bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Responses in Human Skin After Conventional Intradermal Injection or Microneedle Administration of Virus‐Like‐Particle Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Pearton Marc , Pirri Daniela , Kang Sang‐Moo , Compans Richard W. , Birchall James C.
Published: April 2013

Miniaturized microneedle devices are being developed for painlessly targeting vaccines to the immune cell populations in skin. As skin immunization studies are generally restricted to animal models however, where skin architecture and immunity is greatly different to human, surprisingly little is known about the local human response to intradermal (ID) vaccines. Here surgically excised human skin is used to explore for the first time the complex molecular and cellular host responses to a candidate influenza vaccine comprising nanoparticulate virus‐like‐particles (VLPs), administered via conventional hypodermic injection or reduced scale microneedles. Responses at the molecular level are determined by microarray analysis (47,296 discrete transcripts) and validated by quantitative PCR (96 genes). Cellular response is probed through monitoring migration of dendritic cells in viable skin tissue. Gene expression mapping, ontological analysis, and qPCR reveal up‐regulation of a host of genes responsible for key immunomodulatory processes and host viral response, including cell recruitment, activation, migration, and T cell interaction following both ID and microneedle injection of VLPs; the response from the microneedles being more subtle. Significant morphological and migratory changes to skin dendritic cells are also apparent following microneedle VLP delivery. This is the first study displaying the global, multifaceted immunological events that occur at the site of vaccine deposition in human skin and will subsequently influence the degree and nature of innate and adaptive immune responses. An increased understanding of the detailed similarities and differences in response against antigen administered via different delivery modalities will inform the development of improved vaccines and vaccine delivery systems.
Palladium N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts for the Ultrasound‐Promoted Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction in Glycerol
Authors: Azua Arturo , Mata Jose A. , Heymes Pauline , Peris Eduardo , Lamaty Frederic , Martinez Jean , Colacino Evelina
Published: April 2013

Novel palladium N‐heterocyclic‐carbene (NHC)‐based complexes with 3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzyl, alkyl and sulfonate N‐substituents were obtained and fully characterized. The new complexes were used as pre‐catalysts in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of various aryl halides/boron sources in glycerol under pulsed‐ultrasound (P‐US) activation. High yields were obtained under mild reaction conditions, without formation of undesired by‐products. The pure final cross‐coupling products were easily recovered without column chromatography and the catalytic/solvent system could be recycled. TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and XPS (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy) were used to characterize the nanoparticles and to investigate the fate of the catalysts.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Substituted Dihydrocoumarins through a Zinc Bis(hydroxyamide)‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Blay Gonzalo , Muñoz M. Carmen , Pedro José R. , Sanz‐Marco Amparo
Published: April 2013

A new enantioselective catalyst for the conjugate addition of terminal alkynes has been developed. Terminal alkynes react with 3‐alkoxycarbonylcoumarins in the presence of diethylzinc and bis(hydroxyamide) ligands to give chiral non‐racemic dihydrocoumarins substituted with an alkynyl group on the C‐4 position with good yields and enantiomeric excesses up to 95%.
Copper‐Catalyzed Selective Oxidative Acylation of Secondary Anilines with Ethyl Glyoxalate: Domino Synthesis of Indoline‐2,3‐diones
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Haijun , Jiang Yuyang , Fu Hua
Published: April 2013

A novel, easy and useful copper‐catalyzed selective acylation of secondary anilines with ethyl glyoxalate has been developed, and the corresponding indoline‐2,3‐dione derivatives were prepared. The procedure comprises the sequential intermolecular copper‐catalyzed selective oxidative ortho‐site aromatic acylation of the NH group in secondary anilines and intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the NH group to the ester. The inexpensive, easy and efficient method should provide a new strategy for synthesis of dicarbonyl compounds.
Enantioselective N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Annulations of 2‐Bromoenals with 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Enamines via Chiral α,β‐Unsaturated Acylazoliums
Authors: Yetra Santhivardhana Reddy , Bhunia Anup , Patra Atanu , Mane Manoj V. , Vanka Kumar , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: April 2013

The N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed generation of chiral α,β‐unsaturated acylazoliums from 2‐bromoenals followed by their interception with 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds or enamines, the formal [3+3] annulation reaction, is reported. The reaction results in the enantioselective synthesis of synthetically and medicinally important dihydropyranones and dihydropyridinones, and tolerates a wide range of functional groups. It is noteworthy that the reaction takes place under mild reaction conditions utilizing relatively low catalyst loadings. In addition, based on DFT calculations, a mechanistic scenario involving the attack of the nucleophile from below the plane of the α,β‐unsaturated acylazoliums, and the mode of enantioinduction is presented.
Enhanced degradation of haloacid by heterologous expression in related Burkholderia species
Authors: Su Xianbin , Deng Liyu , Kong Ka Fai , Tsang Jimmy S. H.
Published: April 2013

Haloacids are environmental pollutant and can be transformed to non‐toxic alkanoic acids by microbial dehalogenase. Bacterium Burkholderia species MBA4 was enriched from soil for its ability to bioremediate haloacids such as mono‐chloroacetate (MCA), mono‐bromoacetate (MBA), 2‐mono‐chloropropionate, and 2‐mono‐bromopropionate. MBA4 produces an inducible dehalogenase Deh4a that catalyzes the dehalogenation process. The growth of MBA4 on haloacid also relies on the presence of a haloacid‐uptake system. Similar dehalogenase genes can be found in the genome of many related species. However, wildtype Burkholderia caribensis MWAP64, Burkholderia phymatum STM815, and Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 were not able to grow on MCA. When a plasmid containing the regulatory and structural gene of Deh4a was transformed to these species, they were able to grow on haloacid. The specific enzyme activities in these recombinants ranges from 2‐ to 30‐fold that of MBA4 in similar condition. Reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time PCR showed that the relative transcript levels in these recombinant strains ranges from 9 to over 1,600 times that of MBA4 in similar condition. A recombinant has produced nearly five times of dehalogenase that MBA4 could ever achieve. While the expressions of Deh4a were more relaxed in these phylogenetically related species, an MCA‐uptake activity was found to be inducible. These metabolically engineered strains are better degraders than the haloacid‐enriched MBA4. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2687–2696. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the identifiability of copulas in bivariate competing risks models
Authors: Schwarz Maik , Jongbloed Geurt , Van Keilegom Ingrid
Published: April 2013

In competing risks models, the joint distribution of the event times is not identifiable even when the margins are fully known, which has been referred to as the “identifiability crisis in competing risks analysis” (Crowder, 1991). We model the dependence between the event times by an unknown copula and show that identification is actually possible within many frequently used families of copulas. The result is then extended to the case where one margin is unknown. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 291–303; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Amiodarone and the risk of cancer
Authors: Su Vincent Yi‐Fong , Hu Yu‐Wen , Chou Kun‐Ta , Ou Shuo‐Ming , Lee Yu‐Chin , Lin Elizabeth Ya‐Hsuan , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Liu Chia‐Jen
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND:

In postmarketing surveillance, the US Food and Drug Administration has reported the development of lung masses, thyroid cancer, and skin cancer after amiodarone therapy.

METHODS:

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research database, the authors conducted a population‐based cohort study. Patients who were treated with amiodarone between 1997 and 2008 were enrolled. Those with antecedent cancer were excluded. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of cancers were calculated to compare the cancer incidence of the study cohort with that of the general population. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association between cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs) of amiodarone and cancer occurrence.

RESULTS:

The study included 6418 subjects, with a median follow‐up of 2.57 years. A total of 280 patients developed cancer. The risk of cancer increased with borderline significance (SIR, 1.12; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.99‐1.26 [P = .067]). Male patients had a higher risk (SIR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.36 [P = .022]). The total cohort of patients and the male patients with > 180 cDDDs within the first year were found to have SIRs of 1.28 (95% CI, 1.00‐1.61; P = .046) and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.11‐1.89; P = .008), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, the hazards ratio was 1.98 (95% CI, 1.22‐3.22; P = .006) for the high tertile of cDDDs compared with the low tertile.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicate that amiodarone may be associated with an increased risk of incident cancer, especially in males, with a dose‐dependent effect. Cancer 2013;119:1699–1705. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Structural and optical properties of Mg‐doped ZnO thin films prepared by a modified Pechini method
Authors: Fang Dongyu , Li Chaoling , Wang Nan , Li Pei , Yao Pei
Published: April 2013

ZnO thin films with different Mg doping contents (0%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, respectively) were prepared on quartz glass substrates by a modified Pechini method. XRD patterns reveal that all the thin films possess a polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure. The peak position of (002) plane for Mg‐doped ZnO thin films shifts toward higher angle due to the Mg doping. The crystallite size calculated by Debey‐Scherrer formula is in the range of 32.95–48.92 nm. The SEM images show that Mg‐doped ZnO thin films are composed of dense nanoparticles, and the thickness of Mg‐doped ZnO thin films with Mg doped at 8% is around 140 nm. The transmittance spectra indicate that Mg doping can increase the optical bandgap of ZnO thin films. The band gap is tailored from 3.36 eV to 3.66 eV by changing Mg doping concentration between 3% and 10%. The photoluminescence spectra show that the ultraviolet emission peak of Mg‐doped ZnO thin films shifts toward lower wavelength as Mg doping content increases from 3% to 8%. The green emission peak of Mg‐doped ZnO thin films with Mg doping contents were 3%, 8%, and 10% is attributed to the oxygen vacancies or donor‐acceptor pair. These results prove that Mg‐doped ZnO thin films based on a modified Pechini method have the potential applications in the optoelectronic devices.
Implied Pricing Kernels: An Alternative Approach for Option Valuation
Authors: Ryu Doojin , Kang Jangkoo , Suh Sangwon
Published: April 2013

This study proposes a new estimation approach for option valuation (an implied pricing kernel‐based approach), which estimates model parameters under the physical probability measure (P‐measure) using a pricing kernel implied by the GARCH option pricing model. Analyzing the dataset on the KOSPI 200 options market, we examine the empirical performance of the implied pricing kernel‐based approach and compare it with the performance of the classical GARCH option valuation approach (i.e., a pricing model‐based approach) that estimates model parameters under the risk‐neutral probability measure (Q‐measure). As proposed in this study, the implied pricing kernel‐based estimation approach requires approximation and discretization in order to derive the functional form of the pricing kernel. Regardless of this approximation, however, when it comes to pricing OTM calls, the implied pricing kernel‐based approach performs slightly better than the pricing model‐based approach that has been traditionally used for option valuation. Additional analysis based on the put option sample indicates that the implied pricing kernel‐based approach clearly dominates the classical pricing model‐based approach during the early stage of emergence of the KOSPI 200 options market (1999–2000) when the market was immature. During the recent global financial crisis (2007–2009), the pricing kernel‐based approach also yields smaller pricing errors for OTM puts than the classical approach does. These empirical results imply that the new approach suggested in this study can be advantageous for option valuation, particularly when the information embedded in options prices is not sufficient for estimation and/or the market is speculative and volatile. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:127–147, 2015
Serum-mediated transgenerational effects on sperm: Evidence for lamarckian inheritance?
Authors: Seki Yoshiyuki , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: April 2013

We investigated whether ancestral liver damage leads to heritable reprogramming of hepatic wound healing in male rats. We found that a history of liver damage corresponds with transmission of an epigenetic suppressive adaptation of the fibrogenic component of wound healing to the male F1 and F2 generations. Underlying this adaptation was less generation of liver myofibroblasts, higher hepatic expression of the antifibrogenic factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPAR-g) and lower expression of the profibrogenic factor transforming growth factor b1 (TGF-b1) compared to rats without this adaptation. Remodeling of DNA methylation and histone acetylation underpinned these alterations in gene expression. Sperm from rats with liver fibrosis were enriched for the histone variant H2A.Z and trimethylation of histone H3 at Lys27 (H3K27me3) at PPAR-g chromatin. These modifications to the sperm chromatin were transmittable by adaptive serum transfer from fibrotic rats to naive rats and similar modifications were induced in mesenchymal stem cells exposed to conditioned media from cultured rat or human myofibroblasts. Thus, it is probable that a myofibroblast-secreted soluble factor stimulates heritable epigenetic signatures in sperm so that the resulting offspring better adapt to future fibrogenic hepatic insults. Adding possible relevance to humans, we found that people with mild liver fibrosis have hypomethylation of the PPARG promoter compared to others with severe fibrosis.
α-fetoprotein levels after interferon therapy and risk of hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Asahina Yasuhiro , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nishimura Takashi , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Hosokawa Takanori , Ueda Ken , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Kurosaki Masayuki , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Mina , Kakinuma Sei , Watanabe Mamoru , Izumi Namiki
Published: April 2013

The effects of interferon (IFN) treatment and the post-IFN treatment α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels on risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are unknown. To determine the relationship between AFP and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and HCC risk, a cohort consisting of 1,818 patients histologically proven to have CHC treated with IFN were studied. Cumulative incidence and HCC risk were analyzed over a mean follow-up period of 6.1 years using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis. HCC developed in 179 study subjects. According to multivariate analysis, older age, male gender, advanced fibrosis, severe steatosis, lower serum albumin levels, non sustained virological response (non-SVR), and higher post-IFN treatment ALT or AFP levels were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HCC development. Cutoff values for ALT and AFP for prediction of future HCC were determined as 40 IU/L and 6.0 ng/mL, respectively, and negative predictive values of these cutoffs were high at 0.960 in each value. The cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly lower in patients whose post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels were suppressed to less than the cutoff values even in non-SVR patients. This suppressive effect was also found in patients whose post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels were reduced to less than the cutoff values despite abnormal pretreatment levels.

Conclusion

: Post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels are significantly associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Measurement of these values is useful for predicting future HCC risk after IFN treatment. Suppression of these values after IFN therapy reduces HCC risk even in patients without HCV eradication. (Hepatology 2013;58:1253–1262)
A Rasch Analysis of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory–3
Authors: Hill Tara M. , Laux John M. , Stone Gregory , Dupuy Paula , Scott Holly
Published: April 2013

Rasch analysis of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory–3 (SASSI‐3; F. G. Miller & Lazowski, 1999) indicated that the SASSI‐3 meets fundamental measurement properties; however, the authors of the current study recommend the elimination of nonfunctioning items and the improvement of response options for the face valid scales to increase functioning and ease of use.
The Human Factor: Student Reactions to the Integration of Personal Dispositions Into a Counseling Program
Authors: GIBBONS MELINDA M. , COCHRAN JEFF L. , SPURGEON SHAWN , DIAMBRA JOEL F.
Published: April 2013

The authors explored student reactions to the integration of personal dispositions, or characteristic attitudes, into a counseling program. Results suggested participants liked focusing on personal dispositions and were able to identify areas of personal growth related to these characteristics. Integrating humanistic principles by using dispositions is recommended when training future counselors.
The adaptive hierarchical expansion of the kinetic energy operator
Authors: Strobusch Daniel , Nest Mathias , Scheurer Christoph
Published: April 2013

The hierarchical expansion of the kinetic energy (HEKE) operator in curvilinear coordinates presented recently (Strobusch and Scheurer, J. Chem. Phys. 2011a, 135, 124102; Strobusch and Scheurer, J. Chem. Phys. 2011b, 135, 144101) relies on a many‐body expansion of the metric tensor. It is shown how this expansion can be adapted to a specific system. An analytic formula is derived, which yields an estimate of the impact of a certain expansion term on the spectrum. In combination with the hierarchical structure of the many‐body expansion and interpolation techniques, the memory consumption and evaluation time of the HEKE operator as well as the computational costs for subsequent vibrational self‐consistent field and vibrational configuration interaction calculations are reduced significantly, which is demonstrated by studies on two small test systems H2O2 and formaldehyde (H2CO). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of graft patency on the prediction of myocardial viability by dobutamine stress and myocardial contrast echocardiography before coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Liu Chang , Xiu Chun‐hong , Xiao Xi‐gang , Ni Li‐xin , Liu Zong‐hong , Wang Bai‐chun , Shen Jing‐xia , Zhu Kai , Zhang Guo‐wei , Xu Lei , Liu Hong‐yu
Published: April 2013

Background

Myocardial functional recovery after revascularization is considered the “gold standard” for myocardial viability (MV) assessment. However, the patency of the revascularized coronary artery affects myocardial functional recovery in patients subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The influence of graft patency on viability results has not been widely studied.

Purpose

We evaluated the effect of graft patency on the prediction of MV after CABG by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LD‐DSE).

Methods

Fifty‐three subjects with chronic ischemic heart disease scheduled for CABG were divided randomly into groups A (n = 26) and B (n = 27). They underwent MCE and LD‐DSE preoperatively. Patients were followed up 12 months after CABG. Group B patients underwent multislice computed tomography angiography to assess CABG patency, and patients with obstructed grafts were excluded. Group A patients were not subjected to multislice CT angiography. The accuracy of MCE and LD‐DSE for assessing MV between the two groups was compared.

Results

The accuracy and positive predictive values of MCE and LD‐DSE for predicting MV were higher in group B than in group A (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative LD‐DSE and MCE ability to predict MV depends on the patency of CABG. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:9–15, 2014
Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of early repair of alveolar sockets after the extraction of molars from alendronate‐treated rats
Authors: Yamamoto‐Silva Fernanda P. , Bradaschia‐Correa Vivian , Lima Luiz A.P.A. , Arana‐Chavez Victor E.
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present research was to analyze ultrastructural and immunohistochemical aspects of the alveolar repair after the extraction of molars of alendronate (ALN)‐treated rats. Wistar rats received 2.5mg/kg body wt/day of ALN during 14 days previously and 7, 14 and 21 days after the extraction of the second mandibular molar. Specimens were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde + 2.5% formaldehyde under microwave irradiation, decalcified in 4.13% EDTA and paraffin embedded for TRAP histochemistry and immunohistochemistry for OPN, BSP and endoglin, or embedded in Spurr epoxy resin for TEM analysis. Additional specimens had their soft tissues removed and were processed for scanning electron microscopy. The ALN group presented latent TRAP‐positive osteoclasts and nonresorbed alveolar crests with bacterial infection. Mild bone necrosis signs were observed at all time points studied. Ultrastructurally, empty osteocyte lacunae were observed and bone trabeculae surface presented hyalinized aspect. A significant delay in alveolar repair occurred, as well as decreased angiogenesis. ALN treatment provoked mild signs of bone necrosis, despite the high dose employed. The present findings add new information about the ultrastructural aspect of the early repair of rats under ALN treatment and highlight for giving attention when oral surgeries are performed in patients using this drug. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:633–640, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrologic controls on the transport and cycling of carbon and nitrogen in a boreal catchment underlain by continuous permafrost
Authors: Koch J. C. , Runkel R. L. , Striegl R. , McKnight D. M.
Published: April 2013

Boreal ecosystems represent a large carbon (C) reservoir and a substantial source of greenhouse gases. Hydrologic conditions dictate whether C leached from boreal soils is processed in catchments or flushed to less productive environments via the stream. This study quantified hydrologic and biogeochemical C loss from a boreal catchment underlain by frozen silt, where flowpaths may deepen as the active layer thaws over the summer. We hypothesized a decrease in the magnitude of C mineralization over the summer associated with changing flowpaths and decreasing hydrologic connectivity, organic matter lability, and nitrogen (N) availability. Conservative tracers were used to partition C and N loss between catchment export and biogeochemical processing. Coupling tracers with tributary and porewater chemistry indicated C and N cycling in soil flowpaths, with an exponential decrease over the summer. Nitrate was primarily reduced in hillslope flowpaths and the lack of N reaching the stream appeared to limit C mineralization. Stream export accounted for the greatest loss of C, removing 247 and 113 mol hr−1 in the early and late summer, respectively. Reactivity was related to hydrologic connectivity between the soils and stream, which was greatest early in the summer and following a large flood. While a warming climate may increase storage potential in thawed soils, the early‐season flush of labile material and late‐season runoff through mineral flowpaths may maintain high C export rates. Therefore, we highlight physical export as a dominant cause of aqueous C loss from silty catchments as the Arctic continues to thaw.
Molecular preservation in halite‐ and perchlorate‐rich hypersaline subsurface deposits in the Salar Grande basin (Atacama Desert, Chile): Implications for the search for molecular biomarkers on Mars
Authors: Fernández‐Remolar D. C. , Chong‐Díaz G. , Ruíz‐Bermejo M. , Harir M. , Schmitt‐Kopplin P. , Tziotis D. , Gómez‐Ortíz D. , García‐Villadangos M. , Martín‐Redondo M. P. , Gómez F. , Rodríguez‐Manfredi J. A. , Moreno‐Paz M. , De Diego‐Castilla G. , Echeverría A. , Urtuvia V. N. , Blanco Y. , Rivas L. , Izawa M. R. M. , Banerjee N. R. , Demergasso C. , Parro V.
Published: April 2013

Similarities between the Atacama Desert (Chile) and Mars include extreme aridity, highly oxidizing chemistry, and intense ultraviolet radiation that promoted the photochemical production of perchlorates and nitrates. Concentration of these ions under hyperarid conditions led to the formation of nitrate‐ and perchlorate‐bearing deposits in ephemeral lakes, followed by later deposition of chlorides and sulfates. At some locations, such as the Salar Grande, hypersaline deposits have remained unaltered for millions of years. We conducted a drilling campaign in deposits of the Salar to characterize the preservation state of biological molecules. A 5 m deep discontinuous core was recovered and subjected to multitechnique analysis including the antibody microarray‐based biosensor LDChip300 and the SOLID (Signs Of Life Detector) instrument, complemented by geophysical, mineralogical, geochemical, and molecular analysis. We identified two units based on the mineralogy: the upper one, from the surface to ~320 cm depth characterized by a predominance of halite and anhydrite, and the lower one, from 320 to 520 cm, with a drop in halite and anhydrite and an enrichment in nitrate and perchlorate. Organic compounds including biomolecules were detected in association with the different depositional and mineralogical units, demonstrating the high capacity for molecular preservation. Hypersaline environments preserve biomolecules over geologically significant timescales; therefore, salt‐bearing materials should be high‐priority targets for the search for evidence of life on Mars.
Gender disparities in research productivity among 9952 academic physicians
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Svider Peter F. , Cherla Deepa V. , Diaz Lucia , Kovalerchik Olga , Mauro Kevin M. , Baredes Soly , Chandrasekhar Sujana S.
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The number of women in medicine has increased considerably over the past 3 decades, and they now comprise approximately half of medical school matriculants. We examine whether gender disparities in research productivity are present throughout various specialties and compare these findings to those previously described among otolaryngologists.

Study Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Research productivity, measured by the h‐index, was calculated for 9,952 academic physicians representing 34 medical specialties. Additionally, trends in how rate of research productivity changed throughout different career stages were compared.

Results

Women were underrepresented at the level of professor and in positions of departmental leadership relative to their representation among assistant and associate professors. Male faculty had statistically higher research productivity both overall (H = 10.3 ±0.14 vs. 5.6 ± 0.14) and at all academic ranks. For the overall sample, men and women appeared to have equivalent rates of research productivity. In internal medicine, men had higher early‐career productivity, while female faculty had productivity equaling and even surpassing that of their male colleagues beyond 20 to 25 years. Men and women had equivalent productivity in surgical specialties throughout their careers, and similar rates in pediatrics until 25 to 30 years.

Conclusions

Female academic physicians have decreased research productivity relative to men, which may be one factor contributing to their underrepresentation at the level of professor and departmental leader relative to their proportions in junior academic ranks. Potential explanations may include fewer woman physicians in the age groups during which higher academic ranks are attained, greater family responsibilities, and greater involvement in clinical service and educational contributions.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:1865–1875, 2013
Effect of Low‐Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on Acute Neural Recovery and Inflammation‐Related Gene Expression After Crush Injury in Rat Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Alcântara Carolina C. , Gigo‐Benato Davilene , Salvini Tania F. , Oliveira Alexandre L. R. , Anders Juanita J. , Russo Thiago L.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives

Peripheral nerve function can be debilitated by different kinds of injury. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used successfully during rehabilitation to stimulate recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT (660 nm, 60 J/cm2, 40 mW/cm2) on acute sciatic nerve injury.

Materials and Methods

Thirty Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: (1) Normal, intact nerves; (2) I3d, crushed nerves evaluated on Day‐3 post‐injury; (3) I + L3d, crushed nerves submitted to two sessions of LLLT and investigated at 3 days post‐injury. Sciatic nerves were removed and processed for gene expression analysis (real‐time PCR) of the pro‐inflammatory factors TWEAK, Fn14 and TNF‐α and extracellular matrix remodeling and axonal growth markers, such as TIMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9. Zymography was used to determine levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity and Western blotting was used to evaluate TNF‐α protein content. Shapiro–Wilk and Levene's tests were applied to evaluate data normality and homogeneity, respectively. One‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for statistical analysis with a significance level set at 5%.

Results

An increase in TNF‐α protein level was found in I + L3 compared to Normal and I3d (P < 0.05). Zymography showed an increase in proMMP‐9 activity, in both I3d and I + L3d groups (P < 0.05). The increase was more evident in I + L3d (P = 0.02 compared to I3d). Active‐MMP‐9 isoform activity was increased in I + L3d compared to Normal and I3d groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the activity of active‐MMP‐2 isoform was increased in I3d and I + L3 (P < 0.05). An increase in TIMP‐1 expression was observed in both I3d and I + L3d groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current study showed that LLLT increased MMPs activity, mainly MMP‐9, and TNF‐α protein level during the acute phase of nerve injury, modulating inflammation. Based on these results, it is recommended that LLLT should be started as soon as possible after peripheral nerve injury. Lasers Surg. Med. 9999:XX–XX, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring Sponsorship Performance: Challenge and Direction
Authors: Meenaghan Tony
Published: April 2013

Corporate investment in sponsorship represents one of marketing's more dramatic investment stories of recent decades with global sponsorship expenditure forecast to reach US $53.3 billion in 2013. The scale of this investment, as well as the scrutiny to which sponsorship activity has been subjected during the “Financial Crisis” has added significant momentum to the demand for improved methodologies for evaluating the returns resulting from sponsorship investment. Indeed a range of recent sponsorship studies clearly indicate the pressure, not just for greater accountability, but a demand for new and improved methodologies for measuring sponsorship performance. Against this backdrop this special issue of Psychology and Marketing is timely. It seeks to bring together a selected series of papers from leading edge practitioners and academics which critically review certain current approaches to evaluation, explores important research methodology issues, and outlines recently developed models which quantify the value generated by sponsorship investment. It is hoped that this special issue will lead to increased levels of understanding and interaction between the academic community concerned with researching sponsorship and the practitioner community charged with managing sponsorship and will, in future, serve as a key reference source for these communities in their quest for improved methodologies to measure sponsorship performance.
A novel islanding fault detection for distributed generation systems
Authors: Wu Zhipeng , Yang Fuwen , Han Qing‐Long
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes a novel islanding fault detection method for distributed generation systems. Islanding fault detection of distributed generation systems in microgrids and smart grids is an essential security technology. The existing methods for islanding fault detection can be classified as passive methods (such as under/over voltage detection, under/over frequency detection, and voltage phase jump detection, based on natural effects of islanding) and active methods (impedance measurement, slip mode frequency shift, Sandia frequency shift and so on). Once the power consumed by a local load matches the power generated by a local inverter, the islanding phenomenon will be not obvious, and traditional passive methods may fail. In contrast, the active methods can overcome this disadvantage. However, active methods create extra disturbances that may degrade the quality of power generated by the inverter. By reducing the harmonics of the inverter output, coupled with the use of a novel filtering method, the proposed approach can be achieved without additional disturbance and does no nondetection zone islanding detection. In this paper, current harmonic compensation is applied to inverter control to minimize the inverter output harmonics, highlighting on the grid harmonics. Set‐membership filter is developed to estimate the voltage harmonics. Islanding condition is detected by the changes of the specific order harmonics. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulations. A Kalman filter contrast experiment is presented to confirm that the set‐membership filter can more effectively detect islanding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating heterogeneous parent–child environmental effects in biometrical genetic models
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Liu Dungang , Wen Canhong , He Mingguang , Wang Xueqin
Published: April 2013

Heritability is an important index used to measure genetic effects in epidemiologic studies. For estimating heritability, researchers have proposed various statistical models to accommodate different study settings. These models include the ACE or ADE models for classical twin studies and the ACDE model for extended twin family studies. Researchers have shown that the ACDE model is less biased in heritability estimation, because of the utilization of the data of two generations. However, this model simply assumes that all family members, including twins and their parents, are exposed to the same environmental factors. This assumption may not be reasonable in many cases. In this paper, we propose a novel biometrical genetic model that can incorporate heterogeneous parent–child environmental effects. This model enables us to identify the heterogeneity of heritability, if it exists, between the two generations. This advantage is numerically demonstrated in our simulation studies. We apply our proposed model to the anterior chamber depth data from the Guangzhou Twin Eye Study in China. The analysis result reveals significant heterogeneity of heritability between the twin cohort and the parent cohort. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling dichotomously marked muscle fibre configurations
Authors: Davies Tilman M. , Cornwall Jon , Sheard Philip W.
Published: April 2013

Human skeletal muscle consists of contractile elements (fibres) that may be differentiated according to their physiological and biochemical properties. The different types of fibre are distributed throughout each muscle, with the pattern (when viewed as a cross‐section) of cell distribution being an important determinant of the functional properties of each muscle. It is well known that the proportions and distributions of muscle fibre types change with advancing age or disease, but few studies have quantitatively investigated these changes. A better knowledge of the nature of changes in muscle fibre distributions is an essential requirement for future development of therapies and interventions directed at maintaining or restoring good muscle function. In this work, we examine several statistical methods designed to gauge the departure of a dichotomously labelled muscle fibre distribution from that of a random fibre‐type dispersal. These methods are also applicable to a wide range of biological investigations in which the spatial distribution of cells or specimens underpins an important biological principle. This work includes the proposal of a novel technique, based on weighted kernel‐smoothed density ratios, which can account for the variable areas of the individual fibres. We illustrated the methodology by using a number of real‐data examples, and we employed a comprehensive set of simulations to assess the empirical power and false‐positive rates of these tests. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of user selection in collaborative spectrum sensing with correlated shadowing
Authors: Chen Yunfei
Published: April 2013

Collaborative spectrum sensing with user selection is analyzed for correlated shadowing in the practical cases of imperfect power measurements and noisy secondary links. The user selection is performed using the minimum probability of missed opportunity criterion and the random search criterion. Both the Neyman–Pearson rule and the minimum probability of error rule are considered. The sensing performance is examined with respect to different system parameters. Numerical results show that user selection can achieve a large amount of resource saving at little performance loss. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis of China's energy demand and supply policy framework
Authors: Zhang ZhongXiang
Published: April 2013

The energy and carbon pictures in China have changed dramatically since launching its open‐door policy and economic reforms in late 1978. China is already the world's largest energy consumer and carbon emitter. Its energy use and carbon emissions continue to be on the climbing trajectories beyond 2030 as it is approaching to be the largest economy. Clearly, meeting China's increasing energy needs to fuel its rapid economic growth presents an enormous challenge, not simply for China but for the entire world. This paper focuses on assessing those crucial issues on energy demand and supply in China. Given the inevitable rising trend of China's energy demand and continuous coal dominance in China's energy and power generation mix over the next two decades and beyond, the paper discusses China's efforts toward energy conservation and how China can generate electricity with coal more efficiently and environmentally friendly to limit its impacts. This is followed by examining a variety of policies that China has taken to address its growing dependence on imported oil. The paper also discusses the evolving of China's nuclear power policy, and indicates that the expansion of nuclear power is inevitable in China to cope with its daunting energy security and environmental challenges. The Fukushima accident will have no effect on China's stance on nuclear power, although it, at most, will slightly affect the pace of its development. From a long‐term perspective, widespread use of renewable energy is a real solution. Therefore, the paper discusses in great detail China's dramatic efforts to meet its ambitious renewable targets, focusing on wind power that is identified as a priority for diversifying China's energy mix. All taken together and integrated well, these policies help China to transit to a low‐carbon economy.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Systems and Infrastructure
Metal‐based nanoparticle interactions with the nervous system: the challenge of brain entry and the risk of retention in the organism
Authors: Yokel Robert , Grulke Eric , MacPhail Robert
Published: April 2013

This review of metal‐based nanoparticles focuses on factors influencing their distribution into the nervous system, evidence they enter brain parenchyma, and nervous system responses. Gold is emphasized as a model metal‐based nanoparticle and for risk assessment in the companion review. The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, basics of colloid chemistry, and environmental factors that influence what cells see are reviewed to provide background on the biological, physical–chemical, and internal milieu factors that influence nervous system nanoparticle uptake. The results of literature searches reveal little nanoparticle research included the nervous system, which about equally involved in vitro and in vivo methods, and very few human studies. The routes of uptake into the nervous system and mechanisms of nanoparticle uptake by cells are presented with examples. Brain nanoparticle uptake inversely correlates with size. The influence of shape has not been reported. Surface charge has not been clearly shown to affect flux across the blood‐brain barrier. There is very little evidence for metal‐based nanoparticle distribution into brain parenchyma. Metal‐based nanoparticle disruption of the blood‐brain barrier and adverse brain changes have been shown, and are more pronounced for spheres than rods. Study concentrations need to be put in exposure contexts. Work with dorsal root ganglion cells and brain cells in vitro show the potential for metal‐based nanoparticles to produce toxicity. Interpretation of these results must consider the ability of nanoparticles to distribute across the barriers protecting the nervous system. Effects of the persistence of poorly soluble metal‐based nanoparticles are of particular concern. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:346–373. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1202

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Extended Lymphadenectomy in Pancreatic Cancer Is Crucial
Authors: Fujii Tsutomu
Published: April 2013

Lymph node metastasis is considered one of the most significant factors associated with postoperative prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Some prospective studies found no significant differences in survival between patients who underwent pancreatic cancer surgery with extended lymphadenectomy and those who underwent surgery with standard lymphadenectomy. However, recent reports, such as those describing the significance of the metastatic to examined lymph node ratio, suggest the need for some degree of lymphadenectomy. This review describes the findings of published studies and discusses the usefulness of LN dissection in patients with pancreatic cancer.
The impact of the Japanese clinical guidelines on the clinical management of patients with acute cholecystitis
Authors: Shinya Satoshi , Yamashita Yuichi , Takada Tadahiro
Published: April 2013

Background/purpose

The Japanese clinical guidelines for treating acute cholecystitis (AC), proposed in 2005, provide criteria not only for diagnosis, but also for management depending on the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess how the Japanese guidelines for AC have impacted the clinical situation in Japan.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was sent to the councillors of the Japanese Society of Abdominal Emergency Medicine three times to ascertain the impact of the Japanese guidelines for AC. We surveyed 291 councillors one year before publication of the guidelines (2004), 279 councillors one year after publication (2006), and 191 councillors six years after publication (2011).

Results

The response rate was 72.5 % one year before publication of the guidelines, 51.9 % one year later and 69.1 % six years after publication.

Early cholecystectomy was used by 41.7 % of the respondents one year before publication, while 57.3 % of the respondents used this treatment one year after publication and 62.3 % of the respondents used it six years after publication. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used by 79.1 % of the respondents one year before the guidelines were published, while 87.3 % of the respondents used it one year after publication and 90 % of the respondents reported its use six years after publication.

Conclusions

The Japanese guidelines for AC are increasingly used and have changed the clinical management of patients with AC. The use of early and laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treating patients with AC has been increasingly adopted in Japan.
Towards a Robuster Interpretive Parsing
Authors: Biró Tamás
Published: April 2013

The input data to grammar learning algorithms often consist ofovert formsthat do not contain full structural descriptions. This lack of information may contribute to the failure of learning. Past work onOptimality TheoryintroducedRobust Interpretive Parsing(RIP) as a partial solution to this problem. We generalize RIP and suggest replacing the winner candidate with a weighted mean violation of the potential winner candidates. A Boltzmann distribution is introduced on the winner set, and the distribution’s parameter$$T$$is gradually decreased. Finally, we show that GRIP, theGeneralized Robust Interpretive Parsing Algorithmsignificantly improves the learning success rate in a model with standard constraints for metrical stress assignment.
Migration als Potenzial der kommunalen Entwicklung – Lokale Ansätze zur Unterstützung von ökonomischen Akteuren mit Migrationshintergrund
Authors: Nuissl Henning , Schmiz Antonie
Published: April 2013

The perception of immigration to Germany in the media, public discourse, and political debates is ambivalent. One perspective stresses the problems of immigration by characterising migrant settings as “parallel societies” inhabited by people who are reluctant to integrate into the receiving society. On the other hand—and with a particular focus on demographic change and the economic sustainability of the Federal Republic of Germany—the presence of migrants is increasingly seen as a source of valuable contributions. This paper elaborates on such perceptions of migrants as assets. Informed by an internet based study the paper explores in how far local authorities in Germany acknowledge and support the potential contributions of migrant populations to local and regional development processes. Our findings reveal that attempts to tap into the potential of migrant communities are largely restricted to big cities. Outside major agglomerations migrants tend to be primarily seen in the light of their assumed need for support to integrate into local job markets and societies. The focus then is on education and social policy issues rather than the promotion of economic or urban development. Drawing on these findings, we argue that migrant economies in particular bear considerable, yet hardly recognized resources for urban and regional development. Policies geared towards the targeted support of economic actors with migratory backgrounds would help to mobilize these resources.
The use of daily questions for educational purposes: a TOPday for students
Authors: Tanck Esther , Gerjon Hannink Gerjon , Van Kuppeveld Sascha M. H. F. , Bolhuis Sanneke , Kooloos Jan G. M.
Published: April 2013

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