bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers for integrating personalized medicine into clinical practice: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Najafzadeh Mehdi , Davis Jennifer C. , Joshi Pamela , Marra Carlo
Published: February 2013

Personalized medicine—tailoring interventions based on individual's genetic information—will likely change routine clinical practice in the future. Yet, how practitioners plan to apply genetic information to inform medical decision making remains unclear. We aimed to investigate physician's perception about the future role of personalized medicine, and to identify the factors that influence their decision in using genetic testing in their practice. We conducted three semi‐structured focus groups in three health regions (Fraser, Vancouver coastal, and Interior) in British Columbia, Canada. In the focus groups, participants discussed four topics on personalized medicine: (i) physicians' general understanding, (ii) advantages and disadvantages, (iii) potential impact and role in future clinical practice, and (iv) perceived barriers to integrating personalized medicine into clinical practice. Approximately 36% (n = 9) of physicians self‐reported that they were not familiar with the concept of personalized medicine. After introducing the concept, the majority of physicians (68%, n = 19 of 28) were interested in incorporating personalized medicine in their practice, provided they have access to the necessary knowledge and tools. Participants mostly believed that genetic developments will directly affect their practice in the future. The key concerns highlighted were physician's access to clinical guidelines and training opportunities for the use of genetic testing and data interpretation. Despite the challenges that personalized medicine can create, in general, physicians in the focus groups expressed strong interest in using genetic information in their practice if they have access to the necessary knowledge and tools. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fragile X AGG analysis provides new risk predictions for 45–69 repeat alleles
Authors: Nolin Sarah L. , Sah Sachin , Glicksman Anne , Sherman Stephanie L. , Allen Emily , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Tassone Flora , Yrigollen Carolyn , Cronister Amy , Jodah Marcia , Ersalesi Nicole , Dobkin Carl , Brown W. Ted , Shroff Raghav , Latham Gary J. , Hadd Andrew G.
Published: February 2013

We investigated the effect of AGG interruptions on fragile X repeat instability upon transmission of fragile X intermediate and small premutation alleles with 45–69 CGG repeats. The FMR1 repeat structure was determined for 375 mothers, 48 fathers, and 538 offspring (457 maternal and 81 paternal transmissions) using a novel PCR assay to determine repeat length and AGG interruptions. The number of AGG interruptions and the length of uninterrupted CGG repeats at the 3′ end were correlated with repeat instability on transmission. Maternal alleles with no AGGs conferred the greatest risk for unstable transmissions. All nine full mutation expansions were inherited from maternal alleles with no AGGs. Furthermore, the magnitude of repeat expansion was larger for alleles lacking AGG interruptions. Transmissions from paternal alleles with no AGGs also exhibited greater instability than those with one or more AGGs. Our results demonstrate that characterization of the AGG structure within the FMR1 repeat allows more accurate risk estimates of repeat instability and expansion to full mutations for intermediate and small premutation alleles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The inclusion of fetal bovine serum in gelatin/PCL electrospun scaffolds reduces short‐term osmotic stress in HEK 293 cells caused by scaffold components
Authors: Kim Young Hun , Kim Do‐Hyung , Hwang Junmo , Kim Hyeng‐Soo , Lim Ga Young , Ryoo Zae Young , Choi Sang‐Un , Lee Sanggyu
Published: February 2013

Components of gelatin/polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds are released to surrounding media and cause osmotic changes that adversely affect cell viability and proliferation. In this study, the physiological properties of gelatin/PCL scaffolds were investigated by qRT‐PCR and by performing cellular studies on HEK 293 cells. Components released from gelatin/PCL scaffolds were found to induce osmotic stress response in these cells. However, osmotic stress was inhibited by adding fetal bovine serum (FBS) to scaffolds. In addition, focal adhesion related genes were found to be up‐regulated in HEK 293 cells on gelatin/PCL/20% FBS scaffolds, and this induced the down‐regulations of cell‐death related genes. Furthermore, the inclusion of 20% FBS improved the viabilities of HEK 293 cells on gelatin/PCL scaffolds. This study indicates that adding FBS to gelatin/PCL scaffolds improves scaffold bio‐affinity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A Facile Phosphine‐Free Method for Synthesizing PbSe Nanocrystals with Strong Optical Limiting Effects
Authors: Wang Tian‐Ming , Gao Bao , Wang Qiang , Zhao Min , Kang Kai‐Bin , Xu Zhu‐Guo , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: February 2013

PbSe semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted ever‐growing interest owing to both their fundamental physics and potential applications in a diverse range of fields such as optoelectronic devices and nonlinear optics. The current fabrication strategy for colloidal PbSe NCs, however, frequently involves acutely toxic reagents and tedious reaction procedures, and is plagued by products with poorly controlled size and morphology. Herein, we report a facile, low‐cost, and phosphine‐free method for synthesizing PbSe NCs, which provides highly uniform NCs with tunable mid‐IR absorption, and they are promising for bio‐related applications. These high quality NCs were obtained by the reaction of elemental Se and PbCl2 in oleylamine as both the ligand and reaction medium. The high flexibility and reproducibility of the method reported in this study allows us to synthesize monodispersed PbSe NCs with well‐controlled size and morphology. In addition, these products show strong optical limiting effects, and thus hold potential for developing nonlinear optical devices.
Raw material demand and sourcing options for the development of a bio‐based chemical industry in Europe.
Authors: Bos Harriëtte L. , Sanders Johan P.M.
Published: February 2013

This perspective presents an estimation of the future demand for biomass of the chemical industry in Europe, provided that naphtha, the present feedstock of the petrochemical industry, is fully replaced by biomass. Data are based on the Eurostat data on manufactured goods for EU27 in 2007. Two different strategies of biomass application are studied: (i) biomass is used to produce the six platform chemicals that presently form the basis of the petrochemical industry, which would allow the subsequent production of all chemicals that are presently produced in the existing infrastructure, and (ii) the chemical functionality present in the various constituents of biomass is used to produce directly the functionalized molecules that are presently produced via the platform chemicals. Not only is the use of carbohydrates and lignin taken into account, also the use of biomass components, such as proteins and natural oils, is considered. It is shown that the second approach will require less biomass (and thus land) than the first approach and that the application of biorefinery technologies, in order to separate the biomass in its different constituents, which can subsequently be used to produce the functionalized molecules, can even further diminish the demand for land. Furthermore it is concluded that production of chemicals from biomass is more beneficial that production of transportation fuels or electricity. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
How Consistently Do We Measure Bruises? A Comparison of Manual and Electronic Methods
Authors: Lawson Zoë , Dunstan Frank , Nuttall Diane , Maguire Sabine , Kemp Alison , Young Stephen , Barker Michael , David Laura
Published: February 2013

Bruises in suspected abuse are routinely measured for clinical and forensic purposes. We aimed to determine the consistency of electronic and manual bruise measurements. Over two sessions, 45 observers recorded the greatest lengths of eight bruises in cross‐polarised images. Observers were presented with six images in each session; four were common to both sessions. Manual measurements were achieved using a paper tape‐measure on hard‐copy images; electronic measurements used ImageJ software for digital on‐screen images. Differences in mean measurements between methods were tested using paired t‐tests; within‐ and between‐observer variations were computed. On average, manual measurements were smaller than electronic measurements. Observers were prone to rounding bias in manual measurements. Overall standard deviations of measurements (0.39–0.63 cm) did not differ greatly between methods. Measuring electronically, observers showed more consistency between sessions than measuring manually. Electronic measurements had greater variation between observers than manual measurements. Overall, 95 per cent of measurements for a given bruise lay within a range of 2 cm. We conclude that measurement of a bruise by either method varied. In clinical practice, we recommend that a right‐angled linear scale is included in any photographic image of a bruise, such that clinicians can standardise the estimate of bruise size. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘45 observers recorded the greatest lengths of eight bruises in cross‐polarised images’

‘We recommend that a right‐angled linear scale is included in any photographic image of a bruise’

Key Practitioner Message:

Measurements produced by different observers varied widely when assessing the same bruise

Less variation was found when observers repeated the measurement electronically, than when done manually

In contrast, electronic measurements varied more than manual measurements between different observers

Defining the boundary of a bruise allows a more detailed assessment of size, shape, location, pattern, and colour

Including a right‐angled linear scale is recommended in any photographic image of a bruise
Case, Service and Family Characteristics of Households that Experience a Child Maltreatment Fatality in the United States
Authors: Douglas Emily M.
Published: February 2013

Child maltreatment fatalities have increasingly received attention over the past three decades and yet there is a dearth of information concerning case, service and family/household factors associated with maltreatment fatalities. This is a US multi‐state study of 135 child welfare workers who experienced the death of a child on their caseload. They reported on the case, service and family/household characteristics of a child who died on their caseload. Results indicate that workers had seen victims one week prior to their death and were closely monitoring families. The most frequently mentioned family characteristics included: parental unemployment, parental mental health, experiencing a major life event and parents' inappropriate age expectations of the child. Parental alcohol and substance use were more common among infant victims; and parental perceptions of the child being ‘difficult’ were more common among older victims. The results are discussed with regard to future research and prevention for the field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘A US multi‐state study of 135 child welfare workers who experienced the death of a child on their caseload’

Key Practitioner Messages:

The primary findings of this study indicate that:

Workers have regular contact with children leading up to the time of their death.

Children die even when they are being closely monitored and have had a full‐risk assessment.

Families where children died were not using very many services.

‘Families where children died were not using very many services’
Individual, Family and Abuse Characteristics of 700 British Child and Adolescent Sexual Abusers
Authors: Hackett Simon , Phillips Josie , Masson Helen , Balfe Myles
Published: February 2013

The individual, family and abuse characteristics of 700 children and young people referred to nine UK services over a nine‐year period between 1992 and 2000 as a result of their sexually abusive behaviours were examined. The most common age at referral was 15 years, though a third of all referrals related to children aged 13 or under. Thirty‐eight per cent of the sample were identified as learning disabled. Surprisingly high rates of sexual and non‐sexual victimisation were present in the backgrounds of the children and young people referred. A wide range of abusive behaviours was perpetrated with just over half of the sample having penetrated or having attempted to penetrate another individual. Victims were usually known to the abuser but in 75 per cent of cases were not related. Fifty‐one per cent of the sample abused females only, though 49 per cent had at least one male victim. The implications for policy and practice with children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Thirty‐eight per cent of the sample were identified as learning disabled’

Key Practitioner Messages

Children and young people who sexually abuse others are a diverse group with a complex set of motivations, background experiences and varying types of abusive behaviour.

Children and young people with learning disabilities who sexually abuse comprise a particularly vulnerable group with specific intervention needs.

A one‐size‐fits‐all intervention approach is not appropriate, but child‐centred services that focus on both care and control aspects are warranted.

‘A one‐size‐fits‐all intervention approach is not appropriate’
Selective Inhibition of an Apicoplastic Aminoacyl‐tRNA Synthetase from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Hoen Rob , Novoa Eva Maria , López Alba , Camacho Noelia , Cubells Laia , Vieira Pedro , Santos Manuel , Marin‐Garcia Patricia , Bautista Jose Maria , Cortés Alfred , Ribas de Pouplana Lluís , Royo Miriam
Published: February 2013

The resistance of malaria parasites to available drugs continues to grow, and this makes the need for new antimalarial therapies pressing. Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes and well‐established antibacterial targets and so constitute a promising set of targets for the development of new antimalarials. Despite their potential as drug targets, apicoplastic ARSs remain unexplored. We have characterized the lysylation system of Plasmodium falciparum, and designed, synthesized, and tested a set of inhibitors based on the structure of the natural substrate intermediate: lysyl‐adenylate. Here we demonstrate that selective inhibition of apicoplastic ARSs is feasible and describe new compounds that that specifically inhibit Plasmodium apicoplastic lysyl‐tRNA synthetase and show antimalarial activities in the micromolar range.
Nickel(II)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Imines with Alkylidene Malonates
Authors: Li Jiangting , Lian Xiangjin , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2013

We demonstrated an asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine betaines with alkylidene malonates by using a chiral N,N′‐dioxide–NiII complex as a catalyst. Both aromatic‐ and aliphatic‐substituted alkylidene malonates were found to be suitable for the reaction. A range of trans‐pyrazolone derivatives was exclusively obtained with excellent yields (up to 99 % yield) and good enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee) under mild reaction conditions. The reaction could be carried out on a gram scale with the good results being maintained. Control experiments were performed to elucidate the specific diastereoselectivity of the reaction. The formation of single trans isomers was dominated by secondary orbital interactions between the ester groups of the dipolarophile and the azomethine imine. On the basis of the experimental results and previous reports, a possible catalytic model was assumed.
The Formation of CuCl2‐Specific Metallogels of Pyridyloxalamide Derivatives in Alcohols
Authors: Džolić Zoran , Cametti Massimo , Milić Dalibor , Žinić Mladen
Published: February 2013

Isomeric pyridyloxalamide derivatives 1–3, which differed in the position of the nitrogen atom on the pyridyl ring, showed remarkably different gel‐forming aptitudes in the presence of CuCl2 salt in alcohols. Whilst derivatives 1 and 3 formed a soluble complex and a solid precipitate, respectively, ligand 2 generated a remarkably metal‐ and anion‐specific metallogel.
Sodium Hydrazinidoborane: A Chemical Hydrogen‐Storage Material
Authors: Moury Romain , Demirci Umit B. , Ichikawa Takayuki , Filinchuk Yaroslav , Chiriac Rodica , van der Lee Arie , Miele Philippe
Published: February 2013

Herein, we present the successful synthesis and full characterization (by 11B magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction) of sodium hydrazinidoborane (NaN2H3BH3, with a hydrogen content of 8.85 wt %), a new material for chemical hydrogen storage. Using lab‐prepared pure hydrazine borane (N2H4BH3) and commercial sodium hydride as precursors, sodium hydrazinidoborane was synthesized by ball‐milling at low temperature (−30 °C) under an argon atmosphere. Its thermal stability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that under heating sodium hydrazinidoborane starts to liberate hydrogen below 60 °C. Within the range of 60–150 °C, the overall mass loss is as high as 7.6 wt %. Relative to the parent N2H4BH3, sodium hydrazinidoborane shows improved dehydrogenation properties, further confirmed by dehydrogenation experiments under prolonged heating at constant temperatures of 80, 90, 95, 100, and 110 °C. Hence, sodium hydrazinidoborane appears to be more suitable for chemical hydrogen storage than N2H4BH3.
Zebrafish churchill regulates developmental gene expression and cell migration
Authors: Taibi Andrew , Mandavawala Kunal P. , Noel Justine , Okoye Ejike V. , Milano Carolyn R. , Martin Benjamin L. , Sirotkin Howard I.
Published: February 2013

Background: Regulation of developmental signaling pathways is essential for embryogenesis. The small putative zinc finger protein, Churchill (ChCh) has been implicated in modulation of both TGF‐β and FGF signaling. Results: We used zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) mediated gene targeting to disrupt the zebrafish chch locus and generate the first chch mutations. Three induced lesions produce frameshift mutations that truncate the protein in the third of five β‐strands that comprise the protein. Surprisingly, zygotic and maternal zygotic chch mutants are viable. Mutants have elevated expression of mesodermal markers, but progress normally through early development. chch mutants are sensitive to exogenous Nodal. However, neither misregulation of FGF targets nor sensitivity to exogenous FGF was detected. Finally, chch mutant cells were found to undergo inappropriate migration in cell transplant assays. Conclusions: Together, these results suggest that chch is not essential for survival, but functions to modulate early mesendodermal gene expression and limit cell migration. Developmental Dynamics 242:614–621, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†
The green beards of language
Authors: Lindenfors Patrik
Published: February 2013

Language transfers information on at least three levels; (1) what is said, (2) how it is said (what language is used), and, (3) that it is said (that speaker and listener both possess the ability to use language). The use of language is a form of honest cooperation on two of these levels; not necessarily on what is said, which can be deceitful, but always on how it is said and that it is said. This means that the language encoding and decoding systems had to evolve simultaneously, through mutual fitness benefits. Theoretical problems surrounding the evolution of cooperation disappear if a recognition system is present enabling cooperating individuals to identify each other – if they are equipped with “green beards”. Here, I outline how both the biological and cultural aspects of language are bestowed with such recognition systems. The biological capacities required for language signal their presence through speech and understanding. This signaling cannot be invaded by “false green beards” because the traits and the signal of their presence are one and the same. However, the real usefulness of language comes from its potential to convey an infinite number of meanings through the dynamic handling of symbols – through language itself. But any specific language also signals its presence to others through usage and understanding. Thus, languages themselves cannot be invaded by “false green beards” because, again, the trait and the signal of its presence are one and the same. These twin green beards, in both the biological and cultural realms, are unique to language.
Attributes of Large‐Amplitude Fourier Transformed Alternating Current Voltammetry at Array and Single Carbon Fiber Microdisk Electrodes
Authors: Lee Chong‐Yong , Elton Darrell , Brajter‐Toth Anna , Bond Alan M.
Published: February 2013

The attributes of large‐amplitude Fourier transformed AC voltammetry have been assessed at electrodes constructed from either a single carbon fiber microdisk or a random assembly of carbon fiber microdisks (RAM). Factors that govern the limits of detection for the FcMeOH and uric acid analytes have been established. For the reversible FcMeOH oxidation process, the RAM electrode provides the lower limit of detection through substantial amplification of the peak current magnitude, and hence superior faradaic current‐to‐noise ratio. In contrast for the overall two‐electron oxidation of uric acid, the much faster electron transfer rate achieved at the electrochemically treated single carbon fiber microelectrode provides the lower detection limit, which is again optimal in the sixth harmonic.
A Novel and Selective Methylene Blue Imprinted Polymer Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Soysal Mert , Muti Mihrican , Esen Cem , Gençdağ Kübra , Aslan Alican , Erdem Arzum , Karagözler A. Ersin
Published: February 2013

In this study, methylene blue (MB) imprinted microbeads were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Differential pulse voltammetric responses of carbon paste electrodes modified with MB imprinted polymer were used to evaluate the adsorption and selectivity features of the polymer. For selectivity studies two basic dyestuffs (thionine blue and toluidine blue) which have similar structure to MB were chosen. Comparison of the voltammetric responses obtained with pure carbon paste and carbon paste modified with either imprinted or nonimprinted polymer electrodes revealed that MB imprinted polymer presented a higher selectivity to the template molecule MB in contrast to structurally similar molecules, thionine blue and toluidine blue.
Flow cytometric 96‐well microplate‐based in vitro micronucleus assay with human TK6 cells: Protocol optimization and transferability assessment
Authors: Bryce Steven M. , Avlasevich Svetlana L. , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Tate Matthew , Walmsley Richard M. , Saad Frédéric , Van Dijck Kris , De Boeck Marlies , Van Goethem Freddy , Lukamowicz‐Rajska Magdalena , Elhajouji Azeddine , Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: February 2013

An automated approach for scoring in vitro micronuclei (MN) has been described in which flow cytometric analysis is combined with compound exposure, processing, and sampling in a single 96‐well plate (Bryce SM et al. [2010]: Mutat Res 703:191‐199). The current report describes protocol optimization and an interlaboratory assessment of the assay's transferability and reproducibility. In a training phase, the methodology was refined and collaborating laboratories were qualified by repeatedly testing three compounds. Second, a set of 32 chemicals comprised of reference genotoxicants and presumed non‐genotoxicants was tested at each of four sites. TK6 cells were exposed to 10 closely spaced compound concentrations for 1.5‐ to 2‐cell population doublings, and were then stained and lysed for flow cytometric analysis. MN frequencies were determined by evaluating ≥5,000 cells per replicate well, and several indices of cytotoxicity were acquired. The prevalence of positive results varied according to the MN‐fold increase used to signify a genotoxic result, as well as the endpoint used to define a cytotoxicity limit. By varying these parameters, assay sensitivity and specificity values ranged from 82 to 98%, and 86 to 97%, respectively. In a third phase, one laboratory tested a further six genotoxicants and five non‐genotoxic apoptosis inducers. In these experiments assay specificity was markedly improved when top concentration selection was based on two cytotoxicity endpoints—relative survival and quantification of ethidium monoazide‐positive events. Collectively, the results indicate that the miniaturized assay is transferable across laboratories. The 96‐well format consumes considerably less compound than conventional in vitro MN test methods, and the high information content provided by flow cytometry helps guard against irrelevant positive results arising from overt toxicity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:180–194, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contribution of Icelandic ice caps to sea level rise: Trends and variability since the Little Ice Age
Authors: Björnsson Helgi , Pálsson Finnur , Gudmundsson Sverrir , Magnússon Eyjólfur , Adalgeirsdóttir Gudfinna , Jóhannesson Tómas , Berthier Etienne , Sigurdsson Oddur , Thorsteinsson Thorsteinn
Published: February 2013

In total, Icelandic ice caps contain ∼3600 km3 of ice, which if melted would raise sea level by ∼1 cm. Here, we present an overview of mass changes of Icelandic ice masses since the end of the 19th century. They have both gained and lost mass during this period. Changes in ice volume have been estimated both through surface mass balance measurements (performed annually since ∼1990) and differencing of digital elevation models derived from various satellite and airborne observations. While the glaciers showed little mass loss as the 20th century began, losses increased rapidly after 1925, peaked in the 1930s and 1940s, and remained significant until the 1960s. After being near‐zero or even positive during the 1980s and early 1990s, glacier mass budgets declined considerably, and have since the mid‐1990s shown an average annual loss of 9.5±1.5 Gt a−1, contributing ∼0.03 mm a−1 to sea level rise. Since 1995 interannual variability in mass loss is high, ranging from 2.7 to 25.3±1.5 Gt a−1, corresponding to surface mass balances of −0.2 to −2.2 ± 0.15 m we a−1. This variability is driven by climate fluctuations and also by transient reduction of albedo due to volcanic eruptions.
Visualization of stem cell features in human hepatocellular carcinoma reveals in vivo significance of tumor-host interaction and clinical course
Authors: Muramatsu Shunsuke , Tanaka Shinji , Mogushi Kaoru , Adikrisna Rama , Aihara Arihiro , Ban Daisuke , Ochiai Takanori , Irie Takumi , Kudo Atsushi , Nakamura Noriaki , Nakayama Koh , Tanaka Hiroshi , Yamaoka Shoji , Arii Shigeki
Published: February 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies because of recurrence and/or metastasis even after curative resection. Emerging evidence suggests that tumor metastasis and recurrence might be driven by a small subpopulation of stemness cells, so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Previous investigations have revealed that glioma and breast CSCs exhibit intrinsically low proteasome activity and that breast CSCs also reportedly contain a lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) level than corresponding nontumorigenic cells. Here we visualized two stem cell features, low proteasome activity and low intracellular ROS, in HCC cells using two-color fluorescence activated cell sorting to isolate cells with stem cell features. These cells were then analyzed for their division behavior in normoxia and hypoxia, expression of stem cell markers, tumorigenicity, metastatic potential, specific gene expression signatures, and their clinical implications. A visualized small subpopulation of HCC cells demonstrated asymmetric divisions. Their remarkable tumorigenicity in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice suggested the cancer initiation potential of these HCC CSCs. Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed that chemokine-related genes were up-regulated in the CSCs subpopulation. Our identified HCC CSCs facilitated the migration of macrophages in vitro and demonstrated metastatic potential by way of recruitment of macrophages in vivo. In patients who undergo curative operation for HCC, the CSC-specific gene signature in the liver microenvironment significantly correlates with recurrence. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the stem cell feature monitoring system proposed here is a promising tool to analyze the in vivo significance of CSC microenvironments in human HCCs. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;)
Population Pharmacokinetics of Unbound and Total Drug Concentrations Following Intravenously Administered Carbamazepine in Elderly and Younger Adult Patients With Epilepsy
Authors: Ahmed Ghada F. , Brundage Richard C. , Marino Susan E. , Cloyd James C. , Leppik Ilo E. , Pennell Page B. , Ramsay R. Eugene , Birnbaum Angela K.
Published: February 2013

The objective of the study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of unbound and total plasma carbamazepine (CBZ) concentrations following simultaneous administration of intravenous and oral formulations. We tested the hypothesis that age‐related alterations in physiology and patient characteristics influence CBZ disposition and protein binding. Patients (n = 113) on maintenance therapy received a 100 mg dose of a novel, intravenous, stable‐labeled (SL) CBZ formulation as partial replacement of their morning CBZ dose. A two‐compartment model described unbound and total SL‐CBZ data. The stable‐labeled intravenous dosing methodology enabled the estimation of the CBZ clearance (CL) and volumes of distribution. The CL of CBZ was dependent on race through the model equation unbound CL (L/hour) = 11.2 × (1.30)Race; where Race = 1 for Caucasian, 0 for African American. Total body weight explained 57% and 70% of the interindividual variability in the central and peripheral volumes of distribution, respectively. Age, sex, smoking, plasma albumin, and alpha 1‐acid glycoprotein concentrations had no effect on CL, binding or volumes of distribution. The model was evaluated via bootstrap and predictive check. Results may support race specific dosing for CBZ where an average African‐American individual would receive 70% of the standard dose prescribed for the Caucasian person.
Topographic signatures and a general transport law for deep‐seated landslides in a landscape evolution model
Authors: Booth Adam M. , Roering Josh J. , Rempel Alan W.
Published: February 2013

A fundamental goal of studying earth surface processes is to disentangle the complex web of interactions among baselevel, tectonics, climate, and rock properties that generate characteristic landforms. Mechanistic geomorphic transport laws can quantitatively address this goal, but no widely accepted law for landslides exists. Here we propose a transport law for deep‐seated landslides in weathered bedrock and demonstrate its utility using a two‐dimensional numerical landscape evolution model informed by study areas in the Waipaoa catchment, New Zealand, and the Eel River catchment, California. We define a non‐dimensional landslide number, which is the ratio of the horizontal landslide flux to the vertical tectonic flux, that characterizes three distinct landscape types. One is dominated by stochastic landsliding, whereby discrete landslide events episodically erode material at rates exceeding the long‐term uplift rate. Another is characterized by steady landsliding, in which the landslide flux at any location remains constant through time and is greatest at the steepest locations in the catchment. The third is not significantly affected by landsliding. In both the “stochastic landsliding” and “steady landsliding” regimes, increases in the non‐dimensional landslide number systematically reduce catchment relief and widen valley spacing, producing long, low angle hillslopes despite high uplift rates. The stochastic landsliding regime captures the frequent observation that deep‐seated landslides produce large sediment fluxes from small areal extents while being active only a fraction of the time. We suggest that this model is adaptable to a wide range of geologic settings and is useful for interpreting climate‐driven changes in landslide behavior.
Survey of academic pediatric hospitalist programs in the US: Organizational, administrative, and financial factors
Authors: Gosdin Craig , Simmons Jeffrey , Yau Connie , Sucharew Heidi , Carlson Douglas , Paciorkowski Natalia
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Many pediatric academic centers have hospital medicine programs. Anecdotal data suggest that variability exists in program structure.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a description of the organizational, administrative, and financial structures of academic pediatric hospital medicine (PHM).

METHODS

This online survey focused on the organizational, administrative, and financial aspects of academic PHM programs, which were defined as hospitalist programs at US institutions associated with accredited pediatric residency program (n = 246) and identified using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database. PHM directors and/or residency directors were targeted by both mail and the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine LISTSERV.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 48.8% (120/246). 81.7% (98/120) of hospitals reported having an academic PHM program, and 9.1% (2/22) of hospitals without a program reported plans to start a program in the next 3 years. Over a quarter of programs provide coverage at multiple sites. Variability was identified in many program factors, including hospitalist workload and in‐house coverage provided. Respondents reported planning increased in‐house hospitalist coverage coinciding with the 2011 ACGME work‐hour restrictions. Few programs reported having revenues greater than expenses (26% single site, 4% multiple site).

CONCLUSIONS

PHM programs exist in the majority of academic centers, and there appears to be variability in many program factors. This study provides the most comprehensive data on academic PHM programs and can be used for benchmarking as well as program development. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:285–291. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
A Case Study in Intercultural Management at Iter
Authors: Anglès Valérie
Published: February 2013

Most international organizations, particularly multinational companies, have to deal with two cultures: the culture of the country of origin and that of the country where subsidiaries are located. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) project in Cadarache, France, requires the collaboration of individuals representing more than 30 different cultures at the same site. Consequently, Iter is considered not only a unique scientific project, but also an exceptional intercultural undertaking. Could some of the policies at Iter be reproduced elsewhere? Information collected over three years reflects the institutional contexts that favor or constrain these policies and allows for a comparison of Iter's intercultural management policies with those of other international organizations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Working on the “Change Chain” Drives a Transportation Division to Success
Authors: Glenner Moe
Published: February 2013

When organizations are intent on changing the status quo, those who lead must be familiar with the dynamics of the change process. Not every change will lead to success; change can just as easily lead to disappointment. Ensuring that objectives are met in a change initiative requires understanding employees' needs—that is, what they consider the personal returns on investment that they expect in exchange for their time, talents, and effort. With that information in hand, managers can create a chain of success composed of these essential links: open communication, genuine interest, and widespread enthusiasm. At the transportation division of one Midwestern metals processing firm, this approach enabled the division leader to reenergize his workforce, reduce tardiness and absenteeism, and turn a money‐losing enterprise into a profitable one. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protecting TERS probes from degradation: extending mechanical and chemical stability
Authors: Agapov Rebecca L. , Sokolov Alexei P. , Foster Mark D.
Published: February 2013

The detailed surface chemistry of aluminum oxide protected silver films for use specifically in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) was investigated. We have demonstrated that increased storage and scanning use lifetimes for silver plasmonic structures are directly connected with the elimination of chemical degradation at the plasmonic structure surface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the metal films confirmed that a 2–3 nm thick coating of aluminum oxide prevented chemical attack of the underlying silver film for three months of storage in a desiccator, significantly increasing the storage lifetime of current probes. The scanning lifetime of a TERS probe when used to image a hard patterned silicon substrate was doubled with the addition of this protective coating. These measurements were performed without laser illumination in order to separate laser‐induced heating degradation from pure mechanical degradation of the metallized probe currently encountered during TERS data collection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized trial of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal after liver transplantation
Authors: Teperman Lewis W. , Poordad Fred , Bzowej Natalie , Martin Paul , Pungpapong Surakit , Schiano Thomas , Flaherty John , Dinh Phillip , Rossi Stephen , Subramanian Mani G. , Spivey James
Published: February 2013

Long-term prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with chronic HBV infection is inconvenient and costly. This randomized, prospective phase 2 study compared emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) after HBIG withdrawal to FTC/TDF plus HBIG for the prevention of HBV recurrence after OLT. Forty patients with a median time since liver transplantation of 3.4 years (interquartile range = 1.9-5.6 years) received 24 weeks of open-label FTC/TDF plus HBIG before randomization. Patients who maintained confirmed viral suppression were randomized to continue FTC/TDF plus HBIG (n = 19) or receive FTC/TDF alone (n = 18) for an additional 72 weeks. No patient experienced HBV recurrence through 72 weeks of the study while he or she was receiving the randomized treatment. Both treatment arms were safe and well tolerated; no serious or severe drug-related adverse events were observed. Renal function was consistent with that observed in a posttransplant population. The withdrawal of HBIG after 6 months' treatment with FTC/TDF should be considered in liver transplant recipients to prevent chronic HBV recurrence. Liver Transpl 19:594–601, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Complementary split ring resonator‐based microstrip antenna for compact wireless applications
Authors: Laila D. , Sujith R. , Shameena V.A. , Nijas C.M. , Sarin V.P. , Mohanan P.
Published: February 2013

A compact circular patch antenna operating at 2.48 GHz using multiple ring complementary split ring resonator (multiple ring CSRR) in the ground plane is presented.The resonant frequency depends on the parameters of the CSRR. The antenna is fabricated on a substrate of dielectric constant (εr) 4.4 and the thickness (h) 1.6 mm. A size reduction of 83% is achieved compared to standard circular patch antenna working at the same frequency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:814–816, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI: 10.1002/mop.27429
Robust variable‐fidelity optimization of microwave filters using co‐Kriging and trust regions
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Leifsson Leifur , Couckuyt Ivo , Dhaene Tom
Published: February 2013

This work introduces a variable‐fidelity optimization methodology for simulation‐driven design optimization of filters. Our approach is based on electromagnetic (EM) simulations of different accuracy controlled by the mesh density. A Kriging interpolation model (the surrogate) is created using sampled low‐fidelity EM data and optimized to approximately locate the optimum of the high‐fidelity EM model of the filter. This initial surrogate is subsequently improved by blending in the high‐fidelity data accumulated during the optimization process using the co‐Kriging technique. The algorithm convergence is ensured by embedding it into the trust region framework. The operation and performance of our method is demonstrated using three filter design cases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:765–769, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI: 10.1002/mop.27447
Dual‐band wearable compact antenna for GPS and UMTS applications
Authors: Chen Liang‐Kai , Chien Tsung‐Fu , Luo Ching‐Hsing
Published: February 2013

A novel dual‐band wearable compact antenna for the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is presented.The proposed antenna pattern is connected to the ground plane vertically and consists of a folded inverted‐F connected to two folded branches and a parasitic coupling arm. The measured antenna gain and radiation efficiency of the dual‐band antenna are 2.84 dBi/55.14 % and 3.05 dBi/94.08 % for the low band and high band, respectively. With a supporting sponge on the shielding ground, 1‐g average specific absorption rate (SAR) is decreased significantly to only 1.38 W/kg to comply with the linking power budget (21 dBm) for the UMTS band. Therefore, the proposed wearable compact dual‐band antenna is suitable for wearable device applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:859–863, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI: 10.1002/mop.27455
Compact UWB microstrip antenna with satellite down‐link frequency rejection in X‐band communications by etching an E‐shaped step‐impedance resonator slot
Authors: Ojaroudi Nasser , Ojaroudi Mohammad , Amiri Shervin
Published: February 2013

A multiresonance and UWB monopole antenna with frequency band‐notched function in 7.25–7.75 for downlink of X‐band satellite communication systems is presented.Proposed antenna consist of a square radiating patch with a pair of L‐shaped slots, a feed‐line with an E‐shaped step‐impedance resonator (SIR) slot, and a ground plane with a pair of L‐shaped conductor‐backed plane. In this design, by cutting a pair of modified L‐shaped slots with variable dimensions on the radiating patch and also by inserting a pair of L‐shaped conductor‐backed plane, additional resonances are excited and hence much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced especially at the higher band 125% (2.95–13.36). To achieve a band‐notched function an E‐shaped SIR slot was inserted in the feed‐line. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that it exhibits good radiation behavior within the UWB frequency range. The designed antenna has a small size of 12 × 18 mm2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:922–926, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI: 10.1002/mop.27456
Miniaturized ultra wide band filter with extended stop band
Authors: Packiaraj D. , Vinoy K.J. , Ramesh M. , Kalghatgi A. T.
Published: February 2013

This article reports the design of extended stop band miniaturized ultra wide band (UWB) filter based on short‐circuited meandered coupled lines. In addition, rectangular‐shaped slots are incorporated in the ground plane beneath the input and output feed lines to improve the stop‐band rejection. The proposed filter has been realized in microstrip medium having thickness of 0.78 mm and dielectric constant of 2.17. Experimental results of the developed filter validate the results obtained from circuit models and full‐wave simulations. Maximum insertion loss of the experimental filter is 1.1 dB. Group delay variation over the pass band of the filter is within ±0.04 ns. Stop band is extended upto 30 GHz with a stop‐band rejection of better than 20 dB. Dimensions of the miniaturized experimented filter are 22 × 22 × 0.78 mm3. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:703–705, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27462
An approach to miniaturize bandpass filter with half‐wavelength resonators
Authors: Li Xiuping , Wang Huisheng
Published: February 2013

In this article, an approach to miniaturize bandpass filter with half‐wavelength resonators is proposed.Theoretical analysis shows that the passband of the filter can be shifted to lower frequency by shunt open stubs. Furthermore, to prove its practical viability, three miniaturized bandpass filters with T‐shape, comb‐shape, and interdigital‐like shunt open stubs are designed, fabricated, and compared. The filter with interdigital‐like shunt open stubs has the minimized size 13.3 × 8.5 mm2 and maximum insertion loss around − 1.7 dB. The simulated and measured results agree well. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:890–894, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27465
Renal perfusion imaging with two‐dimensional navigator gated arterial spin labeling
Authors: Tan Huan , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Prasad Pottumarthi V.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To develop a navigator technique enabling free‐breathing acquisition to afford sufficient signal averaging for quantitative renal perfusion measurement using arterial spin labeling MRI.

Methods

A novel two‐dimensional (2D) navigator technique was implemented in concert with flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) preparation and true fast imaging with steady precession (True‐FISP) readout. The navigator images were obtained with a low‐resolution fast low angle shot readout at end of each arterial spin labeling acquisition. A retrospective algorithm was developed to automatically detect respiratory motion for selective signal averaging. The 2D navigator‐gated FAIR True‐FISP sequence was performed in ten healthy volunteers and five patients with chronic kidney disease.

Results

Excellent image quality and comparable cortical perfusion rates (healthy: 276 ± 28 mL/100 g/min, patients: 155 ± 25 mL/100 g/min) to literature values were obtained. An average of 3‐fold signal‐to‐noise ratio improvement was obtained in the 2D navigator‐gated approach compared with the breath‐hold acquisition in healthy volunteers. Good image quality was achieved in patients while the results from breath‐hold acquisition were unusable. The quantitative perfusion rates were significantly lower in chronic kidney disease patients compared with the healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

2D navigator‐gated free breathing arterial spin labeling is feasible and is a noninvasive method to evaluate renal perfusion both in healthy subjects and those with chronic kidney disease. Magn Reson Med 71:570–579, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.