bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Template-Based Inverse PlanningSimulated Annealing for CT-Based High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer: Feasibility Study
Authors: Kaiguo Yan  , Laura Doyle  , Haisong Liu  , Pramila Rani Anne  , Amy Harrison  , Yan Yu  , Junsheng Cao  
Published: February 2013

Purpose:To investigate the feasibility of using an inverse planning technique for CT-based ring and tandem high-dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer. Methods and Materials:Two patients previously treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer were retrospectively identified for this study. Each patient had five intracavitary insertions using CT/MR-compatible tandem and ring applicators. The 6Gy isodose lines from the original clinical plans were converted into a structure set (S6) using MIMvista. Inverse plans were then generated in Oncentra using the inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) with S6 as the optimization target. The dose to 0.1cm3, 1cm3, 5cm3 of bladder (DB0.1, DB1, and DB5) and rectum (DR0.1, DR1, DR5) were determined from the dose volume histogram (DVH). Percentage of physician drawn clinical target volume (CTV) and S6 coverage (V100CTV, V100S6) were also recorded. Results:The mean V100%CTV of the original clinical plans and the inverse plans were 88.14% and 87.57%. The mean V100%S6 of the original clinical plans and the inverse plans was 98.68% and 97.00%. The mean dose reduction for DB0.1, DB1 and DB5 were 5.4%, 5.4%, and 4.7%, respectively. The mean dose reduction for DR0.1, DR1 and DR5 were 6.4%, 5.5%, and 4.8%. Conclusions:This work demonstrated the feasibility of this structure-based inverse planning. It can achieve comparable CTV coverage while reducing dose to critical structures. Once template structure set is constructed, this procedure can not only reduce planning time, but improve quality assurance by standardizing the procedure. This approach can be directly extended to other applicator-based brachytherapy procedures.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Defined Compounds and Drugs
Authors: Cord Naujokata  , Stefan Laufer  
Published: February 2013

: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity and the ability to give rise to the heterogenous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. CSCs possess numerous intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, novel tumor-targeted drugs and radiation therapy, allowing them to survive current cancer therapies and to initiate tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recently, different pathways that confer resistance and survival of CSCs, but also compounds and drugs that selectively target some of these pathways in CSCs have been identified. Such compounds and drugs include antibiotics like salinomycin, phytochemicals such as parthenolide, cyclopamine, EGCG, resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane and oxymatrine, the small molecule inhibitors vismodegib and repertaxin, monoclonal antibodies and antibody constructs raised against cell surface proteins expressed by CSCs, and, surprisingly, some classical drugs such as metformin, tranilast and thioridazine. These agents exhibit significant anti-CSC activity, alone or in combination with cytostatic drugs or tumor-targeted drugs, as recently shown in vitro and in human xenograft mice. Since current cancer therapies fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to cancer recurrence and progression, selective targeting of CSCs with compounds and drugs introduced herein may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to eradicate cancer.
The Reciprocal Interaction of Small Molecule Protein Kinase Inhibitors and ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters in Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hong-Ye Zhao  , Hongjiang Wei  , Xin Wang  
Published: February 2013

Protein kinaseshave become the second most important group of drug targets, after G-protein-coupled receptors. Currently,15 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) have received food and drug administrator (FDA) approval to be used as cancer treatments. However, in the course of clinical use of these small molecule PKIs, drug resistance has become a recurring problem. Their therapeutic potential depends on access to their intracellular targets, which significantly affected by certain membrane ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters. ABC transporters were major causesof clinical multiple drug resistance (MDR) and might be resulting in the development of resistance to PKIs in cancer patients. Some PKIs could modulate the activity of ABC transporters and affect the metabolism of themselves and other chemically unrelated drugs. Moreover, it has been recently reported that some PKIs could regulate the expression of ABC transporters in tumor cells, thereby affect their intracellular accumulation and antitumor efficacy. In this review,the reciprocal interaction of clinically important PKIs with the MDR-related ABC transporters, in particular ABCB1 and ABCG2,wassummarized. Keyword:Protein Kinase Inhibitors, ABC Transporters, P-gp/ABCB1, BCRP/ABCG2, Targeted Cancer Therapy.
Initiatives and Strategies to Secure Training Opportunities in the German Vocational Education and Training System
Authors: Deissinger Thomas , Hellwig Silke 
Published: February 2013

In Germany, the vocational education and training system has traditionally been regarded as stable and efficient and also well esteemed because it produces highly valued and nationally recognised vocational qualifications. The so-called Dual System still attracts the majority of school-leavers with non-academic aspirations or talents. However, in the past few years the Dual System has faced severe problems, and critics argue that it is in a structural crisis owing to failing operating mechanisms. Furthermore, economic factors have contributed to a critical situation in the training market, with a serious lack of training opportunities. On the other hand, the vocational full-time schools as the second major sub-system of vocational education and training in Germany, though clearly in the shadow of the Dual System, provide a mix of opportunities to achieve general or vocational qualifications. Against this background, vocational training policy and research alike have identified the need for reforms and a more or less substantial change of the system. Currently, four strategies are under discussion and have already been partly undertaken to provide a more reliable supply of training opportunities and to enhance the quality of vocational courses and programmes. Although one focus lies on bridging the gap between the two subs-systems, the nature of the reform debate at least partly shows parallels to reforms in anglophone countries, which seems remarkable as the system in Germany has always been reluctant to reform and less flexible and open compared to other countries.
Preparation of Rodent Testis Co‐Cultures
Authors: Wegner Susanna , Hong Sungwoo , Yu Xiaozhong , Faustman Elaine M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMale reproductive development is a complex process that is sensitive to disruption by a range of toxicants. There is a great need for in vitro models that can evaluate potential male reproductive toxicants. The current unit presents a protocol for preparation of a three‐dimensional in vitro model of male reproductive development that reduces the number of animals required for evaluation of toxicants. A Matrigel overlay provides a three‐dimensional extracellular matrix that improves cell attachment, viability, and communication, and makes the model more reflective of in vivo environments. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 55:16.10.1‐16.10.7. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Patterns in the prevalence of congenital heart defects, metropolitan Atlanta, 1978 to 2005
Authors: Bjornard Kari , Riehle‐Colarusso Tiffany , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Correa Adolfo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDKnowledge of patterns in prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is important for clinical care, etiologic research, and prevention. We evaluated temporal and racial/ethnic trends in the birth prevalence of CHDs in metropolitan Atlanta from 1978 to 2005.METHODSCases of CHDs were obtained from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program among live born infants, stillborn infants, and pregnancy terminations of at least 20 weeks gestation. We calculated birth prevalence per 10,000 live births and used joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent change for total CHDs and for 23 specific subtypes in the total population and among whites and blacks. To evaluate racial/ethnic variations, we calculated prevalence ratios among blacks and Hispanics compared with whites.RESULTSBetween 1978 and 2005, 7301 infants and fetuses with major structural CHDs were ascertained among 1,079,062 live births (67.7 per 10,000). The prevalence of all CHDs in aggregate increased from 50.3 per 10,000 in 1978–1983 to 86.4 per 10,000 in 2000–2005. The prevalence of septal defects and vascular rings increased and the prevalence of tricuspid atresia decreased, while other CHD prevalences were stable. Racial/ethnic prevalence differences were found for all CHDs combined and muscular ventricular septal defects, aortic stenosis, and atrioventricular septal defects.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of total CHDs, primarily common, less severe types, are increasing, with some racial/ethnic differences. Further studies could clarify the possible reasons for such variations including differences in ascertainment, risk factors, or susceptibility. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new stenting technique for bifurcation lesions a nine‐patient case series
Authors: Karabay Kanber Ocal , Bagirtan Bayram , Aytekin Vedat 
Published: February 2013

AimsThis study describes and reports preliminary outcomes using kissing T‐stenting and small protrusion (K‐TAP), a novel modification of traditional T‐stenting and small protrusion (TAP).Methods and ResultsNine patients who were treated with K‐TAP between May 2008 and February 2012 at two hospitals were retrospectively included in this study. The primary endpoints were angiographic success, procedural success, and the composite 30‐day and long‐term occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), which consisted of death, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, repeated percutaneous coronary intervention of the target vessel, and non‐Q‐wave and Q‐wave myocardial infarctions. Data were obtained from the review of institutional databases, folder auditing, a telephone survey of the patients, and the review of angiograms. Angiographic success and procedural success were achieved in all patients. The mean fluoroscopy time for the total procedure was 24.1 min (range 20–28). No complications occurred during the procedures. The MACE rate during the mean follow‐up period of 102 weeks (range 22–196 weeks) was 0%.ConclusionsK‐TAP, a new coronary bifurcation stenting method, has favorable angiographic and procedural success rates and a low early post‐procedure MACE rate. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the K‐TAP method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of outcome in patients with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of human papillomavirus, TERC, and MYC
Authors: Obermann Ellen C. , Prince Spasenija Savic , Barascud Audrey , Grilli Bruno , Herzog Michelle , Kaup Daniela , Cathomas Gieri , Tirri Brigitte Frey , Zlobec Inti , Wight Edward , Bubendorf Lukas 
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUNDCytology is an excellent method with which to diagnose preinvasive lesions of the uterine cervix, but it suffers from limited specificity for clinically significant lesions. Supplementary methods might predict the natural course of the detected lesions. The objective of the current study was to test whether a multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay might help to stratify abnormal results of Papanicolaou tests.METHODSA total of 219 liquid‐based cytology specimens of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 49 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) specimens, 52 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) specimens, and 50 normal samples were assessed by FISH with probes for the human papillomavirus (HPV), MYC, and telomerase RNA component (TERC). Subtyping of HPV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in a subset of cases (n=206).RESULTSThere was a significant correlation found between HPV detection by FISH and PCR (P<.0001). In patients with LSILs, the presence of HPV detected by FISH was significantly associated with disease progression (P<.0001). An increased MYC and/or TERC gene copy number (>2 signals in>10% of cells) prevailed in 43% of ASCUS specimens and was more frequent in HSIL (85%) than in LSIL (33%) (HSIL vs LSIL: P<.0001). Increased TERC gene copy number was significantly correlated with progression of LSIL (P<.01; odds ratio, 7.44; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73; positive predictive value, 0.30; negative predictive value, 0.94)CONCLUSIONSThe detection of HPV by FISH analysis is feasible in liquid‐based cytology and is significantly correlated with HPV analysis by PCR. The analysis of TERC gene copy number may be useful for risk stratification in patients with LSIL. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:423–31. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Organic‐Free Self‐Assembled Copper Sulfide Microflowers
Authors: Kumar Baskaran Ganesh , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe hexamethyldisilazane‐assisted synthesis of organic‐free copper sulfide microflowers is described herein. The synthetic method was developed in such a way as not to leave any trace of organic material in the copper sulfide nanoparticles after purification. The flowers were constructed by the self‐assembly of nanoflakes. Copper sulfide was formed via an S–N polymeric intermediate, which drives the formation of copper sulfide by elmination of trimethylsilyl chloride as a key product. A reaction mechanism has been proposed based on the results of time‐dependent NMR studies. The self‐assembly and stability of the microflowers are explained on the basis of analytical data.
Concentrations and trends of halogenated flame retardants in the pooled serum of residents of Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: He Songjie , Li Mingyuan , Jin Jun , Wang Ying , Bu Yunjie , Xu Meng , Yang Xianfeng , Liu Anming 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

The south coast of Laizhou Bay, in northeastern China, is a production area for halogenated flame retardants (HFR). In 2007, the authors measured serum concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Laizhou Bay residents. To assess the PBDE concentration trend, and determine the concentrations of the emerging flame retardants Dechlorane Plus (DP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), the authors measured the concentrations of 8 PBDE congeners, 2 DP isomers, and TBPH in 10 composite samples, which were pooled from the serum collected from 305 Laizhou Bay residents in October 2011. The average concentration of the total PBDE (∑8PBDE) concentration in all serum pools was 240 ng/g lipid weight, and the highest serum pool concentration (in the 30- to 39-yr-old male group) was 780 ng/g lipid weight. Brominated diphenyl ether-209 was the dominant congener, accounting for 87% of ∑8PBDE. Compared with a previous study, ∑8PBDE serum concentrations in the present study showed no change in order of magnitude, but the relative contribution of BDE-209 to ∑8PBDE was higher. The average concentration of ∑DP in all serum pools was 3.6 ng/g lipid weight, ranging from 1.4 ng/g lipid weight (in the 50- to 59-yr-old male group) to 11 ng/g lipid weight (in the 20- to 29-yr-old male group). The concentration of DP was lower than in other reported studies. The study also detected TBPH in the 30- to 39-yr-old female group, suggesting that TBPH, as an emerging HFR, requires further monitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1242–1247. © 2013 SETAC
Stochastic modeling of the Earth's magnetic field: Inversion for covariances over the observatory era
Authors: Gillet N. , Jault D. , Finlay C. C. , Olsen N. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInferring the core dynamics responsible for the observed geomagnetic secular variation requires knowledge of the magnetic field at the core‐mantle boundary together with its associated model covariances. However, most currently available field models have been built using regularization conditions, which force the expansions in the spatial and time domains to converge but also hinder the calculation of reliable second‐order statistics. To tackle this issue, we propose a stochastic approach that integrates, through time covariance functions, some prior information on the time evolution of the geomagnetic field. We consider the time series of spherical harmonic coefficients as realizations of a continuous and differentiable stochastic process. Our specific choice of process, such that it is not twice differentiable, mainly relies on two properties of magnetic observatory records (time spectra, existence of geomagnetic jerks). In addition, the required characteristic times for the low degree coefficients are obtained from available models of the magnetic field and its secular variation based on satellite data. We construct the new familyCOV‐OBSof field models spanning the observatory and satellite era of 1840–2010. These models include the external dipole and permit sharper time changes of the internal field compared to previous regularized reconstructions. The a posteriori covariance matrix displays correlations in both space and time, which should be accounted for through the secular variation error model in core flow inversions and geomagnetic data assimilation studies.
High‐resolution bathymetry reveals contrasting landslide activity shaping the walls of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge axial valley
Authors: Cannat Mathilde , Mangeney Anne , Ondréas Hélène , Fouquet Yves , Normand Alain 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAxial valleys are found along most slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges and are one of the most prominent topographic features on Earth. In this paper, we present the first deep‐tow swath bathymetry for the axial valley walls of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. These data allow us to analyze axial valley wall morphology with a very high resolution (0.5 to 1 m compared to ≥ 50 m for shipboard multibeam bathymetry), revealing the role played by landslides. Slow‐spreading ridge axial valleys also commonly expose mantle‐derived serpentinized peridotites in the footwalls of large offset normal faults (detachments). In our map of the Ashadze area (lat. 13°N), ultramafic outcrops have an average slope of 18° and behave as sliding deformable rock masses, with little fragmentation. By contrast, the basaltic seafloor in the Krasnov area (lat. 16°38′N) has an average slope of 32° and the erosion of the steep basaltic rock faces leads to extensive fragmentation, forming debris with morphologies consistent with noncohesive granular flow. Comparison with laboratory experiments suggests that the repose angle for this basaltic debris is > 25°. We discuss the interplay between the normal faults that bound the axial valley and the observed mass wasting processes. We propose that, along axial valley walls where serpentinized peridotites are exposed by detachment faults, mass wasting results in average slopes ≤ 20°, even in places where the emergence angle of the detachment is larger.
The role of land use change in the recent warming of daily extreme temperatures
Authors: Christidis Nikolaos , Stott Peter A. , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Betts Richard A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUnderstanding how temperature extremes respond in a climate forced by human activity is of great importance, as extreme temperatures are detrimental to health and often responsible for mortality increases. While previous detection and attribution studies demonstrated a significant human influence on the recent warming of daily extremes, contributions of individual anthropogenic forcings like changes in land use have not yet been investigated in such studies. Here we apply an optimal fingerprinting technique to data from observations and experiments with a new earth system model to examine whether changing land use has led to detectable changes in daily extreme temperatures on a quasi‐global scale. We find that loss of trees and increase of grassland since preindustrial times has caused an overall cooling trend in both mean and extreme temperatures which is detectable in the observed changes of warm but not cold extremes. The warming in both mean and extreme temperatures due to anthropogenic forcings other than land use is detected in all cases, whereas the weaker effect of natural climatic forcings is not detected in any. This is the first formal attribution of observed climatic changes to changing land use, suggesting further investigations are justified, particularly in studies of warm extremes.
A brief review on hydrometallurgical technologies for recycling spent lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Chagnes Alexandre , Pospiech Beata 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLithium‐ion battery is a mature technology that is used in various electronic devices. Nowadays, this technology is a good candidate as energy storage for electric vehicles. Therefore, much research is focused on the development of high‐density power lithium‐ion batteries. Government regulations force manufacturers to recycle the batteries for safety and health reasons but recycling could also be interesting from an economic viewpoint since cathodes in lithium‐ion batteries contain valuable metals. The electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries will evolve to provide more energy and the recycling processes will have to fit with this evolution. Leaching, bioleaching and solvent extraction are at the centre of these processes. In this paper, recent leaching and solvent extraction strategies for recovering valuable metals from spent lithium‐ion batteries are reviewed and the evolution of these processes is discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Solvent extraction of thorium(IV) and rare earth elements with novel polyaramide extractant containing preorganized chelating groups
Authors: He Lutao , Jiang Qian , Jia Yiming , Fang Yuyu , Zou Shuliang , Yang Yuanyou , Liao Jiali , Liu Ning , Feng Wen , Luo Shunzhong , Yang Yanqiu , Yang Liang , Yuan Lihua 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDOligoamides containing intramolecular hydrogen bonds have proved to be excellent extractants for metal cations, but their polymeric counterparts have never been used. Thorium separation from rare earth elements has long been a research subject due to its importance in nuclear energy and metallurgy. In this work a novel polyaramide has been synthesized and investigated for solvent extraction and separation of thorium and rare earths.RESULTSThe synthesized polymer 1 [(C32H46N2O6)n], shows a high extractability of 89.4% towards Th(IV) compared with only 36–48% for rare earths. The optimized pH value for extraction of Th(IV) was 3.97. At C1/CM = 2.0, the extraction for Th(IV) reached 95.1%. When adding NaNO3, the separation of Th(IV) from La(III) is more efficient than that from Eu(III) or Yb(III), especially at higher NaNO3 concentration. Th(IV) can be thoroughly stripped from organic phase at 1.50 mol L‐1 HNO3 concentration.CONCLUSIONDirect condensation of aromatic diamine and diacid led to a novel polyaramide with introverted chelating groups. Selective extraction of Th(IV) with respect to rare earths was observed and the extraction was an endothermic process. The salting‐out agent and C1/CM ratio can affect the separation efficiency. Thus, the polymer 1 may be a potential candidate for separating thorium and rare earths under specified conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry