bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cessation of vascular endothelial growth factor–targeted therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sadeghi Sarmad , Albiges Laurence , Wood Laura S. , Black Shari L. , Gilligan Timothy D. , Dreicer Robert , Garcia Jorge A. , Escudier Bernard J. , Rini Brian I.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

The current treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐targeted agents is continuous therapy until progression of disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Chronic mild to moderate toxicity and risk of long‐term toxicity ensue for some patients. It is hypothesized that patients with an initial response to treatment can maintain disease control off all therapy for a period of time.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of patients with mRCC who initiated VEGF‐targeted therapy between January 2004 and December 2009 at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, or Institut Gustave‐Roussy, Villejuif, France, was conducted. Patients had achieved RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors)‐defined stable disease or better on therapy, and were then taken off all therapy for reasons not including disease progression. Patient, disease, and therapy characteristics were recorded. The primary objective was progression‐free survival (PFS), measured as the time from discontinuation of therapy to RECIST‐defined PD.

RESULTS:

Forty patients were identified. After a median follow‐up of 29.7 months (range, 4.2 to 84.7 months), 25 patients (63%) had PD off therapy (median PFS, 10.0 months; range, 1.4‐27.2 months). Among these patients, 8 (32%) had progression in sites that were not previously involved with disease. Heng risk group (hazard ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.19‐5.22; P = .011) and achievement of a complete response prior to discontinuing therapy (hazard ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.04‐0.86; P = .025) were independent predictors of PFS in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSIONS:

A select subset of mRCC patients achieving stable disease or better on VEGF‐targeted therapy can be observed off all therapy. Further prospective investigation is warranted. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is associated with risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients treated with thoracic radiation therapy
Authors: Mak Raymond H. , Alexander Brian M. , Asomaning Kofi , Heist Rebecca S. , Liu Chen‐yu , Su Li , Zhai Rihong , Ancukiewicz Marek , Napolitano Brian , Niemierko Andrzej , Willers Henning , Choi Noah C. , Christiani David C.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

This study examined the association between functional single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes from oxidative stress pathways and risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients treated with thoracic radiation therapy for locally advanced lung cancer.

METHODS:

A review was conducted of 136 patients treated with radiation therapy for lung cancer between 2001 and 2007, and who had prior genotyping of functional single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in oxidative stress genes including superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2; rs4880) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; rs1801131, rs1801133). RP events were retrospectively scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify clinical variables and genotypes associated with risk of RP of grades ≥2 and ≥3 on univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. P values were corrected for multiple hypothesis esting.

RESULTS:

With a median follow‐up of 21.4 months, the incidence of grade ≥2 RP was 29% and grade ≥3 RP was 14%. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for clinical factors such as concurrent chemotherapy and consolidation docetaxel, and lung dosimetric parameters such as volume receiving greater than 20 Gy and mean lung dose, MTHFR genotype (rs1801131; AA versus AC/CC) was significantly associated with risk of grade ≥2 RP (hazard ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.18‐0.76; P = .006, corrected P = .018) and grade ≥3 RP (hazard ratio: 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.06‐0.70; P = .01; corrected P = .03). SOD2 genotype was not associated with RP.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed an association between MTHFR genotype and risk of clinically significant RP. Further study of MTHFR‐related pathways may provide insight into the mechanisms behind RP. Cancer 2012;3654–3665. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Relationship of DNA damage signaling to DNA replication following treatment with DNA topoisomerase inhibitors camptothecin/topotecan, mitoxantrone, or etoposide
Authors: Zhao Hong , Rybak Paulina , Dobrucki Jurek , Traganos Frank , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: December 2011

DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) and topoisomerase II (Top2) inhibitors are widely used to treat a variety of cancers. Their mechanism of action involves stabilization of otherwise transient (“cleavable”) complexes between Top1 or Top2 and DNA; collisions of DNA replication forks with such stabilized complexes lead to formation of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). In this study, using 5‐ethynyl‐2′deoxyuridine (EdU) as a DNA precursor, we directly assessed the relationship between DNA replication and induction of DSBs revealed as γH2AX foci in A549 cells treated with Top1 inhibitors topotecan (Tpt) or camptothecin (Cpt) and Top2 inhibitors mitoxantrone (Mxt) and etoposide (Etp). Analysis of cells by multiparameter laser scanning cytometry following treatment with Tpt or Cpt revealed that only DNA replicating cells showed induction of γH2AX and a strong correlation between DNA replication and formation of DSBs (r = 0.86). In cells treated with Mxt or Etp, the correlation was weaker (r = 0.52 and 0.64). In addition, both Mtx and Etp caused induction of γH2AX in cells not replicating DNA. Confocal imaging of nuclei of cells treated with Tpt revealed the presence of γH2AX foci predominantly in DNA replicating cells and close association and co‐localization of γH2AX foci with DNA replication sites. In cells treated with Mxt or Etp, the γH2AX foci were induced in DNA replicating as well as non‐replicating cells but the close association between a large proportion of γH2AX foci and DNA replication sites was also apparent. The data are consistent with the view that collision of DNA replication forks with cleavable Top1–DNA complexes stabilized by Tpt/Cpt is the sole cause of induction of DSBs. Additional mechanisms such as involvement of transcription and/or generation of oxidative stress may contribute to DSBs induction by Mxt and Etp. The confocal analysis of the association between DNA replication sites and the sites of DSBs (γH2AX foci) opens a new approach for mechanistic studies of the involvement of DNA replication in induction of DNA damage. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Assay validation of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein for a pharmacodynamic monitoring of mTOR‐inhibitors in peripheral human blood
Authors: Dieterlen Maja‐Theresa , Bittner Hartmuth B. , Klein Sara , von Salisch Sandy , Mittag Anja , Tárnok Attila , Dhein Stefan , Mohr Friedrich W. , Barten Markus J.
Published: December 2011

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplantation is based on measuring blood levels alone, which often results in under‐ or over‐immunosuppression. Previous studies have shown the potential of measuring pharmacodynamic drug effects for TDM, but assessment of biomarkers for individual drugs is still not clinical routine. Therefore, we validated a specific assay to measure the pharmacodynamic effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐inhibitors on phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein (p‐S6RP), a downstream target of mTOR.

Methods:

Clinical relevant concentrations of sirolimus (SRL, 0.9–91.4 μg/L), cyclosporine A (CsA, 75.1–1202 μg/L), mycophenolate acid (MPA, 0.08–3.2 mg/L), or dexamethasone (DEX, 0.5–200 ng/mL) were added to whole‐blood from healthy volunteers. Activated whole‐blood was analyzed by phospho‐flow cytometry to measure p‐S6RP in T cells.

Results:

Phospho‐flow analysis revealed that SRL suppressed p‐S6RP in human T cells in a dose‐dependent manner with a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 19.8 nM and a maximal inhibitory effect (Imax%) at 91.9%. Neither CsA, MPA, nor DEX inhibited mTOR‐related S6RP‐phosphorylation. Coefficient of variations from 0.03 to 0.05, 0.12 to 0.25, and 0.14 to 0.38 for intra‐, interassay, and interindividual variability respectively, showed robustness of our assay. Furthermore, samples can be stored at RT or 4°C up to 2 h after withdrawal.

Conclusion:

We validated a robust whole‐blood assay that allows the specific measurement of SRL‐ and everolimus‐induced inhibition of T cells' function through detection of p‐S6RP. Future studies in organ transplanted recipients will show if this assay has the potential to enhance a TDM for mTOR‐inhibitor drugs in combination therapies. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Calcitonin measurement on fine needle washouts: Preanalytical Issues and Normal Reference Values
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Ceriani Luca , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: December 2011

Calcitonin (CT) measurement on fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) washouts (FNAC‐CT) is a promising tool in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Guidelines for the method with codified cut‐off are needed to use this technique in clinical routine. This study was undertaken to assess the best pre‐analytical procedure and to define a reliable reference value for FNAC‐CT. Fifty‐four patients underwent thyroid surgery, so MTC was excluded by surgical pathology examination and CT immunostains. Before surgery, FNAC‐CT was measured on 78 thyroid nodules from such 54 patients. Needles were rinsed by normal saline and specific CT‐free dilution buffer, and CT was measured by a fully automated immunochemiluminometric assay. FNAC‐CT levels were not significantly different in normal saline or specific buffer. The calculated 97.5th upper FNAC‐CT value was 8.5 pg/mL (saline) and 7.43 pg/mL (buffer), respectively. Seeing its relatively large sample size, rigorous selection criteria and inclusion of CT immunostaining of thyroid nodules, the present study provides a reliable guideline and a clinically relevant reference value for FNAC‐CT measurement in thyroid nodules. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytopathologic characteristics of the primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary: A case report with emphasis on differential diagnostic considerations
Authors: Hayashi Toshitetsu , Haba Reiji , Kushida Yoshio , Kadota Kyuichi , Katsuki Naomi , Miyai Yumi , Shibuya Shinsuke , Sasaki Makiko , Bando Kenji , Matsunaga Toru , Hata Toshiyuki
Published: December 2011

Primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary (SCTO) is an extremely rare entity, though the survival rate is excellent if the disease is confined to one ovary. A case is presented here in which intraoperative squash smears in a 45‐year‐old woman with a left adnexal mass revealed dispersed or small clusters of neoplastic cells forming loosely cohesive gland‐like structures with abundant cytoplasm. The nuclear chromatin was finely granular with a “salt and pepper” appearance and occasional tiny nucleoli. The position of the nucleus presented a vaguely plasmacytoid appearance. Small fragments of thyroidal colloid‐like structures were also identified. A cytopathologic diagnosis of a SCTO was suggested. Further evaluation and immunohistochemical studies were conducted on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded material. Cords or nests of uniform cells with abundant cytoplasm, and eccentric nuclei with coarse chromatin and occasional colloidal tissue were identified on H&E sections. The tumor cells showed diffuse and strong cytoplasmic staining for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56, and vimentin but were negative for calretinin, α‐inhibin or CDX2. The proliferative index with MIB‐1 was around 3%. Thyroidal colloid‐like structures were immunoreactive for thyroglobulin and TTF‐1 stains. The diagnosis of primary SCTO was confirmed based on cytopathologic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical results, and the location of the tumor. Awareness of the cytopathological findings of SCTO can assist in diagnosing this rare entity correctly. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:812–816. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psammoma bodies in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast: A clinicopathological study of 30 cases
Authors: Pillai K. Raveendran , Mani K. S. , Jayalal K. S. , Preethi T. R. , Somanathan Thara , Jayasree K.
Published: December 2011

Psammoma bodies (PBs) in breast lesions are rare and little is known about the role of these structures in breast pathology. This study has looked in to the diagnostic significance of PBs in fine needle aspiration (FNAC) of breast lesions. Over a 5‐year period, FNACs of the breast were done in 4,563 subjects, of which 1,678 were diagnosed to be malignant. On review of all breast aspirates including non‐neoplastic lesions, 30 cases showed PBs to be associated with breast carcinoma (BC). Cytological features were correlated with clinical, radiological, histological, and immunohistochemical findings. All 30 aspirates and their corresponding histological sections showed varying number of PBs and nonpsammomatous bodies (NPBs). For comparison, 31 cases of age‐matched BC without PBs and NPBs in both aspirates and sections were studied. Statistical analysis using Chi‐square test was done to compare BC with and without PBs. BC with PBs was characterized by papillary pattern of malignant cells, mucin in the background, infiltration by macrophages, cellular degeneration, overexpression of estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) and moderate positivity (2+) for Her2/neu. Calcium deposition has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of many degenerative diseases; hence the formation of PBs may be relevant in breast oncology. The presence of PBs in FNAC of clinically suspected breast lesions which are cytologically negative for malignancy warrants further histological confirmation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gamma‐glutamyltransferase, cardiovascular disease and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sluik Diewertje , Beulens Joline W.J. , Weikert Cornelia , van Dieren Susan , Spijkerman Annemieke M.W. , van der A Daphne L. , Fritsche Andreas , Joost Hans‐Georg , Boeing Heiner , Nöthlings Ute
Published: December 2011

Background

Increased plasma activity of gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) is associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality in the general population. We investigated the association between GGT, CVD and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Data used were from 1280 participants, aged 35–70 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Potsdam (Germany), Bilthoven and Utrecht (the Netherlands). Multivariate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD (non‐fatal and fatal events) and overall mortality were estimated using sex‐specific quartiles of GGT.

Results

After 8.2 years follow‐up, 108 incident CVD cases and 84 deaths were observed. Participants with high GGT activity had an increased mortality risk: HR in the highest quartile was 3.96 (95% CI 1.74, 9.00). This association was in particular present in former and current smokers, younger persons and those with a higher waist–height ratio and alcohol consumption. No associations were observed for non‐fatal CVD and non‐fatal and fatal CVD events combined.

Conclusions

Higher GGT plasma activity is associated with increased all‐cause mortality in individuals with diabetes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signaling and gene regulatory programs in plant vascular stem cells
Authors: Zhou Jing , Sebastian Jose , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: December 2011

Vascular systems in the woody stem of an apple tree. Xylem (in light brown) and phloem (in blue) arise from the cambium that resides between the two. Stem cells in the cambium actively divide in an asymmetric manner, and their daughters differentiate into xylem or phloem in response to the positional information.
Activation of Nitriles by Trichloro[2‐(dialkylphosphanyl)imidazol‐1‐yl]silanes – Synthesis and Characterization of New Dinuclear Pentacoordinate Silicon(IV) Complexes with Bridging Imido‐Nitrogen Ligand Atoms
Authors: Junold Konstantin , Burschka Christian , Tacke Reinhold
Published: December 2011

Trichloro[2‐(dialkylphosphanyl)imidazol‐1‐yl]silanes 3 and 4 react with aceto‐ or propionitrile to yield the dinuclear pentacoordinate silicon(IV) complexes 5–8, which contain two bridging dianionic N,N‐ligands generated by silicon‐mediated nitrile activation. Compounds 5–8 contain two SiCl2N3 skeletons, with two imido‐nitrogen ligand atoms that bridge the silicon coordination centers. The pentacoordinate silicon(IV) complexes 5–8 were characterized by elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy.
Zinc Complexes of Piperazinyl‐Derived Aminephenolate Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Ring–Opening Polymerization Activity (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 35/2011)
Authors: Ikpo Nduka , Saunders Lisa N. , Walsh Jillian L. , Smith Jennifer M. B. , Dawe Louise N. , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: December 2011

The cover picture shows a butterfly‐shaped dimetallic alkylzinc complex reported by researchers at Memorial University, which is shown in the background. The complex, reported in the article by F. M. Kerton et al. on p. 5347 ff, can be readily converted to an alkoxide species. This initiates ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide and ϵ‐caprolactone under conventional heating or upon microwave irradiation. Financial support from the Publication Subvention Program of Memorial University of Newfoundland is acknowledged.

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Molecular and Macromolecular Engineering with Viologens as Building Blocks: Rational Design of Phosphorus–Viologen Dendritic Structures
Authors: Katir Nadia , Majoral Jean Pierre , El Kadib Abdelkrim , Caminade Anne‐Marie , Bousmina Mostapha
Published: December 2011

The design of symmetric or asymmetric diversely functionalized monomer, dimer, or trimer viologens and the design of phosphorus building blocks allows the synthesis of unique types of mix phosphorus–viologen dendrimers. Strategies for the preparation of dendrimers of generations 0 and 1 are presented as are those for various dendrons. These methods exhibit broad applicability, high efficiency and usability, and are compatible with the presence of various functional groups (aldehyde, cyano, phenol, phosphonate, brominated groups).
(E)‐Dimethyl 2‐Oxopent‐3‐enylphosphonate: An Excellent Substrate for Cross‐Metathesis – Easy Access to Functionalized Heterocycles
Authors: Cochet Thomas , Roche Didier , Bellosta Véronique , Cossy Janine
Published: December 2011

Simple and efficient access to tetrahydrofurans, tetrahydropyrans, and pyrrolidines through a tandem cross‐metathesis/1,4‐addition process from (E)‐dimethyl 2‐oxopent‐3‐enylphosphonate and N‐protected ω‐unsaturated amines or alcohols under microwave irradiation is described. As the Grubbs–Hoveyda catalyst is highly chemoselective, a diversity of functionalized heterocycles were synthesized. Furthermore, an additional functionalization can be performed due to the presence of a side chain that possesses a ketophosphonate at the C2 position of the heterocycle.
Communality sells: The impact of perceivers' sexism on the evaluation of women's portrayals in advertisements
Authors: Infanger Martina , Bosak Janine , Sczesny Sabine
Published: December 2011

Portrayals of women in advertisements have a significant impact on the maintenance of gender stereotypes in society. Therefore, the present research investigates the effectiveness of communal and agentic female characters in advertisements as well as the question how evaluations of such characters are influenced by perceivers' sexist attitudes toward women. Results show that communal female advertising characters are evaluated more favorably than agentic ones and that these evaluations predict advertising effectiveness. Benevolent sexism predicts more positive evaluations of communal female advertising characters (studies 1 and 2). Moreover, hostile sexism predicts less positive evaluations of agentic female advertising characters when it is assessed under time pressure (Study 2). Implications of these findings for the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in advertisements and in society are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid detection of dysfunctional high‐density lipoproteins using isoelectric focusing‐based microfluidic device to diagnose senescence‐related disease
Authors: Jang Wookju , Shim Jaesool , Lee Dong‐Yeon , Dutta Prashanta , Kim Jae‐Ryong , Cho Kyung‐Hyun
Published: December 2011

Recently, we reported elevated levels of advanced glycated end products (AGEs) in human high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), with fragmentation of apoA‐I in an elderly group, compared with a younger group. More dysfunctional HDL from human plasma was demonstrated in the elderly group, including reconstituted HDL containing glycated apoA‐I (gA‐I‐rHDL) with elevation of AGEs. Based on SDS‐PAGE analysis, HDL3 from the elderly group (E‐HDL3) exhibited increased multimerization with increased smear band intensity compared to HDL3 from the younger group (Y‐HDL3). According to isoelectric focusing gel analysis, gA‐I‐rHDL and E‐HDL3 showed electromobility to the basic region of pH with a broader band range. In a microfluidic channel, E‐HDL3 had faster mobility with a broader range and a higher isoelectric point (pI, approximately 8.1), whereas Y‐HDL3 showed a narrow band range with a lower pI (approximately 6.9). In conclusion, gA‐I‐rHDL and E‐HDL share several electrophoretic properties with multimerization and faster mobility in microfluidic channels, depending on the isoelectric point. These results can be applied to develop a rapid detection system for modified HDL to predict the extent of aging and aging‐related metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A publicly verifiable PCAE scheme for confidential applications with proxy delegation
Authors: Wu Tzong‐Sun , Lin Han‐Yu , Ting Pei‐Yih
Published: December 2011

With the diversity of business transactions, new application requirements will emerge. Many confidential transactions, such as online auctions and bank savings withdrawals, sometimes might be conducted by an authorized proxy. In this paper, we propose a bilinear pairing‐based proxy convertible authenticated encryption scheme. The proposed scheme allows the delegated proxy signer to generate an authenticated ciphertext in behalf of the original signer while only the designated recipient is able to decrypt the ciphertext and verify the proxy signature. To benefit the encryption of a large message, we further present another variant with message linkages. Both schemes are publicly verifiable, that is, the designated recipient can convert the ciphertext into an ordinary proxy signature for public verification. In addition, the security requirement of confidentiality against indistinguishability under adaptive chosen‐ciphertext attacks and that of unforgeability against existential forgery under adaptive chosen‐message attacks are proved in random oracle models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occurrence of rare, crustose lichen, Ophioparma ventosa (Ophioparmaceae, lichenized Ascomycota), from alpine regions of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Khare Roshni , Rai Himanshu , Upreti Dalip Kumar , Dubey Urvashi , Gupta R. K.
Published: December 2011

Ophioparma ventosa (L.) Norman, belonging to family Ophioparmaceae, a rare lichen species has been recorded for the first time from north east alpine Himalaya, India after the gap of more than hundred years, when it was first recorded by Leighton from Sikkim in the year 1879. This saxicolous species is found growing together with other saxicolous lichens and mosses. This species was recorded previously from alpine regions of Eastern Nepal (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Metro Thessaloniki: Tiefe Baugruben in Deckelbauweise
Authors: Vassilakopoulou Georgia , Rizos Dimitris , Vrettos Christos
Published: December 2011

Die neue U‐Bahn in Thessaloniki befindet sich seit 2006 im Bau. Mit einer Streckenlänge von 9, 6 km umfasst sie, neben dem Schildvortrieb zweier Röhren, die Errichtung von 13 Bahnhöfen mit zentralem Bahnsteig. Zur Reduzierung von Verkehrsstörungen und zur Begrenzung der Setzungen in der Nachbarschaft wurde eine Deckelbauweise mit Schlitzwänden gewählt. Wegen der engen Platzverhältnisse musste dabei auf eine Innenschale verzichtet werden. Weitere erschwerende Randbedingungen sind der weiche inhomogene Untergrund, die große Aushubtiefe im Grundwasser und die Seismizität am Standort. Beginnend mit der Projektbeschreibung werden für zwei typische Bahnhöfe die erdstatischen Nachweise und die Maßnahmen zur dauerhaften Auftriebssicherung zusammengefasst sowie gemessene und prognostizierte Systemverformungen gegenübergestellt.

Thessaloniki Metro: Deep excavations by the top‐down method. The new Thessaloniki Metro has been under construction since 2006. The total length of 9.6 km includes, beside the excavation of two tunnels, the construction and support of deep excavations for 13 stations with central platforms. In order to reduce traffic disturbance and to minimize settlements in the neighbourhood, a top‐down construction method with diaphragm walls was adopted. Due to the limited space availability, stations were constructed without an inner lining. Further difficulties are associated with the soft inhomogeneous subsoil, the large excavation depths below the groundwater level and the seismicity at the site. Starting with a project description, the paper briefly presents the geotechnical design for two typical stations and the measures taken for providing safety against uplift. Measured and predicted system responses are also compared.
Use of a posterior pedicle nasal septum and floor mucoperiosteum flap to resurface the nasopharynx after endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ming–Yuan , Wang Shun–Lan , Zhu Yu–Liang , Shen Guo–Ping , Qiu Fang , Luo Dong–Hua , Chen Qiu–Yan , Jiang Rou , Cao Ka–Jia , Qian Chao–Nan , Hong Ming–Huang
Published: December 2011

Background

Endoscopic nasopharyngectomy is a new salvage treatment for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, how to resurface the nasopharyngeal defects in endoscopic endonasal approaches to avoid persistent postoperative headache, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported.

Methods

From September 2009 to August 2010, we used a modified posterior pedicle nasal septum and floor mucoperiosteum flap (nasal septum and floor flap, NSFF) after endoscopic nasopharyngectomy in 12 patients with locally recurrent NPC. Most of the nasal septum and floor mucoperiosteum, except for the posterior pedicle, was harvested to cover the nasopharyngeal defects.

Results

All NSFFs successfully covered the entire nasopharyngeal defects and relined the nasopharynx with good functional recovery. The nasopharyngeal wounds recovered in 28 days (range, 14 to 56 days), and the donor‐site wounds recovered in 46.5 days (range, 24–84 days). No reconstruction‐related complications or disease recurrences were observed.

Conclusion

The NSFF is a safe and promising reconstructive option to resurface the nasopharyngeal defect after endoscopic nasopharyngectomy in patients with locally recurrent NPC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Experimental study of natural frost formation over a horizontal tube with annular compact fins under natural convection
Authors: Mahdavi Mostafa , Yaghoubi Mahmood
Published: December 2011

This paper presents experimental measurements of natural convection heat transfer and frost deposition over a horizontal fin‐tube. Measurements are made for a fin‐tube of diameter 25.4 mm, fin thickness 0.4 mm, fin center diameter 56 mm, and fin spacing 2 mm. For measurements the ambient air temperature and relative humidity are changed from 18 to 25°C and from 35% to 55%, respectively. The tube surface temperature is changed from –5 to –9 °C, and super cooling degrees of 7.5 to 24.5 °C. Results include a visualization of frost deposition growth, frost accumulation rate, and heat transfer rate with respect to time for each experiment. The results show that cold air starts from the upper point and moves downward and frost deposition starts on the fin tips, and grows with time both radially and angularly. Frost growth thickness changes significantly from top to bottom, where the boundary layers of both thermal and concentration increase at the bottom of the fin‐tube section without considerable separation. Frost growth only takes place on the fin's tip and it blocks the heat and mass transfer from the fin surfaces and the tube base which reduces convection and frost growth considerably. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20397
Predictive impact of MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma of the elderly
Authors: Reifenberger Guido , Hentschel Bettina , Felsberg Jörg , Schackert Gabriele , Simon Matthias , Schnell Oliver , Westphal Manfred , Wick Wolfgang , Pietsch Torsten , Loeffler Markus , Weller Michael ,   for the German Glioma Network
Published: December 2011

O6‐methylguanine‐DNA‐methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation identifies a subpopulation of glioblastoma patients with more favorable prognosis and predicts a benefit from alkylating agent chemotherapy (CT). Little is known about its prevalence and clinical significance in older glioblastoma patients. We studied 233 glioblastoma patients aged 70 years or more (144 males, 89 females, median age: 74 years, range: 70.0–86.6 years), who were prospectively enrolled in the German Glioma Network, for MGMT promoter methylation by methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) in all patients and DNA pyrosequencing in 166 patients. MGMT data were correlated with patient outcome. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 4.8 months (95% CI: 4.3–5.3) and median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 months (95% CI: 6.3–9.0). MGMT promoter methylation was detected by MSP in 134 patients (57.5%). For the whole cohort, PFS was 5.2 versus 4.7 months (p = 0.207) and OS was 8.4 versus 6.4 months (p = 0.031) in patients with versus without MGMT promoter methylation. Patients with MGMT methylated tumors had longer PFS when treated with radiotherapy (RT) plus CT or CT alone compared to patients treated with RT alone. Patients with MGMT unmethylated tumors appeared to derive no survival benefit from CT, regardless of whether given at diagnosis together with RT or as a salvage treatment. Patients treated with RT plus CT or CT alone demonstrated longer OS when pyrosequencing revealed >25% MGMT methylated alleles. Taken together, MGMT promoter methylation may be a useful biomarker to stratify elderly glioblastoma patients for treatment with versus without alkylating agent CT.
SMILE silencing and PMA activation gene networks in hela cells: Comparison with kidney transplantation gene networks
Authors: Racapé M. , Bragazzi N. , Sivozhelezov V. , Danger R. , Pechkova E. , Duong Van Huyen J.P. , Soulillou J.P. , Brouard S. , Nicolini C.
Published: December 2011

Recent findings indicated that the SMILE gene may be involved in kidney graft operational tolerance in human. This gene was found to be up‐regulated in blood from patients with a well functioning kidney transplant in the absence of immunosuppression compared to other transplanted recipients with clinically different status. A microarray study of SMILE knock‐down and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) activation in HeLa cells was herein compared to our earlier analysis based on microarray data of kidney allograft tolerance and rejection in humans and in a rat model of allograft transplantation to determine possible new genes and gene networks involved in kidney transplantation. The nearest neighbors at the intersection of the SMILE knock‐down network with the human tolerance/rejection networks are shown to be NPHS1 and ARRB2, the former (Nephrin) being involved in kidney podocyte function, and the decrease of the latter (Arrestin β2) being recently shown to be involved in monocyte activation during acute kidney allograft rejection in rat. Moreover, another one of the neighbors at the intersection of SMILE network and tolerance/rejection networks is XBP‐1, that we report previously to be increased, at a transcript level, after ER stress in SMILE silenced cells. Finally, in this study, we also show that topological properties (both local and global) of joint SMILE knock‐down network—tolerance/rejection networks and joint PMA activation network—tolerance/rejection networks in rat and human are essentially different, likely due to the inherent nature of the gene SMILE and the mitogen PMA, that do not act the same way on genes and do not interfere the same way on networks. We also show that interestingly SMILE networks contain more feed‐forward loop (FFL) motifs and thus SMILE calls for a more fine‐tuned genetic regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1820–1832, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amperometric biosensor for nitrite and hydrogen peroxide based on hemoglobin immobilized on gold nanoparticles/polythionine/platinum nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yuan Ruo , Chai Yaqin , Wang Jinfen , Zhong Huaan
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: This paper describes a convenient and effective strategy to construct a highly sensitive amperometric biosensor for nitrite (NO2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). First, Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) were electrodeposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface, which promoted electron transfer and enhanced the loading of poly‐thionine (PTH). Subsequently, thionine (TH) was electropolymerized on the PtNPs/GCE, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were assembled onto the PTH film to improve the absorption capacity of hemoglobin (Hb) and further facilitate electron transfer. Finally, Hb was immobilized onto the electrode through the AuNPs.

RESULTS: Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the fabrication process of the sensing surface. Under optimum conditions, the biosensors can be used for the determination of NO2− in the concentration range 70 nmol L−1 to 1.2 mmo L−1 and of H2O2 in the range 4.9 µmol L−1 to 6.8 mmol L−1. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 20 nmol L−1 and 1.4 µmol L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The biosensor exhibits good analytical performance, acceptable stability and good selectivity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on organic solvent and ionic liquid combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of emodin and its metabolites in urine samples
Authors: Tian Jie , Chen Xuan , Bai Xiaohong
Published: December 2011

In this paper, two methods based on organic solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (OS‐DLLME) and ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL‐DLLME) coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography have been critically compared for analyzing emodin and its metabolites (aloe‐emodin, anthraquinone‐2‐carboxylic acid, rhein, danthron, chrysophanol and physcion) in urine samples. Several important parameters influencing the extraction recoveries of DLLME were carefully optimized. Under optimal conditions, the enrichment factors (EFs) for emodin and its metabolites by OS‐DLLME and IL‐DLLME were within the range of 90–295 and 63–192 respectively; the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n=3) for intra‐day and inter‐day precision were lower than 7.2 and 8.7% by OS‐DLLME, and lower than 5.7 and 6.4% by IL‐DLLME; the recoveries of emodin and its metabolites were from 87.1 to 105% for OS‐DLLME and from 94.8 to 103% for IL‐DLLME, respectively. There were no significant deviations between the two methods for the determination of emodin and its metabolites. From the results of HPLC/UV of urine sample after DLLME, the metabolites aloe‐emodin, rhein, chrysophanol and physcion were identified by comparing the retention times with the standards. From the results of HPLC/MS, anthraquinone‐2‐carboxylic acid and danthron as unreported metabolites of emodin were found.
The psychological impact of deployment on OEF/OIF healthcare providers
Authors: Hickling Edward J. , Gibbons Susanne , Barnett Scott D. , Watts Dorraine
Published: December 2011

The psychological impact of military experience on healthcare providers has received little attention to date. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel was used as a secondary data source, and deployed healthcare officers and healthcare specialists were identified and compared to deployed non‐healthcare officers and enlisted personnel: 6,116 respondents were surveyed. Findings revealed clinically significant psychological distress among deployed military healthcare provider respondents including posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and adverse psychosocial impact, more prominent in the deployed healthcare specialist group. Based upon findings, possible factors for resilience and increased risk, as well as potential intervention needs in this healthcare provider group of service members are offered. Implications for future prospective studies are suggested.
Pervasive exposure to violence and posttraumatic stress disorder in a predominantly African American Urban Community: The Detroit neighborhood health study
Authors: Goldmann Emily , Aiello Allison , Uddin Monica , Delva Jorge , Koenen Karestan , Gant Larry M. , Galea Sandro
Published: December 2011

Exposure to traumatic events is common, particularly among economically disadvantaged, urban African Americans. There is, however, scant data on the psychological consequences of exposure to traumatic events in this group. We assessed experience with traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 1,306 randomly selected, African American residents of Detroit. Lifetime prevalence of exposure to at least 1 traumatic event was 87.2% (assault = 51.0%). African Americans from Detroit have a relatively high burden of PTSD; 17.1% of those who experienced a traumatic event met criteria for probable lifetime PTSD. Assaultive violence is pervasive and is more likely to be associated with subsequent PTSD than other types of events. Further efforts to prevent violence and increase access to mental health treatment could reduce the mental health burden in economically disadvantaged urban areas.
Spinning‐wing decoy use and reported duck harvest in Illinois: Implications for adaptive harvest management
Authors: Miller Craig A.
Published: December 2011

Use of battery‐powered spinning‐wing decoys (SWDs) by duck hunters has generated questions as to the effect these decoys may have on duck harvests. I used data from the annual Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey for duck hunting seasons 1999 through 2003 to compare mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and total duck harvest, reported days afield, and duck crippling rates between hunters using and not using SWDs. For the each of the 5 years reported, mean mallard harvest was greater among hunters using SWDs than among hunters not using the decoys and effect size was substantial (1999: F = 355.01, P < 0.001; 2000: F = 567.92, P < 0.001; 2001: F = 333.25, P < 0.001; 2002: F = 321.58, P < 0.001; 2003: F = 299.00, P < 0.001). Mean reported total ducks harvested was greater for decoy users than non‐users, and I found effect sizes to be substantial for all years (1999: F = 301.80, P < 0.001; 2000: F = 607.76, P < 0.001; 2001: F = 369.49, P < 0.001; 2002: F = 321.59, P < 0.001; 2003: F = 335.82, P < 0.001). Decoy users reported hunting more days than non‐users (1999: F = 71.00, P < 0.001; 2000: F = 716.50, P < 0.001; 2001: F = 486.75, P < 0.001; 2002: F = 410.72, P < 0.001; 2003: F = 466.09, P < 0.001). I observed substantial effect size for days hunted by decoy use for each year except for 1999–2000, for which effect size was typical. Hunters using SWDs reported greater crippled ducks than for hunters not using the decoys, with typical effect sizes observed for each year I examined (1999: F = 168.42, P < 0.001; 2000: F = 361.34, P < 0.001; 2001: F = 163.05, P < 0.001; 2002: F = 153.29, P < 0.001; 2003: F = 169.18, P < 0.001). I did not observe significant relationships between years of hunting experience and decoy use (R2 range = 0.051–0.071). My findings support claims that SWDs lead to increased duck harvests. Recent actions by some state wildlife management agencies have resulted in a mixed approach toward regulating use of SWDs, ranging from prohibiting their use to removing all restrictions. This study seeks to provide managers with greater understanding of potential impacts of SWD use on waterfowl harvests. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
A matter of scale: from far‐field microscopy to near‐field nanoscopy
Authors: Schmidt D.A. , Kopf I. , Bründermann E.
Published: December 2011

Vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool which provides chemical information about a sample without a priori knowledge. By combining vibrational spectroscopy with different microscopic techniques, scientists can visualize and characterize the chemical composition of a sample on length scales which cover many orders of magnitude; from far‐field radiation used in microwave astronomy and Fourier transform infrared microscopy, to near‐field scattering used in tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and scanning near‐field optical or infrared microscopy. Here, various modern chemical mapping techniques are reviewed and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Also, a basic theoretical background is provided for each technique along with several illustrative examples.
Photoluminescent Polytellurophene Derivatives of Conjugated Polymers as a New Perspective for Molecular Electronics
Authors: Lapkowski Mieczyslaw , Motyka Radoslaw , Suwiński Jerzy , Data Przemyslaw
Published: December 2011

The first full characterization of 2,2′‐bitellurophene polymerization and the resulting polymer is described. The electrochemical polymerization of 2,2′‐bitellurophene (7) and (E,E)‐1,4‐diethoxy‐2,5‐bis[2‐(tellurophen‐2‐yl)ethenyl]benzene (1) produces new photoluminescent conjugated polymers. Poly{(E,E)‐1,4‐diethoxy‐2,5‐bis[2‐(tellurophen‐2‐yl)ethenyl]benzene} exhibits photoluminescent properties that qualify for potential applications as optoelectronic materials. Poly{(E,E)‐1,4‐diethoxy‐2,5‐bis[2‐(tellurophen‐2‐yl)ethenyl]benzene} is the first polytellurophene polymer that possess photoluminescent properties.
Contrast enhancement in TOF cerebral angiography at 7 T using saturation and MT pulses under SAR constraints: Impact of VERSE and sparse pulses
Authors: Schmitter Sebastian , Bock Michael , Johst Sören , Auerbach Edward J. , Uğurbil Kâmil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François
Published: December 2011

Cerebral three‐dimensional time of flight (TOF) angiography significantly benefits from ultrahigh fields, mainly due to higher signal‐to‐noise ratio and to longer T1 relaxation time of static brain tissues; however, specific absorption rate (SAR) significantly increases with B0. Thus, additional radiofrequency pulses commonly used at lower field strengths to improve TOF contrast such as saturation of venous signal and improved background suppression by magnetization transfer typically cannot be used at higher fields. In this work, we aimed at reducing SAR for each radiofrequency pulse category in a TOF sequence. We use the variable‐rate selective excitation principle for the slab selective TOF excitation as well as the venous saturation radiofrequency pulses. In addition, magnetization transfer pulses are implemented by sparsely applying the pulses only during acquisition of the central k‐space lines to limit their SAR contribution. Image quality, angiographic contrast, and SAR reduction were investigated as a function of variable‐rate selective excitation parameters and of the total number of magnetization transfer pulses applied. Based on these results, a TOF protocol was generated that increases the angiographic contrast by more than 50% and reduces subcutaneous fat signal while keeping the resulting SAR within regulatory limits. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of equivalent medium methods for stress wave propagation in jointed rock mass
Authors: Ma G. W. , Fan L. F. , Li J. C.
Published: December 2011

This paper evaluates the existing equivalent medium methods for jointed rock mass and further develops the equivalent viscoelastic medium method proposed by the authors. The advantages and limitations of different equivalences to the discontinuous rock mass are discussed. Theoretical derivation of stress wave propagation through the equivalent viscoelastic medium is carried out by adopting the Fourier transformation method, and the parameters of the equivalent viscoelastic medium method are determined analytically. The frequency dependence and the wave attenuation phenomenon can be properly described when the imaginary terms of the complex moduli of the rock mass are included. The results show that the equivalent viscoelastic medium method is able to predict the effective velocity and the stress wave transmission coefficient in a rock mass more accurately than the conventional effective elastic moduli methods. An example of the stress wave propagation through rock mass with parallel joints shows that the equivalent viscoelastic medium method is promising and worthy to be further explored for application in practical rock engineering problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An orthogonal‐based decoupling method for MRI phased array coil design
Authors: Li Bing Keong , Wang Hua , Trakic Adnan , Engstrom Craig , Weber Ewald , Crozier Stuart
Published: December 2011

A new 2 T 3‐element orthogonal knee coil array based on the three‐dimensional orthogonality principle was designed, constructed and used in a series of pilot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on a standardized phantom, and human and pig knees. The coil elements within this new coil array are positioned orthogonal to one another allowing problematic mutual coupling effects to be minimized without the use of any passive mutual decoupling schemes. The proposed method is appropriate for the design of transmit, receive and/or transceive radiofrequency (RF) coil arrays for applications in animal/human MRI and spectroscopic studies. Experimental results demonstrated that the 3‐element orthogonal knee coil array could be angled arbitrarily, including at 90°, relative to the main static magnetic field (B0) whilst maintaining normal operation with minimal loss of efficiency and functionality. Initial trials with a pig knee specimen further showed that the greatest signal intensity in the patellar ligament (parallel collagen fibres) was observed when the orthogonal knee coil array and the pig knee specimen were angled at ~55° to B0, which may have potential uses in magic angle MR applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.