bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetic electrons along the high-latitude magnetopause
Authors: Walsh B. M. , Haaland S. E. , Daly P. W. , Kronberg E. A. , Fritz T. A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. A case study is presented to determine the source of the energetic electron layer frequently observed along the high-latitude magnetopause. Measurements by the Cluster spacecraft show bursts of field-aligned electrons occurring during time periods with high potential for dayside reconnection. These properties are compared with the expected signatures from several sources including escape from the exterior cusp, acceleration in a reconnection region, and release from the dayside trapping region through reconnection. The observed properties are most consistent with the electrons being released from the magnetosphere due to reconnection. In this model the electrons would flow along the newly reconnected IMF draped along the magnetopause and propagate along the high-latitude magnetopause. These observations demonstrate an active source for populating the energetic particle layer frequently observed along and just outside the high-latitude magnetopause.
Soil organic carbon storage changes in coastal wetlands of the modern Yellow River Delta from 2000 to 2009
Authors: Yu J. , Wang Y. , Li Y. , Dong H. , Zhou D. , Han G. , Wu H. , Wang G. , Mao P. , Gao Y.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Soil carbon sequestration plays an essential role in mitigating atmospheric CO2 increases and the subsequently global greenhouse effect. The storages and dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) of 0–30 cm soil depth in different landscape types including beaches, reservoir and pond, reed wetland, forest wetland, bush wetland, farmland, building land, bare land (severe saline land) and salt field in the modern Yellow River Delta (YRD) were studied based on the data of the regional survey and laboratory analysis. The landscape types were classified by the interpretation of remote sensing images of 2000 and 2009, which were calibrated by field survey results. The results revealed an increase of 10.59 km2 in the modem YRD area from 2000 to 2009. The SOC density varied ranging from 0.73 kg m−2 to 4.25 kg m−2 at depth of 0–30 cm. There were approx. 3.559 × 106 t and 3.545 × 106 t SOC stored in the YRD in 2000 and 2009, respectively. The SOC storages changed greatly in beaches, bush wetland, farm land and salt field which were affected dominantly by anthropogenic activities. The area of the YRD increased greatly within 10 years, however, the small increase of SOC storage in the region was observed due to landscape changes, indicating that the modern YRD was a potential carbon sink and anthropogenic activity was a key factor for SOC change.
Mapping Congo Basin forest types from 300 m and 1km multi-sensor time series for carbon stocks and forest areas estimation
Authors: Verhegghen A. , Mayaux P. , de Wasseige C. , Defourny P.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the Congo Basin forests by delivering a detailed forest types map with an improved spatial discrimination and coherence for the whole Congo Basin region. A total of 20 land cover classes were described with the standardized Land Cover Classification System (LCCS) developed by the FAO. Based on a semi-automatic processing chain, the forest types map was produced by combining 19 months of observations from the ENVISAT MERIS full resolution products (300 m) and 8 yr of daily SPOT VEGETATION (VGT) reflectances (1 km). Four zones (north, south and two central) were delineated and processed separately according to their seasonal and cloud cover specificities. The discrimination between different vegetation types (e.g. forest and savannas) was significantly improved thanks to the MERIS sharp spatial resolution. This work achieved a better discrimination in cloudy areas by taking advantage of the temporal consistency of the SPOT VGT observations. This resulted in a precise delineation of the spatial extent of the rural complex in the countries situated along the Atlantic coast. Based on this new map, more accurate estimates of the surface areas of forest types were produced for each country of the Congo Basin. The impact of two forest definitions was then assessed in the framework of the reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) initiative and carbon stocks were evaluated. Furthermore, the phenology of the different vegetation types was illustrated systematically with EVI temporal profiles. This Congo Basin forest types map reached a satisfactory overall accuracy of 71.5% and even 78.9% when the two savanna classes are aggregated.
The educational and awareness purposes of the Paideia approach for heritage management
Authors: Carbone F. , Oosterbeek L. , Costa C.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The need to raise awareness among the communities about the challenge of resource use – and, more generally, about the principles of sustainability – is the reason why the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in December 2002, the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, 2005–2014 (DESD). For operators and managers of cultural and natural heritage, it represents a profound challenge to their ability to transmit the content of scientific knowledge to the general public in order to empower everyone on the preservation of cultural and natural resources, and to raise awareness about the potential that mankind has at its disposal. In this context, the application of the PAIDEIA APPROACH for the management of cultural heritage is the key to the recovery of socio-economic values intrinsic to these resources. This approach to management is based on the enhancement of cultural (namely archaeological) and natural heritage for social benefit and it involves the tourist trade as a vehicle of knowledge transmission, intercultural dialogue and socio-economic sustainable development.
Quantifying human vulnerability in rural areas: case study of Tutova Hills (Eastern Romania)
Authors: Stângă I. C. , Grozavu A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability at regional level, the model and the proposed indicators being explicitly intended for an essentially rural region, in this case–Tutova Hills (Eastern Romania). Five categories of variables were taken into account to define the vulnerability components: rural habitat, demographic features, agriculture, environmental quality and emergency situations. For each one, five variables were analyzed and ranked based on the level of determination or subordination. In order to ensure the flexibility of the model and to avoid the criteria duplication in assessing vulnerability, only a single indicator of each category was retained and included in analysis: total number of inhabitants, dependency ratio, weight of arable land on slope categories, weight of land under forestry and road accessibility of villages. The selected indicators were mathematically processed in order to maximize their relevance and to unitary express the results in the spread 0–1. Also, values of each indicator were grouped into four classes, corresponding to the level of vulnerability: low, medium, high and very high. A general index was obtained through the integration of vulnerability factors in an equation based on the geometric mean. Spatial analysis was based on features of the MicroImages TNTmips 7.3. software, which allow the vulnerability mapping. This approach argues and states that vulnerability assessment through indicator-based methods can be made only according to the level and scale of analysis and related to natural or human conditions of a region.
Statistical emulation of a tsunami model for sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification
Authors: Sarri A. , Guillas S. , Dias F.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Due to the catastrophic consequences of tsunamis, early warnings need to be issued quickly in order to mitigate the hazard. Additionally, there is a need to represent the uncertainty in the predictions of tsunami characteristics corresponding to the uncertain trigger features (e.g. either position, shape and speed of a landslide, or sea floor deformation associated with an earthquake). Unfortunately, computer models are expensive to run. This leads to significant delays in predictions and makes the uncertainty quantification impractical. Statistical emulators run almost instantaneously and may represent well the outputs of the computer model. In this paper, we use the outer product emulator to build a fast statistical surrogate of a landslide-generated tsunami computer model. This Bayesian framework enables us to build the emulator by combining prior knowledge of the computer model properties with a few carefully chosen model evaluations. The good performance of the emulator is validated using the leave-one-out method.
Leadership Standards: Marginalizing Diversity
Authors: Corrigan Joe
Published: June 2012

This article adopts a macro perspective on the role of leadership standards to comment on the sociological impact of their implementation. Where the growing diversity of learners in Canadian schools has invited a pluralism of ideas, research methods and approaches to learning, leadership standards induce increasingly homogenized responses to complex learning environments. Using a Constructionist theory of knowledge and Foucault’s conceptualization of power, this article asserts leadership standards subordinate the agency of educational leaders. This article will be of interest to educators and educational leaders who must balance administrative priorities with increasingly diverse learner needs.
Comparison of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction, Immunohistochemistry, and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Methodologies for Detection of Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Proteinlike 4–Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Fusion–Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Implications for Optimal Clinical Testing
Authors: Wallander Michelle L. , Geiersbach Katherine B. , Tripp Sheryl R. , Layfield Lester J.
Published: June 2012

Context.—Echinoderm microtubule–associated proteinlike 4–anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) gene fusions are detected in 3% to 13% of non–small cell lung carcinomas. Accurate testing for detection of EML4-ALK fusions is essential for appropriate therapy selection.

Objective.—To compare reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodologies for detection of EML4-ALK fusions.

Design.—Forty-six pulmonary adenocarcinomas were selected with enrichment for wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status (wild type, n  =  42; mutant, n  =  4). Specimens were tested by IHC (Dako; clone ALK1), FISH (Abbott Molecular; LSI ALK break apart), and RT-PCR (variants 1 and 3a/b).

Results.—EML4-ALK variant 3a/b was detectable by RT-PCR, FISH, and IHC in 4% (2 of 46) of specimens. Complete agreement among FISH and IHC reviewers was obtained for variant 3a/b. No concordance existed among methodologies for the detection of EML4-ALK variant 1. The RT-PCR method detected variant 1 in 20% (9 of 46) of specimens. Agreement among FISH viewers was poor for variant 1 because only 11% (1/9) of specimens were scored as positive by all 3 viewers. The sensitivity of IHC for detection of variant 1 was also poor because only 1 of 9 samples (11%) was scored as positive. Overall, the frequency of EML4-ALK variants 1 and 3a/b was 24% (11 of 46) in adenocarcinomas enriched for wild-type EGFR status. One EML4-ALK variant 1 fusion was found to coexist with an EGFR exon 21 mutation.

Conclusions.—The FISH interpretation demonstrated great variability among observers. The RT-PCR method was the most sensitive and least-subjective methodology for detection of EML4-ALK fusions.
Biliary Atresia: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Moreira Roger Klein , Cabral Rodrigo , Cowles Robert A. , Lobritto Steven J.
Published: June 2012

Context.—Biliary atresia is an inflammatory cholangiopathy of infancy that results in progressive fibrosis and obliteration of bile ducts and represents the main indication for liver transplant in young children. In spite of extensive investigation, its etiology has remained poorly understood. Timely surgical intervention (Kasai procedure) may result in significant benefit to these patients and represents the final goal of an accurate diagnostic evaluation.

Objective.—To present an overview of biliary atresia, including clinical and surgical approaches to this disease, with emphasis on the histopathologic evaluation.

Data Sources.—Review of relevant literature indexed in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine).

Conclusion.—A well-coordinated multidisciplinary approach is required in the assessment of suspected cases of biliary atresia. Pathologic examination of biopsy specimens is an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm and, therefore, plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic evaluation of this disease.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Superficial Esophageal Neoplasms
Authors: Kouichi Nonaka  , Ryosuke Gushima  , Kouichi Sakurai  , Hiroto Kita  , Yutaka Sasaki
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim: There has been a marked increase in the number of esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SCNs) which are applicable to local treatment by virtue of recent developments in endoscopy. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective treatment for early noninvasive gastrointestinal cancers.
Aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of ESD for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms.
Subjects & Methods: Between November 2010 and March 2012, seventy-two lesions with superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms, which were treated by ESD in Kumamoto University Hospital, were analyzed in this study. Therapeutic efficacy, complications, and follow-up results were assessed.
Results: Mean size of the lesions was 19±14 mm (range; 1-80 mm); and mean size of the resection specimens was 29±13 mm (range; 7- 80mm). Extensive lesions over 2/3 of the circumference were observed in 17 patients. En bloc resection rate was 100% (72/72), and en block resection rate with tumor-free lateral/basal margins was 95.8% (69/72). Perforation didn’t occur. Endoscopic dilation was performed for post-operative stenosis in 10 patients. In 3 patients who developed pinhole-like stenosis followed by circumferential ESD, combination treatment of oral steroid administration with endoscopic dilation could achieve favorable courses. None of the patients developed local recurrence or distant metastasis in the follow-up period.
Conclusion: ESD is a minimally invasive, relatively safe treatment method for esophageal SCNs. In particular, it is suggested that ESD combined with oral steroid administration and endoscopic dilation, might be applicable to the patients with circumferential SCNs where post-operative stenosis must follow circumferential ESD.
Saving Nephrons: Current Surgical Options in Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: David Wetherell  , Kiran Manya  , Nathan Papa  , Danny Chui  , Nathan Lawrentschuk
Published: June 2012

Partial nephrectomy has become the 'gold standard" for treatment of suspicious renal masses when surgery is required. The advantages in terms of renal preservation without compromising cancer control are well accepted provided lesions are carefully selected. The challenge now is to improve upon patient selection for partial nephrectomy, optimising the surgical technique and also considering how to reduce ischaemic time to the kidney that will remain. This article explores such issues and summarises the current status of partial nephrectomy.
Decrease in Bilateral Corneal Deposits After Bortezomib/ Dexamethasone Chemotherapy in Monoclonal Gammopathy: Case Report
Authors: A. Klingenstein  , W.J. Mayer  , A. Kampik
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To evaluate changes of bilateral crystalline corneal deposits via biomicroscopic photography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) after systemic chemotherapy in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy.
Methods: Ophthalmological examination, slit-lamp biomicroscopic photography and IVCM of each corneal quadrant were performed before and after 4 cycles of combined bortezomib and dexamethasone chemotherapy.
Results: IVCM revealed mainly subepithelial crystalline deposits not affecting keratocytes or antigen presenting cells. After therapy, corneal opacity in slit-lamp biomicroscopic photography and crystalline deposits decreased visibly. Visual acuity remained stable. Subjective symptoms (haziness, photophobia) improved.
Conclusions: This patient suffered from initially unknown monoclonal gammopathy manifesting in bilateral corneal deposits. Crystalline corneal deposits may be associated with systemic disorders such as monoclonal gammopathy. Correct diagnosis is crucial as systemic treatment may improve not only ophthalmological symptoms. Penetrating keratoplasty alone may lead to relapse.
Challenges of Cholangiocarcinoma Detection in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: James H. Tabibian  , Keith D. Lindor
Published: June 2012

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, cholestatic, idiopathic liver disease characterized by fibro-obliterative inflammation of the hepatic bile ducts. In a clinically significant proportion of patients, PSC progresses to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and in some cases, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The development of CCA in PSC is unpredictable, its surveillance and diagnosis complex, and its treatment options limited unless detected early. Herein we provide a focused review of the current literature regarding CCA surveillance in patients with PSC and discuss the diagnostic and management challenges that exist. Where evidence is limited, we present our perspective and approach as well as directions for future research.
Fluorescence Guided Resection and Photodynamic Therapy in Meningiomas
Authors: Martin Hefti  , Gord von Campe
Published: June 2012

Meningiomas represent 30% of all intracranial neoplasms. They are predominantly slow growing, extra axial brain tumours arising from arachnoidal cells and usually have an excellent prognosis if completely removed. However, radical tumour removal near vital functional structures and areas of infiltration is not always possible and histologically "benign" meningiomas may exhibit aggressive behaviour like infiltration and early recurrence. Biological markers to make areas of infiltration visible by fluorescence might therefore have a significant impact on patient survival and quality of life. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a precursor in the cellular heme biosynthesis. The application of exogenous 5-ALA leads to an intracellular accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), causing PpIX saturated cells to become fluorescent and photosensitive under light of an appropriate wavelength. 5-ALA induced PpIX fluorescence has the ability to define infiltration zones into dural structures and bone and mark residual meningioma tissue. It has the potential to facilitate meningioma resection and to individualize the extent of dural resection for each patient. Specific intracellular accumulation of PpIX can be used for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Induction of selective apoptosis, reduction of tumour vessel density and no risk of secondary carcinogenesis make PDT an ideal treatment option for meningiomas. Due to the variable potential for PpIX accumulation within different meningioma subtypes, further research is required to ensure sufficiently intense fluorescence to enable PDT in these cases.
Uncertainty Monitoring by Young Children in a Computerized Task
Authors: Beran Michael J. , Decker Scott , Schwartz Allison , Smith J. David
Published: June 2012

Adult humans show sophisticated metacognitive abilities, including the ability to monitor uncertainty. Unfortunately, most measures of uncertainty monitoring are limited to use with adults due to their general complexity and dependence on explicit verbalization. However, recent research with nonhuman animals has successfully developed measures of uncertainty monitoring that are simple and do not require explicit verbalization. The purpose of this study was to investigate metacognition in young children using uncertainty monitoring tests developed for nonhumans. Children judged whether stimuli were more pink or blue—stimuli nearest the pink-blue midpoint were the most uncertain and the most difficult to classify. Children also had an option to acknowledge difficulty and gain the necessary information for correct classification. As predicted, children most often asked for help on the most difficult stimuli. This result confirms that some metacognitive abilities appear early in cognitive development. The tasks of animal metacognition research clearly have substantial utility for exploring the early developmental roots of human metacognition.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on motor function in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lacey Daniel J. , Stolfi Adrienne , Pilati Louis E.
Published: June 2012

Objective:

We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) improves gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods:

Forty‐nine children aged 3 to 8 years with spastic cerebral palsy were randomized to 40 treatments of HBO (100% oxygen at 1.5atm) or hyperbaric air (HBA, 14% oxygen at 1.5atm) over an 8‐week period. The primary outcome was the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) global score. Other outcomes included the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Assessments were made before and immediately, 3 months, and 6 months after the treatment period. Within‐group changes were analyzed with paired t tests or repeated measures analysis of variance. Analysis of covariance was used for between‐group comparisons.

Results:

Forty‐six children (24 HBO, 22 HBA) were analyzed at the second interim analysis, which was scheduled to take place when at least half of the required number of patients in each group had completed pre‐ and post‐treatment testing. No changes occurred in the GMFM from pre‐ to post‐treatment in either group or between groups. Statistically significant increases occurred in both groups on the PEDI, with no difference between groups. The study was stopped because the calculated conditional probability of obtaining a difference between groups if the study continued to the end was only between 0.5% and 1.6%.

Interpretation:

HBO was not effective in improving GMFM scores, and was no more effective than HBA in improving PEDI scores. These results do not support use of HBO as a therapy for cerebral palsy in young children who did not have neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:695–703
Structure and Function of Noncanonical Nucleobases
Authors: Carell Thomas , Brandmayr Caterina , Hienzsch Antje , Müller Markus , Pearson David , Reiter Veronika , Thoma Ines , Thumbs Peter , Wagner Mirko
Published: June 2012

DNA and RNA contain, next to the four canonical nucleobases, a number of modified nucleosides that extend their chemical information content. RNA is particularly rich in modifications, which is obviously an adaptation to their highly complex and variable functions. In fact, the modified nucleosides and their chemical structures establish a second layer of information which is of central importance to the function of the RNA molecules. Also the chemical diversity of DNA is greater than originally thought. Next to the four canonical bases, the DNA of higher organisms contains a total of four epigenetic bases: m5dC, hm5dC, f5dC und ca5dC. While all cells of an organism contain the same genetic material, their vastly different function and properties inside complex higher organisms require the controlled silencing and activation of cell‐type specific genes. The regulation of the underlying silencing and activation process requires an additional layer of epigenetic information, which is clearly linked to increased chemical diversity. This diversity is provided by the modified non‐canonical nucleosides in both DNA and RNA.
Synthesis of amphiphilic heteroarm star‐shaped polymer via free radical polymerization using polyfunctional chain transfer agent and its self‐assembly behavior
Authors: Lv Meng‐Qing , Shi Yan , Yang Wan‐Tai , Fu Zhi‐Feng
Published: June 2012

Amphiphilic heteroarm star‐shaped polymers have important theoretical and practical significance. In this work, amphiphilic heteroarm star‐shaped polymer was synthesized by the use of polyfunctional chain transfer agent via sequential free radical polymerization in two steps. First, conventional free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by 2,2′‐azobis (isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) was carried out in the presence of polyfunctional chain transfer agent, pentaerythritol‐tertrakis (3‐mercaptopropinate) (PETMP). At appropriate monomer conversion, about two‐arm s‐PMMA having two residual thiol groups at the chain center was obtained. Second, the s‐PMMA obtained above was used as macro‐chain‐transfer agent for free radical polymerization of acrylic acid (AA). The heteroarm star‐shaped polymer with the hydrophobic PMMA segment and the hydrophilic PAA segment was obtained. The successful synthesis of heteroarm star‐shaped polymers, (PMMA)2(AA)2, was confirmed by 1H‐NMR and its self‐assembly behavior in different solvents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
In situ Raman spectroscopy for simultaneous monitoring of multiple process parameters in mammalian cell culture bioreactors
Authors: Whelan Jessica , Craven Stephen , Glennon Brian
Published: June 2012

In this study, the application of Raman spectroscopy to the simultaneous quantitative determination of glucose, glutamine, lactate, ammonia, glutamate, total cell density (TCD), and viable cell density (VCD) in a CHO fed‐batch process was demonstrated in situ in 3 L and 15 L bioreactors. Spectral preprocessing and partial least squares (PLS) regression were used to correlate spectral data with off‐line reference data. Separate PLS calibration models were developed for each analyte at the 3 L laboratory bioreactor scale before assessing its transferability to the same bioprocess conducted at the 15 L pilot scale. PLS calibration models were successfully developed for all analytes bar VCD and transferred to the 15 L scale. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
The society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions structural heart disease early career task force survey results: Endorsed by the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions
Authors: Marmagkiolis Konstantinos , Hakeem Abdul , Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Bailey Steven R. , Ruiz Carlos , Hijazi Ziyad M. , Herrmann Howard C. , Zajarias Alan , Goldberg Steven L. , Feldman Ted
Published: June 2012

Over the last decade, structural heart disease interventions have emerged as a new field in interventional cardiology. Currently, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited interventional cardiology fellowship programs in the United States provide high‐quality and well established training curriculum in coronary and peripheral interventions, but training in structural interventions remains in its infancy. The current survey seeks to collect relevant information and assess the opinion of interventional cardiology program directors in ACGME‐accredited institutions that are actively involved in structural interventional training. Our study describes the actual number of structural procedures performed by interventional cardiology fellows in ACGME‐accredited programs, the form of the structural training today and the suggestions from program directors who are actively trying to integrate structural training in the interventional cardiology fellowship programs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demasking large dummy effects approach in revealing important interactions in Plackett–Burman experimental design
Authors: Rakić Tijana , Jančić‐Stojanović Biljana , Malenović Andjelija , Ivanović Darko , Medenica Mirjana
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a newly developed demasking large dummy effects (DDE) approach for identification of significant factor interactions in Plackett–Burman experimental design. Dummy factors, as imaginary factors, are not expected to contribute to the model, so the appearance of their high effect values could indicate the significance of the interactions they are confounded with. DDE approach consists of the screening of the large estimable effects, the calculation of the interactions that contribute the most to the large dummy effects from the alias matrix, and a single pass of all subsets regressions including preselected interactions and main factors for the final model tuning.

Tested on experimentally obtained data from a robustness analysis of a method for the determination of raloxifene and its four impurities, DDE approach showed to create the models that have greater statistical power than the ones described with the main factors only, which makes them more reliable and accurate for the application. Additionally, because of the interactions selection criterion and final tuning phase of the strategy, DDE approach allows the creation of models that are likely to better describe the real systems, which increases the practical value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Novel Camphor‐derived Amines
Authors: Grošelj Uroš , Sevšek Alen , Ričko Sebastijan , Golobič Amalija , Svete Jurij , Stanovnik Branko
Published: June 2012

Two novel 4‐substituted camphidine derivatives 10a,b have been prepared from (+)‐camphor (1) in five steps, the Beckmann rearrangement being the bottleneck of the synthesis. Isoborneol derivative 5b, formed as a side product during the hydrogenation of arylidene ketone 3b, under Beckmann rearrangement conditions yielded interesting novel rearrangement products 11 and 12. (1S)‐(+)‐Camphorquinone (13) was transformed into diamines 15 and 16 in two steps, the former being cyclized into an imidazoline salt 17, an N‐heterocyclic carbene precursor. The structures of all novel compounds have been meticulously characterized using NMR techniques and/or single crystal X‐ray analysis. Chirality 24:778–788, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocardiographic QRS Duration Reflects Right Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Undergoing Corrective Surgery for Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Comparative Study with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Seo Myung‐Ki , Park Eun‐Ah , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Lee Whal , Kim Yong‐Jin , Kim Kyung‐Hwan , Kim Ki‐Bong , Sohn Dae‐Won , Ahn Hyuk , Park Jae‐Hyung
Published: June 2012

Background:

The role of electrocardiogram (ECG) is unclear for the longitudinal follow‐up of patients who undergo corrective surgery for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

Hypothesis:

This study sought to investigate the usefulness of changes in QRS duration of ECG after TR surgery in predicting right ventricular (RV) reverse remodeling as determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Methods:

We enrolled 30 consecutive TR patients (27 women, aged 57.8 ± 9.6 years) who had undergone prior left‐sided valve surgery. A computer‐assisted analysis was performed for objective calculation of QRS duration before and after surgery.

Results:

At a median CMR follow‐up of 27.5 months postsurgery, QRS duration was cut by 14.6%, from 110.4 ± 14.6 msec to 96.9 ± 11.9 msec (P < 0.001), while CMR showed a decrease in RV end‐diastolic volume index (RV‐EDVI) from 179.5 ± 59.7 to 119.1 ± 30.4 mL/m2 (P < 0.001). QRS duration correlated significantly with RV‐EDVI and RV end‐systolic volume index (r = 0.65, P < 0.001 and r = 0.53, P < 0.001, respectively), and a percent change in QRS duration was significantly correlated with a percent change in RV‐EDVI (r = 0.40, P = 0.03). When significant RV reverse remodeling was defined as a reduction in RV‐EDVI ≥20% following TR surgery, the sensitivity and specificity for significant RV reverse remodeling were 75% and 78%, respectively, with a 9% reduction in QRS duration (P = 0.01, area underneath the receiver operator curve [AUC] = 0.81).

Conclusions:

The extent of changes in postoperative QRS duration can be used as a useful, inexpensive, and simple index reflecting the occurrence of significant RV reverse remodeling in patients undergoing corrective TR surgery. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 doi: 10.1002/clc.22030

First two authors equally contributed to this work.

This study was supported in part by grants from the Korea Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (A090064) and Leading Foreign Research Institute Recruitment Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) (0640‐20100001). The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Prospective study of erythropoietin use on quality of life and cost effectiveness in acute myeloid leukemia and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Michallet Mauricette , Goldet Karine , Sobh Mohamad , Morisset Stéphane , Chelghoum Youcef , Thomas Xavier , Barraco Fiorenza , Ducastelle Sophie , Labussière Hélène , Renzullo Catherine , Paillet Carole , Pivot Christine , Straaten Perrine Badol‐Van , Denis Angelique , Termoz Anne , Detrait Marie , Nicolini Franck‐Emmanuel , Jaisson‐Hot Isabelle
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Despite frequent anemia and multiple transfusions in patients undergoing chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia , recommendations for use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) in these populations are still missing. The primary objective was the effect of ESA administration on patient's quality of life (QoL). Secondary objectives were hemoglobin (Hb) recovery, red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, overall survival, and event‐free survival.

METHODS:

Adult patients with Hb ≤ 11 g/dL after consolidation chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (group 1), or after allo‐HSCT for any hematological diseases (group 2), were prospectively included. ESA was administered subcutaneously once per week during a maximum period of 6 months and was stopped when Hb level reached 12 g/dL. A paired‐matched analysis using a historical control group was performed for secondary endpoints. Fifty‐two patients were included in group 1, and 55 patients were in group 2.

RESULTS:

For the global population, a significant improvement of QoL was noticed with ESA use; 83% (group 1) and 71% (group 2) of patients achieved an Hb level ≥ 12 g/dL without transfusion requirement. The pair‐matched analysis showed a reduction of 4 RBC units per patient in group 1 (P = .0002) and 3 RBC units per patient in group 2 (P = .04). No significant difference in terms of thromboembolic events, overall survival, and event‐free survival was observed between ESA and control groups. A RBC transfusion median savings of €1712 per patient was estimated in each group.

CONCLUSIONS:

ESAs have a clinical and economic benefit on Hb recovery, could improve a patient's QoL, and lead to a significant reduction in number of RBC transfusions with no effect on survival. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A dynamic channel assignment strategy based on cross‐layer design for wireless mesh networks
Authors: Sun Weifeng , Fu Tong , Xia Feng , Qin Zhenquan , Cong Rong
Published: June 2012

In wireless mesh networks (WMNs), if nonoverlapped channels or partially overlapped channels are used properly, the throughput can be improved drastically. However, the number of nonoverlapped channels is limited in wireless communication standards. An effective channel assignment algorithm for a WMN is necessary to increase the utilization rate of space and nonoverlapped channels. Static channel assignment algorithms can improve network throughput, but their accuracies are not satisfactory in common scenarios. Dynamic channel assignment algorithms can allocate channels according to the status of adjacent links in WMNs. A dynamic channel assignment algorithm needs cross‐layer design to get the information of routing. A routing‐information‐aware channel assignment algorithm based on a cross‐layer design is proposed, which is named R‐CA. The proposed method can dynamically allocate channels for wireless nodes when they need communication and release channels after data transmission. In R‐CA, limited channel resources can be used efficiently by more wireless nodes, and hence the communication throughput can be improved. Simulation results show that our channel allocation strategy can effectively ensure and enhance the network throughput and packet delivery rate in WMNs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retraction statement: Racist biases in legal decisions are reduced by a justice focus
Authors: Lammers Joris , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: June 2012

The following article from European Journal of Social Psychology, “Racist biases in legal decisions are reduced by a justice focus” by Joris Lammers and Diederik A. Stapel published online on 1 December 2010 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the co‐author, the journal Editor in Chief, Tom Postmes, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed following the results of an investigation into the work of Diederik A. Stapel (https://www.commissielevelt.nl/). The Levelt Committee has determined that this article contained data that was fabricated as supplied by Diederik A. Stapel. His co‐author was unaware of his actions, and not in any way involved.

REFERENCE

Lammers, J. & Stapel, D. A. (2011). Racist biases in legal decisions are reduced by a justice focus. European Journal of Social Psycholology, 41, 375–387. DOI:10.1002/ejsp.783
Retraction statement: Judging the unexpected: Disconfirmation of situation‐specific expectancies
Authors: Noordewier Marret K. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: June 2012

The following article from European Journal of Social Psychology, “Judging the unexpected: Disconfirmation of situation‐specific expectancies” by Marret K. Noordewier and Diederik A. Stapel published online on 1 January 2009 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the co‐author, the journal Editor in Chief, Tom Postmes, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed following the results of an investigation into the work of Diederik A. Stapel (https://www.commissielevelt.nl/). The Levelt Committee has determined that this article contained data that was fabricated as supplied by Diederik A. Stapel. His co‐author was unaware of his actions, and not in any way involved.

REFERENCE

Noordewier, M. K. & Stapel, D. A. (2009). Judging the unexpected: Disconfirmation of situation‐specific expectancies. European Journal of Social Psychology, 39, 944–956. DOI:10.1002/ejsp.591
Retraction statement: When nothing compares to me: how defensive motivations and similarity shape social comparison effects
Authors: Stapel Diederik A. , Johnson Camille S.
Published: June 2012

The following article from European Journal of Social Psychology, “When nothing compares to me: How defensive motivations and similarity shape social comparison effects” by Diederik A. Stapel and Camille S. Johnson, published online on 26 September 2006 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the co‐author, the journal Editor in Chief, Tom Postmes, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed following the results of an investigation into the work of Diederik A. Stapel (https://www.commissielevelt.nl/). The Levelt Committee has determined that this article contained data that was fabricated by Diederik A. Stapel. His co‐author was unaware of his actions, and not in any way involved.

REFERENCE

Stapel, D. A. &; Johnson, C. S. (2007). When nothing compares to me: how defensive motivations and similarity shape social comparison effects. European Journal of Social Psychology, 37, 824–838. DOI:10.1002/ejsp.390
Proteome analysis of tunicamycin‐induced ER stress
Authors: Bull Vibeke Hervik , Thiede Bernd
Published: June 2012

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs upon increased levels of unfolded proteins and results in activation of cellular responses such as the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER‐associated protein degradation (ERAD). To examine ER stress, we performed a quantitative proteome analysis of human neuroblastoma cells using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) in combination with SDS‐PAGE and LC‐MS/MS. Proteins associated with the ER were overrepresented in the dataset of altered proteins. In particular, ER chaperones responsible for protein folding were significantly upregulated in response to ER stress. The important ER stress regulator 78 kDa glucose‐regulated protein (GRP‐78 or BiP) was highly upregulated together with several proteins that have been found to form a multiprotein complex with BiP including cyclophilin B, DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 11, endoplasmin, hypoxia upregulated protein 1, protein disulfide isomerase and protein disulfide isomerase A4 upon tunicamycin‐induced ER stress. Furthermore, seven aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases and five proteins belonging to the Sec61 complex were increased in response to tunicamycin‐induced ER stress.
A palmtop‐sized microfluidic cell culture system driven by a miniaturized infusion pump
Authors: Sasaki Naoki , Shinjo Mika , Hirakawa Satoshi , Nishinaka Masahiro , Tanaka Yo , Mawatari Kazuma , Kitamori Takehiko , Sato Kae
Published: June 2012

A palmtop‐sized microfluidic cell culture system is presented. The system consists of a microfluidic device and a miniaturized infusion pump that possesses a reservoir of culture medium, an electrical control circuit, and an internal battery. The footprint of the system was downsized to 87 × 57 mm, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the smallest integrated cell culture system. Immortalized human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in the system. HMEC‐1 in the system proliferated at the same speed as cells in a microchannel perfused by a syringe pump and cells in a culture flask. HUVEC in the system oriented along the direction of the fluid flow. Claudin‐5, a tight junction protein, was localized along the peripheries of the HUVEC. We expect that the present system is applicable to various cell types as a stand‐alone and easy‐to‐use system for microfluidic bioanalysis.
Proteomic analysis reveals platelet factor 4 and beta‐thromboglobulin as prognostic markers in severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Poon Terence C.W. , Pang Ronald T.K. , Chan K.C. Allen , Lee Nelson L.S. , Chiu Rossa W.K. , Tong Yu‐Kwan , Chim Stephen S.C. , Ngai Sai M. , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Lo Y.M. Dennis
Published: June 2012

Previously, we reported that proteomic fingerprints were present in sera of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and could separate patients into subgroups with different prognoses. In the present study, we examined the prognostic values of the SARS‐associated proteomic features by biostatistical analysis, and deciphered the identities of those with prognostic values. Data of 20 SARS‐associated serum proteomic features and ten serological variables from 38 SARS adult patients before treatment were subjected to multivariate logistic regression. Proteomic features of m/z 6634, m/z 7769, m/z 8635, and m/z 8865 were identified as independent prognostic markers. After purification by cation‐exchange chromatography and gel electrophoresis, proteomic features of m/z 7769 and m/z 8865 were found to be platelet factor 4 (PF4) and beta‐thromboglobulin (beta‐TG) by tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The associations of decreased serum PF4 and increased serum beta‐TG levels with poor prognosis were confirmed by Western blot. Previous studies suggest that PF4 and beta‐TG are involved in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a negative and positive way, respectively. Our results suggest that PF4 and beta‐TG may also play similar roles in the development of ARDS in SARS patients.
CE‐ESI‐MS metabolic fingerprinting of Leishmania resistance to antimony treatment
Authors: Canuto Gisele A. B. , Castilho‐Martins Emerson A. , Tavares Marina , López‐Gonzálvez Ángeles , Rivas Luis , Barbas Coral
Published: June 2012

Metabolomics has become an invaluable tool to unveil biology of pathogens, with immediate application to chemotherapy. It is currently accepted that there is not one single technique capable of obtaining the whole metabolic fingerprint of a biological system either due to their different physical‐chemical properties or concentrations. In this work, we have explored the capability of capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry with a sheathless interface with electrospray ionization (CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS) to separate metabolites in order to be used as a complementary technique to LC. As proof of concept, we have compared the metabolome of Leishmania infantum promastigotes BCN 150 (Sb (III) IC50 = 20.9 μM) and its variation when treated with 120 μM of Sb(III) potassium tartrate for 12 h, as well as with its Sb(III) resistant counterpart obtained by growth of the parasites under increasing Sb(III) in a step‐wise manner up to 180 μM. The number of metabolites compared were of 264 for BCN150 Sb(III) treated versus nontreated and of 195 for Sb(III) resistant versus susceptible parasites. After successive data filtering, differences in seven metabolites identified in databases for Leishmania pathways, showed the highest significant differences, corresponding mainly to amino acids or their metabolite surrogates. Most of them were assigned to sulfur containing amino acids and polyamine biosynthetic pathways, of special relevance considering the deterioration of the thiol‐dependent redox metabolism in Leishmania by Sb(III). Given the low concentrations typical for most of these metabolites, the assay can be considered a success that should be explored for new biological questions.
Gene expression changes in initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas revealed by laser microdissection and oligonucleotide microarray analysis
Authors: Sumino Jun , Uzawa Narikazu , Okada Norihiko , Miyaguchi Ken , Mogushi Kaoru , Takahashi Ken‐Ichiro , Sato Hiroaki , Michikawa Chieko , Nakata Yoshimi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Amagasa Teruo
Published: June 2012

Oral carcinogenesis is a complex process involving multiple genes. However, the genetic changes involved in this process are not apparent in identical oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). According to pathological characteristics, samples of normal tissue, oral dysplastic lesions (ODLs), and invasive cancers were obtained from identical OSCCs using laser microdissection (LMD). Large‐scale gene expression profiling was carried out on 33 samples derived from 11 OSCCs. We analyzed genes differentially expressed in normal tissues vs. ODLs and in ODLs vs. invasive tumors and identified 15 candidate genes with continuously increasing or decreasing expression during oral carcinogenesis. One of these genes, ISG15, was chosen for further characterization. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that ISG15 expression consistently increased during oral tumorigenesis. An ISG15 high‐expression level was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.027). In addition, patients with high‐expression tumors had a poorer 5‐year survival rate than patients with low expression levels (p = 0.019). In conclusion, we identified 15 genes with continuously increasing or decreasing expression during oral carcinogenesis. One of these, ISG15, is likely to be associated with both dysgenesis and tumorigenesis and may be a potential prognostic marker for oral cancer.