bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of induction docetaxel, platinum, and fluorouracil chemotherapy in patients with stage III or IVA/B nasopharyngeal cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy: Final results of 2 parallel phase 2 clinical trials
Authors: Kong Lin , Zhang Youwang , Hu Chaosu , Guo Ye , Lu Jiade J. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDThe effects of docetaxel, platinum, and fluorouracil (TPF) induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) on locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) are unclear. This study examined the long‐term outcomes of the addition of this regimen to CCRT for stage III and IVA/B NPC.METHODSTwo parallel, single‐arm phase 2 trials were performed synchronously to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of TPF‐based induction chemotherapy in patients with stage III or IVA/B NPC. The induction chemotherapy, which preceded standard intensity‐modulated radiation therapy/platinum‐based chemoradiation, consisted of 3 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg/m2 on day 1), cisplatin (75 mg/m2 on day 1), and a continuous infusion of fluorouracil (500 mg/m2/d on days 1‐5) every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint for both trials was 5‐year overall survival (OS).RESULTSBetween January 2007 and July 2010, 52 eligible patients with stage III NPC and 64 eligible patients with nonmetastatic stage IV NPC were accrued to the 2 trials. With a median follow‐up of 67 months, the 5‐year OS, progression‐free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, and local progression‐free survival (LPFS) rates were all improved in comparison with historical benchmarks for patients with stage III or IVA/IVB NPC. Multivariate analyses indicated that T and N classifications (T1/T2 vs T3/T4 and N3 vs N0‐N2) were the only significant prognosticators for OS. The number of induction chemotherapy cycles was the only significant prognostic factor for predicting LPFS.CONCLUSIONSTPF‐based induction chemotherapy appears to significantly improve outcomes in comparison with historical data when it is administered before CCRT for locoregionally advanced NPC. A phase 3 trial is currently being performed to confirm this benefit. Cancer 2017;123:2258–2267. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Impact of an alternative chromosome 17 probe and the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists guidelines on fluorescence in situ hybridization for the determination of HER2 gene amplification in breast cancer
Authors: Donaldson Alana R. , Shetty Shashirekha , Wang Zhen , Rivera Christine L. , Portier Bryce P. , Budd G. Thomas , Downs‐Kelly Erinn , Lanigan Christopher P. , Calhoun Benjamin C. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDThe dual‐probe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification in breast cancer provides an HER2:CEP17 (centromere enumeration probe for chromosome 17) ratio. Copy number alteration (CNA) in CEP17 may skew this ratio. The authors analyzed the impact of the 2013 American Society of Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guidelines and an alternative chromosome 17 probe on HER2 status in tumor specimens with CEP17 CNA.METHODSSpecimens with CEP17 CNA (n = 310) were selected from 3048 tumor samples that were received from January 2013 to June 2015 for testing with the alternative chromosome 17 probe D17S122. Reclassification of HER2 status was assessed using the 2007 and 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines.RESULTSThe alternative chromosome 17 probe reclassified 82 of 310 (26.5%) and 87 of 310 (28.1%) tumors using the 2007 and 2013 guidelines, respectively. Of the 41 of 310 tumors (13.2%) that were reclassified from nonamplified to amplified according to 2007 guidelines, 28 of 41 (68.3%) had an average HER2 copy number ≥4.0 and <6.0. The 39 of 310 tumors (12.6%) that were reclassified from equivocal to amplified according to 2013 guidelines had a mean HER2 copy number between ≥4.0 and <6.0. Most of these patients had stage I, hormone receptor‐positive, lymph node‐negative tumors, which is an unusual clinicopathologic profile for HER2‐amplified tumors, and most received HER2‐targeted therapy in addition to endocrine therapy.CONCLUSIONSReflex testing with an alternative chromosome 17 probe using the 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines reclassified 28.1% of tumor samples that had CEP17 CNA, converting nearly one‐half from equivocal to amplified. The benefit of HER2‐targeted therapy in this patient population requires further study. Cancer 2017;123:2230–2239. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Thyroid cytology—nuclear versus architectural atypia within the “Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance” Bethesda category have significantly different rates of malignancy
Authors: Gan Tiffany Rui Xuan , Nga Min En , Lum Jeffrey Huey Yew , Wong Wendy Meihua , Tan Wee Boon , Parameswaran Rajeev , Ngiam Kee Yuan 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDThe Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the most widely used classification system for the reporting of thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens. However, the “atypical” category (“atypia of undetermined significance” [AUS] or “follicular lesion of undetermined significance” [FLUS]) continues to cause diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The objectives of this study were to describe the differential malignancy rates of FNACs diagnosed as AUS/FLUS based on nuclear or architectural atypia and to assess the significance of demographic and ultrasonographic features in predicting malignancy in this category.METHODSA retrospective review was performed of all thyroid FNACs between 2008 and 2014 that were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS at a tertiary referral center in Singapore. Patient demographics, preoperative ultrasonographic features, and follow‐up data were collected and correlated with the final histopathologic diagnosis in resected cases.RESULTSIn total, 309 thyroid nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, and 137 (44%) were surgically excised. Final histology yielded 37 (27%) malignancies. The malignancy rate for nodules that featured nuclear atypia was significantly higher at 36.8% than the rate for nodules that had only architectural atypia at 14.7% (P < .01). After up to 3 repeat FNACs, 67.1% of cases had a more definitive diagnosis. The only predictive sonographic finding for malignancy was irregular margins (P < .01).CONCLUSIONSThe disparity between malignancy risks within the Bethesda “atypical” category suggests that cytologic (nuclear) atypia is significantly more predictive of malignancy than architectural atypia. This supports the substratification of patients according to risk and a corresponding management approach within this category. A sonographic finding of irregular margins is also predictive for malignancy. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:245–256. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Cytological, molecular, and clinical features of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features versus invasive forms of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Liena , Dias‐Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Faquin William C. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDThe noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has an indolent clinical behavior in comparison with other PTCs, including the invasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (IFVPTC). Recently, the term noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) was introduced to emphasize the low biological potential of these tumors. This study compares clinical, cytological, and molecular features of NIFTP and IFVPTC.METHODSThe study consisted of 97 thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cases with corresponding surgical pathology from the pathology archives of the Massachusetts General Hospital. The collected patient data included the following: age, sex, type of surgery, tumor size, and prior cytological diagnosis with The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. A molecular analysis using anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed for all cases. Each case was reviewed and subclassified histologically as NIFTP or IFVPTC. Cytology slides were scored semiquantitatively for nuclear atypia. The statistical analysis was performed with the nonparametric Mann‐Whitney test.RESULTSThe 97‐case cohort consisted of 50 NIFTP cases and 47 IFVPTC cases, including 18 encapsulated IFVPTC cases and 29 nonencapsulated IFVPTC cases. Differences in the type of surgery (P = .0399), molecular features (P = .0141), cytological classification (P = .0266), and nuclear scores (P = .0141) between NIFTP and IFVPTC were observed. There was overlap in the cytological classification of NIFTP and IFVPTC; however, NIFTP was more often classified as atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance or follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm in comparison with both subsets of IFVPTC. NIFTP was primarily associated with mutations in RAS, whereas an equal number of IFVPTC cases were associated with BRAFV600E or with RAS mutations.CONCLUSIONSDespite differences in the cytological classification and molecular profiles between NIFTP and IFVPTC, the degree of overlap makes it unlikely that most cases of NIFTP and IFVPTC can be accurately distinguished with FNAB. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:323–331. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Dependence of Ion Transport on the Electronegativity of the Constituting Atoms in Ionic Crystals
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kaghazchi Payam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIon transport in electrode and electrolyte materials is a key process in Li‐based batteries. In this work, we study the mechanism and activation energy of ion transport (
) in rock‐salt Li‐based LiX (X=Cl, Br, and I) materials. It is found that
at low external voltages, where Li–X Schottky pairs are the most favorable defect types, is about 0.42 times the Gibbs energy of formation of LiX compound (
). The value of 0.42 is the slope of the electronegativity of anions of binary Li‐based materials as a function of
. At high voltages, where the Fermi level is located very close to the valence band maximum (VBM), electrons can be excited from the VB to Li vacancy‐induced states close to the Fermi level. Under this condition, the formation of Li vacancies that are compensated by holes is energetically more favorable than that of Li–X Schottky pairs, and therefore, the activation energies are lower in the former case. The wide range of reported experimental values of activation energies lies between calculated values at low and high voltage regimes. This work motivates further studies on the relation between the activation energy for ionic conductivity in solid materials and the intrinsic ground‐state properties of their free atoms.
Mechanistic Insights into Ethylene Transformations on Ir(111) by Density Functional Calculations and Microkinetic Modeling
Authors: Shi Xue‐Rong , Kong Haijuan , Wang Shengguang , Wang Hui , Qin Zhangfeng , Wang Jianguo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEthylidyne, ethane, and carbon monomer formations from ethylene over Ir(111) at different coverages are investigated using density functional theory methods. Two possible reaction mechanisms for ethylidyne formation are investigated. The calculations show that vinyl prefers the dehydrogenation to yield vinylidene (M2) over the hydrogenation to produce ethylidene (M1) kinetically and thermodynamically at 1/9 (1/3) ML. Ethylidyne formation could be a competitive side reaction of ethylene hydrogenation, however, the ethylidyne species does not directly participate in the ethylene hydrogenation mechanism. The mechanism for C monomer formation is also studied. Microkinetic modeling shows that the ethylene hydrogenation reactivity decreases in the sequence Ir(111)>Rh(111)>Pd(111)>Pt(111) under typical hydrogenation conditions. The catalytic activity of ethylene hydrogenation decreases with increased stability of ethylene adsorption and reaction barrier of the rate‐limiting step.
Lifetime fitness consequences of early‐life ecological hardship in a wild mammal population
Authors: Marshall Harry H. , Vitikainen Emma I. K. , Mwanguhya Francis , Businge Robert , Kyabulima Solomon , Hares Michelle C. , Inzani Emma , Kalema‐Zikusoka Gladys , Mwesige Kenneth , Nichols Hazel J. , Sanderson Jennifer L. , Thompson Faye J. , Cant Michael A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEarly‐life ecological conditions have major effects on survival and reproduction. Numerous studies in wild systems show fitness benefits of good quality early‐life ecological conditions (“silver‐spoon” effects). Recently, however, some studies have reported that poor‐quality early‐life ecological conditions are associated with later‐life fitness advantages and that the effect of early‐life conditions can be sex‐specific. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the effect of the variability of early‐life ecological conditions on later‐life fitness. Here, we test how the mean and variability of early‐life ecological conditions affect the longevity and reproduction of males and females using 14 years of data on wild banded mongooses (Mungos mungo). Males that experienced highly variable ecological conditions during development lived longer and had greater lifetime fitness, while those that experienced poor early‐life conditions lived longer but at a cost of reduced fertility. In females, there were no such effects. Our study suggests that exposure to more variable environments in early life can result in lifetime fitness benefits, whereas differences in the mean early‐life conditions experienced mediate a life‐history trade‐off between survival and reproduction. It also demonstrates how early‐life ecological conditions can produce different selection pressures on males and females.
Phylogenetics and biogeography of the two‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetidae: Exocoetus)
Authors: Lewallen Eric A. , Bohonak Andrew J. , Bonin Carolina A. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Pitman Robert L. , Lovejoy Nathan R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTwo‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid‐trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo‐Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.
Supercritical CO2 extraction of linseed: Optimization by experimental design with regards to oil yield and composition
Authors: Rombaut Natacha , Savoire Raphaëlle , Van Hecke Elisabeth , Thomasset Brigitte 
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of CO2 pressure, temperature, and CO2 flow rate on supercritical fluid extraction of linseed oil using neat CO2. Chosen methodology is based on central composite rotatable design, responses studied are extract yield, oil yield, water‐extract ratio, oil γ‐tocopherol content, oil polyphenols content, alpha linolenic acid proportion in oil, and oil acid value. Acid value, tocopherol content, and linolenic acid proportion are independent responses of studied factors. On other responses, only pressure and temperature have an influence. Based on response surface analysis and multiresponses optimization, optimal conditions for oil yield, and oil polyphenol content maximization and water‐extract minimization were determined (42.5 MPa, 120°C, 12.5 kg/h [125 g/g solvent:feed ratio]). Optimal conditions were tested and validated on three linseed varieties. A maximal oil yield of ≈60% was reached containing up to 100 mg FAE/kg oil.Practical applications: Results of this study can be applied for developing a new linseed oil extraction process based on supercritical fluid extraction without co‐solvent addition. The optimized process permits an increased extraction of antioxidants. Extraction of antioxidants such as γ‐tocopherol or polyphenols could provide a protection of oil against oxidation. This protection is of great interest for sensitive oils such as the highly polyunsaturated linseed oil. Application to other oleaginous seeds is also possible.Supercritical CO2 extraction of linseed oil is optimized through design of experiment with regards to oil yield and oil quality. Optimization enable to identify conditions (42.5 MPa, 120°C) that favors oil yield (≈60%) while enhancing oil polyphenols content (50–100 mg FAE/kg). Extraction performances are variety dependent.
Northern range extension of the seagrass Halodule emarginata Hartog
Authors: de Souza Barros Kcrishna Vilanova , de Macedo Carneiro Pedro Bastos , Amorim Lucas Antunes , do Nascimento Costa Francimeire , de Almeida Rocha‐Barreira Cristina 
Published: February 2017

The seagrass Halodule emarginata is an endemic tropical species of Brazil, previously found from São Paulo to Bahia. The present study gives more ecological information of this species and report the extension of its northern range where it occurs in an estuarine area of Aquiraz‐Ceará, semiarid coast of Brazil. In November 2014, the meadow was discovered, georeferenced and mapped. Five cores were collected for morphometrical analyses of H. emarginata and associated florofaunistic species. Two beds of H. emarginata with areas of 177.8 m2 and 5012.3 m2 were identified in the estuary of the Pacoti River, indicating an extension of its known range by 1500 km to the north. Despite the emarginate apex, morphological patterns revealed that specimens were slightly less developed than previously described in the literature, probably due to estuarine stress. However, algal biodiversity (seven species) in the studied meadows was within the range observed for other estuarine meadows in Brazil, with presence of Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta. The main groups of invertebrate megafauna were present, including 13 taxa mainly of Mollusca, Crustacea and Polychaeta. This meadow will be monitored in order to understand its dynamics and relationships with other florofaunistic species and its responses to environmental variations.
Effects of temperature on salt precipitation due to formation dry‐out during CO2 injection in saline aquifers
Authors: Zhao Ruirui , Cheng Jianmei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhen CO2 is injected into saline aquifers, salt precipitation will occur near the injection well. To investigate the effects of temperature on salt precipitation, a series of non‐isothermal numerical models were conducted by simulating the injection of cold CO2 into the aquifers with relatively high temperature. Some thermal processes, the evolution of CO2 plume, salt precipitation, the effects of gravity, and permeability reduction were analyzed. Furthermore, the deviance of the isothermal model was evaluated. The results show that the heat exchange between cold CO2 and hot rock significantly affects the formation temperature. The injection of colder CO2 can obviously decrease the extent of salt precipitation. A localized region with very large solid saturation occurs near the upper portion of the dry‐out front. Furthermore, another localized region with larger solid saturation emerges near the lower portion of the dry‐out front when the CO2 injection rate is low. This region seems to move upward because of dissolution and reprecipitation of salt caused by capillary‐driven backflow of the aqueous phase. Salt precipitation can result in a significant decrease in permeability. Temperature‐induced change of CO2 viscosity seems to have greater impact on the pressure evolution in the formation than precipitation‐induced change of permeability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of complex aquifer geometry on groundwater storage in high‐elevation meadows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA
Authors: Ciruzzi Dominick M. , Lowry Christopher S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent research has indicated that Sierra Nevada meadows are hydrologically more complex than previously considered. Improved understanding of the effects of aquifer parameters and climate change on water resources in and downstream of meadows is critically needed to effectively manage mountain meadows for ecosystem services and watershed contributions. This research investigates the roles of bedrock geometry, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and meadow gradient in affecting groundwater storage dynamics and surface‐water outflows in site‐scale high‐elevation meadows. Under current and projected lower snowpack conditions, we modeled groundwater flow in representative high‐elevation meadows considering 2 conceptual aquifer thickness models: uniform and variable thickness. Spatially, variable aquifer thicknesses interpreted from bedrock depths (0–28 m) were identified from a high‐resolution ground‐penetrating radar survey conducted at Tuolumne Meadows, CA. Our interpreted bedrock surface indicated several buried U‐shaped valleys including a buried ridge that separates 2 U‐shaped valleys. Groundwater flow simulations show that an increase in meadow gradient and hydraulic conductivity led to a decrease in seasonal storage and an increase in surface‐water outflow. However, models with varying bedrock geometries change the magnitude and timing of these processes. Uniform thickness models overestimated storage at the model edges and resulted in higher projected volumes of water being released to streams earlier than previously observed.