bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Bus Passenger Transfers on Road Segments through Online Operational Tactics
Authors: Hadas Yuval , Ceder Avishai (Avi)
Published: December 2008

The use of transfers in public transit has the advantages of reducing operational costs and introducing more flexible, efficient route planning. The main drawback from the passengers’ point of view is the inconvenience of traveling multilegged trips. To diminish the waiting time caused by passenger transfers, synchronized timetables were introduced. The use of these timed transfers, however, creates uncertainty about the simultaneous arrival of two (or more) buses at an existing stop, which can lead to a deterioration in system reliability. To alleviate this uncertainty about simultaneous arrivals, a new passenger transfer concept was developed that extends the commonly used single-point encounter (at a single transit stop) to a road segment encounter (with any point along the road segment constituting a possible encounter point). The objectives of this work are as follows: ( a) to define the bus-encounter probability along a road segment, ( b) to introduce a simulation model to estimate the bus-encounter probability, ( c) to model the bus-encounter probability upper bound, which is a major input to a dynamic programming model that optimizes the total travel time, and ( d) to present simulation results that confirm the benefits of such a system. It is believed that the proposed concept will reduce the uncertainty of two buses meeting at a point, as well as reduce the average travel time and enable more flexibility in deploying online operational tactics (e.g., holding buses, skipping stops, slowing down).
Transit Extraboard Management
Authors: DeAnnuntis Christopher P. , Morris William P.
Published: December 2008

Although transit agencies attempt to employ enough regular bus operators to provide scheduled service, they also employ operators to cover work assignments that are temporarily unfilled. Work assignments can become open for extraboard operators because of vacations, illnesses, unscheduled absences, insufficient manpower, attrition (caused by retirements or promotions, for example), or for work that is left open in the course of normal labor practices. Put simply, an extraboard bus operator is another name for a backup driver. Extraboard operations may be generally defined as the process of utilizing available manpower to perform work assignments in accordance with labor agreement provisions and work rules to ensure the provision of scheduled transit service. The challenge is to assign manpower to ensure scheduled service delivery with minimum cost. Proper extraboard management is critical to the overall workforce management of the transit agency. The objective of this research is to summarize the process involved in managing extraboard resources and to develop a tool to aid small- to midsized transit agencies in doing so. The tool will be built in Excel to allow for easy data entry and model inputs. This study was requested by the TRB Bus Transit Systems Committee and commissioned by the National Center for Transit Research, with the goal of examining industry trends and identifying strategies that could be used by a broad base of transit agencies to maximize extraboard sizing. The result is an instrument that can be universally applied to transit agency practitioners seeking to determine extraboard size based on factors other than historical trends and experience.
Modeling the Factors Affecting Bus Stop Dwell Time
Authors: Milkovits Martin N.
Published: December 2008

Dwell time at bus stops represents a significant portion of bus operating time and contributes to its variability. Although dwell time is highly correlated with the number of passengers boarding and alighting, there are also secondary factors such as crowding, fare type, and bus design that may affect it. These secondary factors may strongly influence the effectiveness of different strategies used to improve service. Automatic data collection systems provide a plethora of data, but they require preprocessing to combine records from different collection systems to control for measurement error and to determine the significant factors influencing dwell time. Using data from the automatic passenger counting, automatic fare counting, and automatic vehicle location systems installed on Chicago Transit Authority buses, the paper develops and implements preprocessing techniques, estimates a dwell time model, and analyzes the impact of the secondary factors. Smart media farecards are estimated to have a 1.5-s faster transaction time than magnetic strip tickets, but only in uncrowded situations. When the number of onboard passengers exceeds the seating capacity, there is no statistically significant difference between the fare media types.
A Review of Neotropical Myxomycetes (1828-2008)
Authors: Lado Carlos , Wrigley de Basanta Diana
Published: December 2008

A synthesis of the accumulated knowledge on myxomycetes recorded from the Neotropical region is presented in this paper. The biodiversity of these microorganisms in the Neotropics has been underestimated, and this paper shows that half the known species in the world have been recorded from the region. The monograph by M.L. Farr, for the series Flora Neotropica, published in 1976, has been taken as a baseline. The records produced after this date, some older obscure records, and data from recently published catalogues, monographs and other papers have been incorporated. The information is presented in a table format by species and countries. Species names are listed with synonyms that have been used in Neotropical literature and nomenclature has been updated. A comprehensive list of references by country has been included. A characteristic assemblage of myxomycetes from the Neotropics has been identified. The richness of myxobiota in different countries has been evaluated, and gaps in current information and unexplored areas have become evident from the results. Use of the compiled information to direct conservation plans, and to serve as a starting point to establish and develop future strategies for the study of myxomycetes in this area of the world, is discussed. The importance of prioritizing this research on microorganismal biodiversity, in view of accelerated habitat destruction, is stressed.
Taxonomic notes on genus Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) in the Iberian Peninsula. I. C. cordubensis Font Quer, C. bethurica E. López & Devesa, sp. Nov., and C. schousboei Lange
Authors: López Eusebio , Devesa Juan Antonio
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of a periodical series based in a previous taxonomic study dealing with Centaurea paniculata L. group (Centaurea L. sect. Centaurea) in the Iberian Peninsula. Firstly, we present a dichotomous key of this group besides some commentaries about three endemic species to south-west Iberian Peninsula. C. bethurica is described as new and its affinities with C. cordubensis are commented. On the other hand, C. schousboei is lectotypified and some commentaries about its variability and distribution, as well as the taxonomic value of a previously described subspecies are shown.
A synopsis of the genus Meliosma (Sabiaceae) in El Salvador
Authors: Menjívar C. Jenny , Cerén Gabriel
Published: December 2008

A synopsis of the genus Meliosma (Sabiaceae) in El Salvador is presented, with a key, descriptions, illustrations, distributional data, phenology, and citation of all specimens examined. Two species are reported, including a new taxon, Meliosma echeverriae.
Vascular flora associated to Mediterranean temporary ponds on the island of Minorca
Authors: Fraga i Arguimbau Pere
Published: December 2008

Mediterranean temporary ponds are a habitat with a high interest for conservation due to their particular characteristics and especially to their biodiversity. Vascular flora is a feature that stands out for its richness and diversity. Minorca has a high representation of this habitat. A complete inventory of vascular plants related to this habitat on the island is presented here for the first time. 360 taxa have been recorded in the pond areas. Most of them are usually found outside the water influence, and just 35 have been found to be exclusive to the inundation area. The quantitative analysis of additional information like abundance within the island, chorology and life forms, compared with that of all the flora on the island, reveals some particular traits for the flora of this habitat, and especially for the plants of the inundated area.
Microcnemum coralloides (Chenopodiaceae- Salicornioideae): an example of intraspecific East-West disjunctions in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Kadereit Gudrun , Emre Yaprak Ahmet
Published: December 2008

Microcnemum is a monotypic genus of Salicornioideae comprising rare, annual, hygrohalophytic herbs growing in hypersaline inland lagoons and salt pans. Microcnemum coralloides shows an East-West disjunction in the Mediterranean region: M. coralloides subsp. coralloides occurs in central and eastern Spain while M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum grows in Turkey, Syria, Armenia and Iran. We studied the phylogeny, biogeography and morphological differentiation of M. coralloides. Molecular analyses, using five western and eight eastern accessions of the species, were based on three different markers (nuclear ITS and plastid atpB-rbcL spacer and trnT/F region) analysed with Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood. Estimates of divergence times were calculated using a Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) and the Penalized Likelihood (PL) method. The two subspecies can be clearly distinguished by their different seed testa surface. Other diagnostic characters were not found. The molecular data (ITS and ML analysis of the trnT/F region) indicate that M. coralloides subsp. coralloides originated from within M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum which implies an East Mediterranean origin and subsequent westward dispersal. Age estimates for the split of the two subspecies range from 2.8–0.5 million years ago. Considering the relatively low genetic differentiation and the low crown group age (0.7–0.1 mya) of M. coralloides subsp. coralloides in comparison to M. coralloides subsp. anatolicum we favour the hypothesis that the Iberian part of the species range was established during cold periods of the Early Pleistocene and that the range of the species was fragmented during a warmer period soon after its arrival in Iberia.
COMBAT GA-BASED GENE SELECTION FOR CLASSIFICATION OF MICROARRAY DATA
Authors: Chuang Li-Yeh , Yang Cheng-San , Li Jung-Chike , Yang Cheng-Hong
Published: December 2008

Microarray data can provide valuable results for a variety of gene expression profile problems and contribute to advances in clinical medicine. The application of microarray data on cancer-type classification has recently gained in popularity. The properties of microarray data contain a large number of features (genes) with high dimensions, and one in the multi-class category. These facts make testing and training of general classification methods difficult. Reducing the number of genes and achieving lower classification error rates are the main issues to be solved. The classification of microarray data samples can be regarded as a feature selection and classifier design problem. The goal of feature selection is to select those subsets of differentially expressed genes that are potentially relevant for distinguishing the sample classes. Classical genetic algorithms (GAs) may suffer from premature convergence and thus lead to poor experimental results. In this paper, combat genetic algorithm (CGA) is used to implement the feature selection, and a K-nearest neighbor with the leave-one-out cross-validation method serves as a classifier of the CGA fitness function for the classification problem. The proposed method was applied to 10 microarray data sets that were obtained from the literature. The experimental results show that the proposed method not only effectively reduced the number of gene expression levels but also achieved lower classification error rates.
SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE ABSORPTION OF ALBUMIN/WATER ON Ni THIN FILM DEPOSITED ON Si AT 230°C
Authors: Yang Y.-L. , Young T.-F. , Kuo W.-C. , Fang S.-H. , Chao Y.-K.
Published: December 2008

In this work we have studied the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption of Albumin on NiSi nanoparticle thin film deposited on Si. The thin films were deposited by means of RF sputtering on Si at various temperatures and times for different thicknesses, and characterized by grazing angle XRD and SEM. From these experimental conditions, we only observed a formation of NiSi nanoparticles deposited on Si at 230°C for 15 min to 30 min. The silicon atoms seem to emerge out of the surface and react with Nickel's. Due to the high activation energy, this mechanism would not take place at lower temperatures, such as RT and 122°C.

Mixture of Albumin and water with varied concentrations has been prepared for the measurement of SPR absorption on the NiSi nanoparticle thin film. We found the spectra of SPR absorption of Albumin on the sample, which NiSi nanoparticle thin film was deposited on Si at 230°C, exhibits a specific shift due to the formation of NiSi nanoparticle.
A MECHANISM OF ULTRASONIC IRRADIATION TO ASSIST OR INHIBIT THE PARAMECIUM CELLS
Authors: Huang Yi-Cheng , Yang Shiuh-Kuang
Published: December 2008

This paper investigates the biological reactions of unicellular creature irradiated to a low intensity of ultrasonic field. The current study attempts to anticipate the value of the ultrasonic driving frequency which will induce the most significant biological reactions by using the theoretical model. The theoretical model of the cells in response to the ultrasonic irradiation is simulated using Rayleigh–Plesset's bubble activation theory. The simulation results indicate that the resonant frequency of the Paramecium vacuoles considered in the present study lies in the range 0.54–1.24 MHz. Ultrasonic irradiation experiments are performed at various power level intensities at driving frequencies corresponding to resonant (0.5 and 1 MHz) and nonresonant (0.25 and 5 MHz) frequencies. It is found that samples irradiated under different ultrasonic conditions exhibit clear differences in their cell proliferation tendencies. For example, in samples irradiated with lower power intensities and driving frequencies of 0.5 and 1 MHz, the number of cells in the treated samples is found to be approximately 30% higher than that in the original unexposed samples. However, when resonant frequencies and higher intensities are applied, the ultrasonic irradiation causes a shape change of the cell organelles and a corresponding reduction in the total number of cells in the treated sample. For the samples exposed to nonresonant frequency ultrasonic irradiation, it is found that the cell proliferation is limited and appears to vary independently of the applied irradiation intensity.
Theoretical analysis and experimental study on SO2 adsorption onto pistachio‐nut‐shell activated carbon
Authors: Lua Aik Chong , Yang Ting
Published: December 2008

The adsorption study of SO2 onto the activated carbon prepared from pistachio‐nut shell was studied theoretically and experimentally. A single‐particle sorption model known as concentration‐dependent surface diffusivity micropore, surface and macropore diffusion control model incorporating micropore, macropore and surface diffusions, together with a nonlinear isotherm at the micropore mouth, has been derived and solved by a finite difference method. The effects of different types of nonlinear isotherms and concentration dependent surface diffusivities have been thoroughly studied. The effects of adsorbate concentration and temperature on adsorption were studied experimentally. Good agreement was found between the model predictions and the experimental results. The value of the tortuosity factor and the extracted diffusion coefficients obtained are consistent with their corresponding values reported. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 2009
Update on the therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kasner Margaret T. , Luger Selina M.
Published: December 2008

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a diverse group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by cytopenias. Patients have a risk of developing acute leukemia though most subcome to complications of low blood counts. Over the past decade many novel treatments have been developed and investigation of new agents is ongoing. In this article, we discuss the classification and prognostic systems that are used in MDS, the agents available for treatment of MDS as well as review supportive and palliative care options for patients who are not candidates for, or opt against, newer treatment strategies. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary breast non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma: A large single center study of initial characteristics, natural history, and prognostic factors
Authors: Validire Patricia , Capovilla Mathieu , Asselain Bernard , Kirova Youlia , Goudefroye Rémi , Plancher Corine , Fourquet Alain , Zanni Manuela , Gaulard Philippe , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Decaudin Didier
Published: December 2008

The aims of this study were to define the initial pathological and clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors of patients with primary breast malignant lymphoma (PBL). All patients treated at the Institut Curie for lymphoma with breast involvement were reviewed. A pathological review of all cases was performed. Forty‐five cases were selected in whom 38 cases were of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. A complete analysis was then performed on these 38 patients. Twenty out of 28 cases (71%) of cases were Bcl‐2 positive and four out of 28 (14%) had a CD10 positive staining. Peculiar initial characteristics showed nodal involvement in 58% of the cases and two or more extra‐nodal sites in 31% of the cases. Among the 37 patients for whom all data were available, and according to the International Prognostic Index, 19 patients (51%) were classified in the low‐risk group, 5 cases (14%) in the low‐ to intermediate‐risk group, 6 patients (16%) in the intermediate‐ to high‐risk group, and 7 (19%) case in the high‐risk group. At the end of initial therapy, 34 patients (89%) achieved CR. With a median follow‐up of 96 months, 18 patients (47%) relapsed of whom 3 had a relapse in central nervous system site. The 5‐year disease‐free (DFS) and overall survivals (OS) were 54% and 61%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the presence of 2 or more extranodal sites was prognostic for lower DFS (P= 0.0008) and OS (P= 0.09), and a performance status ≥1 was prognostic for lower OS (P= 0.005). Finally, when our series was compared with a historical series of 111 patients with aggressive nodal lymphomas, we observed significant lower survival rates in localized PBL (P< 0.03). Initial breast localization has a pejorative impact on the outcome of patients with Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), with an impressive adverse influence of additional extranodal sites. These results suggest a specific management of NHL with breast involvement. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency and proliferation of CD4+FOXP3+ Treg in HIV‐1‐infected patients with low CD4 counts
Authors: Bi Xiuqiong , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi
Published: December 2008

The frequency of Treg is reported to be higher in patients with chronic HIV type 1 (HIV‐1) infection and CD45RA+ Treg exist in normal adults. In this study, we found a lower absolute number (15 cells/μL) but a higher proportion (16.2%) of FOXP3+ cells (Treg) in the CD4+ population in treatment‐naïve HIV‐1 patients with low CD4 (<200 cells/μL) counts than in those with high CD4 counts (34 cells/μL and 9.3%) or healthy adults (48 cells/μL and 7.5%). In HIV‐1 patients, CD45RA+CCR7+, CD45RA−CCR7+, and CD45RA−CCR7− subsets were identified in the Treg population, and the proportion of CD45RA−CCR7− Treg was higher (57.9%) in patients with low CD4 than high CD4 counts (38.3%). Treg were in a high proliferation state especially in patients with low CD4 counts. HIV viral load correlated positively with the Treg proliferation rate and the proportion of CD45RA−CCR7− Treg. Furthermore, the proliferation of Treg correlated positively with the CD45RA−CCR7− Treg proportion but negatively with Treg numbers. Successful antiretroviral therapy resulted in a limited increase in Treg numbers, but their frequency was reduced in 1–2 months due to a rapid rebound of FOXP3− CD4+cells. Our results suggest that HIV‐activating Treg may be a reason for the high frequencies of Treg and CD45RA−CCR7− Treg in the peripheral blood of late‐stage HIV‐1‐infected patients.
Lipid‐mediated presentation of MHC class II molecules guides thymocytes to the CD4 lineage
Authors: Komaniwa Satoshi , Hayashi Hiroshi , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Sato Satoshi B. , Ikawa Tomokatsu , Katsura Yoshimoto , Udaka Keiko
Published: December 2008

Previous studies on the MHC class‐specific differentiation of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes into CD4+ and CD8+ T cells have focused on the role of coreceptor molecules. However, CD4 and CD8 T cells develop according to their MHC class specificities even in these mice lacking coreceptors. This study investigated the possibility that lineage is determined not only by coreceptors, but is also guided by the way how MHC molecules are presented. MHC class II molecules possess a highly conserved Cys in their transmembrane domain, which is palmitoylated and thereby associates with lipid rafts, whereas neither palmitoylation nor raft association was observed with MHC class I molecules. The generation of CD4 T cells was impaired and that of CD8 T cells was augmented when the rafts on the thymic epithelial cells were disrupted. This was due to the conversion of MHC class II‐specific thymocytes from the CD4 lineage to CD8. The ability of I‐Ad molecule to associate with rafts was lost when its transmembrane Cys was replaced. The development of DO11.10 thymocytes recognizing this mutant I‐Adm was converted from CD4 to CD8. These results suggest that the CD4 lineage commitment is directed by the raft‐associated presentation of MHC class II molecules.
Tetraspanins CD37 and CD151 differentially regulate Ag presentation and T‐cell co‐stimulation by DC
Authors: Sheng Kuo‐Ching , van Spriel Annemiek B. , Gartlan Kate H. , Sofi Mariam , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Ashman Leonie , Wright Mark D.
Published: December 2008

A major question in immunology is how DC can display limited amounts of individual peptide–MHC complexes and still induce cross‐linking of T‐cell receptors to initiate cellular responses. One suggested mechanism is that MHC exists at the cell surface in high avidity multimers, and tetraspanin proteins, known to laterally associate with both MHC classes I and II, promote MHC multimerisation. To validate this theory, we tested the ability of DC deficient in either one of two typical tetraspanin molecules: CD37 or CD151 to present peptide to Ag‐specific T cells. Surprisingly, although they exhibited no developmental or maturation defects, DC lacking either CD37 or CD151 expression were hyper‐stimulatory to T cells. We demonstrate that CD37 and CD151 control DC‐mediated T‐cell activation by two different mechanisms: CD151 regulates co‐stimulation whereas CD37 regulates peptide/MHC presentation. The implications of these results on the model suggesting that tetraspanins promote MHC multimerisation are discussed.
Mapping the archaeological soil archive of sand and gravel mineral reserves in Britain
Authors: Ward Ingrid , Smith Barry , Lawley Russell
Published: December 2008

Primary sand and gravel deposits in Britain play an important role in preserving our cultural heritage and are also a valuable aggregate resource. While an understanding of the extrinsic properties of the soil archive (such as pH, redox, groundwater) can provide a firstorder assessment of the potential risk to any archaeologically sensitive deposits, we have very poor definition of spatial variations in the extrinsic properties of soil that influence archaeological preservation at a regional and national scale. Developments in digital geological mapping, remote sensing, and geochemical survey data undertaken by the British Geological Survey (BGS) have, however, significantly extended capabilities in this respect and can potentially be used to provide a primary assessment of the sensitivity of the present soil archive and the potential risk from changes to the soil process on cultural material in areas earmarked for aggregate extraction. Two of the major factors affecting archaeological preservation—soil acidification and groundwater—can be mapped or predicted at scales of better than 1:50,000 across increasingly large parts of the country using a combination of regional hydrogeological, geophysical, and geochemical data. Additional data from site investigations may further refine preservation potential as a function of changes in redox potential and acidity. These data, maps and models can be used to (1) better establish a baseline for archaeological preservation at a regional and national scale and (2) improve our understanding of how the physical and chemical properties of the near surface environment can be managed to sustainably preserve archaeological materials in areas impacted by sand and gravel extraction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beavertail modification of the radial forearm free flap in base of tongue reconstruction: Technique and functional outcomes
Authors: Seikaly Hadi , Rieger Jana , O'Connell Daniel , Ansari Khalid , AlQahtani Khalid , Harris Jeffrey
Published: December 2008

Background

Head and neck oncologists are often confronted with the difficult challenge of balancing cancer cure with the preservation of function when deciding the patient's best treatment protocol. This task is especially difficult in cancer of the base of tongue. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the beavertail modification of the radial forearm‐free flap in base of tongue reconstruction.

Methods

Thirty‐one consecutive patients treated for base of tongue cancer with primary surgery were followed prospectively. The technique of the beavertail modification is described. Swallowing and speech function were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

All the flaps survived. Thirty (97%) patients started consuming oral diet within 1 year, and all had normal speech intelligibility.

Conclusions

The beavertail modification of the radial forearm arm flap seems to provide the reconstructive elements that allow patients with large base of tongue extirpations to develop functional swallowing and speech production postoperatively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery–based combined flap for reconstruction of composite and en bloc mandibular defects
Authors: Cheng Ming‐Huei , Saint‐Cyr Michel , Ali Rozina S. , Chang Kai‐Ping , Hao Sheng‐Po , Wei Fu‐Chan
Published: December 2008

Background

The osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery‐based combined (OPAC) flap is a refinement of fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap, with the inclusion of partial soleus muscle based on an independent myocutaneous perforator.

Methods

Seventeen men underwent composite oromandibular reconstruction using an OPAC flap. Flaps were raised with 1 or 2 skin paddles and 2 to 3 bone segments. In 8 cases, a portion of soleus muscle was included.

Results

All flaps survived, but partial failure occurred in 2 cases (11.7%). At a mean follow‐up of 25.3 ± 19.4 months, 6 of 12 patients tolerated a regular diet, 5 a soft diet, and 1 a liquid diet. Speech was normal in 2 patients, intelligible in 4, and slurred in 6.

Conclusion

Advantages of the OPAC flap include a single donor site, 1 pair of recipient vessels, versatile 3‐dimensional inset, adequate soft tissue augmentation, and better aesthetic and functional outcomes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Roles of ezrin in the growth and invasiveness of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Xie Jian‐Jun , Xu Li‐Yan , Xie Yang‐Min , Zhang Hai‐Hua , Cai Wei‐Jia , Zhou Fei , Shen Zhong‐Ying , Li En‐Min
Published: December 2008

Ezrin, which crosslinks the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane, is involved in the growth and metastatic potential of cancer cells. Ezrin expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was described recently, but its roles and the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. In our study, we first showed that ezrin in ESCC cell is expressed in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Then, by using RNAi, we revealed that interference of ezrin expression suppressed the growth, adhesion and invasiveness of ESCC cells. Tumorigenesis experiments revealed that ezrin may directly regulate tumor formation in vivo. To explore the molecular mechanisms through which ezrin contributes to the proliferation and invasiveness of ESCC cells, we used cDNA microarrays to analyze ezrin knockdown cells and the control cells; of 39,000 genes examined, 297 were differentially expressed upon ezrin knockdown, including some proliferation‐ and invasiveness‐related genes such as ATF3, CTGF and CYR61. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that ezrin knockdown led to decreased activation of the TGF‐β and MAPK pathways, and ezrin‐mediated cell invasiveness alteration was dependent on the activation of these pathways. Finally, immunohistochemical staining on 80 ESCC specimens and 50 normal esophageal mucosae revealed that the expression levels of 3 altered genes involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and tumor metastasis, including CTGF, CYR61 and ATF3, were altered in ESCCs, and their expression pattern correlated with ezrin expression. Taken together, we propose that ezrin might function in the growth and invasiveness of ESCC cells through the MAPK and TGF‐β pathways. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decomposing European bond and equity volatility
Authors: Christiansen Charlotte
Published: December 2008

The paper investigates volatility spillover from US and aggregate European asset markets into European national asset markets. A main contribution is that bond and equity volatility spillover is analysed simultaneously. A new model belonging to the ‘volatility‐spillover’ class is suggested: The conditional variance of e.g. the unexpected German stock return is divided into separate effects from US bonds, US stocks, European bonds, European stocks, German bonds, and German stocks. Significant volatility‐spillover effects are found. The national bond (stock) volatilities are mainly influenced by bond (stock) effects. After the introduction of the euro the European markets have become more integrated; bond markets more so than stock markets. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactive scaffolds mimicking natural dentin structure
Authors: Vallés Lluch A. , Campillo Fernández A. , Gallego Ferrer G. , Monleón Pradas M.
Published: December 2008

Organic scaffolds of poly(ethyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) [P(EMA‐co‐HEA)] 70/30 wt % ratio, with varying proportions of silica SiO2 from 0 to 20 wt % and aligned tubular pores, were prepared using a fiber‐templating fabrication method, with the aim of mimicking structure and properties of the mineralized tissue of natural dentin. Precursors of the copolymer and silica were simultaneously polymerized in a sol–gel process within the fiber template, which was eventually eliminated to generate homogeneously distributed parallel micrometer‐sized pores in the material. Scaffolds of PEMA and PHEA were obtained by the same approach. The scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The specific volume was determined by Archimedes' method and the porosity calculated from the geometry. The mechanical properties were analyzed in tensile and compressive modes. The bioactivity of the scaffolds with 15 wt % SiO2 was tested by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days followed by immersion in 2× SBF for 7 days. These scaffolds were afterwards characterized by SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and compression assays. Percentages of silica above 10 wt % reinforced mechanically the copolymer, evidenced by the hindrance of the long range motions of the organic chains, altered shrinkage and swelling, and meanwhile conferred bioactivity to its surface. These tubular porous structures, which resemble natural dentin with regard to its structure and properties and induce the precipitation of apatite on their surfaces in vitro, are expected to facilitate the integration in the host mineralized tissue, to stimulate cell growth and to be useful as guiding scaffolds for in vivo dentin regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
The influence of the Nd:YAG laser bleaching on physical and mechanical properties of the dental enamel
Authors: Marcondes Maurem , Gandolfi Paranhos Maria Paula , Spohr Ana Maria , Mota Eduardo Gonçalves , Lima da Silva Isaac Newton , Souto André Arigony , Burnett Luiz Henrique
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives: The Nd:YAG laser can be used in Dentistry to remove soft tissue, disinfect canals in endodontic procedures and prevent caries. However, there is no protocol for Nd:YAG laser application in dental bleaching. The aims of this in vitro study were: (a) to observe the tooth shade alteration when hydrogen peroxide whitening procedures are associated with dyes with different wavelengths and irradiated with Nd:YAG laser or halogen light; (b) to measure the Vickers (VHN) enamel microhardness before and after the whitening procedure; (c) to evaluate the tensile bond strength of two types of adhesive systems applied on bleached enamel; (d) to observe the failure pattern after bond strength testing; (e) to evaluate the pulpal temperature during the bleaching procedures with halogen light or laser; (f) to measure the kinetic reaction of hydrogen peroxide. Materials and Methods: Extracted sound human molar crowns were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction to obtain 150 fragments that were divided into five groups for each adhesive system: WL (H2O2 + thickener and Nd:YAG), WH (H2O2 + thickener and halogen light), QL (H2O2 + carbopol + Q‐switch and Nd:YAG), QH (H2O2 + carbopol + Q‐switch and halogen light), and C (Control, without whitening agent). Shade assessment was made with a shade guide and the microhardness tests were performed before and after the bleaching procedures. Immediately afterwards, the groups were restored with the adhesive systems Adper Single Bond 2 or Solobond M plus composite resin, and the tensile bond strength test was performed. The temperature was measured by thermocouples placed on the enamel surface and intrapulpal chamber. The kinetics of hydrogen peroxide was observed by ultraviolet analysis. Results: The shade changed seven levels for Nd:YAG laser groups and eight levels for halogen light. According to the student's t‐test, there was no statistical difference between the VHN before and after the whitening protocols (p > 0.05). The tensile bond strength showed no statistical significance between the test groups and the controls, considering both adhesive systems tested by ANOVA and Tukey tests (p > 0.05). The predominant failure pattern after bond strength testing was mixed. The temperature was safe for laser and halogen light. The kinetic reaction showed that after 5 min all the hydrogen peroxide had been consumed. Conclusions: Nd:YAG laser associated with hydrogen peroxide bleached the enamel, the shade being similar to that obtained with the traditional method performed with halogen light. Moreover, the Vickers' microhardness and bond strength values were not altered in comparison with those for nonbleached enamel. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
The Italian registry of pediatric therapeutic apheresis: A report on activity during 2005
Authors: De Silvestro Giustina , Tison Tiziana , Vicarioto Maria , Bagatella Paola , Stefanutti Claudia , Marson Piero
Published: December 2008

The results of the 2005 Survey of the Italian Society for Apheresis and Cell Manipulation (SIdEM) reporting on the pediatric procedures carried out in 18 Italian Apheresis Units are presented here. Utilizing a standardized questionnaire, the survey collected data on techniques, types of blood separators, clinical indications, and adverse events. A total of 1,693 apheresis procedures were carried out in 355 pediatric patients: 219 plasma‐exchange, 291 peripheral blood stem cell collections, 791 extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), 265 LDL‐apheresis, 71 erythro‐exchange, 9 cytoreductive apheresis, 47 immunoadsorption sessions. Adverse events were registered in 94 procedures (5.6%), most of which of mild entity, e.g., insufficient flow rate (50.0%) and symptomatic hypocalcemia (24.4%). Our data indicate that all types of apheresis procedures can be safely carried out in children. ECP, utilized primarily for the treatment of graft versus host disease (GvHD) and rejection of solid organ transplantation, are burgeoning procedures in pediatric patients, whereas plasma exchange, which is a common treatment in adults, is infrequently utilized in pediatric medicine. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement equivalence of neighborhood quality measures for European American and Mexican American families
Authors: Kim Su Yeong , Nair Rajni , Knight George P. , Roosa Mark W. , Updegraff Kimberly A.
Published: December 2008

The factorial and construct equivalence of subscales assessing parents' and children's perceptions of the quality of their neighborhood was examined in Mexican American and European American families. All subscales (dangerous people in the neighborhood, sense of safety in the neighborhood, quality of the physical environment) demonstrated adequate partial factorial invariance across English‐ and Spanish‐speaking Mexican American and European American families. Reports by children about dangerous people in the neighborhood was the closest to achieving strict factorial invariance, and the only one of the four dimensions to achieve invariance in the validity analyses across Mexican American and European American families. The implications of using these self‐report neighborhood quality measures in studies of multiple cultural or language groups are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social support and risk of sexual assault revictimization
Authors: Mason Gillian E. , Ullman Sarah , Long Susan E. , Long LaDonna , Starzynski Laura
Published: December 2008

Limited research on revictimization has examined the role of social support, which is known to affect sexual assault survivors' psychological recovery. Measuring social support also provides a more ecological approach to understanding revictimization, as it assesses the possible role of those in the survivors' environment. The current study examined how social support and disclosure experiences of 625 community‐based survivors related to their revictimization status over a 12‐month period. Results showed differences between revictimized and nonrevictimized survivors in terms of who they disclosed to about their assault. In addition, revictimized survivors received less informational and emotional support and more blaming reactions. Implications for future research regarding using an ecological approach to better understand revictimization risk are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social support provisions as differential predictors of adaptive outcomes in young adolescents
Authors: Warren Jared S. , Jackson Yo , Sifers Sarah K.
Published: December 2008

Social support provisions were examined in relation to negative life events, adaptive skills, hope, and grade point average in a sample of 103 inner‐city youth (ages 11–14). Analyses focused on seven support provisions: social integration, attachment, guidance and information, reliable alliance, reassurance of worth, nurturance, and instrumental support. For boys, the provision of guidance and information was most strongly related to adaptive skills and grade point average, whereas attachment and reassurance of worth were the strongest predictors of hopefulness. The relation between support provisions and outcomes was less pronounced in the girls. Results underscore the multidimensional nature of social support and emphasize the differential ways in which support networks and their underlying dimensions relate to adaptive outcomes in young adolescents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief scale measuring patient preparedness for hospital discharge to home: Psychometric properties
Authors: Graumlich James F. , Novotny Nancy L. , Aldag Jean C.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

Adverse events occur when patients transition from the hospital to outpatient care. For quality improvement and research purposes, clinicians need appropriate, reliable, and valid survey instruments to measure and improve the discharge processes.

OBJECTIVE:

The object was to describe psychometric properties of the Brief PREPARED (B‐PREPARED) instrument to measure preparedness for hospital discharge from the patient's perspective.

METHODS:

The study was a prospective cohort of 460 patient or proxy telephone interviews following hospital discharge home. We administered the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale and the PREPARED instrument 1 week after discharge. PREPARED measured patients' perceptions of quality and outcome of the discharge‐planning processes. Four weeks after discharge, interviewers elicited emergency department visits. The main outcome was the B‐PREPARED scale value: the sum of scores from 11 items. Internal consistency, construct, and predictive validity were assessed.

RESULTS:

The mean B‐PREPARED scale value was 17.3 ± 4.2 (SD) with a range of 3 to 22. High scores reflected high preparedness. Principal component analysis identified 3 domains: self‐care information, equipment/services, and confidence. The B‐PREPARED had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.76) and construct validity. The B‐PREPARED correlated with medication information satisfaction (P < 0.001). Higher median B‐PREPARED scores appropriately discriminated patients with no worry about managing at home from worriers (P < 0.001) and predicted patients without emergency department visits after discharge from those who had visits (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS:

The B‐PREPARED scale measured patients' perceptions of their preparedness for hospital discharge home with acceptable internal consistency and construct and predictive validity. Brevity may potentiate use by patients and proxies. Clinicians and researchers may use B‐PREPARED to evaluate discharge interventions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3(6):446–454. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Results of a medication reconciliation survey from the 2006 Society of Hospital Medicine national meeting
Authors: Clay Brian J. , Halasyamani Lakshmi , Stucky Erin R. , Greenwald Jeffrey L. , Williams Mark V.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

The status of implementation of medication reconciliation across hospitals is variable to date; the degree to which hospitalists are involved is not known.

METHODS:

To better describe the current state of medication reconciliation implementation, we conducted a survey of attendees of the 2006 Society of Hospital Medicine national meeting.

RESULTS:

We identified a lack of uniformity across hospitals with respect to the degree of process implementation. Hospitalists were involved in design and implementation in a majority of cases, and felt that medication reconciliation would likely have a positive impact on patient safety. Tertiary care academic centers were more likely to use physicians to perform medication reconciliation, whereas community hospitals were more likely to involve nurses as well. Pharmacist participation in the medication reconciliation process was found to be quite low. Process and outcome measures were used infrequently. Patients' lack of medication knowledge and absence of preadmission medication information were cited most frequently as barriers to implementation of medication reconciliation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of medication reconciliation is complex and challenging. Medication information is often incomplete, and elements of the medication reconciliation process result in increased time demands on providers. Current implementation efforts often have physicians and nurses “share” responsibility for compliance, and pharmacists are underutilized in medication reconciliation processes. Hospitalists have thus far played a substantial role in process design and implementation, and should continue to lead the way in advancing efforts to successfully implement medication reconciliation. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3(6):465–472. © 2008 Societyof Hospital Medicine.
Discharge planning scale: Community physicians' perspective
Authors: Graumlich James F. , Grimmer‐Somers Karen , Aldag Jean C.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

Adverse events occur when patients transition from hospital to outpatient care. For quality improvement and research purposes, clinicians need appropriate, reliable, and valid survey instruments to measure and improve discharge processes.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to validate the Modified Physician‐PREPARED scale to measure qualities of hospital discharge from the outpatient physician perspective. Descriptions include item development and psychometric properties.

METHODS:

The design was a postal survey of outpatient physicians/practitioners who followed 403 patients who were discharged from hospital to home. We mailed questionnaires 10 days after discharge. Questionnaire items assessed perceptions of quality and outcome of discharge planning and communication. Analysis yielded the Modified Physician‐PREPARED scale value: the sum of scores from 8 items. Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed.

RESULTS:

Survey response rate was 76%. Mean Modified Physician‐PREPARED scale value was 16.6 ± 4.0 with range 8 to 24. High scores reflected high perceptions of discharge quality. Analysis identified 2 principal components: timeliness of communication, and adequacy of discharge plan/transmission. The scale had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.86) and construct validity. When considering the discharge planning and communication for a specific patient, outpatient primary care physicians reported higher scores when they were involved in the discharge planning (P < 0.001) and when they were aware of community support services (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Modified Physician‐PREPARED scale measured outpatient physician perceptions of quality of hospital discharge to home. Clinicians and researchers may find the scale useful to evaluate discharge processes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3(6):455–464. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.