bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemistry CATT–BRAMS model (CCATT–BRAMS 4.5): a regional atmospheric model system for integrated air quality and weather forecasting and research
Authors: Longo K. M. , Freitas S. R. , Pirre M. , Marécal V. , Rodrigues L. F. , Panetta J. , Alonso M. F. , Rosário N. E. , Moreira D. S. , Gácita M. S. , Arteta J. , Fonseca R. , Stockler R. , Katsurayama D. M. , Fazenda A. , Bela M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Coupled Chemistry Aerosol-Tracer Transport model to the Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (CCATT–BRAMS, version 4.5) is an online regional chemical transport model designed for local and regional studies of atmospheric chemistry from surface to the lower stratosphere suitable both for operational and research purposes. It includes gaseous/aqueous chemistry, photochemistry, scavenging and dry deposition. The CCATT–BRAMS model takes advantages of the BRAMS specific development for the tropics/subtropics and of the recent availability of preprocessing tools for chemical mechanisms and of fast codes for photolysis rates. BRAMS includes state-of-the-art physical parameterizations and dynamic formulations to simulate atmospheric circulations of scales down to meters. The online coupling between meteorology and chemistry allows the system to be used for simultaneous atmospheric weather and chemical composition forecasts as well as potential feedbacks between them. The entire system comprises three preprocessing software tools for chemical mechanism (which are user defined), aerosol and trace gases emission fields and atmospheric and chemistry fields for initial and boundary conditions. In this paper, the model description is provided along evaluations performed using observational data obtained from ground-based stations, instruments aboard of aircrafts and retrieval from space remote sensing. The evaluation takes into account model application on different scales from megacities and Amazon Basin up to intercontinental region of the Southern Hemisphere.
Review "Structural flood-protection measures referring to several European case studies"
Authors: Kryžanowski A. , Brilly M. , Rusjan S. , Schnabl S.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The paper presents a critical review of structural measures that were taken to cope with floods in some cities along the Danube River, such as Vienna, Bratislava, Belgrade, and Barcolennette area along the Ubaye River. These cities are also taken as case studies within the KULTURisk project. The structural measures are critically reviewed and compared to each other. Based on this review some suggestions are given how to improve the flood defense in flood prone areas.
Seismicity in northeast edge of the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB), activation of an undocumented fault: the Peñamiller earthquake sequence of 2011, Queretaro, Mexico
Authors: Clemente-Chavez A. , Figueroa-Soto A. , Zúñiga F. R. , Arroyo M. , Montiel M. , Chavez O.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Peñamiller town, in the Queretaro state, Mexico is located at the northeast border of the seismogenic zone known as the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB), which covers a central fringe of Mexico with east-west orientation. In this town, a sequence of small earthquakes occurred during the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011. Seismicity frequent in of the continental regimen of central Mexico are not common, however, it is known that there are precedents of large earthquakes (Mw magnitude greater than 6.0) occurring in this zone. In order to enrich seismic information, which has not been analyzed nor documented until this moment, is presented this work. This will contribute to gain more insight into the tectonic situation of the central Mexico region. Twenty-four shallow earthquakes records of the Peñamiller, Queretaro seismic sequence of 2011 were recorded by a provisional accelerograph network from the Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro (UAQ). The data were analysed in order to determine the source locations and for the estimation of the source parameters. The study was carried out through an inversion process and by spectral analysis. The results show that the largest earthquake, occurred on 8 February 2011 at 19:53:48.6 UTC, had a moment magnitude Mw = 3.5, and was located at latitude 21.039° and longitude −99.752°, at a depth of 5.6 km. This zone is located less than 7 km away in south-east direction from downtown Peñamiller. The focal mechanisms are mostly normal faults with a small lateral component. This feature is consistent with the extensional regimen of the southern extension of the Basin and Range (BR) province. The source area of the largest event was estimated to have a radius of 0.5 km, which corresponds to a normal fault with azimuth of 174° and an almost pure dip slip; this caused Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) of up to 100 cm s−2 in the horizontal direction. It is evident that the shallow earthquakes induced by crustal faulting can present a potential seismic risk and hazard within the MVB and considering the population growth, the necessity to enrich seismic information in this zone is very important; which at most urban sites in the region might even be greater than the risk posed by subduction earthquakes.
L’observation d’un processus de création théâtrale par des adolescents et les effets sur le savoir artistique : autoethnographie d’une recherche
Authors: Chaîné Francine
Published: February 2013

Cet article fait état d’une recherche qui s’est déroulée en compagnie d’adolescents inscrits dans un programme de concentration en art dramatique / théâtre1, engagés dans une démarche de création, des premiers balbutiements jusqu’aux représentations. Plus précisément, il traite d’un savoir sur cet art, issu de l’observation même des jeunes en action, et témoigne de ce que « l’art permet d’apprendre » (Eisner, 2002). En plus d’approfondir certains enjeux de cet art, le projet a permis d’amorcer une réflexion sur la formation des futurs enseignants dans un contexte universitaire. En conséquence, l’article vise à présenter les effets de cette recherche menée depuis quelques années et qui a favorisé l’émergence de nouveaux savoirs sur l’art dramatique / théâtre.
Exploring the effects of a transition to open access: Insights from a simulation study
Authors: Bernius Steffen , Hanauske Matthias , Dugall Berndt , König Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

The Open Access (OA) movement, which postulates gratis and unrestricted online access to publicly funded research findings, has significantly gained momentum in recent years. The two ways of achieving OA are self‐archiving of scientific work by the authors (Green OA) and publishing in OA journals (Gold OA). But there is still no consensus which model should be supported in particular. The aim of this simulation study is to discover mechanisms and predict developments that may lead to specific outcomes of possible market transformation scenarios. It contributes to theories related to OA by substantiating the argument of a citation advantage of OA articles and by visualizing the mechanisms of a journal system collapsing in the long‐term due to the continuation of the serials crisis. The practical contribution of this research stems from the integration of all market players: Decisions regarding potential financial support of OA models can be aligned with our findings, as well as the decision of a publisher to migrate his/her journals to Gold OA. Our results indicate that for scholarly communication in general, a transition to Green OA combined with a certain level of subscription‐based publishing and a migration of few top journals is the most beneficial development.
Is There a Bidirectional Relationship Between Maternal Well‐Being and Child Behavior Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorders? Longitudinal Analysis of a Population‐Defined Sample of Young Children
Authors: Totsika Vasiliki , Hastings Richard P. , Emerson Eric , Lancaster Gillian A. , Berridge Damon M. , Vagenas Dimitrios
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between maternal psychological well‐being and behavior problems in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is bidirectional. Data were available at 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years old for 132 children with ASD, identified from a population‐representative sample of UK children. Three‐wave cross‐lagged models examined reciprocal effects between child behavior and maternal well‐being (psychological distress, physical health functioning, and life satisfaction). Results indicated that the relationships between maternal well‐being and child problem behaviors were not bidirectional. Specifically, findings suggested that while early behavior problems are not a risk factor for later maternal well‐being, maternal psychological distress, physical health limitations, and lower life satisfaction are risk factors for later child behavior problems. Autism Res 2013, 6: 201–211. © 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Old and new policies in dialogue: Greek–Cypriot teachers' interpretations of a peace‐related initiative through existing policy discourses
Authors: Charalambous Panayiota , Charalambous Constadina , Zembylas Michalinos
Published: February 2013

This paper looks at teachers' interpretations of a recent and controversial Greek–Cypriot policy initiative, which aimed to promote ‘peaceful coexistence’ between the two rival communities in conflict‐ridden Cyprus. Specifically, it focuses on the ways in which Greek–Cypriot teachers constructed the relation between the new policy for peaceful coexistence between Greek‐Cypriots and Turkish‐Cypriots with the long established but rather conflicting policy of ‘I don't forget and I struggle’. The study analyses a set of 40 interviews conducted a few months after the first introduction of the new policy and maps teachers’ interpretations using the analytical concept of interpretative repertoires. Despite the poor implementation of the new initiative in practice, the study argues that the introduction of the new policy has brought about discernible discursive shifts in some teachers’ perceptions of the older policy of ‘I don't forget’.
The Analysing Children's Creative Thinking framework: development of an observation‐led approach to identifying and analysing young children's creative thinking
Authors: Robson Sue
Published: February 2013

Increased international recognition of the value of supporting creative thinking suggests the value of development of approaches to its identification in children. Development of an observation‐led framework, the Analysing Children's Creative Thinking (ACCT) framework, is described, and a case made for the validity of inferring creative thinking in young children from observations of their behaviour in meaningful, everyday contexts. The paper identifies particular aspects of behaviour which may be related to creative thinking, and a copy of the framework shows its organisation into three major behavioural categories of exploration, involvement and enjoyment, and persistence, further subdivided into a total of 10 items. Operational definitions and examples, along with an extract from an analysed observation, illustrate its use. It is suggested that, as well as being a useful research tool, the ACCT framework has the potential to support professional development, with the coded observations providing a contextually‐rich, focussed picture of what children do and say about their experiences, affording individual and shared reflection, discussion and analysis. In an English context, this may be particularly relevant with the advent of a revised Early Years Foundation Stage profile in 2012.
Dual factor delivery of CXCL12 and Exendin‐4 for improved survival and function of encapsulated beta cells under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Duncanson Stephanie , Sambanis Athanassios
Published: February 2013

A bioartifical pancreas (BAP) remains a promising approach for treating insulin‐dependent diabetes. Several obstacles to the clinical implementation of a BAP remain, including hypoxia following implantation. Within native pancreatic islets, CXCL12 and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) act in a paracrine fashion to promote the survival, function, and proliferation of β‐cells. This work sought to investigate if the presentation of CXCL12 and delivery of a GLP‐1 receptor analog, Exendin‐4 (Ex‐4), alone and in combination, conferred pro‐survival and insulinotropic effects on an encapsulated β‐cell line, βTC‐tet, cultured under hypoxic conditions of 7.6 mmHg O2. Our findings indicate that presentation of CXCL12 in the encapsulation matrix completely abrogated apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Delivery of Ex‐4 increased insulin secretion rate under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and additionally reduced apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, presentation of CXCL12 combined with Ex‐4 delivery significantly increased insulin secretion rate under hypoxic conditions compared to delivery of Ex‐4 alone. These findings demonstrate that the presentation of CXCL12 combined with the delivery of Ex‐4 may constitute a promising strategy for supporting β‐cell function and survival following transplantation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2292–2300. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding Professional Decisions: Invited Comment on The Impact of Media Reporting of High‐Profile Cases on Child Protection Medical Assessments by Ray et al. (Child Abuse Review22: 20–24. DOI:10.1002/car.2214)
Authors: Ayre Patrick
Published: February 2013

Key Practitioner Messages

Professionals sometimes do the wrong things when they know the right things to do.

To improve practice, we need to study why they make mistakes just as much as what mistakes they make.

To understand why professionals make the decisions they do, we need to consider Nurture, Nature and Now.
Birth rates among female cancer survivors
Authors: Hartman Mikael , Liu Jenny , Czene Kamila , Miao Hui , Chia Kee Seng , Salim Agus , Verkooijen Helena M.
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND:

More women of fertile age are long‐term survivors of cancer. However, population‐based data on birth rates of female cancer survivors are rare.

METHODS:

A total of 42,691 women ≤ 45 years with a history of cancer were identified from the Swedish Multi‐Generation Register and the Swedish Cancer Register, for whom relative birth rates were calculated as compared to the background population, ie, standardized birth ratios (SBRs). Independent factors associated with reduced birth rates among cancer survivors were estimated using Poisson modeling.

RESULTS:

Compared to the background population, cancer survivors were 27% less likely to give birth (SBR = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72‐0.75). Large difference in SBRs existed by cancer site, with high SBRs for survivors of melanoma skin, thoracic, head and neck, and thyroid cancers, and low SBRs for reproductive, breast, brain and eye, and hematopoietic cancer survivors. Parity status at diagnosis affected fertility: women who already had a child at the time of diagnosis were less likely to give birth (SBR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.48‐0.53) than were nulliparous women (SBR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.85‐0.90). Multivariate analysis showed that cancer site (reproductive organs), age at onset of cancer (< 12 years), and parity status were all significant and independent predictors of a reduced probability of giving birth after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cancer survivors are less likely to give birth compared with the background population. Large variations in the likelihood to give birth after diagnosis were seen according to age at onset, cancer site, and parity status at diagnosis. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Magnetic resonance imaging as a predictor of pathologic response in patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic treatment for operable breast cancer
Authors: De Los Santos Jennifer F. , Cantor Alan , Amos Keith D. , Forero Andres , Golshan Mehra , Horton Janet K. , Hudis Clifford A. , Hylton Nola M. , McGuire Kandace , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Meszoely Ingrid M. , Nanda Rita , Hwang E. Shelley
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND:

Increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates observed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for some subsets of patients with invasive breast cancer have prompted interest in whether patients who achieved a pCR can be identified preoperatively and potentially spared the morbidity of surgery. The objective of this multicenter, retrospective study was to estimate the accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting a pCR in the breast.

METHODS:

MRI studies at baseline and after the completion of NCT plus data regarding pathologic response were collected retrospectively from 746 women who received treatment at 8 institutions between 2002 and 2011. Tumors were characterized by immunohistochemical phenotype into 4 categories based on receptor expression: hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor (HR)‐positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐negative (n = 327), HR‐positive/HER2‐positive, (n = 148), HR‐negative/HER2‐positive, (n = 101), and triple‐negative (HR‐negative/HER2 negative; n = 155). In all, 194 of 249 patients (78%) with HER2‐positive tumors received trastuzumab. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors associated with radiographic complete response (rCR) and pCR were performed.

RESULT:

For the total group, the rCR and pCR rates were 182 of 746 patients (24%) and 179 of 746 patients (24%), respectively, and the highest pCR rate was observed for the triple‐negative subtype (57 of 155 patients; 37%) and the HER2‐positive subtype (38 of 101 patients; 38%). The overall accuracy of MRI for predicting pCR was 74%. The variables sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy differed significantly among tumor subtypes, and the greatest negative predictive value was observed in the triple‐negative (60%) and HER2‐positive (62%) subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The overall accuracy of MRI for predicting pCR in invasive breast cancer patients who were receiving NCT was 74%. The performance of MRI differed between subtypes, possibly influenced by differences in pCR rates between groups. Future studies will determine whether MRI in combination with directed core biopsy improves the predictive value of MRI for pathologic response. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by plasma Epstein‐Barr virus DNA analysis in a surveillance program
Authors: Chan K. C. Allen , Hung Emily C. W. , Woo John K. S. , Chan Paul K. S. , Leung Sing‐Fai , Lai Franco P. T. , Cheng Anita S. M. , Yeung Sze Wan , Chan Yin Wah , Tsui Teresa K. C. , Kwok Jeffrey S. S. , King Ann D. , Chan Anthony T. C. , van Hasselt Andrew C. , Lo Y. M. Dennis
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Over the last decade, plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA has been developed as a tumor marker for NPC. In this study, the authors investigated whether plasma EBV DNA analysis is useful for NPC surveillance.

METHODS:

In total, 1318 volunteers ages 40 to 60 years were prospectively recruited. Plasma EBV DNA and serology for viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A (IgA) were measured. Participants who had detectable plasma EBV DNA or positive IgA serology underwent nasal endoscopic examination and a follow‐up plasma EBV DNA analysis in approximately 2 weeks. All participants were followed for 2 years to record the development of NPC.

RESULTS:

Three individuals with NPC were identified at enrolment. All of them were positive for EBV DNA and remained positive in follow‐up analysis. Only 1 of those patients was positive for EBV serology. In 1 patient who had NPC with a small tumor confined to the mucosa, the tumor was not detectable on endoscopic examination. Because of a 2‐fold increase in plasma EBV DNA on the follow‐up analysis, that patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed the tumor. Among the participants who did not have NPC but had initially positive plasma EBV DNA results, approximately 66% had negative EBV DNA results after a median of 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Plasma EBV DNA analysis proved useful for detecting early NPC in individuals without a clinical suspicion of NPC. Repeating the test in those who had initially positive results differentiated those with NPC from those who had false‐positive results. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Weak‐Field, Multiple‐Cycle Carrier Envelope Phase Effects in Laser Excitation
Authors: Renziehausen Klaus , Hader Kilian , Jakubetz Werner , Engel Volker
Published: February 2013

Although the absolute or carrier envelope phase (CEP) of a laser pulse is usually assumed to be effective for ultrashort and/or ultrastrong pulses only, it is demonstrated that these limitations can eventually be removed. Therefore, the excitation of a model positively charged homonuclear diatomic molecule, in which four electronic states are coupled by the laser field, is studied. In an initial step, nuclear wave packets in two dissociative states are prepared. Upon reaching the fragment channel, a weak pulse interacts with the system and prepares CEP‐dependent asymmetries associated with electron density localized on one or the other fragmentation product.
Flow cytometric analysis of Pig‐a gene mutation and chromosomal damage induced by procarbazine hydrochloride in CD‐1 mice
Authors: Phonethepswath Souk , Avlasevich Svetlana L. , Torous Dorothea K. , Mereness Jared , Bemis Jeffrey C. , MacGregor James T. , Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: February 2013

Procarbazine is a genotoxic carcinogen whose DNA‐damaging activities are not reliably detected in vitro. We evaluated the in vivo genotoxic effects of procarbazine on hematopoietic cells of male CD‐1 mice using a multi‐endpoint study design that scored micronucleated reticulocyte (MN‐RET) frequency and gene mutation at the Pig‐a locus. CD‐1 mice were treated for 3 days with procarbazine, up to 150 mg/kg/day. Blood samples collected on Day 3 exhibited robust induction of MN‐RETs, with the high dose group exhibiting a mean 29‐fold increase. Blood collected 15 and 30 days after treatment began was analyzed for Pig‐a mutation with a dual labeling method that facilitated mutant cell frequency measurements in both total erythrocytes and the reticulocyte subpopulation. Procarbazine significantly increased mutant reticulocyte frequencies by Day 15. Mutant erythrocyte responses were also apparent, with a peak incidence observed for the high dose group on Day 30. These results demonstrate that the complex metabolism and resulting genotoxicity of procarbazine is best evaluated in intact animal models, and show that the flow cytometric methods employed offer a means to efficiently monitor both in vivo chromosomal damage and mutation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:294–298, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EX‐ANTE AND EX‐POST MEASUREMENT OF EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN HEALTH: A NORMATIVE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: Donni Paolo Li , Peragine Vito , Pignataro Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes and discusses two different approaches to the definition of inequality in health: the ex‐ante and the ex‐post approach. It proposes strategies for measuring inequality of opportunity in health based on the path‐independent Atkinson equality index. The proposed methodology is illustrated using data from the British Household Panel Survey; the results suggest that in the period 2000–2005, at least one‐third of the observed health equalities in the UK were equalities of opportunity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐port endoscopic thyroidectomy via a submental approach: Report of an initial experience
Authors: Ding Zheng , Deng XianZhao , Fan YouBen , Wu Bo
Published: February 2013

Background

Based on our experience of trans‐areola single‐site endoscopic thyroidectomy and a preclinical study in the porcine model, we attempted to develop a new approach called trans‐submental single‐port endoscopic thyroidectomy (TSSPET).

Methods

Two female patients (43 and 27 years old, respectively) were selected for TSSPET. Both were preoperatively diagnosed with benign thyroid nodule by ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Two mini‐incisions were made in the submental area. The isthmectomy was performed for 1 patient and a right lobectomy for the other.

Results

This procedure was successfully accomplished in 2 cases. The operative time was 108 minutes and 150 minutes, respectively. No complications occurred. Postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. After 3 months, cosmetic result was satisfactory.

Conclusion

Our initial experience demonstrates that the TSSPET is feasible and safe for selected patients. Nevertheless, large series and comparative studies could be necessary to further confirm its effectiveness. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E60–E64, 2014
The effect of surface roughness on RAW 264.7 macrophage phenotype
Authors: Barth Katrin A. , Waterfield J. Douglas , Brunette Donald M.
Published: February 2013

Monocyte‐derived cells, including macrophages and foreign body giant cells, can determine the performance of implanted devices. Upon contact with biomaterials, macrophages can be activated into a classic inflammatory (M1) or wound‐healing (M2) phenotype. Previously, we showed that high macrophage density on rough SLA implants was associated with early bone formation. This study examined a possible mechanism, namely, surface roughness activation of macrophages to the M2 phenotype to enhance bone formation on the SLA surface. RAW 264.7 macrophages were seeded on SLA or smooth (Po) epoxy substrates and the expression of the M1 and M2 specific markers, NOS2 and Arg‐1 measured by qPCR on days 1, 3, and 5. Additionally, secretion of inflammation‐associated cytokines and chemokines was studied by antibody arrays and ELISAs. Controls included RAW 264.7 macrophages primed into the M1 or M2 phenotypes by LPS/IFN‐γ and IL‐4, respectively. Rough SLA surfaces did not activate Arg‐1 and NOS2 expression, but relative to Po surfaces MCP‐1 and MIP‐1α were upregulated after 5 days, whereas the secretion of the M1‐associated chemokine IP‐10 was lowered. RAW 264.7 macrophages on the SLA surface thus adopted elements of an M2‐like phenotype, suggesting that when implanted the SLA surfaces may enhance wound repair. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2679–2688, 2013.
Predictors of unsuccessful mobilization with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor alone in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chow Signy , Lazo‐Langner Alejandro , Ormond George , Howson‐Jan Kang , Xenocostas Anargyros
Published: February 2013

Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells is achieved with hematopoietic growth factors with or without chemotherapy or other agents. Although studies comparing granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone to combined regimens demonstrate an increase in stem cell yield in the latter, mobilization with G‐CSF alone is still effective and has been widely practiced. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients at our institution who underwent at least one mobilization attempt with G‐CSF between January 2000 and December 2008 to identify the proportion of patients failing one or more mobilization attempts and the potential predictors of mobilization failure with this regime. Out of 293 patients, 251 (86.6%) were successfully mobilized and 244 (83.6%) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Median yield was 3.55 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. On univariate analysis, mobilization success was influenced by degree of previous treatment and underlying diagnosis (P < 0.001 each) but not by age (P = 0.114), sex (P = 0.860), or radiotherapy (P = 0.454). A diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and number of previous chemotherapy regimens were predictors of failure on multivariate analysis. CD34+ yield was influenced by diagnosis and previous chemotherapy (P < 0.001 each). Mobilization with G‐CSF alone yields adequate collections for most patients; however, heavily pretreated NHL patients with one failed attempt had high rates of remobilization failure and should be considered for alternative regimens. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:285–292, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of donor‐specific HLA antibodies following plasma exchange therapy predicts clinical outcome in pediatric heart and lung transplant recipients with antibody‐mediated rejection
Authors: Jackups Ronald , Canter Charles , Sweet Stuart C. , Mohanakumar T. , Morris Gerald P
Published: February 2013

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an increasingly utilized immunosuppressive adjunct for treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) following organ transplantation. TPE works through removal of donor‐specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) in the recipient's plasma. However, there is no clear laboratory measure evaluating efficacy of removal of DSAs or predicting clinical outcome. We hypothesized that semi‐quantitative DSA measurement by multiplex HLA antibody immunoassay may provide qualitative and quantitative data for DSA clearance and predict treatment efficacy. To evaluate this, we retrospectively investigated DSA concentrations and clinical outcome for 21 pediatric patients who received 31 cycles of TPE peri‐operatively as an adjunct treatment for transplantation in the setting of a positive cytotoxic crossmatch (CXM) and in recipients with AMR following heart or lung transplantation. Immunoassay measurement of DSAs during 15/20 cycles correlated significantly with clinical outcome in the AMR treatment group (P = 0.02), demonstrating the utility of DSA measurement in predicting clinical outcome. In contrast, immunoassay correlated with clinical outcome in only 7/11 patients treated peri‐operatively with TPE for CXM‐positive transplantations (P = 0.58). Changes in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) for the DSAs correlated better with clinical response than surrogate CXM titers in a subset of patients. We conclude that semi‐quantitative measurement of DSAs by immunoassay can predict clinical response to TPE for treatment of AMR is more reliable than surrogate CXM titer, and should be used to guide TPE treatment of AMR. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:301–308, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective activation of protein kinase C∊ in mitochondria is neuroprotective in vitro and reduces focal ischemic brain injury in mice
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Budas Grant R. , Xu Lijun , Barreto George E. , Mochly‐Rosen Daria , Giffard Rona G.
Published: February 2013

Activation of protein kinase C∊ (PKC∊) confers protection against neuronal ischemia/reperfusion. Activation of PKC∊ leads to its translocation to multiple intracellular sites, so a mitochondria‐selective PKC∊ activator was used to test the importance of mitochondrial activation to the neuroprotective effect of PKC∊. PKC∊ can regulate key cytoprotective mitochondrial functions, including electron transport chain activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial permeability transition, and detoxification of reactive aldehydes. We tested the ability of mitochondria‐selective activation of PKC∊ to protect primary brain cell cultures or mice subjected to ischemic stroke. Pretreatment with either general PKC∊ activator peptide, TAT‐Ψ∊RACK, or mitochondrial‐selective PKC∊ activator, TAT‐Ψ∊HSP90, reduced cell death induced by simulated ischemia/reperfusion in neurons, astrocytes, and mixed neuronal cultures. The protective effects of both TAT‐Ψ∊RACK and TAT‐Ψ∊HSP90 were blocked by the PKC∊ antagonist ∊V1–2, indicating that protection requires PKC∊ interaction with its anchoring protein, TAT‐∊RACK. Further supporting a mitochondrial mechanism for PKC∊, neuroprotection by TAT‐Ψ∊HSP90 was associated with a marked delay in mitochondrial membrane depolarization and significantly attenuated ROS generation during ischemia. Importantly, TAT‐Ψ∊HSP90 reduced infarct size and reduced neurological deficit in C57/BL6 mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24 hr of reperfusion. Thus selective activation of mitochondrial PKC∊ preserves mitochondrial function in vitro and improves outcome in vivo, suggesting potential therapeutic value clinically when brain ischemia is anticipated, including neurosurgery and cardiac surgery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stepwise Elution of a Three‐phase Solvent System in Centrifugal Partition Extraction: A New Strategy for the Fractionation and Phytochemical Screening of a Crude Bark Extract
Authors: Hamzaoui Mahmoud , Renault Jean‐Hugues , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc , Reynaud Romain , Hubert Jane
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Tree bark represents an interesting source of bioactive molecules for the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed screening of secondary metabolites in crude bark extracts is often hampered by the presence of tannins, which are difficult to separate from other plant constituents.

Objective

In the present study, a new centrifugal partition extraction (CPE) method was developed in order to fractionate a crude bark extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae).

Methods

A three‐phase solvent system composed of n‐heptane, methyl tert‐butyl ether, acetonitrile and water was optimised for the stepwise elution at 20 mL/min of different phytochemical classes according to their hydrophobicity. Onedimensional and two‐dimensional NMR analyses of the simplified fractions were then performed in order to characterise potentially interesting metabolites.

Results

In one step, 5 g of the initial crude extract were efficiently fractionated to yield highly simplified fractions that contained triterpenes, ellagic acid derivatives, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. All undesired compounds, that is, the highly abundant water‐soluble tannins (78.8%), were totally removed and each run was rapidly achieved in 90 min on a the multi‐gram scale and with low solvent volumes.

Conclusion

Centrifugal partition extraction in the elution mode using a three‐phase solvent system can thus be proposed as an efficient and cost‐effective alternative for a rapid fractionation of crude bark extracts and for an effective screening of potentially active secondary metabolites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density dynamics in some quantum systems
Authors: Khatua Munmun , Chakraborty Debdutta , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: February 2013

The quantum domain behavior of classical nonintegrable systems is well‐understood by the implementation of quantum fluid dynamics and quantum theory of motion. These approaches properly explain the quantum analogs of the classical Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser type transitions from regular to chaotic domain in different anharmonic oscillators. Field‐induced tunneling and chaotic ionization in Rydberg atoms are also analyzed with the help of these theories. Quantum fluid density functional theory may be used to understand different time‐dependent processes like ion‐atom/molecule collisions, atom‐field interactions, and so forth. Regioselectivity as well as confined atomic/molecular systems and their reactivity dynamics have also been explained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct delocalization for calculating electron transfer in fullerenes
Authors: Arntsen Christopher , Reslan Randa , Hernandez Samuel , Gao Yi , Neuhauser Daniel
Published: February 2013

A method is introduced for simple calculation of charge transfer between very large solvated organic dimers (fullerenes here) from isolated dimer calculations. The individual monomers in noncentrosymmetric dimers experience different chemical environments, so that the dimers do not necessarily represent bulk‐like molecules. Therefore, we apply a delocalizing bias directly to the Fock matrix of the dimer system, and verify that this is almost as accurate as self‐consistent solvation. As large molecules like fullerenes have a plethora of excited states, the initially excited state orbitals are thermally populated, so that the rate is obtained as a thermal average over Marcus thermal transfers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanoscale relaxation in Ru–Si growth on a silicon (111) surface
Authors: Toramaru M. , Kobayashi N. , Kawamura N. , Ohno S. , Miyamoto Y. , Shudo K.
Published: February 2013

The formation and growth of Ru–Si islands were observed on a ruthenium‐deposited Si(111) surface during successive cycles of heating for 30 s at 1423 K and cooling. Lateral and vertical growth is analysed. The large lattice mismatch of small Ru2Si3 islands with the Si substrate modulates a Volmer–Weber type growth mode. When the islands are large, Ru2Si3 crystals are situated on a metastable buffer layer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative magnitudes of sources of uncertainty in assessing climate change impacts on water supply security for the southern Adelaide water supply system
Authors: Paton F. L. , Maier H. R. , Dandy G. C.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Characterizing uncertainty for climate change impacted water supply security

Developing a water supply security scenario‐based sensitivity approach

Illustrating the planning value of the approach using a real‐life case study
Routine Use of Simultaneous Laparoendoscopic Approach in Patients with Confirmed Gallbladder and Bile Duct Stones: Fit for Laparoscopy Fit for “Rendezvous”
Authors: Tommasi Cinzia , Bencini Lapo , Bernini Marco , Naspetti Riccardo , Cavallina Giulia , Manetti Roberto , Talamucci Luca , Farsi Marco
Published: February 2013

Background

The aim of the present work was to determine the feasibility and efficacy, in terms of equipment coordination and timing, of the laparoendoscopic intraoperative rendezvous technique (RVT) for the treatment of gallbladder and common bile duct stones (CBDS).

Methods

The procedure was considered in 269 unselected patients with a suspicion or preoperative imaging demonstration of CBDS who were fit for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Common bile duct stones were confirmed by intraoperative laparoscopic cholangiography (IOC) in only 113 of these patients (42 %). In 17 (15 %) patients the planned procedure was aborted because of organizational problems, mainly the unavailability of endoscopists in the urgent setting. The remaining 96 patients (84 %) underwent a formal attempt at RVT. Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed, during LC, by means of a guidewire that reached the duodenum through the cystic duct.

Results

In 18 patients (19 %) the complete procedure failed, either because of difficulty in passing the guidewire through the papilla or because of other technical difficulties that required conversion to laparotomy. An intraoperative ERC was completed in six patients in the classical way (no guidewire) without conversion. No mortality and few complications were recorded (3 % overall: 1 perforation and 2 cholangitis). Retained stones were successively detected in 6 patients (6 %) and successfully retreated by a further ERC. Globally, the one‐stage procedure (with and without the guidewire) was possible in 84 of 96 patients (87 %).

Conclusions

The RVT appears to be effective and safe as it was performed at our institution, with an overall percentage of definitive success (passed guide wire and no further ERC) of 81 %. The RVT should be considered as a good option for the treatment of simultaneous gallstones and CBDS.
Risk factor analysis and prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy with stapler use
Authors: Sugimoto Motokazu , Gotohda Naoto , Kato Yuichiro , Takahashi Shinichiro , Kinoshita Takahiro , Shibasaki Hidehito , Nomura Shogo , Konishi Masaru , Kaneko Hironori
Published: February 2013

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major, intractable complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Risk factor evaluation and prevention of this complication are important tasks for pancreatic surgeons.

Methods

One hundred and six patients who underwent DP using a stapler for pancreatic division were retrospectively investigated. The relationship between clinicopathological factors and the incidence of POPF was statistically analyzed.

Results

Clinically relevant, Grade B or C POPF by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula criteria occurred in 52 patients (49.1 %). Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, and concomitant gastrointestinal tract resection did not influence the incidence of POPF. Use of a double‐row stapler and a thick pancreatic stump were significant risk factors for POPF in multivariate analysis. Compression index was also shown to be an important factor in cases in which the pancreas was divided by a stapler.

Conclusions

The most important risk factor for POPF after DP was suggested to be the thickness of the pancreatic stump, reflecting the volume of remnant pancreas. A triple‐row stapler seemed to be superior to a double‐row stapler in preventing POPF. However, triple‐row stapler use in a thick pancreas is considered to be a future problem to be solved.
What are the best routes to effectively model human colorectal cancer?
Authors: Young Madeleine , Ordonez Liliana , Clarke Alan R.
Published: February 2013

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the UK, with over 37,500 people being diagnosed every year. Survival rates for CRC have doubled in the last 30 years and it is now curable if diagnosed early, but still over half of all sufferers do not survive for longer than 5 years after diagnosis. The major complication to treating this disease is that of metastasis, specifically to the liver, which is associated with a 5 year survival of less than 5%. These statistics highlight the importance of the development of earlier detection techniques and more targeted therapeutics. The future of treating this disease therefore lies in increasing understanding of the mutations which cause tumourigenesis, and insight into the development and progression of this complex disease. This can only be achieved through the use of functional models which recapitulate all aspects of the human disease. There is a wide range of models of CRC available to researchers, but all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here we review how CRC can be modelled and discuss the future of modelling this complex disease, with a particular focus on how genetically engineered mouse models have revolutionised this area of research.
Lipoplex mediated silencing of membrane regulators (CD46, CD55 and CD59) enhances complement‐dependent anti‐tumor activity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab
Authors: Mamidi Srinivas , Cinci Marc , Hasmann Max , Fehring Volker , Kirschfink Michael
Published: February 2013

The therapeutic potential of anticancer antibodies is limited by the resistance of tumor cells to complement‐mediated attack, primarily through the over‐expression of membrane complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs: CD46, CD55 and CD59). Trastuzumab, an anti‐ HER2 monoclonal antibody, approved for the treatment of HER2‐positive breast and gastric cancers, exerts only minor complement‐mediated cytotoxicity (CDC). Pertuzumab is a novel anti‐HER2 monoclonal antibody, which blocks HER2 dimerization with other ligand‐activated HER family members. Here, we explored the complement‐mediated anti‐tumor effects of trastuzumab and pertuzumab on HER2‐positive tumor cells of various histological origins.

Delivery of chemically stabilized anti‐mCRP siRNAs using cationic lipoplexes, AtuPLEXes, to HER2‐over‐expressing BT474, SK‐BR‐3 (breast), SKOV3 (ovarian) and Calu‐3 (lung) cancer cells reduced mCRPs expression by 85–95%. Knockdown of individual complement regulators variably led to increased CDC only upon combined treatment with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. The combined down‐regulation of all the three regulators augmented CDC by 48% in BT474, 46% in SK‐BR‐3 cells, 78% in SKOV3 cells and by 30% in Calu‐3 cells and also increased complement‐induced apoptosis and caspase activity on mCRP neutralized tumor cells. In addition, antibody‐induced C3 opsonization of tumor cells was significantly enhanced after mCRP silencing and further augmented tumor cell killing by macrophages.

Our findings suggest that siRNA‐induced inhibition of complement regulator expression clearly enhances complement‐ and macrophage‐mediated anti‐tumor activity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab on HER2‐positive tumor cells. Thus – if selectively targeted to the tumor – siRNA‐induced inhibition of complement regulation may serve as an innovative strategy to potentiate the efficacy of antibody‐based immunotherapy.
Consensus between genes and stones in the biogeographic and evolutionary history of Central America
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Tania Anaid , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella
Published: February 2013

Results from genetic and geologic studies can be combined to elucidate some general patterns of the biogeographic and evolutionary history of Central America (CA) and of its biota. Based on an ample review of geologic, biogeographic and genetic studies, our aim was to examine how common genetic patterns can be linked with geologic processes. Considering information about geologic and tectonic evolution of CA, we subdivided the region into four tectonic blocks: Maya, Chortis, Chorotega and Chocó. Species exchange between North/South America and CA encompasses three events: a first migration during the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene, a second through a terrestrial corridor preceding the formation of the Isthmus of Panama (IP), and the third involving a major dispersion through the IP. Such events caused similar genetic differentiation patterns and left a signature on the diversification of extant taxa, which we propose as three evolutionary groups: 1) Mayan, characterized by marked genetic structure and divergence, multiple refugia and formation of cryptic species; 2) Mid-CA, defined by high differentiation at the population level and between highland and lowlands, associated with intense volcanic activity; 3) Panamian, distinguished by migration from north to south and vice versa via de IP, with markedly high species divergence and speciation.
Coherent quantum hollow beam creation in a plasma wakefield accelerator
Authors: JOVANOVIĆ D. , FEDELE R. , TANJIA F. , DE NICOLA S. , BELIĆ M.
Published: February 2013

A theoretical investigation of the propagation of a relativistic electron (or positron) particle beam in an overdense magnetoactive plasma is carried out within a fluid plasma model, taking into account the individual quantum properties of beam particles. It is demonstrated that the collective character of the particle beam manifests mostly through the self-consistent macroscopic plasma wakefield created by the charge and the current densities of the beam. The transverse dynamics of the beam–plasma system is governed by the Schrödinger equation for a single-particle wavefunction derived under the Hartree mean field approximation, coupled with a Poisson-like equation for the wake potential. These two coupled equations are subsequently reduced to a nonlinear, non-local Schrödinger equation and solved in a strongly non-local regime. An approximate Glauber solution is found analytically in the form of a Hermite–Gauss ring soliton. Such non-stationary (‘breathing’ and ‘wiggling’) coherent structure may be parametrically unstable and the corresponding growth rates are estimated analytically.