bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dual isotope approach to isolate soil carbon pools of different turnover times
Authors: Torn M. S. , Kleber M. , Zavaleta E. S. , Zhu B. , Field C. B. , Trumbore S. E.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Soils are globally significant sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2. Increasing the resolution of soil carbon turnover estimates is important for predicting the response of soil carbon cycling to environmental change. We show that soil carbon turnover times can be more finely resolved using a dual isotope label like the one provided by elevated CO2 experiments that use fossil CO2. We modeled each soil physical fraction as two pools with different turnover times using the atmospheric 14C bomb spike in combination with the label in 14C and 13C provided by an elevated CO2 experiment in a California annual grassland. In sandstone and serpentine soils, the light fraction carbon was 21–54% fast cycling with 2–9 yr turnover, and 36–79% slow cycling with turnover slower than 100 yr. This validates model treatment of the light fraction as active and intermediate cycling carbon. The dense, mineral-associated fraction also had a very dynamic component, consisting of ∼7% fast-cycling carbon and ∼93% very slow cycling carbon. Similarly, half the microbial biomass carbon in the sandstone soil was more than 5 yr old, and 40% of the carbon respired by microbes had been fixed more than 5 yr ago. Resolving each density fraction into two pools revealed that only a small component of total soil carbon is responsible for most CO2 efflux from these soils. In the sandstone soil, 11% of soil carbon contributes more than 90% of the annual CO2 efflux. The fact that soil physical fractions, designed to isolate organic material of roughly homogeneous physico-chemical state, contain material of dramatically different turnover times is consistent with recent observations of rapid isotope incorporation into seemingly stable fractions and with emerging evidence for hot spots or micro-site variation of decomposition within the soil matrix. Predictions of soil carbon storage using a turnover time estimated with the assumption of a single pool per density fraction would greatly overestimate the near-term response to changes in productivity or decomposition rates. Therefore, these results suggest a slower initial change in soil carbon storage due to environmental change than has been assumed by simpler (one-pool) mass balance calculations.
Spores of many common airborne fungi reveal no ice nucleation activity in oil immersion freezing experiments
Authors: Pummer B. G. , Atanasova L. , Bauer H. , Bernardi J. , Druzhinina I. S. , Fröhlich-Nowoisky J. , Grothe H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Fungal spores are ubiquitous biological aerosols, which are considered to act as ice nuclei. In this study the ice nucleation (IN) activity of spores harvested from 29 fungal strains belonging to 21 different species was tested in the immersion freezing mode by microscopic observation of water-in-oil emulsions. Spores of 8 of these strains were also investigated in a microdroplet freezing array instrument. The focus was laid on species of economical, ecological or sanitary significance. Besides common molds (Ascomycota), some representatives of the widespread group of mushrooms (Basidiomycota) were also investigated. Fusarium avenaceum was the only sample showing IN activity at relatively high temperatures (about 264 K), while the other investigated fungal spores showed no freezing above 248 K. Many of the samples indeed froze at homogeneous ice nucleation temperatures (about 237 K). In combination with other studies, this suggests that only a limited number of species may act as atmospheric ice nuclei. This would be analogous to what is already known for the bacterial ice nuclei. Apart from that, we selected a set of fungal strains from different sites and exposed them to occasional freezing stress during their cultivation. This was in order to test if the exposure to a cold environment encourages the expression of ice nuclei during growth as a way of adaptation. Although the total protein expression was altered by this treatment, it had no significant impact on the IN activity.
Morphological coupling in a double sandbar system
Authors: Price T. D. , Ruessink B. G. , Castelle B.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Subtidal sandbars often exhibit alongshore variable patterns, such as crescentic planshapes and rip channels. While the initial formation of these patterns is nowadays reasonably well understood, the morphodynamic mechanisms underlying their subsequent finite-amplitude behaviour have been examined far less extensively. This behaviour concerns, among other aspects, the coupling of alongshore-variable patterns in an inner bar to similar patterns in a more seaward bar, and the destruction of crescentic patterns. This paper aims to present our recent findings on the understanding of finite-amplitude behaviour of crescentic sandbars, with a focus on morphological coupling in double sandbar systems. Our results, based on a combination of remote-sensing observations, numerical modelling and data-model integration, illustrate that morphological coupling can be common in multiple sandbar systems. It is governed by water depth variability along the outer-bar crest and by various wave characteristics, including the offshore wave height and angle of incidence. The angle of wave incidence is crucial to the flow pattern, sediment transport, and thus the emerging morphology of the coupled inner bar. In addition, our results demonstrate that crescentic patterns predominantly vanish under high-angle wave conditions, highlighting the role of alongshore currents in straightening sandbars and challenging the traditional conception that crescentic patterns vanish under high-energy, erosive wave conditions only.
Determination of cost coefficients of priority-based water allocation linear programming model – a network flow approach
Authors: Chou F. N.-F. , Wu C.-W.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a method to establish the objective function of a network flow programming model for simulating river/reservoir system operations and associated water allocation, with an emphasis on situations when the links other than demand or storage have to be assigned with nonzero cost coefficients. The method preserves the priorities defined by rule curves of reservoir, operational preferences for conveying water, allocation of storage among multiple reservoirs, and trans-basin water diversions. Path enumeration analysis transforms these water allocation rules into linear constraints that can be solved to determine link cost coefficients. An approach to prune the original system into a reduced network is proposed to establish the precise constraints of nonzero cost coefficients which can then be efficiently solved. The cost coefficients for the water allocation in the Feitsui and Shihmen Reservoirs joint operating system of northern Taiwan was adequately assigned by the proposed method. This case study demonstrates how practitioners can correctly utilize network-flow-based models to allocate water supply throughout complex systems that are subject to strict operating rules.
Discovery of a metabolic alternative to the classical mevalonate pathway
Authors: Dellas Nikki , Thomas Suzanne T , Manning Gerard , Noel Joseph P
Published: December 2013

Eukarya, Archaea, and some Bacteria encode all or part of the essential mevalonate (MVA) metabolic pathway clinically modulated using statins. Curiously, two components of the MVA pathway are often absent from archaeal genomes. The search for these missing elements led to the discovery of isopentenyl phosphate kinase (IPK), one of two activities necessary to furnish the universal five-carbon isoprenoid building block, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). Unexpectedly, we now report functional IPKs also exist in Bacteria and Eukarya. Furthermore, amongst a subset of species within the bacterial phylum Chloroflexi, we identified a new enzyme catalyzing the missing decarboxylative step of the putative alternative MVA pathway. These results demonstrate, for the first time, a functioning alternative MVA pathway. Key to this pathway is the catalytic actions of a newly uncovered enzyme, mevalonate phosphate decarboxylase (MPD) and IPK. Together, these two discoveries suggest that unforeseen variation in isoprenoid metabolism may be widespread in nature.
Development of schemas revealed by prior experience and NMDA receptor knock-out
Authors: Dragoi George , Tonegawa Susumu
Published: December 2013

Prior experience accelerates acquisition of novel, related information through processes like assimilation into mental schemas, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the roles that prior experience and hippocampal CA3 N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity play in CA1 place cell sequence encoding and learning during novel spatial experiences. We found that specific representations of de novo experiences on linear environments were formed on a framework of pre configured network activity expressed in the preceding sleep and were rapidly, flexibly adjusted via NMDAR-dependent activity. This prior experience accelerated encoding of subsequent experiences on contiguous or isolated novel tracks, significantly decreasing their NMDAR-dependence. Similarly, de novo learning of an alternation task was facilitated by CA3 NMDARs; this experience accelerated subsequent learning of related tasks, independent of CA3 NMDARs, consistent with a schema-based learning. These results reveal the existence of distinct neuronal encoding schemes which could explain why hippocampal dysfunction results in anterograde amnesia while sparing recollection of old, schema-based memories.
Fitness gains hamper efforts to tackle drug resistance
Authors: Dutta Shanta
Published: December 2013

It has long been assumed that resistance to antibiotics reduces the fitness of disease-causing bacteria, but experiments on Salmonella Typhi, the bacteria that causes Typhoid fever, are now challenging this view.
Pentagon Strategy Recognizes Need for Increased Research in the Arctic
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: December 2013

A new Arctic strategy issued by the Pentagon recognizes the changing state of the Arctic and the need for increased scientific research efforts to better understand the Arctic environment. In addition, the strategy identifies an end goal of securing and stabilizing the Arctic region so that U.S. interests are safeguarded and nations can work cooperatively on issues.
Updated model represents the magnetosphere anisotropically
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: December 2013

The physical interactions that occur in the magnetosphere, from the collisions of high‐energy particles in the ring current to the exchange of energy between the solar wind plasma and the electrons of the radiation belts, are explained by complex nonlinear physics. These physical dynamics are anisotropic processes—that is, the interactions are directionally dependent. Computer simulations of the magnetosphere, however, generally represent the physics isotropically—without considering the direction of the interaction. Isotropic calculations are less computationally expensive than anisotropic representations, but the simplification can lead to reduced model accuracy.
Ionospheric effects of stratospheric warming, despite high solar activity
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: December 2013

In January 2013, a strong burst of sudden stratospheric warming hit the atmosphere of the Arctic, driving altered weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere. Sudden stratospheric warming is sparked when large atmospheric Rossby waves push through the tropopause into the stratosphere. Beyond the effects felt in the polar stratosphere and at the surface, however, the January 2013 event also had a strong influence on the behavior of the low‐latitude ionosphere. For the 40 days of the stratospheric warming event, Goncharenko et al. report vertical ion drift and total electron content strongly varied in the ionosphere. These changes aligned well with previous observations made during a January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming event.
Measuring electrical resistivity to interpret tectonic plate coupling
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: December 2013

The coupling of tectonic plates—the degree to which the plates are locked together or free to move—is controlled by factors ranging from temperature and pressure to the shear stress between the plates as well as the shape of the interface between the plates. At subduction margins, GPS observations can be used to identify places where the subducting plates are locked or unlocked. At the Hikurangi margin, a subduction zone that runs north to south off New Zealand's eastern coast, a strong longitudinal gradient in plate coupling is present that is unexplained by any of the familiar factors.
Equatorial spread F initiation and growth from satellite traces as revealed from conjugate point observations in Brazil
Authors: Abdu M. A. , Kherani E. A. , Batista I. S. , Reinisch B. W. , Sobral J. H. A.
Published: December 2013

A better understanding of the precursor conditions for the instability growth is very important for identifying the causes of day‐to‐day variability in the equatorial spread F (ESF)/plasma bubble irregularity development. We investigate here the satellite trace (S‐trace) in the ionograms, a precursor to the postsunset ESF occurrence, as observed by Digisondes operated at an equatorial and two magnetic conjugate sites in Brazil during a 66 day observational campaign (Conjugate Point Equatorial Experiment 2002). The satellite traces first occur at the equatorial site, and sequentially, after a variable delay of approximately 20 to 50 min, they are observed nearly simultaneously over the two conjugate sites. The evening prereversal enhancement in the zonal electric field/vertical drift is found to control its development. Using a three‐dimensional simulation code based on collisional interchange instability mechanism, it is shown that the observed S‐trace occurrence sequence is fully consistent with the instability initiation over the equator with the field‐aligned plasma depletion vertical growth marked by latitudinal expansion of its extremities to conjugate locations. The delay in the S‐trace occurrence at the conjugate sites (a measure of the nonlinear growth of the instability for plasma depletion) is controlled also by field line parallel (meridional) neutral wind. The relationship between the S‐trace and the large‐scale wave structure in the F layer, another widely known characterization of the precursor condition for the ESF development, is also clarified.
A new natural radio emission observed at South Pole Station
Authors: Broughton M. C. , LaBelle J. , Yoon P. H.
Published: December 2013

Continuous waveform data taken at South Pole Station in 2011–2012 within a few hours of magnetic midnight revealed 12 observations of a new natural radio emission. The waves had frequencies ranging from 1320 to 2160 kHz, bandwidths ranging from 94 to 272 kHz, and durations ranging from 16 to 355 s. Spectral analysis of the waveform data revealed that the emission has a complex combination of at least three kinds of fine structures: broad, banded structures; short‐lived, narrowband structures; and striated features that occur predominantly near the lower frequency boundary of the emission. For model auroral electron distributions, positive growth rates for the cyclotron maser instability occurred near the electron cyclotron frequency (fce), which is inconsistent with the observed wave frequencies. On the other hand, Langmuir wave growth could be excited at frequencies consistent with observations. Spatial Langmuir wave growth is more favorable for electron beam energies of hundreds of eV than for those at higher energies.
In situ estimates of submesoscale horizontal eddy diffusivity across an ocean front
Authors: Nencioli F. , d'Ovidio F. , Doglioli A. M. , Petrenko A. A.
Published: December 2013

In the last decade, the rapid advancements in computational power have favored the development of high‐resolution numerical models capable of directly resolving small‐scale structures such as fronts and filaments. Such models have greatly improved our understanding of submesoscale dynamics. At the same time, the small dimensions and short duration of these structures still pose major challenges for small‐scale dedicated field experiments. For this reason, submesoscale studies from in situ observations are still relatively scarce and quantitative estimates of key physical parameters for high‐resolution numerical models, such as horizontal eddy diffusivity, are still lacking. This study presents a novel approach for computing in situ horizontal eddy diffusivity associated with frontal structures by combining cross‐front widths derived from surface thermosalinograph sections with stirring rates estimated from Lagrangian drifter trajectories. The method is applied to the measurements collected across a frontal structure observed in the western part of the Gulf of Lion during the Latex10 campaign (LAgrangian Transport EXperiment, 1–24 September 2010). A total of 76 estimates of eddy diffusivity were obtained for strain rates of 0.70 and 1.21 day−1 and front widths (horizontal scales) ranging between 1 and 4 km. The estimates are log‐normally distributed, with 70% of the values ranging between 0.4 and 5 m2 s−1. Further analysis based on high‐resolution simulations and remote sensed observations, as well as dedicated field experiments will help to assess the robustness of some of the assumptions at the base of the proposed approach, and to extend the results to different ocean regions.
Current Trends in Adult Degree Programs: How Public Universities Respond to the Needs of Adult Learners
Authors: Gast Angela
Published: December 2013

Although many adult students turn to online degree programs due to their flexibility and convenience, a majority of prospective adult learners prefer to take classes on traditional brick‐and‐mortar campuses. This chapter examines how public research universities create pathways to degree attainment and boost degree completion rates among adult students.
From Access to Excess: Changing Roles and Relationships for Distance Education, Continuing Education, and Academic Departments in American Universities
Authors: Ashcroft Judy Copeland
Published: December 2013

In American universities, early distance education needed both continuing education and academic departments for establishing institutional cooperation, developing quality standards, adapting to change, and finding a funding model. Today, the Internet and the need for additional revenue are driving new distance education models.
Continuing Higher Education and Older Adults: A Growing Challenge and Golden Opportunity
Authors: DiSilvestro Frank R.
Published: December 2013

The aging and longevity of the U.S. population presents challenging opportunities for adult and continuing educators in higher education.
Roles of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Rheumatology Practices in the US
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Bitton Asaf , Fraenkel Liana , Brown Erika , Tsao Peter , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2013

Objective

A recent workforce study of rheumatology in the US suggests that during the next several decades, the demand for rheumatology services will outstrip the supply of rheumatologists. Midlevel providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants may be able to alleviate projected shortages.

Methods

We administered a nationwide survey of midlevel providers during 2012. Invitations with the survey were sent with one followup reminder. The survey contained questions regarding demographics, training, level of practice independence, responsibilities, drug prescribing, use of objective outcome measures, and knowledge and use of treat‐to‐target (TTT) strategies.

Results

The invitation was sent to 482 eligible midlevel providers via e‐mail and 90 via US mail. We received a total of 174 responses (30%). The mean age was 46 years and 83% were women. Nearly 75% had ≤10 years of experience and 53% had received formal training in rheumatology. Almost two‐thirds reported having their own panel of patients. The top 3 practice responsibilities described were performing patient education (99%), adjusting medication doses (98%), and conducting physical examinations (97%). More than 90% felt very or somewhat comfortable diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a similar percentage prescribed disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. Three‐quarters reported using disease activity measures for RA and 56% reported that their practices used TTT strategies.

Conclusion

Most respondents reported that they had substantial patient care responsibilities, used disease activity measures for RA, and incorporated TTT in their practice. These data suggest midlevel providers may help to reduce shortages in the rheumatology workforce and conform with recommendations to employ TTT strategies in RA treatment.
The Epidemiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Widdifield Jessica , Paterson J. Michael , Bernatsky Sasha , Tu Karen , Tomlinson George , Kuriya Bindee , Thorne J. Carter , Bombardier Claire
Published: December 2013

Objective

Epidemiologic assessments of sufficiently large populations are required in order to obtain robust estimates of disease prevalence and incidence, particularly when exploring the influence of various factors (age, sex, calendar time). We undertook this study to describe the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over the past 15 years.

Methods

We used the Ontario Rheumatoid Arthritis administrative Database (ORAD), a validated population‐based research database of all Ontarians with RA. The ORAD records were linked with census data to calculate crude and age and sex–standardized prevalence and incidence rates from 1996 to 2010. Vital statistics were used to estimate annual all‐cause mortality during the study period.

Results

As of 2010, there were 97,499 Ontarians with RA, corresponding to a cumulative prevalence of 0.9%. Age and sex–standardized RA prevalence increased steadily over time from 473 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 469–478) per 100,000 population (0.49%) in 1996 to 784 (95% CI 779–789) per 100,000 population (0.9%) in 2010. Age and sex–standardized incidence per 100,000 population ranged from 62 (95% CI 60–63) in 1996 to 54 (95% CI 52–55) in 2010. All‐cause mortality decreased by a relative 21.4% since 1996.

Conclusion

Over a 15‐year period, we observed an increase in RA prevalence over time. This rise may be attributed to the increasing time to ascertain cases (which may have been latent in the population during earlier years of the study), increasing survival, and/or an increase in the aging background population. Incidence appears to be stable.
Can anatomists teach living anatomy using ultrasound as a teaching tool?
Authors: Jurjus Rosalyn A. , Dimorier Kathryn , Brown Kirsten , Slaby Frank , Shokoohi Hamid , Boniface Keith , Liu Yiju Teresa
Published: December 2013

The utilization of bedside ultrasound by an increasing number of medical specialties has created the need for more ultrasound exposure and teaching in medical school. Although there is a widespread support for more vertical integration of ultrasound teaching throughout the undergraduate curriculum, little is known about whether the quality of ultrasound teaching differs if performed by anatomists or clinicians. The purpose of this study is to compare medical students' evaluation of ultrasound anatomy teaching by clinicians and anatomists. Hands‐on interactive ultrasound sessions were scheduled as part of the gross anatomy course following principles of adult learning and instructional design. Seven teachers (three anatomists and four clinicians) taught in each session. Before each session, anatomists were trained in ultrasound by clinicians. Students were divided into groups, rotated teachers between sessions, and completed evaluations. Results indicated students perceived the two groups as comparable for all factors except for knowledge organization and the helpfulness of ultrasound for understanding anatomy (P < 0.001). However, results from unpaired samples t‐tests demonstrated a nonstatistically significant difference between the groups within each session for both questions. Moreover, students' test performance for both groups was similar. This study demonstrated that anatomists can teach living anatomy using ultrasound with minimal training as well as clinicians, and encourage the teaching of living anatomy by anatomists in human anatomy courses using ultrasound. Repeating this study at a multicenter level is currently being considered to further validate our conclusion. Anat Sci Educ 7: 340–349. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Acri‐2,7‐Py, a bright red‐emitting DNA probe identified through screening of a distyryl dye library
Authors: Naud‐Martin Delphine , Martin‐Benlloch Xavier , Poyer Florent , Mahuteau‐Betzer Florence , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule
Published: December 2013

The identification of DNA sensors is still a challenge since no DNA probe possesses all the photophysical properties required for live‐cell imaging: high fluorescence yield, red emission, permeability, no photobleaching and no cytotoxicity. We describe the preparation of a distyryl dye library and its evaluation on a panel of nucleic acids with various structures (duplex DNA, quadruplex DNA and RNA). The screening involved measuring the modification of the fluorescence properties of the dyes with or without nucleic acids on a microplate reader, and allowed the identification of selective quadruplex DNA ligands with good affinities. Using this screening method we discovered a new bright red‐emitting DNA stain, Acri‐2,7‐Py, for fixed cells. In living cells, the staining was not nuclear and photodamage generated through illumination induced cellular death. These processes require further studies to determine the relevance of Acri‐2,7‐Py in photodynamic therapy.
Isolation, cultivation and transfection of human keratinocytes
Authors: Zare Sona , Zarei Mohammad Ali , Ghadimi Tayyeb , Fathi Fardin , Jalili Ali , Hakhamaneshi Mohammad Saeed
Published: December 2013

Human keratinocytes could be used in the repair of damaged skin, in tissue engineering applications, gene therapy and recently, the generation of iPS cells. We isolated human keratinocytes from foreskin and subsequently cultured them on fibronectin, collagen type I, gelatin and laminin‐coated dishes that contained three different types of serum‐free medium (epilife, KSM or CnT). We developed improved conditions for efficient transfection of these human keratinocytes by testing three common transfection methods and a GFP plasmid vector. The isolated cells showed typical keratinocyte morphology and expressed the epithelial cell specific antigen, cytokeratin 14. Collagen type 1, epilife medium and lipofectamin 2000 gave the best results for isolation and transfection of human keratinocytes. Our protocol can be used as a reproducible, simple and efficient method for isolation, cultivation and genetic manipulation of human keratinocytes, which may be useful in cell and gene therapy applications.
Increased percentages of T cells producing interleukin‐21 in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Zhang Qian , Bai Hai , Wang Wenhui
Published: December 2013

Interleukin (IL)‐21, a cytokine which promotes differentiation of Th17, follicular helper T cell and B cells, may play an important role in controlling the autoimmune process in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an acquired organ‐specific autoimmune hemorrhagic disease. The frequencies of IL‐21‐producing T cells and serum levels of IL‐21 were determined by flow cytometry analysis and ELISA, respectively, in 24 ITP patients and nine healthy controls. RT‐PCR showed that the frequencies of circulating IL‐21‐producing T cells and serum levels of IL‐21 were significantly higher in ITP patients than that in healthy controls. Serum IL‐21 and IL‐21 expression in patients with ITP significantly decreased after therapy, suggesting IL‐21 might be important in ITP.
Safety and efficacy of the MitraClip® system for severe mitral regurgitation
Authors: Vakil Kairav , Roukoz Henri , Sarraf Mohammad , Krishnan Balaji , Reisman Mark , Levy Wayne C. , Adabag Selcuk
Published: December 2013

Background

The MitraClip® system is a newer percutaneous device that has shown promising results but data on its safety and efficacy in low‐ and high‐surgical risk populations continues to evolve. We performed a systematic review of the published studies reporting the safety and efficacy of MitraClip® implantation for treatment of moderate to severe and severe mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods

Reviewers independently searched for relevant articles in Medline and abstracted clinical information based on pre‐defined criteria and end‐points. Patients were classified as low‐ or high‐surgical risk for conventional mitral valve (MV) surgery based on Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, EuroSCORE, or surgeon discretion. Primary safety outcome was 30‐day mortality and primary efficacy outcomes were freedom from death, ≥3+ MR, and requirement for MV surgery during follow‐up.

Results

Immediate and long‐term outcomes of 16 studies, including 2980 patients (age 73.7 ± 0.6 years; 63.3% males) receiving the MitraClip®, were analyzed. Acute procedural success rate was 91.4% with a procedural mortality of 0.1%. Mortality at 30 days and long‐term (310 days) follow‐up was 4.2 and 15.8%, respectively and was significantly higher in the high‐risk group (P = 0.003 and 0.019, respectively). Incidence of major procedural adverse outcomes was relatively low with blood transfusion accounting for most events. At follow‐up, the number of patients with ≥3+ MR reduced from 96.3% to 14.7% (P < 0.001), and those with NYHA class III/IV reduced from 83.2% to 23.4% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MitraClip® implantation for moderate to severe or severe MR appears to be safe with a very low procedural mortality. There is significant improvement in functional outcomes although long‐term mortality is high, especially in high surgical risk patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ligand‐based design, virtual screening, and ADME/T‐based profiling on a dataset of 1,3,5‐triazine‐substituted benzene sulfonamides as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Saluja Amrita K. , Tiwari Meena , Kumar Surendra
Published: December 2013

A quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was performed on a dataset of 62 (1,3,5‐triazine‐substituted) benzene sulfonamides as carbonic anhydrase II and IX inhibitors using simulated annealing‐based multiple linear regression analysis. The selected QSAR model for carbonic anhydrase II inhibition (cross‐validated Q2 = 0.689, , ) showed that aromaticity, lipophilicity, electronegativity, and molecular projection in the XZ plane influence the activity, whereas that for carbonic anhydrase IX inhibition (cross‐validated Q2 = 0.767, , ) showed that activity was influenced by hydrophilicity, linker between the aromatic rings, electronegativity, and molecular weight. The QSAR model selected was internally and externally validated to define its predictability. Activity prediction of an external dataset containing nine compounds (within the same sphere of applicability) was performed to prove the models' specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity. The hypothesis in the form of the QSAR model was used for ligand‐based virtual screening on the ZINC database to obtain some potential hits. Similarly, docking studies on screened hits showed that the molecules interact and orient at the catalytic site in a way similar to acetazolamide. Additionally, an absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity screening was also performed, and results showed that most of the compounds that can be possible drug candidates obey the Lipinski rule of five and Jorgensen rule of three. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Functionalized with a Luminescent Rare‐Earth Complex for the Tracking and Photothermal Killing of Drug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Yang Xinjian , Li Zhenhua , Ju Enguo , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: December 2013

An antibacterial platform based on multifunctional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) that is responsive to near‐infrared (NIR) light has been constructed. By introducing a luminescent Eu3+ complex and vancomycin for bacteria tracking into one system, this platform could specifically recognize and light up bacteria. Antibacterial activity of this nanoscale construction under NIR illumination was investigated. Upon illumination with NIR light, this nanoscale architecture generates great heat locally, resulting in the death of drug‐resistant bacteria. These results indicate that the ability of this nanoscale platform to kill drug‐resistant bacteria has great potential for clinical pathogenic bacteria diagnosis and treatment.
Survivorship care plans: Is there buy‐in from community oncology providers?
Authors: Salz Talya , McCabe Mary S. , Onstad Erin E. , Baxi Shrujal S. , Deming Richard L. , Franco Regina A. , Glenn Lyn A. , Harper Gregory R. , Jumonville Alcee J. , Payne Roxanne M. , Peters Elissa A. , Salner Andrew L. , Schallenkamp John M. , Williams Sheron R. , Yiee Kevin , Oeffinger Kevin C.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The Institute of Medicine recommended that survivors of cancer and their primary care providers receive survivorship care plans (SCPs) to summarize cancer treatment and plan ongoing care. However, the use of SCPs remains limited.

METHODS

Oncology providers at 14 National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program hospitals completed a survey regarding their perceptions of SCPs, including barriers to implementation, strategies for implementation, the role of oncology providers, and the importance of topics in SCPs (diagnosis, treatment, recommended ongoing care, and the aspects of ongoing care that the oncology practice will provide).

RESULTS

Among 245 providers (response rate of 70%), 52% reported ever providing any component of an SCP to patients. The most widely reported barriers were lack of personnel and time to create SCPs (69% and 64% of respondents, respectively). The most widely endorsed strategy among those using SCPs was the use of a template with prespecified fields; 94% of those who used templates found them helpful. For each topic of an SCP, although 87% to 89% of oncology providers believed it was very important for primary care providers to receive the information, only 58% to 65% of respondents believed it was very important for patients to receive the information. Furthermore, 33% to 38% of respondents reported mixed feelings regarding whether it was the responsibility of oncology providers to provide SCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Practices need additional resources to overcome barriers to implementing SCPs. We found resistance toward SCPs, particularly the perceived value for the survivor and the idea that oncology providers are responsible for SCP dissemination. Cancer 2014;120:722–30. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Effect of a randomized controlled trial on the surgical treatment of spinal metastasis, 2000 through 2010: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kelly Michael L. , Kshettry Varun R. , Rosenbaum Benjamin P. , Seicean Andreea , Weil Robert J.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The effect of randomized controlled trials (RCT) on clinical practice patterns and patient outcomes is understudied. A 2005 RCT by Patchell et al demonstrated benefit for surgical decompression in patients with spinal metastasis (SpM). We examined trends in spinal surgery for patients with SpM before and after publication of the Patchell RCT.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify a 20% stratified sample of surgical SpM admissions to nonfederal United States hospitals from 2000 to 2004 and 2006 to 2010, excluding 2005 when the RCT was published. Propensity scores were generated and logistic regression analysis was performed to compare outcomes in pre‐ and post‐RCT time periods.

RESULTS

A total of 7404 surgical admissions were identified. The rate of spine surgery increased post‐RCT from an average of 3.8% to 4.9% surgeries per metastatic admission per year (P = .03). Admissions in the post‐RCT group were more likely to be non‐Caucasian, lower income, Medicaid recipients, and have more medical comorbidities and a greater metastatic burden (P < .001). Logistic regression of the propensity‐matched sample showed increased odds post‐RCT for expensive hospital stay (2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6‐3.4) and some complications, including neurologic (1.7; 95% CI = 1.1‐2.8), venous thromboembolism (2.8; 95% CI = 1.9‐4.2), and decubitis ulcers (15.4; 95% CI = 6.7‐34.5). However, odds for in‐hospital mortality decreased (0.6; 95% CI = 0.5‐0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for SpM increased after publication of a positive RCT. A significantly greater proportion of patients with lower socioeconomic status, more comorbidities, and greater metastatic burden underwent surgery post‐RCT. These patients experienced more postoperative complications and higher in‐hospital charges but less in‐hospital mortality. Cancer 2014;120:901–908. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Impact of postremission consolidation chemotherapy on outcome after reduced‐intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission: A report from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Yeshurun Moshe , Labopin Myriam , Blaise Didier , Cornelissen Jan J. , Sengeloev Henrik , Vindelov Lars , Kuball Juergen , Chevallier Patrice , Craddock Charles , Socie Gerard , Bilger Karin , Schouten Harry C. , Fegueux Nathalie , Goker Hakan , Maertens Johan , Bunjes Donald , Arnold Renate , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to investigate the role of postremission consolidation chemotherapy before reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1).

METHODS

Of the 789 consecutive patients with AML in CR1 who underwent RIC alloSCT from a human leukocyte antigen‐matched sibling or matched unrelated donor peripheral stem cell grafts between 2001 and 2010, 591 patients received at least 1 cycle of consolidation chemotherapy and 198 patients did not receive any consolidation chemotherapy before alloSCT. To minimize inherent survival bias in favor of patients who underwent transplant long after achieving CR1, the study focused on 373 patients who underwent transplant within the median time frame between achievement of CR1 and alloSCT (3 months for patients who underwent alloSCT from matched siblings and 4 months for patients who underwent alloSCT from matched unrelated donors). In this subgroup, 151 patients did not receive any consolidation chemotherapy and 222 patients received ≥ 1 consolidation chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS

With a median follow‐up of 36 months (range, 2 months‐135 months), the 3‐year cumulative recurrence incidence (RI) was not significantly different between the groups (36% ± 4% for the group treated without consolidation chemotherapy vs 38% ± 3% for patients who received consolidation chemotherapy;P = .89). In addition, leukemia‐free survival was similar between the groups (45% ± 4% and 47% ± 3%, respectively;P = .41). Dose intensity of cytarabine given during consolidation chemotherapy appeared to have no influence on RI. On multivariate analysis, pretransplant consolidation (≥ 1 cycle vs 0 cycles) was found to have no significant impact on RI (hazards ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.84‐1.97 [P = .24]) or leukemia‐free survival (hazards ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.71‐1.42 [P = .99]).

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the current study suggest no apparent advantage for postremission consolidation chemotherapy before RIC alloSCT, provided a donor is readily available.Cancer2014;120:855–863. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Nonlinear Steepest Descent and Numerical Solution of Riemann‐Hilbert Problems
Authors: Olver Sheehan , Trogdon Thomas
Published: December 2013

The effective and efficient numerical solution of Riemann‐Hilbert problems has been demonstrated in recent work. With the aid of ideas from the method of nonlinear steepest descent for Riemann‐Hilbert problems, the resulting numerical methods have been shown, in practice, to retain accuracy as values of certain parameters become arbitrarily large. Remarkably, this numerical approach does not require knowledge of local parametrices; rather, the deformed contour is scaled near stationary points at a specific rate. The primary aim of this paper is to prove that this observed asymptotic accuracy is indeed achieved. To do so, we first construct a general theoretical framework for the numerical solution of Riemann‐Hilbert problems. Second, we demonstrate the precise link between nonlinear steepest descent and the success of numerics in asymptotic regimes. In particular, we prove sufficient conditions for numerical methods to retain accuracy. Finally, we compute solutions to the homogeneous Painlevé II equation and the modified Korteweg–de Vries equation to explicitly demonstrate the practical validity of the theory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multicolor detection of rare tumor cells in blood using a novel flow cytometry‐based system
Authors: Watanabe Masaru , Uehara Yuri , Yamashita Namiko , Fujimura Yuu , Nishio Kaori , Sawada Takeshi , Takeda Kazuo , Koizumi Fumiaki , Koh Yasuhiro
Published: December 2013

The presence and number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with solid tumors are predictive of their clinical outcomes. To date, the CellSearch system is the only US Food and Drug Administration‐approved CTC enumeration system for advanced breast, prostate, and colon cancers. However, sensitivity issues due to epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐based enrichment and limited capability for subsequent molecular analysis must be addressed before CTCs can be used as predictive markers in the clinical setting. We have developed a multicolor CTC detection system using cross‐contamination‐free flow cytometry, which permits the enumeration and characterization of CTCs for multiple molecular analyses. Tumor cell lines with different expression levels of EpCAM were spiked into peripheral blood obtained from healthy donors. Spike‐in samples were negatively enriched using anti‐CD45‐coated magnetic beads to remove white blood cells, and this was followed by fixation and labeling with CD45‐Alexa Fluor 700, EpCAM‐phycoerythrin, cytokeratin (CK)‐fluorescein isothiocyanate antibodies, and/or 7‐aminoactinomycin D for nuclei staining. Excellent detection (slope = 0.760–0.888) and a linear performance (R2 = 0.994–0.998) were noted between the observed and expected numbers of tumor cells, independent of EpCAM expression. The detection rate was markedly higher than that obtained using the CellSearch system, suggesting the superior sensitivity of our system in detecting EpCAM− tumor cells. Additionally, the incorporation of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker allowed us to detect EpCAM−/CK− cells and EMT‐induced tumor cells. Taken together, our multicolor CTC detection system may be highly efficient in detecting previously unrecognized populations of CTCs. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Eating disorder examination questionnaire: Factor structure for adolescent girls and boys
Authors: White Hannah J. , Haycraft Emma , Goodwin Huw , Meyer Caroline
Published: December 2013

Objective

To examine the factor structure of the EDE‐Q among a sample of adolescents.

Method

A community‐based sample of 917 adolescents (522 girls and 395 boys) aged 14–18 years completed the EDE‐Q version 6.0 as part of a larger study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two subsamples to enable separate analyses.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis on the original four factor model of the EDE‐Q produced an inadmissible model with a poor fit. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring produced an alternative three factor model of the EDE‐Q among adolescents. The Shape and Weight Concerns, Restriction and Preoccupation and Eating Concern subscales accounted for 65% of the total variance. Subscale and global scores were significantly higher for girls than for boys. A high proportion of both girls (53.6%) and boys (30.5%) reported participating in at least one key eating disordered behaviour during the previous 28 days.

Discussion

The results of this study present three new subscales (Shape and Weight Concerns, Restriction and Preoccupation and Eating Concern) which are suggested for use in future research which uses the EDE‐Q with community samples of adolescents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:99–104)
Prenatal arsenic exposure and the epigenome: Altered microRNAs associated with innate and adaptive immune signaling in newborn cord blood
Authors: Rager Julia E. , Bailey Kathryn A. , Smeester Lisa , Miller Sloane K. , Parker Joel S. , Laine Jessica E. , Drobná Zuzana , Currier Jenna , Douillet Christelle , Olshan Andrew F. , Rubio‐Andrade Marisela , Stýblo Miroslav , García‐Vargas Gonzalo , Fry Rebecca C.
Published: December 2013

The Biomarkers of Exposure to ARsenic (BEAR) pregnancy cohort in Gómez Palacio, Mexico was recently established to better understand the impacts of prenatal exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs). In this study, we examined a subset (n = 40) of newborn cord blood samples for microRNA (miRNA) expression changes associated within uteroarsenic exposure. Levels of iAs in maternal drinking water (DW‐iAs) and maternal urine were assessed. Levels of DW‐iAs ranged from below detectable values to 236 µg/L (mean = 51.7 µg/L). Total arsenic in maternal urine (U‐tAs) was defined as the sum of iAs and its monomethylated and dimethylated metabolites (MMAs and DMAs, respectively) and ranged from 6.2 to 319.7 µg/L (mean = 64.5 µg/L). Genome‐wide miRNA expression analysis of cord blood revealed 12 miRNAs with increasing expression associated with U‐tAs. Transcriptional targets of the miRNAs were computationally predicted and subsequently assessed using transcriptional profiling. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the U‐tAs‐associated miRNAs are involved in signaling pathways related to known health outcomes of iAs exposure including cancer and diabetes mellitus. Immune response‐related mRNAs were also identified with decreased expression levels associated with U‐tAs, and predicted to be mediated in part by the arsenic‐responsive miRNAs. Results of this study highlight miRNAs as novel responders to prenatal arsenic exposure that may contribute to associated immune response perturbations. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:196–208, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.