bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of oxygen barrier of oriented polypropylene films coated by gravure ink‐containing nanoclays
Authors: Park Seok‐Hoon , Kim Seong Jin , Lee Hyun Soo , Choi Jae Hoon , Jeong Chang Myeong , Sung Myoung Hwan , Kim Dong Hyun , Park Hyun Jin
Published: March 2011

The feasibility of a gravure ink‐containing nanoclays as an alternative oxygen (O2) barrier material to oriented polypropylene (OPP) film was investigated. The gravure ink was effectively dispersed through the clay using an ultrasonic homogenizer. Barrier properties of OPP films coated by the gravure ink‐containing nanoclays were evaluated with respect to dispersion time, clay content, and different types of nanoclays (Cloisite Na+, Cloisite 25A, and Cloisite 30B). Barrier and morphology properties of the OPP films were tested by measuring selected film properties such as O2 transmission rate (OTR), and water vapor transmission rate, and by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). OTR of control OPP film coated solely with gravure ink was 1653 cm3 m−2 day, while use of OPP films coated by the three different types of gravure ink‐containing nanoclays (nanoclay content: 1% w/w) reduced OTR by 12–37%. OTR values measured using the gravure ink‐containing modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 25A and Cloisite 30B) were markedly lower than measured by pristine gravure ink‐containing unmodified montmorillonite (Cloisite Na+). On the other hand, no remarkable differences were evident in the water vapor barrier performance of control OPP film and gravure ink‐containing nanoclay‐coated OPP film. As nanoclay content and dispersion time increased, OTR values of the OPP films coated by gravure ink‐containing nanoclays decreased. And the TEM and XRD observation indicated that intercalated and exfoliated types were generated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Perceptions among occupational and physical therapy students of a nontraditional methodology for teaching laboratory gross anatomy
Authors: Thomas K. Jackson , Denham Bryan E. , Dinolfo John D.
Published: March 2011

This pilot study was designed to assess the perceptions of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the use of computer‐assisted pedagogy and prosection‐oriented communications in the laboratory component of a human anatomy course at a comprehensive health sciences university in the southeastern United States. The goal was to determine whether student perceptions changed over the course of a summer session regarding verbal, visual, tactile, and web‐based teaching methodologies. Pretest and post‐test surveys were distributed online to students who volunteered to participate in the pilot study. Despite the relatively small sample size, statistically significant results indicated that PT and OT students who participated in this study perceived an improved ability to name major anatomical structures from memory, to draw major anatomical structures from memory, and to explain major anatomical relationships from memory. Students differed in their preferred learning styles. This study demonstrates that the combination of small group learning and digital web‐based learning seems to increase PT and OT students' confidence in their anatomical knowledge. Further research is needed to determine which forms of integrated instruction lead to improved student performance in the human gross anatomy laboratory. Anat Sci Educ 4: 71–77, 2011. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Use of interactive live digital imaging to enhance histology learning in introductory level anatomy and physiology classes
Authors: Higazi Tarig B.
Published: March 2011

Histology is one of the main subjects in introductory college‐level Human Anatomy and Physiology classes. Institutions are moving toward the replacement of traditional microscope‐based histology learning with virtual microscopy learning amid concerns of losing the valuable learning experience of traditional microscopy. This study used live digital imaging (LDI) of microscopic slides on a SMART board to enhance Histology laboratory teaching. The interactive LDI system consists of a digital camera‐equipped microscope that projects live images on a wall‐mounted SMART board via a computer. This set‐up allows real‐time illustration of microscopic slides with highlighted key structural components, as well as the ability to provide the students with relevant study and review material. The impact of interactive LDI on student learning of Histology was then measured based on performance in subsequent laboratory tests before and after its implementation. Student grades increased from a mean of 76% (70.3–82.0, 95% CI) before to 92% (88.8–95.3, 95% CI) after integration of LDI indicating highly significant (P < 0.001) enhancement in students' Histology laboratory performance. In addition, student ratings of the impact of the interactive LDI on their Histology learning were strongly positive, suggesting that a majority of students who valued this learning approach also improved learning and understanding of the material as a result. The interactive LDI technique is an innovative, highly efficient and affordable tool to enhance student Histology learning, which is likely to expand knowledge and student perception of the subject and in turn enrich future science careers. Anat Sci Educ 4: 78–83, 2011. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Cassava for food and energy: exploring potential benefits of processing of cassava into cassava flour and bioenergy at farmstead and community levels in rural Mozambique
Authors: Zvinavashe Ednah , Elbersen H. Wolter , Slingerland Maja , Kolijn Sicco , Sanders Johan P. M.
Published: March 2011

As in most of sub‐Sahara Africa, rural people in Mozambique use firewood as their main source of energy. The use of firewood is associated with several health problems, and the time spent collecting it reduces time for other activities. Cassava is grown as a reserve crop in Mozambique where it is considered a ‘woman's crop’. Because the crop is drought‐tolerant and resistant to diseases, it needs little attention and hence little labor input. This paper examines how the rural people in the case of Mozambique can use their current reserve crop, cassava, to meet their energy needs and food requirements and to increase their annual income. Cassava processing chains were modeled to assess (i) the effect of introducing an anaerobic digester for the digestion of cassava peels and other material (dung, kitchen waste and maize residues) at family level (BAU (business as usual) + family digester) and (ii) the effect of introducing an ethanol plant with treatment of stillage and production of electricity (BAU + community ethanol). The results show that it is economically viable to have BAU + family digester system and BAU + community ethanol. Sensitivity analysis showed that an increase in crop yield and the local price of cassava are the most important factors to increase the economic viability of the BAU + family digester system. Sensitivity analysis of the BAU + community ethanol system showed that this system is mainly affected by the price of ethanol. Besides the economic benefits, the proposed systems have other benefits, such as efficient recycling of nutrients and pollution reduction. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The energy balance of soybean biodiesel in Brazil: a case study
Authors: Mourad Anna Lúcia , Walter Arnaldo
Published: March 2011

Like any other manufactured product, the production of biofuels involves the consumption of several inputs along its production chain. Energy balance results are often contradictory mainly due to differences in the methodologies used for their calculation. Despite the lack of a national database, this paper is a first estimate of the energy balance of biodiesel from soybean in Brazil. Data collected from five plantations located in the state of São Paulo, with a total production of 2000 metric tonnes, along with information about the industrial production process, were taken into account for calculating the energy balance of soybean biodiesel. A renewability factor of 4.3 was found considering an input allocation factor of 18% up to the stage of soybean oil production. This result was compared to information available in the literature. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Yes, we are ready
Authors: Stevens Christian V.
Published: March 2011

Let's work toward a more sustainable and better world for all. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Indirect land‐use change: how can we avoid negative impacts?
Authors: Fritsche Uwe
Published: March 2011

As interest in biofuels has grown, concerns over competition for land use with food have been raised and the issue of indirect land‐use change has become a topic of debate. For example, if country A decides to convert more corn to biofuels and therefore exports less, country B may run short on corn for food. As a result, country B may clear forests to grow more corn itself. Such indirect land‐use changes result in higher greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of biologically precious regions. How can this threat be tackled? For BioFPR, Brigitte Osterath interviews Uwe Fritsche, Coordinator of the Energy and Climate Division at the Öko‐Institut (Institute for applied ecology) in Darmstadt, Germany. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Use of performance curves in estimating number of procedures required to achieve proficiency in coronary angiography
Authors: Räder Sune B.E.W. , Jørgensen Erik , Bech Bo , Lönn Lars , Ringsted Charlotte V.
Published: March 2011

Background: Current guidelines in cardiology training programs recommend 100–300 coronary angiography procedures for certification. We aimed to assess the number of procedures needed to reach sufficient proficiency. Methods: Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, dose area product (DAP), and contrast media volume were used as indicators of quality of performance. We analyzed data from 4,200 coronary angiographies. Performance curves of seven trainees were compared with recommended reference levels and to those of seven interventional cardiologists. Results: On average, the number of procedures needed for trainees to reach recommended reference levels was estimated as 226 and 353, for DAP and use of contrast media, respectively. After 300 procedures, trainees' procedure time, fluoroscopy time, DAP, and contrast media volume were significantly higher compared with experts' performance, P < 0.001 for all parameters. To approach the experts' level of DAP and contrast media use, trainees need 394 and 588 procedures, respectively. Performance curves showed large individual differences in the development of competence. Conclusion: On average, trainees needed 300 procedures to reach sufficient level of proficiency, and this is in accordance with current guidelines. However, because of large individual differences, performance curves might be useful in monitoring individual trainees' progress and ensure documentation of sufficient competence when dealing with patients at risk. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T‐Shaped Ionic Liquid Crystals Based on the Imidazolium Motif: Exploring Substitution of the C‐2 Imidazolium Carbon Atom
Authors: Goossens Karel , Wellens Sil , Van Hecke Kristof , Van Meervelt Luc , Cardinaels Thomas , Binnemans Koen
Published: March 2011

In this contribution the first examples of so‐called rigid‐core, T‐shaped imidazolium ionic liquid crystals, in which the C‐2 atom of the imidazolium ring is substituted with an aryl moiety decorated with one or two alkoxy chains, are described. The length of the alkoxy chain(s) was varied from six to eighteen carbon atoms (n=6, 10, 14–18). Whereas the compounds with one long alkoxy chain display only smectic A phases, the salts containing two alkoxy chains exhibit smectic A, multicontinuous cubic, as well as hexagonal columnar phases, as evidenced by polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X‐ray diffraction. Structural models are proposed for the self‐assembly of the molecules within the mesophases. The imidazolium head groups and the iodide counterions were found to adopt a peculiar orientation in the central part of the columns of the hexagonal columnar phases. The enantiotropic cubic phase shown by the 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐[3,4‐bis(pentadecyloxy)phenyl]imidazolium iodide salt has a multicontinuous Pm$\bar 3$m structure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a thermotropic cubic mesophase of this symmetry.
Chiral Diaminopyrrolic Receptors for Selective Recognition of Mannosides, Part 1: Design, Synthesis, and Affinities of Second‐Generation Tripodal Receptors
Authors: Nativi Cristina , Francesconi Oscar , Gabrielli Gabriele , Vacca Alberto , Roelens Stefano
Published: March 2011

A new generation of chiral tripodal receptors for recognition of carbohydrates, featuring trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane as a key structural element, and their recognition properties toward a set of glycosides of biologically relevant monosaccharides is described. The introduction of a chelating diamino unit into the pyrrolic tripodal architecture markedly enhanced their binding abilities compared with the parent aminopyrrolic receptors previously reported by our group. In addition, the chirality of the structure had a clear impact on affinities, as well as on selectivities, displaying high enantiodiscrimination levels. These second‐generation diaminopyrrolic tripodal receptors are highly selective for mannose among other monosaccharides, with two members of the family being selective for the α and the β anomers respectively. The measured affinities in acetonitrile, 83 μM of (S)‐7 for the β mannoside and 127 μM of (R)‐5 for the α mannoside, make them the most effective synthetic receptors for mannosides reported to date. The affinity assessment required a further evolution of the ${BC{{0\hfill \atop 50\hfill}}}$ parameter, a previously developed binding descriptor, which in its ultimate formulation has now been extended to include, with no restrictions, complexes of any stoichiometry, and can thus be generally employed to rank affinity data from heterogeneous systems on a common scale.
Concise Synthesis of Complicated Polypropionates through One‐Pot Dissymmetrical Two‐Directional Chain Elongation
Authors: Exner Claudia J. , Turks Maris , Fonquerne Freddy , Vogel Pierre
Published: March 2011

Herein, a major breakthrough in a sulfur dioxide‐mediated oxyallylation cascade reaction is reported that allows the preparation of complex long‐chain polyketide fragments with more than ten stereogenic centers through a carefully designed desymmetrization process. An allylbissilane is combined, under the appropriate reaction conditions, with two different 1,3‐dioxy‐1,3‐dienes permitting the construction of a 13‐membered polypropionate precursor in one pot. Four stereocenters are selectively created during this process. The so‐obtained pseudo‐C2‐ or ‐CS‐symmetric products are desymmetrized through selective deprotection and can be selectively elongated in both directions using aldol chemistry.
MyTH4, independent of its companion FERM domain, affects the organization of an intramacronuclear microtubule array and is involved in elongation of the macronucleus in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Gotesman Michael , Hosein Roland E. , Gavin R. H.
Published: March 2011

Myo1 is a class XIV Tetrahymena myosin involved in amitotic elongation and constriction of the macronucleus into two subnuclei at cell division. Elongation of the macronucleus is accompanied by elongation of an intramacronuclear microtubule array, which is oriented parallel to the axis of nuclear elongation. Elongation of the macronucleus often fails to occur or is only partially completed in a MYO1 knockout, and division of the macronucleus is frequently uncoupled from cytokinesis. Myo1 contains a myosin tail homology 4 (MyTH4) and a band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin homology (FERM) domain. Recently, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to demonstrate that the entire FERM domain, independent of MyTH4, is essential for localization of FERM to the cytoskeleton and does not appear to directly affect nuclear division. Antiactin coprecipitates GFP‐FERM, tubulin, actin, and Myo1. The immunoprecipitated GFP‐FERM cosediments with either exogenous F‐actin or exogenous microtubules. Here, we show that overexpressed GFP‐MyTH4 colocalized with antitubulin to intramacronuclear microtubules. Ninety percent of overexpressing cells assembled intramacronuclear microtubules that did not become organized into a parallel array. Amitosis did not advance in the absence of the parallel array of intramacronuclear microtubules. Five percent of overexpressing cells organized the parallel array, but the microtubules and the macronucleus did not achieve full elongation. Partially elongated macronuclei constricted without cytokinesis. Antiactin coprecipitated GFP‐MyTH4, tubulin, and actin. AntiGFP pulled down GFP‐MyTH4, tubulin, and actin. GFP‐MyTH4 cosedimented with either exogenous microtubules or exogenous F‐actin. A novel finding from this study is that MyTH4 and FERM have overlapping and distinct roles in the function of a myosin. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 gene and cancer risk
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Zhang Jie , Deng Yao , Tian Can , Li Xiaobo , Huang Jin , Fan Hong
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Polymorphisms in the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) gene have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer, but the many published studies have reported inconclusive results. The objective of the current study was to conduct a meta‐analysis investigating the association between polymorphisms in the CTLA‐4 gene and the risk of cancer.

METHODS:

The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for all articles published up to September 19, 2010 that addressed cancer and polymorphisms, variants, or mutations of CTLA‐4. A statistical analysis was performed using proprietary statistical software.

RESULTS:

Three polymorphisms (+49 adenine/guanine [+49A/G], −318 cytosine/thymine [−318C/T], and the +6230G/A polymorphism [CT60]) in 48 case‐control studies from 27 articles were analyzed. The results indicated that individuals who carried the +49 G allele (AG + GG) had a 16% decreased risk of cancer compared with homozygotes (+49AA; odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74‐0.95). However, there was no significant association between the risk of cancer and the −318C/T polymorphism or the CT60 polymorphism (−318C/T: OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.54 for TT + TC vs CC; CT60: OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80‐1.29 for AA + AG vs GG). In further stratified analyses for the +49A/G and −318C/T polymorphisms, the decreased risk of cancer remained in subgroups of Europeans, patients with breast cancer, and patients with lung cancer for the +49A/G polymorphism; whereas an increased risk of cancer was observed among Europeans for the −318C/T polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results from the current meta‐analysis suggested that the +49A/G and −318C/T polymorphisms in CTLA‐4 are risk factors for cancer. To further evaluate gene‐gene and gene‐environment interactions between CTLA‐4 polymorphisms and the risk of cancer, more studies with larger groups of patients will be required. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Follow‐up after chemoradiation for cervical cancer: Why?
Authors: Eiriksson Lua R. , Covens Allan
Published: March 2011

After treatment for cervical cancer, patients are followed to detect recurrent disease, to manage treatment‐related complications, and to address patient needs. FDG‐PET has been introduced as a potential tool in prognostication and selection of patients for “low‐risk” follow‐up.
Mañé's conjectures in codimension 1
Authors: Bessi Ugo , Massart Daniel
Published: March 2011

We prove Mañé's conjectures [9] in the context of codimension 1 Aubry‐Mather theory. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional analysis and classification of phytoplankton based on data from an automated flow cytometer
Authors: Malkassian Anthony , Nerini David , van Dijk Mark A. , Thyssen Melilotus , Mante Claude , Gregori Gerald
Published: March 2011

Analytical flow cytometry (FCM) is well suited for the analysis of phytoplankton communities in fresh and sea waters. The measurement of light scatter and autofluorescence properties of particles by FCM provides optical fingerprints, which enables different phytoplankton groups to be separated. A submersible version of the CytoSense flow cytometer (the CytoSub) has been designed for in situ autonomous sampling and analysis, making it possible to monitor phytoplankton at a short temporal scale and obtain accurate information about its dynamics. For data analysis, a manual clustering is usually performed a posteriori: data are displayed on histograms and scatterplots, and group discrimination is made by drawing and combining regions (gating). The purpose of this study is to provide greater objectivity in the data analysis by applying a nonmanual and consistent method to automatically discriminate clusters of particles. In other words, we seek for partitioning methods based on the optical fingerprints of each particle. As the CytoSense is able to record the full pulse shape for each variable, it quickly generates a large and complex dataset to analyze. The shape, length, and area of each curve were chosen as descriptors for the analysis. To test the developed method, numerical experiments were performed on simulated curves. Then, the method was applied and validated on phytoplankton cultures data. Promising results have been obtained with a mixture of various species whose optical fingerprints overlapped considerably and could not be accurately separated using manual gating. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Color quantification for evaluation of stained tissues
Authors: Wang Defeng , Shi Lin , Wang Yi‐Xiang J. , Man Gene Chi‐Wai , Heng Pheng Ann , Griffith James F. , Ahuja Anil T.
Published: March 2011

The objective evaluation of the color and shade in stained images remains unsolved and is frequently and extensively encountered in biomedical studies. Most of the evaluations on the color and shade in the stained images are currently performed by subjective grading, which is prone to be affected by inter‐reader variation. This paper introduces a novel approach to automatically quantify the color and shade in the stained histological image based on its similarity map in the CIELAB color space with respect to a user specified reference color. The proposed algorithm was applied on three datasets, i.e., a phantom image, the Prussian blue staining of human osteosarcoma cell culture, and histological sections of the Prussian blue stained rat kidney, liver and spleen. The result shows that our method is able to represent the color and shade as a numerical value that correlated well with human perception. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Translocation frequencies and chromosomal proximities for selected mouse chromosomes in primary B lymphocytes
Authors: Righolt Christiaan H. , Wiener Francis , Taylor‐Kashton Cheryl , Harizanova Jana , Vermolen Bart J. , Garini Yuval , Young Ian T. , Mai Sabine
Published: March 2011

Chromosome positions within the nucleus of mammalian cells are nonrandom and it is assumed that chromosomal neighborhoods affect the probability of translocations. Four chromosomes can be involved in c‐myc‐activating chromosomal translocations in mouse plasmacytoma (PCT): the c‐myc gene on mouse chromosome 15 can be juxtaposed to either one of the immunoglobulin (Ig) loci on chromosomes 12 (IgH), 16 (Igλ), or 6 (Igκ). In the BALB/c mouse, the translocation between chromosomes 12 and 15, T(12;15), is most common (90%) while the other two possible translocations, T(6;15) and T(16;15), are much less common (<10%). In contrast, in the BALB/cRb6.15 mouse, T(6;15) is found with the same frequency as T(12;15). We, therefore, examined the distance between chromosomes 15 and 12, 6, and 16 in primary mouse B lymphocytes in order to examine the effect of the chromosome proximity on the translocation frequency. We performed three‐dimensional fluorescent in situ hybridization (3D‐FISH) with chromosome paints. We acquired three‐dimensional image stacks with 90 slices per stack and used constrained iterative deconvolution. The nucleus and chromosomes were segmented from this image stack and the interchromosomal distances were measured. Chromosomes 6 and 15 were found in close proximity in BALB/cRb6.15 mice (82%), whereas they did not share this neighborhood relationship in BALB/c mice. No other chromosome combinations showed such a high percentage of close proximities in either mouse strain. Chromosome positions contribute to translocation frequencies in mouse PCTs. The BALB/cRb6.15 mouse data argue for a proximity relationship of chromosomes that engage in illegitimate recombination. These positions are not, however, the only contributing factor as the T(12;15) translocation preference in BALB/c mice could not be supported by significantly elevated proximity of chromosomes 12 and 15 versus 12 and 16 or 12 and 6. Moreover, while there is a significant increase in T(6;15) in BALB/cRb6.15 mice, T(12;15) still occurs in this mouse strain. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Efficient CDMA wireless position location system using TDOA method
Authors: Alam M. S. , Alsharif S. , Haq N.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, a new position location (PL) estimation technique for CDMA wireless communications system is proposed. The proposed technique provides faster solution to the hyperbolic model and does not suffer from the convergence problem. The performance of the proposed PL technique has been tested by considering different system parameters, such as channel noise and variable position of the user. Test results show that the proposed PL technique can successfully determine the position of a wireless user under various challenging scenarios. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary of ‘Interventions for acute otitis externa’
Authors: Editorial Office Evidence‐Based Child Health
Published: March 2011

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Kaushik V, Malik T, Saeed Sr. Interventions for acute otitis externa. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004740. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004740.pub2. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Half‐Titanocence Anilide Complexes Cp′TiCl2[N(2,6‐R12C6H3)R2]: Synthesis, Structures and Catalytic Properties for Ethylene Polymerization and Copolymerization with 1‐Hexene
Authors: Liu Kefeng , Wu Qiaolin , Gao Wei , Mu Ying , Ye Ling
Published: March 2011

A number of new half‐sandwich titanium(IV) complexes of the type [Cp′TiCl2{N(2,6‐R12C6H3)R2}] [R1 = iPr (1, 2, 4), Me (3, 5); R2 = Me (1, 3, 4, 5), Bn (2); Cp′ = Cp (1, 2, 3), Cp* (4, 5)] have been synthesized by the reaction of [Cp′TiCl3] with the lithium salts of the corresponding anilide in toluene or diethyl ether. All titanium complexes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 4, and 5 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. When activated with AliBu3 and Ph3CB(C6F5)4, complexes 1–5 exhibited reasonable catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization, producing high‐ or ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene. It was found that complex 4 shows the highest catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization and complexes 1–3 produced ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight (Mη > 3 × 106 g mol–1, viscosity‐average molecular weight) polyethylene. The copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐hexene catalyzed by these complexes in the presence of AliBu3/Ph3CB(C6F5)4 was also investigated. Complexes 4 and 5 with the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand were found to show higher catalytic activity in ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization and produced poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐hexene)s with much higher molecular weights and co‐monomer incorporation than their cyclopentadienyl analogues 1–3 under similar conditions. The co‐monomer incorporation abilities of complexes 4 and 5 are relatively high in comparison with other half‐sandwich titanium catalyst systems.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Substitution of Bis(trichloroacetimidates): A Versatile Approach to Racemic Unsaturated Amino Acids
Authors: Grigorjeva Liene , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: March 2011

Lewis acid catalyzed cyclization of trichloroacetimidates derived from 1,4‐butenediols and 1,5‐butenediols was achieved to give 4‐vinyl oxazolines and 4‐vinyloxazines in good to excellent yields. The cyclization products were transformed to protected unsaturated α‐ and β‐amino acids, thus demonstrating the novel approach to access these important classes of compounds.
Sequential ATRA/Reductive Cyclopropanation Reactions with a Ruthenium Catalyst in the Presence of Manganese
Authors: Fernández‐Zúmel Mariano A. , Buron Charlotte , Severin Kay
Published: March 2011

Atom‐transfer radical addition (ATRA) reactions of ethyl trichloroacetate, dichloromalononitrile, or diethyl 2,2‐dichloromalonate with olefins followed by dechlorination have provided functionalized cyclopropanes in one step. The RuIII complex [Cp*RuCl2(PPh3)] was used as a catalyst precursor and commercial Mn powder as reducing agent. Reactions with the less activated substrate ethyl dichloroacetate gave ATRA products with high turnover numbers but cyclopropanation was not observed.
Production of α‐amylase by Aspergillus oryzae from cassava bagasse and wastewater sludge under solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Pengthamkeerati P. , Numsomboon S. , Satapanajaru T. , Chairattanamanokorn P.
Published: March 2011

The potential of cassava bagasse (from cassava starch production) and biological sludge (biosludge, from an activated sludge treatment system) was investigated for α‐amylase production using Aspergillus oryzae TISTR 3605 under solid‐state fermentation and the optimum conditions for enzyme production were determined. The optimum conditions for α‐amylase production were 48 h of incubation, using a ratio of cassava bagasse and biosludge of 3:2 (w/w) at a moisture content of 60%, with 1 mL inoculum and distilled water as the moisturizing agent. The influence of supplementation with carbon sources (glucose and starch) suggested that only glucose increased α‐amylase production and then slightly. However, supplementing with nitrogen sources (peptone and ammonium sulfate) had no positive effect on amylase production. The results suggested that cassava bagasse and wastewater sludge had potential to be used as carbon and nutrient sources, respectively, for microorganisms to produce α‐amylase. However, further study is needed to improve the α‐amylase yield. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Evaluation of plastic energy dissipation capacity of steel beams suffering ductile fracture under various loading histories
Authors: Jiao Yu , Yamada Satoshi , Kishiki Shoichi , Shimada Yuko
Published: March 2011

The energy dissipation capacity of a structure is a very important index that indicates the structural performance in energy‐based seismic design. This index depends greatly on the structural components that form the whole system. Owing to the wide use of the strong‐column weak‐beam strength hierarchy where steel beams dissipate the majority of earthquake input energy to the structures, it is necessary to evaluate the energy dissipation capacity of the beams. Under cyclic loadings such as seismic effects, the damage of the beams accumulates. Therefore, loading history is known to be the most pivotal factor influencing the deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the beams. Seismic loadings with significantly different characteristics are applied to structural beams during different types of earthquakes and there is no unique appropriate loading protocol that can represent all types of seismic loadings. This paper focuses on the effects of various loading histories on the deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the beams. Cyclic loading tests of steel beams were performed. In addition, some experimental results from published tests were also collected to form a database. This database was used to evaluate the energy dissipation capacity of steel beams suffering from ductile fracture under various loading histories. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the face treated with radiation therapy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pugh Thomas J. , Lee Nancy Y. , Pacheco Theresa , Raben David
Published: March 2011

Background

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive neoplasm most commonly occurring on the face. Minimal data are available regarding the role of radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

Cases treated with RT from 2 comprehensive cancer centers are reviewed along with a review of the literature.

Results

Three patients with microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the face were treated with curative intent. One patient received RT as monotherapy. Two patients received postoperative RT (PORT). The patient receiving RT as monotherapy experienced excellent clinical regression, had an in‐field recurrence at 48‐month follow‐up, and is now without evidence of disease after reirradiation. Both patients receiving PORT are without evidence of disease.

Conclusion

PORT may improve local control in patients with microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and its use should be considered in patients with high‐risk features for local recurrence. RT as monotherapy should be considered when poor cosmetic outcome can be anticipated via standard surgical treatments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
The novel lupus antigen related protein acheron enhances the development of human breast cancer
Authors: Shao Rong , Scully Steve J. , Yan Wei , Bentley Brooke , Mueller James , Brown Christine , Bigelow Carol , Schwartz Lawrence M.
Published: March 2011

Acheron (Achn) is a new member of the Lupus antigen family of RNA binding proteins. Previous studies have shown that Achn controls developmental decisions in neurons and muscle. In the human mammary gland, Achn expression is restricted to ductal myoepithelial cells. Microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry have shown that Achn expression is elevated in some basal‐like ductal carcinomas. To study the possible role of Achn in breast cancer, we engineered human MDA‐MB‐231 cells to stably express enhanced green fluorescent protein‐tagged wild‐type Achn (AchnWT), as well as Achn lacking either its nuclear localization signal (AchnNLS) or its nuclear export signal (AchnNES). In in vitro assays, AchnWT and AchnNES, but not AchnNLS, enhanced cell proliferation, lamellipodia formation, and invasive activity and drove expression of the elevated expression of the metastasis‐associated proteins MMP‐9 and VEGF. To determine if Achn could alter the behavior of human breast cancer cells in vivo, Achn‐engineered MDA‐MB‐231 cells were injected into athymic SCID/Beige mice. AchnWT and AchnNES‐expressing tumors displayed enhanced angiogenesis and an approximately 5‐fold increase in tumor size relative to either control cells or those expressing AchnNLS. These data suggest that Achn enhances human breast tumor growth and vascularization and that this activity is dependent on nuclear localization.
Integrin‐dependent response to laminin‐511 regulates breast tumor cell invasion and metastasis
Authors: Kusuma Nicole , Denoyer Delphine , Eble Johannes A. , Redvers Richard P. , Parker Belinda S. , Pelzer Rebecca , Anderson Robin L. , Pouliot Normand
Published: March 2011

The basement membrane protein, laminin (LM)‐511, is a potent adhesive and migratory substrate for metastatic breast tumor cells in vitro. Its expression correlates with tumor grade and metastatic potential in vivo. These observations suggest that responsiveness to autocrine or paracrine‐derived LM‐511 may be an important property regulating breast cancer metastasis in vivo. To address this, we compared the metastatic potential of 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells to that of 4T1 variants isolated by repeated chemotactic migration toward LM‐511 in vitro (4T1LMF4) followed by serial injection into the mammary gland and recovery of spontaneous metastases from bone (4T1BM2). Variant subpopulations exhibited a distinct morphology on LM‐511 and increased expression of β1 and β4 integrins compared to parental 4T1 cells. Importantly, mice inoculated with 4T1LMF4 and 4T1BM2 variants showed a 2.5‐ to 4‐fold increase in the incidence of spontaneous metastasis to bone compared to 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. Functionally, 4T1BM2 variants were more adherent and more invasive toward LM‐511 than parental 4T1 cells. Treatment of 4T1BM2 cells with lebein‐1, a disintegrin with selectivity toward LM‐type integrin receptors, potently inhibited their migration and invasion toward LM‐511. Similarly, α3β1 integrin‐dependent migration and invasion of human MDA‐MB‐231 breast carcinoma cells toward LM‐511 were significantly inhibited by lebein‐1. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that LM‐511 contributes to the metastasis of breast tumors and suggest that targeting integrin‐LM‐511 interactions with lebein‐1 or other inhibitors of LM‐511 receptors may have therapeutic potential for patients with advanced breast cancer.
Oligomannurarate sulfate sensitizes cancer cells to doxorubicin by inhibiting atypical activation of NF‐κB via targeting of Mre11
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xin Xianliang , Chen Qin , Xie Zuoquan , Gui Min , Chen Yi , Lin Liping , Feng Jianming , Li Qiuning , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu
Published: March 2011

Aberrant regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) transcription factor is involved in cancer development, progression and resistance to chemotherapy. JG3, a marine‐derived oligomannurarate sulfate, was reported as a heparanase and NF‐κB inhibitor to significantly block tumor growth and metastasis in various animal models. However, the detailed functional mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that JG3 inhibits NF‐κB activation by specifically antagonizing the doxorubicin‐triggered Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated kinase (ATM) and the sequential MEK/ERK/p90Rsk/IKK signaling pathway but does not interfere with TNF‐α‐mediated NF‐κB activation. This selective inactivation of the specific NF‐κB cascade is attributed to the binding capacity of JG3 for Mre11, a major sensor of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB). Based on this selective mechanism, JG3 showed synergistic effect with doxorubicin in a panel of tumor cells and did not affect immune system function as shown in the in vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and hemolysis assays. All these highlight the clinical potential of JG3 as a favorable sensitizer in cancer therapy. In addition, identification of Mre11 as a potential target in the development of NF‐κB inhibitors provides a platform for the further development of effective anticancer agents.
Leukocytes as paracrine regulators of metastasis and determinants of organ‐specific colonization
Authors: Erez Neta , Coussens Lisa M.
Published: March 2011

It is now well recognized that tumor cell–host interactions regulate all aspects of cancer development. Amongst the various host response programs that facilitate primary cancer development, an emerging body of literature points to a critical role for leukocytes and their soluble mediators as regulating discrete events during primary tumor development and metastasis. This review focuses on the multiple aspects of leukocytes and their effector molecules as regulators of the metastatic process.
Cell cycle‐dependent cytotoxicity and mitotic spindle checkpoint dependency of investigational and approved antimitotic agents
Authors: Birk Martina , Bürkle Alexander , Pekari Klaus , Maier Thomas , Schmidt Mathias
Published: March 2011

The mitotic spindle checkpoint (SPC) is a highly regulated mechanism in eukaryotic cells that ensures the even distribution of the duplicated genome between daughter cells. Malfunction of the SPC or deregulated expression of SPC regulatory proteins is frequently associated with a poor response to chemotherapeutic agents. We investigated various approved and investigational mitosis‐specific agents, including spindle poisons, an Eg5 kinesin inhibitor, inhibitors of polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1) or Aurora‐B kinase, a benzamide class HDAC inhibitor and compounds identified in a chemical genetics screen for their cell cycle‐dependent cytotoxicities and for their activities toward SPC deficient (HT29, Caco‐2, T47D) and SPC proficient human cell lines (A2780, HCT116, SW480). Using the RKOp27 cell system that allows inducible cell cycle arrest by the tunable expression of the cdk inhibitor p27Kip1, we found an exquisite proliferation‐dependent cytotoxicity for all compounds except the aurora kinase inhibitor VX‐680. Cytotoxicity of the antimitotic compounds was in general higher on SPC proficient than on deficient cells. We found two exceptions, a benzamide HDAC inhibitor which was effective on SPC proficient and deficient cells and an investigational compound, BYK72767, with a yet unknown mode of action. The degree of increased mitotic index was no predictor of cytotoxicity of the compounds nor was the phosphorylation of BubR1. However, SPC deficient cell lines were able to tolerate mitotic arrest for far longer times than SPC proficient cells. We conclude that targeting of SPC deficient cancers with novel antimitotic principles remains a challenge but certain drug classes may be equally efficacious regardless of SPC status.
Anti‐tumor efficacy of naked siRNAs for ERBB3 or AKT2 against lung adenocarcinoma cell xenografts
Authors: Sithanandam Gunamani , Fornwald Laura W. , Fields Janet R. , Morris Nicole L. , Anderson Lucy M.
Published: March 2011

The use of siRNAs against specific molecular targets has potential for cancer therapy but has been thought to be limited by the need for formulation to improve cellular uptake. Lung adenocarcinoma cells are markedly suppressed in culture by siRNAs to the receptor ERBB3 or its downstream signaling partner AKT2. We now demonstrate that naked, unformulated siRNAs to ERBB3 or AKT2, administered i.v. as saline solutions, 2 μg/g five times per week for 3 weeks (total dose 30 μg/g), were effective suppressors of growth of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell xenografts in athymic mice, 12 mice per group, in four different experiments. ERBB3 and AKT2 siRNAs each inhibited growth by 70–90% on average, compared to saline‐treated or untreated controls; a nonsilencing siRNA was without significant effect. Lesser but significant effects were noted with a total dose of 12 μg/g. With the higher dose, effects persisted for several weeks after the end of treatment. Expected reductions of ERBB3 and AKT2 mRNAs and proteins occurred and correlated with decrease in tumor volume. There were no significant changes in serum cytokines. These results show that naked siRNAs to ERBB3 or AKT2 may have potential for lung cancer therapy.
The burden of cervical cancer in China: Synthesis of the evidence
Authors: Shi Ju‐Fang , Canfell Karen , Lew Jie‐Bin , Qiao You‐Lin
Published: March 2011

The burden of cervical cancer in China has not been characterized in detail. We reviewed cervical cancer data from national mortality surveys and registries, and conducted a meta‐analysis to estimate the prevalence of high‐grade lesions (HSIL) and high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infections in rural Shanxi Province. We found that a national survey in the 1970s estimated age‐standardized cervical cancer mortality rates as ∼15 and ∼83/100,000 women nationally and in Xiangyuan, Shanxi; but the latest survey (2004–2005) found much lower rates of ∼3 and ∼7/100,000, respectively. IARC registries record age‐standardized cervical cancer incidence in China as <5/100,000 (1998–2002); but the five registry sites cover <2% of the population, and the gross domestic product per capita at each of the registry sites is higher than China's average (by a factor ranging from 1.3 to 3.9). The pooled estimate of the prevalence of HSIL and HR‐HPV in women aged 30–54 years in Shanxi was 3.7%(95%CI:2.7–4.8%) and 17.2%(95%CI:13.1–21.3%), respectively. Based on a feasible range informed by the incidence data for China and other unscreened populations, the predicted indicative annual number of new cervical cancer cases nationally, in the absence of any intervention, ranges from ∼27,000 to 130,000 (2010) to 42,000 to 187,000 (2050). In conclusion, recent data suggest comparatively low rates of cervical cancer incidence in China, which may be partly explained by the location of registry sites in higher socioeconomic status areas. However, the evidence is consistent with considerable heterogeneity within China, with a higher disease burden in some rural areas such as Shanxi. Therefore, the lower reported rates of cervical cancer in China should be interpreted cautiously.
Oct1 regulates cell growth of LNCaP cells and is a prognostic factor for prostate cancer
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Takayama Ken‐ichi , Urano Tomohiko , Murata Taro , Kumagai Jinpei , Fujimura Tetsuya , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Horie‐Inoue Kuniko , Homma Yukio , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Takahashi Satoru , Inoue Satoshi
Published: March 2011

The androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in the development and the progression of prostate cancer. Alterations in the expression of AR coregulators lead to AR hypersensitivity, which is one of the mechanisms underlying the progression of prostate cancer into a castrate‐resistant state. Octamer transcription factor 1 (Oct1) is a ubiquitous member of the POU‐homeodomain family that functions as a coregulator of AR. In our study, the contribution of Oct1 to prostate cancer development was examined. Immunocytochemistry analysis showed that Oct1 is expressed in the nuclei of LNCaP cells. siRNA‐mediated silencing of Oct1 expression inhibited LNCaP cell proliferation. Immunohistochemical analysis of Oct1 expression in tumor specimens obtained from 102 patients with prostate cancer showed a positive correlation of Oct1 immunoreactivity with a high Gleason score and AR immunoreactivity (p = 0.0042 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, patients with high immunoreactivity of Oct1 showed a low cancer‐specific survival rate, and those patients with high immunoreactivities of both Oct1 and AR exhibited poorer cancer‐specific prognosis. Multivariate hazard analysis revealed a significant correlation between high Oct1 immunoreactivity and poor cancer‐specific survival (p = 0.012). These results demonstrate that Oct1 can be a prognostic factor in prostate cancer as a coregulator of AR and may lead to the development of a new therapeutic intervention for prostate cancer.