bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Cartilage Sclerosis in Laryngeal Cancer Treated with Primary Radiation Therapy
Authors: Moubayed Sami P. , Bélair Manon , Saliba Joe , Bibeau‐Poirier Jackie , Christopoulos Apostolos , Nguyen‐Tan Phuc‐Felix , Guertin Louis , Lambert Louise , Olivier Marie‐Jo , Ayad Tareck 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveIn patients with laryngeal cancer, pretreatment diagnosis of cartilage invasion often warrants a surgical or a bimodal treatment. Controversy exists on whether laryngeal cartilage sclerosis on computed tomography (CT) scan is a sign of tumor invasion. Our objective is to evaluate locoregional, laryngectomy‐free, disease‐specific, and overall survival in patients with laryngeal cancer with or without laryngeal cartilage sclerosis treated with primary radiation therapy.Study DesignHistorical cohort study.SettingTertiary referral university center.Subjects and MethodsAll laryngeal cancer patients treated with primary radiation therapy between 2002 and 2007 were included. Patients with and without laryngeal cartilage sclerosis on CT scan were identified. Patient, tumor, and treatment data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional‐hazards regression.ResultsOne hundred eleven patients were included for analysis. Seventy‐nine patients were classified as T1 or T2, and 32 patients were classified as T3 or T4. Twenty‐three percent of patients had any laryngeal cartilage sclerosis, and 77% of patients had no sclerosis. On univariate and multivariate analyses, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with or without sclerosis. Results did not vary when studying each cartilage separately.ConclusionLaryngeal cancer patients with cartilage sclerosis on CT scan do not have significantly different survival than patients without sclerosis. Validation of these results prospectively is warranted.
Social care and older prisoners
Authors: Williams John 
Published: February 2012

• Summary: This article reviews the evidence available on the treatment of older prisoners within England and Wales who are the fastest growing group within prisons. It concentrates on the lack of available social care facilities for older prisoners. Many older prisoners have special needs that are not met within prison, mainly because of the ‘sameness’ principle that is applied. Social care is as important to older prisoners as their health care. Although some social care may be available to older prisoners, it is not provided within the legal framework that applies to older people outside of prison. This article argues that the general legal obligation to provide social care (imperfect though it may be), should also be applied within the prison setting. • Findings: Based on the evidence available, older prisoners are often unable to access social care services within prison. This is a breach of international obligations entered into by the United Kingdom. It may also breach the European Convention of Human Rights. The article argues that existing legislation does not prevent older prisoners from accessing social care services. The sameness principle discriminates against older prisoners. Mental health, physical disability, and incontinence are all areas where older prisoners lack access to services available to older people outside of prison. • Applications: Considerable progress has been made in raising the profile of older prisoners. However, more needs to be done to embed the social care needs older prisoners may have into the prison system. The ordinary residence rule, the National Service Framework and the Fair Access to Care guidance must be adapted to meet the needs of serving prisoners as well as those preparing for release. Attitudes need to change. There needs to be a willingness to meet the international and domestic legal obligations towards older prisoners.
Internet access and use in domestic violence shelters: Policy, capacity, and management barriers
Authors: Westbrook Lynn 
Published: February 2012

•  Summary: Domestic violence agency administrators struggle to incorporate the Internet safely and effectively into their intimate partner violence (IPV) services. This study utilizes two data gathering tools to identify administrative concerns and web content in the 91 Texas shelters. The first research stage employed a mixed-methods questionnaire (89% response rate) to identify managers’ Internet use patterns and managerial needs. In the second stage, all shelter web sites (65) were submitted to a multi-context content analysis. •  Findings: Overall, findings indicate that administrators see a serious need for basic administrative support tools (e.g. policies and training materials) and the development of cyber-safety resources (e.g. online stalking tips). Administrators view the Internet’s potential for increasing staff efficiency and clients’ sense of self-efficacy as worthwhile. Questionnaire findings indicate that 66 percent of directors need a means of helping clients learn to do their own information-seeking, only 54 percent have a written policy, and 46 percent have no in-house training at all. Web site findings indicate that 61 percent of the sites lacked minimal cyber-safety information despite administrative concerns about cyber-stalking. •  Applications: IPV shelter administrators’ two Internet utility criteria, service priorities and resources, privilege implementation barriers and ignore the embedded expectations of communication and resource support. By shifting from a shelter-based Internet perspective to a user-generated perspective, administrators can integrate clients’ expectations with the shelter’s options. The resultant conceptual framework for Internet integration posits the lived information experience as managers’ basis for shaping social communication, resource generation, information seeking, and decision-making.
Contextual social work and internationalizing social work education: Two sides of the same story?
Authors: Lyngstad Rolv 
Published: February 2012

• Summary: Social work is contextual; some may argue that there is a contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education and emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. This article starts with a review of some core concepts, followed by a discussion of results from an inquiry into social work around the world. The professors were asked to define and reflect upon the achievements, dilemmas and pitfalls related to the concepts of international, comparative and contextual social work. Together with some relevant literature, their reflections and understandings form the basis for this article. • Findings: The discussion of findings concerns a discourse about how useful global principles, values and ethics may be in approaching dilemmas in social work practices. It is concluded that there is no contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. More internationalization by use of comparative social work is very useful, though it is necessary to be aware of the pitfalls and reflect upon how social work ethics can be applied in different contexts. • Applications: Having fellow students and scholars pose unexpected questions and representing new perspectives in the analysis of academic and professional issues is possible to do without diminishing the relevance of local research, education and practice, and will be productive for the learning process.
Reconstruction and analysis of a genome-scale metabolic model for Scheffersomyces stipitis
Authors: Balagurunathan Balaji , Jonnalagadda Sudhakar , Tan Lily , Srinivasan Rajagopalan 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Fermentation of xylose, the major component in hemicellulose, is essential for economic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals. The yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis (formerly known as Pichia stipitis) has the highest known native capacity for xylose fermentation and possesses several genes for lignocellulose bioconversion in its genome. Understanding the metabolism of this yeast at a global scale, by reconstructing the genome scale metabolic model, is essential for manipulating its metabolic capabilities and for successful transfer of its capabilities to other industrial microbes.

Results
We present a genome-scale metabolic model for Scheffersomyces stipitis, a native xylose utilizing yeast. The model was reconstructed based on genome sequence annotation, detailed experimental investigation and known yeast physiology. Macromolecular composition of Scheffersomyces stipitis biomass was estimated experimentally and its ability to grow on different carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus sources was determined by phenotype microarrays. The compartmentalized model, developed based on an iterative procedure, accounted for 814 genes, 1371 reactions, and 971 metabolites. In silico computed growth rates were compared with high-throughput phenotyping data and the model could predict the qualitative outcomes in 74% of substrates investigated. Model simulations were used to identify the biosynthetic requirements for anaerobic growth of Scheffersomyces stipitis on glucose and the results were validated with published literature. The bottlenecks in Scheffersomyces stipitis metabolic network for xylose uptake and nucleotide cofactor recycling were identified by in silico flux variability analysis. The scope of the model in enhancing the mechanistic understanding of microbial metabolism is demonstrated by identifying a mechanism for mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusion
The genome-scale metabolic model developed for Scheffersomyces stipitis successfully predicted substrate utilization and anaerobic growth requirements. Useful insights were drawn on xylose metabolism, cofactor recycling and mechanism of mitochondrial respiration from model simulations. These insights can be applied for efficient xylose utilization and cofactor recycling in other industrial microorganisms. The developed model forms a basis for rational analysis and design of Scheffersomyces stipitis metabolic network for the production of fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.
Resveratrol promotes expression of SIRT1 and StAR in rat ovarian granulosa cells: an implicative role of SIRT1 in the ovary
Authors: Morita Yoshihiro , Wada-Hiraike Osamu , Yano Tetsu , Shirane Akira , Hirano Mana , Hiraike Haruko , Koyama Satoshi , Oishi Hajime , Yoshino Osamu , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Sone Kenbun , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Taketani Yuji 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound known for its beneficial effects on energy homeostasis, and it also has multiple properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities. Recently, silent information regulator genes (Sirtuins) have been identified as targets of resveratrol. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), originally found as an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, is a principal modulator of pathways downstream of calorie restriction, and the activation of SIRT1 ameliorates glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. To date, the presence and physiological role of SIRT1 in the ovary are not known. Here we found that SIRT1 was localized in granulosa cells of the human ovary.

Methods
The physiological roles of resveratrol and SIRT1 in the ovary were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize the SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 protein expression of cultured cells and luteinized human granulosa cells was investigated by Western blot. Rat granulosa cells were obtained from diethylstilbestrol treated rats. The cells were treated with increasing doses of resveratrol, and subsequently harvested to determine mRNA levels and protein levels. Cell viability was tested by MTS assay. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by caspase 3/7 activity test and Hoechst 33342 staining.

Results
SIRT1 protein was expressed in the human ovarian tissues and human luteinized granulosa cells. We demonstrated that resveratrol exhibited a potent concentration-dependent inhibition of rat granulosa cells viability. However, resveratrol-induced inhibition of rat granulosa cells viability is independent of apoptosis signal. Resveratrol increased mRNA levels of SIRT1, LH receptor, StAR, and P450 aromatase, while mRNA levels of FSH receptor remained unchanged. Western blot analysis was consistent with the results of quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay. In addition, progesterone secretion was induced by the treatment of resveratrol.

Conclusions
These results suggest a novel mechanism that resveratrol could enhance progesterone secretion and expression of luteinization-related genes in the ovary, and thus provide important implications to understand the mechanism of luteal phase deficiency.
The nanoscale phase distinguishing of PCL-PB-PCL blended in epoxy resin by tapping mode atomic force microscopy
Authors: Li Huiqin , Sun Limin , Shen Guangxia , Liang Qi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In this work, we investigated the bulk phase distinguishing of the poly(ε-caprolactone)-polybutadiene-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PB-PCL) triblock copolymer blended in epoxy resin by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM). We found that at a set-point amplitude ratio (r
sp) less than or equal to 0.85, a clear phase contrast could be obtained using a probe with a force constant of 40 N/m. When r
sp was decreased to 0.1 or less, the measured size of the PB-rich domain relatively shrank; however, the height images of the PB-rich domain would take reverse (translating from the original light to dark) at r
sp = 0.85. Force-probe measurements were carried out on the phase-separated regions by TM-AFM. According to the phase shift angle vs. r
sp curve, it could be concluded that the different force exerting on the epoxy matrix or on the PB-rich domain might result in the height and phase image reversion. Furthermore, the indentation depth vs. r
sp plot showed that with large tapping force (lower r
sp), the indentation depth for the PB-rich domain was nearly identical for the epoxy resin matrix.
CA19-9-Producing early gastric adenocarcinoma arising in hyperplastic foveolar polyp: a very unique resection case
Authors: Guo Xin , Yamada Sohsuke , Omori Haruki , Wang Ke-Yong , Tasaki Takashi , Nabeshima Atsunori , Kohno Kimitoshi , Sasaguri Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Here we report the first case of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9-producing early gastric adenocarcinoma arising in polyp. A solitary pedunculated polyp lesion of the stomach, measuring 26 × 20 × 20 mm, was noticed in a 76-year-old Japanese woman due to an abdominal disorder, associated with a markedly high serum CA19-9 level (2,172.6 U/ml). After endoscopic mucosal resection was performed, the CA19-9 level was drastically decreased and normalized. The scanning view of immunohistochemical staining of CA19-9 exhibited a focal, not diffuse, positive-expression in the hyperplastic epithelium and, especially, in the irregular and fused tubular glands and the mucinous material secreted into the dilated glands. In particular, microscopic examination of the strongly CA19-9-positive areas showed structurally atypical epithelium containing mildly to focal moderately enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli with loss of cellular polarity, estimated as adenocarcinoma. No stromal invasion was evident. Immunohistochemically, distinct nuclear stainings for p53 and Ki-67 were seen, occasionally conforming to the CA19-9-positive atypical cells, respectively, confirmed by double immunostaining. These hyperplastic and atypical cells were classified into the pure gastric phenotype by mucin histochemical methods. Based on these features, we finally made a conclusive diagnosis of CA19-9-producing in situ well differentiated adenocarcinoma of gastric type arising in hyperplastic foveolar polyp. We suggest that the markedly high serum CA 19-9 level could be indicative of carcinoma in polyp at the very least.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1692254825554310
Structural Characteristics in a Stable Metallic ET Salt with Unusually High Oxidation State (ET: Bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene)
Authors: Minemawari Hiromi , Jose Judy Fe F , Takahashi Yukihiro , Naito Toshio , Inabe Tamotsu 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Electrolysis of ET in a mixed solvent of methanol/CHCl3 with bromide yielded (ET)3(Br3)5, in which an unusually high formal charge of ET5/3+ is achieved. ET forms a two-dimensional conducting sheet incorporating Br3−. Despite the high formal charge of the ET cations, the strong electrostatic attractions between the ET cations and Br3− support aggregation of the ET cations, allowing sufficient π–π overlap for delocalization of the π-electrons. The crystal shows stable metallic behavior down to low temperatures, being consistent with the metallic band structure with two-dimensional Fermi surfaces and Pauli-like paramagnetism down to low temperatures. The lack of any indication of instability in the metallic phase due to correlation effects is considered to result from an ionic-crystal-like structure, in which the lattice is more resistant toward lattice deformation and/or shrinkage than in typical partially oxidized salts with low formal charges.
Mechanistic Consideration of Asymmetric C–N and C–C Bond Formations with Bifunctional Chiral Ir and Ru Catalysts
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuharu , Gridnev Ilya D , Ikariya Takao 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The mechanism of two enantioselective reactions, direct amination of α-cyanoacetates 3 with azodicarboxylates 4 and C–C bond formation reaction of α-cyanoacetates with acetylenic esters 6, catalyzed by chiral bifunctional Ir and Ru complexes, Cp*Ir[(S,S)-N-sulfonated dpen] 1 and Ru[(S,S)-N-sulfonated dpen](η6-arene) 2 (DPEN: 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) was studied by NMR spectroscopic analysis combined with DFT analysis. Notably, these two reactions using the same chiral amide catalysts 1, 2 and pronucleophile, α-cyanoacetates 3 gave quantitatively the conjugate adducts bearing quaternary chiral carbon centers in excellent enantiomeric excess albeit with the opposite absolute configuration depending on the acceptor molecules 4 and 6. NMR investigation of the reactions between Ir complexes 1a–1c with α-cyanoacetates 3 showed that a stereoselective deprotonation reaction takes place to give an equilibrium mixture of N-bound amine complexes 8 and 9, the former with intramolecular hydrogen bonding and the latter without it, respectively. Computational study revealed the full details of the mechanism of the asymmetric C–N and C–C bond forming reactions catalyzed by the chiral Ir catalyst 1b. In the C–N bond forming reaction, the dimethyl azodicarboxylate 4a undergoes productive bifunctional activation by a non-hydrogen-bonded N-bound complex 9b(re) resulting in the formation of the R-product through the energetically favorable transition state. On the other hand, the linear geometry of the acetylenic ester molecule 6 allows its bifunctional activation with both types of the N-bound complexes: 8b and 9b with and without the intramolecular hydrogen bond respectively. The hydrogen-bond stabilized transition state for the C–C bond formation leading to the S-enantiomer is significantly lower in energy than the corresponding non-hydrogen-bonded transition state leading to the R-enantiomer. Thus, chiral induction of these two reactions is determined by the structures of the acceptor molecules.
Evolution of an Endovenous Laser Ablation Practice for Varicose Veins
Authors: Samuel N , Wallace T , Carradice D , Smith G , Mazari F , Chetter I 
Published: February 2012

Objective: We aimed to assess the evolution of an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) practice in the management of varicose veins in a university teaching hospital vascular surgical unit, over five years. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing EVLA for great saphenous vein incompetence and followed up for a year. For inter- and intragroup comparison, patients were divided into three groups: group A: endovenous access generally established at the perigenicular level ( n = 105); group B: when practice changed to gain access at lowest point of demonstrable reflux ( n = 70); and group C: when tumescence delivery changed from manual injections to delivery via peristaltic pump ( n = 49). Outcomes including pain scores, time taken to return to normal functioning, quality of life (QoL), venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) and complication rates were evaluated. Results: Intergroup analysis: increase in the length of vein treated and laser density delivered was observed over time, even as median procedure duration decreased ( P < 0.001). An increase in sensory disturbance was noticed in group C ( P = 0.047) while better Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) ( P = 0.004), SF-36® physical domains ( P < 0.05) and patient satisfaction with treatment ( P = 0.025) were recorded in the same group at 52 weeks. No significant difference was observed in technical failure, pain scores, return to normal functioning, VCSS and recurrence rates post-intervention. Intragroup analysis: QoL measures (AVVQ, SF-36®, EQ-5D) and VCSS scores demonstrated significant improvement at 12 and 52 weeks compared with baseline ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Increase in length of vein treated and energy delivery seems to improve short-term outcomes; however, operators need to be wary of a possible concurrent increase in paraesthetic complications.
Conversion Reactions in Surface-Functionalized Mesoporous Materials: Effect of Restricted Transport and Catalytic Site Distribution
Authors: Wang Jing , Ackerman David M. , Kandel Kapil , Slowing Igor I. , Pruski Marek , Evans James W. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe analyze the interplay between anomalous transport and conversion reaction kinetics in mesoporous materials functionalized with catalytic groups. Of primary interest is functionalized mesoporous silica containing an array of linear pores with diameters tunable from 2-10 nm, although functionalization can produce smaller effective diameters, d. For d < 2 nm, transport and specifically passing of reactant and product species within the pores can be strongly inhibited (single-file diffusion). The distribution of catalytic groups can also vary depending on the synthesis approach. We apply statistical mechanical modeling (utilizing spatially discrete stochastic lattice-gas models) to explore the dependence of reactivity on the extent of inhibition of passing of species within the pore, as well as on the distribution of catalytic sites.
Short-channel and high-mobility p- and n-type organic single-crystal transistors with air-gap structures
Authors: Uno M. , Uemura T. , Miwa K. , Facchetti A. , Takeya J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn an effort to realize high-speed organic logic components, p- and n-type single-crystal organic field-effect transistors (SC-OFETs) were fabricated using air-gap structures with channel lengths as short as several μm. High carrier mobility of about 10 cm2/Vs is demonstrated in rubrene SC-OFETs even with the short channel length of 6 μm, using Si-based microstructures. The contact resistance is estimated to be 450 Ohm cm, which is only 5% of the total channel resistance between source and drain electrodes. Performances of n-type air-gap devices based on PDIF-CN2 are also demonstrated exhibiting electron transport with the carrier mobility of about 2 cm2/Vs. Furthermore, micron-scale air-gap structures are fabricated using insulating materials on glass substrates to reduce parasitic gate capacitance. The cut-off frequency of this rubrene air-gap device is measured to be as high as 8 MHz with applied drain voltage VD of 15 V. These techniques are promising to be applicable to next-generation organic high-speed logic circuits.