bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life during active treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sung Lillian , Yanofsky Rochelle , Klaassen Robert J. , Dix David , Pritchard Sheila , Winick Naomi , Alexander Sarah , Klassen Anne
Published: May 2010

The objectives of the study were to describe quality of life (QoL), identify predictors of worse QoL and examine QoL during different phases of active therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A multiinstitutional cross‐sectional study was performed in children with ALL. We included children at least 2 months from diagnosis who were receiving treatment in first remission. Parents described QoL using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL 3.0 Acute Cancer Module. The 206 children on treatment for ALL had overall [median 62.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 34.8–94.4], physical (median 62.5, 95% CI 18.8–100.0) and psychosocial (median 65.4, 95% CI 38.3–94.2) summary scores that were one to two standard deviations lower than population norms. In high‐risk ALL, girls and older children had worse QoL. In standard‐risk ALL, those with lower household incomes and unmarried parents had worse QoL. QoL scores were generally constant across phases of ALL therapy. Children on therapy for ALL have lower QoL compared to healthy children. Age and gender predicted QoL in high‐risk ALL, whereas socioeconomics predicted QoL in standard‐risk ALL. Future efforts should focus on longitudinal studies that describe QoL over time within individual patients.
Targeting IL‐13Rα2 in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with combination therapy of IL‐13‐PE and gemcitabine
Authors: Fujisawa Toshio , Nakashima Hideyuki , Nakajima Atsushi , Joshi Bharat H. , Puri Raj K.
Published: May 2010

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with only limited therapeutic options available. We have identified that 71% pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) express high levels of IL‐13Rα2, a high‐affinity receptor for IL‐13. To target IL‐13Rα2, we have developed a recombinant immunotoxin, which is a fusion of IL‐13 and Pseudomonas exotoxin (IL‐13‐PE). Since IL‐13‐PE and a commonly used cytotoxic drug gemcitabine act by a different mechanism, we hypothesized that they synergize in mediating antitumor response. Both IL‐13‐PE and gemcitabine‐mediated cytotoxicity to two pancreatic cancer cell lines and when combined synergistic cytotoxicity was observed. This synergism was also demonstrated in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model of human PDA. IL‐13‐PE and gemcitabine showed complete eradiation of tumors as assessed by whole body imaging of GFP‐transfected tumors in 57% of mice in an early cancer model resulting into prolongation of survival. In contrast, monotherapy with either agent did not produce complete eradiation, but tumor volumes were significantly decreased. In advanced PDA model, combination therapy also produced dramatic reduction in tumor growth and enhanced survival compared to animals treated with either agent alone. When IL‐13Rα2 was knocked‐down by RNAi prior to tumor implantation, IL‐13‐PE and gemcitabine did not synergize indicating that IL‐13Rα2 is essential. Mechanistically, gemcitabine increased IL‐13Rα2 expression in vitro and in vivo, which resulted in a synergism of combination therapy. Interestingly, PDA cancer stem cells were resistant to gemcitabine, but not to IL‐13‐PE. These results suggest that combination therapy with IL‐13‐PE and gemcitabine may be a useful strategy for PDA therapy.
Soluble E‐cadherin as a serum biomarker candidate: Elevated levels in patients with late‐stage colorectal carcinoma and FAP
Authors: Weiß Jakob V. , Klein‐Scory Susanne , Kübler Salwa , Reinacher‐Schick Anke , Stricker Ingo , Schmiegel Wolff , Schwarte‐Waldhoff Irmgard
Published: May 2010

Various strategies have been tested to identify serum biomarkers in patients with cancer. Recently, the entire of proteins released by cultured tumor cells into the media, the so‐called secretome, has been suggested as a promising source for biomarker discovery. Ectodomains of membrane proteins cleaved from the cell surface represent a surprisingly abundant and apparently stable subset of this subproteome. Aiming for the detection of serum biomarkers for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), we have previously detected significant amounts of the soluble form of E‐cadherin in the secretomes of CRC cells. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of sE‐cadherin levels in sera from patients with CRC, colorectal adenoma, inflammatory bowel disease and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Whereas mean sE‐cadherin levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (mean: 4.7 μg/ml, SD: 1.5 μg/ml), with adenomas (mean: 4.6 μg/ml, SD: 3.0 μg/ml) and early stage cancers (mean: 4.9 μg/ml, SD: 4.7 μg/ml) do not significantly differ from healthy controls (mean: 4.8 μg/ml, SD: 1.9 μg/ml), patients with Stage III and Stage IV carcinomas display a significant increase (mean: 6.1 μg/ml, SD: 2.6 μg/ml). In individual patients with late‐stage CRC, sE‐cadherin serum levels directly reflect their disease status over time. These findings suggest a potential application of sE‐cadherin as an alternative diagnostic biomarker for monitoring disease particularly in patients with carcinoembryonic antigen negative tumors. In patients with FAP, on the other hand, we also detected a significant increase of serum sE‐cadherin levels (mean: 5.8 μg/ml, SD: 2.8 μg/ml), but this was regardless of their tumor load and colectomy status.
Enhancing mothers' interactions with toddlers who have sensory‐processing disorders
Authors: Jaegermann Nurit , Klein Pnina S.
Published: May 2010

The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of a brief Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (the MISC‐SP) designed to enhance the quality of mothers' interaction with their toddlers who have sensory processing disorders (SPD). The basic assumption was that quality parent–child interactions can serve as a protective factor moderating the potential negative effects of toddlers' sensory processing and regulation difficulties on their development. The effects of the intervention were compared to those of another intervention designed to enhance children's sensory functioning (the SI group) and to a control group receiving no intervention. Participants were 86 toddlers (12–18 months old) with SPD and their mothers, who were randomly assigned to the aforementioned three research groups. Following the intervention period, mothers in the MISC‐SP group showed more sensitive behavior, supported their toddlers' communication behavior better, and used teaching behaviors more appropriately than did mothers in the two other groups.
The relation between early mother–infant skin‐to‐skin contact and later maternal sensitivity in South African mothers of low birth weight infants
Authors: Bigelow Ann E. , Littlejohn Marianne , Bergman Nils , McDonald Claudette
Published: May 2010

The relation between early mother–infant skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) and mothers' subsequent sensitivity to their low birth weight infants was investigated in a study of 12 mother–infant dyads who participated in a South African randomized control study of early SSC. The dyads were visited in the home when infants were under 1 year. Amounts of SSC were taken from hospital records and home interviews. Videotapes of mother–infant interactions in the home were scored for maternal sensitivity on the Maternal Behavior Q‐Sort (D.R. Pederson, G. Moran, & S. Bento, 1999) and the Maternal Behavior subscale of the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (G. Sumner & A. Spietz, 1994). Amount of SSC in infants' first 24 hr correlated with amount of SSC through the first month. Amount of SSC in infants' first 24 hr independently accounted for maternal sensitivity on both measures, indicating that early mother–infant SSC predicted subsequent maternal sensitivity.
Selection in a field experiment with voluntary participation
Authors: Gautier Pieter A. , Klaauw Bas van der
Published: May 2010

The external validity of experiments in economics can be ensured only if participants reflect the relevant market population. We study data from a promotional campaign of NH‐Hoteles to study sample selection problems in a gift exchange field experiment. The promotion allowed guests to pay any non‐negative amount for a stay in one of 36 hotels in Belgium and the Netherlands. We distinguish between involuntary participants, who booked prior to the announcement of the promotional campaign, and voluntary participants, who booked after the campaign was announced. The involuntary participants pay, on average, substantially more. This different behavior cannot be explained by differences in satisfaction or observed compositional differences between both groups. During the promotion we varied the posted price of a room that was communicated to the guests. Only the involuntary participants respond to this exogenous variation in the posted price. We argue that the promotional campaign mainly attracted individuals with relatively few prosocial reputational concerns, because they benefit most from a name‐your‐own‐price scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of reserve prices on the perceived bias of expert appraisals of fine art
Authors: McAndrew Clare , Smith James L , Thompson Rex
Published: May 2010

We examine whether expert appraisals provided to bidders before major art auctions are unbiased indicators of value. Despite a strong grounding in theory, this aspect of optimal auction design has been frequently challenged in previous empirical research, particularly in the market for fine art. We adopt a valuation benchmark that incorporates sellers' reserve prices as well as high bids, and recognize censoring of works that fail to make reserve. Although the auction houses never divulge reserve prices, we exploit the fact that they can be observed indirectly via their impact on buy‐in rates. Using the set of French Impressionist paintings brought to auction from 1985 to 2001, we estimate the distribution of reserve prices, establish their link to a proper valuation benchmark, and isolate the selection bias due to bought‐in works on the perceived market value of fine art works. After controlling for the impact of reserve prices, and considering all works brought to auction, we find no evidence of bias in the experts' pre‐sale estimates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Annexin A1 in mouse myoblast cell differentiation
Authors: Bizzarro Valentina , Fontanella Bianca , Franceschelli Silvia , Pirozzi Marinella , Christian Helen , Parente Luca , Petrella Antonello
Published: May 2010

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a calcium‐ and phospholipid‐binding protein involved in a broad range of cellular events. This study used molecular and microscopy approaches to explore the role of ANXA1 in mouse myoblast C2C12 cell differentiation. We report that ANXA1 expression increases during differentiation and that the down‐regulation of ANXA1 significantly inhibits the differentiation process. ANXA1 is expressed in vivo in both quiescent and activated satellite cells and is highly localized in the cells that migrate in the lumen of regenerating fibers after an acute injury. Endogenous ANXA1 co‐localizes with actin fibers at the protruding ends of undifferentiated but not differentiated cells suggesting a role of the protein in cell migration. Furthermore, ANXA1 neutralizing antibody reduces MyHC expression, decreases myotube formation and significantly inhibits cell migration. The data reported here suggest for the first time that ANXA1 plays a role in myogenic differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 757–765, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mediated by RhoA inactivation through p190RhoGAP and ARAP3
Authors: Jeon Chan‐Young , Kim Hee‐Jun , Morii Hiroshi , Mori Nozomu , Settleman Jeffrey , Lee Jae‐Yong , Kim Jaebong , Kim Sung‐Chan , Park Jae‐Bong
Published: May 2010

The rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 has been widely used as a model to study neuronal differentiation. PC12 cells give rise to neurites in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). However, it is unclear whether bFGF promotes neurite outgrowth by inducing RhoA inactivation, and a mechanism for RhoA inactivation in PC12 cells in response to bFGF has not been reported. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) treatment and the expression of constitutively active (CA)‐RhoA (RhoA V14) impaired neurite formation in response to bFGF, while Tat‐C3 exoenzyme and the expression of dominant negative (DN)‐RhoA (RhoA N19) stimulated neurite outgrowth. GTP‐bound RhoA levels were reduced in response to bFGF, which suggests that the inactivation of RhoA is essential to neurite outgrowth in response to bFGF. To investigate the mechanism of RhoA inactivation, this study examined the roles of p190RhoGAP and Rap‐dependent RhoGAP (ARAP3). DN‐p190RhoGAP prevented neurite outgrowth, while WT‐p190RhoGAP and Src synergistically stimulated neurite outgrowth; these findings suggest that bFGF promotes the inactivation of RhoA and subsequent neurite outgrowth through p190RhoGAP and Src. Furthermore, DN‐Rap1 and DN‐ARAP3 reduced neurite formation in PC12 cells. These results suggest that RhoA is likely to be inactivated by p190RhoGAP and ARAP3 during neurite outgrowth in response to bFGF. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 786–794, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of microbial fuel cell with anoxic/oxic design for treatment of saline seafood wastewater and biological electricity generation
Authors: You Shi‐Jie , Zhang Jin‐Na , Yuan Yi‐Xing , Ren Nan‐Qi , Wang Xiu‐Heng
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Sustainable technologies need to be developed to treat saline seafood wastewater (SSW) efficiently. This study focused on the feasibility of a continuously operated microbial fuel cell (MFC) with modified anoxic/oxic (A/O) architecture (A/O–MFC) for power generation and treatment of SSW simultaneously.

RESULTS: Hydraulic retention time (HRT) was shown to have an impact on polarization and power output of the A/O–MFC and the maximum power density of 16.2 W m−3 was obtained at a current density of 41.7 A m−3 and HRT of 4.2 h. High salinity together with advective flow mode enabled a low and constant internal resistance of approximately 100 Ω throughout the experiments. Besides, pH of waste stream in both compartments was found always near neutral level. Increasing HRT could improve eliminability of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) and biological nitrification.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a proof‐in‐concept demonstration to utilize an MFC for effective and sustainable treatment of SSW along with recovery of electrical energy. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Secretion by the nasal salt glands of two insectivorous lizard species is initiated by an ecologically relevant dietary ion, chloride
Authors: Hazard Lisa C. , Lechuga Claudia , Zilinskis Stephanie
Published: May 2010

Salt glands are used by some vertebrates to excrete hyperosmotic NaCl or KCl solutions in response to dietary salt loads. Control of secretion varies across taxa; some secrete in response to osmotic challenges while others secrete in response to specific dietary ions. We hypothesized that differences in control could be related to different diet‐related selective pressures on herbivorous, marine, and insectivorous species. We studied control of secretion and flexibility of cation (sodium or potassium) and anion (chloride or bicarbonate) secretion in two insectivorous lizard species, Schneider's skinks (Eumeces schneideri, Scincidae) and green anoles (Anolis carolinensis, Polychrotidae). Lizards were injected daily for four days with combinations of cations (potassium, sodium, and histidine control) and anions (chloride and acetate control), isoosmotic saline, or sham injection. Secretions were collected daily and analyzed for sodium, potassium, and chloride. Both species secreted only in response to chloride; sodium appeared to have a slight inhibitory effect. Regardless of cation load, skinks secreted a combination of potassium and sodium, while anoles secreted solely potassium. In both species, total cation secretion was matched closely by chloride; very little bicarbonate was secreted. As predicted, secretion in insectivorous lizards was initiated by the dietary ion ecologically most important for these species, chloride, which otherwise cannot be excreted without significant water loss (unlike the cations, which may be excreted as insoluble urate salts). This gives further support to the hypothesis that ecological factors drive the evolution of control mechanisms in lizard salt glands. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:442–451, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using linkage models to explore skull kinematic diversity and functional convergence in arthrodire placoderms
Authors: Anderson Philip S.L.
Published: May 2010

Biomechanical models offer a powerful set of tools for quantifying the diversity of function across fossil taxa. A computer‐based four‐bar linkage model previously developed to describe the potential feeding kinematics ofDunkleosteus terrelliis applied here to several other arthrodire placoderm taxa from different lineages. Arthrodire placoderms are a group of basal gnathostomes showing one of the earliest diversifications of jaw structures. The linkage model allows biomechanical variation to be compared across taxa, identify trends in skull morphology among arthrodires that potentially influence function and explore the role of linkage systems in the early evolution of jaw structures. The linkage model calculates various kinematic metrics including gape angle, effective mechanical advantage, and kinematic transmission coefficients. Results indicate that the arthrodire feeding system may be more diverse and complex than previously thought. A range of potential kinematic profiles among arthrodire taxa illustrate a diversity of feeding function comparable with modern teleost fishes. Previous estimates of bite force inDunkleosteusare revised based on new morphological data. High levels of kinematic transmission among arthrodires suggest the potential for rapid gape expansion and possible suction feeding. Morphological comparisons indicate that there were several morphological solutions for obtaining these fast kinematics, which allowed different taxa to achieve similar kinematic profiles while varying other aspects of the feeding apparatus. Mapping of key morphological components of the linkage system on a general placoderm phylogeny illustrates the potential importance of four‐bar systems to the early evolution of jaw structures. J. Morphol. 271:990–1005, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cephalic morphology of Pythonichthys macrurus (Heterenchelyidae: Anguilliformes): specializations for head‐first burrowing
Authors: Eagderi Soheil , Adriaens Dominique
Published: May 2010

The Heterenchelyidae, a family of Anguilliformes, are highly specialized fossorial eels. This study was conducted to evaluate the cranial specialization in relation to head‐first burrowing behavior in the heterenchelyid, Pythonichthys macrurus. Thereby, detailed descriptions are provided of the cranial myology and osteology of P. macrurus and its differences with that of representatives of three families: the Moringuidae (Moringua edwardsi), a head‐first burrower; the Anguillidae (Anguilla anguilla), a nonburrowing representative and the Ophichthidae (Pisodonophis boro), a head and tail‐first burrower. This comparison may help to get a better understanding of the cranial specialization of head‐first burrowers in heterenchelyids and moringuids. We recognize as morphological adaptations to burrowing: reduced eye size, a caudoventral orientation of the anteromedial section of the adductor mandibulae muscle complex, the posterior position of the quadrate‐mandibular joint, a solid conical skull, large insertion sites of epaxial and hypaxial muscle on the neurocranium, a widened cephalic lateral line canals extending into the dermal cavities, and a ventral position of the gill opening. J. Morphol. 271:1053‐1065, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The thoracic muscular system and its innervation in third instar Calliphora vicina Larvae. II. Projection patterns of the nerves associated with the pro‐ and mesothorax and the pharyngeal complex
Authors: Schoofs Andreas , Hanslik Ulrike , Niederegger Senta , Heinzel Hans‐Georg , Spieß Roland
Published: May 2010

We describe the anatomy of the nerves that project from the central nervous system (CNS) to the pro‐ and mesothoracic segments and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton (CPS) for third instar Calliphora larvae. Due to the complex branching pattern we introduce a nomenclature that labels side branches of first and second order. Two fine nerves that were not yet described are briefly introduced. One paired nerve projects to the ventral arms (VAs) of the CPS. The second, an unpaired nerve, projects to the ventral surface of the cibarial part of the esophagus (ES). Both nerves were tentatively labeled after the structures they innervate. The antennal nerve (AN) innervates the olfactory dorsal organ (DO). It contains motor pathways that project through the frontal connectives (FC) to the frontal nerve (FN) and innervate the cibarial dilator muscles (CDM) which mediate food ingestion. The maxillary nerve (MN) innervates the sensory terminal organ (TO), ventral organ (VO), and labial organ (LO) and comprises the motor pathways to the mouth hook (MH) elevator, MH depressor, and the labial retractor (LR) which opens the mouth cavity. An anastomosis of unknown function exists between the AN and MN. The prothoracic accessory nerve (PaN) innervates a dorsal protractor muscle of the CPS and sends side branches to the aorta and the bolwig organ (BO) (stemmata). In its further course, this nerve merges with the prothoracic nerve (PN). The architecture of the PN is extremely complex. It innervates a set of accessory pharyngeal muscles attached to the CPS and the body wall musculature of the prothorax. Several anastomoses exist between side branches of this nerve which were shown to contain motor pathways. The mesothoracic nerve (MeN) innervates a MH accessor and the longitudinal and transversal body wall muscles of the second segment. J. Morphol. 271:969–979, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The testosterone binding mechanism of an antibody derived from a naïve human scFv library
Authors: Niemi Merja H. , Takkinen Kristiina , Amundsen Lotta K. , Söderlund Hans , Rouvinen Juha , Höyhtyä Matti
Published: May 2010

A testosterone binding scFv antibody was isolated from a naïve human library with a modest size of 108 clones. The crystal structure of the Fab fragment form of the 5F2 antibody clone complexed with testosterone determined at 1.5 Å resolution shows that the hapten is bound deeply in the antibody binding pocket. In addition to the interactions with framework residues only CDR‐L3 and CDR‐H3 loops interact with testosterone and the heavy chain forms the majority of the contacts with the hapten. The testosterone binding site of the 5F2 antibody with a high abundance of aromatic amino acid residues shows similarity with an in vitro affinity matured antibody having around 300 times higher affinity. The moderate affinity of the 5F2 antibody originates from the different orientation of the hapten and few light chain contacts. This is the first three‐dimensional structure of a human steroid hormone binding antibody that has been isolated from a naïve human repertoire. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of molecular recognition of STAT3 SH2 domain inhibitors through molecular simulation
Authors: Park In‐Hee , Li Chenglong
Published: May 2010

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an anti‐cancer target protein due to its over‐activation in tumor cells. The Tyr705‐phosphorylated (pTyr) STAT3 binds to the pTyr‐recognition site of its Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain of another STAT3 monomer to form a homo‐dimer, which then causes cellular anti‐apoptosis, proliferation, and tumor invasion. Recently, many STAT3 SH2 dimerization inhibitors have been discovered via both computational and experimental methods. To systematically assess their binding affinities and specificities, for eight representative inhibitors, we utilized molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ensuing energetic analysis to compare their binding characteristics. The inhibitors' binding free energies were calculated via MMPB(GB)SA, and the STAT3 SH2 binding “hot spots” were evaluated through binding energy decomposition and hydrogen bond (H‐bond) distribution analysis. Several conclusions can be drawn: (1) the overall enthalpy–entropy compensation paradigm is preserved for the STAT3 SH2/ligand binding thermodynamics; (2) at one end of the binding spectrum, two compounds bind to SH2 due to their minimum entropic penalties that result from their relative rigidities and increased dynamics of SH2 upon their binding; at the other end of the binding spectrum, one compound shows a typical weak binder behavior due to its loose binding in the SH2's strongest enthalpy‐contributing binding subsite; (3) hydrogen bonding seems a strong indicator to evaluate the SH2/ligand binding potency, which echoes a finding that CH/π non‐classical H‐bond is responsible for some pTyr peptides binding to their corresponding SH2 domains; (4) STAT3 SH2 domain possesses three binding “hot spots”: pTyr705‐binding pocket with polar residues and contributing the largest binding enthalpy (two‐thirds); Leu706 subsite which is the most dynamic and hardest to target; a hydrophobic side pocket which is unique to STAT3 and very targetable, which may offer unique opportunity to design STAT3‐specific inhibitors, particularly with fragment‐based approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electromagnetic non‐destructive evaluation by vector finite‐element neural networks
Authors: Al Salameh M. S. H. , Taha S. I.
Published: May 2010

This study proposes neural network‐based iterative inverse solutions for non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) in which vector finite elements (VFEM) represent the forward model that closely models the physical process. The iterative algorithm can eventually estimate the material parameters. Vector finite element method global matrix is stored in a compact form using its sparsity and symmetry. The stored matrix elements are employed as the neurons weights, and preconditioning techniques are used to accelerate convergence of the neural networks (NN) algorithm. Detailed algorithm describing this new method is given to facilitate implementation. Combining vector finite elements and NNs offers several advantages over each technique alone, such as reducing memory storage requirements and the easily computed fixed weights of the NN.

Various examples are solved to show the performance and usefulness of the proposed method, including lossy printed circuit board and lossy inhomogeneous cylindrical problems with ferromagnetic materials. These solutions compare very well with other published data where the maximum relative error was 5%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Airway obstruction and Hemophilia‐A: Epiglottis hematoma
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Varon David , Weinberger Jeffrey M. , Gross Menachem
Published: May 2010

Acute upper airway obstruction is a potentially life‐threatening event. Hemophilia‐A is a coagulopathy with high risk for spontaneous bleeding. Here we describe for the first time a spontaneous epiglottic internal hemorrhage leading to upper airway narrowing in a hemophilia‐A patient. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for airway observation and treatment with factor VIII supplementation. In the first 48 hours there was rapid respiratory improvement. The epiglottic swelling resolved on the 5th day. In this patient no oral intubation or surgical management was needed. Laryngoscope, 2010
Computed tomographic analysis of frontal recess anatomy and its effect on the development of frontal sinusitis
Authors: Lien Ching‐Feng , Weng Hsu‐Huei , Chang Yu‐Chien , Lin Yen‐Chun , Wang Wen‐Hung
Published: May 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To use computed tomography to determine the association of frontal recess cells with the development of frontal sinusitis.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed various frontal recess cells on spiral computed tomographic images of sinuses between November 2007 and May 2009. Exclusion criteria included previous sinus surgery, sinonasal polyposis, age younger than 18 years, maxillofacial fracture, incomplete sections of computed tomography, and sinonasal malignancy. We used logistic regression analysis to compare the distribution of various frontal recess cells in patients with frontal sinusitis and those without frontal sinusitis.

Results:

A total of 192 patients met the criteria, and only 363 sides were distinguishable. The presence of suprabullar cells, supraorbital ethmoid cells, frontal bullar cells, and recessus terminalis was significantly associated with the development of frontal sinusitis by multiple logistic regression models.

Conclusions:

The frequency of frontal recess cells analyzed in Taiwanese adult patients was similar to that analyzed in other Asian adult populations (Chinese and Korean). The frontoethmoid cells posterior and posterolateral to the frontal recess (suprabullar cells, frontal bullar cells, and supraorbital ethmoid cells) might reveal a more significant association with the development of frontal sinusitis than those anterior to the frontal recess (agger nasi cells, frontal cell types 1–3). The presence of supraorbital ethmoid cells on computed tomographic images might indicate the highest odds of frontal sinusitis, followed by the presence of suprabullar cells, frontal bullar cells, and recessus terminalis. Laryngoscope, 2010
Sonic rhinoplasty: sculpting the nasal dorsum with the ultrasonic bone aspirator
Authors: Pribitkin Edmund A. , Lavasani Leela S. , Shindle Carol , Greywoode Jewel D.
Published: May 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Rhinoplasty often requires precise, graded bone removal without damage to surrounding nasal soft tissue and mucosa. Unfortunately, current techniques are associated with decreased visualization, heat generation, mechanical chatter, and lack of surgical precision with resultant soft tissue injury. We introduce a novel technique to sculpt the nasal dorsum in a precise fashion with the ultrasonic bone aspirator and delineate its advantages over conventional techniques.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

The SONOPET ultrasonic bone aspirator (Mutoh Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) utilizes ultrasonic waves to emulsify bone with concurrent irrigation and suction, enabling precise, graded bone removal under direct visualization without thermal or mechanical injury to the surrounding soft tissue or mucosa. We describe the application of this technology to dorsal hump reduction with early follow‐up to 9 months. Successful reduction was determined by the senior author at postoperative follow‐up appointments.

Results:

Sixty patients underwent open rhinoplasty requiring dorsal reduction with the ultrasonic bone aspirator. No individuals experienced delayed healing, infection, scarring, or major complications. Five of 60 patients had minor post surgical irregularities, which included visible nasal dorsum deformity, palpable nasal deformity, under‐resection of the dorsum, and asymmetry of the nasal dorsum. No postoperative open sky deformities, inverted “V” deformities, over‐resected dorsums, or skin injuries were observed.

Conclusions:

Ultrasonic bone aspiration permits safe, precise, graded bone removal without damaging surrounding nasal soft tissue and mucosa. We introduce novel applications of the ultrasonic bone aspirator in dorsal reduction that provide significant advantages over conventional techniques. Laryngoscope, 2010
Effect of land‐use on soil nutrients and microbial biomass of an alpine region on the northeastern Tibetan plateau, China
Authors: Chen D. D. , Zhang S. H. , Dong S. K. , Wang X. T. , Du G. Z.
Published: May 2010

Land‐use patterns affect the quantity and quality of soil nutrients as well as microbial biomass and respiration in soil. However, few studies have been done to assess the influence of land‐use on soil and microbial characteristics of the alpine region on the northeastern Tibetan plateau. In order to understand the effect of land‐use management, we examined the chemical properties and microbial biomass of soils under three land‐use types including natural grassland, crop‐field (50 + y of biennial cropping and fallow) and abandoned old‐field (10 y) in the area. The results showed that the losses of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were about 45 and 43 per cent, respectively, due to cultivation for more than 50 y comparing with natural grassland. Because of the abandonment of cultivation for about a decade, SOC and TN were increased by 27 and 23 per cent, respectively, in comparison with the crop field. Microbial carbon (ranging from 357·5 to 761·6 mg kg−1 soil) in the old‐field was intermediate between the crop field and grassland. Microbial nitrogen (ranging from 29·9 to 106·7 mg kg−1 soil) and respiration (ranging from 60·4 to 96·4 mg CO2‐C g−1 Cmic d−1) were not significantly lower in the old‐field than those in the grassland. Thus it could be concluded that cultivation decreased the organic matter and microbial biomass in soils, while the adoption of abandonment has achieved some targets of grassland restoration in the alpine region of Gansu Province on the northeastern Tibetan plateau. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges in communicating and using ensembles in operational flood forecasting
Authors: Demeritt David , Nobert Sébastien , Cloke Hannah , Pappenberger Florian
Published: May 2010

Following trends in operational weather forecasting, where ensemble prediction systems (EPS) are now increasingly the norm, flood forecasters are beginning to experiment with using similar ensemble methods. Most of the effort to date has focused on the substantial technical challenges of developing coupled rainfall‐runoff systems to represent the full cascade of uncertainties involved in predicting future flooding. As a consequence much less attention has been given to the communication and eventual use of EPS flood forecasts. Drawing on interviews and other research with operational flood forecasters from across Europe, this paper highlights a number of challenges to communicating and using ensemble flood forecasts operationally. It is shown that operational flood forecasters understand the skill, operational limitations, and informational value of EPS products in a variety of different and sometimes contradictory ways. Despite the efforts of forecasting agencies to design effective ways to communicate EPS forecasts to non‐experts, operational flood forecasters were often skeptical about the ability of forecast recipients to understand or use them appropriately. It is argued that better training and closer contacts between operational flood forecasters and EPS system designers can help ensure the uncertainty represented by EPS forecasts is represented in ways that are most appropriate and meaningful for their intended consumers, but some fundamental political and institutional challenges to using ensembles, such as differing attitudes to false alarms and to responsibility for management of blame in the event of poor or mistaken forecasts are also highlighted. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Reducing ATRP Catalyst Concentration in Batch, Semibatch and Continuous Reactors
Authors: Chan Nicky , Cunningham Michael F. , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: May 2010

An overview of solution ATRPs carried out in batch, semibatch and continuous tubular and stirred‐tank reactor systems is presented. Initial work using a heterogeneous catalyst system with copper to polymer chain ratios of close to unity demonstrated the versatility of ATRP in producing homopolymer and copolymer at reasonable rates with good MW control and narrow polydispersity. The significant drawbacks of low catalyst solubility and high copper levels are now being addressed through use of the ARGET ATRP chemistry. Nearly colorless acrylate and methacrylate polymers have been produced with copper catalyst levels below 50 ppm (relative to monomer), with excellent control of MW obtained both in batch and continuous systems.

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Imaging iron‐loaded mouse glioma tumors with bSSFP at 3 T
Authors: Bernas Lisa M. , Foster Paula J. , Rutt Brian K.
Published: May 2010

The poor prognosis for patients with high‐grade glioma is partly due to the invasion of tumor cells into surrounding brain tissue. The goal of the present work was to develop a mouse model of glioma that included the potential to track cell invasion using MRI by labeling GL261 cells with iron oxide contrast agents prior to intracranial injection. Two types of agents were compared with several labeling schemes to balance between labeling with sufficient iron to curb the dilution effect of cell division while avoiding overwhelming signal loss that could prevent adequate visualization of tumor boundaries. The balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) pulse sequence was evaluated for its suitability for imaging glioma tumors and compared to T2‐weighted two‐dimensional fast spin echo (FSE) and T1‐weighted spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) at 3 T in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio and contrast‐to‐noise ratio efficiencies. Ultimately, a three‐dimensional bSSFP protocol consisting of a set of two images with complementary contrasts was developed, allowing excellent tumor visualization with minimal iron contrast when using pulse repetition time = 6 ms and α = 40°, and extremely high sensitivity to iron when using pulse repetition time = 22 ms and α = 20°. Quantitative histologic analysis validated that the strong signal loss seen in balanced steady state free precession pulse sequence images of iron‐loaded tumors correlated well with the presence of iron. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triple repetition time saturation transfer (TRiST) 31P spectroscopy for measuring human creatine kinase reaction kinetics
Authors: Schär Michael , El‐Sharkawy AbdEl‐Monem M. , Weiss Robert G. , Bottomley Paul A.
Published: May 2010

Human cardiac phosphorus MR saturation transfer experiments to quantify creatine kinase forward rate constants (kf) have previously been performed at 1.5 T. Such experiments could benefit from increased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution at 3 T. At 1.5 T, the four‐angle saturation transfer method was applied with low‐angle adiabatic pulses and surface coils. However, low‐angle adiabatic pulses are potentially problematic above 1.5 T due to bandwidth limitations, power requirements, power deposition, and intrapulse spin‐spin relaxation. For localized metabolite spin‐lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements, a dual repetition time approach with adiabatic half‐passage pulses was recently introduced to solve these problems at 3 T. Because the saturation transfer experiment requires a T1 measurement performed while one reacting moiety is saturated, we adapt the dual repetition time approach to measure kf using a triple repetition time saturation transfer (TRiST) method. A new pulsed saturation scheme with reduced sensitivity to static magnetic field inhomogeneity and compatibility with cardiac triggering is also presented. TRiST measurements of kf are validated in human calf muscle against conventional saturation transfer and found to agree within 3%. The first 3‐T TRiST measurements of creatine kinase kf in the human calf (n = 6), chest muscle, and heart (n = 8) are 0.26 ± 0.04 s−1, 0.23 ± 0.03 s−1, and 0.32 ± 0.07 s−1, respectively, consistent with prior 1.5 T values. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved 3‐Tesla cardiac cine imaging using wideband
Authors: Lee Hsu‐Lei , Shankaranarayanan Ajit , Pohost Gerald M. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: May 2010

Cine balanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) is the most widely used sequence for assessing cardiac ventricular function at 1.5 T because it provides high signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency and strong contrast between myocardium and blood. At 3 T, the use of SSFP is limited by susceptibility‐induced off‐resonance, resulting in either banding artifacts or the need to use a short‐sequence pulse repetition time that limits the readout duration and hence the achievable spatial resolution. In this work, we apply wideband SSFP, a variant of SSFP that uses two alternating pulse repetition times to establish a steady state with wider band spacing in its frequency response and overcome the key limitations of SSFP. Prospectively gated cine two‐dimensional imaging with wideband SSFP is evaluated in healthy volunteers and compared to conventional balanced SSFP, using quantitative metrics and qualitative interpretation by experienced clinicians. We demonstrate that by trading off temporal resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency, wideband SSFP mitigates banding artifacts and enables imaging with approximately 30% higher spatial resolution compared to conventional SSFP with the same effective band spacing. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular imaging of angiogenic therapy in peripheral vascular disease with ανβ3‐integrin‐targeted nanoparticles
Authors: Winter Patrick M. , Caruthers Shelton D. , Allen John S. , Cai Kejia , Williams Todd A. , Lanza Gregory M. , Wickline Samuel A.
Published: May 2010

Noninvasive molecular imaging of angiogenesis could play a critical role in the clinical management of peripheral vascular disease patients. The ανβ3‐integrin, a well‐established biomarker of neovascular proliferation, is an ideal target for molecular imaging of angiogenesis. This study investigates whether MR molecular imaging with ανβ3‐integrin‐targeted perfluorocarbon nanoparticles can detect the neovascular response to angiogenic therapy. Hypercholesterolemic rabbits underwent femoral artery ligation followed by no treatment or angiogenic therapy with dietary L‐arginine. MR molecular imaging performed 10 days after vessel ligation revealed increased signal enhancement in L‐arginine‐treated animals compared to controls. Furthermore, specifically targeted nanoparticles produced two times higher MRI signal enhancement compared to nontargeted particles, demonstrating improved identification of angiogenic vasculature with biomarker targeting. X‐ray angiography performed 40 days postligation revealed that L‐arginine treatment increased the development of collateral vessels. Histologic staining of muscle capillaries revealed a denser pattern of microvasculature in L‐arginine‐treated animals, confirming the MR and X‐ray imaging results. The clinical application of noninvasive molecular imaging of angiogenesis could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of therapeutic response in peripheral vascular disease patients, enabling individualized optimization for a variety of treatment strategies. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of 1H NMR signal in human cortical bone for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Horch R. Adam , Nyman Jeffry S. , Gochberg Daniel F. , Dortch Richard D. , Does Mark D.
Published: May 2010

Recent advancements in MRI have enabled clinical imaging of human cortical bone, providing a potentially powerful new means for assessing bone health with molecular‐scale sensitivities unavailable to conventional X‐ray‐based diagnostics. In human cortical bone, MRI is sensitive to populations of protons (1H) partitioned among water and protein sources, which may be differentiated according to intrinsic NMR properties such as chemical shift and transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates. Herein, these NMR properties were assessed in human cortical bone donors from a broad age range, and four distinct 1H populations were consistently identified and attributed to five microanatomical sources. These findings show that modern human cortical bone MRI contrast will be dominated by collagen‐bound water, which can also be exploited to study human cortical bone collagen via magnetization transfer. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compartment‐specific enhancement of white matter and nerve ex vivo using chromium
Authors: Dortch Richard D. , Apker Greg A. , Valentine William M. , Lai Barry , Does Mark D.
Published: May 2010

Chromium—Cr(VI) in the form of potassium dichromate—has been shown to specifically enhance white matter signal. The proposed mechanism for this enhancement is reduction of diamagnetic Cr(VI) to paramagnetic chromium species by oxidizable myelin lipids. The purpose of the study herein was to better understand the microanatomical basis of this enhancement (i.e., the relative enhancement of myelin, intra‐axonal, and extra‐axonal water). Toward this end, integrated T1‐T2 measurements were performed in potassium dichromate loaded (hereafter referred to as chromated) rat brains, rat optic nerve samples, and frog sciatic nerve samples ex vivo. In control optic nerve and white matter, two T1‐T2 components were resolved, representing myelin and nonmyelin water (intra‐ and extra‐axonal water). Following chromation, three T1‐T2 components were resolved in these same tissues. Results from similar measurements in sciatic nerve—all three components are resolvable in control and chromated samples—and quantitative histologic analysis suggest that this additional T1‐T2 component is due to a splitting of the nonmyelin water component into intra‐ and extra‐axonal water components. This compartment‐specific enhancement may provide unique contrast for MR histology, as well as allow one to probe the compartmental basis of various contrast mechanisms in neural tissue. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing adiabatic radio frequency pulses using the Shinnar–Le Roux algorithm
Authors: Balchandani Priti , Pauly John , Spielman Daniel
Published: May 2010

Adiabatic pulses are a special class of radio frequency (RF) pulses that may be used to achieve uniform flip angles in the presence of a nonuniform B1 field. In this work, we present a new, systematic method for designing high‐bandwidth (BW), low‐peak‐amplitude adiabatic RF pulses that utilizes the Shinnar–Le Roux (SLR) algorithm for pulse design. Currently, the SLR algorithm is extensively employed to design nonadiabatic pulses for use in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. We have adapted the SLR algorithm to create RF pulses that also satisfy the adiabatic condition. By overlaying sufficient quadratic phase across the spectral profile before the inverse SLR transform, we generate RF pulses that exhibit the required spectral characteristics and adiabatic behavior. Application of quadratic phase also distributes the RF energy more uniformly, making it possible to obtain the same spectral BW with lower RF peak amplitude. The method enables the pulse designer to specify spectral profile parameters and the degree of quadratic phase before pulse generation. Simulations and phantom experiments demonstrate that RF pulses designed using this new method behave adiabatically. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.