bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHIP CLASSIFICATION FROM MULTISPECTRAL VIDEOS
Authors: Robert-Inacio Frederique , Oudinet Ghislain , Colonna Francois-Marie
Published: June 2012

Surveillance of a seaport can be achieved by different means: radar, sonar, cameras, radio communications and so on. Such a surveillance aims, on the one hand, to manage cargo and tanker traffic, and, on the other hand, to prevent terrorist attacks in sensitive areas. In this paper an application to video-surveillance of a seaport entrance is presented, and more particularly, the different steps enabling to classify mobile shapes. This classification is based on a parameter measuring the similarity degree between the shape under study and a set of reference shapes. The classification result describes the considered mobile in terms of shape and speed.
The distibution of Elatine hydropiper L. (Elatinaceae)
Authors: Popiela Agnieszka A. , Łysko Andrzej R. , Wieczorek Anetta , Molnár Attila V.
Published: June 2012

A distribution map of Elatine hydropiper L. (Elatinaceae), which belongs to the Euro-Siberian phytogeographic element, has been prepared based on literature and web-based data. The distribution range of the taxon, comparison to previous maps and reliability of the results are discussed.
Queuing Analysis for IEEE 802.11e Networks in Non-Saturation Environments
Authors: Kim Eui-Jik , Youm Sungkwan , Choi Hyo Hyun
Published: June 2012

This paper presents an analytical model for the performance evaluation of an IEEE 802.11e network in non-saturation environments. We first characterize the probability distribution of the MAC layer packet service time. Based on the probability distribution model of the MAC layer packet service time, we then study the queuing performance of the wireless local area networks (WLANs) at different traffic loads based on the IEEE 802.11e MAC protocol. The numerical results show that we can choose a feasible number and bandwidth of the node which determines the system performance that a user demands.
Effective One-to-One Correspondence Method of O(N2 Log(N)) Complexity between Distributed Units
Authors: Park Sanghyuk , Kim Jai-Hoon , Han Chang-Hee , Kim Kangseok
Published: June 2012

Recently, NCO (Network Centric Operation) has been intensively studied. The new concept provides many benefits by sharing information among distributed militaries linked by network. Based on these, we propose a novel correspondence algorithm of O(N2Log(N)) complexity while maintaining comparable BE (Battle Effects) with the optimal algorithm. We verify the efficiency of our algorithm in terms of complexity and BE by simulation and experiment. The results show that our algorithm improves BE up to 40% comparing to conventional random correspondence methods. Also, our algorithm speeds up by several orders comparing to the optimal algorithm while sacrificing BE only 6%.
An Adaptive Allocation Algorithm Using Directional CSMA/CA over mmWave Wireless Personal Area Networks
Authors: Park Hyunhee , Shon Taeshik , Park Seunghyun , Kim Eui-Jik
Published: June 2012

Directional antennas have the considerable benefits of higher antenna gain, long transmission distance and spatial reuse compared to omni-antennas. To support a directional antenna, IEEE 802.15.3c specifies a high data transmission rate and short frequency range communication based on the characteristics of 60GHz band. However, the contention-based protocol of IEEE 802.15.3c may cause channel collisions and throughput degradation as the number of stations in the network increases. In order to resolve this problem and reduce channel access latency, we propose an adaptive allocation algorithm in which the contention window size for optimal transmission probability is derived after the directional information has been obtained by means of AP control procedures. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing channel access scheme in IEEE 802.15.3c wireless personal area networks under different situations, especially when the number of contending stations is large.
Complex Nanostructures by Pulsed Droplet Epitaxy
Authors: Sanguinetti Stefano , Somaschini Claudio , Bietti Sergio , Koguchi Noboyuki
Published: June 2012

What makes three dimensional semiconductor quantum nanostructures so attractive is the possibility to tune their electronic properties by careful design of their size and composition. These parameters set the confinement potential of electrons and holes, thus determining the electronic and optical properties of the nanostructure. An often overlooked parameter, which has an even more relevant effect on the electronic properties of the nanostructure, is shape. Gaining a strong control over the electronic properties via shape tuning is the key to access subtle electronic design possibilities. The Pulsed Dropled Epitaxy is an innovative growth method for the fabrication of quantum nanostructures with highly designable shapes and complex morphologies. With Pulsed Dropled Epitaxy it is possible to combine different nanostructures, namely quantum dots, quantum rings and quantum disks, with tunable sizes and densities, into a single multi-function nanostructure, thus allowing an unprecedented control over electronic properties.
Efficient Quantum Information Transfer through a Uniform Channel
Authors: Banchi Leonardo , Apollaro Tony J. G. , Cuccoli Alessandro , Vaia Ruggero , Verrucchi Paola
Published: June 2012

Effective quantum-state and entanglement transfer can be obtained by inducing a coherent dynamics in quantum wires with homogeneous intrawire interactions. This goal is accomplished by optimally tuning the coupling between the wire endpoints and the two qubits there attached. A general procedure to determine such value is devised, and scaling laws between the optimal coupling and the length of the wire are found. The procedure is implemented in the case of a wire consisting of a spin-1/2 XY chain: results for the time dependence of the quantities which characterize quantum-state and entanglement transfer are found of extremely good quality also for very long wires. The present approach does not require engineered intrawire interactions nor a specific initial pulse shaping, and can be applied to a vast class of quantum channels.
Gasoline engine air filter health monitoring by second‐order sliding modes
Authors: Ahmed Qadeer , Bhatti Aamer Iqbal , Rizvi Muddassar Abbas , Raza Mohsin
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a novel and cheap methodology to classify healthy and clogged air filter. Air filter is an integral part of air intake system of spark ignition engine and is responsible to deliver clean air for combustion process. A clogged air filter may hamper engine power and its drivability performance. As a consequence, its health monitoring becomes mandatory. This task is accomplished by modeling the air filter effects on air flow through inlet manifold pressure by incorporating a newly introduced air filter discharge coefficient (Caf) in its dynamics. The estimation of Caf gives an idea about the health of air filter, as no sensor can be installed to measure it. A second‐order sliding mode observer is employed to estimate immeasurable Caf. Super twisting‐based sliding mode observer requires manifold pressure, engine angular speed, and load torque as input. A successful implementation has been carried out to diagnose clogged and healthy air filter of commercial vehicle engine compliant to on‐board diagnostics version‐II. This characterizes ‘ Caf’ as a clean indicator of air filter health classification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen production via solar‐aided water splitting thermochemical cycles with nickel ferrite: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Agrafiotis Christos , Zygogianni Alexandra , Pagkoura Chrysoula , Kostoglou Margaritis , Konstandopoulos Athanasios G.
Published: June 2012

Water splitting — thermal reduction cyclic studies with NiFe2O4 redox materials were performed in a differential fixed‐bed laboratory reactor in the temperature range 700–1,400°C to quantify the effects of operation temperatures and steam mole fraction on hydrogen and oxygen yields. Hydrogen yield increased drastically by an increase of the water splitting temperature from 800 to 1,000°C reaching a plateau at 1,100°C. In parallel, a simple mathematical model was formulated describing the water splitting process via the heterogeneous surface reactions of water vapor with the redox powder material, from which, in conjunction to the aforementioned experiments, the kinetic parameters of the water splitting and thermal reduction reactions were extracted. The water splitting kinetic constants exhibited weak temperature dependence between 700 and 1,100°C suggesting the existence on the redox material of more than one type of oxygen storage sites with respect to ease of exposure and accessibility to the gas phase. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1213–1225, 2013
Antimicrobials and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis in adults: an evidenced‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Oyer Samuel L. , Kern Robert C. , Senior Brent A. MD , Kountakis Stilianos E. , Marple Bradley F. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The role of bacterial or fungal infection in CRS is unclear, yet antimicrobials are commonly prescribed for this condition. Published guidelines offer little direction regarding antibiotic strategies for CRS. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based approach to the use of antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics in the management of CRS.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed following recommendations of the Clinical Practice Guideline Manual, Conference on Guideline Standardization (COGS), and the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research Evaluation (AGREE). Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years old, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, antibiotic treatment as the experimental group, and clearly defined primary clinical endpoint. Studies involving patients with cystic fibrosis or acute invasive fungal sinusitis were excluded.

Results:

The review identified and evaluated the literature on 8 classes of antimicrobials for CRS: oral antibacterial antibiotics ≤3 weeks, oral antibacterial antibiotics >3 weeks, macrolide antibiotics, intravenous antibacterial antibiotics, topical antibacterial antibiotics, oral antifungals, intravenous antifungals, and topical antifungals.

Conclusion:

Based on the available evidence, oral antibacterial antibiotics and prolonged macrolide antibiotics are considered therapeutic options in the treatment of CRS while the use of topical antibacterial antibiotics, intravenous antibacterial antibiotics and oral, topical, or intravenous antifungals would be recommended against. These evidence‐based recommendations should not necessarily be applied to all patients with CRS and are not intended to supersede clinical judgment based on individual patient circumstances. © 2013 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Medical therapy vs surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, multi‐institutional study with 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Kern Robert , Palmer James N. , Schlosser Rodney , Chandra Rakesh K. , Chiu Alexander G. , Conley David , Mace Jess C. , Fu Rongwei F. , Stankiewicz James
Published: June 2012

Background:

This study evaluated 1‐year outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who were considered surgical candidates by study criteria and elected either medical management or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In addition, some patients initially enrolled in the medical treatment arm crossed over to the surgery arm during the study period and their respective outcomes are evaluated.

Methods:

Adult subjects with CRS who failed initial medical therapy were prospectively enrolled into a nonrandomized, multi‐institutional cohort. Subjects were included in 1 of 3 cohorts: medically managed, surgically managed, or crossover (from medical to surgical). The primary outcome measure was disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QOL). Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared QOL improvement between cohort groups.

Results:

Baseline comorbidity, QOL, and other disease severity measures were not different between the 3 cohorts. With 1‐year follow up, surgical patients (n = 65) reported significantly more improvement than medically managed patients (n = 33; Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), p = 0.039; Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), p = 0.018). Seventeen subjects who had initially elected medical management crossed over to surgery during the follow‐up period. QOL in the crossover cohort was initially stagnant or worsening followed by improvement after ESS (RSDI, p = 0.035; CSS, p = 0.070). At 1‐year follow‐up, higher frequency of improvement was found in the surgical cohort vs medical cohort for several outcomes (total CSS: 70.8% vs 45.5%; odds ratio [OR], 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27‐8.90; p = 0.014).

Conclusion:

With 1 year of follow‐up, patients electing ESS experienced significantly higher levels of improvement in outcomes compared to patients managed by medication alone. In addition, a crossover cohort who initially elected medical management experienced improvement in several outcomes after crossing over to ESS. © 2013 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Iodoform‐mediated free radical emulsion polymerization of chloroprene
Authors: Gu Juming , Yan Xinhua , Fu Zhifeng , Yang Wantai , Shi Yan
Published: June 2012

The free radical emulsion polymerization of chloroprene (CP) is carried out at 9°C using different amounts of iodoform as the chain transfer agent. The molecular weight of polychloroprene (PCP) can be regulated effectively by CHI3. PCP suitable for use as an adhesive is obtained with 0.22–0.28 wt % CHI3 and reaches even higher monomer conversion than when mercaptan is used as the chain transfer agent. The emulsion polymerization of CP with high amounts of CHI3 (1.0–3.0 wt %) proceeds in a living polymerization manner. The molecular weight increases in proportion to the monomer conversion in the range of the whole polymerization process even up to very high monomer conversion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Evaluation of the processability of boron‐containing organosilazane polymers based on shear rheology
Authors: Ouyang Ting , Gottardo Laura , Bernard Samuel , Chiriac Rodica , Balan Corneliu , Miele Philippe
Published: June 2012

The shear rheology of boron‐containing organosilazane polymers has been investigated in detail with a double objective. The first objective was to evaluate their processability to form fibers by melt‐spinning, and the second objective was to predict their molecular structure. We focused on a representative type of boron‐containing organosilazane polymers called boron‐modified polysilazanes (BmPSs) with the ideal structure [B(C2H4SiCH3NCH3)3]n (C2H4 = CHCH3, CH2CH2). Characterization tools showed that their viscous and elastic properties are strongly affected by molecular parameters fixed during synthesis and in particular by the methylamine (MA) : tris(dichlorosilylethyl)borane (TDSB) molar ratio imposed during their synthesis. In the spinning domain, the frequency dependences of the storage and loss moduli showed that the prerequisite conditions for obtaining polymer fibers are fulfilled with samples having 9.0 ≤ MA : TDSB molar ratios ≤ 9.7. However, the presence of thickening in the computed extensional viscosity function and the loss of cohesion of filament derived from samples with MA : TDSB ratio > 9.2 during drawing put in evidence the best potential of polymers with 9 ≤ MA : TDSB ratio ≤ 9.2 to generate fine‐diameter solid filaments in a stable process. Based on rheological tests, the molecular structure of BmPSs has been tentatively predicted in relation with the MA : TDSB ratio. The increase of the latter favored the disentanglement of the polymer framework, and we postulated that it lowered the molecular weight. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Variable chain conformations of renatured β‐glucan in dimethylsulfoxide/water mixture
Authors: Liu Qingye , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina
Published: June 2012

We have firstly demonstrated the renaturation process of dissociated single chains of lentinan (s‐LNT) and the variable conformations of the renatured LNT (r‐LNT). The results from ultrasensitive differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism revealed that the variable structures including perfect triple helix, defective triple helix containing duplex segment, and single chains occurred in the renaturation of s‐LNT, depending on the renaturation time, solvent composition, molecular weight, and the mode of renaturation. When water was added into s‐LNT/dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to reach 95% (v/v), the classic low‐temperature intra‐triple‐helical conformational transition at ∼10°C (T1) appeared within 4 h, indicative of a rapid reconstruction of triple helical structure. Besides, one newly endothermic peak at ∼43°C (T2) simultaneously occurred, which was first ascribed to the melting of duplex segment in the imperfect triplex. The duplex stretches disappeared when DMSO reached 50%, in which single chains coexisted with triplex. Moreover, the duplex segment disappeared by slowly dropping water into s‐LNT/DMSO. This work suggested that the structure of r‐LNT could be controllable, and provided important information for their successful development and application in polymer and life science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97:988–997, 2012.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Recycling – Potentials and Prospects
Authors: Geißen Sven‐Uwe , Bennemann Helmut , Horn Harald , Krull Rainer , Neumann Stefan
Published: June 2012

Die Nutzung von Wasser im industriellen Bereich erfordert in den nächsten Jahrzehnten die Entwicklung innovativer Verfahren zum Wassermanagement, zur Wasserbehandlung und zum Wasserrecycling. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird der Ist‐Zustand in der Industrie anhand des Wasserbedarfs sowie dessen Entwicklung, der Prozessabwasserzeugung und ‐behandlung, der aktuellen rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen und der Kosten für die Aufbereitung aufgezeigt. Drei reale Fallbeispiele zeigen die technologischen Möglichkeiten, die zurzeit schon in industriellen Produktionsanlagen bestehen, um Abwasser nach der Aufbereitung in verschiedensten Qualitäten wieder in die Produktion zurückzuführen. Abschließend wird aufgezeigt, dass durch den globalen Wandel, aber auch durch die Entwicklung der Weißen Biotechnologie, mit neuartigen Prozesswässern gerechnet werden muss, die auch neue Behandlungsverfahren erfordern.
Association Between Tp‐e/QT Ratio and Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhao Xiangmei , Xie Zhouliang , Chu Yingjie , Yang Lei , Xu Wenkai , Yang Xianzhi , Liu Xiaoyu , Tian Lixiao
Published: June 2012

Background:

Both the Tpeak‐Tend interval (Tp‐e) and the Tp‐e/QT ratio have been linked to increased risk for arrhythmia. Patient Tp‐e/QT ratios were investigated prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Hypothesis:

Tp‐e/QT ratio maybe asscioated with the prognosis in patients with ST‐segment elevation.

Methods:

A total of 338 patients (N = 338) with STEMI treated by pPCI were included. The Tp‐e and Tp‐e/QT ratio were determined using electrocardiograms in the subjects exhibiting ST‐segment elevation.

Results:

The Tp‐e/QT ratio was correlated with both short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value for outcome prediction was a Tp‐e/QT ratio of 0.29. Of the 388 patients enrolled, 115 (34.0%) exhibited a Tp‐e/QT ratio ≥0.29. Patients with a Tp‐e/QT ratio ≥0.29 showed elevated rates of both in‐hospital death (21.9% vs 2.3%; P < 0.001) and main adverse cardiac events (MACE) (48.1% vs 15.3%; P < 0.005). After discharge, Tp‐e/QT ratios ≥0.29 remained an independent predictor of all‐cause death (35.5% vs 5.2%, P < 0.001) and cardiac death (32.3% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The Tp‐e/QT ratio may serve as a prognostic predictor of adverse outcomes after successful pPCI treatment in STEMI patients. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 doi: 10.1002/clc.22022

This work was supported by grants from the Henan Provincial People's Hospital. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Frequency of mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor gene (MET) and the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PIK3CA) copy number elevation and correlation with outcome in patients with early stage breast cancer
Authors: Gonzalez‐Angulo Ana M. , Chen Huiqin , Karuturi Meghan S. , Chavez‐MacGregor Mariana , Tsavachidis Spyrus , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Do Kim‐Anh , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Thompson Patricia A. , Mills Gordon B. , Bondy Melissa L. , Blumenschein George R.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

The current study was conducted to determine the frequency and association between recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and MET and catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PIK3CA) copy number elevations in patients with early stage breast cancer.

METHODS:

Tumor DNA was extracted from 971 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded early breast cancers for molecular inversion probes arrays. Data were segmented using the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐FASST2 segmentation algorithm. Copy number gains were called when the copy number of each segment was greater than 2.3 or 1.7, respectively. RFS was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine independent associations between copy number and RFS.

RESULTS:

Of the 971 tumors studied, 82 (8.44%) and 134 (13.8%) had an elevation of the MET or PIK3CA copy number, respectively, and 25.6% of tumors with a MET copy number elevation had a PIK3CA copy number elevation. Patients with either a MET or PI3KCA high copy number tended to have poorer prognostic features (larger tumor size, higher tumor grade, and hormone receptor negativity). Both MET and PIK3CA high copy numbers were more likely to occur in patients with triple receptor‐negative disease (P = .019 and P < .001, respectively). At a median follow‐up of 7.4 years, there were 252 cases of disease recurrence. The 5‐year RFS rates were 63.5% and 83.1% for MET high copy number and MET normal/low copy number, respectively (P = .06) and 73.1%, and 82.3% for PIK3CA high copy number and PIK3CA normal/low copy number, respectively (P = .15). A high copy number for either gene was not found to be an independent predictor of RFS.

CONCLUSIONS:

A high copy number of MET or PIK3CA was found to be associated with poorer prognostic features and triple receptor‐negative disease. Coamplification was frequent. Patients with tumors with high MET copy numbers tended to have a worse RFS. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Young adults, cancer, health insurance, socioeconomic status, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Ulrich Corinne , Martin Sean
Published: June 2012

The lack of health insurance in young adults in the United States explains much of the delay in the diagnosis of, and more advanced cancer in, this age group compared with younger and older persons. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act should begin to rectify the disparity as evidenced by the 2.5‐million increase in the number of individuals aged 19 years to 25 years covered by health insurance since passage of the Act in September 2010.
Who should be included in a clinical trial of screening for bladder cancer?
Authors: Vickers Andrew J. , Bennette Caroline , Kibel Adam S. , Black Amanda , Izmirlian Grant , Stephenson Andrew J. , Bochner Bernard
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Because of its relatively low incidence, bladder cancer screening might have a better ratio of benefits to harms if it is restricted to a high‐risk population. Data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial were used and simple decision analytic techniques were applied to compare different eligibility criteria for a screening trial.

METHODS:

For a variety of possible eligibility criteria, the percentage of the population aged 55 years to 74 years and classified as being at high risk for developing invasive or high‐grade carcinoma, and therefore likely to benefit from screening, was calculated. Regression models were used to calculate a risk score based on age, sex, smoking history, and family history of bladder cancer. The reduction in cases was calculated given hypothetical risk reductions associated with screening. The trade‐off between patients screened and tumors avoided was calculated as a net benefit.

RESULTS:

The 5‐year probability of being diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer was 0.24%. Using a risk score > 6 or > 8 as the eligibility criterion for a trial was generally superior to including all older adults. In a typical scenario, a risk score > 6 would result in approximately 25% of the population being screened to prevent 57 invasive or high‐grade bladder cancers per 100,000 population; screening the entire population would prevent only an additional 38 cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Screening for bladder cancer can be optimized by restricting it to a subgroup of patients considered to be at elevated risk. Different eligibility criteria for a screening trial can be compared rationally using decision‐analytic techniques. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen‐negative and hepatitis C virus antibody‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Tao , Qin Lun‐Xiu , Gong Xiao , Zhou Jian , Sun Hui‐Chuan , Qiu Shuang‐Jian , Ye Qing‐Hai , Wang Lu , Fan Jia
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Although the incidence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative/hepatitis C virus antibody (HCVAb)‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC‐HCC) is gradually increasing, it has been mostly ignored in previous studies. The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors that influence recurrence and survival in patients with NBNC‐HCC.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed of 675 patients with NBNC‐HCC and 3529 patients with HBsAg‐positive/HCVAb‐negative HCC (BNC‐HCC) who underwent curative resection between 1997 and 2009. Intrahepatic recurrences were classified into early (≤1 year) and late (>1 year) recurrences. Multivariate competing risks analyses with Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS:

There were no significant differences between the NBNC‐HCC and BNC‐HCC groups regarding overall survival, cumulative incidence of HCC‐specific death, and recurrence. However, the patients with NBNC‐HCC were much older (P < .001), were associated less often with cirrhosis or elevated α‐fetoprotein levels (P < .001), and had a much lower ratio of men to women (P < .001). NBNC‐HCC tumors were larger (P < .001), but were involved less often with vascular invasion (P = .004). Women, serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase level, tumor size, tumor capsule, and tumor differentiation were identified as independent risk factors for HCC‐specific survival in patients with NBNC‐HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC‐specific death for women with NBNC‐HCC was significantly greater than for men with NBNC‐HCC (P < .001).Tumor capsule and vascular invasion were identified as independent risk factors for early recurrence of NBNC‐HCC, whereas tumor differentiation was identified as the only significant risk factor for late recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who had NBNC‐HCC had characteristics and prognostic factors that differed from those in patients who had BNC‐HCC. Women with NBNC‐HCC should be more closely monitored, and it may be worthwhile to evaluate estrogen administration for the maintenance of sex hormone balance and to improve these poor outcomes. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Elective irradiation of pelvic lymph nodes during postprostatectomy salvage radiotherapy
Authors: Moghanaki Drew , Koontz Bridget F. , Karlin Jeremy D. , Wan Wen , Mukhopadhay Nitai , Hagan Michael P. , Anscher Mitchell S.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Success rates with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) in men who have a postprostatectomy biochemical relapse are suboptimal. One treatment‐intensification strategy includes elective irradiation of the pelvic lymph nodes with whole pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT).

METHODS:

An inter‐institutional retrospective cohort study compared outcomes for patients who received SRT at 2 separate academic institutions with disparate treatment paradigms: almost exclusively favoring WPRT (n = 112) versus limiting treatment to the prostate bed (PBRT) (n = 135). Patients were excluded if they had lymph node involvement or if they received androgen‐deprivation therapy. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

In total, 247 patients were analyzed with a median follow‐up of 4 years. The pre‐SRT prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.58; P < .0001) and a Gleason score of 8 to 10 (adjusted HR, 3.21; P < .0001) were identified as independent predictors of increased risk of biochemical PSA progression after SRT. However, WPRT was not independently associated with biochemical progression‐free survival in the multivariate model (adjusted HR, 0.79; P = .20). Neither low‐risk patients nor high‐risk patients (defined a priori by a preoperative PSA level ≥20 ng/mL, a pathologic Gleason score between 8 and 10, or pathologic T3 tumor classification) benefited from WPRT. Overall survival was similar between treatment groups. When restricting the analysis to patients with pre‐SRT PSA levels ≥0.4 ng/mL (n = 139), WPRT was independently associated with a 53% reduction in the risk of biochemical progression (adjusted HR, 0.47; P = .031).

CONCLUSIONS:

WPRT did not improve outcomes among the entire group but was independently associated with improved biochemical control among patients with pre‐SRT PSA levels ≥0.4 ng/mL. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
An evolution in demographics, treatment, and outcomes of oropharyngeal cancer at a major cancer center
Authors: Dahlstrom Kristina R. , Calzada Gabriel , Hanby Jennifer D. , Garden Adam S. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Li Guojun , Roberts Dianna B. , Weber Randal S. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

In this retrospective review, the authors examined demographic/clinical characteristics and overall survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx at a tertiary cancer center, and they report the characteristics that influenced any observed survival trends over time.

METHODS:

The study included 3891 newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients who presented at the authors' institution between 1955 and 2004.

RESULTS:

Over time, patients presented at younger ages and were more likely to have base of tongue or tonsil tumors and to be never‐smokers or former smokers. Patients who were diagnosed between 1995 and 2004 were almost half as likely to die as those who were diagnosed before 1995 (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.6‐0.8). In both multivariable and recursive partitioning survival analyses, the TNM staging system predicted the survival of patients who received treatment before 1995 but did not predict the survival patients treated during the period from 1995 to 2004.

CONCLUSIONS:

Survival among patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx improved substantially over the past 50 years. The main contributing factors were changes in clinical characteristics, in particular surrogates for positive human papillomavirus status. The current TNM staging system for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is inadequate. The incorporation of human papillomavirus status and perhaps smoking status into the TNM system is encouraged. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Brain sources of inhibitory input to the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Bowman Belinda R. , Kumar Natasha N. , Hassan Sarah F. , McMullan Simon , Goodchild Ann K.
Published: June 2012

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contains neurons critical for cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and motor control. The activity of these neurons is controlled by inputs from multiple identified brain regions; however, the neurochemistry of these inputs is largely unknown. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and enkephalin tonically inhibit neurons within the RVLM. The aim of this study was to identify all brain regions that provide GABAergic or enkephalinergic input to the rat RVLM. Neurons immunoreactive for cholera toxin B (CTB‐ir), retrogradely transported from the RVLM, were assessed for expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) or preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA using in situ hybridization. GAD67 mRNA was expressed in CTB‐ir neurons in the following regions: the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS, 6% of CTB‐ir neurons), area postrema (AP, 8%), caudal ventrolateral medulla (17%), midline raphe (40%), ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG, 15%), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA, 25%), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA, 77%), sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA, 86%), interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure (IPAC, 56%), bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST, 59%), and medial preoptic area (MPA, 53%). PPE mRNA was expressed in CTB‐ir neurons in the following regions: the NTS (14% of CTB‐ir neurons), midline raphe (26%), LHA (22%), zona incerta (ZI, 15%), CeA (5%), paraventricular nucleus (PVN, 13%), SLEA (66%), and MPA (26%). Thus, limited brain regions contribute GABAergic and/or enkephalinergic input to the RVLM. Multiple neurochemically distinct pathways originate from these brain regions projecting to the RVLM. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:213–232, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A First‐Principle Calculation of Sulfur Oxidation on Metallic Ni(111) and Pt(111), and Bimetallic Ni@Pt(111) and Pt@Ni(111) Surfaces
Authors: Yeh Chen‐Hao , Ho Jia‐Jen
Published: June 2012

Sulfur, a pollutant known to poison fuel‐cell electrodes, generally comes from S‐containing species such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The S‐containing species become adsorbed on a metal electrode and leave atomic S strongly bound to the metal surface. This surface sulfur is completely removed typically by oxidation with O2 into gaseous SO2. According to our DFT calculations, the oxidation of sulfur at 0.25 ML surface sulfur coverage on pure Pt(111) and Ni(111) metal surfaces is exothermic. The barriers to the formation of SO2 are 0.41 and 1.07 eV, respectively. Various metals combined to form bimetallic surfaces are reported to tune the catalytic capabilities toward some reactions. Our results show that it is more difficult to remove surface sulfur from a Ni@Pt(111) surface with reaction barrier 1.86 eV for SO2 formation than from a Pt@Ni(111) surface (0.13 eV). This result is in good agreement with the statement that bimetallic surfaces could demonstrate more or less activity than to pure metal surfaces by comparing electronic and structural effects. Furthermore, by calculating the reaction free energies we found that the sulfur oxidation reaction on the Pt@Ni(111) surface exhibits the best spontaneity of SO2 desorption at either room temperature or high temperatures.
Characterization of the JT‐60U Divertor Plasma Region During the Formation of a Strong Radiation
Authors: Koubiti M. , Nakano T. , Capes H. , Marandet Y. , Mekkaoui A. , Mouret L. , Rosato J. , Stamm R.
Published: June 2012

High resolution spectra emitted by C3+ ions and measured along vertical chords in the divertor of the JT‐60U tokamak in presence of an X‐point MARFE are compared to synthetic profiles calculated taking into account Doppler and Stark effects but not the Zeeman effect because the latter was suppressed experimentally thanks to a linear polarizer transmitting only the component parallel to the toroidal magnetic field. For each viewing chord, the electron density is obtained using equal ion and electron temperatures determined from C IV line intensities observed with a large band visible spectrometer. In complement to the electron temperature distribution obtained previously from line intensities and collisional‐radiative modeling, a spatial distribution of the electron density is obtained here for the JT‐60U detached divertor with an X‐point MARFE. For spectra measured along the most central viewing chords with respect to the MARFE (intensity peak of the strong radiation), it is suggested from the spectral fitting that the emission comes from two plasma layers whose parameters have been obtained (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
PIC Simulation Study of Heat Transport Kinetic Factors in Scrape‐Off Layer Plasmas
Authors: Froese A. , Takizuka T. , Yagi M.
Published: June 2012

An accurate calculation of heat load on the divertor plates in a tokamak must take into account kinetic effects, present when the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) in the plasma column departs from a thermal distribution. In this work PARASOL‐1D, a particle‐in‐cell code with a Monte‐Carlo binary collision model, is used to find and explain the electron heat flux‐limiting factor αe and the heat transmission coefficient (HTC) γe in the complex SOL. We develop and test two simple models for these kinetic factors that take as input the temperature of the SOL and the temperature of the electrons striking the divertor plates. Both models assume a piecewise EVDF, with a symmetric bulk electron population and a high‐energy tail of electrons moving only in the direction of the nearest diverter plate. The model EVDF are fit to the simulation‐derived EVDF by allowing the variables for the densities and temperatures in the bulk and tail to vary independently. The block model, which assumes a bulk population of infinite parallel temperature in the bulk, is found to reproduce the kinetic factors for a wide range of conditions in the complex SOL much better than both the classical and Gaussian models (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis, Structure, Thermal Stability, and Magnetic and Luminescence Properties of Dinuclear Lanthanide(III) Pivalates with Chelating N‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Fomina Irina G. , Dobrokhotova Zhanna V. , Kazak Vladislav O. , Aleksandrov Grygory G. , Lysenko Konstantin A. , Puntus Lada N. , Gerasimova Vasilisa I. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Novotortsev Vladimir M. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: June 2012

New dinuclear lanthanide pivalate complexes [Tb2(piv)6(Hpiv)6], [Tb2(piv)6(bpy)2], [Tb2(piv)6(phen)2], [Tb2(piv)6(bath)2]·1.5EtOH, and [Eu2(piv)6(bath)2]·2EtOH, as well as the coordination polymer {Tb(piv)3}n, in which piv = (CH3)3CCO2–, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, bath = 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, and EtOH = ethanol, were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction. For the terbium complexes, the magnetic properties and the solid‐state thermolysis were investigated. The phase composition of the solid decomposition products was determined by X‐ray powder diffraction. The photophysical properties of these complexes were analyzed by luminescence, excitation, and phosphorescence spectroscopy, and by lifetime measurements. A comparison of the photophysical data for bpy, phen, and bath complexes shows that the supramolecular organization affects the efficiency of the sensitization of Ln3+ luminescence. All the results obtained provide good prospects for the use of dinuclear lanthanide pivalate complexes as efficient light‐conversion molecular devices (LCMD).
Halogen Addition to a Frustrated Lewis Pair
Authors: Frömel Silke , Fröhlich Roland , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2012

The reactive intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes2PCH2CH2B(C6F5)2 reacts rapidly with thionyl chloride to yield the zwitterionic chlorination product [Mes2PCl+]CH2–CH2[BCl(C6F5)2–]. Analogous zwitterionic products were obtained by the reaction of the FLP with chlorine or bromine. Compounds [Mes2PX+]CH2CH2[BX(C6F5)2–] (X = Cl, Br) were characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.
A new nonpeptide substrate of human sirtuin in a capillary electrophoresis‐based assay. Investigation of the binding mode by docking experiments
Authors: Abromeit Hans , Kannan Srinivasaraghaven , Sippl Wolfgang , Scriba Gerhard K. E.
Published: June 2012

Sirtuins are nicotinamide dinucleotide‐dependent class III histone deacetylases catalyzing various physiological processes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and ageing. This makes them attractive targets in drug research. In order to simplify sirtuin substrates for assay development, two Nɛ‐acetyllysine derivatives, Nɛ‐acetyl‐Nα‐(4‐methyl‐7‐methoxycoumarin)lysine amide, and Nɛ‐acetyl‐Nα‐(4‐methyl‐7‐methoxycoumarin)lysine methyl ester were synthesized and evaluated as substrates for human SIRT1 in a capillary electrophoresis‐based enzyme assay. Substrate, deacetylated product, and the coproduct nicotinamide were separated in a 200 mM phosphate/Tris buffer at pH 2.85. Field‐amplified sample injection was employed to achieve sufficient assay sensitivity. While the ester derivative was not recognized by the enzyme, the amide substrate was effectively converted to the deacetylated product. The assay was subsequently validated with respect to range, linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters, Km = 83 μM and Vmax = 6.8 μM/min were determined. The applicability of the assay for inhibitor screening was demonstrated using the known inhibitors sirtinol and the suramin derivate NF258. Resveratrol did not increase the deacetylation rate at concentrations of up to 200 μM. Docking experiments revealed the necessity of an amide function at the C‐terminus of nonpeptide substrates while more structural freedom is tolerated at the N‐terminus of Nɛ‐acetyllysine.
Amylose‐3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate immobilized on monolithic silica stationary phases for chiral separations in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Liu Yueqi , Heyden Yvan Vander , Mangelings Debby
Published: June 2012

Chiral monolithic silica capillary columns were prepared by immobilization of amylose‐3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate (ADMPC) bearing a small fraction of 3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl residues through intermolecular polycondensation of the triethoxysilyl groups. The obtained columns were used for chiral separations in capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The effects of the silica monolith nature and the used chiral selector concentration on the resulting enantiomeric separations were investigated. Fifteen chiral compounds, including acidic, neutral, and basic substances were evaluated and twelve showed partial or baseline separation at some of the different conditions tested. These results demonstrated the promising applicability of ADMPC‐immobilized monolithic silica columns in CEC enantioseparations, but also revealed the need for further improvements on the level of baseline separations and efficiencies.
Analytical instrument qualification in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Cianciulli Claudia , Wätzig Hermann
Published: June 2012

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a well‐established and frequently used technique in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore an appropriate analytical instrument qualification (AIQ) is required for quality assurance. AIQ forms the basis of a quality management followed by analytical method validation, system suitability tests (SSTs) and quality control checks. Two parts of the AIQ, namely the operational qualification (OQ) and the performance qualification (PQ) are of particular interest in the daily routine of the laboratory. A new concept for OQ and PQ was developed to assure the correct function of a CE system. The significance of each parameter, possible test methods as well as acceptance criteria will be presented and discussed in detail. Especially temperature adjustment by the cooling system and the voltage supply must be tested for accurate and precise operation. The detector noise, wavelength accuracy and detector linearity have to be checked as well. Finally, the injection linearity, accuracy and precision need to be qualified. The proposed set of qualification procedures is easy to implement and was already tested on five CE instruments from three different manufacturers. A time‐ and cost‐saving continuous PQ was derived, using results from method‐specific SSTs and some additional experiments. This holistic concept continuously surveys the most relevant parameters, hence assuring the suitability of the used instruments and decreasing their downtimes.
High electric field strength two‐dimensional peptide separations using a microfluidic device
Authors: Henley W. Hampton , Ramsey J. Michael
Published: June 2012

New instrumentation has been developed to improve the resolution, efficiency, and speed of microfluidic 2D separations using MEKC coupled to high field strength CE. Previously published 2D separation instrumentation [Ramsey, J. D. et al., Anal. Chem. 2003, 75, 3758–3764] from our group was limited to a maximum potential difference of 8.4 kV, resulting in an electric field strength of only approximately 200 V/cm in the first dimension. The circuit described in this report has been designed to couple a higher voltage supply with a rapidly switching, lower voltage supply to utilize the best features of each. Voltages applied in excess of 20 kV lead to high electric field strength separations in both dimensions, increasing the separation resolution, efficiency, and peak capacity while reducing the required analysis time. Detection rates as high as six peptides per second (based on total analysis time) were observed for a model protein tryptic digest separation. Additionally, higher applied voltages used in conjunction with microfluidic chips with longer length channels maintained higher electric field strengths and produced peak capacities of over 4000 for some separations. Total separation time in these longer channel devices was comparable to that obtained in short channels at low field strength; however, resolving power improved approximately threefold.
Technical improvement of the TBP (tubulin‐based polymorphism) method for plant species detection, based on capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Gavazzi Floriana , Casazza Anna Paola , Depedro Claudia , Mastromauro Francesco , Breviario Diego
Published: June 2012

Nowadays, feed and food safety and traceability are of primary importance. Hence, a correct labeling of the different products is highly desirable in general, but mandatory for those people who are suffering from eating disorders and food allergies. Among the technologies that have been developed for feed and food analysis, the patented tubulin‐based polymorphism (TBP) method emerges as an easy, versatile, and inexpensive diagnostic tool. Initially used to fingerprint different plant species and varieties, TBP was then successfully applied to trace species in mixtures of plant origin such as commercial feeds. TBP is a DNA‐based molecular marker, that makes use of PCR for the selective amplification of plant β‐tubulin introns. Amplified fragments are then separated by PAGE and visualized by silver staining. We have now developed an improved version of TBP. Based on capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence detection, it makes the method automatic, more sensible, reproducible, and faster. Compared to the classic TBP, this new version allows to obtain a better data resolution and an easier interpretation of the results, clearing the way to large‐scale feed/food diagnostics.