bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale, inter‐annual relations among surface temperature, water vapour and precipitation with and without ENSO and volcano forcings
Authors: Gu Guojun , Adler Robert F.
Published: July 2011

How the global hydrological cycle, generally denoted by precipitation, responds to surface temperature change has been debated for decades. This debate is crucial to correctly assess the global warming‐related climate variability/change in the water cycle, but reflects our limited understanding of the relationships that exist among key components of the water cycle on various spatial and temporal scales. Primarily using satellite‐based measurements, we find that correlations between precipitation and surface temperature anomalies averaged over large domains (i.e. tropical and global ocean/land areas) during 1988–2008 are very weak once the effects from two large‐scale forcings, ENSO and volcanic eruptions, are removed, whereas tropospheric water vapour content varies with surface temperature no matter whether the ENSO and volcanic effects are included or not. We thus conclude that precipitation variability on the inter‐annual time scale, once the net large‐scale dynamic effects particularly associated with ENSO become weak or limited, does not follow surface temperature and related water vapour variations, even though inter‐decadal signals may still exist. This is consistent with the fact that ENSO precipitation signals are usually weak over combined land plus ocean areas for both tropical and global regimes, though ENSO can greatly modulate global precipitation patterns through shifting large‐scale circulation systems. These findings are also similar to the weak global‐mean precipitation responses under the recent global warming that have been evident in both observations and models, compared to large associated tropospheric water vapour changes, roughly following the Clausius‐Clapeyron (CC) relation. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Safety and efficacy of hepatectomy for colorectal metastases in the elderly
Authors: Cannon Robert M. , Martin Robert C. G. , Callender Glenda G. , McMasters Kelly M. , Scoggins Charles R.
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of hepatic metastasectomy in elderly patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

A retrospective review of a hepatobiliary database was performed on consecutive patients treated with metastasectomy for CLM. Patients were stratified by age (<70 years old vs. ≥70). Patient and tumor characteristics as well as operative factors were compared, as were morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards were used to evaluate the association of age and postoperative outcomes.

Results

There were 59 elderly (median age 75) and 220 non‐elderly (median age 58) patients analyzed over a 13 year period. The Charlson comorbidity index was higher in the elderly group (mean 4.7 vs. 4.4 P = 0.005). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 52.5 and 0% vs. 48.2 and 4.1% in the elderly and non‐elderly groups, respectively (P = 0.56 and P = 0.21). There were no differences in median DFS (21.8 months vs. 28.9 months; P = 0.157) or OS (36 months vs. 47.7 months; P = 0.070) between the elderly and non‐elderly groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Age itself does not appear to be a significant contraindication to liver resection, including major hepatectomy, when patients are appropriately selected. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:804–808. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Habitat occupancy by riparian muskrats reveals tolerance to urbanization and invasive vegetation
Authors: Cotner Lisa A. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: July 2011

Wildlife communities are being altered by rapid environmental change including habitat loss and fragmentation, urbanization, and spread of invasive species. To predict consequences of these anthropogenic changes to landscapes, it is necessary to identify not only species that are negatively affected, but also species that are unaffected or even thrive. We used occupancy modeling to examine the spatial distribution of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in riparian habitat within an agricultural region of east‐central Illinois from 2007 to 2008. We examined whether site occupancy was related to local habitat conditions and anthropogenic landscape alterations including urbanization and dominance of invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). We sampled 90 study sites (200‐m stream segments) for occupancy by muskrats based on presence of tracks, scat, and feeding sign. Per‐survey detection probability was 0.79 (SE = 0.04) in 2007 and 0.76 (SE = 0.04) in 2008. Detection was related positively to Julian date and negatively to abundance of woody debris and emergent rocks. Site occupancy by muskrats was 0.59 (SE = 0.09) in 2007 and 0.69 (SE = 0.06) in 2008, a year with above‐average precipitation. Occupancy was related positively to urban land cover surrounding sites, which could reflect higher baseflows and reduced risk from predation and trapping in urban areas. Occupancy was unrelated to site dominance by invasive reed canary grass, but muskrats occurred more often at larger, deeper streams and those with greater bank heights and less sandy bank soils. Turnover between years was driven by stream size and water availability. Muskrats exhibited tolerance to key aspects of environmental change, and muskrats might even be urban adapters when occupying riparian habitat that remains adequately connected in urbanizing landscapes. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Importance of juniper to birds nesting in piñon–juniper woodlands in northwest New Mexico
Authors: Francis Clinton D. , Ortega Catherine P. , Hansen John
Published: July 2011

Piñon–juniper (Pinus spp.–Juniperus spp.) woodlands are common throughout western North America, yet relatively little is known about the habitat use and requirements for many members of its avian community. During summer 2005–2007, we assessed avian nesting substrates within piñon (Pinus edulis)–juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) woodlands in northwestern New Mexico. Of all nests in live trees, 86% were in junipers. The selection of juniper as a nest tree was significantly higher than expected from the region's piñon–juniper ratio (1:1.06) for the community as a whole, for both open cup and cavity nesting species, and for 8 species (of which 6 are piñon–juniper obligate or semi‐obligate species). Nest survival, however, was not higher in juniper than in piñon for the nesting community as a whole or for chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina), the single species that was well represented nesting in piñon. The high use of juniper as a nesting substrate differs from previous studies, which have suggested that a presence of piñon is among the most important habitat features for many piñon–juniper species. Because of their importance to nesting birds, managers should avoid preferential thinning of junipers within piñon–juniper woodlands. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Transoral robotic resection and reconstruction for head and neck cancer
Authors: Genden Eric M. , Kotz Tamar , Tong Charles C. L. , Smith Claris , Sikora Andrew G. , Teng Marita S. , Packer Stuart H. , Lawson William L. , Kao Johnny
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the patterns of failure, survival, and functional outcomes for patients treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and compare these results with those from a cohort of patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT).

Study Design:

Prospective non‐randomized case control study.

Methods:

Between April 2007 and April 2009, 30 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated with primary TORS and adjuvant therapy as indicated on an institutional review board–approved protocol. Patients were evaluated before treatment, after treatment, and at subsequent 3‐month intervals after completing treatment to determine their disease and head and neck–specific functional status using the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer and the Functional Oral Intake Score (FOIS). Functional scores were compared to a matched group of head and neck patients treated with primary CRT.

Results:

The TORS patient population included 73% stage III‐IV and 23% nonsmokers. The median follow‐up was 20.4 months (range, 12.8–39.6 months). The 18‐month locoregional control, distant control, disease‐free survival, and overall survival were 91%, 93%, 78%, and 90%, respectively. Compared to the primary CRT group, TORS was associated with better short‐term eating ability (72 vs. 43, P = .008), diet (43 vs. 25, P = .01), and FOIS (5.5 vs. 3.3, P < .001) at 2 weeks after completion of treatment. In contrast to TORS patients who returned to baseline, the CRT group continued to have decreased diet (P = .03) and FOIS (P = .02) at 12 months.

Conclusions:

Our early experience in treating selected head and neck cancers with TORS is associated with excellent oncologic and functional outcomes that compare favorably to primary CRT.
Persistent positional nystagmus
Authors: Heidenreich Katherine D. , Kerber Kevin A. , Carender Wendy J. , Basura Gregory J. , Telian Steven A.
Published: July 2011

Involvement of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is rare. SSC BPPV is distinguished from the more common posterior semicircular canal (PSC) variant by the pattern of nystagmus triggered by the Dix‐Hallpike position: down‐beating torsional nystagmus in SSC BPPV versus up‐beating torsional nystagmus in PSC BPPV. SSC BPPV may be readily treated at the bedside, which is a key component in excluding central causes of down‐beating nystagmus. We present an unusual video case report believed to represent refractory SSC BPPV based on the pattern of nystagmus and the absence of any other central signs.
Is the c.3G>C mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) gene due to a founder effect in Chinese head and neck paraganglioma patients?
Authors: Zha Yang , Chen Xing‐ming , Lam Ching‐wan , Lee Soo‐chin , Tong Sui‐fan , Gao Zhi‐qiang
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Three Chinese patients with head and neck paragangliomas have been reported to carry the c.3G>C mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) gene. In addition, in our hospital, two further patients were identified who have the same mutation. It is unclear whether the c.3G>C mutation in Chinese patients is a recurrent mutation or if it is due to a founder effect. We conducted haplotype analysis on these patients to answer this question.

Study Design:

Individual case‐control study.

Methods:

Germ‐line mutations were confirmed in the patients and their families examined in this study using direct sequencing. We also constructed and analyzed haplotypes in four Chinese families. Genotype frequencies were compared to the control group.

Results:

Three of four families shared the same haplotype, which rarely occurred in the control group. The last family shared a very short area on the physical map with the other three families.

Conclusions:

There is a founder effect in Chinese head and neck paraganglioma patients carrying the SDHD c.3G>C mutation.
Tracheal autotransplantation: Guidelines for optimal functional outcome
Authors: Delaere Pierre R. , Vranckx Jan J. , Dooms Christophe , Meulemans Jeroen , Hermans Robert
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Tracheal autotransplants can repair extensive hemilaryngectomy defects. This technique was introduced into the clinic some 10 years ago as a means of avoiding the mutilation of a total laryngectomy in selected patients with laryngeal cancer. Our goal was to give the morphometric guidelines that guarantee an optimal functional outcome.

Study Design:

Retrospective case study.

Methods:

We morphometrically evaluated the structure and function of the larynx after autotransplantation. The close anatomic relationship between the larynx and the trachea made it possible to perform a morphometric analysis of the defect and the repair tissue before and after transplantation. Computed tomography images were used to measure the laryngeal and tracheal airway lumen and the length and width of the tracheal autotransplant. A 4‐cm long cartilaginous tracheal transplant was available for reconstruction.

Results:

Laryngeal repair was achieved with optimal restoration of the airway lumen at all laryngeal levels. We used the maximal amount of trachea that might reasonably be available for autotransplantation. This optimal morphologic repair led to the restoration of speech, swallowing, and respiratory functions.

Conclusions:

This study highlights a standardized approach for repairing a hemilaryngeal defect and selecting the appropriate amount of repair tissue. A unique characteristic of vascularized cartilaginous trachea is that it restores the airway lumen after extensive hemilaryngectomy. Tracheal autotransplantation should be included in the armamentarium of reconstructive laryngeal procedures.
Coprevalence of tremor with spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: White Laura J. , Klein Adam M. , Hapner Edie R. , Delgaudio John M. , Hanfelt John J. , Jinnah Hyder A. , Johns Michael M.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to define the coprevalence of tremor with spasmodic dysphonia (SD).

Study Design:

A single‐institution, prospective, case‐control study was performed from May 2010 to July 2010.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with SD (cases) and other voice disorders (controls) were enrolled prospectively. Each participant underwent a voice evaluation and an evaluation for tremor.

Results:

There were 146 voice disorder controls and 128 patients with SD enrolled. Of patients with SD 26% had vocal tremor, 21% had nonvocal tremor. Patients with SD were 2.8 times more likely to have coprevalent tremor than the control group (odds ratio = 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.55‐5.08), and only 35% of patients with SD had been seen by a neurologist for the evaluation of dystonia and tremor.

Conclusions:

Tremor is highly prevalent in patients with SD. It is important for each patient diagnosed with SD to undergo an evaluation for tremor, and this is especially important in patients diagnosed with vocal tremor.
Poly(methyl malate) Nanoparticles: Formation, Degradation, and Encapsulation of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Lanz‐Landázuri Alberto , García‐Alvarez Montserrat , Portilla‐Arias José , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Patil Rameshwar , Holler Eggehard , Ljubimova Julia Y. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: July 2011

PMLA nanoparticles with diameters of 150–250 nm are prepared, and their hydrolytic degradation is studied under physiological conditions. Degradation occurs by hydrolysis of the side chain methyl ester followed by cleavage of the main‐chain ester group with methanol and L‐malic acid as the final degradation products. No alteration of the cell viability is found after 1 h of incubation, but toxicity increases significantly after 3 d, probably due to the noxious effect of the released methanol. Anticancer drugs temozolomide and doxorubicin are encapsulated in the NPs with 20–40% efficiency, and their release is monitored using in vitro essays. Temozolomide is fully liberated within several hours, whereas doxorubicin is steadily released from the particles over a period of 1 month.

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Effect of Replicated Polymeric Substrate with Lotus Surface Structure on Adipose‐Derived Stem Cell Behaviors
Authors: Cha Kyoung Je , Park Kwang‐Sook , Kang Sun‐Woong , Cha Byung‐Hyun , Lee Bong‐Kee , Han In‐Bo , Shin Dong Ah , Kim Dong Sung , Lee Soo‐Hong
Published: July 2011

We fabricated polystyrene substrates with lotus leaf surface structure (LLSS) and investigated cell behaviors, including attachment, morphology, proliferation, and differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) on them. Compared to the flat substrate, the LLSS substrate induced higher cell attachment rate, but did not significantly change the cell proliferation rate. In addition, ASCs on the LLSS substrate exhibited relatively narrower spreading morphology and less organized cytoskeleton, there by resulting in smaller sizes of cells than those on the flat substrate. According to histochemical staining and RT‐PCR analysis, the LLSS substrate induced higher adipogenic differentiation of ASCs than the flat substrate, while chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation were decreased.

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In vitro Degradation of Poly[(L‐lactide)‐co‐(trimethylene carbonate)] Copolymers and a Composite with Poly[(L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide] Fibers as Cardiovascular Stent Material
Authors: Han Yaru , Fan Zhongyong , Lu Zhiqian , Zhang Yong , Li Suming
Published: July 2011

TMC/LLA copolymers with several TMC/LLA ratios are synthesized and a composite is obtained by reinforcing with short PLGA fibers. In vitro degradation is studied at 37 °C in pH = 7.4 buffer and compared with a PLLA homopolymer. The degradation of the copolymers appears slower than that of PLLA, showing that TMC units are more resistant to hydrolysis than LLA. Compositional changes indicate a preferential degradation of LLA units as compared to TMC ones. Morphological changes with crystallization of degradation by‐products are observed. The composite degrades much faster than the neat copolymer and PLLA because the faster degradation of PLGA fibers speeds up the degradation of the matrix. The composite appears promising for the fabrication of totally bioresorbable stents.

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A New Strategy to Prepare Polymer‐based Shape Memory Elastomers
Authors: Song Shijie , Feng Jiachun , Wu Peiyi
Published: July 2011

A new strategy that utilizes the microphase separation of block copolymer and phase transition of small molecules for preparing polymer‐based shape memory elastomer has been proposed. According to this strategy, a novel kind of shape memory elastomer comprising styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene (SEBS) and paraffin has been prepared. Because paraffins are midblock‐selective molecules for SEBS, they will preferentially enter and swell EB blocks supporting paraffins as an excellent switch phase for shape memory effect. Microstructures of SEBS/paraffin composites have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The composites demonstrate various phase morphologies with regard to different paraffin loading. It has been found that under low paraffin loading, all the paraffins precisely embed in and swell EB‐rich domains. While under higher loading, part of the paraffins become free and a larger‐scaled phase separation has been observed. However, within wide paraffin loadings, all composites show good shape fixing, shape recovery performances, and improved tensile properties. Compared to the reported methods for shape memory elastomers preparation, this method not only simplifies the fabrication procedure from raw materials to processing but also offers a controllable approach for the optimization of shape memory properties as well as balancing the rigidity and softness of the material.

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Recent advances in the multitarget‐directed ligands approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: León Rafael , Garcia Antonio G. , Marco‐Contelles José
Published: July 2011

With 27 million cases worldwide documented in 2006, Alzheimer's disease (AD) constitutes an overwhelming health, social, economic, and political problem to nations. Unless a new medicine capable to delay disease progression is found, the number of cases will reach 107 million in 2050. So far, the therapeutic paradigm one‐compound‐one‐target has failed. This could be due to the multiple pathogenic mechanisms involved in AD including amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation to form plaques, τ hyperphosphorylation to disrupt microtubule to form neurofibrillary tangles, calcium imbalance, enhanced oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function, apoptotic neuronal death, and deterioration of synaptic transmission, particularly at cholinergic neurons. Approximately 100 compounds are presently been investigated directed to single targets, namely inhibitors of β and γ secretase, vaccines or antibodies that clear Aβ, metal chelators to inhibit Aβ aggregation, blockers of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, enhancers of mitochondrial function, antioxidants, modulators of calcium‐permeable channels such as voltage‐dependent calcium channels, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors for glutamate, or enhancers of cholinergic neurotransmission such as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase. In view of this complex pathogenic mechanisms, and the successful treatment of chronic diseases such as HIV or cancer, with multiple drugs having complementary mechanisms of action, the concern is growing that AD could better be treated with a single compound targeting two or more of the pathogenic mechanisms leading to neuronal death. This review summarizes the current therapeutic strategies based on the paradigm one‐compound‐various targets to treat AD. A treatment that delays disease onset and/or progression by 5 years could halve the number of people requiring institutionalization and/or dying from AD.  © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Radiohalogenated nonnatural amino acids as PET and SPECT tumor imaging agents
Authors: McConathy Jonathan , Yu Weiping , Jarkas Nachwa , Seo Wonewoo , Schuster David M. , Goodman Mark M.
Published: July 2011

Radiohalogenated α‐amino acids are a diverse and useful class tumor imaging agents suitable for positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography. These tracers target the increased rates of amino acid transport exhibited by many tumor cells. The most established clinical use for radiolabeled amino acids is imaging primary and recurrent gliomas, and there is growing evidence that they may also be useful for other oncologic applications, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. This review focuses on the synthesis, radiolabeling, and preclinical evaluation of three series of nonnatural radiohalogenated amino acids: alicyclic, α,α‐dialkyl, and 1H‐[1,2,3]triazole amino acids which target system L, system A, and cationic amino acid transport systems, respectively.   © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 868‐905, 2012
Equivalent stress approach in modelling unsaturated soils
Authors: Sołowski W. T. , Sloan S. W.
Published: July 2011

This article presents an equivalent stress approach that can be used in many elastoplastic constitutive models for unsaturated soils. The use of the equivalent stress leads to a modified yield locus that is independent of the suction. In addition, the equivalent stress becomes the major stress variable, with suction required only as an additional variable in calculations. The model on the basis of equivalent stress predicts exactly the same soil behaviour, with the sole difference being the use of equivalent stress instead of original stress variables. This article also presents the equivalent stress formulations of several constitutive models for unsaturated soils, including the Barcelona Basic Model. The predictions from these models remain unchanged, with the only difference being in their implementation. Finally, the equivalent stress approach and the net stress approach are compared for the Barcelona Basic Model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative pharmacologic MRI in mice
Authors: Perles‐Barbacaru Teodora‐Adriana , Procissi Daniel , Demyanenko Andrey V. , Jacobs Russell E.
Published: July 2011

Pharmacologic MRI (phMRI) uses functional MRI techniques to provide a noninvasive in vivo measurement of the hemodynamic effects of drugs. The cerebral blood volume change (ΔCBV) serves as a surrogate for neuronal activity via neurovascular coupling mechanisms. By assessing the location and time course of brain activity in mouse mutant studies, phMRI can provide valuable insights into how different behavioral phenotypes are expressed in deferring brain activity response to drug challenge. In this report, we evaluate the utility of three different intravascular ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) contrast agents for phMRI using a gradient‐echo technique, with temporal resolution of one min at high magnetic field. The tissue half‐life of the USPIOs was studied using a nonlinear detrending model. The three USPIOs are candidates for CBV weighted phMRI experiments, with r2/r1 ratios ≥ 20 and apparent half‐lives ≥ 1.5 h at the described doses. An echo‐time of about 10 ms or longer results in a functional contrast to noise ratio (fCNR) > 75 after USPIO injection, with negligible decrease between 1.5‐2 h. phMRI experiments were conducted at 7 T using cocaine as a psychotropic substance and acetazolamide, a global vasodilator, as a positive control. Cocaine acts as a dopamine‐serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, increasing extracellular concentrations of these neurotransmitters, and thus increasing dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. phMRI results showed that CBV was reduced in the normal mouse brain after cocaine challenge, with the largest effects in the nucleus accumbens, whereas after acetazolamide, blood volume was increased in both cerebral and extracerebral tissue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time integrators based on approximate discontinuous Hamiltonians
Authors: Dharmaraja Sohan , Kesari Haneesh , Darve Eric , Lew Adrian J.
Published: July 2011

We introduce a class of time integration algorithms for finite dimensional mechanical systems whose Hamiltonians are separable. By partitioning the system's configuration space to construct an approximate potential energy, we define an approximate discontinuous Hamiltonian (ADH) whose resulting equations of motion can be solved exactly. The resulting integrators are symplectic and precisely conserve the approximate energy, which by design is always close to the exact one. We then propose two ADH algorithms for finite element discretizations of nonlinear elastic bodies. These result in two classes of explicit asynchronous time integrators that are scalable and, because they conserve the approximate Hamiltonian, could be considered to be unconditionally stable in some circumstances. In addition, these integrators can naturally incorporate frictionless contact conditions. We discuss the momentum conservation properties of the resulting methods and demonstrate their performance with several problems, such as rotating bodies and multiple collisions of bodies with rigid boundaries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overview of the discontinuous enrichment method, the ultra‐weak variational formulation, and the partition of unity method for acoustic scattering in the medium frequency regime and performance comparisons
Authors: Wang Dalei , Tezaur Radek , Toivanen Jari , Farhat Charbel
Published: July 2011

The efficient finite element discretization of the Helmholtz equation becomes challenging in the medium frequency regime because of numerical dispersion, or what is often referred to in the literature as the pollution effect. A number of FEMs with plane wave basis functions have been proposed to alleviate this effect, and improve on the unsatisfactory preasymptotic convergence of the polynomial FEM. These include the partition of unity method, the ultra‐weak variational formulation, and the discontinuous enrichment method. A previous comparative study of the performance of such methods focused on the first two aforementioned methods only. By contrast, this paper provides an overview of all three methods and compares several aspects of their performance for an acoustic scattering benchmark problem in the medium frequency regime. It is found that the discontinuous enrichment method outperforms both the partition of unity method and the ultra‐weak variational formulation by a significant margin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does market volatility impact presidential approval?
Authors: Chong James , Halcoussis Dennis , Phillips Michael
Published: July 2011

Recently, market volatility has been used as an explanatory variable for presidential job approval. Our research builds on such an approach by first extracting the economic and non‐economic components of market volatility using the Eta® (c4cast.com, Inc., 750 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101) model, which considers 18 economic factors, far more than the unemployment and inflation factors used in most similar studies. Further, our results suggest that it is not aggregated market volatility but rather disaggregated market volatility that has a causal effect on presidential job approval ratings. In addition, the market's expectation of economic and non‐economic market volatility exhibits different patterns, in terms of direction and timing, in their relationship to presidential job approval ratings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short echo time single voxel 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis and characterisation of pineal tumours in children
Authors: Harris Lisa M. , Davies Nigel P. , Wilson Shaun , MacPherson Lesley , Natarajan Kal , English Martin W. , Brundler Marie‐Anne , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Grundy Richard G. , Peet Andrew C.
Published: July 2011

Background

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been successful in characterising a range of brain tumours and is a useful aid to non‐invasive diagnosis. The pineal region poses considerable surgical challenges and a major surgical resection is not required in the management of all tumours. Improved non‐invasive assessment of pineal region tumours would be of considerable benefit.

Methods

Single voxel MRS (TE 30 ms, TR 1500, 1.5 T) was performed on 15 pineal tumours: 5 germinomas, 1 non‐germinomatous secreting germ cell tumour (GCT), 2 teratomas, 5 pineoblastomas, 1 pineal parenchymal tumour (PPT) of intermediate differentiation and 1 pineocytoma. Two germinomas outside the pineal gland were also studied. Metabolite, lipid and macromolecule concentrations were determined with LCModel™.

Results

Germ cell tumours had significantly higher lipid and macromolecule concentrations than other tumours (t‐test; P < 0.05). The teratomas had significantly lower total choline and creatine levels than germinomas (z test; P < 0.05). Taurine was convincingly detected in germinomas as well as PPTs.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is useful for characterising pineal region tumours, aiding the non‐invasive diagnosis and giving additional biological insight. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 972–977. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intralesional interferon‐α for the treatment of bilateral conjunctival mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Holds John , Buchanan Adam , Hanson Robin
Published: July 2011

We describe a case of bilateral conjunctival mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in a 14‐year‐old female treated with intralesional interferon‐α. Interferon‐α‐2b was injected three times a week for 6 weeks, then once weekly for 12 weeks. Marked tumor reduction was observed by week 5 of treatment, with complete resolution by week 8. There was no sign of recurrence through 27 months of follow‐up. Intralesional interferon‐α was an effective treatment for this unusual case of conjunctival MALT lymphoma in a very young female. It presents an attractive alternative to traditional treatment modalities in this patient population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 176–178. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Red blood cell transfusion in pediatric patients with severe chronic anemia: How slow is necessary?
Authors: Agrawal Anurag K. , Hsu Edmund , Quirolo Keith , Neumayr Lynne D. , Flori Heidi R.
Published: July 2011

Historic practice recommends slow transfusion for children with chronic anemia and hemoglobin less than 5.0 g/dl due to the theoretical risk of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO). In our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we have been utilizing a more liberal transfusion practice in patients without underlying cardiopulmonary disease, and a faster transfusion rate appears safe in this population. Rate of transfusion must be based on multiple factors including convenience, timeliness of procedures and transport to an appropriate care facility, risk of alloimmunization and wastage of blood, stress for the family, and need for PICU monitoring. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 466–468. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood pressure and body composition in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Veringa Susanna J.E. , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , Veening Margreet A.
Published: July 2011

Background

Long‐term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in childhood are at increased risk of late effects of cancer treatment, among which are cardiovascular sequelae. Purpose of this study was to assess blood pressure and body composition in childhood ALL survivors and compare data to reference values from the general population.

Procedure

This single‐center retrospective study included 68 survivors of childhood ALL with a median age of 25 years (range 16.4–39.5) and a median follow‐up of 16.0 years (range 5.3–30.4). Data on previous treatment, blood pressure and measurements of weight and height at diagnosis and at long‐term follow‐up (from which body mass index (BMI) was calculated) were obtained from medical records. All data were converted to control‐referenced standard deviation scores.

Results

Of the ALL survivors 48½% were prehypertensive and 22.1% were hypertensive. Both the mean systolic (mean SDS 0.736, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean SDS 0.409, P < 0.001) of survivors was significantly higher compared to reference control values. Based on BMI values, 38.2% of the survivors were considered overweight/obese and females, in contrast to males had a significantly higher BMI (mean SDS 1.355, P < 0.001) compared to reference values. In addition, females who had received cranial radiotherapy (mean SDS 2.078) had a significantly higher BMI than females who had not (mean SDS 0.512) (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Both diastolic and systolic blood pressure are significantly increased in survivors of childhood ALL. Female survivors treated with cranial radiation therapy have the highest prevalence and greatest risk of overweight/obesity. Therefore, survivors of childhood ALL are likely to be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, which stresses the need for follow‐up and adequate medical and/or life style interventions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 278–282. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of treatment reduction for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia on serum immunoglobulins and antibodies against vaccine‐preventable diseases
Authors: van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Bierings Marc B. , Berbers Guy A.M. , Wolfs Tom F.W. , Pieters Rob , Bloem Andries C. , Sanders Elisabeth A.M.
Published: July 2011

Background

The consequences of current intensive chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for immune defense are a matter of concern. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of reduced compared with intensive (conventional) ALL chemotherapy on serum immunoglobulin levels and specific antibody concentrations against vaccine‐preventable diseases.

Procedure

Patients treated according to Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL 10 protocol were stratified by minimal residual disease to receive reduced (standard risk; SR) or intensive (medium risk; MR) intensification/maintenance treatment. Between November 2004 and July 2009 we compared serum immunoglobulins of 110 patients and specific antibodies against diphtheria toxin, tetanus toxin, and Bordetella pertussis antigens of 41 patients of SR and MR groups during chemotherapy.

Results

Immunoglobulin levels showed significantly different patterns between the SR and MR groups. In the MR group IgG, IgA, and IgM levels decreased towards the end of intensive treatment; in the SR group IgG levels increased while IgA and IgM stabilized. In both groups IgM and IgG levels were most affected. Specific antibody levels against vaccine‐preventable diseases decreased in both groups, but more profound in MR group.

Conclusions

Although reduced chemotherapy is beneficial for immunoglobulin level recovery and might prevent susceptibility for infections, specific antibodies remain decreased. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 701–707. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A two‐event In vitro model of acute chest syndrome: The role of secretory phospholipase A2 and neutrophils
Authors: Ball J. Bradley , Khan Samina Y. , McLaughlin Nathan J.D. , Kelher Marguerite R. , Nuss Rachelle , Cole Laura , Liang Xiayuan , Silliman Christopher C.
Published: July 2011

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease is associated with elevation of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). We hypothesize that sPLA2 cleaves membrane lipids from sickled red blood cells (RBCs) causing PMN‐mediated endothelial cell injury (ECI) as the second event in a two‐event model.

Methods

Whole blood was collected from children when in steady state or daily during admissions for vaso‐occlusive pain (VOC) or ACS. The plasma and RBCs were separated, sPLA2 levels were measured, and the RBCs were incubated with sPLA2. Plasma and lipids, extracted from the plasma or the supernatant of sPLA2‐treated RBCs, were assayed for PMN priming activity and used as the second event in a model of PMN‐mediated ECI. Phosphatidylserine (PS) surface expression on RBCs was quantified by flow cytometry.

Results

Increased sPLA2‐IIa levels were associated with ACS. SPLA2‐liberated lipids from VOC and the plasma, plasma lipids and sPLA2‐liberated lipids from ACS primed PMNs and caused PMN‐mediated ECI (P < 0.01). RBCs from VOC had increased in PS surface expression versus steady state.

Conclusions

ACS plasma and lipids and sPLA2‐released lipids from RBCs during VOC or ACS induce PMN‐mediated ECI. VOC elicited increases in PS surface expression providing a membrane substrate for sPLA2 lysis of sickle RBCs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 399–405. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights on neoplastic stem cells from gel‐based proteomics of childhood germ cell tumors
Authors: Haskins William E. , Eedala Sruthi , Avinash Jadhav Y.L. , Labhan Manbir S. , Pericherla Vidya C. , Perlman Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2011

Background

Childhood germ cell tumors (cGCTs), believed to arise from transformed primordial germ cells by an unknown mechanism, provide a unique model system for investigating cell signaling, pluripotency, and the microenvironment of neoplastic stem cells (NSCs) in vivo. This is the first report of proteomics of cGCTs.

Procedure

Four dysgerminomas (DYSs) and four childhood endodermal sinus tumors (cESTs), resembling self‐renewing and differentiating NSCs, respectively, were selected. Proteomic studies were performed by 2‐DE, SDS–PAGE, and cLC/MS/MS with protein database searching.

Results

2‐DE: 9 of 941 spots were differentially regulated with greater than a twofold change in spot volume for at least three of four gels in each group. Two of nine spots had P values for the t‐test analysis of comparisons less than 0.001, while the remaining spots had P values from 0.013 to 0.191. Top‐ranked proteins were identified in nine of nine spots with 4.0–38% sequence coverage. APOA1, CRK, and PDIA3 were up‐regulated in cESTs. TFG, TYMP, VCP, RBBP, FKBP4, and BiP were up‐regulated in DYSs. SDS–PAGE: Up‐regulation of NF45 and FKBP4 was observed in four of four cESTs and DYSs, respectively. The fold‐changes observed correspond with characteristic genetic changes.

Conclusion

Differential regulation of FKBP4 and NF45, combined with previous research on immunosuppressant binding, suggests that glucocorticoid receptor signaling merits further investigation in cGCTs and NSCs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 722–728. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic thymic measurements in Down syndrome fetuses
Authors: De Leon‐Luis Juan , Santolaya Joaquín , Gamez Francisco , Pintado Pilar , Perez Ricardo , Ortiz‐Quintana Luis
Published: July 2011

Objective

Children with Down syndrome (DS) can have hypoplastic thymuses with an impaired capacity to liberate newly generated T cells. We sought to determine if the size of the thymus in DS fetuses is different from control fetuses.

Methods

We performed comprehensive prenatal sonographic evaluation that included measurements of the thymus in 874 control fetuses and in 12 DS fetuses. We used graphic comparisons between thymic measurements obtained from the two groups of fetuses and a nested case‐control validation study in which DS fetuses were matched for gestational age with control fetuses using a 2‐to‐1 ratio to make group comparisons.

Results

The plot analysis showed that more than two‐thirds of DS fetuses had sonographic signs of thymic hypoplasia. The nested case‐control study confirmed that the thymus of DS fetuses was statistically smaller than the thymus of control fetuses [DS transverse diameter 12.3 mm, interquartile range (IQR) 6.2 vs control 18.1 mm, IQR 4.4; p < 0.001 and, DS perimeter 30.9 mm, IQR 20.1 vs control 48.6 mm, IQR 20.4; p < 0.01].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the majority of DS fetuses have smaller thymuses than control. Prenatal measurements of the thymus may be clinically useful in the management of DS pregnancies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to antipsychotic medications over a 4‐year period among children who initiated antipsychotic treatment before their sixth birthday
Authors: Constantine Robert J. , Jentz Susan , Bengtson Michael , McPherson Marie , Andel Ross , Jones Mary Beth
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims the following: (i) to describe the exposure to antipsychotic medications over a 4‐year period experienced by a cohort of children who initiated antipsychotic treatment before their sixth birthday; and (ii) to identify variables associated with the risk of antipsychotic exposure.

Methods

Children were identified who initiated an index episode of antipsychotic treatment before their sixth birthday in Florida's fee for service Medicaid program. With the use of claims data, the medication utilization of these children was tracked during the year before and the 4 years following the start of their index episodes (pre‐index and four post‐index periods). Generalized estimating equations were used to identify variables associated with the risk of additional days of antipsychotic exposure.

Results

Five hundred twenty‐eight children were included in the cohort. The mean total number of days of exposure was 821.9 (± 431.9), representing 56.3% of all days during the four post‐index periods. The mean days of exposure to combinations of antipsychotics and other classes of psychotherapeutic medications were 623.8 ± 447.6 days. Children with primary diagnoses of pervasive developmental disorders and affective disorders were at greater risk of additional days of exposure than children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Exposure tended to be greater among children with indicators of clinical complexity including the presence of secondary diagnoses and the use of other classes of psychotherapeutic medications in addition to antipsychotics.

Conclusions

Exposure to antipsychotic mediations was extensive. Although these children may have had complex and severe problems, additional research is urgently needed on the benefits and risks of long‐term antipsychotic exposure among very young children. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological hybrid effect in dually filled polycarbonate melt containing liquid crystalline polymer
Authors: Mi Qinyong , Zhang Xiaocheng , He Jiasong
Published: July 2011

Polycarbonate (PC)/liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends dually filled with glass fiber and nano‐SiO2 were prepared by melt blending, with the use of a commercial Vectra A130 as the source of LCP and glass fiber. In these dually filled PC/LCP melts, rheological hybrid effect occurred, confirmed by the melt viscosity of the quadruple polymer blends decreased with increasing nano‐silica loading, influenced by the minor LCP phase in the blend. The drastic viscosity reduction closely correlates with the deformation and fibrillation of LCP droplets in the system. The LCP fibrillation was controlled jointly by the thermodynamic and hydrodynamic driving forces. Finally, the dually filled PC/LCP melt had decreased viscosity lower than those of pure PC, silica‐filled PC, and PC/Vectra A130 blends, and furthermore had decreased glass fiber breakage, shown by larger average aspect ratio than that in PC/Vectra A130 blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Detecting protein complexes and functional modules from protein interaction networks: A graph entropy approach
Authors: Kenley Edward Casey , Cho Young‐Rae
Published: July 2011

Recent high‐throughput experiments have generated protein–protein interaction data on a genomic scale, yielding the complete interactome for several organisms. Various graph clustering algorithms have been applied to protein interaction networks for identifying protein complexes and functional modules. Although the previous algorithms are scalable and robust, their accuracy is still limited because of the complex connectivity found in protein interaction networks. In this study, we propose a novel information‐theoretic definition, graph entropy, as a measure of the structural complexity of a graph. Loss of graph entropy represents an increase in modularity of the graph. Based on this concept, we present a graph clustering algorithm which searches for the local optimum in modularity. The algorithm detects each optimal cluster by growing a seed in a manner that minimizes graph entropy. In the experiments with the yeast interactome, the results show that the graph entropy approach has higher accuracy in predicting protein complexes and functional modules than the best competing method. We statistically compared output clusters to both known protein complexes and Gene Ontology annotations in the biological process and molecular function categories in order to measure f‐scores and p‐scores as clustering accuracy. Because this algorithm is also scalable, it can be applied to the larger scale human protein interaction network.
Efficient additives to improve the catalytic effects of ferric(III) chloride on the reaction of N‐vinylcarbazole: hydroquinone for methanolysis, hydrogen peroxide for cyclobutanation respectively
Authors: Liu Li‐Qiang , Sun Dong‐Qing , Yang Jing‐Kui
Published: July 2011

Hydroquinone combined with FeCl3 can reduce the methanolysis time of N‐vinylcarbazole in CH3OH from 9 h to 1 h, but the addition of hydroquinone to Fe(NO3)3 will slow the methanolysis and quench the cyclobutanation process. The addition of H2O2 successfully made the FeCl3 catalytic cyclobutanization of N‐vinylcarbazole in the yield from zero up to 33%. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of hemoglobin quaternary structures
Authors: Dey Sucharita , Chakrabarti Pinak , Janin Joël
Published: July 2011

We perform an analysis of the quaternary structure and dimer/dimer interface in the crystal structures of 165 human hemoglobin tetramers; 112 are in the T, 17 the R, 14 the Y (or R2) state; 11 are high‐affinity T state mutants, and 11 may either be intermediates between the states, or off the allosteric transition pathway. The tertiary structure is fixed within each state, in spite of the different ligands, mutations, and chemical modifications present in individual entries. The geometry of the tetramer assembly is essentially the same in all the R or the Y state entries; it is slightly different in high salt and low salt crystals of T state hemoglobins. The dimer/dimer interface differs in terms of size, chemical composition and polar interactions, between the states. It is loosely packed, like crystal packing contacts or the subunit interface of weakly associated homodimers, and unlike most oligomeric proteins, which have close‐packed interfaces. The loose packing is most obvious in the liganded forms, where the tetramer is known to dissociate at low concentration. We identify cavities that contribute to the loose packing of the α1β2 and α2β1 contacts. Two pairs of cavities occur recurrently in both the T and the R state tetramers. They may contribute to the allosteric mechanism by facilitating the subunit movements and the tertiary structure changes that accompany the transition from T to R to Y. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.