bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concise review: Bone marrow autotransplants for liver disease?
Authors: Saramipoor Behbahan Iman , Keating Armand , Peter Gale Robert 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThere are increasing reports of using bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat advanced liver disease. We consider several critical issues that underlie this approach. For example, are there multipotent stem cell populations in human adult bone marrow? Can they develop into liver cells or supporting cell types? What are stromal stem/progenitor cells, and can they promote tissue repair without replacing hepatocytes? Does reversal of end-stage liver disease require new hepatocytes, a new liver microenvironment, both, neither or something else? Although many of these questions are unanswered, we consider the conceptual and experimental bases underlying these issues and critically analyze results of clinical trials of stem cell therapy of end-stage liver disease.
A small molecule p75NTR ligand protects neurogenesis after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Shi Jian , Longo Frank M. , Massa Stephen M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) influences the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of neuronal precursors and its expression is induced in injured brain, where it regulates cell survival. Here, we test the hypotheses that pharmacologic modulation of p75NTR signaling will promote neural progenitor survival and proliferation, and improve outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). LM11A-31, an orally available, blood-brain barrier-permeant small-molecule p75NTR signaling modulator, significantly increased proliferation and survival, and decreased JNK phosphorylation, in hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells in culture expressing wild-type p75NTR, but had no effect on cells expressing a mutant neurotrophin-unresponsive form of the receptor. The compound also enhanced the production of mature neurons from adult hippocampal neural progenitors in vitro. In vivo, intranasal administration of LM11A-31 decreased postinjury hippocampal and cortical neuronal death, neural progenitor cell death, gliogenesis, and microglial activation, and enhanced long-term hippocampal neurogenesis and reversed spatial memory impairments. LM11A-31 diminished the postinjury increase of SOX2-expressing early progenitor cells, but protected and increased the proliferation of endogenous polysialylated-neural cell adhesion molecule positive intermediate progenitors, and restored the long-term production of mature granule neurons. These findings suggest that modulation of p75NTR actions using small molecules such as LM11A-31 may constitute a potent therapeutic strategy for TBI.
Fostering student sense making in elementary science learning environments: Elementary teachers' use of science curriculum materials to promote explanation construction
Authors: Zangori Laura , Forbes Cory T. , Biggers Mandy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWhile research has shown that elementary (K‐5) students are capable of engaging in the scientific practice of explanation construction, commonly‐used elementary science curriculum materials may not always afford them opportunities to do so. As a result, elementary teachers must often adapt their science curriculum materials to better support students' explanation construction and foster student sense making. However, little research has been conducted to explore if and, if so, how and why, elementary teachers modify science curriculum materials to engage students in explanation construction. We use an embedded mixed methods research design to explore elementary teachers' (n = 45) curricular adaptations and pedagogical reasoning. We collected and quantitatively analyzed a matched set of 121 elementary science lesson plans and video recorded lesson enactments to investigate the extent to which inservice elementary teachers engage in instruction to more productively support students' explanation construction. Our findings suggest that the curriculum materials heavily emphasized hands‐on engagement and data collection over explanation construction and that the teachers' adaptations did not fundamentally alter scientific sense‐making opportunities afforded students in the lesson plans. Interviews and other artifacts were also collected and analyzed to construct a multiple‐case study of four of these elementary teachers. Findings from the case study suggest that the teachers' conceptions of explanation construction and concerns about the abilities of their students to engage in scientific explanations impacted their curricular adaptations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 989–1017, 2013
TRADE: A truthful online combinatorial auction for spectrum allocation in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Zhong Lei , Huang Qianyi , Wu Fan , Chen Guihai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAuctions have been shown to be able to tackle the problem of spectrum scarcity effectively, but most of existing works only focus on static scenarios. They cannot deal with the requests of spectrum users as they arrive and leave dynamically. Bidders can either cheat by bidding untruthfully or cheat about the arrival and departure time. In this paper, we model the radio spectrum allocation problem as a sealed‐bid online combinatorial auction and propose a truthful mechanism called TRADE. TRADE is a truthful and an individual rational mechanism with polynomial time complexity. It can prevent bidders from cheating in the auction while achieving good bidder satisfaction, spectrum utilization, and social welfare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Hybrid NOTES Colectomy Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Colectomy for Left‐sided Colonic Tumors
Authors: Leung Alex Lik Hang , Cheung Hester Yui Shan , Fok Benny Ka Lung , Chung Cliff Chi Chiu , Li Michael Ka Wah , Tang Chung Ngai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe conducted a randomized study of a laparoscopic technique for removing left‐sided colon tumors that can reduce postoperative pain and other wound‐related complications compared to the conventional technique. It is a novel technique of hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) colectomy (HNC) whereby laparoscopic colonic mobilization, transection, and anastomosis are performed intracorporeally. The specimen is then delivered through the anus using the transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) device, precluding the need for mini‐laparotomy. We compared the short‐term outcomes of patients who underwent HNC with those who underwent conventional laparoscopic colectomy (CL).MethodsPatients suffering left‐sided colonic tumor were recruited and were randomized into two groups: HNC and CL. Operative data and complications were prospectively recorded and analyzed.ResultsDuring a 3‐year period, we recruited 70 patients (35 per group). No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to operating time (105 vs. 100 min, p = 0.851), blood loss (30 vs. 30 ml, p = 0.954), or length of hospital stay (5 vs. 5 days, p = 0.990). The maximum pain score during the first week was significantly lower in the HNC group (1 vs. 2, p = 0.017). No patients in the HNC group developed wound infection, whereas four patients in the CL group did so (p = 0.005).ConclusionsWith this hybrid NOTES technique, selected patients with left‐sided colonic tumors can enjoy the full benefits of minimally invasive surgery with significantly less wound pain and a lower wound infection rate than are observed with CL.
Heavy and Trace Metals in Carcinoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Basu Somprakas , Singh Manish K. , Singh Tej B. , Bhartiya Satyanam K. , Singh Sureshwar P. , Shukla Vijay K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundCarcinoma of the gallbladder is the commonest malignancy of the biliary tract in northern India The etiologic relation of specific metals (heavy and trace) and their compounds to neoplasia has been a topic of investigation for some time but not adequately described for carcinoma of the gallbladder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation of heavy and trace metals to this malignancy.MethodsThe levels of selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel were estimated in serum, bile, gallstones, and gallbladder tissue using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The tests were carried out in 30 patients with gallbladder cancer and 30 sex‐matched patients with cholelithiasis.ResultsSelenium and zinc levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) and copper concentration was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in serum, bile, and gallbladder tissue from patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder. Lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel levels were elevated in serum and bile in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated a significant decrease in serum, biliary, and tissue levels of selenium and zinc but increased copper, lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel levels in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, indicating a strong relation between the concentrations of these metals and gallbladder cancer.
Outcome of Surgical Resection as a First Line Therapy in T3 Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Takenaka Tomoyoshi , Katsura Masakazu , Shikada Yasunori , Takeo Sadanori 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe T3 category of the 7th Edition of the TNM classification of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has added two factors that do not appear in the 6th Edition, large tumor size (>7 cm) and pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe. These factors are considered to have different biological and clinical features. In the present study we assessed the outcome of surgical resection as a first line therapy for T3 NSCLC.MethodsA total of 145 patients who were diagnosed according to the TNM 7th Edition with pathologic T3 NSCLC received surgical resection in our institution as a first line treatment. The outcomes of their treatment were analyzed.ResultsThe 5‐year survival rate was 46.9 %. On the basis of the 6th TNM Edition, the 5‐year survival rate was 63.1 % for patients diagnosed with T2 disease (large tumor size), 44.3 % for patients diagnosed with T3 disease, and 33.1 % for patients diagnosed with T4 disease (pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe). There were no significant correlations between these categories and overall survival (OS). Nevertheless, 6th Edition T factors were found to be significantly correlated with lymph node status (p < 0.01). The univariate analyses showed that age, lymph node metastasis, and curative resection had significant effects on OS. In addition, the multivariate analysis identified age and N factor as independent prognostic factors in this cohort.ConclusionsIndications for surgical resection as a first line therapy in T3 NSCLC should be based on N factors and patient age. Lymph node metastasis, especially N2 disease, was increasingly frequent in patients with 6th Edition T classifications.
Isolation and characterization of a thermostable esterase from a metagenomic library
Authors: Shao Hua , Xu Li , Yan Yunjun 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A novel esterase gene was isolated by functional screening of a metagenomic library prepared from an activated sludge sample. The gene (est-XG2) consists of 1,506 bp with GC content of 74.8 %, and encodes a protein of 501 amino acids with a molecular mass of 53 kDa. Sequence alignment revealed that Est-XG2 shows a maximum amino acid identity (47 %) with the carboxylesterase from Thermaerobacter marianensis DSM 12885 (YP_004101478). The catalytic triad of Est-XG2 was predicted to be Ser192-Glu313-His412 with Ser192 in a conserved pentapeptide (GXSXG), and further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Phylogenetic analysis suggested Est-XG2 belongs to the bacterial lipase/esterase family VII. The recombinant Est-XG2, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, preferred to hydrolyze short and medium length p-nitrophenyl esters with the best substrate being p-nitrophenyl acetate (K m and k cat of 0.33 mM and 36.21 s−1, respectively). The purified enzyme also had the ability to cleave sterically hindered esters of tertiary alcohols. Biochemical characterization of Est-XG2 revealed that it is a thermophilic esterase that exhibits optimum activity at pH 8.5 and 70 °C. Est-XG2 had moderate tolerance to organic solvents and surfactants. The unique properties of Est-XG2, high thermostability and stability in the presence of organic solvents, may render it a potential candidate for industrial applications.
An Overview of Genetic Counseling in Cuba
Authors: Cruz Araceli Lantigua 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis brief report provides an overview of the history and current status of genetic services in Cuba. In 1971, the University of Medical Sciences of Havana began to train doctors in medical genetics according to the medicine development plan in Cuba. With the aim of introducing genetic services to the population, two main issues were identified: the impact of neural tube defects as a cause of infantile mortality, and a founder effect resulting in a high frequency of sickle cell anemia, which increased the mortality rate and impacted the quality of peoples' lives. The impact of consanguinity is variable; it depends on the isolation of the population, with rates of 1 to 11% in different regions for first and second cousin marriages. From 1981, the services of medical genetics began to expand to the entire country, according to a government directive, and the need to design a program for the specialty became evident. From 1995 to 2000, two Masters‐level programs were designed by professors of the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences of Havana, and authorized by the Ministry of Higher Education. One program in medical genetics was designed for physicians with other specialties, and the second program was designed to train professionals to become genetic counselors. The majority of graduates from the latter program are working at the primary level of healthcare
How the Internet is Changing Gambling: Findings from an Australian Prevalence Survey
Authors: Gainsbury Sally M. , Russell Alex , Hing Nerilee , Wood Robert , Lubman Dan , Blaszczynski Alex 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Interactive gambling as a regulated activity, coupled with easy accessibility to offshore providers represents a new mode and format of gambling superimposed on traditional land-based opportunities. This paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of gambling among Australian adults and the relationship between various gambling activities and interactive modes of access. A second aim was to compare interactive and non-interactive gamblers in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes and beliefs about gambling and gambling participation. In a nationally representative telephone survey, 15,006 Australian adults completed measures assessing past 12-month gambling participation and a sub-sample completed questions about interactive gambling and beliefs. The majority of participants (64.3 %) reported gambling at least once, with 8.1 % having gambled online. Interactive gamblers gambled on a greater number of activities overall and more frequently. Interactive gamblers were more likely to be male, younger, have home Internet access, participate in more forms of gambling and have higher gambling expenditure. Almost half of the interactive gamblers preferred land-based gambling although a small proportion also noted a number of disadvantages of interactive gambling. This study shows that the nature of gambling participation is shifting with interactive gambling having a significant and growing impact on overall gambling involvement.
Purification and Characterization of Highly Alkaline Lipase from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465: and Study of its Detergent Compatibility and Applicability
Authors: Bora Limpon 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAn extracellular alkaline lipase from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465 has been studied and analyzed for its applicability as a detergent additive. The lipase obtained from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465 was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme was precipitated with a 60 % saturated ammonium sulfate fraction showed 6.73 fold purification with the fold purification of 10.4 and specific activity of 398 U/mg of protein with gel filtration chromatography. The optimal pH and temperature for activity were 10 and 60 °C respectively. The enzyme was found to be stable in the pH range of 8–11 with 90 % retention of activity at pH 11. The enzyme retained 90 % activity at 60 °C and 70 % of activity at 70 °C for 1 h. The enzyme activity was maximally enhanced by Hg2+ followed by Co2+ and Fe2+. The lipase was found to be stable in organic solvents with maximum stability in acetone followed by ethanol. The lipase exhibited remarkable stability in the presence of commercial detergents and found to be stable in bleaching agents. Wash performance analysis resulted in improvement of 10 % more grease removal ability of the present lipase in comparison to commercially available lipase.
Factors that Affect the Efficacy of Fluoroscopically Guided Selective Spinal Nerve Root Block in the Treatment of Radicular Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mallinson Paul I. , Tapping Charles R. , Bartlett Richard , Maliakal Paul 
Published: August 2013

Aim The fluoroscopically guided selective nerve root block (SNRB) is being used increasingly as a therapy for radicular pain as well as a diagnostic tool. However, studies and the literature reviews have yet to reach a definite conclusion on the efficacy in this setting. Our aim was to prospectively investigate factors that may affect the success of this procedure. Materials and Methods A total of 301 treatment episodes with 283 patients were assessed over 25 months by patient questionnaire over a 7-day period. Changes in analgesic benefit over time, by operating consultant, referring specialty, spinal level, and the presence of periprocedural symptom provocation were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by using the χ2 test, Wilcoxon test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and the asymptotic marginal-homogeneity test. P < .05 was considered significant. Results There was a statistically significant increase in pain relief over the 7 days after the procedure. Pain provocation during the procedure did not improve analgesic success. Cervical, lumbar, and sacral level procedures were equally efficacious. The specialist who referred the patient and the use of contrast to verify needle position during the procedure also did not affect the analgesic outcome. Overall, 69.1% of patients experienced some pain relief by day 7. Conclusion Analgesic success rates of selective nerve root blocks did not vary with spinal level, or use of contrast or periprocedural replication of symptoms, when using fluoroscopic guidance. Patients may expect a continued significant improvement in their symptoms for at least a week after the procedure.
Insertion of an active fixation lead in the inferior interatrial septum via a 9.0 Fr guiding catheter
Authors: Mori Shumpei , Otomo Kiyoshi , Osai Norichika , Takizawa Kaname , Otomo Tatsushi , Inoue Naoto , Meguro Taiichiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPlacing an atrial lead in the inferior interatrial septum (IAS) reportedly reduces the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and slows the progression to chronic AF; however, in certain cases, inferior IAS pacing is technically difficult. When this procedure is unsuccessful, insertion of the lead in the right atrial appendage can be considered, but it is associated with a risk of cardiac perforation. Here, we describe a technique for lead insertion in the inferior IAS via a 9.0 Fr guiding catheter, which may serve as an alternative technique for inferior IAS pacing when the conventional stylet‐guided insertion is not successful.
Prevalence, correlates, and risk perception of HIV infection among heroin users in Central Taiwan
Authors: Lin Tsang‐Yaw , Chen Vincent C.H. , Lee Chao‐Hui , Chen Chung‐Ying , Shao Wen‐Chuan , Chang Sheng‐Huang , Chou Jen‐Yu , Lai Te‐Jen , Ferri Cleusa P. , Gossop Michael , Lee Charles T.C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe investigated the prevalence and correlated factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among heroin users attending methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs in Central Taiwan, and explored the degree of risk perception of HIV infection among the participants. Our study participants were 781 heroin users seeking treatment at the MMT program at Tsaotun Psychiatric Center in Taiwan. The presence of HIV antibodies was identified by microparticle enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by western blot. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent correlates of HIV infection. The mean age of the sample was 36.1 years [standard deviation (SD) = 7.6]; of the patients, 710 (90.9%) were men. The prevalence of HIV infection among our study population was 20.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HIV infection was independently associated with the age of the patients of initial heroin use, heroin injection use, nondrug‐related criminal convictions, needle‐sharing behaviors, and sharing injection paraphernalia. A strong agreement existed between self‐reported HIV serostatus and the results of laboratory analyses, with 88.8% of patients reporting their condition correctly. We found a high rate of HIV infection among patients in the MMT program. Factors associated with HIV infection were mostly related to drug‐use behaviors. These findings stress the importance of education regarding drug‐risk behaviors.
Meanings of Homosexuality, Same-Sex Sexuality, and Africanness in Two South African Townships: An Evidence-Based Approach for Rethinking Same-Sex Prejudice
Authors: Sigamoney Veronica , Epprecht Marc 
Published: August 2013

Abstract:The assertion “homosexuality is un-African” is widely viewed as an expression of homophobia. However, without knowledge of what homosexuality and “Africanness” mean in a given context, any understanding of how to shift the prejudices associated with this assertion remains limited. Research conducted in 2010 with police, high school learners (students), and a sample of more than one thousand residents from two urban townships in South Africa contributes to this understanding. This article draws on data from the research to explore the significance of cultural translation when considering what constitutes same-sex prejudice and how it may relate to notions of authenticity or “real Africanness.” While the research provides evidence of same-sex prejudice, there is also evidence of qualified acceptance of same-sex sexuality and of efforts to combat prejudice. Opportunities for change are discussed with reference to the data.
Origin of Magnetar-Scale Crustal Field in PSR J1852+0040 and ‘Frozen’ Magnetars
Authors: Popov S. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe discuss the origin of strong crustal magnetic field in one of central compact objects (CCOs)—a neutron star PSR J1852+0040 in the supernova remnant Kes 79. Taking into account its relatively long present day spin period we conclude that the field could not be generated via a dynamo mechanism. If this neutron star indeed is a magnetar with field submerged during a strong fall-back episode, then it argues against the dynamo field origin in magnetars. Otherwise, Kes 79 is not a close relative of normal magnetars. A discovery of an anti-magnetar with a millisecond period and strong crustal field identifiable, for example, due to large pulse fraction, would be the proof of the dynamo field origin. Existence of such sources is in correspondence with the present standard picture of neutron star unification. However, the fraction of magnetars with submerged fields can be small—few percent of the total number of CCOs.