bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reassessing dose constraints of organs at risk in children with abdominal neuroblastoma treated with definitive radiation therapy: A correlation with late toxicity
Authors: Kandula Shravan , Sutter Anna , Prabhu Roshan S. , Jegadeesh Naresh , Esiashvili Natia 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundIn children treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) for abdominal neuroblastoma, normal tissue constraints for organs at risk (OARs) are not well‐standardized or evidence‐based. In this study, we analyze dosimetric data of principal abdominal OARs, reassess existing RT planning constraints, and examine corresponding acute and late toxicity to OARs.ProcedureThe treatment plans of 30 consecutive children who underwent definitive RT for high‐risk abdominal neuroblastoma were reviewed. Dose‐volume histogram (DVH) statistics were recorded for the ipsilateral kidney (if unresected), contralateral kidney, and liver. DVH data were analyzed to determine if OAR constraints from recent protocols were met and correlated with the development of toxicity.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 53.0 months. Ten, thirteen, and ten percent of patients’ RT plans did not meet OAR DVH constraints for the liver, ipsilateral kidney, and contralateral kidney, respectively. Of the three patients whose plans did not achieve ipsilateral kidney DVH constraint(s), two developed evidence of late ipsilateral kidney hypoplasia, but maintained normal laboratory kidney function. No patient experienced late toxicity of the contralateral kidney nor developed RT‐related late hepatic complications.ConclusionsIn children treated for abdominal neuroblastoma, the risk of developing clinically significant RT‐related late toxicity of the kidney and liver is not appreciable, even when current DVH parameters for OARs are not achieved in planning. Toxicity outcomes did not necessarily correlate with present‐day OAR dose constraints. Currently utilized DVH constraints are highly variable, and must be further studied and supported by toxicity outcomes to more accurately characterize risk of complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:970–975. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of a fludarabine and melphalan combination‐based reduced toxicity conditioning with myeloablative conditioning by radiation and/or busulfan in acute myeloid leukemia in Japanese children and adolescents
Authors: Ishida Hiroyuki , Adachi Souichi , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Goto Hiroaki , Inagaki Jiro , Inoue Masami , Koh Katsuyoshi , Yabe Hiromasa , Kawa Keisei , Kato Koji , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kudo Kazuko 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe relative efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) after reduced toxicity conditioning (RTC) compared with standard myeloablative conditioning (MAC) in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not been studied extensively. To address whether RTC is a feasible approach for pediatric patients with AML in remission, we performed a retrospective investigation of the outcomes of the first transplant in patients who had received an allo‐HCT after RTC or standard MAC, using nationwide registration data collected between 2000 and 2011 in Japan.ProcedureWe compared a fludarabine (Flu) and melphalan (Mel)‐based regimen (RTC; n = 34) with total body irradiation (TBI) and/or busulfan (Bu)‐based conditioning (MAC; n = 102) in demographic‐ and disease‐criteria‐matched childhood and adolescent patients with AML in first or second complete remission (CR1/CR2).ResultsThe incidence of engraftment, early complications, grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and chronic GVHD were similar in each conditioning group. The risk of relapse (25% vs. 26%) and non‐relapse mortality (13% vs. 11%) after 3 years did not differ between these groups, and univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the 3‐year overall survival (OS) rates after Flu/Mel‐RTC and MAC were comparable (mean, 72% [range, 51–85%] and 68% [range, 58–77%], respectively).ConclusionsThe results suggest that the Flu/Mel‐RTC regimen is a clinically acceptable conditioning strategy for childhood and adolescent patients with AML in remission. Although this retrospective, registry‐based analysis has several limitations, RTC deserves to be further investigated in prospective trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:883–889. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concise Review: Growing Hearts in the Right Place: On the Design of Biomimetic Materials for Cardiac Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Farouz Yohan , Chen Yong , Terzic André , Menasché Philippe 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTissue engineering aims at recapitulating permissive conditions that enable cells to collaborate and form functional tissues. Applications range from human tissue modeling for diagnostic purposes to therapeutic solutions in regenerative medicine and surgery. Across this spectrum, human stem cells are the active ingredient, expandable virtually indefinitely and with the propensity to generate new tissue. Engaging lineage-specific differentiation requires a precise concerto of key spatial and temporal factors, such as soluble molecules and growth factors, but also physical and mechanical stimuli. These stimuli compete to modulate distinct developmental signaling pathways and ultimately affect the differentiation efficiency. The heart is a chemo-mechano-electrical biological system that behaves as both a sensor and an actuator. It can transduce electrical inputs to generate mechanical contraction and electrical wave propagation. Such a complex organ arises from multipart developmental events that interact with one another to self-regulate. Here, we overview the main events of heart development and the role of mechanical forces in modifying the microenvironment of the progenitor cells. We analyze the cascades regulating cardiac gene activation to illustrate how mechanotransduction is already involved in the most popular protocols for stem cell differentiation (SCD) into cardiomyocytes. We then review how forces are transmitted to embryonic stem cells by cell-substrate or cell-cell communications, and how biomaterials can be designed to mimic these interactions and help reproduce key features of the developmental milieu. Putting this back in a clinical perspective, many challenges needs to be overcome before biomaterials-based SCD protocols can be scaled up and marketed. Stem Cells 2015;33:1021–1035
Brief Report: The Differential Roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Martin Sally K. , Fitter Stephen , Dutta Ankit K. , Matthews Mary P. , Walkley Carl R. , Hall Michael N. , Ruegg Markus A. , Gronthos Stan , Zannettino Andrew C. W. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Adipocytes (AdCs) and osteoblasts (OBs) are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and differentiation toward either lineage is both mutually exclusive and transcriptionally controlled. Recent studies implicate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as important in determining MSC fate, with inhibition of mTOR promoting OB differentiation and suppressing AdC differentiation. mTOR functions within two distinct multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, each of which contains the unique adaptor protein, raptor or rictor, respectively. While compounds used to study mTOR signaling, such as rapamycin and related analogs, primarily inhibit mTORC1, prolonged exposure can also disrupt mTORC2 function, confounding interpretation of inhibitor studies. As a result, the relative contribution of mTORC1 and mTORC2 to MSC fate determination remains unclear. In this study, we generated primary mouse MSCs deficient in either Rptor (RapKO) or Rictor (RicKO) using the Cre/loxP system. Cre-mediated deletion of Rptor or Rictor resulted in impaired mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, respectively. Under lineage-inductive culture conditions, RapKO MSCs displayed a reduced capacity to form lipid-laden AdCs and an increased capacity to form a mineralized matrix. In contrast, RicKO MSCs displayed reduced osteogenic differentiation capacity and enhanced adipogenic differentiation potential. Taken together, our findings reveal distinct roles for mTORC1 and mTORC2 in MSC lineage commitment. Stem Cells 2015;33:1359–1365
Selective Interference Targeting of Lnk in Umbilical Cord-Derived Late Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improves Vascular Repair, Following Hind Limb Ischemic Injury, via Regulation of JAK2/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Kyeung Bin , Lee Jun Hee , Kang Songhwa , Kim Hwi Gon , Asahara Takayuki , Kwon Sang Mo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The Lnk adaptor protein is a strong negative regulator that affects self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and vascular repair in injured tissues. However, the signaling mechanisms through which these proteins influence the vascular regeneration function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of Lnk-targeted small interfering RNA (si-lnk) on the clonogenic proliferative potential and vascular regenerative function of EPCs and the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Treatment with stem cell factor (SCF) increased the clonogenic proliferation of si-lnk EPCs. Importantly, activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was enhanced in SCF-sensitized si-lnk EPCs. In a hind limb model of ischemia, transplantation of si-lnk EPCs increased the blood flow ratio, capillary density, proliferation, and survival of transplanted cells, and the secretion of pivotal angiogenic cytokines at ischemic sites. These results provide strong evidence that si-lnk regulates the clonogenic proliferative potential of EPCs through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby accelerating angiogenesis and promoting repair in injured hind limb ischemia. Stem Cells 2014;33:1490–1500
Biotechnological potential of yeast isolates fromcachaça: the Brazilian spirit
Authors: da Conceição Luís Eduardo Fernandes Rodrigues , Saraiva Margarete Alice Fontes , Diniz Raphael Hermano Santos , Oliveira Juliana , Barbosa Gustavo Dimas , Alvarez Florencia , da Mata Correa Lygia Fátima , Mezadri Hygor , Coutrim Mauricio Xavier , Afonso Robson José de Cássia Franco , Lucas Candida , Castro Ieso Miranda , Brandão Rogelio Lopes 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study identified phenotypic traits appropriate for biotechnological applications of 118 yeasts isolated from cachaça distilleries. Different properties were verified: capacity to use alternative carbon sources; ability to tolerate high concentrations of sucrose, ethanol, methanol, aluminum and zinc as well as different pH values and foam production. Pichia guilliermondii and Pichia anomala strains were identified as the most promising ones for application in the second-generation biofuel industry, showing ability to grow on high glycerol concentrations. Other isolates, identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, produced bioethanol comparable to the industrial strains, and were therefore ideal for use in the first-generation ethanol industry. Some of these strains also showed high resistance to aluminum, as observed in sugarcane juice, and to inter-cycle washings with diluted sulphuric acid, as performed in the industrial bioethanol production process. In summary, yeast isolates from cachaça distilleries displayed robustness and phenotypic plasticity, which makes them interesting for biotechnological applications.
Polyethyleneimine-grafted collagen fiber as a carrier for cell immobilization
Authors: Zhu Deyi , Li Xia , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Collagen fiber (CF), an abundant natural biopolymer, features many favorable properties that make it a potential carrier for cell immobilization. In the present investigation, CF was grafted with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using glutaraldehyde (GA) as the cross-linking agent, resulting in the formation of a novel CF based carrier (CF-PEI). The properties of CF-PEI as a carrier were evaluated by the immobilization of Microbacterium arborescens (CICC 20196), which has glucose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5) activity. It was found that M. arborescens cells immobilized on CF-PEI exhibited higher glucose isomerization than those using activated carbon or anion exchange resin as the carriers. The Michaelis constant (K m) of the isomerization reaction for the CF-PEI-immobilized M. arborescens cells was 0.528 mol/L, which was slightly higher than that of free cells (0.473 mol/L). In addition, the apparent activation energies (E a) of free and immobilized cells on CF-PEI were almost the same at 60 kJ/mol. In an isomerization reaction of glucose to fructose in a fixed-bed reactor, CF-PEI-immobilized M. arborescens cells showed appreciable activity and operational stability. The corresponding isomerization ratio was as high as 41 % for 20 days, and the half-life was about 40 days.
Changes in the composition and diversity of bacterial communities 13 years after soil reclamation of abandoned mine land in eastern China
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Chen Longqian , Wen Hongyu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn recent years, the importance of microbial diversity and function to ecosystem restoration has been recognized. The aim of this work was to investigate the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in response to reclamation of a soil subsidence area affected by mining activities. Soil samples were taken in two seasons (December 2012 and July 2013) from a mining reclamation region at the Liuxin national reclamation demonstration area in China and an adjacent coal‐excavated subsidence region. 454 high‐throughput sequencing technology was used to compare the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in reclaimed soil to that in subsided soil. Predominant phyla in soils were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes, with Proteobacteria making up the majority of the community. Long‐term reclamation was found to have significant influences on bacterial communities, and the bacterial community diversity and composition varied between reclaimed and subsided soil. Seasonal fluctuations also contributed to variation in soil bacterial diversity and community composition, but were minor in comparison to effects of reclamation. Differences observed in bacterial community structure and diversity were related to both fertilizer treatment and vegetation, likely through the effects of soil attributes. Soil organic matter and total nitrogen and available potassium were important factors shaping the microbial communities. The reclaimed soil had higher community diversity of bacteria than subsided soil, which suggests that long‐term applications of organic amendments and vegetation mixed sowing had significant impacts on soil remediation and microbial diversity.
Properties of Ethoxylated Castor Oil Acid Methyl Esters Prepared by Ethoxylation over an Alkaline Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Qian , Sun Yongqiang , Zhi Lifei , Zhang Yong , di Serio Martino 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe synthesis and properties of ethoxylated castor oil acid methyl esters (ECAME) were investigated. Ethylene oxide (EO) can react directly with the ester group and hydroxyl group of castor oil acid methyl esters in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. ECAME with different average EO adduct numbers were synthesized and, through testing the degree of EO addition, it was found that only a few EO moieties (2–4) inserted into the hydroxyl group. In addition, the physicochemical properties of ECAME were studied. ECAME can be used as nonionic surfactants with good properties.
Physicochemical and Oxidative Changes in Sonicated Interesterified Soybean Oil
Authors: Lee J. , Ye Y. , Martini S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effect of power ultrasound on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of an interesterified soybean oil (IESBO) was investigated. IESBO was crystallized at 32 °C and sonicated for 10 s with acoustic power of 101 W. The sonicated IESBO was tested for melting behavior and chemical composition and compared to those of non sonicated IESBO to determine physical and chemical changes originated as a consequence of sonication. Application of power ultrasound affected the melting behavior of the crystallized fat and did not affect its chemical composition. Oxidation stability of the sonicated IESBO was measured using peroxide value (PV) and compared to that of non sonicated IESBO and liquid soybean oil (SBO) when stored at 25 °C for 105 days followed by storage at 40 °C for 42 days. Power ultrasound did not cause accelerated oxidation in SBO or IESBO until they were highly oxidized (PV > 10 mequiv/kg). At high levels of oxidation, non‐sonicated IESBO had significantly higher PV than sonicated IESBO, while non‐sonicated SBO had significantly lower PV than sonicated SBO.
Is co‐ruminating with friends related to health problems in victimized adolescents?
Authors: Guarneri‐White Maria E. , Jensen‐Campbell Lauri A. , Knack Jennifer M. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTCo‐rumination, or the tendency to revisit and endlessly discuss problems and negative events, has been linked to depression and other emotional difficulties (Rose, Carson, & Waller, 2007). The current study examined the moderating effect of co‐rumination on the relationship between peer victimization and depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and health problems in 108 adolescents aged 10–15 years. Adolescents and a parent completed measures of adolescents' peer victimization, co‐rumination, depression, and health problems. Results indicate that adolescents who are both peer victimized and engaged in high levels of co‐rumination were at highest risk for psychological problems. Co‐rumination also moderated the relationship between peer victimization and physical health problems via general depressive symptoms (i.e., moderated mediation).
Prenatal Psychological Distress and Access to Mental Health Care in the ELFE Cohort
Authors: Bales M. , Pambrun E. , Melchior M. , Glangeaud-Freudenthal N.M.-C. , Charles M.-A. , Verdoux H. , Sutter-Dallay A.-L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground:Pregnant women are vulnerable to the deleterious impact of environmental stressors. The aims were to identify the environmental and pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care.Methods:We used data from the French cohort Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance (ELFE), a nationally representative cohort of children followed-up from birth to adulthood. Information about prenatal psychological status and access to mental health care was collected during the maternity stay. Maternal/pregnancy characteristics independently associated with psychological distress and access to mental health care were explored using multivariate analyses.Results:Of the 15,143 mothers included, 12.6% reported prenatal psychological distress. Prenatal distress was more frequent in women with very low economical status, alcohol/tobacco use, unplanned/unwanted pregnancy, late pregnancy declaration, multiparity and complicated pregnancy (high number of prenatal visits, prenatal diagnosis examination, obstetrical complications). Of the women reporting prenatal distress, 25% had a prenatal consultation with a mental health specialist and 11% used psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. Decreased likelihood to consult a mental health specialist was found in young women, with intermediate educational level and born abroad.Limitations:Causal inferences should be made cautiously as the questionnaire did not collect information on the temporal sequence between psychological distress and associated characteristics.Conclusions:Women with social and obstetrical vulnerabilities are at increased risk of poor mental health during pregnancy. Improving mental health care access during pregnancy is a public health priority.
Orthographische Landschaften als Unterstützungssysteme im individualisierenden Rechtschreibunterricht der Grundschule
Authors: Krauß Andrea 
Published: December 2014

Während ihrer Grundschulzeit schreiben viele Kinder mit ausgesprochener Begeisterung freie Texte. Ihre Gedanken, Ideen oder Erlebnisse selbstgesteuert zu Papier zu bringen, ist für Primarschüler ein wichtiges Instrument, um Sprache als kommunikatives Mittel einzusetzen – sich mitzuteilen. Von Seiten des Adressaten erwarten sie eine Antwort, eine Reaktion auf ihre „Botschaft“, die erkennen lässt, dass der Leser sich für ihre Geschichte interessiert.Solange der Fokus bei dieser Betrachtung auf inhaltlicher Ebene liegt, sind hier der Kreativität der Kinder und dem Interesse der Leser keine Grenze gesetzt. Werden aber sprachliche Kompetenzen und orthographische Korrektheit in den Mittelpunkt gestellt, scheint sich ein unüberbrückbarer Konflikt zu ergeben.Während ihrer Grundschulzeit schreiben viele Kinder mit ausgesprochener Begeisterung freie Texte. Ihre Gedanken, Ideen oder Erlebnisse selbstgesteuert zu Papier zu bringen, ist für Primarschüler ein wichtiges Instrument, um Sprache als kommunikatives Mittel einzusetzen – sich mitzuteilen. Von Seiten des Adressaten erwarten sie eine Antwort, eine Reaktion auf ihre „Botschaft“, die erkennen lässt, dass der Leser sich für ihre Geschichte interessiert.
Conserved proline-directed phosphorylation regulates SR protein conformation and splicing function
Authors: Keshwani Malik M. , Aubol Brandon E. , Fattet Laurent , Ma Chen-Ting , Qiu Jinsong , Jennings Patricia A. , Fu Xiang-Dong , Adams Joseph A. 
Published: December 2014

The alternative splicing of human genes is dependent on SR proteins, a family of essential splicing factors whose name derives from a signature C-terminal domain rich in arginine–serine dipeptide repeats (RS domains). Although the SRPKs (SR-specific protein kinases) phosphorylate these repeats, RS domains also contain prolines with flanking serines that are phosphorylated by a second family of protein kinases known as the CLKs (Cdc2-like kinases). The role of specific serine–proline phosphorylation within the RS domain has been difficult to assign since CLKs also phosphorylate arginine–serine dipeptides and, thus, display overlapping residue specificities with the SRPKs. In the present study, we address the effects of discrete serine–proline phosphorylation on the conformation and cellular function of the SR protein SRSF1 (SR protein splicing factor 1). Using chemical tagging and dephosphorylation experiments, we show that modification of serine–proline dipeptides broadly amplifies the conformational ensemble of SRSF1. The induction of these new structural forms triggers SRSF1 mobilization in the nucleus and alters its binding mechanism to an exonic splicing enhancer in precursor mRNA. These physical events correlate with changes in the alternative splicing of over 100 human genes based on a global splicing assay. Overall, these studies draw a direct causal relationship between a specific type of chemical modification in an SR protein and the regulation of alternative gene splicing programmes.
Tuber development.
Authors: Kloosterman B. , Bachem C. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

During their life cycle, potato plants develop tuberous organs from underground stems called stolons, which allow the rapid development of daughter plants from sprouts at the beginning of the new growing season. The formation and growth of a potato tuber is a complex process that can be divided into separate physiological events. In recent years, several scientific breakthroughs in the signalling pathway of tuberization have revealed novel tuber identity genes and regulatory pathways. Different signalling pathways leading to tuber initiation either act independently or intersect, but all seem to be, at least in part, under the control of the circadian clock associated with phase transitions during the plant life cycle. This chapter integrates the different signalling pathways underlying the process of potato tuber initiation and subsequent tuber growth in relation to timing, tuber physiology, gene expression, and the hormonal changes impacting these processes.