bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized double inversion recovery for reduction of T1 weighting in fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery
Authors: Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Sarkar Subhendra N. , Busse Reed F. , Bakshi Rohit , Alsop David C.
Published: May 2011

Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) is a routinely used technique in clinical practice to detect long T2 lesions by suppressing the cerebrospinal fluid. Concerns remain, however, that the inversion pulse in FLAIR imparts T1 weighting that can decrease the detectability and mischaracterize some lesions. Hence, FLAIR is usually acquired in conjunction with a standard T2 to guard against these concerns. Recently, double inversion recovery (DIR) preparations have highlighted certain types of lesions by suppressing both cerebrospinal fluid and white matter but produce even stronger T1 contrast than FLAIR. This work shows that the inversion times in a DIR sequence can be optimized to minimize unwanted T1 weighting, enabling the acquisition of cerebrospinal fluid‐suppressed images with pure T2 weighting. This technique is referred to as T1‐nulled DIR. The theory to determine the optimized inversion times is discussed and the results are shown by simulations, normal volunteer studies, and multiple sclerosis patient studies. T1‐nulled DIR provides equivalent or superior contrast between gray and white matters as well as white matter and multiple sclerosis lesion at the same repetition time. Multiple sclerosis lesions appeared sharper on T1‐nulled DIR compared to FLAIR. T1‐nulled DIR has the potential to replace the combination of standard T2 and FLAIR acquisitions in many clinical protocols. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Probing mouse brain microstructure using oscillating gradient diffusion MRI
Authors: Aggarwal Manisha , Jones Melina V. , Calabresi Peter A. , Mori Susumu , Zhang Jiangyang
Published: May 2011

High resolution diffusion tensor images of the mouse brain were acquired using the pulsed gradient spin echo sequence and the oscillating gradient spin echo sequence. The oscillating gradient spin echo tensor images demonstrated frequency‐dependent changes in diffusion measurements, including apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy, in major brain structures. Maps of the rate of change in apparent diffusion coefficient with oscillating gradient frequency revealed novel tissue contrast in the mouse hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. The observed frequency‐dependent contrasts resembled neuronal soma‐specific Nissl staining and nuclei‐specific 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining in the mouse brain, which suggests that the contrasts might be related to key features of cytoarchitecture in the brain. In the mouse cuprizone model, oscillating gradient spin echo‐based diffusion MRI revealed significantly higher frequency‐dependence of perpendicular diffusivity (λ⊥) in the demyelinated caudal corpus callosum at 4 weeks after cuprizone treatment when compared with control mice and mice at 6 weeks after cuprizone treatment. The elevated frequency‐dependence of λ⊥coincided with the infiltration of activated microglia/macrophages and disruption of axons during acute demyelination in the caudal corpus callosum. The results demonstrate the potential of oscillating gradient spin echo‐based diffusion MRI for providing tissue contrasts complimentary to conventional pulsed gradient spin echo‐based diffusion MRI. Magn Reson Med 67:98–109, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast whole‐body magnetic resonance angiography in mice
Authors: Lefrançois William , Thiaudière Eric , Ben Hassen Wadie , Sanchez Stéphane , Franconi Jean‐Michel , Miraux Sylvain
Published: May 2011

High‐throughput magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools are required for the longitudinal investigation of vascular diseases in mouse models. Angiographic data from various anatomic regions may be needed in a single experiment. This study involves a three‐dimensional (3D) time‐of‐flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) method using sequential acquisitions of four data sets corresponding to the head, the thorax, the abdomen, and the hind limbs of a mouse. After repositioning the animal, each anatomic region was acquired in 2 min, and the TOF effect was provided by the spatial selectivity of the radio frequency (RF) resonator. No slab selection was needed and whole‐body MRA was performed in a total experiment time of 10 min. The voxel size was equal to or greater than 131 × 195 × 188 μm3. To suppress the signal arising from stationary tissues, both inversion recovery and interspersed saturation, used as magnetization preparations, were compared from a theoretical and an experimental perspective. The arterial tree (carotid, aortic, iliac, renal, and smaller arteries) was well visualized by this method, both in control healthy mice and in mice with common carotid artery ligation. The potential interest of this method for evaluating arterial diseases is discussed. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In utero phenotyping of mouse embryonic vasculature with MRI
Authors: Berrios‐Otero Cesar A. , Nieman Brian J. , Parasoglou Prodromos , Turnbull Daniel H.
Published: May 2011

The vasculature is the earliest developing organ in mammals and its proper formation is critical for embryonic survival. MRI approaches have been used previously to analyze complex three‐dimensional vascular patterns and defects in fixed mouse embryos. Extending vascular imaging to an in utero setting with potential for longitudinal studies would enable dynamic analysis of the vasculature in normal and genetically engineered mouse embryos, in vivo. In this study, we employed an in utero MRI approach that corrects for motion, using a combination of interleaved gated acquisition and serial coregistration of rapidly acquired three‐dimensional images. We tested the potential of this method by acquiring and analyzing images from wildtype and Gli2 mutant embryos, demonstrating a number of Gli2 phenotypes in the brain and cerebral vasculature. These results show that in utero MRI can be used for in vivo phenotype analysis of a variety of mutant mouse embryos. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lagrangean decomposition/relaxation for the routing and wavelength assignment problem
Authors: Thiongane Babacar
Published: May 2011

This work deals with solving the Routing and Wavelength Assignment problem where the number of accepted connections is to be maximized. Lagrangean decomposition as well as Lagrangean relaxation are studied for both node‐arc formulations and arc‐path formulation. It is shown that relaxing the demand constraints yields an edge‐disjoint path problem with profits that is NP‐hard, while the Lagrangean problem obtained when the clash constraints are relaxed becomes a shortest path problem or a 0–1 linear knapsack problem, depending on the formulation used. Moreover, it is shown that the Lagrangean decomposition is not stronger than the Lagrangean relaxation of the demand constraints. We also propose a subgradient algorithm to solve the Lagrangean dual obtained by relaxing the clash constraints. Numerical results demonstrate a high quality of Lagrangean dual bounds with fast computation time. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
The complexity of welfare maximization in congestion games
Authors: Meyers Carol A. , Schulz Andreas S.
Published: May 2011

We investigate issues of complexity related to welfare maximization in congestion games. In particular, we provide a full classification of complexity results for the problem of finding a minimum cost solution to a congestion game, under the model of Rosenthal. We consider both network and general congestion games, and we examine several variants of the problem concerning the structure of the game and the properties of its associated cost functions. Many of these problem variants turn out to be NP‐hard, and some are hard to approximate to within any finite factor, unless P = NP. We also identify several versions of the problem that are solvable in polynomial time. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
A ΔRaf1–ER‐inducible oncogenic zebrafish liver cell model identifies hepatocellular carcinoma signatures
Authors: He Shuning , Krens SF Gabby , Zhan Huiqing , Gong Zhiyuan , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Spaink Herman P , Snaar‐Jagalska B Ewa
Published: May 2011

Although the underlying molecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear, signalling pathways essential in cell survival and growth are altered, including the Raf–MEK–MAPK pathway. This pathway can be activated by hepatitis B or C virus infections and the ectopic expression of the Raf‐1 oncogene is frequently seen in hepatocellular carcinomas. In addition, the Raf–MEK–MAPK pathway was also shown to be deregulated in zebrafish liver tumours. Based on the genetic conservation between zebrafish and human liver tumours, the zebrafish was used as an animal model to better understand the molecular basis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we establish an inducible oncogenic zebrafish cell model, in which oncogenic human Raf‐1(ΔRaf1) can be post‐transcriptionally activated in zebrafish liver cells by administration of 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4HT). The ΔRaf1 activation resulted in the hyperactivation of the zebrafish MEK–ERK cascade, promoted cell growth and proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis. The mitogenic transformation of the ZFL–ΔRaf1–ER cells was confirmed by in vivo allo‐transplantation and in silico microarray analyses. Gene expression profiling of cells treated with 4HT and a MEK‐inhibitor identified a Raf–MEK‐dependent signature set. This transcriptome response was compared to zebrafish and human liver cancer transcriptomes. We identified, and validated by quantitative PCR, a set of genes transcriptionally regulated by hyperactive MAPK signalling in ZFL–ΔRaf1–ER cells, zebrafish liver tumours and human liver tumours, suggesting that the in vitro zebrafish liver cell model can be used for further study of the molecular basis of human hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular targeting of the commonly regulated hepatocellular carcinoma genes using the ZFL–ΔRaf1–ER cell model can be applied for high‐throughput preclinical target discovery. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteoclast formation and function in pigmented villonodular synovitis
Authors: Taylor Richard , Kashima Takesh G , Knowles Helen , Gibbons C L Max H , Whitwell Duncan , Athanasou Nicholas A
Published: May 2011

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a synovial tumour‐like lesion that frequently causes osteolysis. PVNS contains numerous macrophages and osteoclast‐like giant cells. In this study, we have analysed the cytochemical and functional characteristics of mononuclear and multinucleated cells in PVNS and determined the cellular and humoral mechanisms underlying giant cell formation and resorption in PVNS. Giant cells and CD14+ and CD14− mononuclear cell populations were isolated from PVNS synovial tissue and cultured alone or in the presence and absence of the osteoclastogenic factors, RANKL and M‐CSF. Osteoclast formation and activity was assessed by expression of TRAP and evidence of lacunar resorption. Giant cells in PVNS expressed an osteoclast‐phenotype (CD51+, TRAP+, CD14−, HLA‐DR−) and were formed only in cultures of mononuclear cells that expressed the macrophage marker CD14. Osteoclast formation required RANKL and occurred in both the presence and absence of exogenous M‐CSF. CD14− cells in PVNS expressed RANKL. Lacunar resorption by PVNS‐derived giant cells was abolished by the addition of the bisphosphonate, zoledronate. Our findings indicate that osteoclasts form by a RANKL‐dependent mechanism from CD14+ mononuclear phagocytes in PVNS. Osteoclast formation occurred even in the absence of exogenous M‐CSF, a finding which is in keeping with over‐expression of M‐CSF playing a pathogenic role in this condition. Anti‐osteoclast resorptive treatment may be useful to control osteolysis in PVNS. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of whole arm loss of chromosome 16q on gene expression patterns in oestrogen receptor‐positive, invasive breast cancer
Authors: Hungermann Daniela , Schmidt Hartmut , Natrajan Rachel , Tidow Nicola , Poos Kathrin , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Brandt Burkhard , Buerger Horst , Korsching Eberhard
Published: May 2011

A whole chromosome arm loss of 16q belongs to the most frequent and earliest chromosomal alterations in invasive and in situ breast cancers of all common subtypes. Besides E‐cadherin, several putative tumour suppressor genes residing on 16q in breast cancer have been investigated. However, the significance of these findings has remained unclear. Thus, other mechanisms leading to gene loss of function (eg haploinsufficiency, or distortion of multiple regulative subnetworks) remain to be tested as a hypothesis. To define the effect on gene expression of whole‐arm loss of chromosome 16q in invasive breast cancer, we performed global gene expression analysis on a series of 18 genetically extensively characterized invasive ductal breast carcinomas and verified the results by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT–PCR). The distribution of the differential genes across the genome and their expression status was studied. A second approach by qRT–PCR in an independent series of 30 breast carcinomas helped to narrow down the observed effect. Whole‐arm chromosome 16q losses, irrespective of other chromosomal changes, are associated with decreased expression of a number of candidate genes located on 16q (eg CDA08, CGI‐128, SNTB2, NQO1, SF3B3, KIAA0174, ATBF1, GABARAPL2, KARS, GCSH, MBTPS1 and ZDHHC7) in breast carcinomas with a low degree of genetic instability. qRT–PCR provided evidence to suggest that the expression of these genes was reduced in a gene dosage‐dependent manner. The differential expression of the candidate genes according to the chromosomal 16q‐status vanished in genetically advanced breast cancer cases and changed ER status. These results corroborate previous reports about the importance of whole‐arm loss of chromosome 16q in breast carcinogenesis and give evidence for the first time that haploinsufficiency, in the sense of a gene dosage effect, might be an important contributing factor in the early steps of breast carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spermatocytic seminoma: toward further understanding of pathogenesis
Authors: Looijenga Leendert HJ
Published: May 2011

Human germ cell tumours comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms which, based on pathobiological, genetic and clinical characteristics, can be subdivided into different entities. One of these subgroups relates to the so‐called spermatocytic seminomas, benign tumours only found in the testis, preferentially in elderly men. Various developmental models for this type of germ cell tumour have been proposed and it is clear that spermatocytic seminoma has a pathogenesis independent from that of seminoma. A recent study examining expression of spermatogonial markers shows that spermatocytic seminomas are a heterogeneous group of tumours, with a supposed difference in origin, ie the majority from A$_{\rm{pale}}$ or B spermatogonia, and a minority from A$_{\rm{dark}}$ spermatogonia. However, this does not exclude an earlier cell of origin, possibly explaining the unique properties of this type of human germ cell tumour, with various counterparts in animals. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained response to intrathecal rituximab in EBV associated Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease confined to the central nervous system following haematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Bonney Denise K. , Htwe Ei E. , Turner Andrew , Kelsey Anna , Shabani Abdu , Hughes Stephen , Hughes Imelda , Wynn Robert F.
Published: May 2011

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the central nervous system (CNS) is a very rare complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and has a dismal prognosis. We report the successful treatment of this disorder with intrathecal rituximab therapy in two children who developed isolated CNS PTLD after HSCT. These children had failed to respond to standard chemotherapy, intravenous rituximab and EBV specific cellular therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 459–461. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reporting health‐related quality of life scores to physicians during routine follow‐up visits of pediatric oncology patients: Is it effective?
Authors: Engelen Vivian , Detmar Symone , Koopman Hendrik , Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Caron Huib , Hoogerbrugge Peter , Egeler R. Maarten , Kaspers Gertjan , Grootenhuis Martha
Published: May 2011

Background

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention that provides health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) scores of the patient (the QLIC‐ON PROfile) to the pediatric oncologist.

Procedure

Children with cancer participated in a sequential cohort intervention study: intervention N = 94, control N = 99. Primary outcomes of effectiveness were communication about HRQOL domains (t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test) and identification of HRQOL problems (chi‐squared test). Secondary outcomes were satisfaction (multilevel analysis), referrals (chi‐squared test), and HRQOL (multilevel analysis).

Results

The QLIC‐ON PROfile increased discussion of emotional functioning (control M = 32.9 vs. intervention M = 47.4, P < 0.05) and psychosocial functioning (M = 56.9 vs. M = 63.8, P < 0.05). Additionally more emotional problems remained unidentified in the control compared to the intervention group, for example, anger (control 26% vs. intervention 3%, P < 0.01), fear (14% vs. 0%, P < 0.01), and sadness (26% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). The intervention had no effect on satisfaction and referrals, but did improve HRQOL of patients 5–7 years of age with respect to self‐esteem (P < 0.05), family activities (P < 0.05), and psychosocial functioning (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

We conclude that a PRO is a helpful tool for systematic monitoring HRQOL of children with cancer, without lengthening the duration of the consultation. It is recommended to be implemented in clinical practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 766–774. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autologous purified peripheral blood stem cell transplantation compare to chemotherapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia after low‐risk relapse
Authors: Balduzzi Adriana , Galimberti Stefania , Valsecchi Maria G. , Bonanomi Sonia , Conter Valentino , Barth Andrea , Rovelli Attilio , Henze Günter , Biondi Andrea , von Stackelberg Arend
Published: May 2011

Background

The treatment of childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after isolated extramedullary or late relapse is mostly based on chemotherapy or allogeneic transplantation. The aim of this study is to provocatively assess the role of purified autologous transplantation compared with best chemotherapy results in the same setting.

Procedure

We reported a series of 30 pediatric patients who underwent purified peripheral blood autologous transplantation for ALL in CR2, after isolated extramedullary (7), or late medullary (23) relapse from January 1997 and March 2004. Among 246 patients treated with chemotherapy within Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster relapse protocols during the same period, we found 103 controls who matched our 30 cases, according to site of relapse, CR1 duration, time elapsed in CR2, and period of relapse.

Results

Event‐free survival and survival at 5 years after relapse were 73.3% (SE 8.1) and 86.5% (SE 8.2) for auto‐transplanted cases and 40.0% (SE 9.7) and 62.5%(SE 9.6) for chemotherapy‐treated controls (P‐values: 0.012 and 0.025, respectively). The risk of relapse after auto‐transplantation at 1 and 4 years was approximately half and one‐fifth, respectively, of the same risk obtained with chemotherapy.

Conclusions

This matched analysis showed an advantage of purified autologous transplantation compared with chemotherapy in low‐risk relapsed ALL, possibly explained by the single‐center effect, the myeloablation of total body irradiation, the documented low tumor burden at mobilization and the stem cell isolation procedure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 654–659. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of propofol versus propofol–ketamine combination in pediatric oncologic procedures performed by non‐anesthesiologists
Authors: Chiaretti Antonio , Ruggiero Antonio , Barbi Egidio , Pierri Filomena , Maurizi Palma , Fantacci Claudia , Bersani Giulia , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: May 2011

Background

Limited data are available on the best option (short acting sedatives, opioids, or ketamine) in oncologic procedural sedation performed by non‐anesthesiologists. The aim of the present prospective study is to compare the safety and efficacy of propofol–ketamine versus propofol alone, managed by trained pediatricians, in children with cancer undergoing painful procedures.

Procedures

Data on 121 children with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) undergoing procedural sedations (lumbar punctures and bone marrow aspirations) were prospectively collected and included drug doses, side effects, pain assessment, and sedation degree. Children were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: P (n = 62) receiving propofol alone and K (n = 59) in whom a ketamine–propofol combination was used.

Results

In group K, the total dose of propofol required was significantly lower than in group P (3.9 ± 3.6 mg/kg vs. 5.1 ± 3.6 mg/kg; P < 0.001). The incidence of hypotension was also significantly lower (11% vs. 39%; P < 0.001). Major O2 desaturations (defined as SatO2 < 88%) occurred principally in group P (7 vs. 1; P = 0.05). Both best analgesia and shorter recovery time were obtained with the propofol–ketamine association. No differences were observed in the degree of sedation and in the awakening quality score between the two groups.

Conclusions

The combination of propofol and ketamine produced statistically significant clinical advantages combined with a higher profile of safety in children with cancer undergoing painful procedures. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1163–1167. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased prevalence of false positive hemoglobinopathy newborn screening in premature infants
Authors: Hustace Tally , Fleisher Jay M. , Sanchez Varela Ana Milena , Podda Antonello , Alvarez Ofelia
Published: May 2011

Background

The objective was to investigate the specificity of the hemoglobinopathy newborn screening in premature neonates as compared to term neonates.

Procedure

The screening results from infants suspected to have hemoglobinopathy disease identified by the Florida Newborn Screening Program for years 2002–2007 were compared to the corresponding confirmatory testing. The risks for false positives for preterm and full term newborns were calculated by Chi‐square or the Cochran–Armitage test for trend. Isoelectric focusing and HPLC were the methods of hemoglobin screening.

Results

Over 2,300 neonates (1/576 neonates born in Florida) were suspected to have hemoglobinopathy. The most common abnormal pattern in term and preterm infants (gestational age 22–36 weeks) suggesting disease at screening was FS. Overall, 93% of the children who screened positive for FCA and 64% of infants identified with FSA were later confirmed with trait. FSC was confirmed in 96% of the cases in both preterm and term infants. Compared to term newborns, preterm newborns were more likely to have a false positive result for FS or FC at screening. Twenty‐three percent of preterms with FS and 59% of preterms with FC were diagnosed as traits by confirmatory testing, compared to only 2% and 6% for term infants (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

As compared to term newborns, more preterm newborns with trait were misidentified as having sickle cell anemia or hemoglobin C at screening. We speculate that abnormal hemoglobins may precede the development of hemoglobin A during fetal life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1039–1043. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial testing of the CENP‐E inhibitor GSK923295A by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Lock Richard B. , Carol Hernan , Morton Christopher L. , Keir Stephen T. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min H. , Maris John M. , Wozniak Amy W. , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: May 2011

Background

The centromere kinesin motor protein CENP‐E plays a crucial role in mitosis, and is an appealing molecular target in cancer. GSK923295A is an allosteric inhibitor of CENP‐E that is undergoing clinical evaluation.

Procedures

GSK923295A was evaluated against the 23 cell lines in the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) in vitro panel using 96 hr exposures to concentrations ranging from 1.0 nM to 10.0 µM. GSK923295A was also tested in vivo against the PPTP acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and solid tumor xenograft panels using a days 1–3 and 8–10 schedule that was repeated at day 21. The agent was administered via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route at a daily dose of 125 mg/kg.

Results

The median IC50 for all PPTP cell lines was 27 nM, with the median IC50 for the ALL panel being the lowest (18 nM) and for the neuroblastoma panel the highest (39 nM). Excessive toxicity was observed for each of the 8 xenografts of the ALL panel in NOD/SCID mice. Thirty‐five solid tumor xenograft models were considered evaluable. GSK923295A induced significant differences in event‐free survival distribution compared to controls in 32 of 35 evaluable solid tumor xenografts tested. Objective responses were noted in 13 of 35 solid tumor xenografts, including 9 with maintained complete responses, and 3 with complete response (CR).

Conclusions

GSK923295A demonstrated significant antitumor activity against solid tumor models, inducing CRs in Ewing sarcoma, rhabdoid, and rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts. These results suggest that CENP‐E may be a valuable therapeutic target in pediatric cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 916–923. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High resource hospitalizations among children with vaso‐occlusive crises in sickle cell disease
Authors: Raphael Jean L. , Mei Minghua , Mueller Brigitta U. , Giordano Thomas
Published: May 2011

Background

Vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs) contribute to frequent hospitalizations among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with high resource utilization during hospitalizations for VOC.

Procedure

We analyzed pediatric discharges 0–18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of SCD with crisis from the 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database, a nationally representative sample of pediatric hospital discharges. High resource hospitalizations were defined as those in the highest decile for total charges. We conducted sample‐weighted regression analyses to determine associations between independent variables (patient demographics, hospital characteristics, illness severity) and high resource use.

Results

There were 9,893 (0.371%) discharges for children with VOCs. Median total hospitalization charges were $10,691. In multivariate analysis, children 15–18 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.54–4.53), 10–14 years of age (OR 2.72, 95% CI 2.07–3.59), and 5–9 years of age (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.30–2.34) had higher odds of high resource hospitalizations compared to children 0–4 years of age. Care in a children's hospital had three times the odds of high resource use compared to care in a general hospital. Discharges with secondary diagnoses including pneumonia (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.96–3.09) and constipation (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.31–2.40) were also associated with high resource use.

Conclusions

Older age and secondary diagnoses were associated with high resource use during VOC hospitalizations. These findings suggest the need to improve adherence to comprehensive care among older children to prevent VOCs and standardize protocols to manage VOC complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 584–590. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A longitudinal study of pulmonary function after stem cell transplantation, from childhood to young adulthood
Authors: Frisk Per , Arvidson Johan , Hedenström Hans
Published: May 2011

Background

Impairment of pulmonary function after stem cell transplantation (SCT) in childhood has been reported before. However, long‐term longitudinal studies are scarce.

Procedure

We measured lung volumes and performed dynamic spirometry serially in 18 patients after SCT. At the last investigation, a median of 18.2 years after SCT, the patients were compared with 18 matched controls. The diffusing capacity (DLCO) was only compared cross‐sectionally.

Results

There was a significant increase in the prevalence of restrictive lung disease (RLD, total lung capacity <80% of that predicted) from 7% (1/14) before SCT to 28% (5/18) 5 years after SCT, and 61% (11/18) a median of 18.2 years after SCT (P = 0.002). In comparison, none of the controls had RLD (61% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). Before SCT, no patient had obstructive lung disease (OLD, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/vital capacity <70). OLD was found in one of 18 patients (6%) 5 years after SCT but in none of the patients a median of 18.2 years after SCT. Three of the controls had OLD (P = 0.25). Eleven patients had diffusion impairment (DLCO <80% of that predicted), as opposed to none of the controls (P = 0.001). The DLCO corrected for alveolar volume was decreased in only two patients.

Conclusion

We documented an increase in the prevalence of RLD, but not of OLD, after SCT. At the last investigation, only two patients had diffusion impairment after correction for alveolar volume. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 775–779. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The educational implications of type i diabetes mellitus: A review of research and recommendations for school psychological practice
Authors: Kucera Miranda , Sullivan Amanda L.
Published: May 2011

Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children and youth, with many affected students requiring individualized services and supports within educational settings. This article systematically reviews the research regarding the implications of this illness for students' cognitive and academic functioning to clarify the ways in which this disease may limit children's learning and school performance. The authors synthesize the findings, summarize the related literature regarding school‐based supports, and provide recommendations for school psychologists to support the unique psychoeducational needs of this population. Results highlight the need for more research on effective school‐based interventions to ensure academic success for children with T1DM. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethically challenging situations reported by school psychologists: Implications for training
Authors: Dailor A. Nichole , Jacob Susan
Published: May 2011

Practitioner‐members of the National Association of School Psychologists (N = 208) completed questionnaires regarding their ethics training, preparedness, the types of ethical transgressions and dilemmas encountered in the previous year, and the strategies used to solve problems. Respondents who received multilevel training in ethics (ethics coursework, ethics instruction in multiple classes, ethics addressed in practicum/internship) perceived themselves to be better prepared to tackle difficult challenges and were more likely to use a systematic problem‐solving strategy when faced with an ethical dilemma than respondents who did not receive multilevel training. Assessment‐related ethical transgressions and failure to follow up on interventions were the two most commonly witnessed types of ethics code violations; troublesome dilemmas included whether to suspect child abuse, whether to tell parents about their child's risky behavior, and how to handle administrative pressure to engage in unethical actions. Implications for ethics training are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the validity of office discipline referrals as an indicator of student behavior problems
Authors: Pas Elise T. , Bradshaw Catherine P. , Mitchell Mary M.
Published: May 2011

Office discipline referral (ODR) data are increasingly used to monitor student behavior problems and the impact of interventions, but there has been limited research examining their validity. The current study examined the concordance of ODRs with teacher ratings of student behavior using data on 8,645 children in 335 classrooms at 21 elementary schools. The results of a variety of analyses (e.g., correlations, multivariate analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristics) suggested that ODRs are moderately valid and reliable. Multilevel analyses revealed that teacher ratings of disruptive behaviors were significantly associated with ODRs, even after controlling for other student‐, classroom‐, and school‐level factors. These findings suggest that ODRs are moderately valid indicators of student behavior problems and may be an efficient source of information for use in school‐based research and data‐based decision‐making. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relations among academic enablers and academic achievement in children with and without high levels of parent‐rated symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
Authors: Demaray Michelle Kilpatrick , Jenkins Lyndsay N.
Published: May 2011

This study examined the relationships among academic enablers (i.e., engagement, interpersonal skills, motivation, study skills) and academic achievement in children with and without high levels of parent‐rated symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (Symptoms of IIH Group). The study included 69 participants (29 [42%] in the IIH Group and 40 [58%] in the Comparison Group), with 33 boys and 36 girls in the third through fifth grades. The researchers found significant differences on the measure of academic enablers, including engagement, interpersonal skills, motivation, and study skills, in which participants in the Comparison Group received higher scores. In addition, several academic enablers mediated the relationship between symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and the academic outcomes of reading and teachers' ratings of total academic skills. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multilevel analysis of student perceptions of school climate: The effect of social and academic risk factors
Authors: Fan Weihua , Williams Cathy M. , Corkin Danya Marie
Published: May 2011

This multilevel study examines the extent to which individual‐ and school‐level variables are predictive of three aspects of students' perceived school climate (order, safety, and discipline; fairness and clarity of school rules; and teacher‐student relationship) by using a nationally representative sample. A wide range of social and academic risk factors at the individual level are examined. The results show that individual‐level predictors, such as having behavior problems at school, being held back a grade, coming from a single‐parent family, parents' education level, gender, and ethnicity (e.g., Hispanic and Asian), play a significant role in student perceptions of school climate. The results suggest that these relationships between the individual‐level predictors and students' perceived school climate are fairly robust across schools. School‐level variables, such as attending a private or a Catholic school, are also significant predictors of students' perceived climate. Furthermore, the study reveals significant interaction effects among the predictors and provides more accurate interpretations of the findings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the Impact of Project Managers’ Emotional Intelligence on Their Interpersonal Competence
Authors: Davis Steven A.
Published: May 2011

This article summarizes recent research that examined the impact of project managers’ emotional intelligence (EI) on observations of interpersonal competence. The goal was to determine whether EI assessment scores show significant relationships with the interpersonal competency ratings project managers receive. Assessments based on the ability model (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2002) and mixed model (Bar-On, 2000) of EI were utilized. Results indicate meaningful relationships with both models and the domains of conflict management and problem solving. The mixed model outperformed the ability model, demonstrating a consistent relationship to all interpersonal domains. Expanded use of the mixed model appears warranted.
Synthesis of poly(naphthalenecarboxamide)s with low polydispersity by chain‐growth condensation polymerization
Authors: Mikami Koichiro , Daikuhara Hiroaki , Kasama Jyunya , Yokoyama Akihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: May 2011

Condensation polymerization of 6‐(N‐substituted‐amino)‐2‐naphthoic acid esters (1) was investigated as an extension of chain‐growth condensation polymerization (CGCP). Methyl 6‐(3,7‐dimethyloctylamino)‐2‐naphthoate (1b) was polymerized at −10 °C in the presence of phenyl 4‐methylbenzoate (2) as an initiator and lithium 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) as a base. When the feed ratio [1a]0/[2]0 was 10 or 20, poly(naphthalenecarboxamide) with defined molecular weight and low polydispersity was obtained, together with a small amount of cyclic trimer. However, polymer was precipitated during polymerization under similar conditions in [1a]0/[2]0 = 34. To increase the solubility of the polymer, monomers 1c and 1d with a tri(ethylene glycol) (TEG) monomethyl ether side chain instead of the 3,7‐dimethyloctyl side chain were synthesized. Polymerization of the methyl ester monomer 1c did not proceed well, affording only oligomer and unreacted 1c, whereas polymerization of the phenyl ester monomer 1d afforded well‐defined poly(naphthalenecarboxamide) together with small amounts of cyclic oligomers in [1d]0/[2]0 = 10 and 29. The polymerization at high feed ratio ([1d]0/[2]0 = 32.6) was accompanied with self‐condensation to give polyamide with a lower molecular weight than the calculated value. Such undesirable self‐condensation would result from insufficient deactivation of the electrophilic ester moiety by the electron‐donating resonance effect of the amide anion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Structure–reactivity relationships of alkyl α‐hydroxymethacrylate derivatives
Authors: Karahan Ozlem , Avci Duygu , Avİyente Vİktorya
Published: May 2011

A series of alkyl α‐hydroxymethacrylate derivatives with various secondary functionalities (ether, ester, carbonate, and carbamate) and terminal groups (alkyl, cyano, oxetane, cyclic carbonate, phenyl and morpholine) were synthesized to investigate the effect of intermolecular interactions, H‐bonding, π–π interactions, and dipole moment on monomer reactivity. All of the monomers except one ester and one ether derivative are novel. The polymerization rates, determined by using photo‐DSC, showed the average trend (aromatic carbamate > hydroxyl > ester > carbonate ∼ aliphatic carbamate ∼ ether), with several exceptions due to the differences in terminal groups. There is a correlation between the chemical shift differences of the double bond carbons, the calculated dipole moments, and the reactivities only for nonhydrogen bonded monomers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Statistical copolymers of methyl methacrylate and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate: Monomer reactivity ratios, thermal and electrochemical properties
Authors: Droulia Margarita , Anastasaki Athina , Rokotas Alexandros , Pitsikalis Marinos , Paraskevopoulou Patrina
Published: May 2011

Statistical copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate (MAEFC) were prepared by free radical polymerization. The reactivity ratios were estimated using the Fineman‐Ross, inverted Fineman‐Ross, Kelen‐Tüdos, and extended Kelen‐Tüdos graphical methods. Structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained by calculating the dyad monomer sequence fractions and the mean sequence length. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) values of the copolymers were measured and examined by means of several theoretical equations, allowing the prediction of these Tg values. The thermal degradation behavior of the copolymers was also studied and compared with the respective homopolymers. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to study the electrochemical properties of the copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Bipolar copoly(aryl ether) containing distyrylbenzene, triphenylamine, and 1,2,4‐triazole moieties: Synthesis and optoelectronic properties
Authors: Wu Chia‐Shing , Lee Shawn‐Lin , Chen Yun
Published: May 2011

A novel copoly(aryl ether) (P1) consisting of alternate emitting segments (distyrylbenzene) and a bipolar moiety composed of directly linked electron‐transporting aromatic 1,2,4‐triazole and hole‐transporting triphenylamine was synthesized. The copoly(aryl ether) is readily soluble in common organic solvents and exhibit good thermal stability with thermal decomposition temperature above 450 °C. The emission and the photoluminescence quantum yield of the copolymer are dominated by the emitting segments (distyrylbenzene) with longer emissive wavelength. Electron affinity of P1 is evidently enhanced after introducing the isolated bipolar unit, as confirmed by the lowered lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level (–2.77 eV) relative to P0 without bipolar unit (–2.34 eV). This results in improved emission efficiency of its polymer light‐emitting diode (indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/P1/LiF/Ca/Al) due to more balanced charges injection and transport. Blending P1 with poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PF) further improves the efficiency of the device; the best performance was obtained for PF/P1 = 20/0.8 (w/w) with maximum luminance and maximum luminance efficiency being significantly enhanced to 3260 cd/m2 and 1.08 cd/A, respectively, from 380 cd/m2 and 0.009 cd/A of P1‐based device. These results demonstrate that the bipolar moiety can be used to enhance charges injection and transport of electroluminescent polymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Mechanism of high thermal stability of commercial polyesters and polyethers conjugated with bio‐based caffeic acid
Authors: Thi Tran Hang , Matsusaki Michiya , Hirano Hiroshi , Kawano Hiroaki , Agari Yasuyuki , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: May 2011

In previous report, we discovered that a novel improvement technique to enhance the thermal properties of poly(L‐lactide)s (PLLAs) by terminal conjugation with 3,4‐diacetoxycinnamic acid (DACA). In this study, we clarified the mechanism of the enhancement of thermal stability by using commercial polyesters and polyethers. The effect of thermal improvement by the terminal conjugation of DACA on poly(DL‐lactide), poly(ε‐caprolactone), and poly(ethylene glycol) was almost the same as about 100 °C increase. The amount of residual tin catalyst, which enhances the thermal degradation of polyesters, was reduced at undetected level after the terminal conjugation of DACA probably due to the removal of tin during DACA conjugation process. Furthermore, the π‐π stacking interactions of DACA units and the chemical protection of terminal hydroxyl groups, which enhances intramolecular scission, were also important for the high thermal stability. We clarified that the extreme high thermal stability by DACA conjugation was induced by these above mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Synthesis of polymers bearing 1,3‐benzoxazine moiety in the side chains from poly(allylamine) and their crosslinking behaviors
Authors: Oie Hiroaki , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2011

A polymer bearing 1,3‐benzoxazine moiety in the side chain was synthesized successfully from poly(allylamine) based on a stepwise strategy consisted of three steps: (1) treatment of poly(allylamine) with salicylaldehyde to convert the amino group in the side chain into the corresponding o‐(iminomethyl)phenol moiety, (2) reduction of the o‐(iminomethyl)phenol to obtain the corresponding o‐(aminomethyl)phenol moiety, and (3) formation of 1,3‐benzoxazine moiety by the reaction of the o‐(aminomethyl)phenol with formaldehyde. The content ratio of benzoxazine moieties and o‐(aminomethyl)phenol moieties in the polymer were tunable by varying amount of formaldehyde. The presence of o‐(aminomethyl)phenol moieties exhibited a significant promoting effect on the crosslinking reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
One‐pot synthesis of polyrotaxane by clipping and cyclopolymerization of α,ω‐diethynyl isophthalamide with pyridiniumdicarboxamide chloride
Authors: Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: May 2011

The one‐pot synthesis of a main chain‐type polyrotaxane composed of axle molecules threaded through the macrocyclic units on the polymer main chain was achieved via the combination of cyclopolymerization and clipping procedures. The cyclopolymerization of an α,ω‐diethynyl monomer bearing an isophthalamide moiety (1), which clips onto an axle component bearing a pyridiniumdicarboxamide moiety (2·Cl) through a chloride anion was carried out in chloroform with the monomer concentration of 0.06 mol L−1 at 40 °C using [Rh(nbd)Cl]2/Et3N as a catalyst to afford a gel‐free polymer. The resulting polymer was assigned to the main chain‐type polyrotaxane with a poly(phenylacetylene) backbone (poly‐3·Cl) based on size exclusion chromatography and 1H NMR measurements. The diffusion‐order two‐dimensional NMR and circular dichroism spectra provided definitive proof of the rotaxaned architecture in the polymer. The mole fraction of the rotaxane unit in the total cyclic repeating unit was determined to be 26.3%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Preparation of porous crosslinked polymers with different surface morphologies via chemically induced phase separation
Authors: Luo Yu‐Shun , Cheng Kuo‐Chung , Huang Nan‐Du , Chiang Wen‐Pang , Li Shun‐Fu
Published: May 2011

A novel and simple method for producing crosslinked polymers with controlled surface morphology is demonstrated in this study. The porous crosslinked polymers were made via stepwise polymerization of a mixture of epoxy resin, D.E.R. 331, and diethylene triamine in diisobutyl ketone (DIBK). Both the surface and bulk morphology of the cured polymers are dependent on the solvent fraction of the reactive solution. When the concentration of DIBK was more than about 30 vol %, chemically induced phase separation (CIPS) occurred during cure at 30 °C, and closed spherical pores, about 4 μm in diameter, appeared in the bulk of the crosslinked polymers, whose diameter increased to about 4.5 and 9 μm when the solvent was increased to 40% and 50%, respectively. The surface morphology of the epoxy networks is different from that of the bulk. Smaller pore size or dense skin was formed via the CIPS process, which can be tailored by covering the reactive solution with different contacting films during cure. The competition between the solvent‐rich and polymer‐rich phase absorbed onto the surface of contacting film could change the surface morphology. Therefore, the porous crosslinked polymers having similar bulk morphology could be prepared with a variety of surface structures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011