bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal functional connectivity changes between resting and attentive states
Authors: Bray Signe , Arnold Aiden E.G.F. , Levy Richard M. , Iaria Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

Remote brain regions show correlated spontaneous activity at rest within well described intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs). Meta‐analytic coactivation studies have uncovered networks similar to resting ICNs, suggesting that in task states connectivity modulations may occur principally within ICNs. However, it has also been suggested that specific “hub” regions dynamically link networks under different task conditions. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging at rest and a continuous visual attention task in 16 participants to investigate whether a shift from rest to attention was reflected by within‐network connectivity modulation, or changes in network topography. Our analyses revealed evidence for both modulation of connectivity within the default‐mode (DMN) and dorsal attention networks (DAN) between conditions, and identified a set of regions including the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and posterior middle frontal gyrus (MFG) that switched between the DMN and DAN depending on the task. We further investigated the temporal nonstationarity of flexible (TPJ and MFG) regions during both attention and rest. This showed that moment‐to‐moment differences in connectivity at rest mirrored the variation in connectivity between tasks. Task‐dependent changes in functional connectivity of flexible regions may, therefore, be understood as shifts in the proportion of time specific connections are engaged, rather than a switch between networks per se. This ability of specific regions to dynamically link ICNs under different task conditions may play an important role in behavioral flexibility. Hum Brain Mapp 36:549–565, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individual peak gamma frequency predicts switch rate in perceptual rivalry
Authors: Fesi Jeremy D. , Mendola Janine D.
Published: October 2014

Perceptual rivalry—the experience of alternation between two mutually exclusive interpretations of an ambiguous image—provides powerful opportunities to study conscious awareness. It is known that individual subjects experience perceptual alternations for various types of bistable stimuli at distinct rates, and this a stable, heritable trait. Also stable and heritable is the peak frequency of induced gamma‐band (30–100 Hz) oscillation of a population‐level response in occipital cortex to simple visual patterns, which has been established as a neural correlate of conscious processing. Interestingly, models for rivalry alternation rate and for the frequency of population‐level oscillation have both cited inhibitory connections in cortex as crucial determinants of individual differences, and yet the relationship between these two variables has not yet been investigated. Here, we used magnetoencephalography to compare differences in alternation rate for binocular and monocular types of perceptual rivalry to differences in evoked and induced gamma‐band frequency of neuromagnetic brain responses to simple nonrivalrous grating stimuli. For both types of bistable images, alternation rate was inversely correlated with the peak frequency of late evoked gamma activity in primary visual cortex (200–400 ms latency). Our results advance models of inhibition that account for subtle variation in normal visual cortex, and shed light on how small differences in anatomy and physiology relate to individual cognition and performance. Hum Brain Mapp 36:566–576, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EPHB4 tyrosine‐kinase receptor expression and biological significance in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Becerikli M. , Merwart B. , Lam M.C. , Suppelna P. , Rittig A. , Mirmohammedsadegh A. , Stricker I. , Theiss C. , Singer B.B. , Jacobsen F. , Steinstraesser L.
Published: October 2014

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are heterogeneous malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. Due to low incidence and high number of different histological subtypes, their pathogenesis and thus potential targets for their therapy remain barely investigated. Several studies revealed significant higher EPHB4 expression in malignancies such as prostate and colorectal cancer showing survival advantages for these tumor cells. Therefore we studied the expression of EPHB4 in a total of 46 clinical human specimens of different STS and human fibroblasts. EPHB4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in synovial sarcoma. After targeting EPHB4 in fibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma and MFH sarcoma cell lines by siRNA or by inhibition of autophosphorylation using the specific EPHB4 kinase inhibitor NVP‐BHG712 a decreased proliferation rate/vitality of synovial‐ and fibrosarcoma cells was observed. Silencing of EPHB4 significantly reduced the transmigration of synovial sarcoma cells towards fibroblasts and endothelial cells. In addition, we assessed the anti‐metastatic effect of EPHB4 inhibition in vivo by intraperitoneal administration of the EPHB4 inhibitor in an appropriate sarcoma lung metastasis xenograft model. As result 43% of NVP‐BHG712 treated mice (n = 3/7) developed pulmonary metastases whereas all control mice (n = 5) revealed lung metastases. The residual 57% of mice (n = 4/7) showed only small local tumor cell spots. Size measurements of the Vimentin positive area explained significant decrease in lung metastasis formation (p < 0.05) after EPHB4 kinase inhibition. In summary, these data provide first evidence of the importance of EPHB4 in the tumorigenesis of synovial sarcoma and present EPHB4 as a potential target in the therapy of this malignancy.
Dynamic classification using case‐specific training cohorts outperforms static gene expression signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Győrffy Balázs , Karn Thomas , Sztupinszki Zsófia , Weltz Boglárka , Müller Volkmar , Pusztai Lajos
Published: October 2014

The molecular diversity of breast cancer makes it impossible to identify prognostic markers that are applicable to all breast cancers. To overcome limitations of previous multigene prognostic classifiers, we propose a new dynamic predictor: instead of using a single universal training cohort and an identical list of informative genes to predict the prognosis of new cases, a case‐specific predictor is developed for each test case. Gene expression data from 3,534 breast cancers with clinical annotation including relapse‐free survival is analyzed. For each test case, we select a case‐specific training subset including only molecularly similar cases and a case‐specific predictor is generated. This method yields different training sets and different predictors for each new patient. The model performance was assessed in leave‐one‐out validation and also in 325 independent cases. Prognostic discrimination was high for all cases (n = 3,534, HR = 3.68, p = 1.67 E−56). The dynamic predictor showed higher overall accuracy (0.68) than genomic surrogates for Oncotype DX (0.64), Genomic Grade Index (0.61) or MammaPrint (0.47). The dynamic predictor was also effective in triple‐negative cancers (n = 427, HR = 3.08, p = 0.0093) where the above classifiers all failed. Validation in independent patients yielded similar classification power (HR = 3.57). The dynamic classifier is available online at http://www.recurrenceonline.com/?q=Re_training. In summary, we developed a new method to make personalized prognostic prediction using case‐specific training cohorts. The dynamic predictors outperform static models developed from single historical training cohorts and they also predict well in triple‐negative cancers.
Tpl2 induces castration resistant prostate cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Cho Hyun Jung , Lee Se Jeong , Song Hye Jin , Cho Hee Jin , Park Min Chul , Seol Ho Jun , Lee Jung‐Il , Kim Sunghoon , Lee Hyun Moo , Choi Han Yong , Nam Do‐Hyun , Joo Kyeung Min
Published: October 2014

Progression to metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the major lethal pathway of prostate cancer (PC). Herein, we demonstrated that tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2) kinase is the fundamental molecule provoking progression and metastasis of CRPC. Tpl2 upregulates CXCR4 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to activate CXCL12/CXCR4 and FAK/Akt signalling pathway. Consequently, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness of androgen depletion independent (ADI) PC cells are induced, which is dependent on the kinase activity of Tpl2. In vitro, proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of ADI PC cells were enhanced by Tpl2. In vivo, Tpl2 overexpression and downregulation showed significant stimulatory and inhibitory effects on tumorigenic and metastatic potential of ADI PC cells, respectively. Moreover, the prognostic effects of Tpl2 and expressional correlation between Tpl2 and EMT‐related molecules/CXCR4 were validated in clinical PC databases. Since Tpl2 exerts metastatic progression promoting activities in CRPC, Tpl2 could serve as a novel therapeutic target for metastatic CRPC.
Exploring the Relationship Between Social Interest, Social Bonding, and Collegiate Substance Abuse
Authors: Giordano Amanda L. , Cashwell Craig S.
Published: October 2014

Substance abuse continues to be prevalent on college campuses. This study explored the relationships between social interest, social bonding, and hazardous drinking and marijuana use among college students. Results indicate that the social bonding elements of religious commitment, respect for authority, and acceptance of conventional beliefs, along with social interest, significantly differ between groups of students engaged in hazardous drinking and marijuana use.
Emotions and White Racial Identity Status Attitudes
Authors: Siegel Matthew P. , Carter Robert T.
Published: October 2014

Relationships between emotional states and White racial identity status attitudes (Helms, , 1990) were tested on a sample of 286 White students. The stimulus was a vignette in which one condition involved explicit racial information and one did not. Participants rated baseline and posttest emotions and completed the White Racial Identity Attitude Scale (Helms & Carter, ). In the race condition, levels of posttest fear decreased as levels of autonomy status attitudes increased.

Se realizó un test sobre las relaciones entre los estados emocionales y las actitudes de estado de identidad racial blanca (Helms, , 1990) en una muestra de 286 estudiantes blancos. El estímulo fue una viñeta en la cual una de las condiciones incluía información racial explícita y otra no. Los participantes evaluaron las emociones de referencia y con posterioridad al test, y completaron la Escala de Actitudes de Identidad Racial Blanca (Helms & Carter, ). En la condición de raza explícita, los niveles de miedo con posterioridad al test disminuyeron, mientras que los niveles de actitudes de estado de autonomía aumentaron.
Oligosaccharides composition in eight food legumes species as detected by high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Fan Pei‐Hong , Zang Mei‐Tong , Xing Jie
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

As probiotics, soy oligosaccharides have become popular as healthy foods to reduce disease risk. However, comprehensive information about oligosaccharides in different food legumes is limited.

RESULTS

In this study, eight oligosaccharides were well detected and quantified in different varieties of eight legume species using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. It was determined that species could be distinguished by total content of oligosaccharides and their distribution modes. Among the studied species, Vigna unguiculata is a better resource of non‐digestible oligosaccharides, while Vicia faba and black soybean (Glycine max) are at a disadvantage. Normally, stachyose predominates in non‐digestible oligosaccharides, except in mung bean and broad bean, where verbascose predominates. For mung bean and green soybean, the seed coat should be taken into account for oligosaccharide consumption. The developed high‐resolution mass spectrometry method greatly simplified the sample preparation process and permitted the identification of oligosaccharides without reference compounds.

CONCLUSION

This work involved extensive sample collecting and provided useful information for consumers. The developed method may be useful for rapid quantification of oligosaccharides in related foods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of activation treatment with nickel acetate on the zinc phosphate coating formation and corrosion resistance
Authors: Abdalla K. , Rahmat A. , Azizan A.
Published: October 2014

Zinc phosphating is a chemical conversion process that has been widely used in industry for corrosion protection and primer for painting. In this investigation, the effect of activation treatment with nickel acetate on the microstructural evolution and corrosion resistance of the zinc phosphate coating on mild steel was studied. The chemical composition and morphology of the coatings were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated using polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an aerated 3.5% NaCl solution. Surface morphology observations revealed that the activation treatment increased the population density and refined the grain size of the coating. The electrochemical results showed better barrier protection characteristics and corrosion resistance for activated phosphate coatings compared with inactivated coatings.
Zbed3 contributes to malignant phenotype of lung cancer via regulating β‐catenin and P120‐catenin 1
Authors: Fan Chuifeng , Jiang Guiyang , Zhang Xiupeng , Miao Yuan , Lin Xuyong , Luan Lan , Xu Zhonghai , Zhang Yijun , Zhao Huanyu , Liu Di , Wang Enhua
Published: September 2014

Our previous studies indicate that abnormal expression of several Wnt signaling molecules including Axin, Dvl and β‐catenin are involved in proliferation, invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. Zbed3 was found to inhibit function of Axin‐GSK3β complex and thus lead to accumulation of β‐catenin in NIH3T3 and HEK293T cells. However its function in malignant tumors is largely unknown. Here we investigate the clinico‐pathological significance of Zbed3 expression and its function in non‐small cell lung cancer. We use immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to examine Zbed3 expression in non‐small cell lung cancer and lung tissues. Transfection of siRNA and plasmid was used to study the function of Zbed3 in lung cancer cells in vitro. We found Zbed3 expression was elevated in cancer tissues compared to normal lung tissues. Increased Zbed3 expression is significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stages, higher Ki67 status and patients' poor clinical outcome. Higher Zbed3 expression was also found in lung cancer cell lines compared to bronchial epithelial cell line HBE. Downregulation of Zbed3 by siRNA significantly inhibits cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Downregulation of Zbed3 also significantly inhibits expression of β‐catenin, downstream molecules of Wnt signaling and P120ctn‐1 in lung cancer cells. These results suggest that Zbed3 may contribute to lung cancer cell invasion through regulating β‐catenin and p120ctn‐1 and may be a promissing cancer marker in non‐small cell lung cancer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD147 and MCT1‐potential partners in bladder cancer aggressiveness and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Afonso Julieta , Santos Lúcio L. , Miranda‐Gonçalves Vera , Morais António , Amaro Teresina , Longatto‐Filho Adhemar , Baltazar Fátima
Published: September 2014

The relapsing and progressive nature of bladder tumors, and the heterogeneity in the response to cisplatin‐containing regimens, are the major concerns in the care of urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) patients. The metabolic adaptations that alter the tumor microenvironment and thus contribute to chemoresistance have been poorly explored in UBC setting. We found significant associations between the immunoexpressions of the microenvironment‐related molecules CD147, monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) 1 and 4, CD44 and CAIX in tumor tissue sections from 114 UBC patients. The presence of MCT1 and/or MCT4 expressions was significantly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological parameters. The incidence of CD147 positive staining significantly increased with advancing stage, grade and type of lesion, and occurrence of lymphovascular invasion. Similar associations were observed when considering the concurrent expression of CD147 and MCT1. This expression profile lowered significantly the 5‐year disease‐free and overall survival rates. Moreover, when selecting patients who received platinum‐based chemotherapy, the prognosis was significantly worse for those with MCT1 and CD147 positive tumors. CD147 specific silencing by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in UBC cells was accompanied by a decrease in MCT1 and MCT4 expressions and, importantly, an increase in chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Our results provide novel insights for the involvement of CD147 and MCTs in bladder cancer progression and resistance to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. We consider that the possible cooperative role of CD147 and MCT1 in determining cisplatin resistance should be further explored as a potential theranostics biomarker. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 facilitates hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades
Authors: Zhang Rui , Cao Yanhua , Bai Lan , Zhu Chengliang , Li Rui , He Hui , Liu Yingle , Wu Kailang , Liu Fang , Wu Jianguo
Published: September 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of acute and chronic liver diseases, fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC accounts for more than 85% of primary liver cancers and is the seventh most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. However, the mechanism by which HBV induces HCC is largely unknown. Collagen triple helixes repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is a secreted protein and has characteristics of a circulating hormone with potentially broad implications for cell metabolism and physiology. CTHRC1 is associated with human cancers, but its effect on HCC is unknown. Here, we revealed that CTHRC1 expression is highly correlated with HCC progression in HBV‐infected patients, and demonstrated that HBV stimulates CTHRC1 expression by activating nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (ERK/c‐JNK) pathway. In addition, CTHRC1 activates hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through regulating phosphoinosmde‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI‐3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. More interestingly, CTHRC1 enhances colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells by regulating p53 and stimulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression. In addition, knock‐down of CTHRC1 results in the repression of HBV‐associated carcinogenesis in nude mice. Thus, we revealed a novel mechanism by which HBV facilitates HCC development through activating the oncoprotein CTHRC1, which in turn enhances HBV‐related HCC progression by stimulates colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells through regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Central pharmacokinetics of levodopa: Lessons from imaging studies
Authors: Stoessl A. Jon
Published: October 2014

Functional imaging may be particularly helpful for the assessment of levodopa (l‐dopa) response and long‐term complications of therapy in Parkinson's disease. Radiotracer imaging allows the quantitative determination of regional changes in blood flow and glucose metabolism, as well as alterations in brain connectivity and network activation and changes in dopamine receptors, non‐dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems, and to a lesser extent, signaling pathways downstream to dopamine receptors. The focus of the present article, however, is the application of positron emission tomography (PET) to study the central pharmacokinetics of l‐dopa. Radioligands with limited affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor are sensitive to changes in the levels of synaptic dopamine and can accordingly provide helpful insights into the magnitude and time course of dopamine release after l‐dopa. Prolonged fluorodopa PET scans can be used to estimate the rate of dopamine turnover. Studies performed with these techniques have demonstrated increased dopamine turnover and increased but shorter duration release of dopamine after l‐dopa as Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses, increased release of dopamine in patients with l‐dopa–induced dyskinesia, and that aberrant patterns of dopamine release may actually predict the future development of motor fluctuations. Taken together, the studies provide in vivo validation for the hypothesis that pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors plays a critical role in the emergence of long‐term motor complications of therapy. Similar approaches can be used to study the non‐motor complications of PD and its treatment. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Magnetic resonance imaging of ionic currents in solution: The effect of magnetohydrodynamic flow
Authors: Balasubramanian Mukund , Mulkern Robert V. , Wells William M. , Sundaram Padmavathi , Orbach Darren B.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Reliably detecting MRI signals in the brain that are more tightly coupled to neural activity than blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent fMRI signals could not only prove valuable for basic scientific research but could also enhance clinical applications such as epilepsy presurgical mapping. This endeavor will likely benefit from an improved understanding of the behavior of ionic currents, the mediators of neural activity, in the presence of the strong magnetic fields that are typical of modern‐day MRI scanners.

Theory

Of the various mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the behavior of ionic volume currents in a magnetic field, only one—magnetohydrodynamic flow—predicts a slow evolution of signals, on the order of a minute for normal saline in a typical MRI scanner.

Methods

This prediction was tested by scanning a volume‐current phantom containing normal saline with gradient‐echo‐planar imaging at 3 T.

Results

Greater signal changes were observed in the phase of the images than in the magnitude, with the changes evolving on the order of a minute.

Conclusion

These results provide experimental support for the MHD flow hypothesis. Furthermore, MHD‐driven cerebrospinal fluid flow could provide a novel fMRI contrast mechanism. Magn Reson Med 74:1145–1155, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agreement among measurements and estimations of glomerular filtration in children with cancer
Authors: Bernhardt M. Brooke , Moffett Brady S. , Johnson Michael , Tam Vincent H. , Thompson Patrick , Garey Kevin W.
Published: September 2014

Background

Glomerular filtration is an important route of elimination for many types of chemotherapy. Accurate estimation of glomerular filtration at the bedside is essential in the management of children with cancer. Bedside formulae for the estimation of glomerular filtration have not been validated in children with cancer. We investigated the accuracy of three formulae (the original Schwartz, Counahan‐Barratt, and revised Schwartz equations) against measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a cohort of children with cancer.

Procedure

This was a retrospective review of existing data from a single institution. The electronic medical record was queried for subjects meeting inclusion criteria during a 3.5 year time frame. Bland‐Altman analyses were used to assess agreement among current formulae and estimating the GFR compared to the measured, or index GFR. Logistic regression was performed to identify potential variables with an effect on the estimation of GFR.

Results

None of the three estimation formulae provided a reliable estimate of the index GFR. The mean difference was lowest between the revised Schwartz and the index GFR compared to the other two formulae and the index GFR. For the original Schwartz equation, age and prior receipt of chemotherapy were significant predictors of under‐ and overestimation. For the revised Schwartz equation, one age group (6–12 years) and a diagnosis of neuroblastoma actively receiving chemotherapy were positive risk factors for overestimation of the GFR.

Conclusion

Currently available estimation formulae for GFR may not be appropriate for children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:80–84. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene intron 4 VNTR polymorphism in sickle cell disease: Relation to vasculopathy and disease severity
Authors: Tantawy Azza Abdel Gawad , Adly Amira Abdel Moneam , Ismail Eman Abdel Rahman , Aly Shereen Hussiny
Published: September 2014

Background

Impaired NO bioavailability represents the central feature of endothelial dysfunction, and is a common denominator in the pathogenesis of vasculopathy in sickle cell disease (SCD). Evidence indicates the contribution of 4a allele of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene to cardiac and renal diseases. We studied the 27‐base pair tandem repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of eNOS gene in 51 patients with SCD compared with 55 healthy controls and evaluated its role in disease severity and hemolysis‐associated complications.

Procedure

Transfusion history, vaso‐occlusive crisis, thrombotic events, urinary albumin excretion, and echocardiography were assessed. Analysis of eNOS intron 4 gene polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The distribution of eNOS alleles and genotypes was similar between patients with SCD and controls. Compared with bb genotype, the frequency of eNOS4a allele (aa and ab genotypes) was significantly higher in patients with elevated tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) (P = 0.009), nephropathy (P = 0.006), or history of cerebral stroke (P = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis revealed that eNOS4a allele was an independent risk factor for elevated TRV (P < 0.001). Patients with SCD and eNOS4a allele had higher lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin, D‐Dimer, and von Willebrand factor antigen (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We suggest that eNOS intron 4 gene polymorphism is related to endothelial dysfunction and vasculopathy in SCD and could provide utility for prediction of increased susceptibility to vascular complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:389–394. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk for CMV reactivation in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Qayed Muna , Khurana Monica , Hilinski Joseph , Gillespie Scott , McCracken Courtney , Applegate Kristy , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Horan John
Published: September 2014

Tailoring pre‐emptive CMV therapy to hematopoietic cell transplant recipients' risk for reactivation could make this approach more cost‐effective. To determine the feasibility of creating a risk classification system for this purpose, we analyzed 169 pediatric HCTs involving seropositive recipients or donors. Using risk factors derived from multivariable analysis, we stratified patients as having no risk factors, any one, any two, or all three risk factors (age, donor type, and presence of GVHD). The cumulative incidence of reactivation was 4.7%, 10.1%, 21.1%, and 40.9%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). These results demonstrate the feasibility of creating a risk classification schema. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:364–366. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes: A multicenter experience from Argentina
Authors: Basquiera Ana L. , Pizzi Silvia , Correas Agustín González , Longo Pablo G. , Goldman Wanda C. , Prates María V. , Formisano Sandra , Kusminisky Gustavo , Feldman Leonardo , Berretta Adriana R. , García Juan J. , Staciuk Raquel
Published: September 2014

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) represents the only curative treatment for the majority of pediatric patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). We aimed to evaluate overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), non‐relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse incidence in children who underwent AHSCT for MDS in six institutions from Argentina.

Procedure

A retrospective analysis of 54 AHSCT was carried out in 52 patients (mean age: 9 years; range: 2–19; 35 males).

Results

MDS subtypes were refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC) (n: 26, 50%), refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) (n: 9, 18%), RAEB in transformation (RAEB‐T) (n: 8, 15%) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) (n: 9, 17%). At time of transplant, seven (13%) patients transformed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and two patients with RCC to RAEB. Donors were related in 32 cases (59%) and the stem cells source was: bone marrow (63%), peripheral blood (26%), and umbilical cord blood (11%). Five‐year DFS and OS were 50% and 55% respectively; and for patients with JMML, 57% and 67% respectively. Cumulative incidence of NRM and relapse were 27% and 21% respectively. In the multivariate analysis, umbilical cord blood (HR 4.07; P = 0.025) and age ≥ 9 years at transplantation (HR 3.28; P = 0.017) were associated with lower OS; age and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) had a higher NRM.

Conclusions

In our series, more than half of the patients achieved long term OS with AHSCT. Less toxic conditioning regimens or more intensive GVHD prophylaxis could lead to better results in some children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:153–157. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leptomeningeal failure of retinoblastoma
Authors: Orman Amber , Markoe Arnold , Johnstone Peter A.S.
Published: September 2014

Leptomeningeal (LM) failure of retinoblastoma (Rb) has not previously been reported. Upon review of our institutional experience of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for Rb, we found three LM failures. We sought to better define the clinical parameters of this type of recurrence. All children with LM failure had Reese‐Ellsworth stage Vb eyes. Otherwise, no variables were significantly associated with LM failure. We theorize that this phenomenon is a function of the late‐stage eyes for which EBRT is being reserved in the modern era. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:533–535. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Down syndrome
Authors: Goto Hiroaki , Kaneko Takashi , Shioda Yoko , Kajiwara Michiko , Sakashita Kazuo , Kitoh Toshiyuki , Hayakawa Akira , Miki Mizuka , Kato Keisuke , Ogawa Atsushi , Hashii Yoshiko , Inukai Takeshi , Kato Chiaki , Sakamaki Hisashi , Yabe Hiromasa , Suzuki Ritsuro , Kato Koji
Published: September 2014

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one curable option for high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, transplant‐related toxicities might be severe in patients with Down syndrome and ALL (DS‐ALL).

Procedure

HSCTs performed in patients with DS‐ALL were identified in the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation registry.

Results

In the registry data, 11 patients with DS‐ALL were identified. The median age at HSCT was 9 years (range: 6–22 years). Six patients underwent HSCT at non‐remission status. Allogeneic grafts were utilized in all patients, including eight patients who received HSCT from unrelated donors. Reduced intensity conditioning regimens were used in three patients. All patients achieved neutrophil engraftment by a median of day 18 (range: day 11–61). Ten patients experienced grade 3 or more infectious episodes. Six patients experienced complications of the respiratory system. The incidences of II–IV or III–IV acute GVHD were nine (81.8%) or seven patients (63.6%), respectively. Chronic GVHD was observed in five (55.6%) out of nine evaluable patients. Seven patients died at a median of 6 months (range: 0–24 months) after HSCT. Two‐year relapse‐free and overall survival were 33.3% (95% CI: 2.5–64.1%) or 37.5% (95% CI: 5.9–69.1%), respectively. The causes of death were relapse (n = 2), infection (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1), thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 1), and chronic GVHD (n = 1).

Conclusions

Therapy‐related mortality accounted for five out of seven deceased patients in this case series. Attempts to reduce toxicities should be considered in HSCT for patients with DS‐ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:148–152. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of information theory to a three‐body coarse‐grained representation of proteins in the PDB: Insights into the structural and evolutionary roles of residues in protein structure
Authors: Thompson Jared J. , Tabatabaei Ghomi Hamed , Lill Markus A.
Published: October 2014

Knowledge‐based methods for analyzing protein structures, such as statistical potentials, primarily consider the distances between pairs of bodies (atoms or groups of atoms). Considerations of several bodies simultaneously are generally used to characterize bonded structural elements or those in close contact with each other, but historically do not consider atoms that are not in direct contact with each other. In this report, we introduce an information‐theoretic method for detecting and quantifying distance‐dependent through‐space multibody relationships between the sidechains of three residues. The technique introduced is capable of producing convergent and consistent results when applied to a sufficiently large database of randomly chosen, experimentally solved protein structures. The results of our study can be shown to reproduce established physico‐chemical properties of residues as well as more recently discovered properties and interactions. These results offer insight into the numerous roles that residues play in protein structure, as well as relationships between residue function, protein structure, and evolution. The techniques and insights presented in this work should be useful in the future development of novel knowledge‐based tools for the evaluation of protein structure. Proteins 2014; 82:3450–3465. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clumped isotope measurements of small carbonate samples using a high‐efficiency dual‐reservoir technique
Authors: Petersen Sierra V. , Schrag Daniel P.
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

The measurement of multiply substituted isotopologues of CO2 derived from carbonate has allowed the reconstruction of paleotemperatures from a single phase (CaCO3), circumventing uncertainty inherent in other isotopic paleothermometers. Traditional analytical techniques require relatively large amounts of carbonate (3–8 mg per replicate), which limits the applicability of the clumped isotope proxy to certain geological materials such as marine microfossils, commonly used for paleoclimate reconstructions.

METHODS

Clumped isotope ratio measurements of small samples were made on a new, high‐efficiency, dual‐reservoir sample‐preparation inlet system attached to a Thermo‐Finnigan MAT 253 mass spectrometer. Sample gas produced on the inlet is introduced from a 10 mL reservoir directly into the source via a capillary. Reference gas fills an identical 10 mL reservoir installed between the reference bellows and the capillary. The gas pressures in the two reservoirs are initially balanced, and are allowed to decrease together over the run.

RESULTS

Carbonate samples from 1 mg to 2.6 mg produced Δ47 values equivalent to those from the traditional two‐bellows method with identical single‐sample precision (1 SE = 0.005–0.015‰) and external standard error (SE = 0.006–0.015‰, n = 4–6). The size of sample needed to achieve good precision is controlled by the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer and the size of the fixed reservoirs and adjacent U‐trap installed on our inlet.

CONCLUSIONS

The high‐precision clumped isotope measurements of small aliquots of carbonate obtained in this method allows for the application of this proxy to a wider range of geological sample materials, such as marine microfossils, that until now have been nearly impossible to analyze given sample size limitation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Closely Reading Informational Texts in the Primary Grades
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: October 2014

In this article we discuss the differences between close reading in the primary grades and upper elementary grades. We focus on text selection, initial reading. repeated reading, annotation, text‐based discussions, and responding to texts.
Game‐theoretic modeling and analysis of relay selection in cooperative wireless networks
Authors: Baidas Mohammed W. , Bahbahani Mohammed S.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, distributed single relay selection in cooperative wireless networks is modeled as a Chinese restaurant game (CRG). Specifically, the CRG is used to model strategic relay selection decisions of source nodes, taking into account negative network externality due to the potential sharing of relay nodes among source nodes. Two cases are studied as follows: (i) perfect relay transmit power (RTP) knowledge and (ii) imperfect RTP knowledge. Under the first case, a distributed relay selection algorithm is proposed and shown to converge to a Nash equilibrium grouping. Under the second case, a reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed and combined with the distributed relay selection algorithm to allow network nodes to select rate‐maximizing relays. Simulation results verify the efficiency of the proposed distributed relay selection algorithm when compared with other relay selection schemes and demonstrate that it yields a network sum‐rate that is comparable with that of centralized relay selection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
L protease from foot and mouth disease virus confers eIF2‐independent translation for mRNAs bearing picornavirus IRES
Authors: Moral-López Pablo , Alvarez Enrique , Redondo Natalia , Skern Tim , Carrasco Luis
Published: September 2014

The leader protease (Lpro) from foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) has the ability to cleave eIF4G, leading to a blockade of cellular protein synthesis. In contrast to previous reports, our present findings demonstrate that FMDV Lpro is able to increase translation driven by FMDV IRES. Additionally, inactivation of eIF2 subsequent to phosphorylation induced by arsenite or thapsigargin in BHK cells blocks protein synthesis directed by FMDV IRES, whereas in the presence of Lpro, significant translation is found under these conditions. This phenomenon was also observed in cell‐free systems after induction of eIF2 phosphorylation by addition of poly(I:C).
The beach, the bikini, and the best buy: Replies to Dunn and Weidman, and to Schmitt, Brakus, and Zarantonello
Authors: Gilovich Thomas , Kumar Amit , Jampol Lily
Published: September 2014

We reply to commentaries on Gilovich, Kumar & Jampol (2015‐‐in this issue) by Dunn & Weidman (2015‐in this issue) and Schmitt, Brakus and Zarantonello (2015‐in this issue). We argue that the distinction between material and experiential purchases is meaningful and important, that experiences can be bought, and that our comparisons of the two have not been confounded by factors such as significance, importance, purchase price, or subjective appeal. We further discuss the potential limitations of populations from which we have sampled, and differences in consumer satisfaction across different time frames. We conclude by embracing the fact that our program of research has generated many open questions and by welcoming further empirical attempts to understand the psychological processes and hedonic consequences that attend these two types of purchases.
Combination of novel HER2‐targeting antibody 1E11 with trastuzumab shows synergistic antitumor activity in HER2‐positive gastric cancer
Authors: Ko Bong-Kook , Lee Sook-Yeon , Lee Young-Ha , Hwang In-Sik , Persson Helena , Rockberg Johan , Borrebaeck Carl , Park Dongeun , Kim Kyu-Tae , Uhlen Mathias , Lee Jong-Seo
Published: September 2014

The synergistic interaction of two antibodies targeting the same protein could be developed as an effective anti‐cancer therapy. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in 20–25% of breast and gastric cancer patients, and HER2‐targeted antibody therapy using trastuzumab is effective in many of these patients. Nonetheless, improving therapeutic efficacy and patient survival is important, particularly in patients with HER2‐positive gastric cancer. Here, we describe the development of 1E11, a HER2‐targeted humanized monoclonal antibody showing increased efficacy in a highly synergistic manner in combination with trastuzumab in the HER2‐overexpressing gastric cancer cell lines NCI‐N87 and OE‐19. The two antibodies bind to sub‐domain IV of the receptor, but have non‐overlapping epitopes, allowing them to simultaneously bind HER2. Treatment with 1E11 alone induced apoptosis in HER2‐positive cancer cells, and this effect was enhanced by combination treatment with trastuzumab. Combination treatment with 1E11 and trastuzumab reduced the levels of total HER2 protein and those of aberrant HER2 signaling molecules including phosphorylated HER3 and EGFR. The synergistic antitumor activity of 1E11 in combination with trastuzumab indicates that it could be a novel potent therapeutic antibody for the treatment of HER2‐overexpressing gastric cancers.
Steuerungspotenziale des ÖGD – Gesundheitsberichterstattung
Authors: Borrmann Brigitte , Rosenkötter Nicole
Published: September 2014

Einleitung

Routinemäßige Gesundheitsberichterstattung (GBE) eröffnet dem öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst Steuerungspotentiale auf kommunaler Ebene. GBE dient der Bedarfsermittlung im Bereich der Bevölkerungsgesundheit und der Überprüfung von Effekten komplexer Interventionen. Als Steuerungsinstrument ist sie insbesondere dann wirksam, wenn sie mit sektorübergreifender Planung und kommunalen Gesundheitskonferenzen kombiniert wird.
The Private Roots of American Political Development: The Immigrants' Protective League's “Friendly and Sympathetic Touch,” 1908–1924
Authors: Nackenoff Carol
Published: October 2014

This article aims to illuminate how non-state actors participate in forging public institutions and in establishing public agendas. It also sets out to identify novel mechanisms of state building. It does so by examining the historical experience of the Immigrants' Protective League (IPL) from its founding in 1908 through 1924. The history of the IPL highlights the role of organized, networked women in generating new boundary stories and doing boundary work; in conducting research and enhancing legibility; in incubating new policy experiments; and in moving the national, state, and local governments to take up new tasks in the progressive era. Focusing on women's activism in this period, and efforts to link immigrants to categories of the vulnerable, reveals that porous boundaries, hybrid power-sharing arrangements, and public-private collaborations may be more typical in forging new American institutions and public agendas than is generally recognized—and insufficiently captured by a narrative of a weak state borrowing temporary capacity from private actors.
Continuous hydrogenation of glucose with ruthenium on carbon nanotube catalysts
Authors: Aho Atte , Roggan Stefan , Eränen Kari , Salmi Tapio , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: October 2014

Continuous hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol was studied in an experimental set-up with parallel screening multiphase reactors.
Supported Rh-phosphine complex catalysts for continuous gas-phase decarbonylation of aldehydes
Authors: Malcho Phillip , Garcia-Suarez Eduardo J. , Mentzel Uffe Vie , Engelbrekt Christian , Riisager Anders
Published: October 2014

Heterogeneous silica supported rhodium-phosphine complex catalysts are employed for the first time in the catalytic decarbonylation of aldehydes in the continuous gas-phase.
Water-exchange rates of lanthanide ions in an ionic liquid
Authors: Lin Zhijin , Shelby Megan L. , Hayes Dugan , Fransted Kelly A. , Chen Lin X. , Allen Matthew J.
Published: October 2014

The first ligand-exchange rate measurements of lanthanide ions in an ionic liquid are reported here.
A solvent replenishment solution for managing evaporation of biochemical reactions in air-matrix digital microfluidics devices
Authors: Jebrail Mais J. , Renzi Ronald F. , Sinha Anupama , Van De Vreugde Jim , Gondhalekar Carmen , Ambriz Cesar , Meagher Robert J. , Branda Steven S.
Published: October 2014

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a powerful technique for sample preparation and analysis for a broad range of biological and chemical applications.
Organic/inorganic double-layered shells for multiple cytoprotection of individual living cells
Authors: Hong Daewha , Lee Hojae , Ko Eun Hyea , Lee Juno , Cho Hyeoncheol , Park Matthew , Yang Sung Ho , Choi Insung S.
Published: October 2014

S. cerevisiaeencapsulated with a poly(norepinephrine)/silica double-layered shell showed multiple resistance to enzymatic attack, desiccation, and UV-C irradiation. The biochemical response of the encapsulated yeast may also contribute to the UV-C resistance.
Theoretical approach for optical response in electrochemical systems: Application to electrode potential dependence of surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Iida Kenji , Noda Masashi , Nobusada Katsuyuki
Published: October 2014

We propose a theoretical approach for optical response in electrochemical systems. The fundamental equation to be solved is based on a time-dependent density functional theory in real-time and real-space in combination with its finite temperature formula treating an electrode potential. Solvation effects are evaluated by a dielectric continuum theory. The approach allows us to treat optical response in electrochemical systems at the atomistic level of theory. We have applied the method to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 4-mercaptopyridine on an Ag electrode surface. It is shown that the SERS intensity has a peak as a function of the electrode potential. Furthermore, the real-space computational approach facilitates visualization of variation of the SERS intensity depending on an electrode potential.
Phonon coherence in isotopic silicon superlattices
Authors: Frieling R. , Radek M. , Eon S. , Bracht H. , Wolf D. E.
Published: October 2014

Recent experimental and theoretical investigations have confirmed that a reduction in thermal conductivity of silicon is achieved by isotopic silicon superlattices. In the present study, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are performed to identify the isotope doping and isotope layer ordering with minimum thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the impact of isotopic intermixing at the superlattice interfaces on phonon transport is investigated. Our results reveal that the coherence of phonons in isotopic Si superlattices is prevented if interfacial mixing of isotopes is considered.
Tailor-made molecules grow into identical carbon nanotubes
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: October 2014

Organic chemistry and surface science combine to overcome a long-standing materials challenge.
From Beijing to Kigali, ICTP makes itself at home in the developing world
Authors: Matthews Jermey N. A.
Published: October 2014

For 50 years the International Centre for Theoretical Physics has hosted scores of scientists and students at its campus in Trieste, Italy. It now hopes to replicate that model at regional partner institutions.
New telescope in Turkey
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: October 2014

The realization of a homegrown, bottom-up telescope is a source of national pride. The next challenge will be to grow a community to exploit it.