bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecohydrologic impact of reduced stomatal conductance in forests exposed to elevated CO2
Authors: Warren Jeffrey M. , Pötzelsberger Elisabeth , Wullschleger Stan D. , Thornton Peter E. , Hasenauer Hubert , Norby Richard J.
Published: November 2010

Plants influence ecosystem water balance through their physiological, phenological, and biophysical responses to environmental conditions, and their sensitivity to climate change could alter the ecohydrology of future forests. Here we use a combination of measurements, synthesis of existing literature, and modelling to address the consequences of climate change on ecohydrologic processes in forests, especially response to elevated CO2 (eCO2). Data assessed from five free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) sites reveal that eCO2‐reduced stomatal conductance led to declines in canopy transpiration and stand water use in three closed‐canopy forest sites. The other two sites were in the early stages of stand development, where a strong eCO2‐stimulation of canopy leaf area led to enhanced stand water use. In the sweetgum FACE experiment in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (USA), eCO2 reduced seasonal transpiration by 10–16%. Intra‐annual peak measured fluxes in transpiration ranged from 4·0–5·5 mm day−1, depending on year. The Biome‐BGC model simulated similar rates of transpiration at this site, including the relative reductions in response to eCO2. As a result, simulations predict ∼75 mm average annual increase in potential water yield in response to eCO2. The direct effect of eCO2 on forest water balance through reductions in transpiration could be considerable, especially following canopy closure and development of maximal leaf area index. Complementary, indirect effects of eCO2 include potential increases in root or leaf litter and soil organic matter, shifts in root distribution, and altered patterns of water extraction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the artificial recharge of a wetland and its influence on regional hydrological process in China: a case study
Authors: Wang Mingna , Wang Hao , Qin Dayong , Lu Chuiyu , Li Yunpeng
Published: November 2010

Wetlands are constantly affected by human activities such as landscaping, additional abstractions, and changes in catchment imperviousness, resulting in the reduction of wetland area and degeneration of water quality. Modelling of such anthropogenic factors should be explicitly considered, in order to provide better understanding of the hydrological impacts of wetland restoration. In this paper, the wetland module in a distributed hydrological model, SWAT, is modified to simulate the artificial water input to the designated wetlands. The impact and effect of recharging wetlands on local hydrological cycle, sea outflow and estuary ecology is discussed. The Qingdianwa depression, located in the north of Tianjin city, China, is used as a case study to investigate the effect of human activities on the natural eco‐hydrological process as well as different restoration schemes.

Water balance analysis shows that there is a significant shortage of water in the drier months, which also indicates that an external water source is required for wetland restoration. The selected restoration scheme of 0·8 m depth is effective in controlling runoff, whereas a depth of 1 m and above is required for maintaining the basic ecological function of the wetland. Such a scheme has an additional effect of increasing the average surface runoff and groundwater recharge during non‐flood seasons by 37·65 and 45·4 million m3, respectively, which illustrated the importance of wetland restoration on local runoff, groundwater recharge and local ecology. The proposed method demonstrated that it is possible to select wetland restoration schemes that are beneficial to both hydrology and ecology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significant variation in vegetation characteristics and dynamics from ecohydrological optimality of net carbon profit
Authors: Dekker Stefan C. , Vrugt Jasper A. , Elkington Rebecca J.
Published: November 2010

Recent contributions to the ecological literature have questioned the continued usefulness of the classical model calibration paradigm in estimating parameters in coupled ecohydrological models. Schymanski (2007) and Schymanski et al. (2007, 2008) have demonstrated that the assumption of vegetation optimality precludes the need for site‐specific data for estimating vegetation properties, transpiration fluxes, and CO2 assimilation. The goal of this article is twofold. We first show that significant advances in optimality‐based vegetation modelling can be made if we embrace a novel concept of stochastic optimization that includes explicit recognition of parameter uncertainty. We adapted the original Vegetation Optimality Model (VOM) to a multi‐layer soil and canopy vegetation optimality model, VOMmlsc with dynamically varying throughfall fraction. The DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis (DREAM) algorithm is used to find parameter values with high values of net carbon profit (NCP), a proxy for biological fitness. We then show that significant variability exists in optimized vegetation properties and primarily transpiration fluxes from optimality of NCP. Seemingly, a myriad of vegetation species is possible that results in optimal values of NCP. Using data from a Douglas‐fir plantation in The Netherlands, we found relative poor correspondence between modelled and measured ET and CO2‐fluxes. The fitting of these two fluxes and values of the model parameters can be much improved when VOMmlsc is calibrated directly against these respective observations. Yet, the NCP values derived this way deviate considerably from their maximum possible value. This challenges the appropriateness of current weights to aggregate the various carbon costs and benefits into a single NCP scalar. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Approach for the Synthesis of Furopyrimidine and Oxobenzofuran Derivatives
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Shiraz Nader Zabarjad , Hosseini Seyyed Hajar
Published: November 2010

A novel, efficient one‐pot approach for the synthesis of furopyrimidine and oxobenzofuran derivatives 4 by a multicomponent reaction of an isocyanide, an aldehyde, and a CH‐acid compound in CH2Cl2 is reported (Scheme 1 and Table). The reactions were completed after 20 h at room temperature. This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology, and easy workup.
Two New Citrinin Dimers from a Volcano Ash‐Derived Fungus, Penicillium citrinum HGY1‐5
Authors: Liu Hong‐Chun , Du Lin , Zhu Tian‐Jiao , Li De‐Hai , Geng Mei‐Yu , Gu Qian‐Qun
Published: November 2010

Two new citrinin dimers, penidicitrinin A ((2R,3S,5aS,9R,10S,12aR,12bR)‐2,3,5a,6,9,10,12a,12b‐octahydro‐7,12a‐dihydroxy‐12b‐methoxy‐2,3,4,9,10,11‐hexamethyl‐5H‐difuro[2,3‐b : 2′,3′‐h]xanthen‐5‐one; 1) and penidicitrinin B ((1S,3R,4S)‐1‐{2,6‐dihydroxy‐4‐[(1S,2R)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐methylpropyl]‐3‐methylphenyl}‐3,4‐dihydro‐3,4,5‐trimethyl‐1H‐2‐benzopyran‐6,8‐diol; 2), together with three known citrinin monomers were isolated from a volcano ash‐derived fungus, Penicillium citrinum HGY1‐5. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, and they showed no cytotoxicity against two tumor cell lines.
Four New Lignan Glycosides from Osmanthus fragransLour. var. aurantiacusMakino
Authors: Machida Koichi , Yamauchi Megumi , Kurashina Eriko , Kikuchi Masao
Published: November 2010

Four new tetrahydrofuranoid lignan glycosides, (7S,8R,7′R,8′S)‐4,9,4′,7′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐7,9′‐epoxylignan 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2), (7R,8S,7′S,8′R)‐4,9,4′,7′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐7,9′‐epoxylignan 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), (7R,8S,7′R,8′S)‐4,9,4′,9′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐7,7′‐epoxylignan 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4), and rel‐(7R,8S,7′S,8′R)‐4,9,4′,9′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐7,7′‐epoxylignan 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (5), and ten known lignan glycosides, 1 and 6–14, were isolated from the leaves of Osmanthus fragrans Lour. var. aurantiacus Makino. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical studies.
New Sphingolipids and Other Constituents of Pancovia laurentii
Authors: Tantangmo Ferdinand , Lenta Bruno Ndjakou , Ngouela Silvère , Kamdem Louis Marie , Weniger Bernard , Tsamo Etienne , Lobstein Annelise , Vonthron‐Sénécheau Catherine
Published: November 2010

Phytochemical investigation of the bark and leaves of Pancovia laurentii (Sapindaceae) resulted in the isolation of a new ceramide and a new cerebroside, named pancoviamide (1), and pancovioside (2) respectively, together with six known compounds: uracil, (R)‐N‐[(1S,2S,3R)‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐1‐(hydroxymethyl)heptadec‐5‐en‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxytetracosanamide, stigmasta‐7,22‐dien‐3‐ol, β‐stitosterol, β‐sitosterol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, and 2,3‐dihydroxypropyl pentadecanoate. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by means of spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal properties against several protozoa and for their cytotoxicity.
Piepunine, A Novel Bis‐diterpenoid Alkaloid from the Roots of Aconitum piepunense
Authors: Cai Le , Song Lei , Chen Qiao‐Hong , Liu Xiao‐Yu , Wang Feng‐Peng
Published: November 2010

Further investigation on the roots of Aconitum piepunense led to the isolation of a novel bis‐diterpenoid alkaloid designated as piepunine (1). Its structure was established by extensive interpretation of its 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data, high‐resolution ESI‐MS, and IR spectra. Piepunine represents the first example of an atisine–denudatine‐type bis‐diterpenoid alkaloids.
Three New C21 Steroidal Glycosides from the Stems of Marsdenia tenacissima
Authors: Zhang An‐Yuan , Huang Xin , Tan Ai‐Min , Yang Shi‐Bo , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2010

Three new glycosides, (3β,5α,8α,11α,12β,14β,17α,20R)‐3‐[(2,6‐dideoxy‐4‐O‐(6‐deoxy‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐allopyranosyl)‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐arabino‐hexopyranosyl)oxy]‐12‐O‐tigloyl‐8,20 : 11,20‐diepoxypregnane‐12,14‐diol (1), (3β,5α,8α,11α,12β,14β,17α,20R)‐3‐[(2,6‐dideoxy‐4‐O‐(6‐deoxy‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐ allopyranosyl)‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐arabino‐hexopyranosyl)oxy]‐12‐O‐(2‐methylbutanoyl)‐8,20 : 11,20‐diepoxypregnane‐12,14‐diol (2), and (3β,5α,11α,12β,14β,17α)‐12‐acetoxy‐3‐[(2,6‐dideoxy‐4‐O‐(6‐deoxy‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐allopyranosyl)‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐arabino‐hexopyranosyl)oxy]‐20‐oxo‐8,14‐epoxypregnan‐ 11‐yl isobutyrate (3) were isolated from the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of spectral data, including HR‐ESI‐MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR.
Taguchi‐numerical approach on thermomechanical reliability for PBGA
Authors: Yang Ping , Tan Guangbin
Published: November 2010

The aim of this article is to provide a systematic numerical experimental method to evaluate the thermomechanical reliability of plastic ball grid array (PBGA) under thermal cycling based on the Taguchi method. An L18(21 × 37) orthogonal array is designed for selecting eight control factors of BGA, which includes Printed Circuit Board) dimensions, substrate dimensions, dimensions of solder joints, the thickness of silicon die and the thickness of encapsulation molding compound. The Taguchi method evaluation shows that the best matching combination of geometry parameters for improving the reliability of solder under thermal cycling. It builds a basis for future work for design and reliability evaluation of PBGA packaging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of urgency, frequency, and nocturia in defining overactive bladder adaptive behavior
Authors: Minassian Vatche , Stewart Walter , Hirsch Annemarie , Kolodner Ken , Fitzgerald Mary , Burgio Kathryn , Cundiff Geoffrey , Blaivas Jerry , Newman Diane , Dilley Anne
Published: November 2010

Aim

To determine the relation between urgency alone, or in combination with frequency and nocturia, and adaptive behavior in overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.

Methods

We used survey data from the General Longitudinal Overactive Bladder Evaluation (GLOBE) of primary care patients over 40. Participants (n = 2,752: 1,557 females; 1,195 males) completed the same survey at two time points, 6 months apart. Questions assessed OAB symptoms and adaptive behavior. We estimated correlation coefficients (R2) between urgency, frequency, and nocturia symptom scores (alone and in combination) and adaptive behavior measures at baseline and change in symptom scores and behavioral measures from baseline to 6 months.

Results

At baseline, urgency was the dominant predictor of all behavioral measures for females (R2 = 0.19–0.48) and males (R2 = 0.15–0.39). Lower R2 values were observed for the change in measures from baseline to 6 months, but again change in urgency was the strongest predictor of change in adaptive behavior (R2 = 0.04–0.13 in females, and 0.02–0.08 in males). The correlation between symptoms and measures of adaptive behavior was almost completely explained by the urgency score. Frequency and nocturia did not substantially improve the overall correlation.

Conclusion

The relation between measures of OAB symptoms and adaptive behavior at baseline and over time are largely explained by urgency, not by frequency and nocturia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:406–411, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transvaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse by the transobturator‐infracoccygeal hammock technique: Long‐term anatomical and functional outcomes
Authors: Sergent Fabrice , Resch Benoît , Al‐Khattabi Maysoon , Ricbourg Aude , Schaal Jean‐Patrick , Marpeau Loïc
Published: November 2010

Aims

To evaluate long‐term anatomical and functional outcomes of the transobturator‐infracoccygeal hammock repair for complex genital prolapse with a porcine collagen‐coated polypropylene mesh.

Methods

A prospective observational study comparing pre‐ and postoperative outcomes, using pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) measurements, pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI), and pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ) scores.

Results

One hundred fourteen women with recurrent, advanced, or posthysterectomy genital prolapse were enrolled. During follow‐up (median value 57 months), 101 patients were available for assessment. Overall anatomical success rate was 96%, with significant improvement in quality‐of‐life. Three patients experienced symptomatic recurrent posterior prolapse. Seven had persistent stress urinary incontinence. Mesh exposure occurred in 6.9% of cases, including an infected hematoma that required partial excision of the mesh. No severe adverse event or change in sexual function was observed.

Conclusions

The transobturator‐infracoccygeal hammock is well tolerated with effective long‐term anatomical and functional results for complex genital prolapse. In our experience and compared to the data of the literature, the use of collagen‐coated versus uncoated polypropylene meshes seems to decrease local morbidity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:384–389, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapy and outcome of primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the jaw
Authors: Bakhshi Sameer , Pathania Subha , Mohanti B.K. , Thulkar Sanjay , Thakar Alok
Published: November 2010

Data pertaining to outcomes in jaw primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) are lacking. Eleven cases of jaw PNET (five maxillary and six mandibular) were treated at our cancer center with the same chemotherapeutic agents from June 2003 to January 2009. Four patients underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and all received local radiotherapy. At median follow‐up of 56 months (range: 19–77 months), 7/11 patients are in sustained remission. There was no difference in outcome with respect to site of tumor, and whether surgery was performed or not. These results support the use of chemoradiation as initial modality of treatment rather than going for extensive and mutilating surgery. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:477–481. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of a pediatric chronic eosinophilic leukemia patient carrying TPM3‐PDGFRB Fusion
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Yang Rong , Zhao Jiangning , Yuan Ruirong , Lu Quanyi , Li Qingge , Tse William
Published: November 2010

We report a rare pediatric chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) case of an 8‐year‐old male whose leukemic cells carried t(1; 5)(q21; q33) chromosomal abnormality. Sequencing analysis confirmed a TPM3‐PDGFRB fusion, and the breakpoint was the same as adult patient. Targeted therapy with imatinib induced a rapid hematologic response and reduction of TPM3‐PDGFRB transcripts as monitored by reverse transcription real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). We then established an RT‐qPCR assay applicable to detection of all possible PDGFRB fusions and also validated this assay in the patient. These data should provide a valuable reference for management of pediatric CEL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:463–466. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved efficacy and tolerability of oral deferasirox by twice‐daily dosing for patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia
Authors: Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Lu Meng‐Yao , Liao Yu‐Mei , Lin Pei‐Chin , Yang Yung‐Li , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Chang Tai‐Tsung
Published: November 2010

Background

Deferasirox is an oral iron‐chelating agent taken once‐daily by patients with transfusion‐dependent iron overload. However, some patients are unresponsive or unable to tolerate once‐daily deferasirox. The current study evaluated whether twice‐daily deferasirox treatment showed increased efficacy or tolerability in unresponsive or intolerant patients.

Procedure

Patients from two Taiwanese hospitals with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia, including those who showed increasing serum ferritin levels for six consecutive months, with at least one level >2,500 ng/dl, while treated with >30 mg/kg/day of once‐daily deferasirox (unresponsive) or developed deferasirox‐related adverse events (AEs) at the dosage required to maintain the iron burden balance (intolerant) and were treated twice‐daily with the same total daily dose of deferasirox since 2008, were enrolled in the study and evaluated retrospectively by medical record review.

Results

Eighteen patients were included for analysis. A statistically significant median decrease in serum ferritin levels was detected in the 11 unresponsive patients after 6 months of continuous twice‐daily deferasirox treatment. Five out of the seven intolerant patients experienced either no deferasirox‐related AEs or less severe AEs. The 12 patients from both groups (11 unresponsive, 1 intolerant) who received continuous twice‐daily deferasirox for 6 months showed a mild but significant median increase in serum creatinine levels.

Conclusions

Twice‐daily deferasirox dosing is effective in iron chelation and improves tolerability in transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia patients who are unresponsive to or intolerant of once‐daily deferasirox. Future studies with greater patient numbers will be required to confirm the results reported herein. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:420–424. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurocognitive screening with the Brigance Preschool screen‐II in 3‐year‐old children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Aygun Banu , Parker Jennifer , Freeman Molly B. , Stephens Alexis L. , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Wu Song , Hankins Jane S. , Wang Winfred C.
Published: November 2010

Background

Neurocognitive deficits have been described in school age children with sickle cell disease (SCD), even in the absence of stroke or silent infarcts. However, the age of onset and factors contributing to this problem have not been well studied. We hypothesized that in children with SCD the failure rate with Brigance screening would be higher than in the normal population.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively the Brigance Preschool Screen‐II test results in 3‐year‐old children with SCD. Findings were correlated with hemoglobinopathy genotype, hemoglobin level, transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) velocities, and treatment with hydroxyurea, as well as with psychosocial factors.

Results

Eighty‐eight children with SCD followed by the St. Jude Sickle Cell Center (mean age 3.5 years) had neurocognitive screening during their regular clinic visits. Forty‐four (50%) children had scores below the normal cut‐off value for their age (twice the national failure rate of 25%). Failures were associated with less parental education (P = 0.005 for maternal and P = 0.03 for paternal education levels) and with speech deficits (P = 0.01), but were not associated with sickle cell genotype or hemoglobin concentration.

Conclusion

These preliminary data suggest that psychosocial factors may have more profound effects on early childhood development than disease‐related factors in this group of young sickle cell patients. A larger prospective study with appropriate controls is warranted to validate these findings, which have implications for the etiology and prevention of neurocognitive decline in children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:620–624. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategies to manage retinoblastoma in developing countries
Authors: Chantada Guillermo L. , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Canturk Serife , Khetan Vikas , Ma Zhigui , Kimani Kahaki , Yeniad Baris , Sultan Iyad , Sitorus Rita S. , Tacyildiz Nurdan , Abramson David H.
Published: November 2010

Survival of retinoblastoma is >90% in developed countries but there are significant differences with developing countries in stage at presentation, available treatment options, family compliance, and survival. In low‐income countries (LICs), children present with advanced disease, and the reasons are socioeconomic and cultural. In middle‐income countries (MICs), survival rates are better (>70%), but there is a high prevalence of microscopically disseminated extraocular disease. Programs for eye preservation have been developed, but toxicity‐related mortality is higher. Although effective treatment of microscopically extraocular disease improved the outcome, worldwide survival will be increased only by earlier diagnosis and better treatment adherence. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:341–348. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased risk of vincristine neurotoxicity associated with low CYP3A5 expression genotype in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Egbelakin Akinbode , Ferguson Michael J. , MacGill Emily A. , Lehmann Amalia S. , Topletz Ariel R. , Quinney Sara K. , Li Lang , McCammack Kevin C. , Hall Stephen D. , Renbarger Jamie L.
Published: November 2010

Background

This study evaluates the relationship between cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 genotype and vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in children with precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (preB ALL). We have shown in vitro that vincristine is metabolized significantly more efficiently by CYP3A5 than by CYP3A4. We also found that vincristine neurotoxicity is less common in African‐Americans (70% express CYP3A5) than in Caucasians. We test the hypothesis that CYP3A5 expressers experience less vincristine neuropathy than do CYP3A5 non‐expressers.

Procedure

This study of pharmacogenetics of vincristine neuropathy in children with preB ALL was completed at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center. Whole blood for DNA extraction and genotyping was collected as well as plasma from a single time‐point for analysis of vincristine and primary metabolite (M1) concentrations. Vincristine neuropathy was captured via chart review and graded per the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0.

Results

Eighty‐nine percent of CYP3A5 expressers experienced neurotoxicity versus 100% of non‐expressers (P = 0.03). The proportion of treatment months with neurotoxicity was significantly different between the expressers and non‐expressers (16% vs. 27%,P = 0.0007). Limited pharmacokinetic data suggest different rates of vincristine metabolism betweenCYP3A5genotype groups with higher primary metabolite (M1) plasma concentrations (P = 0.0004) and lower metabolic ratios ([vincristine]/[M1]) (P = 0.036) in the CYP3A5 expressers compared to the CYP3A5 non‐expressers. M1 concentration was also inversely related to severity of neuropathy (P = 0.0316).

Conclusions

In children with preB ALL, CYP3A5 expressers experience less VIPN, produce more M1, and have lower metabolic ratios compared to CYP3A5 non‐expressers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:361–367. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insidious iron burden in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Eng Jennifer , Fish Jonathan D.
Published: November 2010

Background

A significant iron burden may occur after only 10 blood transfusions in patients with hematologic disorders. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) routinely receive blood transfusions during therapy, although few studies to date have quantified transfusion‐related iron burden in these patients. This study quantifies the transfused blood volume and resultant iron load in a large cohort of pediatric patients with ALL, and evaluates risk factors that may impact transfusion volume.

Methods

This single institution retrospective study evaluated 107 patients who completed therapy for ALL between July 1995 and March 2007. Age, weight, and hemoglobin at presentation, ALL risk category, leukemia cell type, and volume of blood transfusions were collected from medical records.

Results

Patients received an average of 115 ml/kg of blood (77 mg/kg iron) during treatment. There was a significant association between the volume of packed red blood cells and ALL risk category. Patients with standard‐risk disease received 90 ml/kg (60 mg/kg iron), patients with high‐risk disease 196 ml/kg (131 mg/kg iron) and patients with T‐cell disease 114 ml/kg (76 mg/kg iron). There was no correlation between age or hemoglobin at presentation with amount of blood received.

Conclusions

Patients with ALL often receive a substantial amount of iron during therapy, with patients with high‐risk disease receiving the greatest load. As iron overload has an overlapping toxicity profile with chemotherapy and is treatable, screening for increased iron burden and iron‐related morbidities should be considered during long‐term follow‐up of patients with ALL, particularly in those with high‐risk ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:368–371. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BK virus nephropathy in a pediatric autologous stem‐cell transplant recipient
Authors: Sanchez‐Pinto L. Nelson , Laskin Benjamin L. , Jodele Sonata , Hummel Trent R. , Yin Hong J. , Goebel Jens
Published: November 2010

BK virus (BKV) is an increasingly identified cause of pathology in immunocompromised transplant recipients. BKV is a well‐known cause of graft dysfunction following renal transplantation and has also been reported in the native kidneys of other solid organ recipients. Less commonly, BKV nephropathy occurs in allogeneic stem‐cell transplant (SCT) recipients. We now describe the first reported case of BKV nephropathy after pediatric autologous SCT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:495–497. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bevacizumab and irinotecan in the treatment of children with recurrent/refractory medulloblastoma
Authors: Aguilera Dolly G. , Goldman Steward , Fangusaro Jason
Published: November 2010

Relapsed/refractory medulloblastoma (MB) has a poor outcome regardless of the treatment employed. Novel therapies are needed in an effort to improve survivals. We present two children with recurrent/refractory MB treated with bevacizumab and irinotecan both given every 2 weeks. One patient also received temozolamide. The first patient had stable disease and remains without progression after 30 months. The second patient had a near complete response that was sustained for 18 months. The regimen was well tolerated with minimal toxicity and provided prolonged progression‐free survival in these two patients. Prospective clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:491–494. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gel spinning of polyacrylonitrile fibers with medium molecular weight
Authors: Liu Shuiping , Tan Lianjiang , Pan Ding , Chen Yanmo
Published: November 2010

A new gel‐spinning method was employed to prepare polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers from a PAN spinning solution with dimethylsulfoxide and water as a mixed solvent. Aging at 25 °C for 120 min brought the spinning solution to the sol–gel transition and a three‐dimensional gel formed before entering the coagulation bath. The as‐spun fibers from the solution at the sol–gel transition and in the gel state possess a circular cross‐section. Compared with dry‐jet wet‐spun fibers, the gel‐spun fibers have a more compact structure, fewer voids and better mechanical properties after a three‐stage drawing. Moreover, the gel‐spun fibers obtained from the extraction bath have a more homogeneous microstructure and better packed supermolecular structure. The physical properties of the extracted gel‐spun fibers are also better than those of coagulated gel‐spun fibers. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
First flight demonstration of film‐laminated InGaP/GaAs and CIGS thin‐film solar cells by JAXA's small satellite in LEO
Authors: Morioka Chiharu , Shimazaki Kazunori , Kawakita Shirou , Imaizumi Mitsuru , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Takamoto Tatsuya , Sato Shin‐ichiro , Ohshima Takeshi , Nakamura Yosuke , Hirako Keiichi , Takahashi Masato
Published: November 2010

JAXA is currently carrying out development of lightweight and flexible thin‐film solar cells for space application. The cells are thin‐film III–V multi‐junction solar cells with high efficiency and CuInGaSe2solar cells with super radiation tolerance. The electrical performances of InGaP/GaAs dual‐junction solar cells and CIGS solar cells in space have been demonstrated by JAXA's small satellite, which flew in a Low‐Earth Orbit since January 2009. This flight demonstration is the first experiment for a thin‐film III–V multi‐junction solar cell in the world. Thin‐film solar cells were laminated using transparent polymer film in place of conventional coverglass for protection of solar cell's surface. The film‐laminated cells were observed for short‐circuit current degradation. The ground tests in which atomic oxygen, charged particles and ultraviolet rays were irradiated to the cells and films indicated that the cause of the degradation was attributed to the film coloring by obliquely incident UV rays. This is because the lamination film has UV‐reflective multilayer coating on its surface and the optical properties vary depending on the UV incident angle. The flight degradation trend of short‐circuit current was, therefore, predicted using the ground test results taking into account the incident angle dependence. The flight data and the predicted results were in reasonable agreement with each other. Thus, we could verify the validity of the ground tests and prediction methodology for film‐laminated solar cell in this study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the characterisation of PV inverters' efficiency—introduction to the concept of achievable efficiency
Authors: Bletterie B. , Bründlinger R. , Lauss G.
Published: November 2010

The availability of accurate performance figures for photovoltaic (PV) inverters is of prime importance when it comes to the selection of products, the design of installations or the estimation of the annual yield. This paper proposes an improvement of the current practise by introducing a new quantity to quantify the performance of inverters: the maximal achievable European efficiency. This quantity can be based on the distribution of the annual yield as a function of maximum power point (MPP) power and voltage or on the existing weighting factors of the European efficiency. In a first step, the concept of the required MPP voltage window is introduced on the basis of a detailed analysis of the operating conditions for a typical location in Central Europe. It quantifies the voltage window in which the inverter shall operate and in which the average efficiency shall be calculated. In a second step, a method to process the efficiency measurements as they are now commonly performed is described. By combining the detailed characterisation of the inverter efficiency and the distribution of the annual irradiation as function of the operating conditions, an average and a maximal efficiency over the whole inverter specified MPP voltage range are obtained. They provide a very valuable information about the overall performance of the inverter and about its sensitivity to the plant configuration. As a good compromise between simplicity and accuracy, the proposed concept of achievable European efficiency should be preferred to the current practises. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance enhancement of III–V compound multijunction solar cell incorporating transparent electrode and surface treatment
Authors: Tseng Chun‐Yen , Lee Choon‐Kok , Lee Ching‐Ting
Published: November 2010

To enhance the performance of tandem‐type III–V compound multijunction solar cells, the transparent indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) film was used to replace conventional metal electrode for increasing the incident light area. For performing ohmic contact between the n‐AlInP window layer and the ITO film, a transition layer of Au/AuGeNi thin metals was used and investigated. Besides, to improve ohmic performance and to passivate the surface states, (NH4)2Sx surface treatment was used. The conversion efficiency of the (NH4)2Sx‐treated triple‐junction solar cells was increased more than 3.09%. Furthermore, an improved oblique SiO2/SiO2/ITO triple antireflection structure was designed to reduce the reflectivity of illuminating sunlight. The conversion efficiency of the (NH4)2Sx‐treated triple‐junction solar cell with improved antireflection structure could be improved more than 4.23%. Simple and effective approaches were designed to improve the performances of tandem‐type III–V triple‐junction solar cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning experience for thin‐film solar modules: First Solar, Inc. case study
Authors: Green Martin A.
Published: November 2010

New solar photovoltaic technologies face significant barriers to market entry. First Solar, Inc. is the first thin‐film company to succeed in meeting these challenges, with substantial information about the company's evolution available through its public listing. Learning experience in relation to prices, manufacturing costs, module efficiency and material costs are assessed over the 2003–early 2010 period. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of absorption spectrum and dynamics evaluation of the indocyanine‐green first singlet excited state
Authors: De Boni L. , Mendonça C. R.
Published: November 2010

Excited state absorption and excited state dynamics of indocyanine‐green (ICG) dissolved in dymethyl sulfoxide were measured using white‐light continuum Z‐scan (WLCZScan) and white‐light continuum pump–probe (WLCPP) techniques. The excited state absorption spectrum, obtained through Z‐scan measurements, revealed saturable absorption (SA) for wavelengths longer than 630 nm, while reverse saturable absorption (RSA) appeared, as indicated by a band at approximately 570 nm. Both processes were modeled by a three‐energy‐level diagram, from which the excited state cross‐section values were determined. SA and RSA were also observed in pump–probe experiments, with a recovery time in the hundreds of picoseconds time scale due to the long lifetime of the first excited state of ICG. Such results contribute to the understanding of ICG optical properties, allowing application in photonics and medicine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐pot preparation of aromatic poly(azomethine ester) fibrillar crystals using reaction‐Induced crystallization
Authors: Gong Jin , Yakushi Yasuhide , Uchida Tetsuya , Yamazaki Shinichi , Kimura Kunio
Published: November 2010

Polymerizations of 4‐(4‐acetoxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid were performed in dibenzyltoluene (DBT) and a mixture of DBT and liquid paraffin at 350 °C for 6 h. Fibrillar crystals of poly[4‐(4‐oxybenzylideneamino)benzoyl] (POAB) having the width of 50–450 nm and the length of over 15 μm were obtained by the crystallization during the polymerization. The fibrillar crystals possessed high crystallinity and the molecular chains aligned perpendicular to the long axis of the fibrillar crystals. Plate‐like crystals were initially formed by the crystallization of oligomers, and then they changed to the fibrillar crystals via the formation of bundle‐like crystals after 1 h. Molecular weight increased by the further polymerization in the crystals. Based on these results, one‐pot preparation of the fibrillar POAB crystals was examined by the polymerization of 4‐acetoxybenzaldehyde and 4‐aminobenzoic acid. The polymerization at 180 °C for 2 h and then at 350 °C for 6 h afforded the fibrillar crystals with a small amount of the ribbon‐like crystals. Although the side‐reaction to generate the p‐benzamide sequences was not completely depressed, the sequence of heating in which 180 °C for the formation of the azomethine linkage and then 350 °C for the formation of the ester linkage was preferable to prepare the fibrillar POAB crystals. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Protein–induced aggregation of fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes with sulfonate groups: Synthesis and its sensing application
Authors: Lee Jung Hyo , Kim Dai Geun , Kwon Na Young , Jang Geun Seok , Son Ji Hye , Lee Minjung , Cho Hye‐Jin , Kweon Hee‐Seok , Lee Taek Seung
Published: November 2010

Anionically charged fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes of poly{[4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)‐alt‐1,4‐phenylene]‐co‐[2,5‐bis(4‐sulfonatobutoxy)‐alt‐1,4‐phenylene]} (P1) and poly{[4,7‐(bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo‐2,1,3‐thiadiazole)‐alt‐1,4‐phenylene]‐co‐[2,5‐bis(4‐sulfonatobutoxy)‐alt‐1,4‐phenylene]} (P2) were synthesized by Suzuki crosscoupling polymerization in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The conjugated polyelectrolytes with sulfonate groups, as efficient signal amplifying reporters, were carefully designed to be soluble in water over the entire pH range examined and interact with proteins through intermolecular forces. The polymers exhibited blue emission in aqueous solutions but green or red emission in solid form depending on the conjugation length due to intermolecular exciton migration. The anionic conjugated polymers exhibited blue‐to‐green or blue‐to‐red changes in fluorescence upon exposure to charged proteins, indicating that the polymers have potential applications in fluorescent array systems for protein. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis, micellar structures, and multifunctional sensory properties of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) rod‐coil diblock copolymers
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Kai , Fang Yi‐Kai , Hsu Jung‐Ching , Kuo Chi‐Ching , Chang Wei‐Hsuan , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: November 2010

We report the synthesis, micellar structures, and multifunctional sensory properties of new conjugated rod‐coil block copolymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(2‐(di methylamino)ethylmethacrylate)(P3HT‐b‐PDMAEMA). The new copolymers, synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of P3HT macroinitiator, consisted PDMAEMA coil lengths of 43, 65, and 124 repeating units. All the P3HT‐b‐PDMAEMA copolymers exhibit a similar low critical solution temperature in water around 33 °C. The micellar structures of the synthesized polymers were characterized by AFM, TEM, and dynamic light scattering, by varying temperature, pH, and water/THF composition. The micelles of P3HT20‐b‐PDMAEMA43 in water had a reversible size change from 75 ± 5 nm to 132 ± 5 nm on heating from 25 to 55 °C and reduced to the original size during cooling. In addition, the micellar size also showed a significant pH dependence, changing from 67 ± 8 nm (pH = 12) to 222 ± 6 nm (pH = 4), depending on the protonation of the PDMAEMA blocks and their electrostatic repulsion. The micellar structure of three P3HT‐b‐PDMAEMA copolymers changed from spheres, to vesicles, and finally to larger sphere micelles as the solvent composition varied from 0 to 100 wt % water in the mixed solvent. The different micellar structures of P3HT20‐b‐PDMAEMA43 solution led to a red‐shift on the absorption or photoluminescence spectra and exhibited the emission colors of yellow, orange, red, and dark red with increasing the water content. This study suggested that new copolymers had potential applications as multifunctional sensory materials toward temperature, pH, and solvent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Polythiophenes bearing electron‐withdrawing groups in the side chain and their application to bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Hoi , Lee Ho‐Jin , Kuramoto Kouji , Tanaka Yohei , Morino Kazuhide , Sudo Atsushi , Okauchi Tatsuo , Tsuge Akihito , Endo Takeshi
Published: November 2010

Soluble polythiophenes bearing strong electron withdrawing groups, dicyanoethenyl [CHC(CN)2] (PTDCN) and cyano‐methoxycarbonylethenyl [CHC(CO2Me)CN] (PTCNME), in the side chains have been prepared. Optical band gaps calculated from onset absorption were 1.70 eV and 1.73 eV for PTDCN and PTCNME, respectively. Highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels measured with a surface analyzer (AC‐2) were −5.53 eV and −5.29 eV for PTDCN and PTCNME, respectively, which were much lower than that of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (−4.81 eV). To investigate photovoltaic properties, bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells based on PTDCN and PTCNME were fabricated with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/active layer/LiF/Al, where the active layer was a blend film of polymer and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid hexyl ester (PC61BH). Solar cell parameters were estimated from current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics under the illumination of AM1.5 at 100 mW/cm2. The solar cell based on the blend film of PTCNME:PC61BH (1:1) showed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.72% together with the open current voltage (Voc) of 0.61 V, the short current density (Jsc) of 3.90 mA/cm2, and the fill factor of 30.3%. The PCE of a solar cell fabricated from PTDCN in a similar way was 0.56%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Learning generative models for protein fold families
Authors: Balakrishnan Sivaraman , Kamisetty Hetunandan , Carbonell Jaime G. , Lee Su‐In , Langmead Christopher James
Published: November 2010

We introduce a new approach to learning statistical models from multiple sequence alignments (MSA) of proteins. Our method, called GREMLIN(Generative REgularized ModeLs of proteINs), learns an undirected probabilistic graphical model of the amino acid composition within the MSA. The resulting model encodes both the position‐specific conservation statistics and the correlated mutation statistics between sequential and long‐range pairs of residues. Existing techniques for learning graphical models from MSA either make strong, and often inappropriate assumptions about the conditional independencies within the MSA (e.g., Hidden Markov Models), or else use suboptimal algorithms to learn the parameters of the model. In contrast, GREMLINmakes noa prioriassumptions about the conditional independencies within the MSA. We formulate and solve a convex optimization problem, thus guaranteeing that we find a globally optimal model at convergence. The resulting model is also generative, allowing for the design of new protein sequences that have the same statistical properties as those in the MSA. We perform a detailed analysis of covariation statistics on the extensively studied WW and PDZ domains and show that our method out‐performs an existing algorithm for learning undirected probabilistic graphical models from MSA. We then apply our approach to 71 additional families from thePFAMdatabase and demonstrate that the resulting models significantly out‐perform Hidden Markov Models in terms of predictive accuracy. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The α‐sheet: A missing‐in‐action secondary structure?
Authors: Babin Volodymyr , Roland Christopher , Sagui Celeste
Published: November 2010

The α‐sheet has been speculated to play a role as a toxic conformer in amyloid diseases. However, except for relatively short fragments, its detection has remained elusive. Here, we present molecular dynamics simulations that support the existence of the α‐sheet as a stable, metastable, or long‐lived secondary structure in polyglutamine and, to a lesser extent, in polyasparagine aggregates. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the peroxiredoxin family: Using active‐site structure and sequence information for global classification and residue analysis
Authors: Nelson Kimberly J. , Knutson Stacy T. , Soito Laura , Klomsiri Chananat , Poole Leslie B. , Fetrow Jacquelyn S.
Published: November 2010

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a widespread and highly expressed family of cysteine‐based peroxidases that react very rapidly with H2O2, organic peroxides, and peroxynitrite. Correct subfamily classification has been problematic because Prx subfamilies are frequently not correlated with phylogenetic distribution and diverge in their preferred reductant, oligomerization state, and tendency toward overoxidation. We have developed a method that uses the Deacon Active Site Profiler (DASP) tool to extract functional‐site profiles from structurally characterized proteins to computationally define subfamilies and to identify new Prx subfamily members from GenBank(nr). For the 58 literature‐defined Prx test proteins, 57 were correctly assigned, and none were assigned to the incorrect subfamily. The >3500 putative Prx sequences identified were then used to analyze residue conservation in the active site of each Prx subfamily. Our results indicate that the existence and location of the resolving cysteine vary in some subfamilies (e.g., Prx5) to a greater degree than previously appreciated and that interactions at the A interface (common to Prx5, Tpx, and higher order AhpC/Prx1 structures) are important for stabilization of the correct active‐site geometry. Interestingly, this method also allows us to further divide the AhpC/Prx1 into four groups that are correlated with functional characteristics. The DASP method provides more accurate subfamily classification than PSI‐BLAST for members of the Prx family and can now readily be applied to other large protein families. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structures of a family 8 polysaccharide lyase reveal open and highly occluded substrate‐binding cleft conformations
Authors: Elmabrouk Zainab H. , Vincent Florence , Zhang Meng , Smith Nicola L. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Charnock Simon J. , Black Gary W. , Taylor Edward J.
Published: November 2010

Bacterial enzymatic degradation of glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronan and chondroitin is facilitated by polysaccharide lyases. Family 8 polysaccharide lyase (PL8) enzymes contain at least two domains: one predominantly composed of α‐helices, the α‐domain, and another predominantly composed of β‐sheets, the β‐domain. Simulation flexibility analyses indicate that processive exolytic cleavage of hyaluronan, by PL8 hyaluronate lyases, is likely to involve an interdomain shift, resulting in the opening/closing of the substrate‐binding cleft between the α‐ and β‐domains, facilitating substrate translocation. Here, the Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) PL8 enzyme was recombinantly expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli and biochemically characterized as a hyaluronate lyase. By using X‐ray crystallography its structure was solved in complex with hyaluronan and chondroitin disaccharides. These findings show key catalytic interactions made by the different substrates, and on comparison with all other PL8 structures reveals that the substrate‐binding cleft of the S. coelicolor enzyme is highly occluded. A third structure of the enzyme, harboring a mutation of the catalytic tyrosine, created via site‐directed mutagenesis, interestingly revealed an interdomain shift that resulted in the opening of the substrate‐binding cleft. These results add further support to the proposed processive mechanism of action of PL8 hyaluronate lyases and may indicate that the mechanism of action is likely to be universally used by PL8 hyaluronate lyases. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.