bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Flower‐Like BiOCl Nanoplates with Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Xie Yunchao , Chang Fei , Li Chenlu , Chen Juan , Luo Jieru , Li Liang , Hu Xuefeng
Published: May 2013

We have successfully synthesized hierarchical flower‐like bismuth oxychloride nanoplates by a polyvinyl alcohol‐assisted hydrothermal process. The as‐synthesized products were characterized by a collection of techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The concentration of polyvinyl alcohol and hydrothermal time were vital effects for formation of hierarchical flower‐like bismuth oxychloride nanostructures. Rhodamine B (RhB) was selected to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of as‐synthesized samples under visible light irradiation. The degradation was undergone through a photosensitization pathway. The hierarchical flower‐like bismuth oxychloride nanoplates showed much higher RhB removal efficiency than other bismuth oxychloride samples and commercial Degussa TiO2. The active species trapping experiments revealed that the superoxide radicals () were the main active species in aqueous solution. In combining with the N2 bubbling experiment, photocatalysis mechanism was finally proposed.
Optimal multiband joint detection in cognitive radio networks with the Taguchi method
Authors: Ma Yingying , Liu Derong
Published: May 2013

This paper studies multiband joint detection in cognitive radio networks with the Taguchi method. At the fusion center, linear fusion rule is adopted to collect the observations from distributed secondary users. We aim to achieve maximum aggregate throughput with limited aggregate interference. The problem is challenging due to its nonconvexity and high computational complexity to find the global optimum. Existing works attempt to convert the problem into convex optimization problem. In this paper, the Taguchi method is employed to estimate the gradient of the aggregate throughput, determine the optimal thresholds of the energy detectors and combination weights of the linear fusion rule regardless of convexity. To optimize thresholds and linear weights simultaneously, we employ newly defined variables to represent the changing ranges of detector thresholds when we search for optimal linear weights. In addition, the sensing duration is another factor to be optimized in the Taguchi method. The simulation results show that the proposed method is efficient and applicable for all classes of cognitive radio without considering convexity. The optimization performance is considerably improved. Moreover, the Taguchi method is insensitive to parameter initialization, which provides a relatively robust output. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CO2 absorption by piperazine promoted aqueous ammonia solution: absorption kinetics and ammonia loss
Authors: Li Lichun , Han Wenfeng , Yu Hai , Tang Haodong
Published: May 2013

Aqueous ammonia (NH3) solution has been proposed as a promising absorbent for post‐combustion capture of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, when aqueous NH3 is used alone, the capture process suffers from a low CO2 absorption rate and high NH3 loss. In this study, we measured CO2 mass transfer coefficients and NH3 loss rate in a wetted wall column study of CO2 absorption in piperazine (PZ) promoted aqueous NH3 solution, at NH3 concentrations of 0.59–4.12 mol/L (M), CO2 loadings (molar ratio of CO2/NH3) of 0 to 0.5, temperatures of 283.15–298.15 K. The second‐order rate constants for the reactions of CO2 with PZ and NH3, which are determined based on the kinetic results from the wetted wall column, agree reasonably well with published values. Addition of PZ to aqueous NH3 can significantly increase mass transfer coefficients of CO2 in aqueous NH3, but at the expenses of an increase in NH3 loss. The enhancement by addition of PZ is due to the fast reaction of CO2 with PZ and PZ carbamate. However, addition of PZ to aqueous NH3 increases the concentration of free NH3 in the solvent, thereby increasing NH3 loss.
Psychiatric co‐morbidities in patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Radat F. , Margot‐Duclot A. , Attal N.
Published: May 2013

Background

Psychiatric co‐morbidities are common in patients with chronic pain, but no data are available about their prevalence in patients with neuropathic pain.

Methods

A multicentre study involving neurology practices (n = 30) and pain departments (n = 8) was conducted to assess the prevalence of lifetime and current anxiety and mood disorders on the basis of DSM‐IV criteria in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Factors independently associated with such co‐morbidity were also studied. A total of 182 consecutive patients (age 59.5 ± 13.8 years, 48% men) were recruited. Assessments included lifetime and current anxiety and mood disorders (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), sleep (Medical Outcome Study sleep scale), pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory) and catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale).

Results

Lifetime and current prevalence of psychiatric co‐morbidity were 39% and 20.3%, respectively, for any anxiety disorder, and 47.2% and 29.7%, respectively, for any mood disorder. The two most common psychiatric disorders were generalized anxiety (current prevalence 12.1%) and major depressive episode (current prevalence: 16.5%). Logistic regression analyses showed that high catastrophizing was the most significant variable independently associated with both current anxiety (OR = 4.21[1.4–12.7]; p = 0.04) and mood disorders (OR = 6.9[2.2–21]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lifetime and current anxiety and mood disorders are highly prevalent in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain, and are associated with high levels of catastrophizing. Early management of catastrophizing may contribute to reducing the risk of psychiatric co‐morbidities in these patients.
Improved adhesion and differentiation of endothelial cells on surface‐attached fibrin structures containing extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Filová Elena , Brynda Eduard , Riedel Tomáš , Chlupáč Jaroslav , Vandrovcová Marta , Švindrych Zdeněk , Lisá Věra , Houska Milan , Pirk Jan , Bačáková Lucie
Published: May 2013

Currently used vascular prostheses are hydrophobic and do not allow endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and growth. The aim of this study was to prepare fibrin (Fb)‐based two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) assemblies coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and to evaluate the EC adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on these assembliesin vitro. Coating of Fb with collagen, laminin (LM), and fibronectin (FN) was proved using the surface plasmon resonance technique. On all Fb assemblies, ECs reached higher cell densities than on polystyrene after 3 and 7 days of culture. Immunoflurescence staining showed better assembly of talin and vinculin into focal adhesion plaques, and also more apparent staining of vascular endothelial cadherin on surface‐attached 3D Fb and protein‐coated Fb assemblies. On these samples, ECs also contained a lower concentration of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Higher concentrations of CD31 (platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1) were found on 3D Fb coated with LM, and higher concentrations of von Willebrand factor were found on 3D Fb coated with type I collagen or LM in comparison to 2D Fb layers. The results indicate that ECM protein‐coated 2D and 3D Fb assemblies can be used for versatile applications in various tissue replacements where endothelialization is desirable, for example, vascular prostheses and heart valves. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 698–712, 2014.
Minors in ‐ Chromatic Graphs, II
Authors: Kostochka A.V.
Published: May 2013

Let denote the graph obtained from the complete graph by deleting the edges of some ‐subgraph. The author proved earlier that for each fixed s and , every graph with chromatic number has a minor. This confirmed a partial case of the corresponding conjecture by Woodall and Seymour. In this paper, we show that the statement holds already for much smaller t, namely, for .
Nationwide seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in South Korea in 2009 emphasizes the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs
Authors: Lee Byung Seok , Cho Yong Kyun , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Lee Joon Hyeok , Lee Don , Park Neung Hwa , Ki Moran ,   Korean Hepatitis Epidemiology Study Group
Published: May 2013

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major cause of chronic liver disease in Korea. This study investigated the seroprevalence of HBV infection with an emphasis on the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti‐HBs). In all, 290,212 people undergoing health check‐up examinations in 29 institutions during 2009 were recruited. The crude seroprevalences of HBsAg and anti‐HBs was adjusted by age, sex, and geographic area using the 2009 estimated population of Korea. The adjusted seroprevalences of HBsAg and anti‐HBs was 4.0% and 73.5%, respectively. Males showed higher HBsAg positivity and lower anti‐HBs positivity than females (P < 0.001). HBsAg positivity increased with age from 3.5% in people 20–29 years old to 4.8% in people 40–49 years old, followed by a decrease in people ≥50 years old. HBsAg positivity in Southern provinces (4.5%) including Jeju (5.9%), was significantly higher than that in Central provinces (3.6%; P < 0.001). Interestingly, HBsAg and anti‐HBs coexisted in 0.1% of the total subjects and in 2.9% of the HBsAg‐positive group, showing distinct age distribution and higher alanine aminotransferase levels than those of the group positive for only HBsAg. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in Korea varies significantly by age, sex and geographical location and coexisted in 2.9% of HBsAg‐positive subjects. Continuous monitoring of seroepidemiology may facilitate the eventual eradication of HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 85:1327–1333, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review: Current knowledge on the role of HPV antibodies after natural infection and vaccination: Implications for monitoring an HPV vaccination programme
Authors: Mollers Madelief , Vossen Jeanique M. , Scherpenisse Mirte , van der Klis Fiona R.M. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , de Melker Hester E.
Published: May 2013

In 2006/2007, two vaccines were licensed against two of the most common HPV types that cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Clinical trials show that vaccinated individuals develop high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Although these data suggest that serum antibodies are the mode of action against HPV infection, it is uncertain whether immune responses generated by vaccination are similar to those induced by a natural infection. In this review, the current knowledge of humoral immune responses after natural infection and vaccination is described. Serosurveillance can be used as a monitoring tool to study vaccine uptake, the impact of HPV16/18 vaccination on other HPV types, dynamics of HPV infection and herd‐immunity. In addition, factors that contribute to a higher seroresponse after a natural infection, which are summarized in this article (a persistent DNA infection, increased viral load, immunosuppression and high sexual risk behavior), can help to interpret these indirect effects better. J. Med. Virol. 85:1379–1385, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing the Cultural Competence of Health Professionals Working with Gypsy Travellers
Authors: Francis Gill
Published: May 2013

This project explored one of the issues affecting access to health care services by Gypsy Travellers, namely the cultural competence of health professionals. The aim of the project was to support the development of cultural competence in health professionals through an exploration of staff attitudes, knowledge, and understanding of the cultural identity and health needs of Gypsy Travellers.

Participants were drawn from community nursing services and members of the Irish Traveller community. The data collated from staff suggested there was limited understanding of Gypsy Traveller culture, health needs, or issues affecting the community, and the perceptions held were informed largely by negative media stereotypes.

The benefits of honest, nonjudgmental, open discussion within professional forums about the existence and impact of bias and prejudice on practice were highlighted alongside the need for an improved understanding of the issues faced by Gypsy Travellers to improve access to care by this often excluded and marginalized community.
Activities Raising Organizational Awareness for Intercultural Diversity
Authors: Schuette Patricia , Siebold Jona
Published: May 2013

Which activities raise organizational awareness for intercultural diversity? This was the main question of the German project Economy by Diversity. The first aim of this article is to answer this question. Examples and empirical findings of the project work will help illustrate the approach chosen by the project team to bring cultural diversity in small‐ and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs).

The article also discusses the usefulness of the often‐criticized access–legitimacy paradigm based on the evaluation results. The project concentrates on a counseling procedure to transfer the topic of diversity into SMEs. It was evaluated using observation records and interviews with the executive board and employees. Early findings indicate that the organizational executives expect financial benefits from their concern with diversity. It is important for them to discover opportunities to link their concrete work to a topic such as diversity.

Another focus of the article is that primary access to an organization to work with the topic of diversity succeeds by concentrating on one certain diversity dimension. By including external perspectives concerning organization and market, the enterprise could be pushed to reflect its primary organizational focus. In addition, there is an organizational need for exchange and networking with individuals who have an immigrant history.
Mental Health Inequalities Facing U.K. Minority Ethnic Populations
Authors: Grey Tracy , Sewell Hári , Shapiro Gillian , Ashraf Fahmida
Published: May 2013

Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities continue to experience inequalities within the U.K. mental health system despite major government policy initiatives. The authors examined the literature for causal factors for continued mental health inequalities facing BME groups and potential solutions. The authors selected 53 articles from 1991 to 2012 based on inclusion criteria encompassing all major policy initiatives and relevant literature detailing explanations of mental health inequalities. Although ethnic inequalities in mental health have been of concern for decades in the United Kingdom, a still‐significant gap exists between policies and methods of implementation. In comparison to White people, more BME people are diagnosed with mental health issues every year. BME communities are also facing barriers in terms of accessing culturally appropriate services, including lack of cultural understanding, communication issues, and where and how to seek help. Service providers need to work closely with people from BME communities prior to service design and delivery. Information should be made available in appropriate languages to support understanding about their illnesses and how they can seek help. Frequent reviews may further help assess BME communities' needs and make required changes and implementations.
Using Diversity Interventions to Increase Cervical Screening of Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Authors: Carter Lynne , Hedges Lesley , Congdon Shirley
Published: May 2013

Despite increasing recognition and acceptance in many areas, lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people are still unnoticed service users whose needs the National Health Service (NHS) has not recognized and served well. This article reports the first stages of a small‐scale, practitioner‐led action research study undertaken to increase access to cervical screening for lesbian and bisexual women by planning and delivering service enhancements following in‐depth individual and small‐group interviews with local lesbians and bisexual women. These interviews provided rich data that provided insight into the women's health beliefs and experiences related to cervical screening. These experiences directly informed the enhancements made to cervical screening services. The authors describe the factors that made this action research successful, which may have multiple applications across other diversity interventions.
Rising Ambulance Life‐Threatening Call Demand in High and Low Socioeconomic Areas
Authors: Portz Karl , Newell Robert , Archibong Uduak
Published: May 2013

Ambulance service demand is increasing in the United Kingdom. A common speculative view makes a link between this rise in demand, deprivation, and certain medical conditions. This study explored factors influencing English ambulance service demand in two areas of differing socioeconomic status. Adopting a causal comparative design, the study compared the numbers of life‐threatening calls that Yorkshire Ambulance Service receives and serves in two geographical areas within the Hull and East Riding area. The area of lower socioeconomic status generated significantly more life‐threatening calls than the area of higher socioeconomic status; these calls often supported younger patients (mean age 59 years versus 71 years) for breathing difficulties (29% versus 14.5%) more commonly. Tackling inequality will require a whole‐systems approach, effective leadership, and recognition of the benefits of understanding difference. A key relationship will entail engaging with seldom heard communities.
Delivering Equality and Diversity Training Within a University Setting Through Drama‐Based Training
Authors: Hayat Kez , Walton Sean
Published: May 2013

United Kingdom equalities legislation places general and specific legal duties upon higher education institutions to promote equality and diversity positively. This includes an increased emphasis on training and development, especially in the context of promoting and raising awareness of equality and diversity within an organizational setting.

The authors evaluate the impact and effectiveness of drama as a means of delivering equality and diversity training. The legal, business, and moral case for diversity is explored, highlighting and investigating the important role of effective equality and diversity training. Drama‐based diversity training is considered within the context of a local university initiative aimed primarily at middle management. Within this initiative, professional actors explored the effects of discrimination in the workplace. The authors frame their findings in the evaluation model proposed by Kirkpatrick (1998).

The authors argue that drama‐based training is an effective tool for delivering equality and diversity training and present evidence for such training as having a positive impact. In particular, drama‐based training increases the confidence and capacity of university middle managers to challenge inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
The Role of Career Colleges
Authors: Heitner Keri , Sherman Kenneth C.
Published: May 2013

Career colleges may have an important role in addressing the educational needs of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in higher education, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives. This study focused on examining the extent to which career colleges meet the needs of these ethnic racial and minority students in states with the highest educational needs through analysis of publicly available data from NCHEMS, the Educational Needs Index, the American Community Survey, and College Navigator (IPEDS) on a sample of 114 for‐profit career colleges and 40 public/not‐for‐profit colleges. Racial/ethnic categories corresponded to categories reported in the IPEDS dataset. Career colleges outperformed other colleges in graduating students from these racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. Career colleges successful at enrolling, retaining, and/or graduating students from one racial or ethnic minority group appear to benefit students who are members of other racial or ethnic minority groups. Students may see that members of another racial or ethnic minority group can succeed in higher education and think that they can succeed, too. The results suggest narrowly focused diversity efforts on specific racial or ethnic student subpopulations may derive benefit across multiple subpopulations of students from racial and ethnic minority groups.
Diversity Work in Organizations
Authors: Kahn Amy
Published: May 2013

The globalization of business and business practices blended with legislation and human resources requirements have transformed the face of today's workplace.  In response to this, there has emerged a group of diversity practitioners who work to address these opportunities and challenges.  These practitioners are often called upon to help organizations understand the impact that differences have in the boardroom and in the marketplace.  Interviews with 20 exemplary external diversity practitioners were conducted and then analyzed using the Lieblich, Rubal‐Mashiach, and Zilber (1998) categorical content analysis procedure. Through these conversations, the work of these practitioners was described according to its definition, by its objectives (conduct), and in its content.  Study participants made an important distinction between the definition of “diversity” and that of “diversity management.” The respondents described “diversity” as a construct of variety, of difference, and of the tension that occurs as a result of differences.  The respondents described “diversity management” as a process of facilitating change in a system.  The diversity practitioners' work was described as resulting from the way they mix their passion for social responsibility and for meeting organizational requirements with their focus on a system, on the individuals in the system, or both.
Carotenoids, vitamins (A, B2, C and E) and total folate of traditional foods from Black Sea Area countries
Authors: Sanches‐Silva Ana , Albuquerque Tânia G , Finglas Paul , Ribeiro Tiago , Valente Ana , Vasilopoulou Effie , Trichopoulou Antonia , Alexieva Iordanka , Boyko Nadiya , Costea Cármen‐Eugenia , Hayran Osman , Jorjadze Mariam , Kaprelyants Leonid , Karpenko Dmitry , Filippo D'Antuono L. , Costa Helena S
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Carotenoids, vitamins (A, B2, C and E) and total folate are related to health promotion. However, there are still many food matrices for which the content of these compounds is not available. In order to fill this gap, traditional foods from Black Sea Area countries (BSAC) were analysed in order to investigate their potential health benefits.

RESULTS

The most abundant carotenoid was β‐carotene. Plum jam was the sample with the highest β‐carotene content (608 µg 100 g−1 edible portion). The group of vegetables and vegetable‐based foods contributed most to β‐carotene content. Evergreen cherry laurel presented the highest l‐ascorbic acid content (29.9 mg 100 g−1 edible portion), while the highest riboflavin and total folate contents were found for roasted sunflower seeds. Approximately 61% of the analysed samples showed quantifiable amounts of α‐tocopherol but did not contain retinol.

CONCLUSION

Despite the great variability in the content of carotenoids, vitamins and total folate, most of the analysed traditional foods from BSAC can be considered good sources of these compounds. Therefore, owing to their putative health benefits, the consumption of those with higher contents of these compounds should be encouraged and promoted. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation and characterization of sucrose esters from Oriental tobacco leaves using accelerated solvent extraction followed by SPE coupled to HPLC with ion‐trap MS detection
Authors: Zhu Hongying , Feng Yonggang , Yang Jun , Pan Wenjie , Li Zhanghai , Tu Yonggao , Zhu Xiaolan , Huang Guangming
Published: May 2013

Sucrose esters (SEs) were successfully extracted from Oriental tobacco leaves using a new methodology based on accelerated solvent extraction followed by hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced cartridge cleanup step. The SEs were detected by HPLC with ion‐trap MS detection using an electrospray interface operated in the positive ion mode. This methodology combines the high efficiency of extraction provided by a pressurized fluid and the highly sensitive characterization offered by ion‐trap MS. Under the optimized conditions, 14 SEs were first identified among a total of 23 SEs found in Oriental tobacco leaves. Under the same conditions, only four new SEs were extracted by using traditional ultrasound‐assisted extraction and liquid–solid extraction methods. The present method might be potentially useful in high‐efficiency extraction and sensitive characterization of SEs from complex matrices such as tobacco leaves.
Utilization of an ionic liquid in situ preconcentration method for the determination of the 15 + 1 European Union polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in drinking water and fruit‐tea infusions
Authors: Germán‐Hernández Mónica , Crespo‐Llabrés Pilar , Pino Verónica , Ayala Juan H. , Afonso Ana M.
Published: May 2013

An ionic liquid (IL) in situ preconcentration method was optimized and applied to the monitoring of the 15 + 1 European Union polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and fruit‐tea infusions. The optimized method utilizes 10 mL of water (or infusion) containing 38 μL of the IL 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and a content of 36.1 g/L NaCl, which are mixed with Li‐NTf2 (340 μL, 0.2 g/mL), followed by vortex (4 min) and centrifugation (5 min). The obtained microdroplet containing hydrocarbons is diluted with acetonitrile and injected into an HPLC with UV/Vis and fluorescence detection. The method presented average enrichment factors of 127 for water (tap water and bottled water) and 27 for two fruit‐tea infusions; with average relative recoveries of 86.7 and 106% for water and fruit‐tea infusions, respectively. The method was sensitive, with detection limits ranging from 0.001 to 0.050 ng/mL in water, and from 0.010 to 0.600 ng/mL in fruit‐tea infusions, for the fluorescent hydrocarbons. Real extraction efficiencies ranged from 12.7 to 58.7% for water, and from 20.2 to 117% for the infusions. The method was also fast (∼12 min) and free of organic solvents in the extraction step.
Knowledge Needs, Barriers, and Enablers for Japanese Engineers
Authors: Magnier‐Watanabe Remy , Benton Caroline
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this research is to identify the information and knowledge that Japanese engineers want to retrieve from past projects, those they believe should be captured for future projects, and the enablers and barriers to their knowledge management (KM) activities. Text‐mining and regression analyses revealed that Japanese engineers want to access more technical knowledge from past projects and more forward‐looking technology and market trends for future development tasks.

People‐related factors were the largest inhibitors to knowledge acquisition, diffusion, and application, whereas systems and related policies were considered major hindrances for knowledge storage. Intention was found to be the strongest KM enabler. Last, engineers' perceived importance of KM appeared to be very personal, whereas the actual time spent on KM activities depended more on organizational factors. These findings suggest that management should motivate Japanese engineers while providing organizational context conducive to KM. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot study of vascular health in survivors of osteosarcoma
Authors: Mulrooney Daniel A. , Ness Kirsten K. , Huang Sujuan , Solovey Anna , Hebbel Robert P. , Neaton James D. , Clohisy Denis R. , Kelly Aaron S. , Neglia Joseph P.
Published: May 2013

Background

Cardiovascular‐related toxicities have been reported among survivors of osteosarcoma.

Methods

Fasting blood samples from 24 osteosarcoma survivors were analyzed for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein‐ß, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and surface expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1). Values were compared to subjects in the natural history Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort study except for CECs and VCAM‐1 expression, which were compared to controls studied at the University of Minnesota Lillehei clinical trials unit.

Procedure

Survivors (54.2% male), median age 18 years (9–32) at diagnosis, 36.5 years (20–56) at evaluation were treated with a variety of chemotherapeutic exposures, all but one were exposed to doxorubicin (median dose 450 mg/m2; range: 90–645 mg/m2), 14 (58.3%) received cisplatin, and 3 (12.5%) were exposed to carboplatin. Two survivors (8.3%) received radiation therapy for disease relapse. Compared to CARDIA subjects, mean hsCRP (3.0 mg/L ± 2.0 vs. 1.6 ± 2.3), triglycerides (151 mg/dl ± 81.7 vs. 95.4 ± 101.3), lipoprotein (a) (34.9 mg/dl ± 17.7 vs. 13.8 ± 22.0), and fibrinogen (315.0 mg/dl ± 49.3 vs. 252.4 ± 61.7) were significantly elevated. The number of CECs (0.47 cells/ml ± 2.5 vs. 0.92 ± 2.5) did not differ while surface expression of VCAM‐1 (86.4% ± 34.0 vs. 42.1 ± 33.8) was significantly elevated compared to controls.

Conclusions

Among survivors of osteosarcoma, assessed a median of 14 years from diagnosis, there is evidence of vascular inflammation, dyslipidemia, and early atherogenesis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1703–1708. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiology, Prognosis, and Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Smith Steven M.
Published: May 2013

Resistant hypertension is a common clinical problem, which, until recently, has received little attention in the medical literature. With this increased attention has come a considerably better understanding of disease epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment, yet much remains unknown. Current data suggest that the prevalence of resistant hypertension has been increasing in recent decades, a concerning finding given that resistant hypertension appears to be associated with a poorer prognosis than nonresistant hypertension. The most appropriate management for these patients has not been fully elucidated, but a multifaceted approach incorporating accurate diagnosis, identification, and removal of substances that interfere with blood pressure, dietary and lifestyle management, and treatment with rational drug combination therapy can be quite effective in controlling blood pressure in these patients. Newer therapies, both pharmacologic and interventional procedures, are under study and may hold promise in the future treatment of resistant hypertension. This review highlights recent research on disease epidemiology and prognosis, and it describes the current body of literature on the treatment of this increasingly common condition.
Political economy, media, and climate change: sinews of modern life
Authors: Boykoff Maxwell T. , Yulsman Tom
Published: May 2013

In this 21st century, examining how climate change is described and considered, largely through mass media, is as important as formal climate governance to the long‐term success or failure of efforts to confront the challenge. Mass media stitch together formal science and policy with the public sphere. And many dynamic, contested factors contribute to how media outlets portray climate change. This paper addresses contemporary political economics—from greater workloads and reductions in specialist science journalism to digital innovations and new media organizational forms—as they relate to media coverage of climate change. By way of recent studies and indications of these dynamics, we appraise how power flows through culture, politics, and society, to construct coverage, public discourses, and knowledge on climate change. In so doing, we explore how media representations of climate change have changed over time, and particularly how the rise of digital media has reshaped climate coverage. Considerations of climate change, arguably the most heavily politicized scientific issue at the turn of the new millennium, seek to inform and anticipate corollary science issues, such as ongoing concerns for genetically modified organisms, nanotechnology risks, and increased threats to water quantity and quality. The focus on political economy—the ‘sinews’ of modern life—can also then help to inform perceptions and decision making in associated environmental challenges.WIREs Clim Change2013, 4:359–371. doi: 10.1002/wcc.233

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Utility of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1‐Associated Primary Hyperparathyroidism Undergoing Initial Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Nilubol Naris , Weisbrod Allison B. , Weinstein Lee S. , Simonds William F. , Jensen Robert T. , Phan Giao Q. , Hughes Marybeth S. , Libutti Steven K. , Marx Stephen , Kebebew Electron
Published: May 2013

Background

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) is a widely used adjunct for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). However, the benefit of IOPTH in familial pHPT, such as in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1), remains unclear.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 patients with MEN1‐associated pHPT undergoing initial parathyroidectomy with IOPTH monitoring at our institution. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured before skin incision and 10 min after resection of the last parathyroid gland. Variables analyzed included percent drop of PTH from baseline and the final PTH level compared to the normal reference range (RR).

Results

A total of 52 patients underwent initial subtotal parathyroidectomy with IOPTH. An IOPTH decrease cutoff of ≥75 % from baseline had the highest biochemical cure rate (87 %). In the remaining 13 % who met this cutoff, all had persistent pHPT, with ≥90 % drop of PTH from baseline. The remaining patients, who did not meet the ≥75 % cutoff, were cured. Follow‐up was available for three of four patients with final IOPTH levels above the RR: one had persistent pHPT, two had hypoparathyroidism (50 %). When a postresection PTH level was within the RR, 88 % of patients were cured. While considered cured from pHPT, 7 % of patients in this group developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. When the final PTH level dropped below the RR, 28 % developed permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusions

A cutoff in IOPTH decrease of ≥75 % from baseline has the highest biochemically cure rate in patients with pHPT associated with MEN1. However, a 75 % cutoff in IOPTH decrease does not exclude persistent pHPT. The absolute IOPTH value does not accurately predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism.
Expansion of Genetic Services Utilizing a General Genetic Counseling Clinic
Authors: Hannig VL , Cohen MP , Pfotenhauer JP , Williams MD , Morgan TM , Phillips JA
Published: May 2013

We established a general genetic counseling clinic (GCC) to help reduce long wait times for new patient appointments and to enhance services for a subset of patients. Genetic counselors, who are licensed in Tennessee, were the primary providers and MD geneticists served as medical advisors. This article describes the clinic referral sources, reasons for referral and patient dispositions following their GCC visit(s). We obtained patients by triaging referrals made to our medical genetics division. Over 24 months, our GCC provided timely visits for 321 patients, allowing the MD geneticists to focus on patients needing a clinical exam and/or complex medical management. Following their GCC visit(s), over 80 % of patients did not need additional appointments with an MD geneticist. The GCC allowed the genetic counselor to spend more time with patients than is possible in our traditional medical genetics clinic. Patient satisfaction surveys (n = 30) were very positive overall concerning the care provided. Added benefits for the genetic counselors were increased professional responsibility, autonomy and visibility as health care providers. We conclude that genetic counselors are accepted as health care providers by patients and referring providers for a subset of clinical genetics cases. A GCC can expand genetic services, complement more traditional genetic clinic models and utilize the strengths of the genetic counselor health care provider.
BitTorrent traffic from a caching perspective
Authors: Ponciano Lesandro , Andrade Nazareno , Brasileiro Francisco
Published: May 2013

BitTorrent currently contributes a significant amount of inter-ISP traffic. This has motivated research and development to explore caching and locality-aware neighbor selection mechanisms for costly traffic reduction. Recent researches have analyzed the possible effects of caching BitTorrent traffic and have provided preliminary results on its cacheability. However, little is known about the specifics of caching design that affect cache effectiveness and operation, such as replacement policy and cache size. This study addresses this gap with a comprehensive analysis of BitTorrent caching based on traces of user behavior in four popular BitTorrent sites. Our trace-driven simulation results show differences in BitTorrent traffic caching compared to that of the Web and other peer-to-peer applications. Differently from Web and other peer-to-peer caching, larger caches are necessary to achieve similar caching effectiveness in BitTorrent traffic. Furthermore, in BitTorrent caching, the LRU replacement policy that takes the temporal locality into account shows the best performance. We also use a locality-aware neighbor selection mechanism as a baseline to evaluate the LRU caching effectiveness. We find that LRU caching can provide greater traffic reduction than locality-aware neighbor selection in several scenarios of cache size and number of ISP clients.
The eukaryotic genome, its reads, and the unfinished assembly
Authors: Muñoz José Fernando , Gallo Juan Esteban , Misas Elizabeth , McEwen Juan Guillermo , Clay Oliver Keatinge
Published: May 2013

In recent years, readily affordable short read sequences provided by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) have become longer and more accurate. This has led to a jump in interest in the utility of NGS‐only approaches for exploring eukaryotic genomes. The concept of a static, ‘finished’ genome assembly, which still appears to be a faraway goal for many eukaryotes, is yielding to new paradigms. We here motivate an object‐view concept where the raw reads are the main, fixed object, and assemblies with their annotations take a role of dynamically changing and modifiable views of that object.
Prenatal stress alters the behavior and dendritic morphology of the medial orbitofrontal cortex in mouse offspring during lactation
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rojas Cristian , Pascual Rodrigo , Bustamante Carlos
Published: May 2013

Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown that prenatal stress alters neuronal dendritic development in the prefrontal cortex, together with behavioral disturbances (anxiety). Nevertheless, neither whether these alterations are present during the lactation period, nor whether such findings may reflect the onset of anxiety disorders observed in childhood and adulthood has been studied. The central aim of the present study was to determine the effects of prenatal stress on the neuronal development and behavior of mice offspring during lactation (postnatal days 14 and 21). We studied 24 CF‐1 male mice, grouped as follows: (i) control P14 (n = 6), (ii) stressed P14 (n = 6), (iii) control P21 (n = 6) and (iv) stressed P21 (n = 6). On the corresponding days, animals were evaluated with the open field test and sacrificed. Their brains were then stained in Golgi‐Cox solution for 30 days. The morphological analysis dealt with the study of 96 pyramidal neurons. The results showed, first, that prenatal stress resulted in a significant (i) decrease in the apical dendritic length of pyramidal neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex at postnatal day 14, (ii) increase in the apical dendritic length of pyramidal neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex at postnatal day 21, and (iii) reduction in exploratory behavior at postnatal day 14 and 21.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Handels Ron L.H. , Wolfs Claire A.G. , Aalten Pauline , Joore Manuela A. , Verhey Frans R.J. , Severens Johan L.
Published: May 2013

Background

The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature on economic evaluations of interventions for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders and to describe their general and methodological characteristics. We focused on the diagnostic aspects of the decision models to assess the applicability of existing decision models for the evaluation of the recently revised diagnostic research criteria for AD.

Methods

PubMed and the National Institute for Health Research Economic Evaluation database were searched for English‐language publications related to economic evaluations on diagnostic technologies. Trial‐based economic evaluations were assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list. Modeling studies were assessed using the framework for quality assessment of decision‐analytic models.

Results

The search retrieved 2109 items, from which eight decision‐analytic modeling studies and one trial‐based economic evaluation met all eligibility criteria.

Conclusions

Diversity among the study objective and characteristics was considerable and, despite considerable methodological quality, several flaws were indicated. Recommendations were focused on diagnostic aspects and the applicability of existing models for the evaluation of recently revised diagnostic research criteria for AD.
Central Venous Catheter Protective Connector Caps Reduce Intraluminal Catheter-Related Infection
Authors: Ramirez Chuck , Lee Antonina M. , Welch Ken
Published: May 2013

Background: Central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) rates in adult care intensive care units have been decreasing across the board. However, we continued to see just a few infections in patients whose catheters are in for >4 days. Therefore, we looked at infections associated with intraluminal contamination to help reduce our infection rate.

Methods: A protective cap trial was developed and implemented in 2 intensive care units. All of the central venous catheter and intravenous tubing access valves were covered with a protective cap saturated with alcohol. This intervention eliminated the need to wipe off intravenous access points with an alcohol swab. The study was done as a nonrandomized prospective trial occurring March 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012.

Results: During 2010, there were 4 CLABSI-related infections. By the end of the trial, we had incurred 1 catheter-associated blood stream infection. CLABSI rate reduced from 1.9 in 2010 to 0.5 during the 1-year trial period.

Conclusions: The implementation of the port protector cap system resulted in lower infection rates compared with an alcohol swab technique. Our results indicate that consistent use of the caps in tandem with strict compliance does influence CLABSI rates.
Fluid transport by individual microswimmers
Authors: Pushkin Dmitri O. , Shum Henry , Yeomans Julia M.
Published: May 2013

We discuss the path of a tracer particle as a microswimmer moves past on an infinite, straight trajectory. If the tracer is sufficiently far from the path of the swimmer it moves in a closed loop. As the initial distance between the tracer and the path of the swimmer $\rho $ decreases, the tracer is displaced a small distance backwards (relative to the direction of the swimmer velocity). For much smaller tracer–swimmer separations, however, the tracer displacement becomes positive and diverges as $\rho \rightarrow 0$. To quantify this behaviour we calculate the Darwin drift, the total volume swept out by a material sheet of tracers, initially perpendicular to the swimmer path, during the swimmer motion. We find that the drift can be written as the sum of a universal term which depends on the quadrupolar flow field of the swimmer, together with a non-universal contribution given by the sum of the volumes of the swimmer and its wake. The formula is compared to exact results for the squirmer model and to numerical calculations for a more realistic model swimmer.
Risk, Responsibility and Surgery in the 1890s and Early 1900s
Authors: Brock Claire
Published: May 2013

This article explores the ways in which risk and responsibility were conceptualised in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by surgeons, their patients and the lay public. By this point surgery could be seen, simultaneously, as safe (due to developments in surgical science) and increasingly risky (because such progress allowed for greater experimentation). With the glorification of the heroic surgeon in the late Victorian and early Edwardian period came a corresponding, if grudging, recognition that successful surgery was supported by a team of ancillary professionals. In theory, therefore, blame for mistakes could be shared amongst the team; in practice, this was not always the case. Opening with an examination of the May Thorne negligence case of 1904, I will also, in the latter third of this piece, focus on surgical risks encountered by women surgeons, themselves still relatively new and, therefore, potentially risky individuals. A brief case study of the ways in which one female-run institution, the New Hospital for Women, dealt with debates surrounding risk and responsibility concludes this article. The origin of the risks perceived and the ways in which responsibility was taken (or not) for risky procedures will provide ways of conceptualising what ‘surgical anxiety’ meant in the 1890s and 1900s.
The Research Council System and the Politics of Medical and Agricultural Research for the British Colonial Empire, 1940–52
Authors: Clarke Sabine
Published: May 2013

Historical accounts of colonial science and medicine have failed to engage with the Colonial Office’s shift in focus towards the support of research after 1940. A large new fund was created in 1940 to expand activities in the colonies described as fundamental research. With this new funding came a qualitative shift in the type of personnel and activity sought for colonial development and, as a result, a diverse group of medical and technical officers existed in Britain’s colonies by the 1950s. The fact that such variety existed amongst British officers in terms of their qualifications, institutional locations and also their relationships with colonial and metropolitan governments makes the use of the term ‘expert’ in much existing historical scholarship on scientific and medical aspects of empire problematic. This article will consider how the Colonial Office achieved this expansion of research activities and personnel after 1940. Specifically, it will focus on the reasons officials sought to engage individuals drawn from the British research councils to administer this work and the consequences of their involvement for the new apparatus established for colonial research after 1940. An understanding of the implications of the application of the research council system to the Colonial Empire requires engagement with the ideology promoted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Medical Research Council (MRC) which placed emphasis on the distinct and higher status of fundamental research and which privileged freedom for researchers.