bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Assay Based on hsa-miR-205 Expression Distinguishes Squamous From Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Lebanony Danit , Benjamin Hila , Gilad Shlomit , Ezagouri Meital , Dov Avital , Ashkenazi Karin , Gefen Nir , Izraeli Shai , Rechavi Gideon , Pass Harvey , Nonaka Daisuke , Li Junjie , Spector Yael , Rosenfeld Nitzan , Chajut Ayelet , Cohen Dalia , Aharonov Ranit , Mansukhani Mahesh 
Published: March 2009

Purpose Recent advances in treatment of lung cancer require greater accuracy in the subclassification of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Targeted therapies which inhibit tumor angiogenesis pose higher risk for adverse response in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Interobserver variability and the lack of specific, standardized assays limit the current abilities to adequately stratify patients for such treatments. In this study, we set out to identify specific microRNA biomarkers for the identification of squamous cell carcinoma, and to use such markers for the development of a standardized assay. Patients and Methods High-throughput microarray was used to measure microRNA expression levels in 122 adenocarcinoma and squamous NSCLC samples. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) platform was used to verify findings in an independent set of 20 NSCLC formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, and to develop a diagnostic assay using an additional set of 27 NSCLC FFPE samples. The assay was validated using an independent blinded cohort consisting of 79 NSCLC FFPE samples. Results We identified hsa-miR-205 as a highly specific marker for squamous cell lung carcinoma. A microRNA-based qRT-PCR assay that measures expression of hsa-miR-205 reached sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 90% in the identification of squamous cell lung carcinomas in an independent blinded validation set. Conclusion Hsa-miR-205 is a highly accurate marker for lung cancer of squamous histology. The standardized diagnostic assay presented here can provide highly accurate subclassification of NSCLC patients.
Randomized Phase II Trial Evaluating Two Paclitaxel and Cisplatin–Containing Chemoradiation Regimens As Adjuvant Therapy in Resected Gastric Cancer (RTOG-0114)
Authors: Schwartz Gary K. , Winter Kathryn , Minsky Bruce D. , Crane Christopher , Thomson P. John , Anne Pramila , Gross Howard , Willett Christopher , Kelsen David 
Published: March 2009

Purpose The investigational arm of INT0116, a fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin–containing chemoradiotherapy regimen, is a standard treatment for patients with resected gastric cancer with a 2-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) of 52%. Toxicity is also significant. More beneficial and safer regimens are needed. Patients and Methods We performed a randomized phase II study among 39 cancer centers to evaluate two paclitaxel and cisplatin–containing regimens, one with FU (PCF) and the other without (PC) in patients with resected gastric cancer. Patients received two cycles of postoperative chemotherapy followed by 45 Gy of radiation with either concurrent FU and paclitaxel or paclitaxel and cisplatin. The primary objective was to show an improvement in 2-year DFS to 67% as compared with INT 0116. Results From May 2001 to February 2004 (study closure), 78 patients entered this study, and 73 were evaluable. At the planned interim analysis of 22 patients on PCF, grade 3 or higher GI toxicity was 59%. This was significantly worse than INT0116, and this arm was closed. Accrual continued on PC. The median DFS was 14.6 months for PCF and has not been reached for PC. For PC the 2-year DFS is 52% (95% CI, 36% to 68%). Conclusion Though PC appears to be safe and the median DFS favorable, the DFS failed to exceed the lower bound of 52.9% for the targeted 67% DFS at 2 years and can not be recommended as the adjuvant arm for future randomized trials.
Effects of Selected Waste Constituents on Solidified/Stabilized Waste Leachability
Authors: Jones LW , Bricka RM , Cullinane MJ 
Published: March 2009

The effects of ten common waste constituents that have the potential to interfere with the strength and contaminant immobilization properties of solidified/stabilized metal finishing wastes were studied. A synthetic, metal finishing waste treatment sludge containing high levels of cadmium, chromium, mercury, and nickel was prepared. Interference materials, which were individually added to the sludge during treatment, included: three heavy metals (copper, lead, and zinc as nitrate salts), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and five organic substances (grease, oil, trichloroethene, hexachlorobenzene, and phenol). Solidification/ stabilization was accomplished using one of three binder systems: portland cement (CEM), portland cement plus fly ash (CFA), and a lime/fly ash (LFA). Specimens were tested in duplicate using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extraction procedure.
Leachate concentrations of the three metals in the sludge (cadmium, chromium, and nickel) and the three metal interference materials (copper, lead, and zinc) were primarily related to the final pH of the extraction solution. Of the interference materials tested, the metal nitrates reduced the leachate pH values to the greatest extent and thus had the greatest effect on the metal concentrations in the leachate. The addition of NaOH as an interfering material increased the final pH of the leachate and thus tended to suppress leachate metal concentrations, especially in the less buffered CFA specimens. On the other hand, the addition of Na2SO4 reduced leachate pH only slightly, again mainly in the CFA specimens, and thus tended to slightly increase the metal concentration in the leachates. The addition of up to 8% by weight of the organic interference materials had no significant effect on metal concentrations in the leachates, nor on the leachate pH. Phenol, the most polar of the organic interference materials used in this study, was itself extracted at appreciable levels from all three binder systems. However, phenol addition had little effect on metal leaching. Leachate mercury concentrations were not affected by the addition of the interference materials, except perhaps by phenol. Nearly equal mercury concentrations were found in leachates from the raw sludge and all treated samples.
In general, the effects of the added interference materials on the short-term leachate metal concentrations could be explained by differences in the leachate final pH. None of the interfering materials appeared to act as carriers or to change the solubility of the metal contaminates other than through their effects on the leachate pH. This research confirms the need for waste-binder specific studies before selecting a chemical stabilization/solidification process for the treatment of hazardous waste.
Short-Term Leaching Behavior of Co-60, Sr-85, and Cs-137 from Cemented Ion-Exchange Resin Waste Forms
Authors: Lee J-O , Han K-W , Buckley LP 
Published: March 2009

The leaching characteristics of Co-60, Sr-85, and Cs-137 from cemented ion-exchange resin waste forms containing water-extendible polyester resin and Zeolon 900-sodium additives were investigated using three different types of leach tests, that is, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) 16.1, the Battelle Materials Characteristics Centre (MCC) MCC-4S and modified MCC-4S methods. Specimens used in the leach tests were fabricated with cement and ion-exchange bead resins present in the Li+-OH- form. The ion-exchange resins were doped with Co-60, Sr-85, and Cs-137 to simulate the spent resin waste from nuclear power plants.
The presence of Zeolon 900-sodium additive to the waste form formulation provided distinctly improved adsorption for Cs-137 and seemed not to reduce effectively the releases of Co60 and Sr-85. The leaching processes of the three radionuclides from the waste forms were dominated by diffusion. The leaching rates of Co-60 and Sr-85 were both appreciably affected by the leachant flow rate, while Cs-137 was not apparently sensitive. The presence of nonsorbing backfill material was likely to induce the radionuclides to follow longer transport paths than for specimens only in the presence of water. The clinoptilolite selected as a sorbing backfill material did not retard the Co-60 release, but there was strong absorption of Sr-85 and Cs-137 onto the clinoptilolite.
Solidification of Dried Borate Waste with Polyester
Authors: Kim H-Y , Kim K-H , Park H-H , Suh I-S 
Published: March 2009

An effective method to dry the sludge produced in a reaction between the evaporator concentrates of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and calcium oxide (CaO) has been sought. The optimum reaction condition in this study for avoiding the adhesion of dried products to the heating wall of a dryer and for preventing the agglomeration of dried products was found to be about 0.75 mol ratio of CaO/boric acid (H3BO3). In this condition the dried products were porous spheres, and their true density was 2.04 × 103 kg/m3.
In the immersion test of the solidified forms with unsaturated polyester in deionized water for 520 days, the weight change of the solidified forms was not more than 1%, and their volume change was negligible. The specific gravity of the solidified form containing 40% by weight of dried products was 1.45 and increased to 1.55 with an increase of the dried products to 50% by weight. The compressive strength of a solidified form in the above range was increased from 139.3 to 162.8 MPa. The effective diffusion coefficients in the 18-month leaching test for Cs-137 and Co-60 were 2.08 × 10-15 m2/s and 3.30 × 10-19 -2.26 × 10-18 m2/s, respectively.
Stabilization/Solidification of Metal-Contaminated Soils: Two Case Histories
Authors: Kleppe JH , Otten MT , Finn JT 
Published: March 2009

This paper describes treatability studies, design, and remediation for the stabilization of contaminated soil at two hazardous waste sites in Washington State. In both sites, the soil was contaminated with metals. The study of stabilization/solidification included bench-scale treatability studies, preparation of plans and specifications for the remediation, and monitoring stabilization remediation. This paper presents the results of the above work with focus on practical, regulatory, and performance aspects of the stabilization. The effect of stabilization agents on the leaching of metals and the relation of the leaching results to applicable regulations are discussed.
Site A was a large manufacturing facility covering about 300 000 m2 (80 acres). Soil contamination included lead, chromium, and arsenic. The soil to be stabilized contained total concentrations of up to 19 000 mg/kg lead, 1600 mg/kg chromium, and 180 mg/kg arsenic; however, bulk soil samples obtained for this study contained unexpectedly lower concentrations of these metals. Extraction procedure toxicity (EP Tox) concentrations were below hazardous waste designation levels. Stabilization will be used on soil with total concentrations greater than 8000 mg/kg lead, 600 mg/kg chromium, and 100 mg/kg arsenic. Site B covered about 10 000 m2 (2 acres) and was used to repair and store machinery. As a result, the soil was contaminated with lead. The highest lead concentration was 17 000 mg/kg, with the corresponding EP Tox concentration of 300 mg/L. The selected remedial action was to remove the soil with lead over 500 mg/kg and place it in a solid waste landfill. In order for the soil to be classified as a solid waste, the leachable lead had to be less than 5 mg/L based on the EP Tox test.
At Site A, the stabilized soil had low compressive strengths, possibly due to petroleum contamination and natural organics in the soil. Leaching tests using a monolith showed that the leachate from the soil/cement specimen unexpectedly contained higher concentrations of chromium than the leachate from untreated soil. The relative amount of lead leached from soil/cement and untreated soil varied. The results for arsenic were inconclusive because of the low arsenic concentrations in the tested soils and leachates. At Site B, proprietary stabilization agents were successfully used to reduce leachability below hazardous waste levels as measured by EP Tox.
American Heroes
Authors: Tyree J. M. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
An analysis of 2008 Hollywood superhero blockbusters. Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk are humorous and often light-hearted; but the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight, which reinvents The Joker in Heath Ledger's performance, is much more grim and morally complex—a dark entertainment for pessimistic times.
The Politics of Style in Miklós Jancsó's The Red and The White and The Lord's Lantern in Budapest
Authors: Strausz Laszlo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
By comparing the design of Jancsó's mobile shots in a 1967 and a 1998 film, this essay analyzes the director's political commentary via the two films' visual style. The author argues that the filmmaker's construction of cinematic spaces is anchored to the critical depiction of dominant national ideologies.
Yasmin Ahmad's “Orked” Trilogy
Authors: Sim Gerald 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Sepet (2004), the sequel Gubra (2006), and prequel Mukhsin (2006), directed by Yasmin Ahmad, narrate the three major relationships of Orked, a Muslim girl in Malaysia negotiating them at different points in her life. The essay considers Ahmad's cinephilia and sentimental style, and their relation to the trilogy's postcolonial themes.
Genetic variation in adipokine genes and risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Pechlivanis Sonali , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Pardini Barbara , Naccarati Alessio , Vodickova Ludmila , Novotny Jan , Hemminki Kari , Vodicka Pavel , Försti Asta 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveObesity has been related to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Adipokines produced by the adipose tissue are directly linked to obesity and may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of CRC. We hypothesized that potentially functional polymorphisms in the adipokine genes leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), resistin (RETN), and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) may be associated with CRC.Design and methodsWe studied the association of four putatively functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with CRC risk using a hospital-based study design with 702 cases and 752 controls from the Czech Republic. We used likelihood ratio tests to select the best model to represent the relationship between genotypes and risk of CRC. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) under the best model were calculated for each SNP. Previous genotyping data on insulin (INS)-related genes were used to explore interactions between genes in obesity- and diabetes-related pathways by using two independent methods, logistic regression, and multifactor-dimensionality reduction.ResultsA trend to associate between the RETN SNP rs1862513 (C-420G) and CRC risk was observed (per allele OR 1.18, 95% confidence interval (0.99–1.40). Statistically, significant interactions were observed between the INS SNP rs3842754 (+1127INSPstI) genotypes and both the LEPR SNP rs1137101 (Q223R) and the ADIPOQ SNP rs266729 (C-11374G) genotypes.ConclusionsOur results suggest that variants in the adipokine genes may affect CRC risk in combination with variants in diabetes-related genes.
Dose–response regressions for algal growth and similar continuous endpoints: Calculation of effective concentrations
Authors: Christensen Erik R. , Kusk Kresten O. , Nyholm Niels 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe derive equations for the effective concentration giving 10% inhibition (EC10) with 95% confidence limits for probit (log-normal), Weibull, and logistic dose–response models on the basis of experimentally derived median effective concentrations (EC50s) and the curve slope at the central point (50% inhibition). For illustration, data from closed, freshwater algal assays are analyzed using the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata with growth rate as the response parameter. Dose–response regressions for four test chemicals (tetraethylammonium bromide, musculamine, benzonitrile, and 4-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy-phenol) with ranges of representative slopes at 50% response (0.54–2.62) and EC50s (2.20–357 mg/L) were selected. Reference EC50s and EC10s with 95% confidence limits using probit or Weibull models are calculated by nonlinear regression on the whole dataset using a dose–response regression program with variance weighting and proper inverse estimation. The Weibull model provides the best fit to the data for all four chemicals. Predicted EC10s (95% confidence limits) from our derived equations are quite accurate; for example, with 4-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy-phenol and the probit model, we obtain 1.40 (1.22–1.61) mg/L versus 1.40 (1.20-1.64) mg/L obtained from the nonlinear regression program. The main advantage of the approach is that EC10 or ECx (where x = 1–99) can be predicted from well-determined responses around EC20 to EC80 without experimental data in the low- or high-response range. Problems with the estimation of confidence interval for EClow,x (concentration predicted to cause x% inhibition) from algal growth inhibition also are addressed. Large confidence intervals may be the result of experimental error and lack of a well-defined reference response value.
Trout density and health in a stream with variable water temperatures and trace element concentrations: Does a cold-water source attract trout to increased metal exposure?
Authors: Harper David D. , Farag Aïda M. , Hogstrand Christer , MacConnell Elizabeth 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA history of hard-rock mining has resulted in elevated concentrations of heavy metals in Prickly Pear Creek (MT, USA). Remediation has improved water quality; however, dissolved zinc and cadmium concentrations still exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality criteria. Physical habitat, salmonid density, fish health, and water quality were assessed, and metal concentrations in fish tissues, biofilm, and macroinvertebrates were determined to evaluate the existing condition in the watershed. Cadmium, zinc, and lead concentrations in fish tissues, biofilm, and invertebrates were significantly greater than those at the upstream reference site and an experimental site farther downstream of the confluence. Fish densities were greatest, and habitat quality for trout was better, downstream of the confluence, where water temperatures were relatively cool (16°C). Measures of fish health (tissue metal residues, histology, metallothionein concentrations, and necropsies), however, indicate that the health of trout at this site was negatively affected. Trout were in colder but more contaminated water and were subjected to increased trace element exposures and associated health effects. Maximum water temperatures in Prickly Pear Creek were significantly lower directly below Spring Creek (16°C) compared to those at an experimental site 10 km downstream (26°C). Trout will avoid dissolved metals at concentrations below those measured in Prickly Pear Creek; however, our results suggest that the preference of trout to use cool water temperatures may supersede behaviors to avoid heavy metals.
A fish bioassay to evaluate the toxicity associated with the ingestion of benzo[a]pyrene-contaminated benthic prey
Authors: Couillard Catherine M. , Laplatte Benjamin , Pelletier Émilien 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA bioassay was developed to assess the toxic effects of ingested prey contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus as a predator and the polychaete Nereis virens as a benthic vector. Ten groups of nine male adult Fundulus were exposed for 21 d to 10 different diets of Nereis contaminated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) by spiking dead Nereis with BaP (spiked Nereis [SN] diets, 0–26 μg of BaP per gram dry wt) or by exposing living Nereis to a diet, to sediments, or to both contaminated with BaP (exposed Nereis [EN] diets, 0–16 μg/g dry wt). Another group was exposed to commercial fish food, used as reference diet. Condition and prevalence of histopathological changes were not affected. Exposure to the SN diets containing at least 3.5 μg of BaP per gram dry weight caused an induction of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in the intestine but not in the liver. In contrast, fish exposed to the highest doses (≥13.4 μg of BaP per gram dry wt) had increased cellular proliferation rate in the liver but not in the intestine. Quantifiable levels of free BaP tetrol–like metabolites were detected in the bile of fish exposed to diets containing more than 6.8 μg/g dry weight of BaP, and exhibited a dose–response relationship in fish exposed to SN diets. For a similar dose of BaP, EN and SN diets had similar effects. Thus, the BaP metabolic products that could have been produced in Nereis apparently did not contribute to the biomarkers responses. This bioassay can be applied to a variety of prey contaminated naturally or experimentally with PAHs. The present study supports the use of intestinal biomarkers, in addition to hepatic biomarkers, in environmental monitoring to assess the impact of dietary exposure to PAHs.
Degradation and ecotoxicity of the biomedical drug artemisinin in soil
Authors: Jessing Karina K. , Cedergreen Nina , Jensen John , Hansen Hans C. B. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The plant Artemisia annua L. is cropped in many countries for production of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. Artemisinin is phytotoxic and has insecticidal activity. Large-scale cultivation of A. annua may cause transfer of artemisinin to soil and, hence, may affect both soil organisms and the aquatic environment if the compound is leachable. In the present study, a new method for extraction of artemisinin from soil was developed, and field concentrations and degradation kinetics of artemisinin in sandy and loamy soils were measured. The soil concentrations in a Danish A. annua field were up to 11.7 mg/kg. The degradation kinetics could be modeled as the sum of two first-order reactions, a fast initial degradation followed by a reaction that was 11- to 25-fold slower. It took at least 35 d before artemisinin could not be detected (&lt;0.36 mg/kg) at 20°C, classifying artemisinin as being relatively persistent in the environment. Combined with its water solubility of 49.7 ± 3.7 mg/L, this makes it potentially leachable. In soil, artemisinin repelled the earthworm (Eisenia fetida; the 10 and 50% effect concentrations [EC10s and EC50s, respectively] were 5.24 ± 2.64 and 21.57 ± 4.73 mg/kg, respectively) and inhibited growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.; EC50, 2.48 mg/kg). Springtails (Folsomia candida) were not affected in the tested concentration range of 1 to 100 mg/kg. Artemisinin had toxicity to the freshwater algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; EC50, 0.24 ± 0.01 mg/L) and duckweed (Lemna minor; EC50, 0.19 ± 0.03 mg/L) similar to that of the commercial herbicide atrazine. Based on the presented data, the risks of adverse environmental effects because of cultivation of A. annua are high and comparable to those when using commercial pesticides.