bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INHIBITIVE EFFECT OF L–OH ON THE CORROSION OF AUSTENITIC CHROMIUM–NICKEL STEEL IN H2SO4 SOLUTION
Authors: HOSSEINI S. M. A. , AMIRI M. , MOMENI A.
Published: August 2008

The corrosion behavior of the austenitic chromium–nickel steel in different concentrations (0.001, 0.002, 0.005, and 0.01 M) of dimethyl 2-(2–hydroxy phenyl amino)-3-(triphenyl phosphoranilidin) butane dioate ( L – OH ) in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 was investigated by potentiostatic polarization measurements. The effect of concentration and temperature on inhibition properties was determined. It was found that the presence of L – OH reduces markedly the corrosion rate of steel in the acid solution. The inhibition efficiency increases as the L – OH concentration is increased. Maximum inhibition efficiency (95%) was obtained for alloy in acid solution containing 0.01 M of L – OH . Thermodynamic parameters for adsorption of L – OH are calculated. It was found that the inhibitor is adsorbed on the steel surface and the experimental results are in agreement with Timken's isotherm. Negative values of the free energy of adsorption were obtained indicating the spontaneity of adsorption process. Scanning electron microscopy was done from the surface of exposed sample indicating uniform film on the surface of the alloy.
DEPOSITION OF AlN AND OXIDIZED AlN THIN-FILMS BY REACTIVE SPUTTERING: CORRELATION BETWEEN FILM GROWTH AND DEPOSITION PARAMETERS
Authors: GARCÍA-MÉNDEZ MANUEL , MORALES-RODRÍGUEZ SANTOS , RAMÍREZ LUCIANO ELIÉZER , PÉREZ-TIJERINA EDUARDO G.
Published: August 2008

A set of AlN films were deposited by reactive direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. Films were analyzed with X-ray diffraction and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). There is a correlation between deposition parameters and crystal growth. Depending on the deposition parameters, films can present a hexagonal würzite (P6mm) or cubic zinc-blend (Fm3m) microstructure. Oxygen appears to induce on films a degree of amorphous growth and a distortion of the lattice parameters. For the film with cubic microstructure, AES transitions detected near the surface level at 56 eV and 66 eV were attributed to aluminum-oxide ( Al xOy), AlN , and metallic Al .
EFFECT OF ZrO2 POWDERS ON THE PYROLYSIS OF POLYCARBOSILANES COATING UNDER LASER ABLATION
Authors: CHENG HAN , CHEN ZHAOFENG , TAO JIE , YAN BO , LI CONG , WANG LIANGBING , ZHANG YING , FANG DAN , WAN SHUICHENG , WU WANGPING
Published: August 2008

Aircrafts hold the outstanding mastery of the sky in modern wars, however the laser beam weapons can carry out laser attacking to aircrafts. The purpose of the present paper is to research on a new type laser protective material. Polycarbosilanes (PCS)/divinylbenzene mixtures containing ZrO 2 powders were brushed to the surface of the aluminum alloy plates and then cured at 150°C for 6 h. The PCS-coated plates were ablated by laser for 3 s. The phase identification of as-ablated powders was examined by X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the as-ablated powders of cured PCS were composed of major phase β- SiC and smaller amounts of free carbon. The PCS composite coating played a certain role of laser ablation resistance. The effect of added ZrO 2 powders on the pyrolysis of PCS-coating under laser ablation is conspicuous.
RF-ARGON PLASMA INDUCED SURFACE MODIFICATION OF PAPER
Authors: SAHIN HALIL TURGUT
Published: August 2008

The radio frequency (RF) argon plasma induced surface modification of paper revealed novel surface characteristics and substantially changed surface topography. It was found that RF-argon glow discharge affects surface properties resulting in photo-degradation and chain-scission mechanism on paper network structure. High-power and extended treatment time caused increasing elemental carbon, while decreasing the oxygen concentration on paper surface. However, increased hydroxyls and the creation of new carbonyl functionalities were verified by trifluoroacetoanhydride and pentafluorophenylhydrazine in vapor-phase derivatization reactions.
A NEW METHOD TO PREPARE THE NOVEL ANATASE TiO2
Authors: CUI GUANJUN , XU ZHANXIA , WANG YAN , ZHANG MIN , YANG JIANJUN
Published: August 2008

In this paper, a kind of novel anatase TiO 2 nanoparticle with single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies was prepared by hydrothermal treated nanotube titanic acid. The morphology, structure, and properties of the products were characterized by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance, and photoluminescence. Photocatalytic decolorization of the Methylene Blue solution was carried out in the visible light region and showed a high photocatalytic activity.
HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: SEAYAD ABDUL MAJEED , SEAYAD JAYASREE
Published: August 2008

Catalysis plays an important role in our day-to-day life either directly or indirectly. While the petrochemical industries are largely based on catalytic processes, in recent decades, small volume specialty and fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals are increasingly produced through catalytic routes as part of effort to improve efficiencies of reactions. In this review, some of the important homogeneous catalytic methodologies relevant to the synthesis of value added products are described.
A UNIQUE FACTORIZATION IN COMMUTATIVE MÖBIUS MONOIDS
Authors: SCHWAB EMIL DANIEL , HAUKKANEN PENTTI
Published: August 2008

We show that any commutative Möbius monoid satisfies a unique factorization theorem and thus possesses arithmetical properties similar to those of the multiplicative semigroup of positive integers. Particular attention is paid to standard examples, which arise from the bicyclic semigroup and the multiplicative analogue of the bicyclic semigroup. The second example shows that the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic is a special case of the unique factorization theorem in commutative Möbius monoids. As an application, we study generalized arithmetical functions defined on an arbitrary commutative Möbius monoid.
CONGRUENCES AND LEHMER'S PROBLEM
Authors: BONCIOCAT NICOLAE CIPRIAN
Published: August 2008

We obtain explicit lower bounds for the Mahler measure for nonreciprocal polynomials with integer coefficients satisfying certain congruences.
Minding the gap
Authors: Ben-Yehuda Muli , Van Hensbergen Eric , Fiuczynski Marc
Published: August 2008

The Linux kernel, since its inception in 1991, has captured the interest of many thousands of developers and millions of users. It recently celebrated its 16th anniversary, includes many millions of lines of code, and is used in production systems around the world. It is also advancing at an increasingly rapid pace, undergoing many changes every single day. Indeed the kernel's importance to many large corporations has sparked a high level of contribution by those companies [3] [4], including the employment of many core kernel developers. Recently Linus Torvalds published statistics relating to contributions to the kernel over the past three years: 96,885 patches attributed to 4068 distinct authors have been accepted [5].
Analysis of Competing Risks of Causes of Death and their Variation Over Different Time Periods in Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Provencio Mariano , Millán Isabel , España Pilar , Sánchez Antonio C. , Sánchez José J. , Cantos Blanca , Vargas Juan A. , Bellas Carmen , García Vanesa , Sabin Pilar , Bonilla Félix
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Hodgkin's disease is considered a model of curable illness. However, long-term studies show excessive mortality in relation to the general population. We studied the various causes of death by use of competing risks and their evolution over the years.

Experimental Design: All patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease at our institution between 1967 and 2003 were included. The competing risks of causes of death and their vital situation were examined in three time periods: cohort A with patients treated before 1980, cohort B with patients treated from 1981 to 1986, and cohort C with patients treated from 1986 onwards.

Results: We studied 534 patients, with a median follow-up time of 9.1 years for the whole cohort. The 5-year, 15-year, and 20-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for all patients were 81%, 72%, and 65%, respectively. At the close of the study, 337 (63.1%) were alive and 170 (31.8%) patients had died. The most common cause of death was the progression of Hodgkin's disease, followed by deaths due to a second tumor. Survival was significantly worse in the first period than in the other two (P < 0.001), and in the three periods, the main cause of death was tumor progression.

Conclusions: The progression of Hodgkin's disease is the main cause of death. Over time, a reduction in death related to infection and the acute toxicity of treatment was seen. A lot of patients still die for reasons linked to delayed side effects of radiotherapy, such as second tumors and heart disease, which is important to plan preventive activities and clinical research.
Proteasome Inhibition Activates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and EGFR-Independent Mitogenic Kinase Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Sloss Callum M. , Wang Fang , Liu Rong , Xia Lijun , Houston Michael , Ljungman David , Palladino Michael A. , Cusack James C.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: In the current study, we investigate the activation of antiapoptotic signaling pathways in response to proteasome inhibitor treatment in pancreatic cancer and evaluate the use of concomitant inhibition of these pathways to augment proteasome inhibitor treatment responses.

Experimental Design: Pancreatic cancer cell lines and mouse flank xenografts were treated with proteasome inhibitor alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic compounds (gemcitabine, erlotinib, and bevacizumab), induction of apoptosis and effects on tumor growth were assessed. The effect of bortezomib (a first-generation proteasome inhibitor) and NPI-0052 (a second-generation proteasome inhibitor) treatment on key pancreatic mitogenic and antiapoptotic pathways [epidermal growth factor receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT] was determined and the ability of inhibitors of these pathways to enhance the effects of proteasome inhibition was assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Our data showed that proteasome inhibitor treatment activates antiapoptotic and mitogenic signaling pathways (epidermal growth factor receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun-NH2-kinase, and PI3K/AKT) in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, we found that activation of these pathways impairs tumor response to proteasome inhibitor treatment and inhibition of the c-Jun-NH2-kinase and PI3K/AKT pathways increases the antitumor effects of proteasome inhibitor treatment.

Conclusion: These preclinical studies suggest that targeting proteasome inhibitor–induced antiapoptotic signaling pathways in combination with proteasome inhibition may augment treatment response in highly resistant solid organ malignancies. Further evaluation of these novel treatment combinations in clinical trials is warranted.
High Expression of Neuropeptide Y1 Receptors in Ewing Sarcoma Tumors
Authors: Körner Meike , Waser Beatrice , Reubi Jean Claude
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Peptide receptors are frequently overexpressed in human tumors, allowing receptor-targeted scintigraphic imaging and therapy with radiolabeled peptide analogues. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors are new candidates for these applications, based on their high expression in specific cancers. Because NPY receptors are expressed in selected sarcoma cell lines and because novel treatment options are needed for sarcomas, this study assessed the NPY receptor in primary human sarcomas.

Experimental Design: Tumor tissues of 88 cases, including Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), synovial sarcomas, osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, liposarcomas, angiosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and desmoid tumors, were investigated for NPY receptor protein with in vitro receptor autoradiography using 125I-labeled NPY receptor ligands and for NPY receptor mRNA expression with in situ hybridization.

Results: ESFT expressed the NPY receptor subtype Y1 on tumor cells in remarkably high incidence (84%) and density (mean, 5,314 dpm/mg tissue). Likewise, synovial sarcomas expressed Y1 on tumor cells in high density (mean, 7,497 dpm/mg; incidence, 40%). The remaining tumors expressed NPY receptor subtypes Y1 or Y2 at lower levels. Moreover, many of the sarcomas showed Y1 expression on intratumoral blood vessels. In situ hybridization for Y1 mRNA confirmed the autoradiography results.

Conclusions: NPY receptors are novel molecular markers for human sarcomas. Y1 may inhibit growth of specific sarcomas, as previously shown in an in vivo mouse model of human ESFT. The high Y1 expression on tumor cells of ESFT and synovial sarcomas and on blood vessels in many other sarcomas represents an attractive basis for an in vivo tumor targeting.
Overexpression of Stromal Cell–Derived Factor 1 and Its Receptor CXCR4 Induces Autocrine/Paracrine Cell Proliferation in Human Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Barbieri Federica , Bajetto Adriana , Stumm Ralf , Pattarozzi Alessandra , Porcile Carola , Zona Gianluigi , Dorcaratto Alessandra , Ravetti Jean-Louis , Minuto Francesco , Spaziante Renato , Schettini Gennaro , Ferone Diego , Florio Tullio
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Hypothalamic or locally produced growth factors and cytokines control pituitary development, functioning, and cell division. We evaluated the expression of the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF1) and its receptor CXCR4 in human pituitary adenomas and normal pituitary tissues and their role in cell proliferation.

Experimental Design: The expression of SDF1 and CXCR4 in 65 human pituitary adenomas and 4 human normal pituitaries was determined by reverse transcription-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and confocal immunofluorescence. The proliferative effect of SDF1 was evaluated in eight fibroblast-free human pituitary adenoma cell cultures.

Results: CXCR4 mRNA was expressed in 92% of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHoma) and 81% of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA), whereas SDF1 was identified in 63% and 78% of GHomas and NFPAs, respectively. Immunostaining for CXCR4 and SDF1 showed a strong homogenous labeling in all tumoral cells in both GHomas and NFPAs. In normal tissues, CXCR4 and SDF1 were expressed only in a subset of anterior pituitary cells, with a lower expression of SDF1 compared with its cognate receptor. CXCR4 and SDF1 were not confined to a specific cell population in the anterior pituitary but colocalized with discrete subpopulations of GH-, prolactin-, and adrenocorticorticotropic hormone–secreting cells. Conversely, most of the SDF1-containing cells expressed CXCR4. In six of eight pituitary adenoma primary cultures, SDF1 induced a statistically significant increase in DNA synthesis that was prevented by the treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 or somatostatin.

Conclusions: CXCR4 and SDF1 are overexpressed in human pituitary adenomas and CXCR4 activation may contribute to pituitary cell proliferation and, possibly, to adenoma development `in humans.
Biological Processes Associated with Breast Cancer Clinical Outcome Depend on the Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Desmedt Christine , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Wirapati Pratyaksha , Buyse Marc , Larsimont Denis , Bontempi Gianluca , Delorenzi Mauro , Piccart Martine , Sotiriou Christos
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Recently, several prognostic gene expression signatures have been identified; however, their performance has never been evaluated according to the previously described molecular subtypes based on the estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and their biological meaning has remained unclear. Here we aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis integrating both clinicopathologic and gene expression data, focusing on the main molecular subtypes.

Experimental Design: We developed gene expression modules related to key biological processes in breast cancer such as tumor invasion, immune response, angiogenesis, apoptosis, proliferation, and ER and HER2 signaling, and then analyzed these modules together with clinical variables and several prognostic signatures on publicly available microarray studies (>2,100 patients).

Results: Multivariate analysis showed that in the ER+/HER2− subgroup, only the proliferation module and the histologic grade were significantly associated with clinical outcome. In the ER−/HER2− subgroup, only the immune response module was associated with prognosis, whereas in the HER2+ tumors, the tumor invasion and immune response modules displayed significant association with survival. Proliferation was identified as the most important component of several prognostic signatures, and their performance was limited to the ER+/HER2− subgroup.

Conclusions: Although proliferation is the strongest parameter predicting clinical outcome in the ER+/HER2− subtype and the common denominator of most prognostic gene signatures, immune response and tumor invasion seem to be the main molecular processes associated with prognosis in the ER−/HER2− and HER2+ subgroups, respectively. These findings may help to define new clinicogenomic models and to identify new therapeutic strategies in the specific molecular subgroups.
Nonredundant Functions for Tumor Protein D52-Like Proteins Support Specific Targeting of TPD52
Authors: Shehata Mona , Bièche Ivan , Boutros Rose , Weidenhofer Judith , Fanayan Susan , Spalding Lisa , Zeps Nikolajs , Byth Karen , Bright Robert K. , Lidereau Rosette , Byrne Jennifer A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Tumor protein D52 (TPD52 or D52) is frequently overexpressed in breast and other cancers and present at increased gene copy number. It is, however, unclear whether D52 amplification and overexpression target specific functional properties of the encoded protein.

Experimental Design: The expression of D52-like genes and MAL2 was compared in breast tissues using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The functions of human D52 and D53 genes were then compared by stable expression in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts and transient gene knockdown in breast carcinoma cell lines. In situ D52 and MAL2 protein expression was analyzed in breast tissue samples using tissue microarray sections.

Results: The D52 (8q21.13), D54 (20q13.33), and MAL2 (8q24.12) genes were significantly overexpressed in breast cancer tissue (n = 95) relative to normal breast (n = 7; P ≤ 0.005) unlike the D53 gene (6q22.31; P = 0.884). Subsequently, D52-expressing but not D53-expressing 3T3 cell lines showed increased proliferation and anchorage-independent growth capacity, and reduced D52 but not D53 expression in SK-BR-3 cells significantly increased apoptosis. High D52 but not MAL2 expression was significantly associated with reduced overall survival in breast carcinoma patients (log-rank test, P < 0.001; n = 357) and was an independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 2.274; 95% confidence interval, 1.228-4.210; P = 0.009; n = 328).

Conclusion: D52 overexpression in cancer reflects specific targeting and may contribute to a more proliferative, aggressive tumor phenotype in breast cancer.
Circulating Tumor Cells and Bone Marrow Micrometastasis
Authors: Alix-Panabières Catherine , Riethdorf Sabine , Pantel Klaus
Published: August 2008

Sensitive immunocytochemical and molecular assays allow the detection of single circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone marrow as a common and easily accessible homing organ for cells released by epithelial tumors of various origins. The results obtained thus far have provided direct evidence that tumor cell dissemination starts already early during tumor development and progression. Tumor cells are frequently detected in the blood and bone marrow of cancer patients without clinical or even histopathologic signs of metastasis. The detection of DTC and CTC yields important prognostic information and might help to tailor systemic therapies to the individual needs of a cancer patient. In the present review, we provide a critical review of (a) the current methods used for detection of CTC/DTC and (b) data on the molecular characterization of CTC/DTC with a particular emphasis on tumor dormancy, cancer stem cell theory, and novel targets for biological therapies; and we pinpoint to (c) critical issues that need to be addressed to establish CTC/DTC measurements in clinical practice.
C19orf48Encodes a Minor Histocompatibility Antigen Recognized by CD8+ Cytotoxic T Cells from Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Tykodi Scott S. , Fujii Nobuharu , Vigneron Nathalie , Lu Sharon M. , Mito Jeffrey K. , Miranda Maureen X. , Chou Jeffrey , Voong Lilien N. , Thompson John A. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Cresswell Peter , Van den Eynde Benoît , Riddell Stanley R. , Warren Edus H.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Tumor regression has been observed in some patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Cellular and molecular characterization of antigens recognized by tumor-reactive T cells isolated from responding patients could potentially provide insight into the mechanisms of tumor regression.

Experimental Design: CD8+ CTL clones that recognized a novel RCC-associated minor histocompatibility (H) antigen presented by HLA-A*0201 were isolated from two patients with metastatic RCC who experienced tumor regression or stable disease following nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT. These clones were used to screen a cDNA library and isolate the unique cDNA encoding the antigen.

Results: An alternative open reading frame in the C19orf48 gene located on chromosome 19q13 encodes the HLA-A*0201–restricted minor H antigen recognized by the RCC-reactive T cells. The differential T-cell recognition of donor- and recipient-derived target cells is attributable to a nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism within the nucleotide interval that encodes the antigenic peptide. Assays for gene expression and CTL recognition showed that the C19orf48-encoded peptide is widely expressed in renal tumors and solid tumors of other histologies. The antigenic peptide can be processed for CTL recognition via both TAP-dependent and TAP-independent pathways.

Conclusions: Donor T-cell responses against the HLA-A*0201–restricted minor H antigen encoded by C19orf48 may contribute to RCC regression after MHC-matched allogeneic HCT.
HER3 Is a Determinant for Poor Prognosis in Melanoma
Authors: Reschke Markus , Mihic-Probst Daniela , van der Horst Edward Htun , Knyazev Pjotr , Wild Peter J. , Hutterer Markus , Meyer Stefanie , Dummer Reinhard , Moch Holger , Ullrich Axel
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The epidermal growth factor receptor family member HER3 is overexpressed in diverse human cancers and has been associated with poor prognosis in breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. However, the relevance of HER3 with regard to its prognostic significance and function in primary melanoma and metastases remains largely elusive.

Experimental Design: HER3 protein expression was analyzed immunohistochemically using tissue microarrays of 130 primary melanoma and 87 metastases relative to established clinical variables. The possibility of an influence of HER3 on melanoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis was studied in human melanoma cell lines.

Results: We show that HER3 is frequently expressed in malignant melanoma and metastases at elevated levels. High HER3 expression may serve as a prognostic marker because it correlates with cell proliferation, tumor progression, and reduced patient survival. Suppression of HER3 expression by RNA interference reduces melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In addition, down-regulation of HER3 synergistically enhances dacarbazine-induced apoptosis. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies specific for the extracellular portion of HER3 efficiently block heregulin-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cell lines.

Conclusion: Our results provide novel insights into the role of HER3 in melanoma and point out new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
Novel Molecular Subtypes of Serous and Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer Linked to Clinical Outcome
Authors: Tothill Richard W. , Tinker Anna V. , George Joshy , Brown Robert , Fox Stephen B. , Lade Stephen , Johnson Daryl S. , Trivett Melanie K. , Etemadmoghadam Dariush , Locandro Bianca , Traficante Nadia , Fereday Sian , Hung Jillian A. , Chiew Yoke-Eng , Haviv Izhak ,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group, Gertig Dorota , deFazio Anna , Bowtell David D.L.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The study aim to identify novel molecular subtypes of ovarian cancer by gene expression profiling with linkage to clinical and pathologic features.

Experimental Design: Microarray gene expression profiling was done on 285 serous and endometrioid tumors of the ovary, peritoneum, and fallopian tube. K-means clustering was applied to identify robust molecular subtypes. Statistical analysis identified differentially expressed genes, pathways, and gene ontologies. Laser capture microdissection, pathology review, and immunohistochemistry validated the array-based findings. Patient survival within k-means groups was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Class prediction validated k-means groups in an independent dataset. A semisupervised survival analysis of the array data was used to compare against unsupervised clustering results.

Results: Optimal clustering of array data identified six molecular subtypes. Two subtypes represented predominantly serous low malignant potential and low-grade endometrioid subtypes, respectively. The remaining four subtypes represented higher grade and advanced stage cancers of serous and endometrioid morphology. A novel subtype of high-grade serous cancers reflected a mesenchymal cell type, characterized by overexpression of N-cadherin and P-cadherin and low expression of differentiation markers, including CA125 and MUC1. A poor prognosis subtype was defined by a reactive stroma gene expression signature, correlating with extensive desmoplasia in such samples. A similar poor prognosis signature could be found using a semisupervised analysis. Each subtype displayed distinct levels and patterns of immune cell infiltration. Class prediction identified similar subtypes in an independent ovarian dataset with similar prognostic trends.

Conclusion: Gene expression profiling identified molecular subtypes of ovarian cancer of biological and clinical importance.
An Initial Report of a Radiation Dose-Escalation Trial in Patients with One to Five Sites of Metastatic Disease
Authors: Salama Joseph K. , Chmura Steven J. , Mehta Neil , Yenice Kamil M. , Stadler Walter M. , Vokes Everett E. , Haraf Daniel J. , Hellman Samuel , Weichselbaum Ralph R.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Previous investigations have suggested that a subset of patients with metastatic cancer in a limited number of organs may benefit from local treatment. We investigated whether cancer patients with limited sites of metastatic disease (oligometastasis) who failed standard therapies could be identified and safely treated at one to five known sites of low-volume disease with radiotherapy.

Experimental Design: Patients with one to five sites of metastatic cancer with a life expectancy of >3 months and good performance status received escalating doses of radiation to all known sites of cancer with hypofractionated radiation therapy. Patients were followed radiographically with computed tomography scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and metabolically with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography 1 month following treatment and then every 3 months. Acute toxicities were scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 and late toxicities were scored using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group late toxicity scoring system.

Results: Twenty-nine patients with 56 metastatic lesions were enrolled from November 2004 to March 2007, with a median follow-up of 14.9 months. Two patients experienced acute (radiation pneumonitis and nausea) and one experienced chronic (gastrointestinal hemorrhage) grade ≥3 toxicity. Fifty-nine percent of patients responded to protocol therapy. Twenty-one percent of patients have not progressed following protocol treatment. Fifty-seven percent of treated lesions have not progressed at last follow-up. Progression was amenable to further local therapy in 48% of patients.

Conclusions: Patients with low-volume metastatic cancer can be identified, safely treated, and may benefit from radiotherapy.
Tumor Cell and Tumor Vasculature Expression of B7-H3 Predict Survival in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Crispen Paul L. , Sheinin Yuri , Roth Timothy J. , Lohse Christine M. , Kuntz Susan M. , Frigola Xavier , Thompson R. Houston , Boorjian Stephen A. , Dong Haidong , Leibovich Bradley C. , Blute Michael L. , Kwon Eugene D.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Although the prognostic value of B7-H1 and B7-H4 expression by tumor cells in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been established, the role of B7-H3 is unknown. As such, we evaluated the association of B7-H3 expression with clinicopathologic outcomes in patients treated for ccRCC.

Experimental Design: Nephrectomy specimens from 743 consecutive patients treated for ccRCC at our institution from 1990 to 1999 were evaluated for B7-H3 expression by immunohistochemical staining. Associations of B7-H3 expression with clinical and pathologic features were evaluated using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Associations of B7-H3 expression with death from RCC were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results: B7-H3 expression by tumor cells or tumor vasculature was noted in 17% and 95% of specimens, respectively. The presence of either tumor cell or diffuse tumor vasculature expression of B7-H3 was present in 46% of specimens and was associated with multiple adverse clinical and pathologic features. After multivariable adjustment, the presence of either tumor cell or diffuse tumor vasculature B7-H3 expression was significantly associated with an increased risk of death from RCC (risk ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.84; P = 0.029).

Conclusions: Both tumor cell and tumor vasculature B7-H3 expression convey important information to predict ccRCC outcomes. Collectively, our past and present studies pertaining to B7-H ligand expression indicate that ccRCC may use redundant mechanisms to compromise host antitumoral immunity. Future studies will focus on the effect of combined B7-H ligand expression in RCC.
Effects of Accentual Fall on Phrase-Final Vowel Duration in Japanese
Authors: Mori Yôko , Erickson Donna
Published: August 2008

This study explores the effect of accentual fall on phrase-final vowel duration in read declarative sentences of Standard Japanese. The results show that an intonational phrase-final vowel is significantly shorter when the final phrase has an accentual pitch fall than when it does not. Previous studies have reported a vowel-shortening effect for the final position of Japanese declarative sentences; the new finding reported in this paper is that this shortening effect is enhanced by the pitch fall of an accent in the sentence-final phrase.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Distribution and Spatial Resolving Power in Elasmobranchs
Authors: Lisney Thomas J. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: August 2008

The total number, distribution and peak density of presumed retinal ganglion cells was assessed in 10 species of elasmobranch (nine species of shark and one species of batoid) using counts of Nissl-stained cells in retinal wholemounts. The species sampled include a number of active, predatory benthopelagic and pelagic sharks that are found in a variety of coastal and oceanic habitats and represent elasmobranch groups for which information of this nature is currently lacking. The topographic distribution of cells was heterogeneous in all species. Two benthic species, the shark Chiloscyllium punctatum and the batoid Taeniura lymma, have a dorsal or dorso-central horizontal streak of increased cell density, whereas the majority of the benthopelagic and pelagic sharks examined exhibit a more concentric pattern of increasing cell density, culminating in a central area centralis of higher cell density located close to the optic nerve head. The exception is the shark Alopias superciliosus, which possesses a ventral horizontal streak. Variation in retinal ganglion cell topography appears to be related to the visual demands of different habitats and lifestyles, as well as the positioning of the eyes in the head. The upper limits of spatial resolving power were calculated for all 10 species, using peak ganglion cell densities and estimates of focal length taken from cryo-sectioned eyes in combination with information from the literature. Spatial resolving power ranged from 2.02 to 10.56 cycles deg–1, which is in accordance with previous studies. Species with a lower spatial resolving power tend to be benthic and/or coastal species that feed on benthic invertebrates and fishes. Active, benthopelagic and pelagic species from more oceanic habitats which feed on larger, more active prey, possess a higher resolving power. Additionally, ganglion cells in a juvenile of C. punctatum, were retrogradely-labeled from the optic nerve with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). A comparison of the BDA- labeled material and tissue stained for Nissl substance indicates that 76% of the cells in the retinal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers of the central retina in this species are non-ganglion cells.
Innate Immune Markers in Mothers and Fathers of Children Newly Diagnosed with Cancer
Authors: Lutz Stehl Meredith J. , Kazak Anne E. , Hwang Wei-Ting , Pai Ahna L.H. , Reilly Anne F. , Douglas Steven D.
Published: August 2008

Objective: The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness in a child is one of the most stressful events imaginable for parents and is associated with increased anxiety and distress. Despite associations between stress and immune function in animal and human models, the immune function in caregivers of children at the time of a child-related potentially traumatic event, like cancer, is not known. Methods: Nineteen parents (11 mothers, 8 fathers), representing six caregiver pairs, provided blood for natural killer (NK) cell count by flow cytometry and function assays [% NK whole blood, absolute NK whole blood, LU20 (lytic unit) peripheral blood mononuclear cells, LU20 NK cells] and completed self-report measures (acute stress) within 2 weeks of learning their child had cancer. The NK cell assay was also completed with a sample of healthy adults, the immune reference group. Results: There were similar levels of NK cell activity between caregivers and the immune reference group. Immune level and psychological outcomes were not associated. LU20 peripheral blood mononuclear cells and LU20 NK cells were each correlated at r = 0.83 between mothers and fathers in the same family. Conclusions: Although based on a small sample, these preliminary results suggest that knowledge about stress responses in parents of children with life-threatening illness may be important and provide novel data regarding the shared impact of stress on immune function within caregiver dyads.
The Effects of Corticosterone and Beta-Endorphin on Adherence, Phagocytosis and Hydrogen Peroxide Production of Macrophages Isolated from Dark Agouti Rats Exposed to Acute Stress
Authors: Stanojević Stanislava , Kuštrimović Nataša , Mitić Katarina , Miletić Tatjana , Vujić Vesna , Kovačević-Jovanović Vesna , Dimitrijević Mirjana
Published: August 2008

Background: Given that stressful experiences can change the reaction to a subsequent exposure to stress, we tested the in vitro effects of the stress mediator corticosterone and the opioid peptide β-endorphin on the function of macrophages isolated from control rats and from rats exposed to electric tail shock stress (ES) or a stress-witnessing procedure (SW) 24 h earlier. Methods: Peritoneal macrophages isolated from control and stressed rats of the Dark Agouti (DA) strain were treated in vitro with corticosterone or β-endorphin and tested for adherence, phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide release. Results: ES diminished adherence and SW decreased phagocytosis. The suppressive effect of corticosterone on phagocytosis was absent in rats exposed to ES and SW, while the suppressive effect of β-endorphin on adherence was not observed in rats exposed to SW. ES and SW did not affect H2O2 release, neither directly nor indirectly by changing macrophage response to corticosterone and β-endorphin in this test. Conclusions: In DA rats early macrophage activation steps, i.e. adherence and phagocytosis, were more sensitive to stress than their effector function, corresponding to H2O2 production. We suggest that neuroendocrine mediators of stress that converge on macrophages might have changed specific macrophage receptors or postreceptor events and alter their response to artificial stressors, represented by corticosterone and β-endorphin in vitro.
The PDZ Protein Erbin Modulates β-Catenin-Dependent Transcription
Authors: Ress A. , Moelling K.
Published: August 2008

Erbin is a member of the leucine-rich repeat and PDZ domain family that can regulate proliferation, differentiation and cell adhesion. As a binding partner of the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2, erbin targets this receptor to the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelial cells. In addition, erbin is known to inhibit the Ras-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Recently we identified the proto-oncoprotein β-catenin as a ligand of the PDZ domain of erbin. Here we demonstrate that erbin acts as a negative regulator of the β-catenin/T-cell-factor-dependent gene expression. In contrast, a mutant of erbin with a deletion of the N-terminal leucine-rich repeat allows the PDZ domain of erbin to increase the β-catenin/T-cell-factor-dependent transcription. This mutant localizes to the nucleus and mimics a putative splice variant found in keratinocytes. Thus, erbin has the potential to act as an inhibitor as well as an activator of the β-catenin-regulated gene expression.
Dynamic in vivo Imaging of Microvasculature and Perfusion by Miniaturized Confocal Laser Microscopy
Authors: Goetz M. , Thomas S. , Heimann A. , Delaney P. , Schneider C. , Relle M. , Schwarting A. , Galle P.R. , Kempski O. , Neurath M.F. , Kiesslich R.
Published: August 2008

Introduction: Microvasculature and associated pathologies mandate dynamic imaging. We evaluated a novel miniaturized confocal laser scanning probe for in vivo visualization of blood vessels, blood flow, cell tracking and perfusion in both healthy rodents and disease models. Methods: The hand-held confocal microscopy system allowed a 500- to 2,400-fold magnification at a dynamically variable imaging depth. Different intravital stains were used alone or in combination for tissue, nuclear, plasma and vascular endothelial cell staining and for blood flow visualization, and targeted staining for individual cell populations. Results: Precision optical sectioning yielded high-resolution images in vivo. Leucocyte-endothelium interactions in brain microvasculature were followed in serial sections. A microthrombosis was identified after sequential injection of FITC-labelled erythrocytes, FITC-dextran and acriflavine. Glomerular alterations were visualized in the MRL/lprmouse model of lupus nephritis. Discussion: Intravital confocal microscopy with a miniaturized hand-held probe combines high-resolution subsurface imaging in real time for dynamic visualization of vessels, cells, blood flow and associated pathologies, permitting a truly comprehensive vascular imaging in vivo at the cellular level.
Disturbance of Predictive Response Initiation of Eye and Head Movements in Cerebellar Patients
Authors: Nagel M. , Behrmann H. , Zangemeister W.H.
Published: August 2008

The predictability of target occurrence has influence upon the latency of motor initiation. Higher frequencies (>0.5 Hz) of periodically paced target presentation lead to decreased latencies of movement initiation. In this study we investigated the initiation of head movements and saccades during predictable and random target presentation in cerebellar patients. During the predictive condition, in particular during higher temporal frequencies and greater amplitudes, patients showed increased latencies compared to healthy subjects. The latencies between the onset of the agonistic and antagonistic muscle pulses were correlated with the severity of cerebellar impairment. We conclude that the cerebellum is involved in predictive response initiation of eye and head movements which is emphasized at higher temporal frequencies.
The Association between Heart Rate Variability and Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged Men and Women
Authors: Britton Annie , Singh-Manoux Archana , Hnatkova Katerina , Malik Marek , Marmot Michael G. , Shipley Martin
Published: August 2008

Background: To examine the relationship between reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive function in middle-aged adults in the general population. Methods: HRV, in both time and frequency domains, and cognitive functioning were measured twice in 5,375 male and female participants of the UK Whitehall II study (mean ages = 55 and 61 years, respectively). Logistic regression was used to model associations between HRV and cognition [short-term verbal memory, reasoning (Alice Heim 4-I), vocabulary, phonemic and semantic fluency]. Cross-sectional associations were assessed at both waves, and longitudinal associations were measured as changes in cognition over the 5-year follow-up. Results: No consistent associations were found in men or women, either in the cross-sectional, prospective or the longitudinal analyses of declines in cognition. Conclusion: Reduced cardiovascular autonomic function does not contribute to cognitive impairment in this middle-aged population. Further studies are needed to verify the potential role of HRV measures in predicting the degeneration of cognitive function at older ages.
Vocal Technique in a Group of Middle Eastern Singers
Authors: Hamdan Abdul-Latif , Deeb Reem , Tohme Rania A. , Rifai Hani , Husseini Sami , Fuleihan Nabil
Published: August 2008

Objective: We aimed to report on the vocal technique in a group of Middle Eastern singers. Subjects and Method: A total of 78 Middle Eastern singers were assessed. Demographic data included age, gender, training status and number of years of singing. All singers had laryngeal videoendostroboscopy. Description and grading of posture, tension, type of breathing, type of phonation, resonance and tone quality are reported. Proportions and means (± SD) were used to describe the sample for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Associations between endostroboscopy and voice technique were determined by χ2 or Fisher’s exact test. Results:There were 43 males and 35 females with an age ranging between 16 and 32 years and a mean of 23 ± 4 years. Of these, 88.5% were nontrained singers and 50% had more than 3 years of singing experience. Around 80% of Middle Eastern singers rely on either thoracic or clavicular breathing. Posture was average in 68% and moderate tension was present in 63% of the cases. Two thirds had a bright voice, 61% were hypernasal and almost 46% had a strained phonation. There was a significant correlation between posture and tension. Conclusion: Middle Eastern singing relies more on thoracic breathing and is characterized by tension.
Artemisinin Inhibits Tumor Lymphangiogenesis by Suppression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Bicheng , Guo Yan , Li Guanghui , Xie Qichao , Zhu Bo , Gao Jianfei , Chen Zhengtang
Published: August 2008

We have previously reported that dihydroartemisinin is found to have a potent ability in influencing lymphatic endothelial cell migration and tube formation. In this study, we investigated the effect of artemisinin on tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis, metastasis and survival in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) models. We found that orally administered artemisinin inhibited lymph node and lung metastasis and prolonged survival without retarding tumor growth. Consistent with the decrease in lymph node metastasis, tumor lymphangiogenesis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) was significantly decreased in artemisinin-treated mice, as compared to control mice. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and upregulation of VEGF-C mRNA and protein in LLC cells was also suppressed by artemisinin or by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580, suggesting that p38 MAPK could serve as a mediator of proinflammatory cytokine-induced VEGF-C expression. These data indicate that artemisinin may be useful for the prevention of lymph node metastasis by downregulating VEGF-C and reducing tumor lymphangiogenesis.
Anal Incontinence after Childbirth: Incidence in the Korean Population
Authors: Jung Eui , Huh Chu Yeop , Choe Bong-Keun
Published: August 2008

Aims: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for anal incontinence after childbirth in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of 1,123 unselected women who delivered live infants at the KyungHee University Hospital between January 2006 and December 2006. Symptoms of anal incontinence were assessed by telephone interview using standard questionnaires. Results: A total of 966 women (86%) responded to the survey, and the overall incidence of anal incontinence was 6.1% (9 fecal and flatal incontinence, 50 flatal incontinence). Of the study population, 562 (58.2%) had vaginal deliveries and 404 (41.8%) had cesarean sections. Vacuum extraction was used in 160 (28.5%) cases, and sphincter tears occurred in 16 (2.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that anal incontinence was associated with multiparity [2.75 (1.17–6.47)], maternal weight increase ≧15 kg [2.11 (1.03–4.31)], vaginal delivery with vacuum extraction [2.74 (1.23–6.14)], sphincter laceration [14.74 (4.69–46.27)], and cesarean section after second-stage labor [16.82 (4.61–61.40)]. Conclusion: Koreans had a lower incidence of post-birth anal incontinence than Westerners (6.1 and 29.3%, respectively), even though the risk factors were similar. These findings suggest that further studies examining differences in the incidence of anal incontinence based on ethnicity are warranted as such information may provide clues in terms of prevention and management of this disorder.
Effects of a Copper-Medicated Intrauterine Device on Ovarian Artery, Uterine Artery, and Intrauterine Blood Flow
Authors: Shen O. , Ben Chetrit A. , Margalioth E.J. , Lavie O. , Rabinowitz R.R.
Published: August 2008

Aim: To determine the effect of a copper-medicated intrauterine device (IUD) on ovarian, uterine, arcuate, radial and subendometrial Doppler-derived indices of blood flow. Method: 23 regularly menstruating patients requested insertion of an IUD. All patients had a copper T (Nova T) IUD inserted between days 8 and 11 of the menstrual cycle. Ovarian, uterine, arcuate, radial and subendometrial artery pulsatility indices (PIs) were assessed by transvaginal color Doppler prior to insertion between days 8 and 11 of the menstrual cycle, and after 2 months in the same period of the cycle. Ovarian, uterine, arcuate, radial and subendometrial artery PIs were considered prior to and following IUD insertion. Results: No differences were recorded in any of the blood vessels sampled between pre- and post-insertion PIs. Conclusion: No significant change in ovarian or in uterine system vascular impedance is associated with the presence of a copper-medicated IUD.