting chemotherapeutics (95%CI 2.8–23.7%, P = 0.013) and 12% more sensitive reporting late effect risk (95%CI 7.3–16.6%, P < 0.0001). In the longitudinal cohort, participants were 7% more sensitive reporting chemotherapeutics (95%CI 5.4–10.8%, P < 0.001) and 9% more sensitive reporting late effect risk (95%CI 5.6–23.8%, P < 0.001) at 3 months compared to baseline. In regression analysis, baseline knowledge correlated with subsequent interview performance, and time since survivorship visit correlated with decreased knowledge of late effects, but not diagnosis or treatment history.

Conclusions

Survivorship care was associated with increased knowledge of diagnosis, treatment history, and risk of late effects in both cohorts. Knowledge of late effects decreases with time, suggesting the need for additional educational strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1444–1451. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graft versus tumor effect in the brain of a child with recurrent metastatic medulloblastoma
Authors: Abdel‐Azim Hisham , Kapoor Neena , Mahadeo Kris M. , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: April 2015

Marrow ablative chemotherapy (MAC) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is limited by poor bone marrow reserve after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and the extent of bone/bone marrow disease. We report a child with recurrent metastatic medulloblastoma who received an allogeneic HSCT while in relapse and subsequently achieved radiological resolution of disease and favorable marrow minimal residual disease (MRD) response. Disease recurred intra‐cranially at 304 days post‐HSCT. Tumor biopsy 488 days post‐HSCT showed infiltration with donor lymphocytes demonstrating graft‐versus‐tumor (GVT) effect. The patient remained alive >2 years post‐HSCT. Allogeneic HSCT may be a consideration for high‐risk recurrent medulloblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1667–1669. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phosphonium polyelectrolytes: influence of diphosphine spacer on layer‐by‐layer assembly with anionic conjugated polymers
Authors: Conrad Catherine A , Bedford Monte S , Buelt Ashley A , Galabura Yuriy , Luzinov Igor , Smith Rhett C
Published: April 2015

Three phosphonium polyelectrolytes have been prepared wherein the flexibility of the spacer between charge‐bearing phosphonium units was varied from 1,2‐ethyl to 1,4‐phenyl to 1,1′‐ferrocenyl. The influence of inter‐phosphonium spacer flexibility on the ability of the polyelectrolyte to form ordered films via layer‐by‐layer supramolecular assembly with anionic polythiophene and anionic poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivatives was also assessed through a combination of UV−visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The more flexible ionic polymers were found to be capable of forming thicker films and to maintain growth linearity up to at least 800 bilayers in some cases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Metformin represses androgen‐dependent and androgen‐independent prostate cancers by targeting androgen receptor
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Gaolei , Tong Dali , Parmar Henna , Hasenmayer Donald , Yuan Wenqiang , Zhang Dianzheng , Jiang Jun
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Metformin has been reported to inhibit the growth of different types of cancers, including prostate cancer. We were interested to understand if the effect of metformin on prostate cancer is AR‐dependent and, if so, whether metformin could act synergistically with the other anti‐AR agents to serve as a therapeutic regimen with high efficacy and low toxicity.

METHODS

Cell viabilities and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and annexin V‐FITC staining, respectively, when the two human prostate cancer cell lines, the androgen‐dependent LNCaP and the androgen‐independent 22RV1 were treated with metformin alone or in combination with bicalutamide. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting assays were conducted to examine metformin effects on AR mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were conducted to confirm the recruitment of AR to the ARE(s) located on the promoter region of the AR target gene PSA.

RESULTS

Metformin treatment reduced cell viability and enhanced apoptosis for both cell lines and additive effects were observed when LNCaP cells were treated with combined metformin and bicalutamide. Metformin down‐regulated full‐length AR protein in LNCaP cells. Both full‐length and the truncated AR (AR‐v7) were down‐regulated by metformin in CWR22Rv1 cells. In both LNCaP and CWR22Rv1 cells, metformin repressed AR signaling pathway not by affecting AR protein degradation/stability, but rather through down‐regulating the levels of AR mRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin represses prostate cancer cell viability and enhances apoptosis by targeting the AR signaling pathway. Combinations of metformin and other anti‐AR agents pose a potentially promising therapeutic approach for treatment of prostate cancers, especially the castrate‐resistant prostate cancer, with high efficacy and low toxicity. Prostate 75: 1187–1196, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structure representations for machine learning models of formation energies
Authors: Faber Felix , Lindmaa Alexander , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole , Armiento Rickard
Published: April 2015

We introduce and evaluate a set of feature vector representations of crystal structures for machine learning (ML) models of formation energies of solids. ML models of atomization energies of organic molecules have been successful using a Coulomb matrix representation of the molecule. We consider three ways to generalize such representations to periodic systems: (i) a matrix where each element is related to the Ewald sum of the electrostatic interaction between two different atoms in the unit cell repeated over the lattice; (ii) an extended Coulomb‐like matrix that takes into account a number of neighboring unit cells; and (iii) an ansatz that mimics the periodicity and the basic features of the elements in the Ewald sum matrix using a sine function of the crystal coordinates of the atoms. The representations are compared for a Laplacian kernel with Manhattan norm, trained to reproduce formation energies using a dataset of 3938 crystal structures obtained from the Materials Project. For training sets consisting of 3000 crystals, the generalization error in predicting formation energies of new structures corresponds to (i) 0.49, (ii) 0.64, and (iii)
for the respective representations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Study of Magnetic Force in Electromagnetic Forming of Small Size Sheet
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Wang Wenping , Wan Min , Long Anlin
Published: April 2015

It is essential to calculate magnetic force in the process of studying electromagnetic sheet forming. Calculating magnetic force is the basis of analyzing sheet deformation and optimizing technical parameters. In order to calculate magnetic force in electromagnetic forming of small size sheet, finite element software ANSYS/EMAG was used. Small size sheet means that sheet length or sheet width, or both, is/are shorter than plane dimensions of coil. Based on numerical simulation and experiment, induced current crowding effect was studied, and the influence of charging voltage, capacitance, separation distance, and relative position between coil and sheet on magnetic force were analyzed. The results show that, in the process of electromagnetic forming of small size sheet, induced current crowding effect will be caused by the variation of induced current channel width on the sheet, which seriously influence the magnetic force distribution, and the non‐uniformity degree of magnetic force distribution is increased nearly linearly with the variation of induced current channel width; the desirable magnetic force distribution can be achieved by adjusting the relative position between coil and sheet. And, magnetic force is increased with the increase of capacitance and charging voltage. At the same time, the variation period of magnetic force increased with the increasing of capacitance. Magnetic force decreased obviously with the increasing of separation distance between coil and sheet. At last, the experiment of sheet impact balls pad mold under magnetic force and electromagnetic V‐shape forming was performed to confirm the validity of numerical simulation result.
π‐Extended Pentalenes: The Revival of the Old Compound from New Standpoints
Authors: Kawase Takeshi , Nishida Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2015

Polycyclic conjugated systems bearing carbocyclic five‐membered rings have attracted much attention due to their novel electronic properties and utility in organic electronic devices. Despite possessing a 4nπ electron periphery, dibenzopentalenes have a planar structure and are fairly stable. Thus, appropriate modifications should provide desirable electronic properties. Recently, we have discovered novel Ni‐catalyzed coupling reactions that constitute a versatile new route to dibenzopentalene derivatives from readily available o‐bromoethynylbenzenes. Moreover, we developed another dibenzopentalene synthesis using indenone derivatives as important intermediates. These methods are applicable to π‐extended pentalene derivatives possessing various functional groups and aromatic ring systems. Among them, a dinaphthylpentalene derivative shows a high hole mobility (1.8 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1) for an amorphous material. Furthermore, this is the first pentalene derivative that can be employed as a p‐type material for organic heterojunction photovoltaic cells (PCE = 0.94%, VOC = 0.96 V) and as organic thin‐film semiconductors.

graphic
Accuracy of moose age determinations from canine and incisor cementum annuli
Authors: Boertje Rodney D. , Ellis Martha M. , Kellie Kalin A.
Published: April 2015

We sent 76 canines and 77 incisors (I1) from 84 known‐age moose (Alces alces) ≥2 years old sampled from near Fairbanks, Alaska, USA (2003–2011) to Matson's Laboratory (Milltown, MT) to test G. Matson's accuracy rate in estimating moose ages. To estimate ages, G. Matson counted annuli in the cementum of root tips using a Giemsa‐staining technique and assumed a birth date of 1 June. We originally radiocollared moose at 9 months of age, and we extracted teeth upon death. Estimated moose ages averaged 7.0 years using canines and 6.9 using I1 teeth (range = 2–16 year), and known ages of each sample averaged 7.1 years. The accuracy rate among 76 canines was 74% and improved to 95% when ignoring errors within 1 year of the known age; comparative results among 77 I1 teeth were 66% and 94%. By far the most frequent error was a 1‐year underestimate in age, particularly for moose that died in July and August, which included the seasonal transition period associated with completing peripheral annuli formation. After controlling for −1‐year errors associated with the seasonal transition period, we found evidence for errors accumulating with age. We found no significant difference in accuracy based on which tooth was sectioned. However, G. Matson observed more individually distinct annuli and regular deposition patterns in canines, compared with incisors. Thus, we recommend the more easily extracted canine for estimating moose age. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Geographic Variation Immediate and Delayed Breast Reconstruction Utilization in Ontario, Canada and Plastic Surgeon Availability: A Population‐Based Observational Study
Authors: Platt Jennica , Zhong Toni , Moineddin Rahim , Booth Gillian L. , Easson Alexandra M. , Fernandes Kimberly , Gozdyra Peter , Baxter Nancy N.
Published: April 2015

Background

Utilization of breast reconstruction (BR) is low in many jurisdictions. We studied the geographical and surgical workforce factors that contribute to access and use of BR using a small area analysis approach with a geographical unit of analysis.

Methods

We linked administrative data from Ontario Canada to calculate the age‐standardized rates for immediate BR (IBR) (same time as mastectomy) between 2002 and 2011, and delayed BR (DBR) (within 3 years of mastectomy) for each county. The influence of plastic surgeon access on variation in county rates of BR was examined using Poisson random effects models.

Results

12,663 women underwent mastectomy in Ontario; 2,948 had BR within 3 years (23.3 %). Over 50 % of the counties had no access to any plastic surgeon. County IBR rates ranged from 0 to 21.5 %; plastic surgeon access explained 46 % of geographic variation (p < 0.0001). IBR rates in counties with very low, low, and moderate access to plastic surgeons were significantly less than counties with high access (relative rate [RR] 0.48 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.66], RR 0.61 [CI 0.43–0.87] and RR 0.70 [CI 0.52–0.96], respectively) after adjusting for age and county socioeconomic characteristics. For DBR, while there was less geographic variation, very low access counties demonstrated reduced rates (RR 0.60 [CI 0.47–0.76]).

Interpretation

Geographic access to a plastic surgeon is a major determinant of BR. Targeted interventions for regions without high access to plastic surgeons may improve overall rates and reduce geographic disparities in care, particularly for IBR.
Call for Research on Bystander Intervention to Prevent Sexual Violence: The Role of Campus Environments
Authors: McMahon Sarah
Published: April 2015

An important next step for the field is to determine what setting‐level factors beyond the individual are critical to fostering campus environments that support pro‐social, helpful bystander intervention action to prevent sexual violence. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a research agenda to investigate key areas of the campus environment and their potential influence on bystander intervention. To create the research agenda, a number of steps were followed including: (1) systematically reviewing the larger bystander literature to identify key environmental areas, (2) assessing what research is available specific to college campuses and sexual assault in each of these areas, and (3) outlining future research to address each of these areas on college campuses and determine their applicability to sexual violence situations. Five main groups of factors were found to influence bystander intervention beyond the individual, group and situational levels, including: social norms, sense of community, pro‐social modeling, policies, and the physical environment. Certain areas of research on environmental influences on bystander intervention are more developed such as social norms, with little research on areas such as policies and the physical environment. However, further research is needed in each of the identified five areas to help identify how college campuses can support bystander intervention.
Safety and caregiver satisfaction associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy among young patients with intellectual disability
Authors: Chalermchockcharoenkit Amphan , Sirimai Korakot , Sutchritpongsa Pavit , Leelanapapat Rujirek , Panpanit Ataporn , Ramamurthy Harshita
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety of laparoscopic hysterectomy for young patients with intellectual disability and the postoperative satisfaction levels of their caregivers.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients with intellectual disability who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy at a center in Thailand between January 5, 2004, and August 31, 2010. Information was retrieved about preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Caregiver satisfaction levels were assessed 3 months after surgery using a Likert‐type scale.

Results

The mean age of the 74 included patients was 14.9 ± 4.2 years. The cause of intellectual disability was unknown for 30 patients (41%); 22 (30%) had Down syndrome. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed among 66 (89%) patients. No major operative complications were noted. Overall, 72 (97%) caregivers were extremely satisfied with the surgical outcome; the remaining 2 (3%) reported being very satisfied.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic hysterectomy was safe and had good outcomes among patients with intellectual disability. This procedure might be a feasible option to induce therapeutic amenorrhea among young patients with intellectual disability, especially in countries with limited resources.
Anatomical characteristics of anal fistula evaluated by three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography: is there a correlation with Goodsall's theory?
Authors: Murad-Regadas Sthela Maria , Dealcanfreitas Iris Daiana , de Oliveira Maura Tarciany Coutinho Cajazeiras , Morano David Pessoa , Regadas Francisco Sérgio P. , Rodrigues Lusmar V. , da Silva Fernandes Graziela Olivia , Regadas Filho Francisco Sérgio P.
Published: April 2015

Purpose We aimed to correlate the course of the anal fistula tract (T), location of the external opening (EO) and internal opening (IO) in anterior (A) and posterior (P) circumference using 3D-US according to Goodsall's rule.

Methods 151 patients with primary cryptoglandular Transsphincteric fistulas were examined with 3D-US and compared with surgical finding. The type of the T (straight or curved), EO and IO were identified and divided into 3 Groups: GI: EO and IO are located in a position; GII: EO and IO are located in P position and GIII: OE and OI are located in the opposite position. The findings were correlated with Goodsall's rule.

Results 74/151(49%) were included in GI, of them, 41 (55%) were male (33/44% had straight tract and 8/11% curved) and 33 (45%) female (15/20%-straight and 18/25%-curved). GII included 68 (45%), of them, 50 (74%) were male (39/57%-straight and 11/15%-curved) and 18 (26%) female (14/20%-straight and 04/8%-curved). GIII = 9 (6%) and all of them had curved tract. The overall concordance between 3D-US and surgical finding was 98% for tract and 96% for IO.

Conclusion The 3D-US findings correlate with the Goodsall's rule in transsphincteric fistulas located in the anterior circumference straight type, in male, while in females the distribution of curved and straight paths is similar. In the posterior circumference no correlation was observed in both the sexes.
Zonation of the Siberian Ordovician deposits based on pelagic groups of fauna
Authors: Sennikov N.V. , Tolmacheva T.Yu. , Obut O.T. , Izokh N.G. , Lykova E.V.
Published: April 2015

We summarize data on the biostratigraphic units of the Siberian Ordovician deposits based on pelagic groups of fauna: graptolites, conodonts, and chitinozoans. It is shown that graptolite and conodont zones and beds have a high potential for correlation. We have determined the precise zonal position of most of the lower boundaries of the Ordovician stages and informal Ordovician substages of the International Stratigraphic Chart in the Lower Paleozoic key sections of the Taimyr Peninsula, Siberian Platform, and Altai–Sayan Folded Area.
A Personal Journal Account of the Monrovia Medical Unit in Liberia
Authors: Reed Paul
Published: April 2015

On September 16, 2014, President Obama, speaking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, declared the Ebola epidemic in West Africa a national security priority and laid out the US government’s plan for contributing to and helping to lead the international response. There were, and remain, several facets to the US government’s efforts to help control the epidemic, including the commitment to provide a facility and staffing in Liberia that would ensure access to a high level of quality care for any Liberian or international health care workers who may, themselves, become infected and ill with Ebola. That facility came to be known as the Monrovia Medical Unit and is staffed by officers of the US Public Health Service. The following pages are excerpts from the journal I kept during my time at the Monrovia Medical Unit, which I hope will relate some elements of the concerted effort that took place that led to this arm of the US government response being established. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:581–585)
Rothschilds’ “Delicate and Difficult Task”: Reputation, Political Instability, and the Brazilian Rescue Loans of the 1890s
Authors: WELLER LEONARDO
Published: April 2015

The London House of Rothschild depended on Brazil to maintain its reputation. This became a problem in the 1890s, when the Brazilian government almost defaulted on its sovereign debt after a change of regime had made politics unstable and economic policy unorthodox. This article shows how the relationship between the bank and the state developed to the point that Rothschilds was forced to rescue its client. Exposure enabled Brazil to implement policies designed to defend the regime at the expense of payment capacity without defaulting. The debt crisis ended only after the political situation stabilized toward the close of the century, when the bank pressured the government to tighten economic policy.
Latitudinal libration driven flows in triaxial ellipsoids
Authors: Vantieghem S. , Cébron D. , Noir J.
Published: April 2015

Motivated by understanding the liquid core dynamics of tidally deformed planets and moons, we present a study of incompressible flow driven by latitudinal libration within rigid triaxial ellipsoids. We first derive a laminar solution for the inviscid equations of motion under the assumption of uniform vorticity flow. This solution exhibits a resonance if the libration frequency matches the frequency of the spin-over inertial mode. Furthermore, we extend our model by introducing a reduced model of the effect of viscous Ekman layers in the limit of low Ekman number (Noir & Cébron,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 737, 2013, pp. 412–439). This theoretical approach is consistent with the results of Chanet al. (Phys. Earth Planet. Inter., vol. 187, 2011, pp. 404–415) and Zhanget al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 692, 2012, pp. 420–445) for spheroidal geometries. Our results are validated against systematic three-dimensional numerical simulations. In the second part of the paper, we present the first linear stability analysis of this uniform vorticity flow. To this end, we adopt different methods (Lifschitz & Hameiri,Phys. FluidsA, vol. 3, 1991, p. 2644; Gledzer & Ponomarev,Acad. Sci., USSR, Izv., Atmos. Ocean. Phys., vol. 13, 1977, pp. 565–569) that allow us to deduce upper and lower bounds for the growth rate of an instability. Our analysis shows that the uniform vorticity base flow is prone to inertial instabilities caused by a parametric resonance mechanism. This is confirmed by a set of direct numerical simulations. Applying our results to planetary settings, we find that neither a spin-over resonance nor an inertial instability can exist within the liquid core of the Moon, Io and Mercury.
Cavitation nuclei in water exposed to transient pressures
Authors: Andersen Anders , Mørch Knud Aage
Published: April 2015

A model of skin-stabilized interfacial cavitation nuclei and their response to tensile and compressive stressing is presented. The model is evaluated in relation to experimental tensile strength results for water at rest at the bottom of an open water-filled container at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. These results are obtained by recording the initial growth of cavities generated by a short tensile pulse applied to the bottom of the container. It is found that the cavitation nuclei shift their tensile strength depending on their pressure history. Static pressurization for an extended period of time prior to testing is known to increase the tensile strength of water, but little information is available on how it is affected by compression pulses of short duration. This is addressed by imposing compression pulses of approximately 1 ms duration and a peak intensity of a few bar prior to the tension pulse. The observations are interpreted on the basis of the new model.