bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, crystal structure, electronic spectroscopy, electrochemistry and biological studies of carbohydrate containing ferrocene amides
Authors: Trivedi Rajiv , Deepthi Sadanala Bhavya , Giribabu Lingamallu , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Sujitha Pombala , Ganesh Kumar Chityal , Ramakrishna Kallaganti V. S.
Published: June 2012

A series of four new ferrocene–carbohydrate amides was prepared from pentose and hexose sugar derivatives. These include (5‐amino‐5‐deoxy‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐d‐xylofuranose)‐1‐ferrocene carboxamide (2a), (5‐amino‐3‐O‐benzyl‐5‐deoxy‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐d‐xylofuranose)‐1‐ferrocene carboxamide (2b), (methyl‐6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐2,3‐O‐isopropylidene‐β‐d‐ribofuranoside)‐1‐ferrocene carboxamide (2c) derived from furanose sugars and (6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐1,2:3,4‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐d‐galactopyranose)‐1‐ferrocene carboxamide (2d) derived from pyranose sugar. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means and the structure of amide derived from α‐d‐xylofuranose (2a) was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The electronic and optical properties of the compounds were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroscopy. The UV and electrochemical studies of these compounds, performed in aqueous solutions under physiological conditions (at pH 7.4), confirmed their stability. These results indicated that the compounds were suitable for conducting biological studies. The CD spectral analysis displays the effect of sugar substituents on the compounds. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of these conjugates were investigated on different cancer cell lines and microbes respectively. The degree of inhibition varied over a broad spectrum of Gram‐ positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. In addition, the compounds also exhibited antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing water resistance of paper by graft copolymerization reaction
Authors: Sayyah S. M. , Khaliel A. B. , Mohamed E. H.
Published: June 2012

The chemical graft copolymerization reactions were used to enhance water resistance of paper by reaction of acrylonitrile (AN) monomer onto cellulosic paper sheet in the presence of comonomer (styrene or acrylic acid or itaconic acid) 1 : 1 molar ratio in dimethyl formamide using benzoyl peroxide as free radical initiator under nitrogen atmosphere at 70°C. The infrared spectroscopy confirms that graft copolymerization reaction occurs onto the paper samples. Water absorption test was carried out following the Normal Protocol 7/81 (water absorption by complete immersion) to evaluate the protective effect of the graft treatment onto the paper sheet. It was found that the three graft copolymerization systems reduced the water absorption of the investigated paper and the reduction of water absorption is directly proportional to the grafting %. The wettability of the grafted and ungrafted paper sheet samples were investigated using the wicking time method which exhibits the decreasing of paper sheet wettability using the AN/S comonomers in the graft copolymerization reaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The effect of soft bake on adhesion property between SU‐8 photoresist and Ni substrate by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Du Liqun , Xu Zheng
Published: June 2012

SU‐8 photoresist is a negative, epoxy‐type, near UV photoresist and is commonly used in micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) and other thick resist application fields. However, poor adhesion strength between SU‐8 photoresist and metal substrate makes it difficult to bind, even contributes to the lithography failure. This significantly restricts the improvement of image resolution and depth‐to‐width ratio. As soft bake temperature and time are important for the interfacial adhesion property, in this article, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to investigate the effects of these two parameters on adhesion property between SU‐8 photoresist and Ni substrate. According to the adsorption theory, the simulation results were analyzed and validated by experiments. It is shown that with increasing soft bake temperature the adhesional work firstly increases and then decreases, and with increasing soft bake time the adhesional work decreases. This study provides theory basis for the confirmation of soft bake parameters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Generalizing solubility parameter theory to apply to one‐ and two‐dimensional solutes and to incorporate dipolar interactions
Authors: Hughes J. Marguerite , Aherne Damian , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: June 2012

Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters are commonly used to identify suitable solvents for the dispersion or dissolution of a range of solutes, from small molecules to graphene. This practice is based on a number of equations, which predict the enthalpy of mixing to be minimized when the solubility parameters of solvent and solute match. However, such equations have only been rigorously derived for mixtures of small molecules, which interact only via dispersive forces. Herein, we derive a general expression for the enthalpy of mixing in terms of the dimensionality of the solute, where small molecules are considered zero‐dimensional, materials such as polymers or nanotubes are one‐dimensional (1D) and platelets such as graphene are two‐dimensional (2D). We explicitly include contributions due to dispersive, dipole–dipole, and dipole‐induced dipole interactions. We find equations very similar to those of Hildebrand and Hansen so long as the solubility parameters of the solute are defined in a manner which reflects their dimensionality. In addition, the equations for 1D and 2D systems are equivalent to known expressions for the enthalpy of mixing of rods and platelets, respectively, as a function of surface energy. This agreement between our expressions and those commonly used shows that the concept of solubility parameters can be rigorously applied to extended solutes such as polymers, nanotubes, and graphene. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Determination of crosslinking density of hydrogels prepared from microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Xia Zhiyong , Patchan Marcia , Maranchi Jeffrey , Elisseeff Jennifer , Trexler Morgana
Published: June 2012

Hydrogels with four different plant‐based microcrystalline cellulose concentrations were prepared using the self‐assembly technique. The interaction parameter between cellulose and water was determined by the classical Flory‐Huggins theory, and was found to be around 0.44 with weak concentration dependence. The crosslinking density in these hydrogels was measured by both the Mooney‐Rivlin equation and the Flory‐Rehner theory. Reasonable consistency was found between the two methods albeit results from the Flory‐Rehner theory were slightly higher due to the contribution from the physical crosslinks. The crosslinking density values for all four hydrogels determined from both methods were found to range from 19 to 56 mol/m3. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Wet spinning of cellulose from ionic liquid solutions–viscometry and mechanical performance
Authors: Olsson Carina , Westman Gunnar
Published: June 2012

A series of regenerated cellulose fibers was produced from dopes prepared by mixing and dissolving cellulose of two different degrees of polymerization in different ratios in the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium acetate. Viscoelastic properties of the spin dopes were characterized by controlled stress rheometry. The cellulose solutions were solidified in pure water by the traditional wet spinning technique. The resulting fibers were characterized by means of wet and dry tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization revealed a compact and homogeneous fiber. A nonlinear relationship between degree of polymerization and fiber properties was observed with a moderate difference in mechanical properties in a broad interval of fibers while fibers composed of polymers with the highest degree of polymerization stood out as stronger and stiffer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Harvesting an invasive bivalve in a large natural lake: species recovery and impacts on native benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in Lake Tahoe, USA
Authors: Wittmann Marion E. , Chandra Sudeep , Reuter John E. , Caires Andrea , Schladow S. Geoffrey , Denton Marianne
Published: June 2012

The increasing dispersal and establishment of aquatic invasive species in natural freshwater ecosystems has led to efforts to remove non‐native taxa and/or restore native species. An invasive bivalve, Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), recently (2002) became established in a large, natural subalpine lake (Lake Tahoe, USA). In 2009, experimental efforts were undertaken to harvest C. fluminea from Lake Tahoe sediments using a manually operated suction dredge apparatus.

Treatment and control plots were monitored for a 450 day period after dredging to observe target species (C. fluminea) and non‐target macroinvertebrate recovery rates. A paired Before‐After‐Control Impact analysis was used to assess the short‐ and long‐term impacts of suction dredging.

Physical harvest resulted in short‐term reductions of C. fluminea (1500 individuals m‐2 before treatment to 60 individuals m‐2 14 days after treatment) with significant disruption to benthic macroinvertebrate community structure. The impact to the target invasive species (C. fluminea) was present 450 days after treatment and community diversity (as represented by Simpson diversity index) did not recover after 1 year (365 days) in dredged sites. Certain non‐target macroinvertebrate taxa (Chironomidae and native clam (Pisidium spp.)) increased in suction dredge plots to levels greater than before treatment or in control plot conditions at the end of the study period.

Harvesting C. fluminea significantly reduced population densities for a period of 450 days after the removal. Recolonization rates of C. fluminea and non‐target species over multiple reproductive seasons will determine the feasibility for this method as a long‐term control strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ligand‐Based Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of 3‐Methoxyquinoxalin‐2‐carboxamides as Structurally Novel Serotonin Type‐3 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Mahesh Radhakrishnan , Devadoss Thangaraj , Dhar Arghya Kusum , Venkatesh Sudali Muthu , Mundra Sourabh , Pandey Dilip Kumar , Bhatt Shvetank , Jindal Ankur Kumar
Published: June 2012

Employing a ligand‐based approach, 3‐methoxyquinoxalin‐2‐carboxamides were designed as serotonin type‐3 (5‐HT3) receptor antagonists and synthesized from the starting material o‐phenylenediamine in a sequence of reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data. These carboxamides were investigated for their 5‐HT3 receptor antagonisms in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations from guinea‐pig ileum against a standard 5‐HT3 agonist, 2‐methy‐5‐HT, and their antagonism activities are expressed as pA2 values. Compounds 6a (pA2: 7.2), 6e (pA2: 7.0), 6f (pA2: 7.5), 6g (pA2: 7.5), 6n (pA2: 7.0), and 6o (pA2: 7.2) exhibited antagonism greater than that of the standard 5‐HT3 antagonist, ondansetron (pA2: 6.9).
The MIA‐QSAR Method for the Prediction of Bioactivities of Possible Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Bitencourt Michelle , Freitas Matheus P. , Rittner Roberto
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the use of the multivariate image analysis‐quantitative structure–activity relationship (MIA‐QSAR) methodology, which is a method capable of relating chemical structures with their biological activities. This in silico method has been shown to be extremely reliable and provides excellent results, even compared to those obtained by costly and time‐consuming methods. Here, a class of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors was studied and three new compounds exhibiting high estimated pIC50 values were found. They may be promising inhibitors for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
New Pyrimidinone and Fused Pyrimidinone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Rashad Aymn E. , Shamroukh Ahmed H. , Yousif Nabil M. , Salama Mowafia A. , Ali Hatem S. , Ali Mamdouh M. , Mahmoud Abeer E. , El‐Shahat Mahmoud
Published: June 2012

A series of novel substituted pyrimidinones and fused pyrimidinones (compounds 3–18) were synthesized starting with oxiranylmethanone 2. The in vitro cytotoxicity against a human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cell line was investigated and most of the tested compounds showed potent cytotoxic activity against the MCF‐7 cell line comparable to the activity of the commonly used anticancer drug cisplatin. Treatment of MCF‐7 cells with increasing doses (2, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL) of the tested compounds revealed that the activity of superoxide dismutase and the level of hydrogen peroxide were significantly increased, while the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and the levels of reduced glutathione were significantly lowered compared with control MCF‐7 cells. In general, derivatives 11 and 16 revealed the highest anticancer activity among the tested compounds.
An eight‐year study of online lecture use in a medical gross anatomy and embryology course
Authors: Nieder Gary L. , Borges Nicole J.
Published: June 2012

Online lectures have been used in lieu of live lectures in our gross anatomy and embryology course for the past eight years. We examined patterns of online lecture use by our students and related that use to academic entry measures, gender and examination performance. Detailed access records identified by student were available from server logs. Total views per page of lecture material increased over the first six years, then decreased markedly between years seven and eight, possibly due to the recent availability of alternate forms of lecture audio. Lecture use peaked in midafternoon and again in the evening, although some use was seen at all hours. Usage was highest at midweek and lowest on Fridays as might be expected. Individual student's use varied widely from rates equivalent to less than one viewing/page to more than three viewings per page. Overall use by male students was greater than that of females and gender‐specific differences in the daily pattern were seen. Lecture use was correlated to the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) Verbal Reasoning and Physical Sciences scores but not to composite MCAT scores or undergraduate grade point average. Overall use appeared to be driven by scheduled team‐based learning (TBL) sessions and major examinations. Specific subsets of lecture material were most often viewed before related TBL sessions and again during review for examinations. A small but significant correlation between lecture use and examination and course performance was seen, specifically in the male student population. These findings, along with earlier observations, suggest that varied use of online lectures is attributable to multiple factors. Anat Sci Educ © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Do images influence assessment in anatomy? Exploring the effect of images on item difficulty and item discrimination
Authors: Vorstenbosch Marc A. T. M. , Klaassen Tim P. F. M. , Kooloos Jan G. M. , Bolhuis Sanneke M. , Laan Roland F. J. M.
Published: June 2012

Anatomists often use images in assessments and examinations. This study aims to investigate the influence of different types of images on item difficulty and item discrimination in written assessments. A total of 210 of 460 students volunteered for an extra assessment in a gross anatomy course. This assessment contained 39 test items grouped in seven themes. The answer format alternated per theme and was either a labeled image or an answer list, resulting in two versions containing both images and answer lists. Subjects were randomly assigned to one version. Answer formats were compared through item scores. Both examinations had similar overall difficulty and reliability. Two cross‐sectional images resulted in greater item difficulty and item discrimination, compared to an answer list. A schematic image of fetal circulation led to decreased item difficulty and item discrimination. Three images showed variable effects. These results show that effects on assessment scores are dependent on the type of image used. Results from the two cross‐sectional images suggest an extra ability is being tested. Data from a scheme of fetal circulation suggest a cueing effect. Variable effects from other images indicate that a context‐dependent interaction takes place with the content of questions. The conclusion is that item difficulty and item discrimination can be affected when images are used instead of answer lists; thus, the use of images as a response format has potential implications for the validity of test items. Anat Sci Educ © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Generation of Polyfluoroaryl‐Fused H‐Pyrazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolines through a Reaction of N′‐(2‐Alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazide with Polyfluoroarene
Authors: Zhang Ling , Xiao Qian , Ye Shengqing , Wu Jie
Published: June 2012

Polyfluoroarene reacts with N′‐(2‐alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazide catalyzed by silver triflate in the presence of cesium carbonate, leading to polyfluoroaryl‐fused H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolines in good yields.
A Point‐by‐Point Response to Recent Arguments Against the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention
Authors: Joshi Parag H. , Chaudhari Sameer , Blaha Michael J. , Jones Steven R. , Martin Seth S. , Post Wendy S. , Cannon Christopher P. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Wong Nathan D. , Amsterdam Ezra , Hirshfeld John W. , Blumenthal Roger S.
Published: June 2012

Recently, a debate over the merits of statin therapy in primary prevention was published in the Wall Street Journal. The statin opponent claimed that statins should only be used in secondary prevention and never in any primary‐prevention patients at risk for cardiovascular events. In this evidence‐based rebuttal to those claims, we review the evidence supporting the efficacy of statin therapy in primary prevention. Cardiovascular risk is a continuum in which those at an elevated risk of events stand to benefit from early initiation of therapy. Statins should not be reserved until after a patient suffers the catastrophic consequences of atherosclerosis. Contrary to the assertions of the statin opponent, this principle has been demonstrated through reductions in heart attacks, strokes, and mortality in numerous randomized controlled primary‐prevention statin trials. Furthermore, data show that once a patient tolerates the initial treatment period, the few side effects that subsequently emerge are largely reversible. Accordingly, every major guidelines committee endorses statin use in secondary prevention and selectively in primary prevention for those with risk factors. The foundation for prevention remains increased physical activity, better dietary habits, and smoking cessation. However, prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease does not have to be all or none—all statin or all lifestyle. In selected at‐risk individuals, the combination of pharmacotherapy and lifestyle changes is more effective than either alone. Future investigation in prevention should focus on improving our ability to identify these at‐risk individuals.

Drs Amsterdam, Blumenthal, and Wong serve on the board of directors and/or are officers of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. Dr Wong has received research support from Merck and Bristol Myers‐Squibb and advisory board consultant fees from Merck in the past 12 months. Dr Cannon is a senior investigator in the TIMI Study Group; has received research support from Accumetrics, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Essentialis, and Takeda; has donated advisory board consultant fees to charity from Bristol‐Myers Squibb/Sanofi, Novartis, and Alnylam; has received honoraria for development of independent educational symposia from Pfizer and AstraZeneca; and has equity in Automedics Medical Systems. Dr Jones has received research support and advisory board consultant fees from Atherotech Diagnostics Lab and has served as a consultant for Amylin Pharmaceuticals.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Time course, clinical pathways, and long‐term hazards risk trends of disease progression in patients with classic mycosis fungoides
Authors: Quaglino Pietro , Pimpinelli Nicola , Berti Emilio , Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo , Alfonso Lombardo Giuseppe , Rupoli Serena , Alaibac Mauro , Bottoni Ugo , Carbone Angelo , Fava Paolo , Fimiani Michele , Mamusa Angela Maria , Titli Stefano , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Bernengo Maria Grazia ,   on behalf of the Gruppo Italiano Linfomi Cutanei (GILC)
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an indolent primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. To the authors' knowledge, no data currently are available regarding the evolution over time of the risk of developing specific pathways of disease progression.

METHODS:

This retrospective study analyzed 1422 patients with MF who were diagnosed and followed from 1975 through 2010 in 27 Italian Study Group for Cutaneous Lymphoma centers. The primary objectives were to ascertain the time course, pathways, and hazards risk trends of cutaneous/extracutaneous disease progression; to evaluate whether different tumor‐lymph node‐metastasis‐blood (TNMB) stages have different pathways of disease progression; and to analyze differences between tumor‐stage and erythrodermic MF with regard to clinical onset, disease evolution, and prognosis. The secondary objective was to provide a further validation for the revised International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (ISCL/EORTC) classification.

RESULTS:

The median follow‐up was 14.5 years; stage progression occurred in 29.7% of patients and blood involvement was the most frequent extracutaneous site of disease progression. Patients with stage IA to stage IB disease demonstrated a steady low annual incidence of disease progression to tumor‐stage (1%‐2%); patients with stage IIA disease had a higher risk within the first years (up to 9.4%). Erythroderma evolved with a significantly higher frequency from patches/plaques (13.9%/28.2%) than tumors (P= .028 andP= .013, respectively). Hazards rates of extracutaneous involvement were low (< 1%). The T‐score was found to be associated with extracutaneous involvement site, tumor‐stage disease with lymph node/visceral lesions, and erythroderma with blood involvement. TNMB classification and stage progression resulted as independent prognostic variables being detected on multivariate analysis; the type of extracutaneous involvement was found to affect survival .

CONCLUSIONS:

The data from the current study support the need for a stage‐tailored follow‐up, suggest that the classification of tumor‐stage disease at a stage below erythroderma could be modified, and offer a further validation for the revised TNMB classification. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Gefitinib versus pemetrexed as second‐line treatment in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer previously treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy (KCSG‐LU08‐01)
Authors: Sun Jong‐Mu , Lee Ki Hyeong , Kim Sang‐we , Lee Dae Ho , Min Young Joo , Yun Hwan Jung , Kim Hoon Kyo , Song Hong Suk , Kim Yeul Hong , Kim Bong‐Seog , Hwang In Gyu , Lee Keehyun , Jo Sook Jung , Lee Jae Won , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung‐Ju ,   for the Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG)
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Gefitinib was compared with pemetrexed as second‐line therapy in a clinically selected population previously treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy.

METHODS:

A phase 3 trial of gefitinib (250 mg/day) versus pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 on day 1, every 3 weeks) was conducted in patients who had never smoked and who had advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma treated with 1 previous platinum‐based regimen. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

RESULTS:

A total of 135 patients were analyzed. The gefitinib group had significantly longer PFS compared with the pemetrexed group, with a median PFS time of 9.0 versus 3.0 months (P = .0006). The objective response rates were 58.8% and 22.4% for gefitinib and pemetrexed, respectively (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the 2 groups (22.2 vs 18.9 months; P = .37). The difference of PFS was increased in a subgroup analysis of 33 patients with activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (15.7 vs 2.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.13‐0.72; P = .005), with numerical superiority of gefitinib in the 38 patients testing negative for epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (5.9 vs 2.7 months; P = .099). Both regimens were well tolerated. There were no significantly different changes in quality of life between the 2 groups, except that symptom scores for dyspnea and diarrhea favored the gefitinib and pemetrexed arms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Gefitinib showed superior efficacy to pemetrexed as second‐line therapy in Korean never‐smokers with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
How feasible is implementation of distress screening by cancer clinicians in routine clinical care?
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Lord Karen , Slattery Jo , Grainger Lorraine , Symonds Paul
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

There is considerable uncertainty regarding the acceptability of routine distress screening.

METHODS:

In an unfunded implementation study, the authors asked 50 clinicians (chemotherapy nurses and treatment radiographers/radiation technologists) to implement a screening program for distress as part of routine care and to record their feedback after each clinical encounter. In total, 379 patients were screened using a simple paper‐and‐pencil versions of distress thermometer and the emotion thermometer (ET).

RESULTS:

Across all screening applications, clinicians believed that screening was useful during 43% of assessments and was not useful during 35.9% of assessments, and they were unsure or neutral in 21.1% of assessments. The application of the screening program assisted staff in changing their clinical opinion after 41.9% of assessments, and clinicians believed that the screening program helped with communication in >50% of assessments. However, 37.5% believed that screening was impractical for routine use, and more chemotherapy nurses than radiographers rated the screening program as “not useful.” On multivariate analysis, 3 variables were associated with high staff satisfaction with screening, namely, receipt of prior training, talking with the patient about psychosocial issues, and improved detection of psychological problems. A favorable perception of screening also was linked to a change in clinical opinion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Opinions of cancer clinicians regarding routine distress screening were mixed: Approximately 33% considered screening not useful/impractical, whereas >50%n believed promoted good communication and/or helped with recognition. Clinicians who were more positive about screening gained greater benefits from screening in terms of communication and recognition. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The effect of aging and cancer on the symptom experience and physical function of elderly breast cancer survivors
Authors: Bellury Lanell , Pett Marjorie A. , Ellington Lee , Beck Susan L. , Clark Jane C. , Stein Kevin D.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

The majority of cancer survivors are aged ≥65 years, yet, historically, cancer research has focused infrequently on older patients. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of physical function within a framework that integrates the gerontologic and oncologic needs of older cancer survivors.

METHODS:

Path analysis tested 759 women who were breast cancer survivors aged ≥70 years from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors II to examine the cancer, aging, and personal characteristics that had an impact on symptoms and physical functioning.

RESULTS:

High levels of symptom bother (β = −.42) and comorbidities (β = −.21) were strongly associated with lower physical function. Comorbidity and social support (β = .21) indirectly influenced symptom bother through emotional status (β = −.35). The model demonstrated good fit with the data (chi‐square statistic, 50.6; adjusted chi‐square statistic, 2.8; P < .001; goodness‐of‐fit index, .98; root mean square error of approximation, .049 [confidence interval, .03‐.05]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current findings supported prior research indicating that the majority of older survivors of breast cancer are doing well, but there is a subset of survivors that requires ongoing attention to symptoms, comorbidities, emotional health, and social support to thrive after cancer treatment. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Two phase 2 trials of the novel Akt inhibitor perifosine in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma after progression on vascular endothelial growth factor‐targeted therapy
Authors: Cho Daniel C. , Hutson Thomas E. , Samlowski Wolfram , Sportelli Peter , Somer Brad , Richards Paul , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Puzanov Igor , Michaelson M. Dror , Flaherty Keith T. , Figlin Robert A. , Vogelzang Nicholas J.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

The clinical activity of allosteric inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may be limited by upstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)‐kinase/Akt resulting from mTOR1 inhibition. On the basis of this rationale, 2 independent phase 2 trials (Perifosine 228 and 231) were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the novel Akt inhibitor perifosine in patients with advanced RCC who had failed on previous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐targeted therapy.

METHODS:

In the Perifosine 228 trial, 24 patients with advanced RCC received oral perifosine (100 mg daily). Perifosine 231 enrolled 2 groups that received daily oral perifosine (100 mg daily): Group A comprised 32 patients who had received no prior mTOR inhibitor, and Group B comprised 18 patients who had received 1 prior mTOR inhibitor.

RESULTS:

In the Perifosine 228 trial, 1 patient achieved a partial response (objective response rate, 4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%‐20%), and 11 patients (46%) had stable disease as their best response. The median progression‐free survival was 14.2 weeks (95% confidence interval, 7.7‐21.6 weeks). In the Perifosine 231 trial, 5 patients achieved a partial response (objective response rate, 10%; 95% confidence interval, 4.5%‐22.2%) and 16 patients (32%) had stable disease as their best response. The median progression‐free survival was 14 weeks (95% confidence interval, 12.9, 20.7 weeks). Overall, perifosine was well tolerated, and there were very few grade 3 and 4 events. The most common toxicities included nausea, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although perifosine demonstrated activity in patients with advanced RCC after failure on VEGF‐targeted therapy, its activity was not superior to currently available second‐line agents. Nonetheless, perifosine may be worthy of further study in RCC in combination with other currently available therapies. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A longitudinal study of pain variability and its correlates in ambulatory patients with advanced stage cancer
Authors: Zhu Junya , Davis Roger B. , Stuver Sherri O. , Berry Donna L. , Block Susan , Weeks Jane C. , Weingart Saul N.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Although pain is common among patients with advanced cancer, little is known about longitudinal variability in pain intensity. For this report, the authors examined variability in pain intensity over 24 months among ambulatory patients with advanced stage cancers, associations between patient characteristics and within‐patient pain variability, and the relation of pain variability to overall survival.

METHODS:

The sample comprised 949 patients with solid tumors who received care and reported pain scores in at least 3 different months within 24 months of their initial stage IV diagnosis during the period from 2004 to 2006. Pain intensity was measured using a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Pain variability was defined as the standard deviation of the maximum monthly pain scores and was dichotomized at the 50th percentile into high and low variability groups.

RESULTS:

Considerable between‐patient differences in pain variability (range, 0‐5.77) were observed. Nonwhites, patients with a stage IV cancer diagnosed within the previous 3 months, and those with moderate or severe pain at baseline were more likely to experience high pain variability. Although patients with head and neck cancer generally had the highest pain variability, the intensity of their pain typically decreased over the disease course. High pain variability with worsening pain trajectory was associated with increased risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Longitudinally, pain intensity was highly variable among patients with stage IV cancer. Minority patients, newly diagnosed patients, patients with head and neck cancer, and patients with moderate or severe pain at baseline were at higher risk of large fluctuations in pain intensity. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A multi‐institution experience comparing the clinical and physiologic differences between upper extremity and lower extremity melphalan‐based isolated limb infusion
Authors: Beasley Georgia M. , Sharma Ketan , Wong Joyce , Miller Mike , Turley Ryan S. , Lidsky Michael , Masoud Melanie , Dewhirst Mark W. , Mosca Paul J. , Zager Jonathan S. , Tyler Douglas S.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Although studies of melphalan‐based isolated limb infusion (ILI) combine data from upper extremity (UE) treatments with those from lower extremity (LE) treatments, differences between the 2 may be clinically important.

METHODS:

Candidates for UE ILI (n = 51) and LE ILI (n = 192) were identified from prospective databases at 2 institutions. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Wieberdink toxicity scale were used as appropriate.

RESULTS:

The following patients had indications for UE ILI: melanoma, 36 of 47 patients (77%); sarcoma, 5 of 47 patients (11%); Merkel cell sarcoma, 3 of 47 patients (6%), and squamous cell carcinoma, 3 of 47 patients (6%). The patients who underwent UE ILI, as expected, had lower limb volumes (mean, 2.5 L vs 8.6 L; P < .001) and lower mean melphalan doses (20.7 mg vs 49.5 mg; P < .001). On perfusate blood gas analysis, the mean base excess at 30 minutes (−13.9 vs −9.1; P < .001) and the mean pH at 30 minutes (7.06 vs 7.15; P < .001) were lower for UE procedures than for LE procedures, although the mean ischemic time was longer in LE procedures (67.2 minutes) than in UE procedures (61.6 minutes; P = .03). The rate of regional toxicity grade ≥3 for UE ILI was 7% compared with 24% (P = .005) for LE ILI. There was no difference in the complete response rate for melanoma UE procedures (28%; 95% confidence interval, 16%‐44%) compared with LE ILI procedures (32%; 95% confidence interval, 25%‐39%).

CONCLUSIONS:

ILI for UE disease was associated with similar complete response rates but lower toxicity than ILI for LE disease and with different physiologic sequelae despite comparable methods. The UE appears relatively resistant to toxic effects of melphalan‐based ILI as currently performed, which suggests a potential for further optimization of drug dosing for UE ILI. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
An immunohistochemical signature comprising PTEN, MYC, and Ki67 predicts progression in prostate cancer patients receiving adjuvant docetaxel after prostatectomy
Authors: Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Keizman Daniel , Zhang Zhe , Gurel Bora , Lotan Tamara L. , Hicks Jessica L. , Fedor Helen L. , Carducci Michael A. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Eisenberger Mario A.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN is common in prostate cancer and may have prognostic significance. The authors examined PTEN and additional protein markers in primary tumors from patients with high‐risk, localized prostate cancer who received adjuvant docetaxel in a prospective multicenter trial (TAX2501).

METHODS:

Fifty‐six of 77 patients enrolled in TAX2501 had primary prostatectomy specimens available for immunohistochemical analysis of PTEN, MYC, ERG, tumor protein p53 (p53), antigen KI‐67 (Ki67), and phosphorylated forms of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and S6 ribosomal protein. Protocol‐defined progression included a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level ≥0.4 ng/mL, radiologic/clinical recurrence, or death. Univariate and multivariable proportional hazards regression analyses were used to investigate the influence of PTEN status (and other protein markers) on progression‐free survival (PFS).

RESULTS:

In this exploratory, post hoc analysis, PTEN protein loss (vs presence) was observed in 61% of patients and was associated with lower preoperative PSA levels, higher clinical stage, lower Ki67 expression, the presence of p53, and the presence of ERG. In univariate analysis, the factors associated with PFS included Gleason sum, seminal vesicle invasion, PTEN status, MYC expression, and Ki67 expression. In multivariable analysis, only 3 variables emerged as independent prognostic factors for PFS: PTEN status (P = .035), MYC expression (P = .001), and Ki67 expression (P < .001). A prognostic model was constructed that incorporated clinical covariates as well as information on PTEN, MYC, and Ki67.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that PTEN status, MYC expression, and Ki67 expression in primary tumor samples may predict PFS more accurately than clinical factors alone in men with high‐risk prostate cancer who receive adjuvant docetaxel after prostatectomy. If validated, these hypothesis‐generating findings may have prognostic and therapeutic implications and may aid clinical trial design. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A General Fractional Porous Medium Equation
Authors: de Pablo Arturo , Quirós Fernando , Rodríguez Ana , Vázquez Juan Luis
Published: June 2012

We develop a theory of existence and uniqueness for the following porous medium equation with fractional diffusion:
\input amssym $$\left\{ {\matrix{ {{{\partial u} \over {\partial t}} + \left( { ‐ \Delta } \right)^{\sigma /2} \left( {\left| u \right|^{m ‐ 1} u} \right) = 0,} \hfill & {x \in {\Bbb R} ^N ,\,\,t > 0,} \hfill \cr {u\left( {x,0} \right) = f\left( x \right),} \hfill & {x \in {\Bbb R} ^N .} \hfill \cr } } \right.$$
We consider data \input amssym $f\in L^1(\Bbb{R}^N)$ and all exponents $0<\sigma<2\;and\;m>0$. Existence and uniqueness of a strong solution is established for $ m > {m_\ast}={(N-\sigma)_+}/N$, giving rise to an L1‐contraction semigroup. In addition, we obtain the main qualitative properties of these solutions. In the lower range ${0 < m} \le {m_\ast}$ existence and uniqueness happen under some restrictions, and the properties of the solutions are different from the ones for the case above m*. We also study the dependence of solutions on f, m, and σ. Moreover, we consider the above questions for the problem posed in a bounded domain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TiO2 Composing with Pristine, Metallic or Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Which Gives the Best Performance for a Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Guai Guan Hong , Li Yao , Ng Chee Mang , Li Chang Ming , Chan‐Park Mary B.
Published: June 2012

Different types of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), pristine (p‐), metallic (m‐) and semiconducting (s‐) are incorporated into TiO2 photoanodes to improve the dye‐sensitized solar‐cell (DSSC) performance and their effects on the device performance are further investigated. Although all three types of SWCNTs are found to have comparable structural morphologies and a reduced charge transport resistivity for the photoanodes, only the semiconducting one was able to suppress charge‐recombination events, resulting in even greater improvement of DSSC performances. This is very likely to be ascribed to the higher energy barrier of s‐SWCNTs compared to both m‐ and p‐SWCNTs to block the back flowing of dye‐injected electrons for I3− reduction in the charge recombination process.
Effect of liquid state on the crystallization of Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 metallic glass
Authors: Wang Z. Z. , Zu F. Q. , Xiao C. , Li X. Y.
Published: June 2012

The correlation between the quenching temperature and the crystallization of the Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 metallic glass was examined. The electrical resistivity and the thermal property were measured to monitor the structural change of the samples quenched at the temperature of 1473 K, 1573 K, 1673 K and 1773 K, respectively. The consistent results of DSC and d(ρ(T)/ρ0)/dT‐T curves indicated different crystallization behaviors of the samples. For the samples quenched from 1773 K, the increase in ΔTx, Trg and γ imply higher glass forming ability. Moreover, according to the XRD patterns of samples annealed at different temperatures, the melt temperature influences the formation of crystallized phases of amorphous Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 alloy.
TCR‐induced T cell activation leads to simultaneous phosphorylation at Y505 and Y394 of p56lck residues
Authors: Nyakeriga Alice M. , Garg Himanshu , Joshi Anjali
Published: June 2012

Biochemical studies have demonstrated that phosphorylation of lymphocyte cell kinase (p56lck) is crucial for activation of signaling cascades following T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. However, whether phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the activating or inhibitory tyrosine residues occurs upon activation is controversial. Recent advances in intracellular staining of phospho‐epitopes and cytometric analysis, requiring few cells, have opened up novel avenues for the field of immunological signaling. Here, we assessed p56lck phosphorylation, using a multiparameter flow‐cytometric based detection method following T cell stimulation. Fixation and permeabilization in conjunction with zenon labeling technology and/or fluorescently labeled antibodies against total p56lck or cognate phospho‐tyrosine (pY) residues or surface receptors were used for detection purposes. Our observations showed that activation of Jurkat or primary human T cells using H2O2 or TCR‐induced stimulation led to simultaneous phosphorylation of the activating tyrosine residue, Y394 and the inhibitory tyrosine residue, Y505 of p56lck. This was followed by downstream calcium flux and expression of T cell activation markers; CD69 and CD40 ligand (CD40L). However, the extent of measurable activation readouts depended on the optimal stimulatory conditions (temperature and/or stimuli combinations). Treatment of cells with a p56lck‐specific inhibitor, PP2, abolished phosphorylation at either residue in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, these observations show that TCR‐induced stimulation of T cells led to simultaneous phosphorylation of p56lck residues. This implies that dephosphorylation of Y505 is not crucial for p56lck activity. Also, it is clear that cytometric analysis provides for a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative method to supplement biochemical studies on p56lck signaling pathways in T cells at single cell level. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Use of a new violet‐excitable AmCyan variant as a label in cell analysis
Authors: Guryev Oleg , Jaimes Maria C. , Edinger Mark G. , Matvienko Marta , Abrams Barny , Dubrovsky Tim
Published: June 2012

Here we report a new variant of AmCyan fluorescent protein that has been specifically designed for multicolor cell analysis. AmCyan is one of the existing violet fluorochromes for use in flow cytometers equipped with a violet (405 nm) laser. It is also widely used as a label in fluorescent spectroscopy. Limitations on its use are due to the significant AmCyan fluorescence spillover into the FITC detector, due to excitation of AmCyan by the blue (488 nm) laser. In order to resolve this problem, we modified the excitation profile of AmCyan. The new fluorescent protein that we developed, AmCyan100, has an emission profile similar to AmCyan with an emission maximum at 500 nm, but its excitation maximum is shifted to 395 nm, which coincides more closely with the violet laser line and decreases the excitation with the blue laser, thus reducing the spillover observed with the original AmCyan. Moreover, this new protein has a Stokes shift of more than 100 nm compared to the Stokes shift of 31 nm in its precursor. Our data also suggests that AmCyan100‐mAb conjugates have brightness similar toAmCyan‐mAb conjugates. In summary, AmCyan100 conjugates have minimum spillover into the FITC detector, and can potentially replace existing AmCyan conjugates in multicolor flow cytometry without any changes in instrumental setup and existing reagent panel design. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Multiparametric assessment of Cd2+ cytotoxicity using MTT‐based microfluidic image cytometry
Authors: Lim Kook Hee , Park Jonghoon , Rhee Seog Woo , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: June 2012

A modified MTT protocol‐based microfluidic image cytometry (μFIC) was performed to assess Cd2+ induced cytotoxicity. The expanded capabilities of μFIC, such as in situ measurement, high‐throughput, and multiparametric analysis of adherent cells under precisely controlled chemical environments of microfluidic channels, were demonstrated in this study. Multiparametric analysis of μFIC data has enabled us to categorize the progress of cell death into at least four different subgroups based on their morphology and metabolic activity. These advantages of the MTT‐based μFIC as a simpler, cheaper, and faster in vitro cell‐based assay tool have many implications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, toxicological, and biological application areas, and we propose this technique as a future high throughput–high content screening (HT‐HCS) platform for cytotoxicity assays and drug screening. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis, Characterisation and Catalytic Application of Oxidorhenium Complexes Bearing H‐Spirophosphorane Ligands
Authors: Skarżyńska Anna , Siczek Miłosz , Sobczak Jarosław M.
Published: June 2012

The coordination properties of the H‐spirophosphorane ligands HP(OCMe2CMe2O)2 (L1), HP(OCHMeCHMeO)2 (L2) and HP(OCH2CMe2NH)2 (L3) towards rhenium have been studied, and the complexes cis‐[ReOCl2{P(OCMe2CMe2O)OCMe2CMe2O}pic] (1a), cis‐ and trans‐[ReOCl2{P(OCMe2CMe2O)OCMe2CMe2O}lut] (2a and 2b), cis‐ and trans‐[ReOBr2{P(OCMe2CMe2O)OCMe2CMe2O}PPh3] (3a and 3b), [nBu4N][ReOCl3{P(OCMe2CMe2O)OCMe2CMe2O}] (4), cis‐[ReOCl2{P(OCHMeCHMeO)OCHMeCHMeO}py] (5), and [ReOCl3{P(OCH2CMe2NH)OCH2CMe2NH2}] (6) have been prepared. The H‐spirophosphoranes coordinate to the rhenium moiety as bidentate, ionic chelating ligands in 1–5 and as a molecular chelating ligand in 6. The chemical compositions of all the complexes were established by spectroscopic methods and the molecular structures of 1a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 5 and 6 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It was proved that some of the complexes 1–6 and their previously obtained congeners are very good cocatalyst precursors for the oxidation of aldehydes using molecular oxygen as oxidant and N‐hydroxyphthalimide as catalyst. The impact of the structures of the complexes on their catalytic activity was studied. The presence of spirophosphorane ligands in the structures seems to be essential for stabilising the active form of the cocatalyst.
An Fe(CO)5‐Thermolysis‐Based Process for the Preparation of Polymer@Iron Composite Powders with High Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Nesher Guy , Marom Gad , Avnir David
Published: June 2012

A new method for the preparation of metal–polymer composite materials is described. This new approach of doping of metals is based on the thermolysis of a zero‐valent complex. Specifically, several polymer@Fe‐composite powders were prepared and fully characterized. Iron doped with polydimethylsiloxane showed remarkable stability to air oxidation and to corrosion under simulated seawater conditions.