bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological and clinical profile of triple negative breast cancer at a cancer hospital in North India
Authors: Suresh P , Batra Ullas , Doval D.C.
Published: August 2013

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a recent concept and the burning topic of research today. Various studies have been reported in western literature on TNBCs or the similar group of basal like cancers, all highlighting the poor prognostic features of this molecular subtype in comparison to the other types of breast cancers. However extensive data from India is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical profile of TNBcs at our institute. Materials and Methods: Data on 171 patients of TNBCs registered at this hospital between 2005 and 2008 and followed up until December 2010 was collected and reviewed for epidemiological and clinical features. Results: The median age at presentation was 49 years (22-75 years). Sixty eight patients (40%) had lump in the breast of less than 1 month duration. Fourteen (8%) were nulliparous and 10 (7%) patients had crossed the age of 30 years at first full-term pregnancy, 89 (52%) were pre or peri-menopausal at presentation. Only 8 (5%) patients had a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. One hundred and six (62%) patients were stage II, 26 (15%) stage III, 21 (12%) stage I and 18 (10%) stage IV at presentation. One hundred and twenty eight patients (75%) had early breast cancer eligible for surgery at presentation, 25 (15%) were locally advanced and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and 18 (10%) were found to be metastatic. Modified radical mastectomy was the preferred surgical option by most patients (76%) who underwent upfront surgery in our study. The pathological overall response rates (complete and partial response) after NACT was 75% with complete response rate of 25% and there were no relapses in the complete responders. The median follow-up was 30 months (9-70 months). One hundred and twenty two patients (71%) were alive at last follow-up, 34 (22%) had relapsed, 18 (11%) had died due to progressive disease. Thirty one patients (18%) were lost to follow-up. Most of the relapses were systemic and rarely preceded by local relapses. Conclusions: TNBCs are aggressive cancers with high rates of systemic relapses within the first 3 years of presentation. Longer follow-up of these patients is required for more mature data on these cancers.
Long-term survivor of human immunodeficiency virus-associated plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Sharma Atul , Tilak T. V. S. V. G. K. , Lodha Rakesh , Sharma M.C. , Dabkara Deepak
Published: August 2013

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PL) is a type of non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma (NHL) having a strong association with immunosuppression, especially, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It generally has a poor prognosis with most patients dying within 2 years from initial presentation, and long-term survivors are very few. We report the case of a 10-years-old child, presenting in 2003 with swelling on the right side of the face and fever of 2 months. Evaluation revealed a mass in the right palatal and upper alveolar region with extensive spread and bone destruction, regional adenopathy, mass lesion in the liver and hepatosplenomegaly without bone marrow involvement. Histopathology was suggestive of the PL and patient tested positive for HIV. He was started on high grade NHL chemotherapy protocol along with highly-active anti-retroviral therapy HAART. He responded well and is in complete remission since 8 years of completion of treatment and is on HAART.
Primary granulocytic sarcoma of lip - A rare extramedullary presentation of myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chaudhuri Tamojit , Paul Sayan , Srivastava Kirti
Published: August 2013

A sixty year old male presented with a swelling in the upper lip. On cytopathology, the patient was diagnosed as a case of granulocytic sarcoma. His bone marrow examination was unremarkable. Patient was then treated by radiotherapy alone 30 Gray in 15 fractions and achieved complete response. Eighteen months after follow up the patient is absolutely normal. To our knowledge this is the first ever reported case of granulocytic sarcoma of lip.
Amino acid digestibility in camelina products fed to growing pigs
Authors: Almeida F. N. , Htoo J. K. , Thomson J. , Stein H. H.
Published: August 2013

Almeida, F. N., Htoo, J. K., Thomson, J. and Stein, H. H. 2013. Amino acid digestibility in camelina products fed to growing pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 335–343. Camelina seed production has increased in North America because of demand for camelina oil for biofuel production. Camelina expellers (CE) is the co-product that remains after oil has been expelled, and CE usually contains approximately 35% crude protein (CP), 14% ether extract, 10% crude fiber, and 5% ash making it an attractive feedstuff for livestock. An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and amino acids (AA) in two sources of camelina seeds [CS-1 and CS-2; average: 39% acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE), 28% CP, 27% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 12% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 4% ash] and in three sources of CE (CE-1, CE-2, and CE-3; average: 35% CP, 24% NDF, 15% AEE, 14% ADF, 6% ash) and to compare the SID of CP and AA in camelina products with the SID of CP and AA in solvent-extracted canola meal fed to pigs. Seven growing pigs (initial BW 43.5 kg) were randomly allotted to a 7×7 Latin square design with seven diets fed to individually housed pigs over seven periods. Six of the diets contained CS, CE, or canola meal as the sole source of CP and AA and a N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. The SID of CP in CS-1 and CE-2 was less (P<0.01) than the SID of CP in canola meal, but the SID of CP in CS-2, CE-1, and CE-3 was not different from the SID of CP in canola meal. The SID of Lys in CS-1 and CS-2 was less (P<0.01) than in canola meal, but the SID of Lys was not different among CE-1, CE-2, CE-3, and canola meal. Results from this experiment indicate that the SID of AA in CE is mostly comparable with that of canola meal, but the digestibility of CP and AA in the two camelina seeds was somewhat less than in CE and canola meal. Camelina expellers may, therefore, be included in diets fed to pigs.
Corrosion Mechanism of Aluminized Steel in Limestone Backfill
Authors: Akhoondan Mersedeh , Sagüés Alberto A.
Published: August 2013

Aluminized steel Type 2 (AST2), ASTM A929, has a ~50 μm thick coating with outer and inner layers of Al alloy and Al-Fe intermetallic, respectively. AST2 culvert and drainage pipes are required to have a long service life (e.g., 75 years) in natural soil and water environments; premature pipe failures incur heavy repair and replacement costs. Performance has been adequate in many service conditions, but unexpected early corrosion of AST2 pipes has recently been observed in some Florida inland locations. A recent event with loss of the coating and local penetration of the substrate, after only ~3 years of service, was associated with the use of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-rich (limestone) backfill. Water in contact with limestone and allowed to equilibrate with carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere (open system) tends to develop a near-neutral pH, compatible with a stable passive film on Al, so experiments were conducted to determine if the aggressive conditions took place otherwise. Simulated field fresh water conditions were created, where water in a limestone-filled cell was constantly replenished at a slow rate (representing rain-water), while the pH and conductivity were monitored. Under these conditions, a high, steady-state pH > 9 developed that was aggressive to the air-formed aluminum oxide passive film. The higher pH was ascribed to the dissolution of limestone in slowly flowing water that is not given enough time for equilibration with atmospheric CO2 (approaching a closed system). Electrochemical impedance measurements indicated the onset of severe corrosion early in the exposure, confirmed by metal-lographic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of loss of coating in extracted AST2 specimens. The corrosion rate decreased later as a thick corrosion product layer formed. Corrosion mechanisms are discussed.
Pitting Corrosion of Very Clean Type 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Jun Jiheon , Holguin K. , Frankel G.S.
Published: August 2013

The localized corrosion susceptibility of a clean grade of Type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel (SS304), which was processed with the intent of having fewer and smaller inclusions, was compared with regular grade SS304. Transmmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that inclusions were composed of multiple phases that were either multi-element oxide or manganese sulfide (MnS). Oxide inclusions, which had only multi-oxide phases, were the dominant inclusion type in clean SS304, whereas MnS-containing inclusions, having both oxide and MnS phases together, were more frequent in regular SS304. The average size of inclusions was larger in regular SS304. Cyclic polarization tests showed that pitting potentials of clean SS304 were higher than regular grade SS304. Under exposure to strong oxidizing acid with Cl−, MnS-containing inclusions initiated pitting, whereas oxide inclusions did not, indicating that pit initiation is more frequent in regular SS304 because it has more MnS inclusions. The fewer pit initiation sites in clean SS304 was the reason for its higher pitting corrosion resistance.
Unraveling the Impact of Chloride and Sulfate Ions Collection on Atmospheric Corrosion of Steel
Authors: Boan M. Echeverría , Rodríguez A. , Abreu C.M. , Echeverría C.A.
Published: August 2013

In this work, the deposition rate of two of the main ions involved in the corrosion caused by marine aerosol (SO42− and Cl−) were monitored for three years, using three different collection methods: alkaline sulfation plate, wet candle, and dry plate (ASP, WC, and DP). The deposition rate of Cl− and SO42− evidenced significant differences depending on the method, with higher suitability of ASP to simultaneously collect both ions. The use of this method also provided a higher correlation coefficient of the corrosion rate of steel with the ions' deposition. These results have a direct impact in the standard ISO 9225 (2012).
Observations of IMF coherent structures and their relationship to SEP dropout events
Authors: Trenchi L. , Bruno R. , D'Amicis R. , Marcucci M. F. , Telloni D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The solar energetic particle (SEP) events from impulsive solar flares are often characterized by short-timescale modulations affecting, at the same time, particles with different energies. Several models and simulations suggest that these modulations are observed when SEPs propagate through magnetic structures with a different connection with the flare site. However, in situ observations rarely showed clear magnetic signatures associated with these modulations. In this paper we used the Grad–Shafranov reconstruction to perform a detailed analysis of the local magnetic field topology during the SEP event of 9–10 January 1999, characterized by several SEP dropouts. An optimization procedure is used to identify, during this SEP event, the magnetic structures which better satisfy the Grad–Shafranov assumptions and to evaluate the direction of their invariant axis. We found that these two-dimensional structures, which are flux ropes or current sheets with a more complex field topology, are generally associated with the maxima in the SEP counts. This association suggests that the SEPs propagate within these structures and, since their gyration radii is much smaller than the transverse dimension of these structure, cannot escape from them.
Seasonal signatures in SFG vibrational spectra of the sea surface nanolayer at Boknis Eck Time Series Station (SW Baltic Sea)
Authors: Laß K. , Bange H. W. , Friedrichs G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The very thin sea surface nanolayer on top of the sea surface microlayer, sometimes just one monomolecular layer thick, forms the interface between ocean and atmosphere. Due to the small dimension and tiny amount of substance, knowledge about the development of the layer in the course of the year is scarce. In this work, the sea surface nanolayer at Boknis Eck Time Series Station (BE), southwestern Baltic Sea, has been investigated over a period of three and a half years. Surface water samples were taken monthly by screen sampling and were analyzed in terms of organic content and composition by sum frequency generation spectroscopy, which is specifically sensitive to interfacial layers. A yearly periodicity has been observed with a pronounced abundance of sea surface nanolayer material (such as carbohydrate-rich material) during the summer months. On the basis of our results we conclude that the abundance of organic material in the nanolayer at Boknis Eck is not directly related to phytoplankton abundance alone. We speculate that indeed sloppy feeding of zooplankton together with photochemical and/or microbial processing of organic precursor compounds is responsible for the pronounced seasonality.
Reallocation in modal aerosol models: impacts on predicting aerosol radiative effects
Authors: Korhola T. , Kokkola H. , Korhonen H. , Partanen A.-I. , Laaksonen A. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Romakkaniemi S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In atmospheric modelling applications the aerosol particle size distribution is commonly represented by modal approach, in which particles in different size ranges are described with log-normal modes within predetermined size ranges. Such method includes numerical reallocation of particles from a mode to another for example during particle growth, leading to potentially artificial changes in the aerosol size distribution. In this study we analysed how this reallocation affects climatologically relevant parameters: cloud droplet number concentration, aerosol-cloud interaction coefficient and light extinction coefficient. We compared these parameters between a modal model with and without reallocation routines, and a high resolution sectional model that was considered as a reference model. We analysed the relative differences of the parameters in different experiments that were designed to cover a wide range of dynamic aerosol processes occurring in the atmosphere. According to our results, limiting the allowed size ranges of the modes and the following numerical remapping of the distribution by reallocation, leads on average to underestimation of cloud droplet number concentration (up to 100%) and overestimation of light extinction (up to 20%). The analysis of aerosol first indirect effect is more complicated as the ACI parameter can be either over- or underestimated by the reallocating model, depending on the conditions. However, for example in the case of atmospheric new particle formation events followed by rapid particle growth, the reallocation can cause around average 10% overestimation of the ACI parameter. Thus it is shown that the reallocation affects the ability of a model to estimate aerosol climate effects accurately, and this should be taken into account when using and developing aerosol models.
Optimization of a prognostic biosphere model in atmospheric CO2 variability and terrestrial biomass
Authors: Saito M. , Ito A. , Maksyutov S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This study investigated the capacity of a prognostic biosphere model to simulate global vegetation carbon dynamics and the variability in atmospheric CO2 concentrations under the current environmental conditions. Global data sets of atmospheric CO2 concentrations and terrestrial vegetation compositions of the aboveground biomass and net primary productivity (NPP) were assimilated into the biosphere model using an inverse modeling method combined with an atmospheric transport model. In this process, the optimal physiological parameters of the biosphere model were estimated by minimizing the misfit between the observed and modeled values, and acceptable parameters with various values were generated among the biome types. The model with the optimized parameters corresponded to the observed seasonal variations in the CO2 concentration, especially in the Northern Hemisphere where there are abundant observation stations, although the annual amplitudes were overestimated at a few stations. In simulating the mean annual aboveground biomass and NPP, the model also produced moderate estimates of the mean magnitudes and probability distributions for each biome. However, the model worked less efficiently in simulating the terrestrial vegetation compositions in some grids. These misfits suggest that some additional information about the disturbance and seasonal variability of the physiological parameters is required to improve the performance of the simulation model.
Precipitation products from the hydrology SAF
Authors: Mugnai A. , Casella D. , Cattani E. , Dietrich S. , Laviola S. , Levizzani V. , Panegrossi G. , Petracca M. , Sanò P. , Di Paola F. , Biron D. , De Leonibus L. , Melfi D. , Rosci P. , Vocino A. , Zauli F. , Pagliara P. , Puca S. , Rinollo A. , Milani L. , Porcù F. , Gattari F.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF) was established by the EUMETSAT Council on 3 July 2005, starting activity on 1 September 2005. The Italian Meteorological Service serves as Leading Entity on behalf of twelve European member countries. H-SAF products include precipitation, soil moisture and snow parameters. Some products are based only on satellite observations, while other products are based on the assimilation of satellite measurements/products into numerical models. In addition to product development and generation, H-SAF includes a product validation program and a hydrological validation program that are coordinated, respectively, by the Italian Department of Civil Protection and by the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. The National Center of Aeronautical Meteorology and Climatology (CNMCA) of the Italian Air Force is responsible for operational product generation and dissemination. In this paper we describe the H-SAF precipitation algorithms and products, which have been developed by the Italian Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (in collaboration with the international community) and by CNMCA during the Development Phase (DP, 2005–2010) and the first Continuous Development and Operations Phase (CDOP-1, 2010–2012). The precipitation products are based on passive microwave measurements obtained from radiometers onboard different sun-synchronous low-Earth-orbiting satellites (especially, the SSM/I and SSMIS radiometers onboard DMSP satellites and the AMSU-A + AMSU-B/MHS radiometer suites onboard EPS-MetOp and NOAA-POES satellites), as well as on combined infrared/passive microwave measurements in which the passive microwave precipitation estimates are used in conjunction with SEVIRI images from the geostationary MSG satellite. Moreover, the H-SAF product generation and dissemination chain and independent product validation activities are described. Also, the H-SAF program and its associated activities that currently are being carried out or are planned to be performed within the second CDOP phase (CDOP-2, 2012–2017) are presented in some detail. Insofar as CDOP-2 is concerned, it is emphasized that all algorithms and processing schemes will be improved and enhanced so as to extend them to satellites that will be operational within this decade – particularly the geostationary Meteosat Third Generation satellites and the low-Earth-orbiting Core Observatory of the international Global Precipitation Measurement mission. Finally, the role of H-SAF within the international science and operations community is explained.
IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF IIR/CR RUBBER BLEND ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Azizli M. J. , Naderi G. , Bakhshandeh G. R. , Soltani S. , Askari F. , Esmizadeh E.
Published: August 2013

The effects of organoclay loading and chloroprene rubber (CR) concentration on the cure characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical and rheological properties of isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR)/CR blend were investigated. Different compositions of CR (10, 20, and 40 wt%) with Cloisite15A as organo modified nanoclay (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) were used for blends by a two-roll mill. Samples were vulcanized at 175 °C using a hot press. The cure and scorch times and also the maximum torque of the composites increased with the incorporation of organoclay. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus (100%, 200%, and 300%), and resilience improved with increasing nanoclay loading. The structure of the nanocomposites was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results of nanocomposites indicated that the intercalation of polymer chains into the clay gallery was deduced from increasing the interlayer distance of silicate layers. TEM and SEM also directly confirmed XRD results.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia: The Prosecutor v. Gotovina et al.
Authors: Elderfield Julian
Published: August 2013

On November 16, 2012, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) reversed by majority the findings of a unanimous Trial Chamber in Prosecutor v. Gotovina et al. (Gotovina). In so doing, it acquitted two Croatian generals, Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markač, on all counts of the indictment, including persecution and deportation as crimes against humanity, and four counts of violations of the laws or customs of war.
The European Court of Human Rights: Catan and Others v. Moldova and Russia
Authors: Hessbruegge Jan Arno
Published: August 2013

On October 19, 2012, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) ruled that policies pursued by de facto authorities in the Transdniestrian region of the Republic of Moldova aimed at suppressing Moldovan-language education violated the right to education of the affected children and their parents. The Court held Russia responsible for these violations by virtue of the continued vital support Russia provides to the de facto authorities. Meanwhile, the Court found Moldova to have complied with residual human rights obligations it retained, despite lacking effective control over Transdniestria. This important judgment develops the jurisprudence of the Court in relation to human rights violations arising from conduct of de facto authorities. However, it does not fully clarify the standards the Court applies in attributing their conduct to third states.
The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products to the Who Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Burci Gian Luca
Published: August 2013

The Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) adopted by consensus, at its fifth session held in Seoul from November 12 to 17, 2012, the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. This instrument is the first protocol to be adopted within the framework of the FCTC and is open to participation by parties to the FCTC.
Mathematical Lens: How Many Chips off the Old Block?
Authors: Koehler Michael H.
Published: August 2013

The sculpture entitled Four-Sided Pyramid by Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) is located in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Installed in 1999, the sculpture takes on a different appearance depending on light conditions and the location of the sun. The square pyramid consists of rectangular blocks stacked twenty-four levels high. It comprises twenty-three vertical slices of blocks from the front to the back of the pyramid and forty-seven rows of blocks from one corner of the base to the opposite corner. The blocks are rectangular prisms of dimensions 1 × 1 × 2 units; thus, each block can be thought of as consisting of two cubes.
For ELLs: Vocabulary beyond the Definitions
Authors: Roberts Nancy S. , Truxaw Mary P.
Published: August 2013

A classroom teacher discusses ambiguities in mathematics vocabulary and strategies for ELL students in building understanding.
Technology Tips: Investigating Extrema with GeoGebra
Authors: Cullen Craig J. , Hertel Joshua T. , John Sheryl
Published: August 2013

Technology can be used to manipulate mathematical objects dynamically while also facilitating and testing mathematical conjectures. We view these types of authentic mathematical explorations as closely aligned to the work of mathematicians and a valuable component of our students' educational experience. This viewpoint is supported by NCTM and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM).
Single molecule imaging reveals a major role for diffusion in the exploration of ciliary space by signaling receptors
Authors: Ye Fan , Breslow David K , Koslover Elena F , Spakowitz Andrew J , Nelson W James , Nachury Maxence V
Published: August 2013

The dynamic organization of signaling cascades inside primary cilia is key to signal propagation. Yet little is known about the dynamics of ciliary membrane proteins besides a possible role for motor-driven Intraflagellar Transport (IFT). To characterize these dynamics, we imaged single molecules of Somatostatin Receptor 3 (SSTR3, a GPCR) and Smoothened (Smo, a Hedgehog signal transducer) in the ciliary membrane. While IFT trains moved processively from one end of the cilium to the other, single SSTR3 and Smo underwent mostly diffusive behavior interspersed with short periods of directional movements. Statistical subtraction of instant velocities revealed that SSTR3 and Smo spent less than a third of their time undergoing active transport. Finally, SSTR3 and IFT movements could be uncoupled by perturbing either membrane protein diffusion or active transport. Thus ciliary membrane proteins move predominantly by diffusion, and attachment to IFT trains is transient and stochastic rather than processive or spatially determined.
Autoetnografisk undersøkelse av dansepedagogiske vendepunkt – bevisstgjøring av forforståelse i kvalitativ forskning.
Authors: Ørbæk Trine
Published: August 2013

Artikkelen omhandler en autoetnografisk undersøkelse av en pedagogisk praksis med å undervise i skapende dans. Denne studien er en del-studie av PhD-prosjektet «Å skape dans» i kroppsøvingslærerutdanningen som er forankret ved Norges idrettshøgskole og Nasjonal forskerskole for lærerutdanning. Livsfortellinger brukes som metode, og vendepunkt benyttes som analytisk verktøy. Vendepunktsanalysen får fram at en autoetnografisk undersøkelse er relevant for å bevisstgjøre egen forforståelse av å kunne utvikle pedagogiske erfaringer fra eget forskningsfelt. I tillegg vises at vendepunktsanalyse kan bidra til en økt kunnskap om hvordan ens egen erfaring har endret seg, ved at den er fortalt på nye måter. Det konkluderes med at bruk av autoetnografi kan ha verdi som en refleksiv tilnærming til synliggjøring av egen forskerprosess.
A Study of the Anatomic Changes and Dosimetric Consequences in Adaptive CRT of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Using Deformable CT and CBCT Image Registration
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Hou Yong , Li Hongsheng , Li Dengwang , Zhang Yingjie , Chen Siye , Yin Yong
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study is to evaluate anatomic lung tumor changes and dosimetric consequences utilizing the deformable daily kilovolt (KV) cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) image registration. Five patients diagnosed with NSCLC were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) and 10 daily KV CBCT image sets were acquired for each patient. Each CBCT image and plan CT were imported into the deformable image registration (DIR) system. The plan CT image was deformed by the DIR system and a new contour on CBCT was obtained by using the auto-contouring function of the DIR. These contours were individually marked as CBCT f1, CBCT f2,…, and CBCT f10, and imported into a treatment planning system (TPS). The daily CBCT plan was individually generated with the same planning criteria based on new contours. These plans were individually marked as CBCTp1, CBCTp2,…, and CBCTp10, followed by generating a dose accumulation plan (DA plan) in original pCT image contour sets by adding all CBCT plans using Varian Eclipse TPS. The maximum, minimum and mean doses to the plan target volume (PTV) in the 5 DA plans were the same with the CT plans. However, the volume of radiation 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 Gy of the total lungs in DA plans were less than those of the CT plans. The maximum dose of the spinal cord in the DA plans were average 27.96% less than the CT plans. The mean dose for the left, right, and total lungs in the DA plans were reduced by 13.80%, 23.65%, and 12.96%, respectively. The adaptive 3D CRT based on the deformable registration can reduce the dose to the lung and the spinal cord with the same PTV dose coverage. Moreover, it provides a method for further adaptive radiotherapy exploration.
Potential Usefulness of Baculovirus-Mediated Sodium-Iodide Symporter Reporter Gene as Non-Invasively Gene Therapy Monitoring in Liver Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Pan Yu , Wu Haifei , Liu Shuai , Zhou Xiang , Yin Hongyan , Li Biao , Zhang Yifan
Published: August 2013

Primary liver cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancers, and the main current treatments have a poor prognosis. This study aims to examine the efficiency of baculovirus vectors for transducing target gene into liver cancer cells and to evaluate the feasibility of using baculovirus vectors to deliver the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) gene as a reporter gene through co-vector administration approach to monitor the expression of the target therapeutic gene in liver cancer gene therapy. We constructed (green fluorescent protein) GFP- and NIS-expressing baculovirus vectors (Bac-GFP and Bac-NIS), and measured the baculovirus transduction efficiency in HepG2 cells and other tumor cells (A549, SW1116 and 8505C), and it showed that the transduction efficiency and target gene expression level rose with increasing viral multiplicity of infection (MOI) in HepG2 cells, and HepG2 cells had a significantly higher transduction efficiency (60.8% at MOI = 200) than other tumor cells. Moreover, the baculovirus transduction was not cytotoxic to HepG2 cells at a higher MOI (MOI = 400). We also performed dynamic iodide uptake trials, and found that Bac-NIS-transduced HepG2 cells exhibited efficient iodide uptake which could be inhibited by sodium perchlorate (NaClO4). And we measured the correlation of fluorescent intensities and 125 I uptake amount in HepG2 cells after co-vector administration with Bac-NIS and Bac-GFP at different MOIs, and found a high correlation coefficient ( r2 = 0.8447), which provides a good basis for successfully evaluating the feasibility of baculovirus-mediated NIS reporter gene monitoring target gene expression in liver cancer therapy. Therefore, this study indicates that baculovirus vector is a potential vehicle for delivering therapeutic genes in studying liver cancer cells. And it is feasible to use a baculovirus vector to deliver NIS gene as a reporter gene to monitor the expression of target genes. It therefore provides an effective approach and a good basis for future baculovirus-mediated therapeutic gene delivering or therapeutic gene expression monitoring in liver cancer cells studies.
Performance Evaluations of Demons and Free Form Deformation Algorithms for the Liver Region
Authors: Wang Hui , Gong Guanzhong , Wang Hongjun , Li Dengwang , Yin Yong , Lu Jie
Published: August 2013

We investigated the influence of breathing motion on radiation therapy according to four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) technology and indicated the registration of 4D-CT images was significant. The demons algorithm in two interpolation modes was compared to the FFD model algorithm to register the different phase images of 4D-CT in tumor tracking, using iodipin as verification. Linear interpolation was used in both mode 1 and mode 2. Mode 1 set outside pixels to nearest pixel, while mode 2 set outside pixels to zero. We used normalized mutual information (NMI), sum of squared differences, modified Hausdorff-distance, and registration speed to evaluate the performance of each algorithm. The average NMI after demons registration method in mode 1 improved 1.76% and 4.75% when compared to mode 2 and FFD model algorithm, respectively. Further, the modified Hausdorff-distance was no different between demons modes 1 and 2, but mode 1 was 15.2% lower than FFD. Finally, demons algorithm has the absolute advantage in registration speed. The demons algorithm in mode 1 was therefore found to be much more suitable for the registration of 4D-CT images. The subtractions of floating images and reference image before and after registration by demons further verified that influence of breathing motion cannot be ignored and the demons registration method is feasible.
Design and Testing of Indigenous Cost Effective Three Dimensional Radiation Field Analyser (3D RFA)
Authors: Ganesh K. M. , Pichandi A. , Nehru R. M. , Ravikumar M.
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study is to design and validate an indigenous three dimensional Radiation Field Analyser (3D RFA). The feed system made for X, Y and Z axis movements is of lead screw with deep ball bearing mechanism made up of stain less steel driven by stepper motors with accuracy less than 0.5 mm. The telescopic column lifting unit was designed using linear actuation technology for lifting the water phantom. The acrylic phantom with dimensions of 800 × 750 × 570 mm was made with thickness of 15 mm. The software was developed in visual basic programming language, classified into two types, viz. beam analyzer software and beam acquisition software. The premeasurement checks were performed as per TG 106 recommendations. The physical parameters of photon PDDs such as Dmax, D10, D20 and Quality Index (QI), and the electron PDDs such as R50, Rp, E0, Epo and X-ray contamination values can be obtained instantaneously by using the developed RFA system. Also the results for profile data such as field size, central axis deviation, penumbra, flatness and symmetry calculated according to various protocols can be obtained for both photon and electron beams. The result of PDDs for photon beams were compared with BJR25 supplement values and the profile data were compared with TG 40 recommendation. The results were in agreement with standard protocols.
Dosimetric Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Kim J. Y. , Kim T. H. , Lim Y. K. , Yoon M. G. , Joo J. N. , Park S. Y.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric benefit of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based dose adaptation in intracavitary brachytherapy (ICR) for cervical cancer. Dose-volume histograms were compared between matched conventional and optimized plans in 22 patients who were treated by MRI-based ICR. Doses to organs-at-risk (OAR) and dose covering 90% of high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) were evaluated to compare OAR sparing and target coverage, respectively. The probability of RTOG rectal toxicity grade of ≥2 in the 22 patients was estimated based on the prediction model generated from previous three-dimensional CT-based ICR data. After optimization, doses to OAR showed a statistically significant decrease. The reduction percentage (reduced dose by optimization × 100/dose in the conventional plan) was higher in patients with HR-CTV >20 cc than in patients with HR-CTV ≤20 cc in the rectum. In patients with HR-CTV ≤20 cc, the mean probability of RTOG rectal toxicity grade ≥2 was 67.6% for the conventional plan and 47.8% for the optimized plan, based on the prediction model. In conclusion, dose adaptation by MRI-based ICR for cervical cancer resulted in significant dose reduction to the rectum, especially in patients with HR-CTV ≤20 cc.
Computational Earth Science: Big Data Transformed Into Insight
Authors: Sellars Scott , Nguyen Phu , Chu Wei , Gao Xiaogang , Hsu Kuo-lin , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: August 2013

More than ever in the history of science, researchers have at their fingertips an unprecedented wealth of data from continuously orbiting satellites, weather monitoring instruments, ecological observatories, seismic stations, moored buoys, floats, and even model simulations and forecasts. With just an internet connection, scientists and engineers can access atmospheric and oceanic gridded data and time series observations, seismographs from around the world, minute‐by‐minute conditions of the near‐Earth space environment, and other data streams that provide information on events across local, regional, and global scales. These data sets have become essential for monitoring and understanding the associated impacts of geological and environmental phenomena on society.
Córdova to Be Nominated as New Head of NSF
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2013

President Barack Obama announced on 31 July that he intends to nominate France Anne Córdova to become the next director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Córdova was president of Purdue University from 2007 to 2012 and has been a professor of physics and astronomy there. Previously, Córdova was chancellor of the University of California, Riverside from 1996 to 2002.
Investigating Ductile Lithosphere Deformation in Southern California
Authors: Thatcher Wayne , Hearn E. H. , Hirth Greg
Published: August 2013

A workshop to investigate properties and processes of ductile lithosphere deformation was held in Menlo Park, Calif. This workshop provided overviews of the newest results from lab, field, and geodetic modeling disciplines relevant to better understanding earthquake processes in Southern California. A principal goal of the workshop was to bring together niche experts in tectonic geodesy, laboratory rock mechanics, and field observations of ductile rocks to gain better interdisciplinary understanding of the stress transfer process between brittle‐elastic upper crust and ductile lithosphere in Southern California.
Examining Risks, Extreme Events, and Abrupt Changes
Authors: Hargreaves Julia , Keller Klaus , Edwards Tamsin
Published: August 2013

Climate change research in Japan has shifted focus significantly in the past 2 years, with a greater emphasis on risks, extreme events, and abrupt changes. Two new national government‐funded 5‐year projects, Integrated Climate Assessment—Risks, Uncertainty and Society (ICA‐RUS) and Program for Risk Information on Climate Change (SOUSEI) will focus on climate‐induced risks and hazards and the possibility of fast climate changes. In light of the devastating Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and consequent nuclear accident that occurred 2 years ago in Japan, there is also an increased interest in looking again at risks previously thought to be highly unlikely and in searching for potential risks that have not been considered.
Dasgupta Receives 2012 Hisashi Kuno Award
Authors: Lee Cin‐Ty A.
Published: August 2013

Rajdeep Dasgupta received the Hisashi Kuno Award at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting, held 3–7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “accomplishments of junior scientists who make outstanding contributions to the fields of volcanology, geochemistry, and petrology.”
Response
Authors: Dasgupta Rajdeep
Published: August 2013

Ever since I started pursuing research, AGU Fall Meetings have been the gathering to feel part of something grand. Hence to be recognized by such an organization is a real honor. Thank you, Cin‐Ty, for the generous introduction. I'm really glad to have received the citation from a great colleague.
Conference Brings Together Scientists, Policy Makers, and Stakeholders
Authors: Hankin Erik
Published: August 2013

Incorporating Earth and space science research into policy is integral to supporting any nation's public safety, security, and economy. To help bridge the science and policy fields, AGU convened its second annual Science Policy Conference as a means to engage stakeholders. The meeting, held 24–26 June in Washington, D. C., featured experts from government, industry, academia, media, and nonprofits.
Speakers Discuss Science Policy Challenges in the Water‐Energy Nexus
Authors: Hankin Erik
Published: August 2013

Water and energy are linked in the ever‐increasing demand for these resources in the United States. Most energy production requires an abundant, reliable, and predictable source of water, a resource that is, unfortunately, already in short supply throughout large portions of the United States. In addition, developing water supplies can require large amounts of energy for their extraction, transportation, treatment, and distribution. As such, the ­water‐­energy nexus presents a significant challenge for America's water resource and energy developers and distributers as well as for policy makers.
Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: August 2013

Like watching a balloon borne by the breeze, a Lagrangian model tracks a parcel of air as it flows through the atmosphere. Whether running forward or backward in time, Lagrangian models offer a powerful tool for tracking and understanding the fates, or origins, of atmospheric flows. In the AGU monograph Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere, editors John Lin, Dominik Brunner, Christoph Gerbig, Andreas Stohl, Ashok Luhar, and Peter Webley explore the nuances of the modeling technique. In this interview Eos talks to Lin about the growing importance of Lagrangian modeling as the world settles on climate change mitigation strategies, the societal value of operational modeling, and how recent advances are making it possible to run these complex calculations at home.
Flexible statistical models allow improved prediction of coastal nitrate
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: August 2013

Inflows of nitrate brought to the surface by coastal upwelling are essential for ocean life near the shore. Despite its importance, consistent long‐term records of nitrate do not exist for much of the ocean. As a stand‐in for direct nitrate concentration measurements, researchers have relied on water temperature measurements because research has shown that there is an inverse relationship between temperature and nitrate concentration. To investigate the viability of using temperature to estimate nitrate concentrations, Palacios et al. studied the region of the California Current, where long‐term observations of nitrate going back to 1959 exist. Studies in this region also tracked properties such as temperature and salinity and the concentrations of oxygen, phosphorus, and silicate.
No alarming ozone loss from stratospheric water vapor
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: August 2013

At sufficiently low temperatures, water vapor in the lowermost stratosphere can cause ambient sulfate aerosol to grow, providing surfaces on which chlorine can activate to a form that destroys ozone. Ozone depletion in the stratosphere can allow harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach Earth's surface.
Past decade saw unprecedented warming in the deep ocean
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: August 2013

Since 1975 the global surface ocean has shown a pronounced—though wavering—warming trend. Starting in 2004, however, that warming seemed to stall. Researchers measuring the Earth's total energy budget—the balance of sunlight streaming in compared to the amount of light and heat leaving from the top of the atmosphere—saw that the planet was still holding on to more heat than it was letting out. However, with that energy not warming the surface ocean—a traditionally important energy sink—scientists were not sure where it went. It became known, in some circles, as a case of “missing heat.”
High Temperature Thermal Conductivity of Amorphous Al2O3 Thin Films Grown by Low Temperature ALD
Authors: Cappella Andrea , Battaglia Jean‐Luc , Schick Vincent , Kusiak Andrzej , Lamperti Alessio , Wiemer Claudia , Hay Bruno
Published: August 2013

Al2O3 grown by atomic layer deposition could be proposed as a nonactive layer for back end processes in view of the integration of scaled phase change memory devices. In this paper we report on thermal characterization from 50 to 600 °C of amorphous Al2O3 thin films grown on thermally oxidized silicon substrate at a temperature of 100 °C and capped with a 30 nm thick Pt layer. The effects of low temperature deposition and of a post‐deposition rapid thermal annealing process (RTP) on the thermal properties of the films are investigated using a modulated photo‐thermal radiometry technique coupled with post‐annealing morphological characterizations. Degassing process occurring at high temperature greatly affects the film surface quality, though measurements of the films after RTP show that the thermal conductivity of amorphous Al2O3 increases as a function of temperature from 1.8 W K−1 m−1 at 50 °C to 3.3 W K−1 m−1 at 600 °C. At the same time, the value of the thermal boundary resistance at the Pt‐Al2O3 interface decreases from 1.02 × 10−7 K m2 W−1 at 50°C to 4.8 × 10−8 K m2 W−1 at 600 °C.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes of maleic acid copolymers and chitosan for stabilization and functionalization of magnetite nano‐ and microparticles
Authors: Samoilova Nadezhda , Tikhonov Vladimir , Krayukhina Maria , Yamskov Igor
Published: August 2013

A facile method of preparation of stabilized and functionalized nano‐ and microparticles of magnetite by successive application of oppositely charged polymers with a regular structure of macromolecular chains (chitosan and maleic acid copolymers) onto Fe3O4 core are developed. This approach makes it possible to create two types of magnetite interpolyelectrolyte shells, containing carboxylic or amino groups in outer layer of shell. Composition and magnetic properties of composite particles depend on nature of the copolymer of maleic acid, reaction conditions and size of obtained particles. The carboxylic groups of copolymer in outer layer of interpolyelectrolyte shell were converted into reactive anhydride groups by heating. Thermal treatment also leads to covalent crosslinking of shell and improves stability of composites both in acidic and alkaline media. Horseradish peroxidase was successfully immobilized onto covalently crosslinked and activated microparticles of Fe3O4 in aqueous medium without of condensing agents. The proposed reproducible and low‐cost technique does not use toxic reagents or solvents at all stages, including preparation of Fe3O4, formation, activation and crosslinking, of magnetite shell, modification of activated surface of composite particles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39663.
A nanoparticulate raloxifene delivery system based on biodegradable carboxylated polyurethane: Design, optimization, characterization, and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Babanejad Niloofar , Nikjeh Mir Mohammad Alavi , Amini Mohsen , Dorkoosh Farid A.
Published: August 2013

Biodegradable carboxylated polyurethanes with three molecular weights were synthesized to prepare a nanoparticulate sustained delivery system of raloxifene hydrochloride, the drug with poor bioavailability. The nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation method. Optimal conditions for the preparation of nanoparticles were obtained using Box–Behnken design. Independent factors were ratio of polymer to drug, Mw of polymer and speed of magnetic stirrer. Dependent variables include zeta potential, polydispersity index (PdI), particle size, and loading efficacy (LE). Results of the fractional factorial design based on an analysis of variance demonstrated that the model for particle size, zeta potential, PdI and loading efficacy was statistically significant. The size of nanoparticles in design experiments were 46–96 nm in diameter and had entrapment efficiency of 84–92%. The nanoparticles were evaluated for in vitro release and showed a sustained release profile (24.19% ± 4.35% after 4 weeks), following the Fickian diffusion‐based release mechanism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39668.