bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting ErbB‐1 and ErbB‐4 in irradiated head and neck cancer: Results of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Barnea Itay , Haif Sasha , Keshet Rom , Karaush Vicky , Lev‐Ari Shahar , Khafif Avi , Shtabsky Alexander , Yarden Yosef , Vexler Akiva , Yosef Rami Ben
Published: February 2012

Background

ErbB oncogenes have a major role in cancer. The role of ErbB‐4 in cancer cell biology and the effect of anti‐ErbB‐1 and anti‐ErbB‐4 monoclonal antibodies were evaluated in this study.

Methods

ErbB‐4 expression and binding was evaluated by Western blot, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent microscopy, and flow cytometry. Cell survival was measured by XTT assay. Tumor progression was followed up in nude mice model.

Results

High ErbB‐1 levels in head and neck cancer cell lines were determined, whereas ErbB‐4 expression varied. Specific antibody binding to the cells was demonstrated. High ErbB‐4 expressing squamous cell carcinoma 1 (SCC‐1) cells proliferated faster and generated faster growing tumors in mice. Cetuximab and mAb‐3 reduced cell survival proportional to ErbB‐1 and ErbB‐4 expression. Combination of antibodies with irradiation was most effective in reducing cell survival and tumor growth.

Conclusion

ErbB‐4 plays a role in head and neck cancer cell biology. Anti‐ErbB‐4 targeted therapy can serve as a new strategy against head and neck cancer when combined with established treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Effects of Individualized, Nontest‐Oriented Teaching on Nontraditional College Student Learning
Authors: GREESON LARRY E.
Published: February 2012

The author examines participation by 32 nontraditional college students in a test‐oriented versus nontest‐oriented introductory educational psychology course. Implications for the instruction and evaluation of nontraditional and traditional learners are discussed.
Ethical Imagination in Peace Studies: Beyond the Seville Statement
Authors: RIVAGE‐SEUL M.
Published: February 2012

This article asks the reader to look beyond the Seville Statement, Social Darwinism, and utopian ideals and come to understand ethical imagination more fully as it relates to peace studies.
From High School to College
Authors: GREGORY WILBUR S.
Published: February 2012

To what extent does the ease or difficulty experienced in high school subjects influence college freshmen in making their vocational plans? The answer is suggested in this study which provides significant data on the vocational significance of the academic adjustment of the high school student.
Does osteoporosis therapy invalidate FRAX for fracture prediction?
Authors: Leslie William D , Lix Lisa M , Johansson Helena , Oden Anders , McCloskey Eugene , Kanis John A ,   for the Manitoba Bone Density Program
Published: February 2012

Ten-year fracture risk assessment with the fracture risk assessment system (FRAX) is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions. Osteoporosis pharmacotherapy reduces fracture risk, but the effect is greater than can be explained from the increase in bone mineral density (BMD). Whether this invalidates fracture predictions with FRAX is uncertain. A total of 35,764 women (age ≥50 years) and baseline BMD testing (1996–2007) had FRAX probabilities retroactively calculated. A provincial pharmacy database was used to identify osteoporosis medication use. Women were categorized as untreated, current high adherence users [medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥0.80 in the year after BMD testing], current low adherence users (MPR <0.80), and past users. Fractures outcomes to 10 years were established form a population-based health data repository. FRAX and femoral neck BMD alone stratified major osteoporotic and hip fracture risk within untreated and each treated subgroup (all p-values <0.001) with similar area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. In untreated and each treated subgroup, a stepwise gradient in observed 10-year major osteoporotic and hip fracture incidence was found as a function of the predicted probability tertile (all p-values <0.001 for linear trend). Concordance (calibration) plots for major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures showed good agreement between the predicted and observed 10-year fracture incidence in untreated women and each treated subgroup. Only in the highest risk tertile of women highly adherent to at least 5 years of bisphosphonate use was observed hip fracture risk significantly less than predicted, though major osteoporotic fracture risk was similar to predicted. In summary, this work suggests that the FRAX tool can be used to predict fracture probability in women currently or previously treated for osteoporosis. Although FRAX should not be used to assess the reduction in fracture risk in individuals on treatment, it may still have value for guiding the need for continued treatment or treatment withdrawal. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Isolation, characterization and enzymatic modification of water soluble xylans from Eucalyptus grandis wood and sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Chimphango Annie F.A. , van Zyl Willem H. , Görgens Johann F.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in utilizing xylans as biodegradable polymers to replace synthetic additives, coatings and encapsulation matrices. However, techniques are required to reduce the water solubility of the xylan for such applications. The study objective was to isolate and characterize water soluble xylans from Eucalyptus grandis wood and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) bagasse for subsequent precipitation in water by enzymatic modification.

RESULTS: The water soluble xylans were extracted from E. grandis and bagasse using two mild alkali‐low‐temperature extraction methods in which the xylan was recovered either by ultra‐purification (Hoije) or ethanol precipitation (Lopez). Yields of 66 and 35% were obtained for the xylan extracted from bagasse and E. grandis, respectively, using the Hoije method and 28 and 12%, respectively, using the Lopez method. The xylans were hydrolysed by selective removal of arabinose and 4‐O‐methylglucuronic acid (4‐O‐MeGlcA) side chains by treatment with α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase and α‐D‐glucuronidase, respectively. The α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase removed about 14% of the available arabinose in the xylans extracted from bagasse using the Hoije method, which led to precipitation in water. However, the α‐D‐glucuronidase removed only 2% 4‐O‐MeGlcA of the available 4‐O‐MeGlcA from the xylans extracted from bagasse and E. grandis using both the Hoije and Lopez methods, and failed to show visible precipitation of the xylan in water.

CONCLUSION: The xylans extracted from bagasse suited the substrate specificities of the α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase for side chain removal and precipitation in water. However, the dosage of α‐D‐glucuronidase for precipitating the xylan would need to be increased. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bi‐RADS category 3 nonpalpable breast masses on sonography: long‐term results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Alimoglu Emel , Alimoglu M. Kemal , Ceken Kagan , Kabaalioglu Adnan , Apaydin Ali , Cassano Enrico , Sindel Timur
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To determine the frequency of BI‐RADS category 3 nonpalpable masses detected using only sonography (US) and the malignancy rate among these lesions. Second, to validate a proposed short‐term follow‐up regimen based on long‐term observational results.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted between September 2003 and April 2010. We conducted a 2‐year short‐term follow‐up protocol composed of five US examinations at 3‐month intervals for the first 6 months, and at 6‐month intervals for the next 18 months, followed with age‐appropriate screenings. Biopsy was recommended for the masses increasing in size and with changing imaging features.

Results:

The frequency of category 3 nonpalpable masses detected only on US in 11,373 consecutive women was 5.3%. Of 562 lesions found in 451 women, 394 (70.1%) remained stable during the short‐term and subsequent follow‐up. Seventy‐four (13.1%) masses showed interval regression and 79 (14.0%) showed interval progression. The malignancy rate was 0.3% (2 of 562), with about 85% of interval changes occurring within the first 2 years. The negative predictive value of US in the detection of cancer was 99.6% (95% CI, 98.7–99.9). The mean follow‐up time was 65.5 ± 8.7 months.

Conclusions:

The frequency of BI‐RADS 3 nonpalpable masses detected using sonography alone was 5.3%. During follow‐up, the majority of interval changes occurred within the first 2 years. Because these masses have a very low malignancy rate, a 2‐year follow‐up instead of immediate biopsy is an appropriate option. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012;
Prenatal diagnosis and management of congenital chloride diarrhea: A case report of 2 siblings
Authors: Imada Shinya , Kikuchi Akihiko , Horikoshi Tsuguhiro , Ishikawa Kaori , Tamaru Shunsuke , Komatsu Atsushi , Takagi Kimiyo , Ogiso Yoshifumi
Published: February 2012

Congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) is a rare hereditary disease. The basic defect of CLD is massive loss of Cl− and fluid into the ileum and colon. Prenatal diagnosis of this disease is quite important because the infant requires electrolyte supplementation from the early postnatal period. Two cases in which prenatal diagnoses of CLD were made in siblings are reported. Extreme electrolyte imbalance may cause fetal cardiac dysfunction or a poor general condition leading to a non‐reassuring fetal status in cases with CLD. Therefore, frequent fetal monitoring using cardiotocograms and ultrasound may be beneficial to some fetuses with CLD to detect fetal deterioration. In addition, repeated amnioreduction may be required to treat severe polyhydramnios and threatened preterm delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012;
Bone marrow cells of swine: Collection and separation
Authors: Branco Érika , Cabral Rosa , Gomes Bruno Duarte , Kfoury José Roberto , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: February 2012

Bone marrow is a source of stem cells for greater and easier access, which is widely studied as a provider of hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells for various purposes, mainly therapeutic by the advances in research involving cell therapy. The swine is an animal species commonly used in the pursuit of development of experimental models. Thus, this study aimed to standardize protocol for collection and separation of bone marrow in swines, since this species is widely used as experimental models for various diseases. Twelve animals were used, which underwent bone marrow puncture with access from the iliac crest and cell separation by density gradient followed by a viability test with an average of 98% of viable cells. Given our results, we can ensure the swine as an excellent model for obtaining and isolation of mononuclear cells from bone marrow, stimulating several studies addressing the field of cell therapy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritive value of diets containing fish silage for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (Bonne, 1931)
Authors: Gallardo Pedro , Gaxiola Gabriela , Soberano Sofía , Taboada J Gabriel , Pérez Marquelia , Rosas Carlos , Cuzon Gerard , Espinosa L Gabriela , Sotelo Angela
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Fish wastes has been used for many years as an alternative in feeds for aquaculture. In the present study weight gain of juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets including fish waste silage (WS), fish waste silage with soybean meal SBM (WS + S) or fish waste meal (WM) was compared. A conventional acidic silage process was applied to obtain from wastes (skin, heads, bones and viscera) of snapper (Lutjanus spp.), grunt (Haemulon plumieri), and grouper (Epinephelus spp.) an ingredient rich in protein.

RESULTS: After 3 days ensilage more than 90% protein was hydrolysed. Waste material processed at pH 3.8 lost about 24% tryptophan. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) prevented lipid oxidation, as shown after 45 days with malonaldehyde production. Shrimp fed WS + S diet gained 0.7 g per week higher than those fed WS and WM diets with 0.3 g per week (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: WS processed with formic acid under conditions of low pH is beneficial for the white shrimp L. vannamei. It sustained reasonable weight gain combined with soybean meal in practical diets. On the other hand, BHT addition was beneficial in preventing oxidative action during silage preparation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Requirements Elicitation and Planning of a Knowledge Portal: case Study of a Property Management Division in a Housing Organization
Authors: Tsui Eric , Fong Patrick S. W.
Published: February 2012

Enterprise knowledge portals offer, among other characteristics, a centralized access point for information as well as a wide range of tools and content for individual knowledge workers to personalize to suit their daily tasks. Such tasks often include the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data/information as well as collaborative work among workers to solve problems and make decisions. Leveraging on a quantitative–qualitative research approach including the use of a prior research instrument developed for the elicitation of requirements for collaboration tools, this paper seeks to identify the primary and secondary functions of a knowledge portal for knowledge workers in the property management division of a housing organization in Hong Kong. Although portals are often treated as a kind of stand‐alone enterprise knowledge management systems, proper planning and deployment of a portal with appropriate functionalities and a widely agreed content classification scheme can also help to enhance the navigation and presentation of knowledge assets in a knowledge‐leveraged organization. In particular, the introduction of a federated search engine can save considerable time in conducting (multiple) searches; selective Web 2.0 tools can help to foster collaborative work as well as help knowledge workers to reduce time spent on search but keep pace with nominated topics on a timely basis. Drawing on the existing literature as well as the authors' experience in working with many other organizations to deploy portals and relevant tools in the Asia Pacific, the initial recommendations are further consolidated to form a two‐phase deployment with the aim of enhancing the probability of success for the knowledge journey in the housing organization. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo 31P MR spectroscopic imaging of the human prostate at 7 T: Safety and feasibility
Authors: Kobus Thiele , Bitz Andreas K. , van Uden Mark J. , Lagemaat Miriam W. , Rothgang Eva , Orzada Stephan , Heerschap Arend , Scheenen Tom W. J.
Published: February 2012

31P MR spectroscopic imaging of the human prostate provides information about phosphorylated metabolites that could be used for prostate cancer characterization. The sensitivity of a magnetic field strength of 7 T might enable 3D 31P MR spectroscopic imaging with relevant spatial resolution in a clinically acceptable measurement time. To this end, a 31P endorectal coil was developed and combined with an eight‐channel 1H body‐array coil to relate metabolic information to anatomical location. An extensive safety validation was performed to evaluate the specific absorption rate, the radiofrequency field distribution, and the temperature distribution of both coils. This validation consisted of detailed Finite Integration Technique simulations, confirmed by MR thermometry and B measurements in a phantom and in vivo temperature measurements. The safety studies demonstrated that the presence of the 31P endorectal coil had no influence on the specific absorption rate levels and temperature distribution of the external eight‐channel 1H array coil. To stay within a 10 g averaged local specific absorption rate of 10 W/kg, a maximum time‐averaged input power of 33 W for the 1H array coil was allowed. For transmitting with the 31P endorectal coil, our safety limit of less than 1°C temperature increase in vivo during a 15‐min MR spectroscopic imaging experiment was reached at a time‐averaged input power of 1.9 W. With this power setting, a second in vivo measurement was performed on a healthy volunteer. Using adiabatic excitation, 3D 31P MR spectroscopic imaging produced spectra from the entire prostate in 18 min with a spatial resolution of 4 cm3. The spectral resolution enabled the separate detection of phosphocholine, phosphoethanolamine, inorganic phosphate, and other metabolites that could play an important role in the characterization of prostate cancer. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Preoperative Self‐Efficacy in Predicting Outcome after Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Wylde V. , Dixon S. , Blom A.W.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine if self‐efficacy is a significant and independent preoperative predictor of patient‐reported pain and function at one year after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

Patients listed for a primary TKR because of osteoarthritis were recruited from preoperative assessment clinics at one regional orthopaedic centre. Before surgery, patients completed the Western Ontario and McMasters Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Function Scale, Pain Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Self‐Administered Co‐morbidity Questionnaire and questions about other painful joints. Patients then completed the WOMAC Pain and Function Scales at one year postoperatively. Regression analysis was performed to determine if self‐efficacy was a significant predictor of outcome after TKR.

Results

Overall, 251 patients were recruited into this study, and one‐year questionnaire data were available for 220 patients. At one year postoperatively, 7% of patients reported severe pain in their replaced knee and 9% reported severe functional limitations. Self‐efficacy was found to be a significant preoperative predictor of functional ability, but not pain, at one year postoperatively, after controlling for age, gender, depression, anxiety, number of medical co‐morbidities, preoperative knee status and painful joints elsewhere. Significant predictors of postoperative pain were greater anxiety and higher pain severity. Other significant predictors of postoperative disability were greater anxiety, worse functional disability and a greater number of painful joints elsewhere.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that self‐efficacy is a significant preoperative predictor of patient‐reported functional ability at one year after TKR. Future research is needed to assess the impact of interventions for enhancing self‐efficacy on patient‐reported outcomes after TKR. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decay‐accelerating factor 1 deficiency exacerbates Trypanosoma cruzi‐induced murine chronic myositis
Authors: Solana María E. , Ferrer María F. , Novoa María Mercedes , Song Wen‐Chao , GÓmez Ricardo M.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Murine infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) has been used to study the role of T‐cells in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory idiopathic myositis. Absence of decay‐accelerating factor 1 (Daf1) has been shown to enhance murine T‐cell responses and autoimmunity. Methods: To determine whether Daf1 deficiency can exacerbate Tc‐induced myositis, C57BL/6 DAF+/+ and DAF−/− mice were inoculated with 5 × 104 trypomastigotes, and their morbidity, parasitemia, parasite burden, histopathology, and T‐cell expansion were studied in the acute and chronic stages. Results: DAF−/− mice had lower parasitemia and parasite burden but higher morbidity, muscle histopathology, and increased number of CD44+ (activated/memory phenotype) splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells. Conclusions: An enhanced CD8+ T‐cell immune‐specific response may explain the lower parasitemia and parasite burden levels and the increase in histopathological lesions. We propose that Tc‐inoculated DAF−/− mice are a useful model to study T‐cell mediated immunity in skeletal muscle tissues. Muscle Nerve 46: 582–587, 2012
Grip and Knee extension muscle strength reflect a common construct among adults
Authors: Bohannon Richard W. , Magasi Susan R. , Bubela Deborah J. , Wang Ying‐Chih , Gershon Richard C.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Both grip and knee extension strength are often used to characterize overall limb muscle strength. We sought to determine if the measures actually reflect a common construct. Methods: The isometric grip and knee extension strength of 164 healthy men and women (range, 18–85 years) were measured bilaterally using standard procedures. Pearson correlations (r), Cronbach alpha, principal components analysis, and multiple regression/correlation were used to investigate the dimensionality of the measures. Results: Left and right grip forces and knee extension torques were highly correlated, internally consistent, and loaded on a single component. Gender and age explained the variance in both measures, but height added to the explanation of grip strength, whereas weight added to the explanation of knee extension strength. Conclusions: Among healthy adults, grip and knee extension strength reflect a common underlying construct. The measures, however, are affected differently by height and weight. Muscle Nerve 46: 555–558, 2012
Assessment of musculo‐articular and muscle stiffness in young and older men
Authors: Ditroilo Massimiliano , Cully Louise , Boreham Colin A.G. , De Vito Giuseppe
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to concurrently assess musculo‐articular stiffness (MAS) and muscle stiffness (MS) of the knee extensors in younger and older individuals. Methods: Fourteen young (22.1 ± 3.0 years old) and 12 older (65.4 ± 5.7 years old) men were tested for maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of torque development (RTD), muscle thickness, MAS, and MS of knee extensors. Results: MVC, RTD, and muscle thickness were higher in the younger group (288.6 vs. 194.3 Nm, 1319.5 vs. 787.0 Nm s−1, 23.1 vs. 17.7 mm, respectively, P < 0.05). MAS normalized to the load supported (30% of MVC) was not different between groups (87.9 vs. 88.5 Nm−1kg−1), whereas the older group exhibited a higher level of normalized MS (23.2 vs. 18.6 Nm−1kg−1, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Determinants of MS have been highlighted along with their role in elevated MS. The unaltered level of MAS, which is functionally important in an aging population, might be achieved through a decrease in tendon stiffness. Muscle Nerve 46: 559–565, 2012
Brainstem dysfunction in variegate porphyria
Authors: Barraza Gonzalo , Serranova Tereza , Herrero Carmen , Casanova‐mollá Jordi , To‐figueras Jordi , Herranz Javier , Valls‐solé Josep
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Variegate porphyria (VP) is a rare metabolic disorder that may present as an acute predominantly motor neuropathy. Cranial nerves and brainstem functions have been only scarcely studied. Methods: Brainstem reflexes were examined in symptomatic and non‐symptomatic VP mutation carriers of a single family. Results: Similar results were found in the 2 patients with a history of porphyric crises. The blink reflex showed an absence of late responses (R2 and R2c) to stimulation of both sides. The masseter inhibitory reflex showed reduced inhibition of the second phase. The jaw jerk was normal. The asymptomatic carriers did not show any of the abnormalities just noted. Conclusions: Our results are compatible with a central lower pons–upper medulla disorder in the brainstem. We hypothesize that brainstem dysfunction in VP patients with a history of porphyric crises may be due to neurotoxic effects of porphyrin precursors as well as subclinical osmolarity changes due to hyponatremia. Muscle Nerve 46: 426–433, 2012
Quantification of MRI signal of transgenic grafts overexpressing ferritin in murine myocardial infarcts
Authors: Naumova Anna V. , Yarnykh Vasily L. , Balu Niranjan , Reinecke Hans , Murry Charles E. , Yuan Chun
Published: February 2012

The noninvasive detection of transplanted cells in damaged organs and the longitudinal follow‐up of cell fate and graft size are important for the evaluation of cell therapy. We have shown previously that the overexpression of the natural iron storage protein, ferritin, permits the detection of engrafted cells in mouse heart by MRI, but further imaging optimization is required. Here, we report a systematic evaluation of ferritin‐based stem cell imaging in infarcted mouse hearts in vivo using three cardiac‐gated pulse sequences in a 3‐T scanner: black‐blood proton‐density‐weighted turbo spin echo (PD TSE BB), bright‐blood T2*‐weighted gradient echo (GRE) and black‐blood T2*‐weighted GRE with improved motion‐sensitized‐driven equilibrium (iMSDE) preparation. Transgenic C2C12 myoblast grafts overexpressing ferritin did not change MRI contrast in the PD TSE BB images, but showed a 20% reduction in signal intensity ratio in black‐blood T2*‐weighted iMSDE (p < 0.05) and a 30% reduction in bright‐blood T2*‐weighted GRE (p < 0.0001). Graft size measurements by T2* iMSDE and T2* GRE were highly correlated with histological assessments (r = 0.79 and r = 0.89, respectively). Unlabeled wild‐type C2C12 cells transplanted to mouse heart did not change the MRI signal intensity, although endogenous hemosiderin was seen in some infarcts. These data support the use of ferritin to track the survival, growth and migration of stem cells transplanted into the injured heart. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partners in crime: VEGF and IL‐4 conscript tumour‐promoting macrophages
Authors: De Palma Michele
Published: February 2012

Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) foster tumour progression by several mechanisms, including the promotion of angiogenesis, tissue remodelling, and immunosuppression. Such pro‐tumoural activities are thought to be executed by TAM subtypes that harbour features of alternatively activated (or M2‐polarized) macrophages. However, the molecular signals in tumours that induce recruitment and differentiation of M2‐like macrophages are not fully defined. In this issue of The Journal of Pathology, Linde et al investigate the role of the tumour‐derived cytokines, VEGF and IL‐4, in the recruitment and polarization of macrophages in a mouse model of skin cancer. The authors report that while VEGF‐A recruits monocytes from the peripheral circulation, IL‐4 induces their differentiation into tumour‐promoting, M2‐like macrophages. IL‐4 signalling blockade was sufficient to reprogram TAMs away from the M2‐like phenotype and inhibited tumour angiogenesis and growth. This study attests to the potential of reprogramming TAMs to abate their pro‐angiogenic and pro‐tumoural functions in tumours. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posterior fossa anomalies diagnosed with fetal MRI: Associated anomalies and neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Patek Kyla J. , Kline‐Fath Beth M. , Hopkin Robert J. , Pilipenko Valentina V. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Spaeth Christine G.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between intracranial and extracranial anomalies and neurodevelopmental outcome for fetuses diagnosed with a posterior fossa anomaly (PFA) on fetal MRI.

Methods

Cases of Dandy–Walker malformation, vermian hypogenesis/hypoplasia, and mega cisterna magna (MCM) were identified through the Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati between January 2004 and December 2010. Parental interview and retrospective chart review were used to assess neurodevelopmental outcome.

Results

Posterior fossa anomalies were identified in 59 fetuses; 9 with Dandy–Walker malformation, 36 with vermian hypogenesis/hypoplasia, and 14 with MCM. Cases with isolated PFAs (14/59) had better outcomes than those with additional anomalies (p = 0.00016), with isolated cases of MCM all being neurodevelopmentally normal. Cases with additional intracranial anomalies had a worse outcome than those without intracranial anomalies (p = 0.00017). The presence of extracranial anomalies increased the likelihood of having a poor outcome (p = 0.00014) as did the identification of an abnormal brainstem (p = 0.00018).

Conclusion

Intracranial and extracranial anomalies were good predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome in this study. The prognosis was poor for individuals with an abnormal brainstem, whereas those with isolated MCM had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community pharmacists' adoption of medicines reclassified from prescription‐only status: a systematic review of factors associated with decision making
Authors: Paudyal Vibhu , Hansford Denise , Cunningham Scott , Stewart Derek
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Subsequent to reclassification of legal status, more than 90 prescription‐only medicines have become available in the UK alone without a prescription. Similar changes are taking place internationally. The aim was to systematically review studies reporting factors associated with community pharmacists' decision making around adoption of these reclassified medicines into practice.

Method

A systematic review of English language peer‐reviewed published literature from 1990 to 2010 was conducted. Literature was identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, IPA, CINAHL, BSP, Cochrane Library and PsychINFO databases and other sources including key conference abstracts.

Results

A total of 38 studies were included. Twenty‐eight factors associated with pharmacists' decision making were identified. Medicine safety was consistently shown to be one of the key factors; however, the importance of evidence base and financial benefits of reclassification were less obvious. A paucity of high‐quality studies limits generalisation of findings.

Conclusions

Patient safety appears to be the key to pharmacists' decision making. However, the study quality limitations indicate the need for further robust research. The 28 factors identified in this systematic review from international literature can aid rigorous research instrument development for future evaluations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, fabrication, and analysis of transparent silicon solar cells for multi‐junction assemblies
Authors: Kerestes Christopher , Wang Yi , Shreve Kevin , Mutitu James , Creazzo Tim , Murcia Paola , Barnett Allen
Published: February 2012

Transparent silicon solar cells can lead to an increased efficiency of silicon‐based multi‐junction assemblies by transmitting near and below band gap energy light for conversion in a low band gap solar cell. This analysis shows that the maximum efficiency gain for a low band gap solar cell beneath silicon at a concentration of 50 suns is 5.8%, based on ideal absorption and conversion of the photons. This work analyzes the trade‐offs between increased near band edge absorption in the silicon and silicon solar cell transparency. Application of these results to real cases including a germanium bottom solar cell is analyzed, leading to a range of cases with increased system efficiency. Non‐ideal surfaces and real silicon and germanium solar cell device performance are presented. The range of practical system gains may be as low as 2.2 – 1% absolute when compared with the efficiency of a light‐trapped silicon solar cell for 1‐sun operation, based on this work. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compact surface structures for the efficient excitation of surface plasmon‐polaritons
Authors: de la Cruz S. , Méndez E. R. , Macías D. , Salas‐Montiel R. , Adam P. M.
Published: February 2012

We present calculations of the efficiency of excitation of surface plasmon‐polaritons (SPPs) with surface structures illuminated by focussed beams. First, it is shown that the low reflectivity observed with broad highly directional beams and periodic gratings does not necessarily imply an efficient coupling to SPPs. We then consider the coupling through surface features like steps, grooves and angled steps, and calculate efficiency maps for these structures as functions of the parameters that define them. Finally, we explore the possibilities of improving the coupling efficiency using periodic structures consisting of a small number of rectangular grooves. We find that a surface section with a length of about four wavelengths can couple as much as 45% of the incident light into a directional SPP.
GSSTP: a signalling transport protocol for DVB‐S2 GSE‐only transmission systems
Authors: Ewald N. L. , Fairhurst G. , Noisternig M. , Soboll T. , Yun‐Garcia A. , Moreno I.
Published: February 2012

The current signalling framework for Digital Video Broadcasting systems is based on MPEG‐2 encoded Program Specific Information and System Information tables that rely on the transport stream. It is expected that in the near future, this architecture will be replaced by one based on the Generic Stream Encapsulation protocol, paving the way for the convergence of DVB‐S2 broadcast transmission networks and IP infrastructure. This paper presents a new lightweight Generic Stream Signalling Transport Protocol, which can be used to realise a transmission system based only on the Generic Stream Encapsulation and that efficiently supports filtering of Program Specific Information and System Information tables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced receiver design for satellite‐based automatic identification system signal detection
Authors: Burzigotti Paolo , Ginesi Alberto , Colavolpe Giulio
Published: February 2012

This paper describes an innovative receiver architecture for the satellite‐based automatic identification system. The receiver performance has been fully validated in the presence of the typical satellite channel characteristics. In particular, it is shown that the devised receiver provides an excellent performance against the noise, as well as a large resilience against message collisions, Doppler shift, and delay spread. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian Approach with Maximum Entropy Principle for trusted quality of Web service metric in e‐commerce applications
Authors: Wang Shangguang , Zou Hua , Sun Qibo , Yang Fangchun
Published: February 2012

Trusted quality of Web service (QoWS) issue is critical for e‐commerce applications. However, many existing studies have little work in situations that have insufficient or no historical information regarding QoWS data. In this study, we propose a trusted QoWS metric approach, that is, Bayesian Approach with Maximum Entropy Principle. The key of our proposed approach is to extract QoWS prior distribution of Web service by using Maximum Entropy Principle and then to infer QoWS posterior distribution of Web service by using Bayesian Approach. On the basis of the obtained QoWS posterior distribution, trusted QoWS can be measured. We conduct extensive simulations to evaluate our proposed approach. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed approach can obtain trusted QoWS effectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a high‐performance electrospray droplet beam source
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Chen Lee Chuin , Sakai Yuji , Suzuki Hiroaki , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: February 2012

The electrospray droplet impact (EDI) method was developed as a new massive cluster source, but the current EDI method lacks adequate beam focusing and density to achieve imaging and depth profiling with sufficient spatial resolution and within a reasonable time. To improve EDI beam performance, we have developed a technique for stable electrospraying of volatile liquids under vacuum. However, as is well known, vacuum electrospray of volatile liquids is extremely difficult because the evaporative cooling causes freezing of the volatile liquids in vacuum, and to prevent the freezing of these liquids, we irradiated the tip of the electrospray emitter with an infrared (10.6 µm) laser. The tip of the emitter was directly observed with optical microscopy, and the droplet ion beam current was measured with a Faraday cup. A stable vacuum electrospray of pure water was achieved with continuous laser irradiation. Also, typical modes of electrospray were clearly observed with the microscope even under vacuum conditions. The addition of 0.01 M trifluoroacetic acid to water caused an increase in current by at least one order of magnitude compared with water only. From these results, the vacuum electrospray technique can be expected to be a high‐performance massive cluster ion beam source. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient designs of gene–environment interaction studies: implications of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and gene–environment independence
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Kang Guolian , VanderWeele Tyler , Zhang Cuilin , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: February 2012

It is important to investigate whether genetic susceptibility variants exercise the same effects in populations that are differentially exposed to environmental risk factors. Here, we assess the power of four two‐stage case‐control design strategies for assessing multiplicative gene–environment (G–E) interactions or for assessing genetic or environmental effects in the presence of G–E interactions. We considered a di‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphism G and a binary environmental variable E under the constraints of G–E independence and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and used the Wald statistic for all tests. We concluded that (i) for testing G–E interactions or genetic effects in the presence of G–E interactions when data for E are fully available, it is preferable to ascertain data for G in a subsample of cases with similar numbers of exposed and unexposed and a random subsample of controls; and (ii) for testing G–E interactions or environmental effects in the presence of G–E interactions when data for G are fully available, it is preferable to ascertain data for E in a subsample of cases that has similar numbers for each genotype and a random subsample of controls. In addition, supplementing external control data to an existing case‐control sample leads to improved power for assessing effects of G or E in the presence of G–E interactions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational Closure and Self‐Reference: On the Logic of Organizational Change
Authors: Schwaninger Markus , Groesser Stefan N.
Published: February 2012

The concept ofautopoiesisintroduced by Maturana and Varela has, in the last four decades, triggered intellectual efforts for the understanding of phenomena of self‐organization in general. This contribution aims at conceptualizing and applying two aspects of autopoiesis—operational closureandself‐reference—in respect of social organizations. We formalize these concepts and demonstrate their power to explain change processes. This is achieved by means of a qualitative case study and a quantitative simulation model, which lead to counterintuitive insights about the dynamics of organizational transformation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perinatal exposure to low doses of tributyltin chloride advances puberty and affects patterns of estrous cyclicity in female mice
Authors: Si Jiliang , Han Xiaoying , Zhang Fengmei , Xin Quanbin , An Lihong , Li Guozhen , Li Chen
Published: February 2012

Tributyltin (TBT), a proven endocrine‐disrupting chemical, is well known to induce imposex in female gastropods. Herein we demonstrate the effects of low doses of tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) on the female offspring of KM mice. Pregnant mice were administered by gavage with 0, 1, 10, or 100 μg TBTCl/kg body weight/day from day 6 of pregnancy through the period of lactation. TBTCl dramatically advanced the age of onset of vaginal opening (VO) and first vaginal estrus, and reduced body weights at VO and first estrus. Furthermore, perinatal treatment with TBTCl significantly reduced the number of days between VO and first estrus. In addition, female offspring from dams exposed to 10 and 100 μg kg−1 TBTCl exhibited altered patterns of estrous cyclicity in adulthood. In conclusion, perinatal exposure to low doses TBTCl result in early puberty and impaired estrous cyclicity in female mice, which suggest that TBTCl might act as an estrogen agonist or/and a disruptor on hypothalamic–pituitary function in the present study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Analyzing time to event outcomes with a Cox regression model
Authors: Walters Stephen J.
Published: February 2012

Survival analysis is concerned with studying the time between entry to a study and a subsequent event (such as death). Survival times now often refer to the development of a particular symptom or to relapse after remission of a disease, as well as to the time to death. A Cox regression model is a statistical technique for exploring the relationship between the survival of a patient and several explanatory variables. A Cox regression model provides an estimate of the treatment effect on survival after adjustment for other explanatory variables. Also, it allows us to estimate the hazard or risk of death for an individual given their prognostic variables. A Cox regression model must be fitted using an appropriate computer program (such as R, S‐Plus, SAS, STATA, or SPSS). The final model from a Cox regression analysis yields an equation for the hazard as a function of several explanatory variables. Interpreting the Cox regression model involves examining the coefficients for each explanatory variable. A positive regression coefficient sign for an explanatory variable means that the hazard is higher and thus the prognosis worse. Conversely, a negative regression coefficient implies a worse prognosis for patients with higher values of that variable.WIREs Comput Stat2012, 4:310–315. doi: 10.1002/wics.1197

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Clinical Trials

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Reliability, Survivability, and Quality Control
Washing oiled sea otters
Authors: Jessup David A. , Yeates Laura C. , Toy‐Choutka Sharon , Casper David , Murray Michael J. , Ziccardi Michael H.
Published: February 2012

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill resulted in the death of 3,000–6,000 sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from exposure to Alaska North Slope crude oil, and the cleaning and rehabilitation of hundreds. The washing and care methods developed during that experience provided standard protocols for treatment of oiled sea otters, largely still in use 20 years later. From 2004 to 2008 at the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center (Santa Cruz, CA, USA), we experimentally manipulated water type (salt–fresh) and temperature, and we monitored otter physiology, behavior, and thermal properties to evaluate recovery from washing in the absence of oil. We also dipped otters in canola oil, and were able to wash one otter naturally oiled with Monterey formation crude oil, using the same methods. Providing soft freshwater in recovery pools reduced recovery time substantially. Warming the freshwater appeared to offer additional benefits in some cases. Infrared thermography and subcutaneous temperature‐sensitive passive integrated transponder tags were 2 new technologies that enhanced this research. The improved washing and care methods developed have the potential to reduce the time required for recovery of water repellency of sea otter pelage. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Optimization of medium formulation and seed conditions for expression of mature PsaA (pneumococcal surface adhesin A) in Escherichia coli using a sequential experimental design strategy and response surface methodology
Authors: Larentis Ariane Leites , Nicolau Júlia Fabiana Monteiro Quintal , Argondizzo Ana Paula Corrêa , Galler Ricardo , Rodrigues Maria Isabel , Medeiros Marco Alberto
Published: February 2012

PsaA, a candidate antigen for a vaccine against pneumonia, is well-conserved in all Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. A sequence of two-level experimental designs was used to evaluate medium composition and seed conditions to optimize the expression of soluble mature PsaA in E. coli. A face-centered central composite design was first used to evaluate the effects of yeast extract (5 and 23.6 g/L), tryptone (0 and 10 g/L), and glucose (1 and 10 g/L), with replicate experiments at the central point (14.3 g/L yeast extract, 5 g/L tryptone, 5.5 g/L glucose). Next, a central composite design was used to analyze the influence of NaCl concentration (0, 5, and 10 g/L) compared with potassium salts (9.4 g/L K2HPO4/2.2 g/L KH2PO4), and seed growth (7 and 16 h). Tryptone had no significant effect and was removed from the medium. Yeast extract and glucose were optimized at their intermediate concentrations, resulting in an animal-derived material-free culture medium containing 15 g/L yeast extract, 8 g/L glucose, 50 μg/mL kanamycin, and 0.4% glycerol, yielding 1 g/L rPsaA after 16 h induction at 25°C in shake flasks at 200 rpm. All the seed age and salt conditions produced similar yields, indicating that no variation had a statistically significant effect on expression. Instead of growing the seed culture for 16 h (until saturation), the process can be conducted with 7 h seed growth until the exponential phase. These results enhanced the process productivity and reduced costs, with 5 g/L NaCl being used rather than potassium salts.
Use of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae endopolygalacturonase promoter to direct expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gognies S , Bahkali A , Moslem M , Belarbi A
Published: February 2012

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an endopolygalacturonase encoded by the PGL1 gene catalyzes the random hydrolysis of the α-1,4 glycosidic linkages in polygalacturonic acid. To study the regulation of the PGL1 gene, we constructed a reporter vector containing the lacZ gene under the control of PGL1 promoter. Surprisingly, when Escherichia coli DH5α was transformed by this vector, cells harboring the constructed plasmid produced blue colonies. Sequence analysis of this promoter revealed that E. coli consensus sequences required to express an in-frame lacZ alpha product were present. We next decided to investigate how the PGL1 promoter is regulated in E. coli compared to yeast. In this study, we examined the modulation of the PGL1 promoter in E. coli, and the results indicated that its activity is greatly induced by saturated digalacturonic acid and is indirectly regulated by the transcriptional regulators the 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate repressor. Moreover, PGL1 expression is enhanced under aerobic conditions. We found that β-galactosidase activity in E. coli could reach 180 units, which is 40-fold greater than the activity produced in S. cerevisiae, and greater than recombinant protein expression previously reported by other researchers. We thus demonstrate that this vector can be considered as a dual expression plasmid for both E. coli and S. cerevisiae hosts. So far, no modulation of endoPG promoters expressed in E. coli has been reported.
Hormonal therapy in breast cancer: A model disease for the personalization of cancer care
Authors: Puhalla Shannon , Bhattacharya Saveri , Davidson Nancy E.
Published: February 2012

The treatment of breast cancer is driven by subtype classification, of which the assessment of hormone receptor status is one of the important determinants of therapy. The use of hormonal therapy to treat estrogen‐receptor positive breast cancer has been studied for over a century and is one of the well‐described uses of personalized medicine. In this review, we will describe the classification of hormone receptor status and the various endocrine treatment strategies. Opportunities for personalization of care are illustrated.