bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public hospital autonomy in China in an international context
Authors: Allen Pauline , Cao Qi , Wang Hufeng 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYFollowing decades of change in health care structures and modes of funding, China has recently been making pilot reforms to the governance of its public hospitals, primarily by increasing the autonomy of public hospitals and redefining the roles of the health authorities. In this paper, we analyse the historical evolution and current situation of public hospital governance in China, focussing the range of governance models being tried out in pilot cities across China. We then draw on the experiences of public hospital governance reform in a wide range of other countries to consider the nature of the Chinese pilots. We find that the key difference in China is that the public hospitals in the pilot schemes do not receive sufficient funding from government and are able to distribute profits to staff. This creates incentives to charge patients for excessive treatment. This situation has undermined public service orientation in Chinese public hospitals. We conclude that the pilot reforms of governance will not be sufficient to remedy all the problems facing these hospitals, although they are a step in the right direction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small‐Molecule Probes to Target the Human Mediator Complex
Authors: Phillips Andrew J. , Taatjes Dylan J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe human Mediator complex is a central integrator for transcription that allows DNA‐binding transcription factors to communicate their regulatory signals to the RNA polymerase II enzyme. Because Mediator is dynamic both in terms of subunit composition and structure, it presents challenges as a target for small‐molecule probes. Moreover, little high‐resolution structural information exists for Mediator. Its global requirement for transcription, as well as its distinct, transcription factorspecific interaction surfaces, however, suggest that development of probes that bind specific Mediator subunits might enable gene‐ and pathway‐specific modulation of transcription. Here we provide a brief overview of the Mediator complex, highlighting biological and structural features that make it an attractive target for molecular probes. We then outline several chemical strategies that might be effective for targeting the complex.
Role of Peer Support on Intragroup Marginalization for Latino Undergraduates
Authors: Llamas Jasmin , Ramos‐Sánchez Lucila 
Published: July 2013

The authors examined 83 Latino undergraduates to determine whether perceived social support of friends mediates the role of intragroup marginalization on acculturative stress and college adjustment. A mediation effect was found for college adjustment but not for acculturative stress. Results highlight the importance of friends for college adjustment.Los autores examinaron 83 estudiantes universitarios Latinos para determinar si el apoyo social percibido de amigos media el papel de la marginalización de intragrupo sobre el estrés de aculturación y el ajuste a la universidad. Se encontró un efecto de mediación para el ajuste a la universidad pero no para el estrés de aculturación. Los resultados subrayan la importancia de los amigos para el ajuste a la universidad.
Ovarian Cancer G protein-Coupled Receptor 1 Is Involved in Acid-Induced Apoptosis of Endplate Chondrocytes in Intervertebral Discs
Authors: Yuan Feng-Lai , Wang Hui-Ren , Zhao Ming-Dong , Yuan Wei , Cao Lu , Duan Ping-Guo , Jiang Yun-Qi , Li Xi-Lei , Dong Jian 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) has been shown to be a receptor for protons. We investigated the role of proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors in the apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes induced by extracellular acid. The expression of proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors was examined in rat lumbar endplate chondrocytes. Knockdown of OGR1 was achieved by transfecting chondrocytes with specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for OGR1. Apoptotic changes were evaluated by DNA fragmentation ELISA, electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was analyzed with laser scanning confocal microscopy. The mechanism of OGR1 in acid-induced apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes was also investigated. We found that OGR1 was predominantly expressed in rat endplate chondrocytes, and its expression was highly upregulated in response to acidosis. Knocking down OGR1 with shRNAs effectively attenuated acid-induced apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes and increased [Ca2+]i. Blocking OGR1-mediated [Ca2+]i elevation inhibited acid-induced calcium-sensitive proteases such as calpain and calcineurin, and also inhibited the activation of Bid, Bad, and Caspase 3 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). OGR1-mediated [Ca2+]i elevation has a crucial role in apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes by regulating activation of calcium-sensitive proteases and their downstream signaling. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
mTORC2 Regulates Mechanically Induced Cytoskeletal Reorganization and Lineage Selection in Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Sen Buer , Xie Zhihui , Case Natasha , Thompson William R , Uzer Gunes , Styner Maya , Rubin Janet 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

The cell cytoskeleton interprets and responds to physical cues from the microenvironment. Applying mechanical force to mesenchymal stem cells induces formation of a stiffer cytoskeleton, which biases against adipogenic differentiation and toward osteoblastogenesis. mTORC2, the mTOR complex defined by its binding partner rictor, is implicated in resting cytoskeletal architecture and is activated by mechanical force. We asked if mTORC2 played a role in mechanical adaptation of the cytoskeleton. We found that during bi-axial strain-induced cytoskeletal restructuring, mTORC2 and Akt colocalize with newly assembled focal adhesions (FA). Disrupting the function of mTORC2, or that of its downstream substrate Akt, prevented mechanically induced F-actin stress fiber development. mTORC2 becomes associated with vinculin during strain, and knockdown of vinculin prevents mTORC2 activation. In contrast, mTORC2 is not recruited to the FA complex during its activation by insulin, nor does insulin alter cytoskeletal structure. Further, when rictor was knocked down, the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to enter the osteoblastic lineage was reduced, and when cultured in adipogenic medium, rictor-deficient MSC showed accelerated adipogenesis. This indicated that cytoskeletal remodeling promotes osteogenesis over adipogenesis. In sum, our data show that mTORC2 is involved in stem cell responses to biophysical stimuli, regulating both signaling and cytoskeletal reorganization. As such, mechanical activation of mTORC2 signaling participates in mesenchymal stem cell lineage selection, preventing adipogenesis by preserving β-catenin and stimulating osteogenesis by generating a stiffer cytoskeleton. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Improvement of MODIS aerosol retrievals near clouds
Authors: Wen Guoyong , Marshak Alexander , Levy Robert C. , Remer Lorraine A. , Loeb Norman G. , Várnai Tamás , Cahalan Robert F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe retrieval of aerosol properties near clouds from reflected sunlight is challenging. Sunlight reflected from clouds can effectively enhance the reflectance in nearby clear regions. Ignoring cloud 3‐D radiative effects can lead to large biases in aerosol retrievals, risking an incorrect interpretation of satellite observations on aerosol‐cloud interaction. Earlier, we developed a simple model to compute the cloud‐induced clear‐sky radiance enhancement that is due to radiative interaction between boundary layer clouds and the molecular layer above. This paper focuses on the application and implementation of the correction algorithm. This is the first time that this method is being applied to a full Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) granule. The process of the correction includes converting Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System broadband flux to visible narrowband flux, computing the clear‐sky radiance enhancement, and retrieving aerosol properties. We find that the correction leads to smaller values in aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ångström exponent, and the small mode aerosol fraction of the total AOD. It also makes the average aerosol particle size larger near clouds than far away from clouds, which is more realistic than the opposite behavior observed in operational retrievals. We discuss issues in the current correction method as well as our plans to validate the algorithm.
Healthcare Serial Killers as Confidence Men
Authors: Lubaszka Christine Katherine , Shon Phillip C. , Hinch Ronald 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough there is adequate coverage of serial murder in the extant homicide literature, there is a lack of systematic examination of healthcare professionals who serially murder their patients. Using a sample of 58 healthcare serial killers located within North America, South America, and Europe between the years of 1970 and 2010, this study examines notable pre‐offense and post‐offense behaviours of healthcare serial killers. Patterns related to offender aetiology, victim cultivation, crime scene behaviour, and techniques of evasion were explored. The findings from this study suggest that the pre‐offense and post‐offense behaviours of healthcare serial killers can be conceptualised from the theoretical framework of confidence men or ‘con men’. The findings from this study also suggest that healthcare serial killings and offenders who perpetrate them continue to be elusive and warrant additional scholarly attention to reduce their likelihood of engaging in homicide undetected for extended time. Policy implications are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modeling of static hysteresis loop using variable parameters
Authors: Gmyrek Zbigniew 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe application of the Jiles–Atherton (J–A) hysteresis model for numerical modeling of measured quasistatic hysteresis loops of non‐oriented soft magnetic material is investigated. The J–A model used assumes its parameters are dependent on actual effective magnetic field strength. This is carried out by using a new parameter associated with the mathematical description of the J–A model. In this paper, the author demonstrates that these varying parameters and the proposed algorithm of parameter estimation are useful in accurate numerical modeling of the static hysteresis loop. Results of modeling are compared with experimental measurements, demonstrating very good agreement in a wide range of maximum field strength. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A compositional analysis of cadaveric human nasal septal cartilage
Authors: Neuman Monica K. , Briggs Kristen K. , Masuda Koichi , Sah Robert L. , Watson Deborah 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo localize quantitatively the major biochemical constituents of native adult human septal cartilage across whole septa.Study DesignProspective, basic science.MethodsThe nasal septa from seven cadavers were partitioned into 24 separate regions: six from caudal to cephalic and four from dorsal to ventral. Biochemical assays were used to determine the quantities, relative to wet weight, of the major constituents of cartilage: chondrocytes, collagen, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan.ResultsOn average, each milligram of wet cartilage contained 24,900 cells, 73.9 μg collagen, and 17.1 μg sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Cell number showed no significant variation across the septa. In contrast, the caudal regions of the septa were associated with higher levels of collagen, the ventral regions correlated with higher levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycan, and the dorsal regions were associated with an elevated ratio of collagen to sulfated glycosaminoglycan.ConclusionsThis study represents the first characterization of the biochemical composition of native human septal cartilage across whole septa. Quantities of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan showed region‐specific variation across the septum. The localized pattern of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan deposition are consistent with the significance of preserving the L‐strut during rhinoplasty and other nasal reconstructive procedures. In addition, it may assist in defining design goals for tissue‐engineered septal neocartilage constructs to meet specific reconstructive needs in the future. Laryngoscope, 123:2120–2124, 2013
The costs and utility of imaging in evaluating dizzy patients in the emergency room
Authors: Ahsan Syed F. , Syamal Mausumi N. , Yaremchuk Kathleen , Peterson Edward , Seidman Michael 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the usefulness and the costs of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of patients with dizziness in the emergency department (ED).Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsCharts of patients with a specific health maintenance insurance plan presenting with dizziness and vertigo to a large health system's ED between January 2008 and January 2011 were reviewed. Patient demographics, signs/symptoms, and CT and MRI results were assessed. CT and MRI charges were determined based on positive versus unremarkable findings. Data analysis included stepwise logistic regressions.ResultsOf 1681 patients identified, 810 (48%) received CT brain/head scan totaling $988,200 in charges. Of these, only 0.74% yielded clinically significant pathology requiring intervention. However, 12.2% of MRI studies yielded discovery of significant abnormalities. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older patients (P = .001) were more likely to receive a CT scan.ConclusionsIn the 3‐year period studied, CT scans for ED patients with dizziness and vertigo yielded a low predictive value for significant pathology. These data reveal a great opportunity for cost savings by developing stricter guidelines for ordering CT scans for this set of ED patients. The use of MRI in all cases of dizziness was found to be neither practical nor useful. However, appropriately directed MRI of the brain is recommended in patients with dizziness and other neurological signs or symptoms.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2250–2253, 2013
Tribocorrosion behaviour of anodic titanium oxide films produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation for dental implants
Authors: Alves S. A. , Bayón R. , Igartua A. , Saénz de Viteri V. , Rocha L. A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTCommercially pure Titanium (cp‐Ti) and its alloys are the materials most widely used for dental implant applications. In the present work, anodic oxide films have been produced on cp‐Ti surfaces by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique. After PEO treatments, oxide films with different surface features (e.g. surface roughness, morphology and film thickness) were obtained according with anodising parameters. The tribocorrosion behaviour of untreated and PEO‐treated Ti samples was investigated by reciprocating sliding tests performed in artificial saliva. PEO treatments significantly improved the performance of cp‐Ti substrates when they were submitted simultaneously to electrochemical and mechanical effects, and it was influenced by PEO processing parameters. PEO seems to be a very attractive technique for the development of bio‐tribocorrosion resistant Ti surfaces with potential for biomedical applications namely, for dental implants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of the Escherichia coli TolQ protein leads to a null‐FtsN‐like division phenotype
Authors: Teleha Mary A. , Miller Adam C. , Larsen Ray A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMutations involving the Tol‐Pal complex of Escherichia coli result in a subtle phenotype in which cells chain when grown under low‐salt conditions. Here, the nonpolar deletion of individual genes encoding the cytoplasmic membrane‐associated components of the complex (TolQ, TolR, TolA) produced a similar phenotype. Surprisingly, the overexpression of one of these proteins, TolQ, resulted in a much more overt phenotype in which cells occurred as elongated rods coupled in long chains when grown under normal salt conditions. Neither TolR nor TolA overexpression produced a phenotype, nor was the presence of either protein required for the TolQ‐dependent phenotype. Consistent with their native membrane topology, the amino‐terminal domain of TolQ specifically associated in vivo with the periplasmic domain of FtsN in a cytoplasm‐based two‐hybrid analysis. Further, the concomitant overexpression of FtsN rescued the TolQ‐dependent phenotype, suggesting a model wherein the overexpression of TolQ sequesters FtsN, depleting this essential protein from the divisome during Gram‐negative cell division. The role of the Tol‐Pal system in division is discussed.
MDM2 promoter polymorphism and p53 codon 72 polymorphism in chronic myeloid leukemia: The association between MDM2 promoter genotype and disease susceptibility, age of onset, and blast‐free survival in chronic phase patients receiving imatinib
Authors: Liu Yi‐Chang , Hsiao Hui‐Hua , Yang Wen‐Chi , Liu Ta‐Chih , Chang Chao‐Sung , Yang Ming‐Yu , Lin Pai‐Mei , Hsu Jui‐Feng , Lee Ching‐Ping , Lin Sheng‐Fung 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe genetic or functional inactivation of the p53 pathway plays an important role with regards to disease progression from the chronic phase (CP) to blast phase (BP) and imatinib treatment response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), p53 R72P and MDM2 SNP309, are associated with alternation of p53 activity, however the association regarding CML susceptibility and BP transformation under imatinib treatment is unclear. The MDM2 SNP309 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed by direct sequencing from 116 CML patients, including 104 in the CP at diagnosis, and 162 healthy Taiwanese controls. The p53 R72P polymorphism was examined in all CML patients. The SNP309 G/G genotype was associated with an increased risk of CML susceptibility (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.03–3.22, P = 0.037), and an earlier age of disease onset (log‐rank P = 0.005) compared with the T/T + T/G genotypes. Higher MDM2 mRNA expression was found in G/G genotype compared with T/T (P = 0.034) and T/T + T/G (P = 0.056) genotypes. No associations were found between the p53 R72P genotypes and clinical parameters and survival outcomes. Among 62 CP patients receiving imatinib as first‐line therapy, the G/G genotype was associated with a shorter blast‐free survival (log‐rank P = 0.048) and more clonal evolution compared with the T/T + T/G genotypes. In patients with advanced diseases at diagnosis, the G/G genotype was associated with a poor overall survival (log‐rank P = 0.006). Closely monitoring CML patients harboring the G/G genotype and further large‐scale studies are warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevention of motion‐induced signal loss in diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging by dynamic restoration of gradient moments
Authors: Gumus Kazim , Keating Brian , Poser Benedikt A. , Armstrong Brian , Chang Linda , Maclaren Julian , Prieto Thomas , Speck Oliver , Zaitsev Maxim , Ernst Thomas 
Published: July 2013

PurposeHead motion is a significant problem in diffusion‐weighted imaging as it may cause signal attenuation due to residual dephasing during strong diffusion encoding gradients even in single‐shot acquisitions. Here, we present a new real‐time method to prevent motion‐induced signal loss in DWI of the brain.MethodsThe method requires a fast motion tracking system (optical in the current implementation). Two alterations were made to a standard diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging sequence: first, real‐time motion correction ensures that slices are correctly aligned relative to the moving brain. Second, the tracking data are used to calculate the motion‐induced gradient moment imbalance which occurs during the diffusion encoding periods, and a brief gradient blip is inserted immediately prior to the signal readout to restore the gradient moment balance.ResultsPhantom experiments show that the direction as well as magnitude of the gradient moment imbalance affects the characteristics of unwanted signal attenuation. In human subjects, the addition of a moment‐restoring blip prevented signal loss and improved the reproducibility and reliability of diffusion tensor measures even in the presence of substantial head movements.ConclusionThe method presented can improve robustness for clinical routine scanning in populations that are prone to head movements, such as children and uncooperative adult patients. Magn Reson Med 71:2006–2013, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adherence to Home Physiotherapy Treatment in Children and Young People with Joint Hypermobility: A Qualitative Report of Family Perspectives on Acceptability and Efficacy
Authors: Birt Linda , Pfeil Michael , MacGregor Alexander , Armon Kate , Poland Fiona 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveJoint hypermobility can lead to pain and motor developmental problems in children and young people (CYP). Exercise programmes may help CYP with joint hypermobility strengthen core muscle groups. Non‐ adherence to home physiotherapy is common. The present study aimed to understand how families experienced an intensive multidisciplinary intervention.MethodThis was a qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial of a multidisciplinary treatment intervention, including physiotherapy, for children aged five to 17 years. Twenty‐eight families were recruited following the intervention. Semi‐structured interviews were used to examine the views and expectations of parents and CYP, and examine adherence to the exercise programme. Thematic analysis of data was used to develop findings.ResultsParents and CYP reported that exercise reduced the symptoms of hypermobility. Parental motivation, adapting family routines, making exercise a family activity and seeing benefit increased adherence to exercise. Non‐adherence to exercise was linked to lower levels of parental supervision, not understanding the treatment, not seeing benefit and not having specific time to dedicate to doing the exercises.ConclusionEven when exercise is seen to benefit a child's well‐being, families experience challenges in adhering to a physiotherapy programme for hypermobility. Therapists can utilize findings on what enhances adherence to help CYP effectively exercise in the home setting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mit Picasso im Büro
Authors: Osterath Brigitte 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSchöne Gemälde über dem Schreibtisch motivieren unsere Mitarbeiter — so dachte die Bayer‐Führung vor über hundert Jahren und begann, eine umfangreiche Kunstsammlung anzukaufen. Zum 150. Firmenjubiläum hat der Konzern einige der Werke erstmals der Öffentlichkeit gezeigt.
Cadmium in Kunststoff:
Authors: Flisch Markus , Ammann Albert , Leu Jürg 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn Europa dürfen Kunststoffe nicht mehr als 100 Milligramm Cadmium pro Kilogramm enthalten. Mit einem mobilen Röntgenfluoreszenzanalysator können die Kontrollbehörden verdächtige oder zu beanstandende Proben aus der Vielfalt an Kunststoffartikeln vor Ort direkt erkennen.
Ein Messsystem für DNA‐Schäden
Authors: Moreno‐Villanueva María , Unger Miriam , Pilartz Marcel , Winter Martin , Bürkle Alexander 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEin neuer Roboter automatisiert die Fadu‐Methode, die DNA‐Strangbrüche detektiert und die DNA‐Reparaturfähigkeit bestimmt.