bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Approaches to Conducting and Interpreting the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay and the Fish Short‐Term Reproduction Assay
Authors: Coady Katherine Kemler , Lehman Christine Marie , Currie Rebecca J , Marino Troy Alan
Published: December 2013

The amphibian metamorphosis assay (AMA) and the fish short‐term reproduction assay (FSTRA) are screening assays designed to detect potential endocrine activity of a test substance. These assays are included in a battery of assays in Tier 1 of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. Based on our laboratory's experience with these two assays, we have noted several challenges in the conduct and interpretation of the AMA and FSTRA, including, but not limited to, diseased/parasitized test organisms, failure to meet some guideline performance criteria, and issues selecting and maintaining test concentrations. Various approaches are described for addressing the challenges associated with both the conduct and interpretation of these assays. Historical control data for both the AMA and FSTRA are presented to further understand background occurrences of histopathological phenomena and variability associated with the measured endpoints in these assays. In the historical control database for the AMA, wet weight on day 7 was the most variable endpoint (coefficient of variation = 26%), while developmental stage on day 21 was least variable (coefficient of variation = 0.47%). In the FSTRA, vitellogenin concentrations were the most variable endpoint (coefficient of variation = 47–84%), while fertility was the least variable endpoint (coefficient of variation = 1.5%) among historical controls.
Unilateral disruptions in the default network with aging in native space
Authors: Razlighi Qolamreza R. , Habeck Christian , Steffener Jason , Gazes Yunglin , Zahodne Laura B. , MacKay‐Brandt Anna , Stern Yaakov
Published: December 2013

Background

Disruption of the default‐mode network (DMN) in healthy elders has been reported in many studies.

Methods

In a group of 51 participants (25 young, 26 elder) we examined DMN connectivity in subjects' native space. In the native space method, subject‐specific regional masks (obtained independently for each subject) are used to extract regional fMRI times series. This approach substitutes the spatial normalization and subsequent smoothing used in prevailing methods, affords more accurate spatial localization, and provides the power to examine connectivity separately in the two hemispheres instead of averaging regions across hemispheres.

Results

The native space method yielded new findings which were not detectable by the prevailing methods. The most reliable and robust disruption in elders' DMN connectivity were found between supramarginal gyrus and superior‐frontal cortex in the right hemisphere only. The mean correlation between these two regions in young participants was about 0.5, and dropped significantly to 0.04 in elders (P = 2.1 × 10−5). In addition, the magnitude of functional connectivity between these regions in the right hemisphere correlated with memory (P = 0.05) and general fluid ability (P = 0.01) in elder participants and with speed of processing in young participants (P = 0.008). These relationships were not observed in the left hemisphere.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that analysis of DMN connectivity in subjects' native space can improve localization and power and that it is important to examine connectivity separately in each hemisphere.
Biochemical, Structural, and Genetic Characterization of Tridecaptin A1, an Antagonist of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Lohans Christopher T. , van Belkum Marco J. , Cochrane Stephen A. , Huang Zedu , Sit Clarissa S. , McMullen Lynn M. , Vederas John C.
Published: December 2013

Bacillus circulans NRRL B‐30644 (now Paenibacillus terrae) was previously reported to produce SRCAM 1580, a bacteriocin active against the food pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. We have been unable to isolate SRCAM 1580, and did not find any genetic determinants in the genome of this strain. We now report the reassignment of this activity to the lipopeptide tridecaptin A1. Structural characterization of tridecaptin A1 was achieved through NMR, MS/MS and GC‐MS studies. The structure was confirmed through the first chemical synthesis of tridecaptin A1, which also revealed the stereochemistry of the lipid chain. The impact of this stereochemistry on antimicrobial activity was examined. The biosynthetic machinery responsible for tridecaptin production was identified through bioinformatic analyses. P. terrae NRRL B‐30644 also produces paenicidin B, a novel lantibiotic active against Gram‐positive bacteria. MS/MS analyses indicate that this lantibiotic is structurally similar to paenicidin A.
Multifunctional TiO2 Microflowers with Nanopetals as Scattering Layer for Enhanced Quasi‐Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Shih Pei‐Chieh , Peng Jia‐De , Lee Chuan‐Pei , Lin Ryan Yeh‐Yung , Chu Te‐Chun , Vittal R. , Ho Kuo‐Chuan
Published: December 2013

High‐surface‐area (118 m2 g−1) microflower‐like TiO2 (MF‐TiO2), consisting of TiO2 nanopetals, is synthesized for the photoanode of a quasi‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cell (QSSDSSC). The QSSDSSC with the MF‐TiO2 film scattering layer (SL) shows an efficiency (η) of 5.30 %, whereas its counterpart with a commercial SL shows an η of 3.90 %.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of a Variety of Transition Metal Incorporated DNA Double Helices
Authors: Samanta Pralok K. , Pati Swapan K.
Published: December 2013

By using density functional theory calculations, the structural, energetic, magnetic, and optical properties for a variety of transition metal (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) ions incorporated modified‐DNA (M–DNA) double helices has been investigated. The DNA is modified with either hydroxypyridone (H) or bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine (S–en) metalated bases. We find the formation of extended MO network leading to the ferromagnetic interactions for the case of H–DNA for all the metal ions. More ordered stacking arrangement was found for S–en–DNA. We calculate the exchange coupling constant (J) considering Heisenberg Hamiltonian for quantitative description of magnetic interactions. The ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions are obtained by varying different transition metal ions. The extent of the magnetic interaction depends on the number of transition metal ions. Optical profiles show peaks below 2 eV, a clear signature of spin‐spin coupling.
Hydrogen‐Bond‐Driven Controlled Molecular Marriage in Covalent Cages
Authors: Acharyya Koushik , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: December 2013

A supramolecular approach that uses hydrogen‐bonding interaction as a driving force to accomplish exceptional self‐sorting in the formation of imine‐based covalent organic cages is discussed. Utilizing the dynamic covalent chemistry approach from three geometrically similar dialdehydes (A, B, and D) and the flexible triamine tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (X), three new [3+2] self‐assembled nanoscopic organic cages have been synthesized and fully characterized by various techniques. When a complex mixture of the dialdehydes and triamine X was subjected to reaction, it was found that only dialdehyde B (which has OH groups for H‐bonding) reacted to form the corresponding cage B3X2 selectively. Surprisingly, the same reaction in the absence of aldehyde B yielded a mixture of products. Theoretical and experimental investigations are in complete agreement that the presence of the hydroxyl moiety adjacent to the aldehyde functionality in B is responsible for the selective formation of cage B3X2 from a complex reaction mixture. This spectacular selection was further analyzed by transforming a nonpreferred (non‐hydroxy) cage into a preferred (hydroxy) cage B3X2 by treating the former with aldehyde B. The role of the H‐bond in partner selection in a mixture of two dialdehydes and two amines has also been established. Moreover, an example of unconventional imine bond metathesis in organic cage‐to‐cage transformation is reported.
Triple Helicates with Golden Strands: Self‐Assembly of M2Au6 Complexes from Gold(I) Metallaligands and Iron(II), Cobalt(II) or Zinc(II) Cations
Authors: Cámara Verónica , Masciocchi Norberto , Gil‐Rubio Juan , Vicente José
Published: December 2013

Alkynyl gold(I) metallaligands [(AuC≡Cbpyl)2(μ‐diphosphine)] (bpyl=2,2′‐bipyridin‐5‐yl; diphosphine=Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2, [n=3 (LPr), 4 (LBu), 5 (LPent), 6 (LHex)], dppf (LFc), Binap (LBinap) and Diop (LDiop)) react with MX2 (M=Fe, Zn, X=ClO4; M=Co, X=BF4) to give triple helicates [M2(LR)3]X4. These complexes, except those containing the semirigid LBinap metallaligand, present similar hydrodynamic radii (determined by diffusion NMR spectroscopy measurements) and a similar pattern in the aromatic region of their 1H NMR spectra, which suggests that in solution they adopt a compact structure where the long and flexible organometallic strands are folded. The diastereoselectivity of the self‐assembly process was studied by using chiral metallaligands, and the absolute configuration of the iron(II) complexes with LBinap and LDiop was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Thus, (R)‐LBinap or (S)‐LBinap specifically induce the formation of (Δ,Δ)‐[Fe2((R)‐LBinap)3](ClO4)4 or (Λ,Λ)‐[Fe2((S)‐LBinap)3](ClO4)4, respectively, whereas (R,R)‐ or (S,S)‐LDiop give mixtures of the ΔΔ‐ and ΛΛ‐diastereomers. The ΔΔ helicate diastereomer is dominant in the reaction of FeII with (R,R)‐LDiop, whereas the ΛΛ isomer predominates in the analogous reaction with (S,S)‐LDiop. The photophysical properties of the new dinuclear alkynyl complexes and the helicates have been studied. The new metallaligands and the [Zn2(LR)3]4+ helicates present luminescence from [π→π*] excited states mainly located in the C≡Cbpyl units.
Anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma in TP53 germline mutation carriers
Authors: Hettmer Simone , Archer Natasha M. , Somers Gino R. , Novokmet Ana , Wagers Amy J. , Diller Lisa , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Teot Lisa A. , Malkin David
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents a diverse category of myogenic malignancies with marked differences in molecular alterations and histology. This study examines the question if RMS predisposition due to germline TP53 mutations correlates with certain RMS histologies.

METHODS

The histology of RMS tumors diagnosed in 8 consecutive children with TP53 germline mutations was reviewed retrospectively. In addition, germline TP53 mutation analysis was performed in 7 children with anaplastic RMS (anRMS) and previously unknown TP53 status.

RESULTS

RMS tumors diagnosed in 11 TP53 germline mutation carriers all exhibited nonalveolar, anaplastic histology as evidenced by the presence of enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei with or without atypical mitotic figures. Anaplastic RMS was the first malignant diagnosis for all TP53 germline mutation carriers in this cohort, and median age at diagnosis was 40 months (mean, 40 months ± 15 months; range, 19‐67 months). The overall frequency of TP53 germline mutations was 73% (11 of 15 children) in pediatric patients with anRMS. The frequency of TP53 germline mutations in children with anRMS was 100% (5 of 5 children) for those with a family cancer history consistent with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), and 80% (4 of 5 children) for those without an LFS cancer phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals harboring germline TP53 mutations are predisposed to develop anRMS at a young age. If future studies in larger anRMS cohorts confirm the findings of this study, the current Chompret criteria for LFS should be extended to include children with anRMS irrespective of family history. Cancer 2014;120:1068–1075. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy: A critical review for nonradiation oncologists
Authors: Kirkpatrick John P. , Kelsey Christopher R. , Palta Manisha , Cabrera Alvin R. , Salama Joseph K. , Patel Pretesh , Perez Bradford A. , Lee Jason , Yin Fang‐Fang
Published: December 2013

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) involves the treatment of extracranial primary tumors or metastases with a few, high doses of ionizing radiation. In SBRT, tumor kill is maximized and dose to surrounding tissue is minimized, by precise and accurate delivery of multiple radiation beams to the target. This is particularly challenging, because extracranial lesions often move with respiration and are irregular in shape, requiring careful treatment planning and continual management of this motion and patient position during irradiation. This review presents the rationale, process workflow, and technology for the safe and effective administration of SBRT, as well as the indications, outcome, and limitations for this technique in the treatment of lung cancer, liver cancer, and metastatic disease. Cancer 2014;120:942–954. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Clinical activity and tolerability of enzalutamide (MDV3100) in patients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer who progress after docetaxel and abiraterone treatment
Authors: Badrising Sushil , van der Noort Vincent , van Oort Inge M. , van den Berg H. Pieter , Los Maartje , Hamberg Paul , Coenen Jules L. , van den Eertwegh Alfons J. M. , de Jong Igle J. , Kerver Emile D. , van Tinteren Harm , Bergman Andries M.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Enzalutamide (Enz) and abiraterone acetate (AA) are hormone treatments that have a proven survival advantage in patients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer who previously received docetaxel (Doc). Recently, limited activity of AA after Enz and of Enz after AA was demonstrated in small cohort studies. Here, the authors present the activity and tolerability of Enz in patients who previously received AA and Doc in the largest cohort to date.

METHODS

The efficacy and tolerability of Enz were investigated in men with progressive, metastatic, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer who previously received Doc and AA. Toxicity, progression‐free survival, time to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression, and overall survival were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty‐one patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range [IQR], 64‐74 years), 57 patients (93%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status from 0 to 2, 48 patients (79%) had bone metastases, 33 patients (54%) had lymph node metastases, and 13 patients (21%) had visceral metastases. The median duration of Enz treatment was 14.9 weeks (IQR, 11.1‐20.0 weeks), and 13 patients (21%) had a maximum PSA decline ≥50%. The median progression‐free survival was 12.0 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.1‐16.0 weeks), the median time to PSA progression was 17.4 weeks (95% CI, >16.0 weeks), and the median overall survival was 31.6 weeks (95% CI, >28.7 weeks). Enz was well tolerated, and fatigue and musculoskeletal pain were the most frequent grade ≥2 adverse events. The PSA response to Doc and AA did not predict the PSA response to Enz.

CONCLUSIONS

Enz has modest clinical activity in patients with metastatic, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer who previously received Doc and AA.

PSA response to Doc and AA does not predict for PSA response to ENz. Cancer 2014;120:968–975. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Loss of BAP1 protein expression is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with low‐risk clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Joseph Richard W. , Kapur Payal , Serie Daniel J. , Eckel‐Passow Jeanette E. , Parasramka Mansi , Ho Thai , Cheville John C. , Frenkel Eugene , Rakheja Dinesh , Brugarolas James , Parker Alexander
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have low‐risk disease with a < 10% chance of ccRCC‐specific death. DNA sequencing revealed that mutations in BAP1 (BRCA1 associated protein‐1) occur in 5% to 15% of ccRCC cases and are associated with poor outcomes. The vast majority of BAP1 mutations abolish protein expression. In this study, we used a highly sensitive and specific immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay to test whether BAP1 expression is an independent marker of ccRCC‐specific survival, particularly in patients with low‐risk disease.

METHODS

BAP1 expression was assessed, using IHC, in 1479 patients who underwent nephrectomy to treat clinically localized ccRCC. A centralized pathologist dichotomized patients as either BAP1‐positive or BAP1‐negative. The authors employed Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression models to associate BAP1 expression with cancer‐specific survival.

RESULTS

A total of 10.5% of tumors were BAP1‐negative, 84.8% of tumors were BAP1‐positive, and 4.6% of tumors had ambiguous staining for BAP1. Patients with BAP1‐negative tumors have an increased risk of ccRCC‐related death (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.28‐4.10; P = 6.77 × 10−14). BAP1 expression remained an independent marker of prognosis after adjusting for the UCLA integrated staging system (UISS) (HR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.24‐2.25; P < .001). Finally, BAP1 was an independent prognostic marker in low‐risk patients with a Mayo Clinic stage, size, grade, and necrosis (SSIGN) score of ≤ 3 (HR = 3.24; 95% CI = 1.26‐8.33; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

This study used a large patient cohort to demonstrate that BAP1 expression is an independent marker of prognosis in patients with low‐risk (SSIGN≤ 3) ccRCC. Cancer 2014;1059–1067. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Distribution and trends of hematology and oncology research in Latin America: A decade of uncertainty
Authors: Acevedo Andrés M. , Gómez Alexandra , Becerra Henry A. , Ríos Ana P. , Zambrano Paula C. , Obando Evelyn P. , Martí‐Carvajal Arturo J. , Carranza Hernán , Vargas Carlos A. , Otero Jorge M. , Reveiz Ludovic , Cardona Andrés F.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Although hematology and oncology research is a highly relevant and evolving field, research contributions by Latin American countries, apart from Brazil, remain unclear.

METHODS

The authors performed a bibliometric analysis through a methodical search of the Latin American abstracts presented at 4 main hematology and oncology annual scientific meetings from 2000 to 2010. Latin American regional and national productivity was described through distribution and trend analyses; the subsequent percentage of full‐text publications was also determined.

RESULTS

In total, 2871 abstracts were identified, of which 1972 abstracts (68.7%) were determined to be original Latin American research and were included in the analysis. Brazil produced by far the most abstracts, with 51.1% of the total, followed by Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Together, these 6 countries accounted for 95.2% of the abstracts. Latin America had a positive trend, registering an average increase of 21.5 abstracts per year (P < .001). Significant positive growth trends were observed for Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. Argentina and Uruguay were the most productive countries when considering the rate of abstract presentation per population. The full‐text publication rate was 17.9%, and the median time to publication after presentation was 1 year. Brazil prevailed as the leading publishing country (60%), followed by Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Cuba, all of which together published 96% of the full‐text articles.

CONCLUSIONS

Hematology and oncology research is increasing in Latin America, but this contribution remains limited to a few countries. There is also a low rate of full‐text articles derived from annual scientific meetings. More extensive research is recommended. Cancer 2014;120:1237–1245. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Evidence for nonallopatric speciation among closely related sympatric Heliotropium species in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Luebert Federico , Jacobs Pit , Hilger Hartmut H. , Muller Ludo A. H.
Published: December 2013

The genetic structure of populations of closely related, sympatric species may hold the signature of the geographical mode of the speciation process. In fully allopatric speciation, it is expected that genetic differentiation between species is homogeneously distributed across the genome. In nonallopatric speciation, the genomes may remain undifferentiated to a large extent. In this article, we analyzed the genetic structure of five sympatric species from the plant genus Heliotropium in the Atacama Desert. We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to characterize the genetic structure of these species and evaluate their genetic differentiation as well as the number of loci subject to positive selection using divergence outlier analysis (DOA). The five species form distinguishable groups in the genetic space, with zones of overlap, indicating that they are possibly not completely isolated. Among‐species differentiation accounts for 35% of the total genetic differentiation (FST = 0.35), and FST between species pairs is positively correlated with phylogenetic distance. DOA suggests that few loci are subject to positive selection, which is in line with a scenario of nonallopatric speciation. These results support the idea that sympatric species of Heliotropium sect. Cochranea are under an ongoing speciation process, characterized by a fluctuation of population ranges in response to pulses of arid and humid periods during Quaternary times.
Analysis of the Exploitation of EV Fast Charging to Prevent Extensive Grid Investments in Suburban Areas
Authors: Dallmer‐Zerbe Kilian , Stillahn Thies , Erge Thomas , Wille‐Haussmann Bernhard , Wittwer Christof
Published: December 2013

Fast charging of electric vehicles (EV) is assumed to affect the operation of electricity grids. In order to decrease the need for conventional grid reinforcement, energy legislators are increasingly motivated to design load‐management incentives. Using the example of Germany, we investigate the extent to which voltage‐control strategies decrease critical voltage levels in suburban low‐voltage grids compared to uncontrolled charging. Voltage violations are identified by load flow simulation. Results showed that, for uncontrolled charging of 22 kW, each scenario except for EVs at the beginning of the line violated the voltage operation limit. Under these circumstances, the grid was operated within the voltage limits for 99.2 % of the year. Violations no longer occurred if active power limitation was performed. With reactive power control, full prevention of voltage‐limit violation could not be achieved but the frequency of violations was reduced. A combination of both active power‐limitation and reactive power reduced the volume and frequency of power limitation. In most cases, a power limitation of 2 kW satisfied the voltage boundaries. Thus, voltage control decreases the need for conventional grid reinforcement if grid operators gain more real‐time information about the state of their distribution grids.
A Novel Test for Testing the Optimally Weighted Combination of Rare and Common Variants Based on Data of Parents and Affected Children
Authors: Sha Qiuying , Zhang Shuanglin
Published: December 2013

With the development of sequencing technologies, the direct testing of rare variant associations has become possible. Many statistical methods for detecting associations between rare variants and complex diseases have recently been developed, most of which are population‐based methods for unrelated individuals. A limitation of population‐based methods is that spurious associations can occur when there is a population structure. For rare variants, this problem can be more serious, because the spectrum of rare variation can be very different in diverse populations, as well as the current nonexistence of methods to control for population stratification in population‐based rare variant associations. A solution to the problem of population stratification is to use family‐based association tests, which use family members to control for population stratification. In this article, we propose a novel test for Testing the Optimally Weighted combination of variants based on data of Parents and Affected Children (TOW‐PAC). TOW‐PAC is a family‐based association test that tests the combined effect of rare and common variants in a genomic region, and is robust to the directions of the effects of causal variants. Simulation studies confirm that, for rare variant associations, family‐based association tests are robust to population stratification although population‐based association tests can be seriously confounded by population stratification. The results of power comparisons show that the power of TOW‐PAC increases with an increase of the number of affected children in each family and TOW‐PAC based on multiple affected children per family is more powerful than TOW based on unrelated individuals.
Genetic associations between intelligence and cortical thickness emerge at the start of puberty
Authors: Brouwer Rachel M. , van Soelen Inge L.C. , Swagerman Suzanne C. , Schnack Hugo G. , Ehli Erik A. , Kahn René S. , Hulshoff Pol Hilleke E. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: December 2013

Cognitive abilities are related to (changes in) brain structure during adolescence and adulthood. Previous studies suggest that associations between cortical thickness and intelligence may be different at different ages. As both intelligence and cortical thickness are heritable traits, the question arises whether the association between cortical thickness development and intelligence is due to genes influencing both traits. We study this association in a longitudinal sample of young twins. Intelligence was assessed by standard IQ tests at age 9 in 224 twins, 190 of whom also underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three years later at age 12, 177/125 twins returned for a follow‐up measurement of intelligence/MRI scanning, respectively. We investigated whether cortical thickness was associated with intelligence and if so, whether this association was driven by genes. At age 9, there were no associations between cortical thickness and intelligence. At age 12, a negative relationship emerged. This association was mainly driven by verbal intelligence, and manifested itself most prominently in the left hemisphere. Cortical thickness and intelligence were explained by the same genes. As a post hoc analysis, we tested whether a specific allele (rs6265; Val66Met in the BDNF gene) contributed to this association. Met carriers showed lower intelligence and a thicker cortex, but only the association between the BDNF genotype and cortical thickness in the left superior parietal gyrus reached significance. In conclusion, it seems that brain areas contributing to (verbal) intellectual performance are specializing under the influence of genes around the onset of puberty.Hum Brain Mapp 35:3760–3773, 2014. ©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gray matter alterations in early aging: A diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Rathi Y. , Pasternak O. , Savadjiev P. , Michailovich O. , Bouix S. , Kubicki M. , Westin C.‐F. , Makris N. , Shenton M.E.
Published: December 2013

Many studies have observed altered neurofunctional and structural organization in the aging brain. These observations from functional neuroimaging studies show a shift in brain activity from the posterior to the anterior regions with aging (PASA model), as well as a decrease in cortical thickness, which is more pronounced in the frontal lobe followed by the parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes (retrogenesis model). However, very little work has been done using diffusion MRI (dMRI) with respect to examining the structural tissue alterations underlying these neurofunctional changes in the gray matter. Thus, for the first time, we propose to examine gray matter changes using diffusion MRI in the context of aging. In this work, we propose a novel dMRI based measure of gray matter “heterogeneity” that elucidates these functional and structural models (PASA and retrogenesis) of aging from the viewpoint of diffusion MRI. In a cohort of 85 subjects (all males, ages 15–55 years), we show very high correlation between age and “heterogeneity” (a measure of structural layout of tissue in a region‐of‐interest) in specific brain regions. We examine gray matter alterations by grouping brain regions into anatomical lobes as well as functional zones. Our findings from dMRI data connects the functional and structural domains and confirms the “retrogenesis” hypothesis of gray matter alterations while lending support to the neurofunctional PASA model of aging in addition to showing the preservation of paralimbic areas during healthy aging. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3841–3856, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender Roles and Organizational HR Practices: The Case of Women's Careers in Accountancy and Consultancy Firms in China
Authors: Lee Cooke Fang , Xiao Yuchun
Published: December 2013

The Chinese finance industry has experienced significant expansion both within the state sector and into the private sector. Professional consultancy firms have also emerged as a result of the rising interest in the outsourcing of accounting and management services. However, the study of women's careers in the accountancy profession in contemporary China remains largely an uncharted territory. Drawing on data from 69 interviews with auditors in five firms, this article investigates the nature of work of external auditors in China and how women auditors view their work‐life choices and constraints. We explore the likely differences between male and female auditors in their career aspirations and the extent to which these self‐perceived differences are informed by social conventions of gender role, organizational practices, and personal preferences. The study has strong implications for human resource management in professional service firms in China, with particular reference to job design, work organization, career support, and work‐life balance initiatives. The study contributes to the debate on gender, employment, and career development in the accountancy profession in different parts of the world. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shared Understanding as a Gateway for Treatment Engagement: A Preliminary Study Examining the Effectiveness of the Culturally Enhanced Video Feedback Engagement Intervention
Authors: Yasui Miwa , Henry David B.
Published: December 2013

Objective

For ethnic minority families, the bridging of clinician–client differences is essential to their engagement in treatment. The Culturally Enhanced Video Feedback Engagement (CEVE) intervention aims to enhance client engagement through fostering clinician–client shared cultural understanding. The present study tested the effectiveness of the CEVE on client‐rated clinician cultural competence and therapeutic alliance.

Method

Nineteen ethnic minority families with children aged 3–6 years were randomized to the CEVE (n = 9) or treatment as usual (n = 10) at an outpatient clinic.

Results

Results from linear mixed effects regression models indicated a significant effect of the CEVE on intercept, suggesting that clinician cultural competence and therapeutic alliance were significantly higher in the CEVE condition. No effect was found for clinician growth in skills.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the CEVE enhances client treatment engagement via clinician cultural competence and clinician–client alliance, suggesting its promise as a clinical engagement tool, particularly for treatments serving ethnic minority families.
Anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (hemitruncus) in a premature infant: A case report and literature review
Authors: Bi Wenjing , Ren Weidong , Song Guang , Shang Cong , Pan Fuzhi , Xu Min
Published: December 2013

Anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the aorta (AOPA) is a rare congenital anomaly. Here, we report the case of a premature infant with a delayed diagnosis of AOPA who died before surgical repair could be attempted, and we review the literature regarding the diagnosis and surgical approaches in premature infants with AOPA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:367–370, 2014
Infection of epithelial cells with dengue virus promotes the expression of proteins favoring the replication of certain viral strains
Authors: Martínez‐Betancur Viviana , Marín‐Villa Marcel , Martínez‐Gutierrez Marlén
Published: December 2013

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue and severe dengue. To understand better the dengue virus‐host interaction, it is important to determine how the expression of cellular proteins is modified due to infection. Therefore, a comparison of protein expression was conducted in Vero cells infected with two different DENV strains, both serotype 2: DENV‐2/NG (associated with dengue) and DENV‐2/16681 (associated with severe dengue). The viability of the infected cells was determined, and neither strain induced cell death at 48 hr. In addition, the viral genomes and infectious viral particles were quantified, and the genome of the DENV‐2/16681 strain was determined to have a higher replication rate compared with the DENV‐2/NG strain. Finally, the proteins from infected and uninfected cultures were separated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Compared with the uninfected controls, the DENV‐2/NG‐ and DENV‐2/16681‐infected cultures had five and six differentially expressed proteins, respectively. The most important results were observed when the infected cultures were compared to each other (DENV‐2/NG vs. DENV‐2/16681), and 18 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Based on their cellular functions, many of these proteins were linked to the increase in the replication efficiency of DENV. Among the proteins were calreticulin, acetyl coenzyme A, acetyl transferase, and fatty acid‐binding protein. It was concluded that the infection of Vero cells with DENV‐2/NG or DENV‐2/16681 differentially modifies the expression of certain proteins, which can, in turn, facilitate infection. J. Med. Virol. 86:1448–1458, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive analysis of HPV expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gheit Tarik , Abedi‐Ardekani Behnoush , Carreira Christine , Missad Carlos G. , Tommasino Massimo , Torrente Mariela C.
Published: December 2013

Role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in laryngeal carcinoma remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by determining presence of markers of viral infection. HPV DNA and E6*I mRNA status was determined by type‐specific E7 PCR bead‐based multiplex genotyping and RT‐PCR assays in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma biopsy samples. p16INK4a and COX‐2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Four cases out of 32 (13%) were HPV DNA+: HPV 11 (n = 1), HPV 31 (n = 3), HPV 59 (n = 1). One double infection: HPV 11 and HPV 31. p16INK4a was overexpressed in three cases (9%) and COX‐2 in 17 cases (53%). Two of four HPV DNA+ samples had E6*I mRNA for HPV 31 and overexpressed p16INK4a and COX‐2. HPV appears to play an active role in a small subset of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. p16INK4a can be used as a surrogate marker of transcriptionally active HPV infection; COX‐2 expression had no correlation with HPV DNA and/or RNA positivity. J. Med. Virol. 86:642–646, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preoperative radiation for retroperitoneal sarcoma is not associated with increased early postoperative morbidity
Authors: Bartlett Edmund K. , Roses Robert E. , Meise Chelsey , Fraker Douglas L. , Kelz Rachel R. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Preoperative radiation (PR) in the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is controversial. Concern for increased perioperative morbidity may influence the decision to recommend PR. Here we compare 30‐day morbidity and mortality (M + M) after resection of RPS with and without PR.

Methods

Patients undergoing resection of RPS were identified using ACS NSQIP (2005–2011). Patients with known PR status within 90 days of operation were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with M + M.

Results

Of 696 patients operated on for RPS, 70 (10%) underwent PR. PR patients were younger (mean 55 vs. 61 years), more frequently had hypoalbuminemia (<3 g/dl; 19% vs. 10%), concomitant kidney (29% vs. 18%), or pancreas resections (11% vs. 5%), longer operations (mean 327 vs. 253 min), and increased transfusion requirements (mean 4.1 vs. 2.1 units, each P < 0.05). Despite these differences, the M + M rate (31% with vs. 30% without PR, P = 0.75) was comparable between the two groups. After adjustment for confounders, no association was identified between PR and M + M.

Conclusions

In a national cohort of RPS patients, PR is infrequently utilized. Despite the increased prevalence of multiple risk factors, PR patients do not have an increased 30‐day postoperative M + M. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:606–611. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of bone marrow composition on measurements of trabecular microstructure using decay due to diffusion in the internal field MRI: Simulations and clinical studies
Authors: Sprinkhuizen Sara M. , Ackerman Jerome L. , Song Yi‐Qiao
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Decay due to diffusion in the internal field (DDIF) MRI allows for measurements of microstructures of porous materials at low spatial resolution and thus has potential for trabecular bone quality measurements. In trabecular bone, solid bone changes (osteoporosis) as well as changes in bone marrow composition occur. The influence of such changes on DDIF MRI was studied by simulations and in vivo measurements.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations of DDIF in various trabecular bone models were conducted. Changes in solid bone and marrow composition were simulated with numerical bone erosion and marrow susceptibility variations. Additionally, in vivo measurements were performed in the lumbar spine of healthy volunteers aged 23–62 years.

Results

Simulations and in vivo results showed that 1) DDIF decay times decrease with increasing marrow fat and 2) the marrow fat percentage needs to be incorporated in the DDIF analysis to discriminate between healthy and osteoporotic solid bone structures.

Conclusions

Bone marrow composition plays an important role in DDIF MRI: incorporation of marrow fat percentage into DDIF MRI allowed for differentiation of young and old age groups (in vivo experiments). DDIF MRI may develop into a means of assessing osteoporosis and disorders that affect marrow composition. Magn Reson Med 72:1499–1508, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous multiagent hyperpolarized 13C perfusion imaging
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Bok Robert A. , Reed Galen D. , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen Jan Henrik , Kurhanewicz John , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To demonstrate simultaneous hyperpolarization and imaging of three 13C‐labeled perfusion MRI contrast agents with dissimilar molecular structures ([13C]urea, [13C]hydroxymethyl cyclopropane, and [13C]t‐butanol) and correspondingly variable chemical shifts and physiological characteristics, and to exploit their varying diffusibility for simultaneous measurement of vascular permeability and perfusion in initial preclinical studies.

Methods

Rapid and efficient dynamic multislice imaging was enabled by a novel pulse sequence incorporating balanced steady state free precession excitation and spectral‐spatial readout by multiband frequency encoding, designed for the wide, regular spectral separation of these compounds. We exploited the varying bilayer permeability of these tracers to quantify vascular permeability and perfusion parameters simultaneously, using perfusion modeling methods that were investigated in simulations. “Tripolarized” perfusion MRI methods were applied to initial preclinical studies with differential conditions of vascular permeability, in normal mouse tissues and advanced transgenic mouse prostate tumors.

Results

Dynamic imaging revealed clear differences among the individual tracer distributions. Computed permeability maps demonstrated differential permeability of brain tissue among the tracers, and tumor perfusion and permeability were both elevated over values expected for normal tissues.

Conclusion

Tripolarized perfusion MRI provides new molecular imaging measures for specifically monitoring permeability, perfusion, and transport simultaneously in vivo. Magn Reson Med 72:1599–1609, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer blends with foreign polymers using fracture mechanism maps
Authors: An Jihun , Kim Chulhong , Choi Byoung‐Ho , Lee Jeong‐Moo
Published: December 2013

To commercially produce consumer products using engineering polymers, it is very important to control the physical properties of the material. However, quality control of the material is not easy because of many reasons such as cost reduction, cleaning issues, the use of scraps, etc. In many cases, even a small amount of foreign polymers can lead to product failures; however, analyzing such foreign polymers is difficult by using conventional analytical techniques. This article introduces a methodology to evaluate the durability of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymers containing foreign polymers by using fracture mechanism maps (FMMs). In addition, the importance of the ductile‐to‐brittle transition temperature (DBTT) as a quantitative tool is discussed. In this article, the measurement of DBTT was proposed as a direct tool of characterizing polymer blends with similar chemical structure, and the concept of a FMM was applied as a qualitative tool to initiate the detailed investigation of fractures, as well as a quality control tool to sustain the fracture toughness of the final products. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2791–2798, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effects of a master's program on teachers' science instruction: Results from classroom observations, teacher reports, and student surveys
Authors: Copur‐Gencturk Yasemin , Hug Barbara , Lubienski Sarah Theule
Published: December 2013

This study examines the impact of a new master's degree program on the instructional practices of K‐8 in‐service teachers. This 2.5‐year master's program was designed to deepen in‐service teachers' knowledge in science and mathematics and promote greater use of reform‐oriented instruction. Teachers' instructional practices were captured annually through classroom observations, student reports, and teacher self‐reports. Based on the results of the first 2 years of program implementation, there was a significantly positive change in the extent to which teachers implemented reform‐oriented practices in the classroom. However, these changes were most prominent in the first year of the program. A comparison of different data sources indicated that teachers perceived their progress toward reform‐oriented instruction as far more steady than indicated by outside observers or student reports. Implications for current policies, professional development, and further research are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 219–249, 2014
Quality of Life After Surgical Treatment of Early Barrett’s Cancer: A Prospective Comparison of the Ivor‐Lewis Resection Versus the Modified Merendino Resection
Authors: Zapletal Ch. , Heesen Ch. , Origer J. , Pauthner M. , Pech O. , Ell Ch. , Lorenz Dietmar
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The Merendino (MER) procedure has been evaluated as an alternative to transthoracic esophageal resection (TER) for early stage Barrett’s carcinoma. Apart from reducing morbidity and mortality, improvements concerning postoperative health‐related quality of life (HRQL) have been postulated. The aim of our study was to compare HRQL between these procedures.

Materials and methods

Between July 2000 and July 2007, 117 patients with early Barrett’s carcinoma underwent surgery. Patients with tumor recurrence were excluded from the study. HRQL was assessed 1 and 2 years after surgery using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30) and the QLQ‐OES18 module. Patients recently diagnosed with early Barrett’s carcinoma served as controls. Symptoms that showed a difference of more than ten between the control and the study groups were considered clinically relevant and were tested for significant differences between the study groups using the Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05).

Results

The response rates for the questionnaires ranged between 70 and 93 %. In the MER group, more items reflected a clinical relevant impairment of HRQL than in the TER group. Significant complaints in the MER group included nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, local pain, difficulties with social eating, and choking. Moreover, we found a significant restriction concerning global health and emotional and social functioning in this group 1 year after surgery. 2 years postoperatively, hardly any differences between the operative techniques could be detected. The only symptom in favor of the MER procedure was a better dysphagia score postoperatively.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that MER procedure is not superior to subtotal esophagectomy with regard to HRQL.
Effectiveness of a Transanal Tube for the Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage after Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Nishigori Hideaki , Ito Masaaki , Nishizawa Yuji , Nishizawa Yusuke , Kobayashi Akihiro , Sugito Masanori , Saito Norio
Published: December 2013

Aim

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a transanal tube placed for the prevention of anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 243 patients underwent anterior resection using the double stapling technique for rectal cancer at our institution. We excluded 67 patients with diverting stoma and divided the remaining patients into two groups: patients who did not receive a transanal tube and diverting stoma (n = 140; control group) and those who received a transanal tube (n = 36). We compared the rate of anastomotic leakage, evaluated the complications associated with the transanal tube, and analyzed the risk factors for anastomotic leakage.

Results

The following perioperative parameters were significantly different between the two groups as follows (control group vs. transanal tube group): diabetes mellitus (8 [22 %] vs. 12 [8.5 %] patients, respectively; p = 0.03), surgical duration (262 ± 54.1 min [171–457] vs. 233 ± 61.7 min [126–430], respectively; p < 0.01). The postoperative anastomosis leakage appeared significantly different between the two groups (1 [2.7 %] vs. 22 [15.7 %] patients, respectively; p = 0.04). Anastomotic leakage was significantly associated with the distance between the anastomosis line and the anal verge (odds ratio [OR] 8.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.53–48.0; p = 0.01) and non‐use of a transanal tube (OR 11.1; 95 % CI 1.04–118; p = 0.04) in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Placement of a transanal tube is effective in decreasing the rate of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection using the double stapling technique. However, complications associated with a transanal tube should be carefully considered.