bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Resection for Small Cell Lung Cancer: Pneumonectomy versus Lobectomy
Authors: Yuequan Jiang , Zhi Zhang , Chenmin Xie
Published: May 2012

Background. There are some patients with SCLC that are diagnosed in the operating room by cryosection and surgeons had to perform surgical resection for these patients. The aim of this study is to compare the effective of pneumonectomy with lobectomy for SCLC.
Methods. A retrospective study was undertaken in 75 patients with SCLC that were diagnosed by cryosection during surgery. 31 of them underwent pneumonectomy, 44 underwent lobectomy. Local recurrence rate and survival rate according to surgical procedures and cancer stages were analyzed. Results. There was significant difference in the overall survival rate between lobectomy and pneumonectomy groups (P=0.044). For patients with stage II SCLC, the overall survival rate after pneumonectomy was significantly better than after lobectomy (P=0.028). No significant difference in overall survival rate was found between the two surgical groups in patients with stage III SCLC (P=0.933). The local recurrence rate in lobectomy group was significant higher that in pneumonectomy group (P=0.0017). Conclusions. SCLC was responsive to surgical therapy. When surgeons have to select an appropriate method of operation for patients with SCLC during surgery, pneumonectomy may be the right choice for these patients. Pneumonectomy can result in significantly better local control and higher survival rate compare with lobectomy.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Torkelson Carolyn J. , Sweet Erin , Martzen Mark R. , Sasagawa Masa , Wenner Cynthia A. , Gay Juliette , Putiri Amy , Standish Leanna J.
Published: May 2012

Introduction. Orally administered preparations from the Trametes versicolor (Tv) mushroom have been hypothesized to improve immune response in women with breast cancer after standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods. A phase I, two-center, dose escalation study was done to determine the maximum tolerated dose of a Tv preparation when taken daily in divided doses for 6 weeks after recent completion of radiotherapy. Eleven participants were recruited and nine women completed the study. Each cohort was comprised of three participants given one of three doses of Tv (3, 6, or 9 grams). Immune data was collected pre- and postradiation, at 3 on-treatment time points and after a 3-week washout. Results. Nine adverse events were reported (7 mild, 1 moderate, and 1 severe), suggesting that Tv was well tolerated. Immunological results indicated trends in (1) increased lymphocyte counts at 6 and 9 grams/day; (2) increased natural killer cell functional activity at 6 grams/day; (3) dose-related increases in CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells , but not CD4+ T cells or CD16+56+ NK cells. Conclusion. These findings show that up to 9 grams/day of a Tv preparation is safe and tolerable in women with breast cancer in the postprimary treatment setting. This Tv preparation may improve immune status in immunocompromised breast cancer patients following standard primary oncologic treatment.
Clinicopathological Proficiency in the Diagnosis of Kaposi's Sarcoma
Authors: van Bogaert Louis-Jacques
Published: May 2012

Background. The prevalence of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), an AIDS-defining illness, has increased in parallel with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The presence of violaceous skin lesions should raise suspicion of KS. However, especially on dark skin, KS mimics a variety of non-KS skin conditions. Histologically, there is a wide range of expressions of KS and a large number of mimickers. For all these reasons, a HHV-8 immunohistochemically biopsy-proven diagnosis of KS should be the gold standard. Methods. Prospective study of 490 consecutive skin biopsies from the general community in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, from April 2010 through December 2011. Results. The clinical discordance rate (over-/underdiagnosis of KS) was 30.5%; the histological discordance rate was 9.2%. Conclusion. Because of the magnitude of diagnostic error, both clinical and histological, all clinical lesions suspicious of KS should be biopsied and HHV-8 LAN-1 immunophenotyped.
Possible Migration and Histopathological Analysis of Injections of Polymethylmethacrylate in Wistar Rats
Authors: Neves Rodrigo d'Eça , Herdt Marcello Alberton , Wohlgemuth Felipe Barbieri , Ely Jorge Bins , de Vasconcellos Zulmar Antonio Accioli , Bastos José Caldeira Ferreira , d'Acampora Armando José
Published: May 2012

Objective. To evaluate the possible migration of polymethylmethacrylate after injections in various corporal compartments of Wistar rats. Methods. The experimental work consisted in the injection of PMMA in corporal compartments for later histopathological analysis of the locations of implants and of distant filtering organs. The dose applied in each implant was of 0.2 mL. The animals were divided into groups according to the location of the implant realized: group GB had intradermic injections in the glabella. Group SD had subdermal injections in dorsal subcutaneous tissue cells. Group IP had intraperitoneal injections in the abdomen. Group PD had intramuscular injections in the right rear leg. The rats were sacrificed 30 days after realization of the implants and tissue samples from the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney, and locations of implantation were removed for histopathological analysis. Results. Characteristic microspheres that were compatible with the presence of PMMA in any of the histological slides analyzed were not observed. One animal had an amorphous exogenous substance, with a histiocytic reaction. Twelve of the 16 lungs analyzed had locations of intraalveolar hemorrhaging. Two animals had nonspecific spleen alterations. Conclusion. The histopathological analysis of this study found no PMMA microspheres in any of the tissues analyzed.
A simulation of soil water content based on remote sensing in a semi-arid Mediterranean agricultural landscape
Authors: Sanchez N. , Martínez-Fernández J. , Rodríguez-Ruiz M. , Torres E. , Calera A.
Published: May 2012

This paper shows the application of a water balance based on remote sensing that integrated a Landsat 5 series from 2009 in an area of 1,300 km2 in the Duero Basin (Spain). The objective was to simulate the daily soil water content (SWC), actual evapotranspiration, deep percolation and irrigation rates. The accuracy of the application is tested in a semi-arid Mediterranean agricultural landscape with crops over natural conditions. The results of the simulated SWC were compared against 19 in situ stations of the Soil Moisture Measurement Stations Network (REMEDHUS), in order to check the feasibility and accuracy of the application. The theoretical basis of the application was the FAO56 calculation assisted by remotely sensed imagery. The basal crop coefficient (Kcb), as well as other parameters of the calculation came from the remote reflectance of the images. This approach was implemented in the computerized tool HIDROMORE+, which integrates various spatial databases. The comparison of simulated and observed values (at different depths and different land uses) showed a good global agreement for the area (R2=0.92, RMSE=0.031 m3 m-3, and bias=-0.027 m3 m-3). The land uses better described were rainfed cereals (R2=0.86, RMSE=0.030 m3 m-3, and bias=-0.025 m3 m-3) and vineyards (R2=0.86, RMSE=0.016 m3 m-3, and bias=-0.013 m3 m-3). In general, an underestimation of the soil water content is noticed, more pronounced into the root zone than at surface layer. The final aim was to convert the application into a hydrological tool available for agricultural water management.
Monitoring Agent for Detecting Malicious Packet Drops for Wireless Sensor Networks in the Microgrid and Grid-Enabled Vehicles
Authors: Ko Jongbin , Seo Jungtaek , Kim Eui-Jik , Shon Taeshik
Published: May 2012

Of the range of wireless communication technologies, wireless sensor networks (WSN) will be one of the most appropriate technologies for the Microgrid and Grid-enabled Vehicles in the Smartgrid. To ensure the security of WSN, the detection of attacks is more efficient than their prevention because of the lack of computing power. Malicious packet drops are the easiest means of attacking WSNs. Thus, the sensors used for constructing a WSN require a packet drop monitoring agent, such as Watchdog. However, Watchdog has a partial drop problem such that an attacker can manipulate the packet dropping rate below the minimum misbehaviour monitoring threshold. Furthermore, Watchdog does not consider real traffic situations, such as congestion and collision, and so it has no way of recognizing whether a packet drop is due to a real attack or network congestion. In this paper, we propose a malicious packet drop monitoring agent, which considers traffic conditions. We used the actual traffic volume on neighbouring nodes and the drop rate while monitoring a sending node for specific period. It is more effective in real network scenarios because unlike Watchdog it considers the actual traffic, which only uses the Pathrater. Moreover, our proposed method does not require authentication, packet encryption or detection packets. Thus, there is a lower likelihood of detection failure due to packet spoofing, Man-In-the Middle attacks or Wormhole attacks. To test the suitability of our proposed concept for a series of network scenarios, we divided the simulations into three types: one attack node, more than one attack nodes and no attack nodes. The results of the simulations meet our expectations.
Academic writing and new Englishes: Unifying the contrasts
Authors: Schmied Josef
Published: May 2012

This contribution tries to unify two recent research strands in English linguistics: studies in academic writing and in New Englishes. This is useful because, in line with the prominent theory of social constructionism, discourses in both strands can be seen as practices of communities that negotiate their cultural norms. The relationship between language, cognition, and (national) culture is illustrated on the basis of several models, research and its application in teaching is discussed. A proposed socio-cognitive model offers new insights into old concepts and stimulates exchange in academic discourses between researchers from different cultures.
The ‘Australian interview tune’ in Australian English interviews: Some HRT myths debunked?
Authors: Haase Christoph
Published: May 2012

The question of the omnipresence of the HRT in Australian English (AusE) is investigated upon a sample of a mixed AusE-AmE (American English) radio interview. The investigation focuses on the distribution of HRT events in the interview by Australian speakers interspersed with the AmE speech of the interviewee. It tries to answer the question whether a non-HRT speaker triggers a reduction of HRT events on the side of the interviewer. The ﬁ ndings will be interpreted for a new positioning of the HRT as a socio-cultural phenomenon (and thus object of inquiry for sociolinguistics) and/or as an affective cognitive phenomenon (and thus object of inquiry for psycholinguistics).
Quantitation of HER2/neu Expression in Primary Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas Using Conventional Light Microscopy and Quantitative Image Analysis
Authors: Jeung Jennifer , Patel Roshan , Vila Lizette , Wakefield Dara , Liu Chen
Published: May 2012

Context.—Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) is overexpressed in a proportion of gastroesophageal (GE) adenocarcinomas, and trastuzumab treatment results in significant improvement in overall survival in patients with HER2/neu-overexpressing GE tumors. Grading of HER2/neu expression in GE tumors and its clinical application is different from that of breast cancer. HER2/neu immunohistochemistry (IHC) image analysis (IA), widely used in breast cancer, has not been studied in GE tumors.

Objective.—To evaluate the correlation between manual HER2/neu IHC scoring and HER2/neu IHC image analysis in GE adenocarcinomas with characterization of associated clinicopathologic features.

Design.—Tumor grade, growth pattern, and stage were evaluated in 116 cases of primary GE adenocarcinoma biopsy and resection specimens. Using anti-HER2/neu antibody and the proposed HER2/neu scoring system for gastric cancer, HER2/neu IHC expression was recorded after manual scoring and automated IA interpretation.

Results.—HER2/neu overexpression (IHC 3+) was detected in 19% (10 of 54) of gastric tumors, and overall correlation between manual HER2/neu IHC interpretation and IA interpretation was 78% (42 of 54). HER2/neu overexpression (IHC 3+) was detected in 26% (16 of 62) of GE junction tumors, and the overall correlation between manual HER2/neu IHC interpretation and IA interpretation was 84% (52 of 62).

Conclusions.—The HER2/neu IHC scoring system for GE adenocarcinomas differs from that of breast carcinoma. Automated IA, validated for scoring of HER2/neu IHC in breast cancer, has a low correlation between HER2/neu IHC 2+ and IHC 3+ cases scored by conventional light microscopy and cannot be reliably used in the interpretation of HER2/neu IHC expression in GE adenocarcinomas.
Transgene-Free Disease-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kudva Yogish C. , Ohmine Seiga , Greder Lucas V. , Dutton James R. , Armstrong Adam , De Lamo Josep Genebriera , Khan Yulia Krotova , Thatava Tayaramma , Hasegawa Mamoru , Fusaki Noemi , Slack Jonathan M.W. , Ikeda Yasuhiro
Published: May 2012

The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology enables derivation of patient-specific pluripotent stem cells from adult somatic cells without using an embryonic cell source. Redifferentiation of iPSCs from diabetic patients into pancreatic islets will allow patient-specific disease modeling and autologous cell replacement therapy for failing islets. To date, diabetes-specific iPSCs have been generated from patients with type 1 diabetes using integrating retroviral vectors. However, vector integration into the host genome could compromise the biosafety and differentiation propensities of derived iPSCs. Although various integration-free reprogramming systems have been described, their utility to reprogram somatic cells from patients remains largely undetermined. Here, we used nonintegrating Sendai viral vectors to reprogram cells from patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Sendai vector infection led to reproducible generation of genomic modification-free iPSCs (SV-iPSCs) from patients with diabetes, including an 85-year-old individual with T2D. SV-iPSCs lost the Sendai viral genome and antigens within 8–12 passages while maintaining pluripotency. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of SV-iPSCs revealed induction of endogenous pluripotency genes and downregulation of genes involved in the oxidative stress response and the INK4/ARF pathways, including p16INK4a, p15INK4b, and p21CIP1. SV-iPSCs and iPSCs made with integrating lentiviral vectors demonstrated remarkable similarities in global gene expression profiles. Thus, the Sendai vector system facilitates reliable reprogramming of patient cells into transgene-free iPSCs, providing a pluripotent platform for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for diabetes and diabetes-associated complications.
Mundo sin centro: cultura, construcción de la identidad y cognición en la era digital
Authors: Corredor Javier Alejandro , Pinzón Oscar Humberto , Guerrero Rosa Marcela
Published: May 2012

This article explores the effects that new information technologies have on the cognitive development and the construction of identity among Colombian adolescents. It first reviews the recent literature regarding changes in adolescent development and culture in the international context and illustrates such changes with various case studies. Specifically, the article delves into the relationship between identity and culture, specifying how the representational means available on the Internet modify this relationship. The authors propose three changes as central to this transformation: the way in which the construction of identity is prompted through the creation of external representations in social media; the migration of everyday spaces of interaction to online environments; and the appearance of global subcultures.
Aspectos del debate sobre la 'cuestión religiosa' en Colombia, 1930-1935
Authors: J. Williford Thomas
Published: May 2012

One of the few consistent ideological differences between Colombia's two traditional parties revolved around the "religious question." The strongest defenders of the Church were Conservatives while Liberals were the most anti-clerical. The election of Olaya Herrera, a Liberal, as president in 1930 gave hope to those who wanted a more secular country after almost fifty years of Conservative governments allied with the clergy. However, since the presidents of the Liberal Republic wanted to avoid a religious conflict, various anticlerical militants forced a discussion about the "religious question" in the press and from their political offices. The Church hierarchy felt threatened and decided to organize a National Eucharistic Congress in August 1935 as a collective show of force. The leftist majority in the Bogotá municipal council sent the Congress a disrespectful telegram; their message, and the reaction to it by members of the clergy, solidified the opinions and fears on both extremes in the debate about the Church's role in Colombian society, pushing more moderate voices aside. The opposition became a caricature in the increasingly violent rhetoric and the two sides stopped listening to each other in an atmosphere of mutual fear and mistrust.
Por los caminos de Sodoma. Discurso de réplica, promesa formativa para una homosexualidad otra (1932)
Authors: Hincapié Alexánder
Published: May 2012

This article provides a reading of the novel, Por los caminos de Sodoma: Confesiones íntimas de un homosexual, published in 1932 by Sir Edgar Dixon, the pseudonym of Colombian intellectual Bernardo Arias Trujillo. We suggest that the literary gesture that presents homosexuality in the 1930s, by giving voice to individuals constituted as homosexual, presupposes the exercise of counter-discourse that, despite the tragic sign of its characters, inaugurates the formative promise of another homosexuality for those subjects marked by insult and degradation. This article is divided into three sections: the relationship between literature and education (Bildung); homosexuality as a counter-discourse; and the novel, Por los caminos de Sodoma, understood as an argument.
Autonomía, solidaridad y reconocimiento intersubjetivo. Claves éticas para políticas sociales contemporáneas
Authors: Pérez Mendoza Liliana
Published: May 2012

The current state of globalization generates multiple problems for Latin American societies, which are addressed by social policies. There are currently efforts to ensure that such policies are based on a more complex reading of social realty and its subjects. These proposals are framed in terms of theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and ethical perspectives that make possible the autonomy, solidarity, and intersubjective recognition of its participants. The objective of such efforts is to generate more cohesive societies with social actors empowered to dialogue and construct more equitable and inclusive forms of collective life. Based on Habermas’ theoretical framework of discursive ethics and Honneth’s theory of reciprocal recognition, this article contributes to formulation of ethical guidelines for contemporary social policies.
Masculinidades en Cuba: legitimación de una dimensión de los estudios de género
Authors: Quaresma da Silva Denise , Ulloa Guerra Oscar
Published: May 2012

In this article we examine some imagined meanings of masculinity among groups of men in Eastern Cuba. We first present a brief overview of how this subject has been addressed in the Cuban context, highlighting the relevant theoretical contributions to understand our case study. Our findings, which come from an analysis of discussion groups with self-identified heterosexual men, address the imagined meanings around masculine bodies, being a man and husband, and fatherhood. We suggest
that, circulating in this culture, there are beliefs and assumptions about being a man that produce categories and rankings, and, as a result, articulate, stabilize, and authorize situations of discrimination, subordination, marginalization, or exclusion among men and in systems of social relations.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and occupational risk factors among 20‐ to 75‐year‐old Danes—A GA2LEN‐based study
Authors: Thilsing Trine , Rasmussen Jesper , Lange Bibi , Kjeldsen Anette D. , Al‐Kalemji Abir , Baelum Jesper
Published: May 2012

Background

Very little is known about occupational risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to evaluate occupational and other potential risk factors for CRS in a Danish population.

Methods

A cross sectional survey study among 4,554 Danes aged 20–75 years evaluated self‐reported symptoms of CRS, asthma, and nasal allergy, along with information on smoking habits and occupation.

Results

A total of 3,099 returned completed questionnaires (response rate 68.1%). The overall CRS prevalence was 7.8% with no significant differences related to age or gender. Risk ratio estimates revealed an increased risk of CRS among female blue collar workers compared to female white collar workers. Among men the effect of occupation depended on smoking status. Occupational exposure to gasses, fumes, dust, or smoke increased the overall risk of CRS. CRS was reported approximately four times as often in subjects with asthma and in subjects with nasal allergy. Current smoking doubled the CRS prevalence.

Conclusions

CRS prevalence was affected by occupation (blue vs. white collar), but the observed effect depended on gender and smoking status. Exposure to airway irritants (occupational or smoking) increased the CRS prevalence. Studies on larger cohorts are needed to fully assess these tendencies, for example, by more extensive use of Job Exposure Matrix models. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1037–1043, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An embodied approach to arthropod animation
Authors: Cenydd Llyr ap , Teahan Bill
Published: May 2012

We describe a system for dynamically animating the locomotive behaviour of arthropods (insects, spiders and numerous other species) in real‐time, facilitating realistic and autonomous traversal across an arbitrary environment. By combining a decentralised reactive behavioural model with a hybrid approach to motion that utilises the comparative advantages of physical simulation and kinematic control, our system is capable of automatically generating complex organic motion over a wide range of surface features, independent of structural complexity. The reactive embodiment of the creature, combined with the physical simulation of the virtual world enables the formation of emergent behaviours that are entirely based on circumstance, including rigid‐body interaction, grip recovery and adaptive wall climbing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient modeling of numerous trees by introducing growth volume for real‐time virtual ecosystems
Authors: Kim Jinmo , Cho Hyungje
Published: May 2012

This study suggests a growth volume system for the efficient modeling of numerous trees for a real‐time virtual ecosystem. To increase the efficiency of the real‐time system and to allow natural tree generation, the basic tree modeling system obtains its growth rule by means of botany‐based self‐organizing under a recursive hierarchy structure. On the basis of this rule, growth volume was introduced and controlled to generate numerous trees in a virtual ecosystem more intuitively, which allows the generation of various trees. The reality of the expression was increased by including the effects of external factors, such as light, physical obstacles, and other trees. Finally, an instancing‐based branch control procedure was added to enable an efficient rendering of the real‐time ecosystem. Experiments were performed to verify whether various and natural trees could be generated and numerous trees in the virtual ecosystem can be easily modeled on the basis of the suggested growth volume, which shows the efficiency of the real‐time ecosystem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A blendshape model that incorporates physical interaction
Authors: Ma Wan‐Chun , Wang Yi‐Hua , Fyffe Graham , Chen Bing‐Yu , Debevec Paul
Published: May 2012

The linear blendshape technique has been intensively used for computer animation and games because of its simplicity and effectiveness. However, it cannot describe rotational deformations and deformations because of self collision or scene interaction. In this paper, we present a new technique to address these two major limitations by introducing physical‐based simulation to blendshapes. The proposed technique begins by constructing a mass–spring system for each blendshape target. Each system is initialized in its steady state by setting the rest length of each spring as the edge length of the corresponding target. To begin shape interpolation, we linearly interpolate the rest lengths of the springs according to a given interpolation factor α ∈ [0,1]. The interpolated shape is then generated by computing the equilibrium of the mass–spring system with the interpolated rest lengths. Results from our technique show physically plausible deformations even in the case of large rotations between blendshape targets. In addition, the new blendshape model is able to interact with other scene elements by introducing collision detection and handling to the mass–spring system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speeding up the simulation of deformable objects through mesh improvement
Authors: Gutiérrez Luis F. , Aguinaga Iker , Harders Matthias , Ramos Félix
Published: May 2012

We propose a novel mesh optimization approach that is useful for speeding up a simulation of finite elements‐based deformable objects. The approach is based on a quality metric derived from the critical simulation time step of explicit time integration schemes (i.e., the stability limit for the integration of dynamic equations). Our mesh smoothing approach consists of a set of small and independent spring systems. These are made up of a reference mesh node connected to a set of fixed endpoints, which represent the positions that maximize the time step of the elements adjacent to that node. The reference node is displaced to an equilibrium position through a few local iterations. Each spring's stiffness is weighted depending on the quality of its corresponding element. All spring systems can be computed in parallel. Global iterations update the mesh and spring systems. In addition, we combine our smoothing algorithm with topological transformations. With this approach, the simulation performance could be increased by more than 30% depending on the mesh. This approach is suitable for the generation of finite element method meshes, particularly those requiring interactive applications and haptic rendering. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations of the p53 and PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathways in angiosarcomas
Authors: Italiano Antoine , Chen Chun‐Liang , Thomas Rachael , Breen Matthew , Bonnet Françoise , Sevenet Nicolas , Longy Michel , Maki Robert G. , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The p53 and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide/v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR) pathways frequently are altered in sarcoma with complex genomics, such as leiomyosarcoma (LMS) or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). The scale of genetic abnormalities in these pathways remains unknown in angiosarcoma (AS).

METHODS:

The authors investigated the status of critical genes involved in the p53 and PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathways in a series of 62 AS.

RESULTS:

The mutation and deletion rates of tumor protein 53 (TP53) were 4% and 0%, respectively. Overexpression of p53 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 49% of patients and was associated with inferior disease‐free survival. Although p14 inactivation or overexpression of the human murine double minute homolog (HDM2) were frequent in LMS and UPS and could substitute for TP53 mutation or deletion, such alterations were rare in angiosarcomas. Phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p‐S6K) and/or phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (p‐4eBP1) overexpression was observed in 42% of patients, suggesting frequent activation of the PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathway in angiosarcomas. Activation was not related to intragenic deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), an aberration that is frequent in LMS and UPS but absent in angiosarcomas.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that angiosarcomas constitute a distinct subgroup among sarcomas with complex genomics. Although TP53 mutation and PTEN deletion are frequent in LMS and UPS, these aberrations are rarely involved in the pathogenesis of angiosarcoma. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A phase 1 study of weekly dosing of trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) in patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor 2–positive breast cancer
Authors: Beeram Muralidhar , Krop Ian E. , Burris Howard A. , Girish Sandhya R. , Yu Wei , Lu Michael W. , Holden Scott N. , Modi Shanu
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

We conducted a phase 1, multicenter, open‐label, dose‐escalation study (TDM3569g) to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single‐agent trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) administered weekly and once every 3 weeks in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab. The weekly dose results are described here.

METHODS:

Patients were administered escalating doses of T‐DM1 weekly, starting at 1.2 mg/kg. Additional patients were enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) to better characterize tolerability and pharmacokinetics.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐eight patients received weekly T‐DM1, and the MTD was determined to be 2.4 mg/kg. In general, T‐DM1 was well tolerated, requiring few dose modifications or discontinuations because of adverse events (AEs). Grade ≥3 AEs were reported in 19 patients (67.9%); treatment‐related AEs occurred in 25 (89.3%) patients. Exposure to weekly T‐DM1 was dose‐proportional at ≥1.2 mg/kg, and accumulation of T‐DM1 and total trastuzumab was observed. Objective partial tumor responses were reported in 13 (46.4%) patients; the median duration of response was 18.6 months, and the 6‐month clinical benefit rate was 57.1%.

CONCLUSION:

The results suggest that a weekly dose of T‐DM1 2.4 mg/kg has antitumor activity and is well tolerated in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Optimization of staining conditions for microalgae with three lipophilic dyes to reduce precipitation and fluorescence variability
Authors: Cirulis Judith T. , Strasser Bridget C. , Scott John A. , Ross Gregory M.
Published: May 2012

When the fluorescence signal of a dye is being quantified, the staining protocol is an important factor in ensuring accuracy and reproducibility. Increasingly, lipophilic dyes are being used to quantify cellular lipids in microalgae. However, there is little discussion about the sensitivity of these dyes to staining conditions. To address this, microalgae were stained with either the lipophilic dyes often used for lipid quantification (Nile Red and BODIPY) or a lipophilic dye commonly used to stain neuronal cell membranes (DiO), and fluorescence was measured using flow cytometry. The concentration of the cells being stained was found not to affect the fluorescence. Conversely, the concentration of dye significantly affected the fluorescence intensity from either insufficient saturation of the cellular lipids or formation of dye precipitate. Precipitates of all three dyes were detected as events by flow cytometry and fluoresced at a similar intensity as the chlorophyll in the microalgae. Prevention of precipitate formation is, therefore, critical to ensure accurate fluorescence measurement with these dyes. It was also observed that the presence of organic solvents, such as acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were not required to increase penetration of the dyes into cells and that the presence of these solvents resulted in increased cellular debris. Thus, staining conditions affected the fluorescence of all three lipophilic dyes, but Nile Red was found to have a stable fluorescence intensity that was unaffected by the broadest range of conditions and could be correlated to cellular lipid content. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Isolated splenic metastasis from carcinoma of the breast: A Case Report
Authors: Sufficool Kari , Wang Jeff , Doherty Sean
Published: May 2012

Breast carcinoma with visceral metastasis to the lungs, liver, and bone is common. However, isolated splenic metastases from breast carcinoma are rare. This has been rarely described in the medical literature. This case report presents a 48‐year‐old woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer and an isolated splenic metastasis diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Radiologic staging revealed no involvement of other organs, such as lungs, liver, or bone. The pathogenesis of rare single splenic metastasis and the diagnostic role of FNA on the spleen lesion are discussed. This case is being reported due to its rare metastatic initial presentation and the role of FNA in achieving the diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:914–916. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterozygous deletion of Atbf1 by the Cre‐loxP system in mice causes preweaning mortality
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Fu Xiaoying , Li Jie , Xing Changsheng , Martin David W. , Zhang Helen Heju , Chen Zhengjia , Dong Jin‐Tang
Published: May 2012

ATBF1 is a large nuclear protein that contains multiple zinc‐finger motifs and four homeodomains. In mammals, ATBF1 regulates differentiation, and its mutation and/or downregulation is involved in tumorigenesis in several organs. To gain more insight into the physiological functions of ATBF1, we generated and validated a conditional allele of mouse Atbf1 in which exons 7 and 8 were flanked by loxP sites (Atbf1flox). Germline deletion of a single Atbf1 allele was achieved by breeding to EIIa‐cre transgenic mice, and Atbf1 heterozygous mice displayed reduced body weight, preweaning mortality, increased cell proliferation, and attenuated cytokeratin 18 expression, indicating haploinsufficiency of Atbf1. Floxed Atbf1 mice will help us understand such biological processes as neuronal differentiation and tumorigenesis. genesis 1–9, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chiral recognition of imperanene enantiomers by various cyclodextrins: A capillary electrophoresis and NMR spectroscopy study
Authors: Sohajda Tamás , Szakács Zoltán , Szente Lajos , Noszál Béla , Béni Szabolcs
Published: May 2012

The enantiomers of imperanene, a novel polyphenolic compound of Imperata cylindrica (L.), were separated via cyclodextrin‐modified capillary electrophoresis. The anionic form of the analyte at pH 9.0 was subject to complexation and enantioseparation CE studies with neutral and charged cyclodextrins. As chiral selectors 27 CDs were applied differing in cavity size, sidechain, degree of substitution (DS) and charge. Three hydroxypropylated and three sulfoalkylated CD preparations provided enantioseparation and the migration order was successfully interpreted in each case in terms of complex mobilities and stability constants. The best enantioresolution (RS = 1.26) was achieved using sulfobutyl‐ether‐γ‐CD (DS ∼4), but it could be enhanced by extensive investigations on dual selector systems. After optimization (CD concentrations and pH) RS = 4.47 was achieved using a 12.5 mM sulfobutyl‐ether‐γ‐CD and 10 mM 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐mono‐(3‐hydroxy)‐propylamino‐β‐cyclodextrin dual system. The average stoichiometry of the complex was determined with Job's method using NMR‐titration and resulted in a 1:1 complex for both (2‐hydroxy)propyl‐β‐ and sulfobutyl‐ether‐γ‐CD. Further NMR experiments suggest that the coniferyl moiety of imperanene is involved in the host‐guest interaction.
The use of sigmoid pH gradients in free‐flow isoelectric focusing of human endothelial cell proteins
Authors: Ma Xiao , Wildgruber Robert , Bauer Johann , Weber Gerhard , Infanger Manfred , Grosse Jirka , Grimm Daniela
Published: May 2012

Prefractionation of proteins enhances the resolution of proteome analysis of whole cells. Free‐flow electrophoresis (FFE) provides a useful step in various prefractionation protocols, since matrix‐free isoelectric focusing (FF‐IEF) performed in this machine enables the enrichment of large, easily absorbable, sensitive proteins. The impact of the FFE on the success of a proteome analysis depends on the quality of the FF‐IEF separation procedure. Therefore, attempts are continuously being made to improve FF‐IEF. Here, we applied sigmoid pH gradients to the prefractionation of endothelial cell proteins. Small steps of pH incline between neighboring FFE fractions were established in pH ranges, in which the proteins of interest have their pIs. With the help of this advanced technology, we separated vimentin and cytoplasmic actin as well as triosephosphate isomerase and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase preparatively, and found a pI of 5.9 ± 0.2 for nonmuscle myosin.
Complexation of europium and uranium by humic acids analyzed by capillary electrophoresis‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Möser Christina , Kautenburger Ralf , Philipp Beck Horst
Published: May 2012

Investigations of the mobility of radioactive and nonradioactive substances in the environment are important tasks for the development of a future disposal in deep geological formations. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can play an important role in the mobilization of metal ions due to complexation. In this study, we investigate the complexation behavior of humic acid (HA) as a model substance for DOM and its influence on the migration of europium as homologue for the actinide americium and uranium as the principal component of nuclear fuel. As speciation technique, capillary electrophoresis (CE) was hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). For the study, 0.5 mg·L−1 of the metals and 25 mg·L−1 of (purified Aldrich) HA and an aqueous solution sodium‐perchlorate with an ionic strength of 10 mM at pH 5 were used. CE–ICP‐MS clearly shows the different speciation of the triple positively charged europium and the double positively charged uranyl cation with HA.
Electrophoretic mobility of partially denatured DNA in a gel: Qualitative and semiquantitative differences between bubbles and split ends
Authors: Sean David , Slater Gary W.
Published: May 2012

Partially melted DNA is known to exhibit an abrupt decrease of electrophoretic mobility in a gel. Although this is the main phenomenon exploited in TGGE/DGGE (temperature gradient gel electrophoresis/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), not much is known about the physical processes responsible for the blocking. While there is a commonly used formula for the reduced mobility based on the theory of branched polymers, it does not discriminate between denatured domains bounded on one (split end) or two sides (bubble). To better understand how the blocking occurs in both of these cases, a coarse‐grained model of DNA gel electrophoresis is simulated using Langevin Dynamics. The simulations reveal that the low‐field mobility is much more sensitive to denatured domains located at the ends of a DNA fragment. A denatured domain occurring at the center of a fragment indeed reduces the mobility, but at a much lower rate.
Effective force testing using a robust loop shaping controller
Authors: Nakata Narutoshi
Published: May 2012

Effective force testing (EFT) is one of the force‐based experimental methods used for performance evaluation of structures that incorporate dynamic force control using hydraulic actuators. Although previous studies have shown successful implementations of force control, controllable frequency ranges are limited to low frequencies (10 Hz). This study presents the EFT method using a robust loop shaping force feedback controller that can extend the frequency range up to 25 Hz or even higher. Unlike the conventional PID controllers, loop shaping controllers can provide robustness for a high level of force measurement noise. This study investigates the dynamic properties of hydraulic actuators and the design of a loop shaping controller that compensates for control–structure interaction and suppresses the effect of oil‐column resonance. The designed loop shaping controller was successfully implemented into an EFT setup at the Johns Hopkins University. An experimental investigation of the loop shaping controller was performed under step, random, and earthquake force loadings. Experimental results showed that the loop shaping controller provided excellent force tracking performance and robustness for dynamic force loadings. It was also shown that the loop shaping controller had the gain margin of 9.54 dB at the frequency of 28 Hz. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Min‐norm based alphabet‐matching algorithm for adaptive blind equalisation of high‐order QAM signals
Authors: Labed Abdenour , Chonavel Thierry , Aïssa‐El‐Bey Abdeldjalil , Belouchrani Adel
Published: May 2012

An adaptive blind equalisation algorithm for high‐order quadrature amplitude modulations is proposed. It is derived by combining the multi‐modulus criterion and a new alphabet‐matching penalty term. This penalty is based on the minimum ℓ1‐norm of the deviations of the equaliser output from the alphabet elements. Numerical experiments show that the proposed criterion provides higher performance in terms of residual error and convergence speed than the conventional multi‐modulus algorithm and its penalised versions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How organic and analytical chemistry contribute to knowledge of the biogenesis of varietal thiols in wine. A review.
Authors: Roland Aurélie , Cavelier Florine , Schneider Rémi
Published: May 2012

During the past 20 years, interest in the involvement of varietal thiols in the aroma of young wines has grown considerably. Most data in the literature dealing with these thiols in wine has focused on 4‐mercapto‐4‐methylpentan‐2‐one, 3‐mercaptohexyl acetate and 3‐mercaptohexan‐1‐ol and demonstrate the central role of the different branches of chemistry in understanding the biotechnological processes responsible for thiol release. This review describes and discusses the chemical strategies used to synthesize volatile thiols and their precursors as well as their final use in order to: (1) elucidate the structure of the precursors, their role and the mechanism of cleavage; (2) determine the sensory contribution of volatile thiols in wine; and (3) develop accurate quantification methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power of Single‐ vs. Multi‐Marker Tests of Association
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Morris Nathan J. , Schaid Daniel J. , Elston Robert C.
Published: May 2012

Current genome‐wide association studies still heavily rely on a single‐marker strategy, in which each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is tested individually for association with a phenotype. Although methods and software packages that consider multimarker models have become available, they have been slow to become widely adopted and their efficacy in real data analysis is often questioned. Based on conducting extensive simulations, here we endeavor to provide more insights into the performance of simple multimarker association tests as compared to single‐marker tests. The results reveal the power advantage as well as disadvantage of the two‐ vs. the single‐marker test. Power differentials depend on the correlation structure among tag SNPs, as well as that between tag SNPs and causal variants. A two‐marker test has relatively better performance than single‐marker tests when the correlation of the two adjacent markers is high. However, using HapMap data, two‐marker tests tended to have a greater chance of being less powerful than single‐marker tests, due to constraints on the number of actual possible haplotypes in the HapMap data. Yet, the average power difference was small whenever the one‐marker test is more powerful, while there were many situations where the two‐marker test can be much more powerful. These findings can be useful to guide analyses of future studies. Genet. Epidemiol. 36:480‐487, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New conodont species and biostratigraphy of the Santa Rosita Formation (upper Furongian–Tremadocian) in the Tilcara Range, Cordillera Oriental of Jujuy, Argentina
Authors: Zeballo Fernando J. , Albanesi Guillermo L.
Published: May 2012

A new conodont collection from the Alfarcito area of the Tilcara Range, Cordillera Oriental of northwestern Argentina, has been studied. The Santa Rosita Formation exposed in this area consists of the Tilcara, Casa Colorada, Pico de Halcón, Alfarcito, Rupasca and Humacha members, which have a combined total thickness of ca. 1100 m. The sequence is composed of interbedded shales and sandstones, including calcarenites and coquinas, mostly appearing in the upper parts of the units. An abundant fauna of conodonts (ca. 11 000 elements), associated with graptolites and trilobites, was recorded. The biostratigraphic analysis allows for the identification of the Cordylodus intermedius and C. lindstromi sensu lato zones at the base of the Alfarcito Member. The C. angulatus Zone spans the upper part of the latter unit, and the Paltodus deltifer Zone (Paltodus deltifer pristinus and P. deltifer deltifer subzones) is identified in the Rupasca and Humacha members. The new species Acanthodus raqueli, A. humachensis, Utahconus tortibasis, U. scandodiformis, U. purmamarcensis, Variabiloconus crassus, Kallidontus gondwanicus and Acodus primitivus are recorded from the two latter biozones and they are described herein. The genera Acanthodus and Variabiloconus are emended, and a new genus Tilcarodus is created to include T. humahuacensis (Albanesi and Aceñolaza). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep duration, spot urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin levels and risk of breast cancer among Chinese women in Singapore
Authors: Wu Anna H. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Wang Renwei , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min , Yu Mimi C.
Published: May 2012

We previously reported an inverse association between sleep duration and breast cancer risk in the prospective, population‐based Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS) cohort (Wu et al., Carcinogenesis 2008;29:1244–8). Sleep duration was significantly positively associated with 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) levels determined in a spot urine, but aMT6s levels in breast cancer cases were lacking (Wu et al., Carcinogenesis 2008;29:1244–8). We updated the sleep duration–breast cancer association with 14 years of follow‐up of 34,028 women in the SCHS. In a nested case–control study conducted within the SCHS, randomly timed, prediagnostic urinary aMT6s concentrations were compared between 248 incident breast cancer and 743 individually matched cohort controls. Three female controls were individually matched to each case on age at baseline interview (within 3 years), dialect group, menopausal status, date of baseline interview (within 2 years), date of urine sample collection (within 6 months) and timing of urine collection during the day (within 1 hr). Cox proportional hazards and conditional regression models with appropriate adjustment for confounders were used to examine the sleep– and aMT6s–breast cancer relationships. Breast cancer risk was not significantly associated with sleep duration; adjusted odds ratio (OR) for 9+ vs. ≤6 hr is 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.64–1.22]. Prediagnostic aMT6s levels did not differ between breast cancer cases and matched controls; adjusted OR for highest versus lowest quartiles is 1.00 (95% CI = 0.64–1.54). We conclude that sleep duration is not significantly associated with breast cancer risk reduction. Melatonin levels derived from randomly timed spot urine are unrelated to breast cancer. Randomly timed, spot urine‐derived melatonin levels are noninformative as surrogates of nocturnal melatonin production.