bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Change of Li1−xNi0.5Mn0.5O2 Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries by Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Arachi Yoshinori , Kobayashi Hironori , Emura Shuichi , Nakata Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Minoru , Asai Takeshi
Published: December 2002

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and XAFS measurement have been employed to investigate structural change and the charging process of a layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 cathode material. The structure of charged Li1−xNi0.5Mn0.5O2 (x=0.5), which corresponds to the composition for showing rechargeable capacity, was determined. The results showed that divalent nickel metal was oxidized to trivalent after charging, in association with the phase transition from hexagonal (R3-m) to monoclinic (C2/m) resulting from the ordering of cations in the layered structure.
Electronic Structure of InTaO4 with Monoclinic Structure
Authors: Matsushima Shigenori , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Arai Masao , Kobayashi Kenkichiro
Published: December 2002

From a first-principles band calculation, InTaO4 is predicted to be an indirect-gap material, because the valence band maximum (VBM) is located in the middle point on the ZD line and the conduction band minimum (CBM) in the middle point on the DX line. The valence band with the width ca. 6.0 eV is mainly constructed from O 2p orbitals hybridized with In4d5s5p and Ta5d orbitals, whereas the lower conduction band is constructed from Ta5d orbitals.
Intramolecular C–H and C–O Bond Activation of Dimethylplatinum(II) Complexes Having the PN Ligand
Authors: Kataoka Yasutaka , Nakamura Tatsuya , Tani Kazuhide
Published: December 2002

Reaction of (cod)PtMe2 with 1 equiv and 2 equiv of the PN ligand (PN = o-Ph2PC6H4CH2OCH2C5H4N-2) (1) gave cis-(PN-κP:κN)PtMe2 (2) and cis-(PN-κP)2PtMe2 (3) respectively. The complex 2 underwent activation of the benzylic C–H bond in toluene at 110 °C to afford (PCN-κP:κC:κN)PtMe (4). Toluene solution of 3 was refluxed for 42 h in the presence of 2 equiv of the PN ligand to afford the C–O bond cleavage product cis-(PN-κP)(Ph2PC6H4CH2-κP:κC)PtMe (cis-5) along with cis-(PN-κP)(PCN-κP:κC)PtMe (cis-6).
Electron Transport across Vesicle Bilayers Sensitized by Pyrenes: Design and Syntheses of Unsymmetrically Substituted Bifunctional Pyrenes Acting as Excellent Sensitizers
Authors: Yoshida Asako , Harada Akitomo , Mizushima Tadashi , Murata Shigeru
Published: December 2002

An electron transport from an electron donor entrapped into inner waterpool to an electron acceptor in outer aqueous solution across vesicle bilayers was sensitized by pyrene derivatives incorporated in the vesicle walls, although the sensitizer ability was very dependent on the substituent group on the pyrenyl ring. The newly designed pyrenes having both a hydrophilic group linked by short methylene chain and a hydrophobic long alkyl group were found to act as excellent sensitizers.
Efficient Ring Opening Reactions of N-Tosyl Aziridines with Amines and Water in Presence of Catalytic Amount of Cerium(IV) Ammonium Nitrate
Authors: Chakraborty Tushar K , Ghosh Animesh , Raju T Venugopal
Published: December 2002

While methyl- and benzylamines opened N-tosyl aziridines 1 very efficiently in acetonitrile with complete regio- and stereoselectivity to give the corresponding diamines 2 and 3, respectively, in excellent yields, similar openings with water could only be achieved in the presence of a catalytic amount of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate under very mild conditions furnishing the amino alcohols 4.
Hydrogen-bonded Macrocluster Formation of Ethylene Glycol on Silica Surfaces in Ethylene Glycol-Cyclohexane Binary Liquids
Authors: Kurihara Kazue , Nakagawa Yasuhiro , Mizukami Masashi
Published: December 2002

Adsorption of ethylene glycol on silica surfaces was investigated in cyclohexane. A long-range attraction appeared between the silica surfaces in the presence of ethylene glycol (>0.0005 mol%). ATR-FTIR spectra exhibited an absorption band at 3600–3000 cm−1, ascribed to the hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl groups. The results demonstrated that ethylene glycol adsorbed on the silica surfaces in a thick layer of several tens nm where it formed hydrogen-bonded molecular macroclusters.
Helical Assembly Formed by Chiral [11]Thiaheterohelicene Molecules in Crystals. Architecture with Triple Helix
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroko , Yoshino Jun , Yamada Koh-ichi , Shiro Motoo
Published: December 2002

Projection of the crystal structure of a P enantiomer of [11]thiaheterohelicene (11TH) with a helical structure of one and a half turns along the a axis revealed huge helical assemblies, in which three crystallographically independent molecules formed a smaller right-handed helix, no similar helical assembly being observed for the crystal structures of an 11TH racemate and a [9]thiaheterohelicene enantiomer.
Visible Light-induced Cationic Polymerization of Epoxides Sensitized by Benzoquinonylsulfanyl Derivatives
Authors: Suyama Kanji , Qu Weihong , Shirai Masamitsu , Tsunooka Masahiro
Published: December 2002

On irradiation with visible light, cationic polymerization of epoxides by a photoacid generator (PAG) was sensitized by benzoquinonylsulfanyl derivatives. Spectral analyses suggest that the reduction of the quinone derivatives on irradiation was the initial and essential step of the polymerization.
Extraction of Cd(II) and Zn(II) with Dialkylthiophosphinic Acid and Hexadentate Nitrogen-donor Ligand
Authors: Takeshita Kenji , Watanabe Kunio , Nakano Yoshio , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: December 2002

The extraction equilibrium of Cd(II) and Zn(II) with a commercial extractant, Cyanex 301, and an aqueous complexing agent, TPEN [N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine] was measured. When TPEN in amounts equimolar with heavy metal (Cd or Zn) was added in the aqueous solution, only the extraction of Zn was depressed. Then, the extraction constant of Cd was little changed and that of Zn was decreased to about 10−4 times. TPEN acts as a strong masking agent for Zn.
Ru(bpy)33+ Electrochemiluminescence Detection of Aliphatic and Aromatic Amines with Diketene
Authors: Uchikura Kazuo
Published: December 2002

A new derivatization method for the detection of aliphatic and aromatic amines, based on electro-chemiluminescence (ECL) with Ru(bpy)32+ is proposed. Sample amines were derivatized to acetoacetylamide-type derivatives using diketene. The derivatives were detected by reversed-phase HPLC with ECL detection using Ru(bpy)32+.
Molecular determinants of glucagon receptor signaling
Authors: Unson Cecilia G.
Published: December 2002

A 29‐amino acid polypeptide hormone, glucagon has been one of the most prolific models in the study of hormone action. The key biologic function of glucagon is to counterbalance the actions of insulin and maintain a normal level of serum glucose. Diabetes mellitus can thus be considered a bihormonal disorder with an excess of glucagon contributing to the hyperglycemic state. The effects of glucagon are mediated by the glucagon receptor, which is itself a prototypical member of a distinct category called family B receptors within the G protein‐coupled superfamily of seven‐helical transmembrane receptors (GPCRs). At the structural level, the peptide ligands of family B receptors are highly homologous, in particular in the N‐terminal region of the molecules. The mechanism by which highly homologous peptide ligands selectively recognize their receptors involves distinct molecular interactions that are gradually being elucidated. This review focuses on structural determinants of the glucagon receptor that are important for its activity with respect to interaction with its ligand and G proteins. Information about the glucagon receptor is presented within the context of what is known about other members of the family B GPCRs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 66: 218–235, 2002
Mode of action of membrane active antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Shai Yechiel
Published: December 2002

Water‐membrane soluble protein and peptide toxins are used in the defense and offense systems of all organisms, including plants and humans. A major group includes antimicrobial peptides, which serve as a nonspecific defense system that complements the highly specific cell‐mediated immune response. The increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics stimulated the isolation and characterization of many antimicrobial peptides for potential use as new target antibiotics. The finding of thousands of antimicrobial peptides with variable lengths and sequences, all of which are active at similar concentrations, suggests a general mechanism for killing bacteria rather than a specific mechanism that requires preferred active structures. Such a mechanism is in agreement with the “carpet model” that does not require any specific structure or sequence. It seems that when there is an appropriate balance between hydrophobicity and a net positive charge the peptides are active on bacteria. However, selective activity depends also on other parameters, such as the volume of the molecule, its structure, and its oligomeric state in solution and membranes. Further, although many studies support that bacterial membrane damage is a lethal event for bacteria, other studies point to a multihit mechanism in which the peptide binds to several targets in the cytoplasmic region of the bacteria.
Structure and function of membrane fusion peptides
Authors: Tamm Lukas K. , Han Xing , Li Yinling , Lai Alex L.
Published: December 2002

Membrane fusion peptides are highly conserved hydrophobic domains of fusion proteins that insert into membranes during membrane fusion. Recent success with solving the structures of the influenza hemagglutinin fusion peptide and some critical mutants of this peptide in membrane environments at high resolution has led to a new understanding of the mechanism of membrane fusion. This review highlights the structures that have been solved and summarizes recent thermodynamic and spectroscopic studies on the interactions of this interesting class of peptides with lipid bilayers. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 66: 249–260, 2002
Use of confocal microscopy to follow the development of penetrative hyphae during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus in an artificial solid‐state fermentation system
Authors: Nopharatana Montira , Mitchell David A. , Howes Tony
Published: December 2002

Two methods were compared for determining the concentration of penetrative biomass during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus on an artificial solid substrate consisting of an inert gel and starch as the sole source of carbon and energy. The first method was based on the use of a hand microtome to make sections of approximately 0.2‐ to 0.4‐mm thickness parallel to the substrate surface and the determination of the glucosamine content in each slice. Use of glucosamine measurements to estimate biomass concentrations was shown to be problematic due to the large variations in glucosamine content with mycelial age. The second method was a novel method based on the use of confocal scanning laser microscopy to estimate the fractional volume occupied by the biomass. Although it is not simple to translate fractional volumes into dry weights of hyphae due to the lack of experimentally determined conversion factors, measurement of the fractional volumes in themselves is useful for characterizing fungal penetration into the substrate. Growth of penetrative biomass in the artificial model substrate showed two forms of growth with an indistinct mass in the region close to the substrate surface and a few hyphae penetrating perpendicularly to the surface in regions further away from the substrate surface. The biomass profiles against depth obtained from the confocal microscopy showed two linear regions on log–linear plots, which are possibly related to different oxygen availability at different depths within the substrate. Confocal microscopy has the potential to be a powerful tool in the investigation of fungal growth mechanisms in solid‐state fermentation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 438–447, 2003.
Enrichment of denitrifying glycogen‐accumulating organisms in anaerobic/anoxic activated sludge system
Authors: Zeng Raymond J. , Yuan Zhiguo , Keller Jürg
Published: December 2002

Denitrifying glycogen‐accumulating organisms (DGAO) were successfully enriched in a lab‐scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) running with anaerobic/anoxic cycles and acetate feeding during the anaerobic period. Acetate was completely taken up anaerobically, which was accompanied by the consumption of glycogen and the production of poly‐β‐hydroxy‐alkanoates (PHA). In the subsequent anoxic stage, nitrate or nitrite was utilized as electron acceptor for the oxidation of PHA, resulting in glycogen replenishment and cell growth. The above phenotype showed by the enrichment culture demonstrates the existence of DGAO. Further, it was found that the anaerobic behavior of DGAO could be predicted well by the anaerobic GAO model of Filipe et al. (2001) and Zeng et al. (2002a). The final product of denitrification during anoxic stage was mainly nitrous oxide (N2O) rather than N2. The data strongly suggests that N2O production may be caused by the inhibition of nitrous oxide reductase by an elevated level of nitrite accumulated during denitrification. The existence of these organisms is a concern in biological nutrient removal systems that typically have an anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic reactor sequence since they are potential competitors to the polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 397–404, 2003.
Development of a novel titration and off‐gas analysis (TOGA) sensor for study of biological processes in wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Pratt Steven , Yuan Zhiguo , Gapes Daniel , Dorigo Marco , Zeng Raymond J. , Keller Jurg
Published: December 2002

The development of the new TOGA (titration and off‐gas analysis) sensor for the detailed study of biological processes in wastewater treatment systems is outlined. The main innovation of the sensor is the amalgamation of titrimetric and off‐gas measurement techniques. The resulting measured signals are: hydrogen ion production rate (HPR), oxygen transfer rate (OTR), nitrogen transfer rate (NTR), and carbon dioxide transfer rate (CTR). While OTR and NTR are applicable to aerobic and anoxic conditions, respectively, HPR and CTR are useful signals under all of the conditions found in biological wastewater treatment systems, namely, aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic. The sensor is therefore a powerful tool for studying the key biological processes under all these conditions. A major benefit from the integration of the titrimetric and off‐gas analysis methods is that the acid/base buffering systems, in particular the bicarbonate system, are properly accounted for. Experimental data resulting from the TOGA sensor in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions demonstrates the strength of the new sensor. In the aerobic environment, carbon oxidation (using acetate as an example carbon source) and nitrification are studied. Both the carbon and ammonia removal rates measured by the sensor compare very well with those obtained from off‐line chemical analysis. Further, the aerobic acetate removal process is examined at a fundamental level using the metabolic pathway and stoichiometry established in the literature, whereby the rate of formation of storage products is identified. Under anoxic conditions, the denitrification process is monitored and, again, the measured rate of nitrogen gas transfer (NTR) matches well with the removal of the oxidised nitrogen compounds (measured chemically). In the anaerobic environment, the enhanced biological phosphorus process was investigated. In this case, the measured sensor signals (HPR and CTR) resulting from acetate uptake were used to determine the ratio of the rates of carbon dioxide production by competing groups of microorganisms, which consequently is a measure of the activity of these organisms. The sensor involves the use of expensive equipment such as a mass spectrometer and requires special gases to operate, thus incurring significant capital and operational costs. This makes the sensor more an advanced laboratory tool than an on‐line sensor. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 482–495, 2003.
A mechanistic model of photosynthesis in microalgae
Authors: Rubio F. Camacho , Camacho F. García , Sevilla J. M. Fernández , Chisti Y. , Grima E. Molina
Published: December 2002

A dynamic model of photosynthesis is developed, accounting for factors such as photoadaptation, photoinhibition, and the “flashing light effect.” The model is shown to explain the reported photosynthesis–irradiance responses observed under various conditions (constant low light, constant intense irradiance, flashing light, diurnal variation in irradiance). As significant distinguishing features, the model assumes: (1) The stored photochemical energy is consumed in an enzyme‐mediated process that obeys Michaelis‐Menten kinetics; and (2) photoinhibition has a square‐root dependence on irradiance. Earlier dynamic models of photosynthesis assumed a first‐order dependence of photoinhibition on irradiance and different kinetics of consumption of the stored energy than used in this work. These earlier models could not explain the photosynthesis—irradiance behavior under the full range of irradiance scenarios—a shortcoming that is overcome in the model developed in this work. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 459–473, 2003.
Maximization of hydrogen production ability in high‐density suspension of Rhodovulum sulfidophilum cells using intracellular poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) as sole substrate
Authors: Maeda Isamu , Miyasaka Hitoshi , Umeda Fusako , Kawase Masaya , Yagi Kiyohito
Published: December 2002

Growth of and hydrogen production by wild‐type (WT) Rhodovulum sulfidophilum were compared with those by one of its mutants lacking the poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) biosynthesis ability (PNM2). During phototrophic growth under aerobic conditions with fixed illumination, changes in the extinction coefficient and PHB content of WT and PNM2 cells revealed interference of light penetration by PHB. WT cells synthesized PHB at an early stage of the cultivation. PHB degradation after exhaustion of acetate during the cultivation of WT resulted in a decrease of the extinction coefficient. The hydrogen production rate under anaerobic conditions with fixed illumination was examined in WT and PNM2 cell suspensions at different densities. The hydrogen production rate was determined not by the light penetration but by the kinds of hydrogen donors and the density of suspension. The highest value of the rate of hydrogen production from PHB, 33.0 ml/l/h, was improved compared with 26.6 ml/l/h, which was the highest value in hydrogen production from succinate. Under the same illumination, conversion to hydrogen from PHB is more efficient than that from succinate, which is one of the best substrates for hydrogen production. These results suggest that the hydrogen production rate can be maximized in the hydrogen production system based on PHB degradation, which is achieved in high‐density suspension under external‐substrate‐depleted conditions after aerobic cultivation in the presence of an excess amount of acetate. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 474–481, 2003.
Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐enhanced solubilization and aerobic biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls in two aged‐contaminated soils
Authors: Fava Fabio , Bertin Lorenzo , Fedi Stefano , Zannoni Davide
Published: December 2002

The bioremediation of aged polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)‐contaminated soils is adversely affected by the low bioavailability of the pollutants. Randomly methylated‐β‐cyclodextrins (RAMEB) were tested as a potential PCB‐bioavailability‐enhancing agent in the aerobic treatment of two aged‐contaminated soils. The soils, contaminated by about 890 and 8500 mg/kg of Aroclor 1260 PCBs, were amended with biphenyl (4 g/kg), inorganic nutrients (to adjust their C:N ratio to 20:1), and variable amounts of RAMEB (0%, 0.5%, or 1.0% [w/w]) and treated in both aerobic 3‐L solid‐phase reactors and 1.5‐L packed‐bed loop reactors for 6 months. Notably, significant enhancement of the PCB biodegradation and dechlorination, along with a detectable depletion of the initial soil ecotoxicity, were generally observed in the RAMEB‐treated reactors of both soils. RAMEB effects were different in the two soils, depending upon the treatment conditions employed, and generally increased proportionally with the concentration at which RAMEB was applied. RAMEB, which was slowly metabolized by the soil's aerobic microorganisms, was found to markedly enhance the occurrence of the indigenous aerobic, cultivable biphenyl‐growing bacteria harboring genes homologous to those of two highly specialized PCB degraders (i.e., bphABC genes of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 and bphA1A2A3A4BC1 genes of Rhodococcus globerulus P6) and chlorobenzoic acid‐degrading bacteria as well as the occurrence of PCBs in the water phase of the soil reactors. These findings indicate that RAMEB enhanced the aerobic bioremediation of the two soils by increasing the bioavailability of PCBs and the occurrence of specialized bacteria in the soil reactors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 381–390, 2003.
Doxorubicin‐paclitaxel
Authors: Biganzoli Laura , Cufer Tanja , Bruning Peter , Coleman Robert E. , Duchateau Luc , Rapoport Bernardo , Nooij Marianne , Delhaye François , Miles D. , Sulkes Aaron , Hamilton A. , Piccart Martine
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

The potential cardiotoxicy of the doxorubicin‐paclitaxel regimen, when paclitaxel is given shortly after the end of the anthracycline infusion, is an issue of concern, as suggested by small single institution Phase II studies.

METHODS

In a large multicenter Phase III trial, 275 anthracycline naive metastatic breast carcinoma patients were randomized to receive either doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) followed 30 minutes later by paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 3‐hour infusion; AT) or a standard doxorubicin‐cyclophosphamide regimen (AC; 60/600 mg/m2). Both treatments were given once every 3 weeks for a maximum of six cycles. Close cardiac monitoring was implemented in the study design.

RESULTS

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurred in three patients in the AT arm and in one patient in the AC arm (P = 0.62). Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction to below the limit of normal were documented in 33% AT and 19% AC patients and were not predictive of CHF development.

CONCLUSIONS

AT is devoid of excessive cardiac risk among metastatic breast carcinoma patients, when the maximum planned cumulative dose of doxorubicin does not exceed 360 mg/m2. Cancer 2003;97:40–5. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10914
Long‐term follow‐up of a prospective policy of margin‐directed radiation dose escalation in breast‐conserving therapy
Authors: Neuschatz Andrew C. , DiPetrillo Thomas , Safaii Homa , Price Lori Lyn , Schmidt‐Ullrich Rupert K. , Wazer David E.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

A prospectively applied treatment policy for breast‐conserving therapy used margin assessment as the exclusive guide to the intensity of radiation therapy directed at the tumor bed.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1994, 498 women with 509 Stage I/II breast carcinomas with a median follow‐up of 121 months were treated. Final margin status (FMS) categories were defined as greater than 5 mm, greater than 2–5 mm, greater than 0–2 mm, and positive. For margins less than or equal to 2 mm or indeterminate, reexcisions were performed if feasible. All patients received whole breast irradiation to 50.0–50.4 Gy. Final tumor bed boosts as a function of FMS were as follows: no residual on reexcision, no boost performed; FMS greater than 5 mm, boost of 10 Gy; FMS greater than 2–5 mm, boost of 14 Gy; FMS greater than 0–2 mm or positive, boost of 20 Gy. Cases were analyzed for local failure with respect to histology, age, tumor size, excision volume, reexcision, and total dose.

RESULTS

FMS was positive, greater than 0–2 mm, greater than 2–5 mm, and greater than 5 mm, and no residual tumor on reexcision in 21%, 20%, 17%, 14%, and 28% of cases, respectively. At 12 years, Kaplan–Meier local failure rates were 17% for FMS positive, 9% for FMS greater than 0–2 mm, 5% for FMS greater than 2–5 mm, 0% for FMS greater than 5 mm, and 6% for specimens without evidence of residuum on reexcision (P = 0.009). Patients 45 years old and younger had a 12‐year local failure rate of 15% whereas patients older than 45 years had a 12‐year local failure rate of 6% (P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, young age (P = 0.03) predicted increased local failure rate, whereas margins that were less than or equal to 2 mm or positive predicted late (> 5 years) but not early (≤ 5 years) recurrence (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Graded tumor bed dose escalation in response to FMS results in very low rates of local failure over the first 5 years for all FMS categories. However, tumors with close/positive margins have significantly increased local failure rates after 5 years of follow‐up even with increased radiation boost dose. In addition, graded tumor bed dose escalation does not fully overcome the adverse influence of young age. Cancer 2003;97:30–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10981
Long‐term results of three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Wolden Suzanne L. , La B.S. Trang H. , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Meyers Paul A. , Kraus Dennis H. , Wexler Leonard H.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated the outcome of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) who were treated with three‐dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (RT) at a single institution.

METHODS

The records of all 69 patients with RMS who received 3D RT from 1989 to 2001 were reviewed. All patients received multiagent chemotherapy with or without surgical resection. Follow‐up of surviving patients ranged from 1.0 year to 12.8 years (median, 4.3 years).

RESULTS

The median patient age was 6 years (range, 1–29 years), and there was a male:female ratio of 1.5:1. Forty‐eight patients had embryonal sarcomas, 14 patients had alveolar sarcomas, and 7 patients had undifferentiated sarcomas. The parameningeal area (n = 22 patients) and the trunk (n = 21 patients) were the most common sites. Twelve percent of patients had Stage I disease, 10% of patients had Stage II disease, 51% of patients had Stage III disease, and 27% of patients had Stage V disease. Nine percent of patients were in clinical Group II, 64% of patients were in Group III, and 27% of patients were in Group IV. Regional lymph nodes were involved in 33% of patients, and 77% of tumors measured ≥ 5 cm in greatest dimension. The actuarial 5‐year local and regional control rates were 90% and 91%, respectively. No predictive factors for local failure were identified; however, alveolar histology was correlated with regional recurrence (29% compared with 4%; P = 0.02). The disease free and overall survival rates were 60% and 63% at 5 years, respectively. Disease stage was most predictive of 5‐year survival (76% of patients with Stage I–III disease compared with 24% of patients with Stage IV disease; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High rates of local control were achieved in patients with RMS using 3D RT. Regional lymph node failure was increased significantly among patients with alveolar histology. Control of metastatic disease remains a formidable problem for patients with Stage IV RMS. Cancer 2003;97:179–85. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11001
Matrix metalloproteinase‐26 is expressed in human endometrium but not in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Isaka Keiichi , Nishi Hirotaka , Nakai Hiromi , Nakada Toshihide , Feng Li Yin , Ebihara Yoshiro , Takayama Masaomi
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

The human matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐26, also called matrilysin‐2 or endometase, has been isolated as a matrilysin (MMP‐7) homolog. Matrix metalloproteinase‐26 was expressed in tissue samples from the placenta and endometrial tumors and its expression may be related to the development of endometrial carcinomas.

METHODS

Total RNAs were isolated from 5 endometrial carcinoma cell lines, 36 normal endometrial tissue samples, 4 hyperplasia tissue samples, and from 24 endometrial carcinoma tissue samples. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reation (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect MMP‐26 mRNA expression. To identify MMP‐26 mRNA localization and protein expression, we performed in situ RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that MMP‐26 mRNA was expressed in 24 of 36 normal human endometrial tissue samples. However, MMP‐26 mRNA expression was not detected in endometrial carcinoma cell lines nor in endometrial carcinoma tissue samples except for one case. Western blot analysis showed similar results. In situ RT‐PCR analysis revealed that MMP‐26 expression was localized in the epithelial glandular cells but faint expression was observed in the stromal cells. Subsequently, we separated endometrial tissues into epithelial glandular and stromal cells. Using RT‐PCR, the purified epithelial glandular cells exhibited MMP‐26 mRNA expression but the purified stromal cells did not. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that MMP‐26 protein expression is also limited to endometrial epithelial glandular cells but not to cancer cells. Therefore, MMP‐26 expression is limited to normal epithelial glandular cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant difference in MMP‐26 expression in normal and malignant endometrial tissue samples, although its function is still unknown. These data suggest that MMP‐26 may be a candidate for a new tumor marker for endometrial carcinomas. Cancer 2003;97:79–89. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11030
Diagnosis of neck recurrences in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Frasoldati Andrea , Pesenti Marialaura , Gallo Marco , Caroggio Angelo , Salvo Diana , Valcavi Roberto
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

The follow‐up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is traditionally carried out with 131I whole body scan (131I WBS) and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement. Neck ultrasonography (US) is also used.

METHODS

We compared the roles of Tg measurement (IRMA assay) after l‐thyroxine (T4) withdrawal, 131I WBS, and US in the diagnosis of DTC neck recurrences. Diagnosis of DTC neck recurrences was based on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or on histologic results. Four hundred ninety‐four DTC patients (120 males, 374 females; mean age, 49.3 years), submitted to total thyroidectomy and subsequent radioablative 131I treatment, underwent serum Tg measurement off T4 therapy, 131I WBS, and neck US at our institution. Mean (± SD) follow‐up time was 55.1 ± 37.7 months. Neck DTC recurrences were detected in 51 (10.3%) patients (34 females, 17 males; mean age, 49.5 years).

RESULTS

Neck recurrences occurred after 44.6 ± 21.4 months from initial treatment. Serum Tg levels increased (≥ 2 ng/mL) off T4 therapy in 29 patients (sensitivity 56.8%), 131I WBS showed neck uptake in 23 patients (sensitivity 45.1%) and coexisting distant metastases were detected in 9 of 23 patients, and US identified neck recurrence in 48 patients (sensitivity 94.1%). Of these 48 neck recurrences, 19 were found in the laterocervical compartment and 29 in the central neck compartment.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional techniques for the surveillance of DTC patients are not as sensitive as US in the detection of neck recurrences. Neck US detects recurrences in patients with undetectable serum Tg levels and negative IWBS and should be performed as the first‐line test in the follow‐up of all DTC patients. Cancer 2003;97:90–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11031
Is whole‐brain irradiation necessary for primary central nervous system lymphoma?
Authors: Shibamoto Yuta , Hayabuchi Naofumi , Hiratsuka Jun‐ichi , Tokumaru Sunao , Shirato Hiroki , Sougawa Mitsuharu , Oya Natsuo , Uematsu Yuji , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Neurotoxicity after whole‐brain irradiation remains a major problem in the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). To clarify whether whole‐brain radiation is necessary for PCNSL, the authors retrospectively analyzed the outcome of patients treated with partial‐brain irradiation.

METHODS

A nationwide survey was performed regarding the treatment of PCNSL. Among 62 institutions surveyed, 7 were identified in which whole‐brain irradiation was not necessarily employed. Questionnaires were sent to these institutions and 43 patients who had been treated using partial‐brain fields since 1985 were collected. Thirty‐two patients had solitary lesions and 11 had multiple lesions. Patterns of recurrence could be identified in 38 patients.

RESULTS

The cumulative in‐field and out‐field recurrence rates at 5 years were 57% and 49%, respectively. Of 14 out‐field recurrences, 2 occurred at the safety margin of the previous radiation field. The out‐field recurrence rate was 45% in patients with a single lesion and 67% in those with multiple tumors (P = 0.79). The out‐field recurrence rate was 22% for patients treated with safety margins of ≥ 4 cm and 83% for those treated with safety margins of < 4 cm (P = 0.0079). The median survival time and the 5‐year survival rate were 28.5 months and 20%, respectively, in the former group of patients and 15 months and 11%, respectively, in the latter group (P = 0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

Focal radiotherapy with safety margins of < 4 cm appears to be associated with a very high rate of out‐field recurrence, but the use of a radiation field with generous safety margins (≥ 4 cm) appears to be worth further investigation. Cancer 2003;97:128–33. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11035
Temozolomide in combination with interferon α‐2b in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Agarwala Sanjiv S. , Kirkwood John M.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Metastatic melanoma (MM) is associated with a high risk of central nervous system (CNS) metastases, and current chemotherapy does not adequately treat or protect patients with MM against CNS metastases. Therefore, the authors initiated a Phase I study to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of temozolomide (TMZ), a novel oral alkylating agent known to cross the blood‐brain barrier, in combination with interferon α‐2b (IFN‐α2b).

METHODS

Twenty‐three patients with MM were enrolled in this single‐center, open‐label study. Patients with CNS metastasis were excluded. One cohort (n = 6 patients) received oral TMZ (200 mg/m2 per day) for 5 days every 28‐day cycle plus subcutaneous IFN‐α2b (5 million International Units [MIU]/m2 per day, 3 times per week). A second cohort (n = 17 patients) received TMZ 150 mg/m2 per day on the same schedule plus escalating doses of IFN‐α2b (5.0 MIU/m2 per day, 7.5 MIU/m2 per day, and 10 MIU/m2 per day 3 times per week).

RESULTS

The most common adverse events were fatigue, fever, nausea/emesis, anxiety, and diarrhea. Most toxicity was mild to moderate in severity. The primary dose‐limiting toxicity was thrombocytopenia. The maximum tolerated dose was either TMZ 150 mg/m2 plus IFN‐α2b 7.5 MIU/m2 or TMZ 200 mg/m2 plus IFN‐α2b 5.0 MIU/m2. Four patients (17%) had objective responses (one complete response and three partial responses), and four patients had stable disease. The median survival was 9 months. The pharmacokinetics of TMZ were not affected by coadministration of IFN‐α2b.

CONCLUSIONS

TMZ can be combined safely with IFN‐α2b. This regimen demonstrated clinical activity in patients with MM and merits further investigation to define its effect on the incidence of brain metastases. Cancer 2003;97:121–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11041
Selective modulation of postmenopausal women
Authors: Diamanti‐Kandarakis Evanthia , Sykiotis Gerasimos P. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has proven and presumable benefits for women desiring postmenopausal health preservation. Among HRT‐associated risks, the fear of breast carcinoma intimidates women and physicians contemplating hormonal treatment and limits long‐term compliance. Identifying effective alternative medications that are not associated with breast carcinoma or that even may prevent its development would be a major advance.

METHODS

This article discusses the clinical perspective of HRT and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in light of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of estrogen and progesterone action on the breast. Emphasis is placed on the potential of selective receptor modulation as the future of postmenopausal treatment.

RESULTS

Current epidemiologic evidence suggests that HRT is associated with a small but substantial increase in the risk of breast carcinoma, and combined estrogen‐progesterone regimens further increase this hazard. Ample biologic data support this clinical association and propose multiple molecular mechanisms for the effects of estrogen and progesterone on breast cells. SERMs are a novel class of drugs that demonstrate estrogen agonistic and antagonistic actions in a tissue specific manner. SERMs act by binding the estrogen receptor and selectively modulating its effect on gene transcription at target tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

SERMs offer an alternative to HRT that can successfully circumvent the intimidating side‐effect of breast carcinoma. Further insight into the molecular mechanisms of SERM action may enable the development of agents with improved target‐tissue selectivity. Identifying selective modulators with unique pharmacologic properties would facilitate the creation of individualized treatment for the postmenopausal woman according to her particular predisposition for menopause‐related morbidities and her overall clinical profile. Cancer 2003;97:12–20. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11049
Racial/ethnic variation in clinical presentation, treatment, and survival among breast cancer patients under age 35
Authors: Shavers Vickie L. , Harlan Linda C. , Stevens Jennifer L.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

The age specific breast cancer incidence rate for African‐American women under age 35 is more than twice the rate for white women of similar age, and the mortality rate is more than three times higher. To determine factors that may explain racial/ethnic variation in outcomes among young women diagnosed with breast cancer, the authors examined the clinical presentation, treatment, and survival of African‐American, Hispanic, and white women under age 35 years.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data for 1990–1998 and SEER Patterns of Care data for 1990, 1991, and 1995 were used for this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the receipt of selected breast cancer treatments. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine 5‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival.

RESULTS

The authors found racial/ethnic variation in clinical presentation, treatment, and survival. Both African‐American and Hispanic women presented with higher disease stage and a higher prevalence of adverse prognostic indicators compared to white women. African‐American and Hispanic women received cancer‐directed surgery and radiation less frequently after undergoing breast‐conserving surgery. Racial/ethnic differences in clinical presentation and treatment were associated with poorer overall survival in unadjusted analyses. African‐American and Hispanic women also had poorer overall survival after controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics and type of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research studies should further examine the factors that influence racial/ethnic differences in incidence, clinical presentation, and treatment differentials among young women diagnosed with breast cancer. A better understanding of these factors will facilitate the development of strategies to help eliminate this health disparity. Cancer 2003;97:134–47. Published 2003 by the American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11051
Advanced age at diagnosis is an independent predictor of time to death from prostate carcinoma for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate carcinoma
Authors: D'Amico Anthony V. , Cote Kerri , Loffredo Marian , Renshaw Andrew A. , Chen Ming‐Hui
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Whether age at diagnosis is predictive of time to prostate carcinoma specific death after external beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients who are diagnosed with clinically localized prostate carcinoma during the prostate specific antigen (PSA) era has not been investigated previously.

METHODS

A multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the ability of pretreatment risk group and age at diagnosis to predict time to all causes of death and time to death from prostate carcinoma for 381 patients who underwent RT for clinically localized prostate carcinoma.

RESULTS

Age at diagnosis, as a continuous variable (Pcontinuous= 0.04), and risk group (Pcategorical= 0.02) were independent predictors of time to death from prostate carcinoma, whereas only age at diagnosis (Pcontinuous= 0.01) was a predictor of time to all causes of death. When analyzed as a categorical variable, beginning at age 73 years, age at diagnosis was an independent predictor (Pcategorical< 0.04) of time to death from prostate carcinoma. Upon further analysis, this finding was limited to high‐risk patients. For example, age ≥ 75 years at diagnosis predicted for a shorter median time to death from prostate carcinoma (6.3 years vs. 9.7 years;P= 0.002) in high‐risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with clinically localized, high‐risk prostate carcinoma who were diagnosed at age ≥ 73 years and were treated with RT had a worse prognosis compared with patients who were diagnosed age < 73 years, raising the possibility that a more aggressive prostate carcinoma biology may develop during andropause. Cancer 2003;97:56–62. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11053
Trends in the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in the United States
Authors: McGlynn Katherine A. , Devesa Susan S. , Sigurdson Alice J. , Brown Linda M. , Tsao Lilian , Tarone Robert E.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have suggested that the increasing rates of testicular germ cell tumors in some populations have begun to plateau. This study was conducted to examine whether rates among white men in the United States have begun to stabilize and whether rates among black men in the United States have remained low.

METHODS

Testicular germ cell tumor incidence data from in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program were analyzed for the years 1973–1998. Trends were examined separately for seminoma and nonseminoma. Using age‐period‐cohort analyses with 5‐year age intervals and 5‐year calendar‐period intervals, changes in the slope of the trends in birth‐cohort and calendar‐period effects were examined.

RESULTS

Among white men, rates of seminoma continued to increase, but the rate of increase steadily declined throughout the 26‐year time span. Nonseminoma rates among whites increased more slowly during the first three time intervals, then plateaued in the final interval. Rates of both seminoma and nonseminoma in black men fluctuated throughout the first three time intervals. In the final interval, the rates of seminoma increased almost 100%, whereas the rates of nonseminoma increased more modestly. Age‐period‐cohort modeling of the incidence data in white men found that, whereas the dominant effect was that of birth cohort, there also was a period effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Among white men in the United States, the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors varied by histology, with a continuing increase in risk only for seminoma. Among black men in the United States, the surprising increases seen between 1988 and 1998 were likely to be a calendar‐period effect. Cancer 2003;97:63–70. Published 2003 by the American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11054
Epirubicin and meglumine γ‐linolenic acid
Authors: Harris Neil M. , Anderson William R. , Lwaleed Bashir A. , Cooper Alan J. , Birch Brian R. , Solomon Lemke Z.
Published: December 2002

BACKGROUND

Anthracyclines have been established as first‐line drugs for intravesical use in the treatment of patients with superficial bladder carcinoma, although they result only in a modest reduction in tumor recurrence rates. The essential fatty acid γ‐linolenic acid (GLA) also is an effective cytotoxic agent against superficial bladder carcinoma when it is applied topically. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of combined epirubicin and GLA with the purpose of developing a suitable model for modification of existing intravesical regimens.

METHODS

The human urothelial carcinoma cell lines MGH‐U1 and RT112 were used in standard cytotoxicity assays and were exposed to meglumine GLA (MeGLA) and epirubicin in two‐dimensional concentration matrices. A thiozolyl blue (methyl‐thiazoldiphenyl tetrazolium) assay was used to determine residual cell biomass. Drug interaction was quantified by median‐effect analysis software (CalcuSyn®), and the evaluation of drug uptake utilized fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

MeGLA caused a significant enhancement of anthracycline uptake, viewed by FCM, from 92 fluorescence units to 222 fluorescence units (P < 0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed the increased drug uptake and showed that the mean epirubicin content per cell increased from 23 to 57 units and from 8 to 24 units for MGH‐U1 and RT112 cells, respectively (99% confidence interval < 0.3). This resulted in improved cytotoxicity, and it was shown that the drugs acted synergistically with all but the highest MeGLA concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of epirubicin was enhanced significantly when it was used in combination with most concentrations of MeGLA (< 300 μg/mL), and the two agents acted synergistically. There was a corresponding increase in epirubicin uptake by cells under these conditions. At high MeGLA concentrations, however, anthracycline solubility was compromised, and drug synergy was lost. Cancer 2003;97:71–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11055
A procedure for evaluating seismic energy demand of framed structures
Authors: Chou Chung‐Che , Uang Chia‐Ming
Published: December 2002

Energy serves as an alternative index to response quantities like force or displacement to include the duration‐related seismic damage effect. A procedure to evaluate the absorbed energy in a multistorey frame from energy spectra was developed. For low‐ to medium‐rise frames, it required a static pushover analysis of the structure to determine the modal yield force and ductility factor of an equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom system for the first two modes. The energy spectra were then used to determine the energy contribution of each mode. A procedure was also developed to distribute the energy along the frame height based on energy shapes. This study showed that the second‐mode response in some cases needs to be considered to reflect the energy (or damage) concentration in the upper floors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.