bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arctic Mine Sea Lift and Marine Terminal Solutions
Authors: Watters G.R.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes logistic sea lift arrangements and receiving marine terminal solutions for Newmont's Hope Bay Gold Mine Project in the Canadian Arctic. Presented in this case study are innovative design features and logistical sea lift strategies to overcome significant obstacles for a major Arctic development project.

Supplying a major Arctic mine start up project in Western Nunavut in 2010 with thousands of tons of supplies and construction materials is a major challenge when there is adequate time to plan the logistics and construct a proper receiving marine terminal. Compounding this major challenge is an extremely aggressive schedule and an existing marine terminal originally designed for much smaller vessels. The project sea lift strategy included both the typical West Coast supply route and, for the first time, East Coast supply routes using both the Northwest Passage and Panama Canal.

This paper provides a discussion of the advantages of staging a major sea lift using the Northwest Passage that links both west and East Coast seaports of the United States and Canada to the Arctic. Details are included about temporary and permanent structural improvements to an existing marine terminal to support the sea lift and how an innovative sheet pile dock design technology and advanced winter construction techniques can accelerate the completion of a remote Arctic marine terminal by one year.

Introduction

The Newmont sea lift of 2010 executed from eastern Canada included a 3,000 nautical mile route for the first time up the icy straights of the Northwest Passage and set a record long 11,000 nautical mile tow through the Panama Canal (see Figure 1). The sea lift circumnavigated the North America Continent and accomplished a major logistical feat to kick off the Hope Bay Gold Mine project.

The Newmont sea lift of 2010 was organized, planned and executed under a very aggressive schedule, resulting in the timely arrival of over 10,000 tons of supplies and equipment and, 17 million liters of fuel. The sea lift required the support of 14 different vessels, over 350 logistics personnel and utilized nine different ports in US and Canada on both the East and West Coast. Final planning and design for the sea lift and the components that needed to be transported, did not begin in earnest until October 2009. This schedule meant only 10-months for the design, procurement and fabrication of the required project components to meet the shipping date to the Arctic. In addition to this, the existing marine facilities at the site were never designed for large capacity ocean going vessels such as the ones required for the sea lift. The time element did not allow for conventional structural upgrades and marine facilities expansion, but instead required quick turnaround band-aid type solutions that could be implemented before the sea lift arrived. Major marine structural upgrade and expansion work had to be deferred until the following year.
A New Understanding of Endurance Exercise
Authors: Sepe Joseph , D'Alessandro Raffaella
Published: December 2011

Longevity gained through regular exercise is cemented into popular wisdom. [...]
Solitary pulmonary nodule: A diagnostic algorithm in the light of current imaging technique
Authors: Khan Ali Nawaz , Al-Jahdali Hamdan H , Irion Klaus L , Arabi Mohammad , Koteyar Shyam Sunder
Published: December 2011

The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is frequently seen on chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The finding of a SPN usually provokes a flurry of clinical and imaging activity as an SPN in at-risk population is an alert signal of possible lung cancer. The frequency of malignant nodules in a given population is variable and depends on the endemicity of granulomatous disease. The percentage of malignant nodules also rises when dealing with at-risk population. The problem is compounded by the fact that with the present generation of CT scanners, 1-2 mm nodules are discovered in approximately half of the smokers aged 50 years or older scanned. A variety of management approaches are applied in the work-up of SPN often requiring evaluation over a long period of time to establish a benign or malignant diagnosis. Comparison with previous imaging studies and morphologic evaluation of the size, margins, and internal characteristics are usually the first step in the evaluation of these nodules. It is often necessary to use additional imaging techniques and occasionally invasive procedures such a percutaneous needle lung or a surgical biopsy. Until recently, the guidelines for follow-up of indeterminate noncalcified nodules detected on nonscreening CT was a minimum of 2 years. However, during the past few years due to further refinements in CT technology and better understanding of tumor behavior, it has prompted a revision of the guidelines of the follow-up of small indeterminate nodules. These guidelines have been endorsed by the Fleischner Society.
Erlotinib eradicates brain metastases from epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jabbari Siavash , Pins Michael , Kruczek Kimberly , Nabhan Chadi
Published: December 2011

Erlotinib is active in patients with lung cancer; especially those who demonstrate a mutation in exons 18-21 in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Patients with lung cancer and brain metastases have poor prognosis as systemic chemotherapy is ineffective in treating the central nervous system (CNS) metastases due to its inability to cross the blood brain barrier. Herein, we report a case of a 61 year old female who presented with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung with bilateral cerebral and cerebellar CNS involvement. The patient′s tumor harbored a mutation in exon 19 in the EGFR gene. Treatment with erlotinib was started as soon as the molecular studies were available with remarkable and complete radiographic response in the CNS disease, and complete resolution of the previously detected metastases. The patient did not receive any other CNS intervention and radiation was not given due to the lack of CNS symptoms.
Polymer Optical Fibers
Authors: Koike Yasuhiro , Koike Kotaro
Published: December 2011

Polymer optical fibers (POFs) are highly promising transmission media for future intrabuilding networking. In comparison to glass optical fibers (GOFs), which are commonly used in core and metropolitan networks, POFs offer many advantages such as great flexibility and easy handling. This article begins with the basic concepts of optical fibers and moves on to the early history of loss reduction in POFs. What drastically changed the status of POFs in the communications field was a graded‐index technology that improved the bandwidth to more than 1 Gbps. However, even after the loss and bandwidth were enhanced to their limits, the performances of POFs were still insufficient for some specific applications when using conventional optical polymer materials such as poly(methyl methacrylate). Recently, this problem has been solved by several lines of material research using fluorinated polymers. As a result, high‐speed optical short‐range networking by POFs has become more realistic.
The Mechanism of Charge Generation in Charge‐Generation Units Composed of p‐Doped Hole‐Transporting Layer/HATCN/n‐Doped Electron‐Transporting Layers
Authors: Lee Sunghun , Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: December 2011

The rate‐limiting step of charge generation in charge‐generation units (CGUs) composed of a p‐doped hole‐transporting layer (p‐HTL), 1,4,5,8,9,11‐hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HATCN) and n‐doped electron‐transporting layer (n‐ETL), where 1,1‐bis‐(4‐bis(4‐methyl‐phenyl)‐amino‐phenyl)‐cyclohexane (TAPC) was used as the HTL is reported. Energy level alignment determined by the capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and the current density–voltage characteristics of the structure clearly show that the electron injection at the HATCN/n‐ETL junction limits the charge generation in the CGUs rather than charge generation itself at the p‐HTL/HATCN junction. Consequently, the CGUs with 30 mol% Rb2CO3‐doped 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (BPhen) formed with the HATCN layer generates charges very efficiently and the excess voltage required to generate the current density of ±10 mA cm−2 is around 0.17 V, which is extremely small compared with the literature values reported to date.
Novel macromolecular epoxy resin curing agent containing biphenyl and maleimide moieties: Preparation, curing kinetics, and thermal properties of its cured polymer
Authors: Guo Fei , Xia Xin‐Nian , Xiong Yuan‐Qin , Liu Jia , Xu Wei‐Jian
Published: December 2011

A new curing agent containing maleimide and biphenyl moieties (MIBP) was synthesized by the condensation polymerization of 4,4′‐bismethoxymethylbiphenyl and N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)maleimide (HPM). The chemical structure was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the molecular weight of the new curing agent was determined by gel permeation chromatography. Curing reactions of O‐cresol formaldehyde epoxy (CNE) resin with MIBP were investigated under nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry, and the exotherm exhibited two overlapping exothermic peaks during the curing process; this was demonstrated by FTIR traces. The Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Friedman methods were used to examine the kinetic parameters and the kinetic models of the curing processes of the CNE/MIBP mixtures. Both reactions turned out to be nth‐order curing mechanisms. Values of the reaction order (n) = 1.42 and activation energy (Ea) = 91.2 kJ/mol were obtained for the first reaction of the curing of the CNE/MIBP system, and values of n = 1.11 and Ea = 78.7 kJ/mol were obtained for the second reaction. The thermal properties of the cured resin were measured with thermogravimetric analysis, and the results show a high glass‐transition temperature (Tg = 155°C), good thermal stability (temperature at 10% weight loss, under nitrogen and in air, ≈ 400 and 408°C, respectively), and high char yield (temperature = 800°C, char residue = 44.5% under nitrogen). These excellent thermal properties were due to the introduction of the maleimide and biphenyl groups of MIBP into the polymer structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Prevalence of reported knee pain over twelve years in a community‐based cohort
Authors: Soni A. , Kiran A. , Hart D. J. , Leyland K. M. , Goulston L. , Cooper C. , Javaid M. K. , Spector T. D. , Arden N. K.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To describe the temporal patterns of knee pain in a community‐based cohort over 12 years.

Methods

Data on self‐reported knee pain at 4 time points over 12 years were analyzed in participants from the Chingford Women's Study of osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis. Pain status was defined as any pain in the preceding month and pain on most days in the preceding month. This status was used to classify participants according to pain patterns of asymptomatic, persistent, incident, or intermittent pain. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify baseline predictors for each pain pattern.

Results

Among the 489 women with complete followup data, the median age at baseline was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 48–58 years), the median body mass index (BMI) was 24.39 kg/m2 (IQR 22.46–27.20), and 11.7% of the women had a Kellgren/Lawrence radiographic OA severity grade of ≥2 in at least one knee. Among subjects reporting any pain in the preceding month versus those reporting pain on most days in the preceding month, 9% versus 2% had persistent pain, 24% versus 16% had incident pain, and 29% versus 18% had intermittent pain. A higher BMI was predictive of persistent pain (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–1.25) and incident pain (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.18). The presence of radiographic knee OA was predictive of persistent pain (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.34–10.28; P = 0.012), and reported knee injury was predictive of both persistent pain (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.34–12.66; P = 0.013) and intermittent pain (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.81–9.98; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Significant variability in the temporal fluctuation of self‐reported knee pain was seen in this community‐based prospective study over a period of 12 years, with few women consistently reporting knee pain at each time point. Distinct baseline predictors for each pain pattern were identified and may explain the observed heterogeneity of self‐reported knee pain when pain status is measured at only one time point.
Random mutagenesis of global transcription factor cAMP receptor protein for improved osmotolerance
Authors: Zhang Hongfang , Chong Huiqing , Ching Chi Bun , Jiang Rongrong
Published: December 2011

The naturally existing microbial hosts can rarely satisfy industrial requirements, thus there has always been an intense effort in strain engineering to meet the needs of these bioprocesses. Here, in this work, we want to prove the concept that engineering global transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP) of Escherichia coli can improve cell phenotypes. CRP is one of the global regulatory proteins that can regulate the transcription of over 400 genes in E. coli. The target phenotype in this study is strain osmotolerance. Amino acid mutations were introduced to CRP by either error‐prone PCR or DNA shuffling, and the random mutagenesis libraries were subjected to enrichment selection under NaCl stress. Five CRP mutants (MT1–MT5) were selected from the error‐prone PCR libraries with enhanced osmotolerance. DNA shuffling technique was employed to generate mutant MT6 with MT1–MT5 as templates. All of these variants showed much better growth in the presence of NaCl compared to the wild type, and MT6 presented the best tolerance towards NaCl. In the presence of 0.9 M NaCl, the growth rate of MT6 is 0.113 h−1, while that of WT is 0.077 h−1. MT6 also exhibited resistance to other osmotic stressors, such as KCl, glucose, and sucrose. DNA microarray analysis showed that genes involved in colanic acid biosynthesis are up‐regulated in the absence of salt stress, whereas carbohydrate metabolic genes are differentially expressed under NaCl stress when comparing MT6 to WT. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the elongation of both WT and MT6 when exposed to NaCl but the cell surface of MT6 was relatively smooth. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1165–1172. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathologic prognostic factors in childhood atypical teratoid and rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system
Authors: Dufour Christelle , Beaugrand Annick , Le Deley Marie Cécile , Bourdeaut Franck , André Nicolas , Leblond Pierre , Bertozzi Anne‐Isabelle , Frappaz Didier , Rialland Xavier , Fouyssac Fanny , Edan Christine , Grill Jacques , Quidot Marion , Varlet Pascale
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathologic features and to identify prognostic factors in patients with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) of the central nervous system (CNS).

METHODS:

Patients aged <18 years with newly diagnosed CNS AT/RT who were treated in France between 1998 and 2008 were retrospectively identified. The study included all patients who had a diagnosis of AT/RT confirmed by pathologic review, including immunostaining for INI 1, tumor protein 53 (p53), β‐catenin, claudin‐6, and Ki‐67 and analysis for SMARCB1/hSNF5/INI1 mutation.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐eight patients with confirmed AT/RT were eligible for the current analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 1.4 years (range, 14 days to 8.5 years). The site of the primary tumor was supratentorial in 26 patients, infratentorial in 28 patients and spinal in 4 patients. Loss of INI1 nuclear expression was observed in 49 of 50 evaluable tumors. Positive claudin‐6 was observed in 37 of 42 assessed tumors and, in 12 of those tumors, the staining was strong and diffuse. Positive nuclear immunoreactivity for β‐catenin was observed in 24 of 44 tumors, and P53 was overexpressed in 31 of 44 tumors. Primary adjuvant therapy included chemotherapy in 47 patients and radiotherapy in 16 patients. The median follow‐up was 58 months (range, 9‐125 months), and the median survival was 9 months. Multivariate analysis identified age <2 years (P = .01), metastasis at diagnosis (P = .03), and strong immunopositivity for claudin‐6 (P = .03) as prognostic factors for the risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS:

AT/RT tumors in children carry a dismal prognosis. Age <2 years, metastasis at diagnosis, and strong claudin‐6 positivity appeared to be independent prognostic factors for outcome. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic factors in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands
Authors: McHugh Catherine H. , Roberts Dianna B. , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Garden Adam S. , Kies Merrill S. , Weber Randal S. , Kupferman Michael E.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignancy of the major salivary glands. Prior reports noted histological grade and tumor stage as consistently important prognostic factors. This study reviewed the experience of patients with MEC at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to determine the impact of clinical and pathologic findings on disease outcomes.

METHODS:

A retrospective clinical review was performed of patients with salivary gland MEC treated at a tertiary cancer center from 1990 to 2007.

RESULTS:

A total of 125 patients were included. The 5‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival of all patients were 79.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Patients with low‐ and intermediate‐grade disease had significantly better overall survival and disease‐free survival than patients with high‐grade disease, but no difference in survival rates was found between low‐ and intermediate‐grade disease. Pathologic results of positive lymph nodes, extracapsular lymph node spread, and perineural invasion were all found to be poor prognostic indicators. On multivariate analysis, advanced disease stage and perineural invasion were found to be the most significant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with either low‐ or intermediate‐grade tumors uniformly have favorable local control and survival. High histological grade, advanced stage, perineural invasion, positive surgical margins, and submandibular location all portend for poor outcomes in MEC. Further advances in therapy are needed to improve outcomes for high‐grade and advanced‐stage disease. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in patients with advanced, untreated, indolent B‐cell nonfollicular lymphomas
Authors: Ferrario Andrea , Pulsoni Alessandro , Olivero Barbara , Rossi Giuseppe , Vitolo Umberto , Tedeschi Alessandra , Merli Francesco , Rigacci Luigi , Stelitano Caterina , Goldaniga Maria , Mannina Donato , Musto Pellegrino , Rossi Francesca , Gamba Enrica , Baldini Luca
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Indolent nonfollicular non‐Hodgkin B‐cell lymphomas (INFLs) are clonal mature B‐cell proliferations for which treatment has not been defined to date.

METHODS:

In this phase 2 study of patients with advanced INFL, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of first‐line rituximab, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide (FCR) as induction immunochemotherapy (rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 of each cycle and on days 1 and 14 of cycles 4 and 5; fludarabine 25 mg/m2 intravenously on days 2‐4, cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 2‐4) every 28 days for 6 cycles followed by a maintenance phase with 4 infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1) every 2 months for responders.

RESULTS:

Forty‐seven patients were enrolled. Among 46 evaluable patients (28 men; median age, 59 years), 19 were diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, 21 were diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma, and 6 were diagnosed with nodal marginal zone lymphoma. The overall response rate after maintenance was 89.1% with a 67.4% complete remission (CR) rate (CR/unconfirmed CR) and a 21.7% partial response rate. After a median follow‐up of 40.9 months, the failure‐free survival and progression‐free survival rates both were 90.1%, and the overall survival rate was 97.4%. The main toxicity was hematologic, and related grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in 55.3% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

FCR induction therapy followed by a short maintenance phase is a highly effective regimen with acceptable toxicity. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Rakha Emad A. , Martin Stewart , Lee Andrew H. S. , Morgan David , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Hodi Zsolt , MacMillan Douglas , Ellis Ian O.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Although lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has been associated with a poor outcome in patients with breast cancer, it is not included in most internationally recognized staging systems, including the American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) classification. This is mainly because it remains unclear whether the presence of LVI is an independent, high‐risk criterion in clinically relevant staging subgroups.

METHODS:

The current study was based on a large and well characterized consecutive series of patients who had operable (pathologic T1 [pT1]‐pT2, pathologic N0 [pN0]‐pN3, M0) breast cancer (3812 informative cases) who were treated according to standard protocols at a single institution and who had long‐term follow‐up to assess the prognostic value of definite LVI in clinically and molecularly relevant staging subgroups.

RESULTS:

LVI was strongly associated with both breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) in the entire series and in different subgroups. Multivariate analyses identified LVI as an independent predictor of both BCSS and DMFS in patients with operable breast cancer overall; in the TNM clinical subgroups pT1a‐pT1c/pN0 and pT2/pN0; and in the molecular classes estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive, ER‐negative, human epidermal growth factor 2 [HER2]‐negative, and triple‐negative. In patients who had lymph node‐negative tumors, LVI could be used as a high‐risk criterion providing survival disadvantage equivalent to that provided by 1 or 2 involved lymph nodes (pN0 to pN1) and to that provided by 1 size category (pT1 to pT2). The use of immunohistochemistry for detecting an endothelial‐specific marker contributed to the prognostic significance of LVI when applied to routine LVI negative/possible cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

LVI provided a strong predictor of outcome in patients with invasive breast cancer and should be incorporated into breast cancer staging systems. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Predicting survival in women with breast cancer and brain metastasis
Authors: Marko Nicholas F. , Xu Zhiyuan , Gao Tianming , Kattan Michael W. , Weil Robert J.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Brain metastases (BMs) are a common occurrence in patients with breast cancer, and accurately predicting survival in these patients is critical to appropriate management. A survival nomogram for breast cancer patients with BM was constructed, and its performance is compared to current predictive models of survival.

METHODS:

A Cox proportional hazards regression with a nomogram representation was used to model survival in a population of 261 women with breast cancer and BMs treated from 1999 to 2008. The model was validated internally by 10‐fold cross‐validation and bootstrapping, and concordance (c) indices were calculated. The predictive performance of the nomogram described here is compared to current prognostic models, including recursive partitioning analysis, graded prognostic assessment, and diagnosis‐specific graded prognostic assessment.

RESULTS:

The c‐index for the model described here was 0.67. It outperformed recursive partitioning analysis, graded prognostic assessment, and diagnosis‐specific graded prognostic assessment, based on c‐index comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS:

The nomogram described here outperformed current strategies for survival prediction in breast cancer patients with BMs. Two additional advantages of this nomogram are its ability to predict individualized, 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival for novel patients and its straightforward representations of the relative effects of each of 9 covariates on neurologic survival. This represents a potentially valuable alternative to current models of survival prediction in this patient population. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
NRAS mutation status is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Jakob John A. , Bassett Roland L. , Ng Chaan S. , Curry Jonathan L. , Joseph Richard W. , Alvarado Gladys C. , Rohlfs Michelle L. , Richard Jessie , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Kim Kevin B. , Lazar Alexander J. , Hwu Patrick , Davies Michael A.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

There is a need for improved prognostic markers in melanoma. In this study, the authors tested the prognostic significance and clinicopathologic correlations of v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) and neuroblastoma RAS viral (v‐ras) oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations in patients with metastatic melanoma.

METHODS:

Clinical and pathologic data were collected retrospectively on melanoma patients who were clinically tested for BRAF (exon 15) and NRAS (exons 1 and 2) mutations at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Analyses were performed to identify significant associations of mutations with tumor and patient characteristics and with survival from the diagnosis of stage IV disease.

RESULTS:

The genotypes of the full cohort (n = 677) were 47% BRAF mutation, 20% NRAS mutation, and 32% wild‐type for BRAF and NRAS (“WT”). Tumor mutation status was associated (P = .008) with the risk of central nervous system involvement at the diagnosis of stage IV disease, with a higher prevalence observed in BRAF‐mutant (24%) and NRAS‐mutant (23%) patients than in WT patients (12%). Among patients with nonuveal melanoma who underwent mutation testing within 6 months of stage IV diagnosis (n = 313), patients with NRAS mutations had a median survival of 8.2 months from stage IV diagnosis, which was shorter than the median survival of WT patients (15.1 months; P = .004). Multivariate analysis of this population incorporating age, sex, metastases (M1) category, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and mutation status confirmed that NRAS mutations are associated independently with decreased overall survival (vs WT; P = .005; hazard ratio, 2.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with BRAF or NRAS mutations were more likely than WT patients to have central nervous system involvement at the time they were diagnosed with distant metastatic disease. NRAS mutation status was identified as an independent predictor of shorter survival after a diagnosis of stage IV melanoma. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A comparison of the demographics, clinical features, and survival of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of major and minor salivary glands versus less common sites within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry
Authors: Li Nan , Xu Li , Zhao Hui , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

The scientific literature to date lacks population‐based studies on the demographics, clinical features, and survival of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of different anatomic sites.

METHODS:

The authors identified 5349 patients who had ACC of the major salivary glands (N = 1850), minor salivary glands (N = 2077), breast (N = 696), skin (N = 291), lung and bronchus (N = 203), female genital system (N = 132), and eye and orbit (N = 100) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Differences in demographics, clinical features, and survival of patients were assessed.

RESULTS:

ACC of the eye and orbit was associated with younger age at presentation (mean age,49.9 years). ACC of the skin or breast tended to present with less aggressive prognostic features, whereas ACC of the lung and bronchus or eye and orbit tended to present with more aggressive prognostic features. In a multivariate survival analysis of patients who presented with localized disease, patients with ACC of the breast (hazard ratio [HR], 0.40) or skin (HR, 0.40) had a significantly lower risk death than patients with ACC of the major salivary glands; whereas patients with ACC of the lung and bronchus (HR, 3.72) or the eye and orbit (HR, 3.67) had a significantly higher risk. For patients who presented with regional disease, the only clear prognostic difference in multivariate analysis was that patients with ACC of skin fared significantly better.

CONCLUSIONS:

The demographics and clinical features of patients with ACC differ by disease site. The current results indicated that site may be an important predictor of survival for patients who present with localized disease but is less important for patients who present with regional disease. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 trial of combination therapy with thalidomide, arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid (TADA) in patients with overlap myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) or primary myelofibrosis (PMF)
Authors: Bejanyan Nelli , Tiu Ramon V. , Raza Azra , Jankowska Ania , Kalaycio Matt , Advani Anjali , Chan Josephine , Saunthararajah Yogen , Mooney Lindsey , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND.

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and overlap myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) are clonal hematopoietic disorders that share similar clinical features and molecular abnormalities, such as the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) valine to phenylalanine mutation at codon 617 (V617F) and the tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) mutation. There are limited therapeutic options available for these diseases, and single agents have only modest efficacy. In this phase 2 study, the authors combined multiple active agents (thalidomide, arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid [TADA]) to treat patients with these disorders.

METHODS.

This multicenter trial was conducted from January 2005 to July 2007. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the efficacy of TADA therapy. Patients received the combination for one 12‐week cycle followed by maintenance thalidomide for an additional 3 months. Response was assessed using International Working Group criteria.

RESULTS.

Among 28 enrolled patients, the median age was 66.5 years; 15 patients had MDS/MPN‐unclassifiable, 8 patients had chronic myelomonocytic leukemia type 1, and 5 patients had PMF. Approximately 60% of the patients had normal cytogenetics. The JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 5 of 14 tested patients, and TET2 mutations were detected in 2 of 8 tested patients. Almost half of the patients had splenomegaly. With a median on‐study follow‐up of 5.7 months, 21 patients (75%) completed the entire 12‐week course of therapy, and 6 patients (29%) responded to TADA. With a median extended follow‐up of 24.1 months for 15 evaluable patients, the median progression‐free survival was 14.4 months, and the median overall survival was 21.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS.

The TADA regimen yielded clinical responses in patients with PMF and MDS/MPN. To the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first trial targeting this patient population. The results indicated that it is reasonable to incorporate multiple novel agents in the treatment of these rare diseases. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Postnatal development of the amygdala: A stereological study in macaque monkeys
Authors: Chareyron Loïc J. , Lavenex Pamela Banta , Amaral David G. , Lavenex Pierre
Published: December 2011

Abnormal development of the amygdala has been linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. However, the postnatal development of the amygdala is not easily explored at the cellular level in humans. Here we performed a stereological analysis of the macaque monkey amygdala in order to characterize the cellular changes underlying its normal structural development in primates. The lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei exhibited the same developmental pattern, with a large increase in volume between birth and 3 months of age, followed by slower growth continuing beyond 1 year of age. In contrast, the medial nucleus was near adult size at birth. At birth, the volume of the central nucleus was half of the adult value; this nucleus exhibited significant growth even after 1 year of age. Neither neuronal soma size, nor neuron or astrocyte numbers changed during postnatal development. In contrast, oligodendrocyte numbers increased substantially, in parallel with an increase in amygdala volume, after 3 months of age. At birth, the paralaminar nucleus contained a large pool of immature neurons that gradually developed into mature neurons, leading to a late increase in the volume of this nucleus. Our findings revealed that distinct amygdala nuclei exhibit different developmental profiles and that the amygdala is not fully mature for some time postnatally. We identified different periods during which pathogenic factors might lead to the abnormal development of distinct amygdala circuits, which may contribute to different human neurodevelopmental disorders associated with alterations of amygdala structure and functions. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1965–1984, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A critical look at the microalgae biodiesel
Authors: Petkov Georgi , Ivanova Albena , Iliev Ivan , Vaseva Irina
Published: December 2011

The quantitative production of microalgae oil is often overestimated. The cost of the salts invested in the production of 1 kg algal diesel approximates the actual price of 1 kg mineral diesel. Total sum of electrical energy expenses for production of biodiesel from microalgae is several‐fold higher than the energy income from combustion of the same quantity. The biological value of cultivated microalgae as food is much higher than as fuel. An opinion is shared that money ought to be invested in microalgal biomass production as a food additive, forage, and pharmaceuticals. The aim is to prevent making too hasty steps and investments in microalgal biodiesel.
3‐Alkenyl‐2‐silyloxyindoles: An Enabling, Yet Understated Progeny of Vinylogous Carbon Nucleophiles
Authors: Rassu Gloria , Zambrano Vincenzo , Tanca Rossella , Sartori Andrea , Battistini Lucia , Zanardi Franca , Curti Claudio , Casiraghi Giovanni
Published: December 2011

We introduce novel 3‐alkenyl‐2‐silyloxyindole nucleophiles and demonstrate their utility by developing an unprecedented vinylogous Mukaiyama‐type aldol reaction with aromatic aldehydes. This reaction displays excellent levels of γ‐site selectivity and diastereoselectivity and delivers valuable hydroxylated oxindoles bearing a substituted exocyclic double bond at the C‐3 position. A preliminary trial of an asymmetric, catalytic version was conducted, and it showed promising enantioselectivity for the desired vinylogous aldol products.
The Synthesis of Long‐Chain α‐Alkyl‐β‐Hydroxy Esters Using Allylic Halides in a Fráter–Seebach Alkylation
Authors: Khan Ashna A. , Chee Stephanie H. , Stocker Bridget L. , Timmer Mattie S. M.
Published: December 2011

The Fráter–Seebach alkylation is a highly efficient means to diastereoselectively introduce α‐substituents to chiral β‐hydroxy esters, however, the yields of reactions in which longer chain alkyl halides are used can be disappointing. To provide a more robust protocol for the alkylation of β‐hydroxy esters, we prepared a variety of long‐chain allylic iodides with the view that the greater reactivity of the allylic system would lead to enhanced efficiency. Indeed, for all substrates studied, the yield of the α‐alkylation was greatly improved for the unsaturated allylic halides compared to their analogous saturated counterparts. Our methodology thus provides an improved means by which to access a variety of important lipophilic compounds such as mycolic acids, which are found on the cell wall of M. tuberculosis.
Profiling of Endo H‐released serum N‐glycans using CE‐LIF and MALDI‐TOF‐MS – Application to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Frisch Elena , Kaup Matthias , Egerer Karl , Weimann Andreas , Tauber Rudolf , Berger Markus , Blanchard Véronique
Published: December 2011

High‐mannose and hybrid‐type N‐glycans are present in human serum glycoproteins in low abundance but have recently been described to play an important role in immune responses. It is therefore important to find a strategy to selectively analyze their structures in the context of health and disease in order to understand their impact on disease mechanisms. We report here the characterization of high‐mannose and hybrid‐type N‐glycans in total human serum. To this end, N‐glycans were released using Endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase H (Endo H) and analyzed by CE‐LIF and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. We found that the high‐mannose structures Man5–9GlcNAc1 represented the majority of the pool. The monoglucosylated structure Glc1Man9GlcNAc1 as well as four hybrid structures could be identified. Then, we compared the Endo H‐released serum glycome of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with healthy controls as mannose‐binding lectin deficiency (MBL) and modulation of α‐mannosidase activity were previously associated with this disease. Interestingly, we observed that both high‐mannose and hybrid structures were fairly constant, suggesting that circulating MBL and α‐mannosidase may not affect significantly the levels of serum glycoproteins carrying these glycans.
Analysis of glycans derived from glycoconjugates by capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Mechref Yehia
Published: December 2011

The high structural variation of glycan derived from glycoconjugates, which substantially increases with the molecular size of a protein, contributes to the complexity of glycosylation patterns commonly associated with glycoconjugates. In the case of glycoproteins, such variation originates from the multiple glycosylation sites of proteins and the number of glycan structures associated with each site (microheterogeneity). The ability to comprehensively characterize highly complex mixture of glycans has been analytically stimulating and challenging. Although the most powerful MS and MS/MS techniques are capable of providing a wealth of structural information, they are still not able to readily identify isomeric glycan structures without high‐order MS/MS (MSn). The analysis of isomeric glycan structures has been attained using several separation methods, including high‐pH anion‐exchange chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography and GC. However, CE and microfluidics CE (MCE) offer high separation efficiency and resolutions, allowing the separation of closely related glycan structures. Therefore, interfacing CE and MCE to MS is a powerful analytical approach, allowing potentially comprehensive and sensitive analysis of complex glycan samples. This review describes and discusses the utility of different CE and MCE approaches in the structural characterization of glycoproteins and the feasibility of interfacing these approaches to MS.
Actual evapotranspiration estimation by ground and remote sensing methods: the Australian experience
Authors: Glenn Edward P. , Doody Tanya M. , Guerschman Juan P. , Huete Alfredo R. , King Edward A. , McVicar Tim R. , Van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Van Niel Thomas G. , Yebra Marta , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: December 2011

On average, Australia is a dry continent with many competing uses for water. Hence, there is an urgent need to know actual evapotranspiration (ETa) patterns across wide areas of agricultural and natural ecosystems, as opposed to just point measurements of ETa. The Australian Government has tasked the science agencies with operationally developing monthly and annual estimates of ETa and other hydrological variables, and with forecasting water availability over periods of days to decades, as part of its national water assessment programme. To meet these needs, Australian researchers have become leaders in developing large‐area methods for estimating ETa at regional and continental scales. Ground methods include meteorological models, eddy covariance towers, sap flow sensors and catchment water balance models. Remote sensing methods use thermal infrared, mid infrared and/or vegetation indices usually combined with meteorological data to estimate ETa. Ground and remote sensing ETa estimates are assimilated into the Australian Water Resource Assessment, which issues annual estimates of the state of the continental water balance for policy and planning purposes. The best ETa models are estimated to have an error or uncertainty of 10% to 20% in Australia. Developments in Australian ETa research over the past 20 years are reviewed, and sources of error and uncertainty in current methods and models are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic structure, X‐ray absorption, and optical spectroscopy of LaCoO3 in the ground‐state and excited‐states
Authors: Laref A. , Laref S. , Bin‐Omran S.
Published: December 2011

We present the magnetic and optical properties of various combinations of ordered spin state configurations between low‐spin (LS) state, intermediate‐spin (IS) state, and high‐spin (HS) state of LaCoO3. In this study, we use the state‐of‐the‐art first principles calculations based on generalized gradient (GGA) + Hubbard U approach. The excited‐state properties of different spin configurations of LaCoO3 such as the X‐ray absorption spectra, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and electron energy loss are calculated. We have demonstrated that the optical spectra results can be used for analyzing the spin state of Co3+ ion. The first specie is the local excitation of IS cobalt ions in the LS ground state. The second excitation leads to the stabilization of the mixed IS/HS Co3+ metallic state. At low temperature, the comparison between O 2p and Co 3d projected density of states with the experimental valence band spectra indicates significant IS Co3+ ions and this is in sharp contrast to the HS state which is negligible. The line shape of O 2s and Co 3d core level spectra are well reproduced in this study. The present results are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data. The variation in the spectra of different configurations of LaCoO3 suggests a changing in the spin state as the temperature is enhanced from 90 to 500 K. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
Three‐year follow‐up of human transplanted kidneys by diffusion‐weighted MRI and blood oxygenation level‐dependent imaging
Authors: Vermathen Peter , Binser Tobias , Boesch Chris , Eisenberger Ute , Thoeny Harriet C.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:

To prospectively determine the 3‐year stability and potential changes of functional parameters in renal allograft recipients obtained from diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI.

Materials and Methods:

Nine renal allograft recipients underwent DWI and BOLD‐MRI twice, once 7 ± 3 months after transplantation, and again 32 ± 2 months after the first MRI. DWI yielded an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the perfusion contribution (FP). BOLD imaging yielded R2*, providing an estimation of renal oxygenation. Coefficients of variation between (CVb) and within subjects (CVw) were calculated.

Results:

The parameters were stable after 32 months in eight of the nine patients, who had well‐functioning allografts. Mean diffusion values were very similar in the first and second scan. CVw and CVb for ADC values were less than 3.5% and 5.9%, respectively, in cortex and medulla, but were higher for FP (15%–18%). CVw and CVb of R2* were also low (medulla: CVw = 10.8%, CVb = 11.4%; cortex: CVw and CVb = 7.2%). R2* increased significantly (P = 0.035) in cortex but not in medulla, suggesting reduced cortical oxygen content. One subject with decreased glomerular filtration rate demonstrated strongly altered parameters.

Conclusion:

In the absence of graft dysfunction, DWI and BOLD imaging yield consistent results over 3 years in stable human renal allograft recipients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1133‐1138. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐complementary activity of enzyme‐treated traditional Korean rice wine (Makgeolli) hydrolysates
Authors: Bae Song Hwan , Choi Jang Won , Ra Kyung Soo , Yu Kwang‐Won , Shin Kwang‐Soon , Park Sung Sun , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Makgeolli brewed from rice contains about 150 g kg−1 alcohol and has a fragrance as well as an acidic and sweet taste. During the brewing process, by‐products such as rice bran and brewery cake are produced. At the end of fermentation the matured mash is transferred to a filter cloth and the Makgeolli is squeezed out from the cake, leaving the lees of the mash. These by‐products have continued to increase every year, resulting in an ecological problem. It is therefore important to develop new uses for them. The objective of this study was to use the by‐products from the brewing of Makgeolli as a valuable functional food or nutraceutical.

RESULTS: The anti‐complementary activities of crude polysaccharides isolated from Cytolase hydrolysates of Makgeolli lees at concentrations of 1000 and 500 µg mL−1 were 84.15 and 78.70% respectively. The activity of polysaccharide krestin (PSK) was 60.00% at 1000 µg mL−1. The active polysaccharide obtained with Cytolase comprised mainly glucose and mannose (molar ratio 1.00:0.62).

CONCLUSION: Glucose‐ and mannose‐rich crude polysaccharides were isolated from the Cytolase hydrolysate of Makgeolli lees. The polysaccharides retain anti‐complementary activity to enhance the immune system as a functional food or nutraceutical. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Beyond Orientation: The Impact of Electric Fields on Block Copolymers
Authors: Liedel Clemens , Pester Christian W. , Ruppel Markus , Urban Volker S. , Böker Alexander
Published: December 2011

Since the first report on electric field‐induced alignment of block copolymers (BCPs) in 1991, electric fields have been shown not only to direct the orientation of BCP nanostructures in bulk, solution, and thin films, but also to reversibly induce order–order transitions, affect the order–disorder transition temperature, and control morphologies' dimensions with nanometer precision. Theoretical and experimental results of the past years in this very interesting field of research are summarized and future perspectives are outlined.
Stress–dilatancy behavior for sand under loading and unloading conditions
Authors: Yin Zhen‐Yu , Chang Ching S.
Published: December 2011

Experimental results have shown very different stress–dilatancy behavior for sand under loading and unloading conditions. Experimental results have also shown significant effects of inherent anisotropy. In this article, a micromechanics‐based method is presented, by which the stress–dilatancy relation is obtained through the consideration of slips at the interparticle contacts in all orientations. The method also accounts for the effect of inherent anisotropy in sand. Experimental results on Toyoura sand and Hostun sand are used for illustration of the proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.