bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Lentinan on the Capacity of Repair of DNA Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Paclitaxel in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Attia Sabry M. , Harisa Gamaleldin I. , Abd‐Allah Adel R. , Ahmad Sheikh Fayaz , Bakheet Saleh A. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe ability of the flavonoid lentinan (LAN) to enhance the repair of paclitaxel (PAC)‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse bone marrow cells was investigated. Moreover, the possible mechanism underlying this modulation was determined. LAN was neither genotoxic nor apoptogenic at doses equivalent to 1 or 2 mg/kg/day. Pretreatment of mice with LAN significantly enhances the repair of PAC‐induced DNA damage and bone marrow suppression in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, LAN affords significant protection against PAC‐induced apoptosis. A significant increase of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in reduced glutathione levels were observed after PAC treatment and prior administration of LAN before PAC challenge ameliorated these oxidative stress markers. Conclusively, our study provides, for the first time, that LAN enhances the repair of PAC‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis that resides, at least in part, on its ability to modulate the cellular antioxidant levels and consequently protect bone marrow cells from PAC genotoxicity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:370‐377, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21499
The relationship of flow velocities to vessel diameters differs between extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries of stroke patients
Authors: Owolabi Mayowa O. , Agunloye Atinuke M. , Ogunniyi Adesola 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundChronic changes in flow rate through arteries produce adjustment of arterial diameters. We compared the relationship between flow velocity and diameter in the carotid and in the vertebral arteries of stroke patients.MethodsUsing triplex ultrasonography, the internal diameter and flow velocities of the common carotid, internal carotid, and vertebral arteries of 176 consecutive stroke patients were measured. Correlations were examined with Pearson's statistics at an alpha level of 0.05.ResultsMean age of the patients was 59.3 ± 12 years, and 66% had cerebral infarcts. Diameter and blood flow velocities showed significant negative correlations (−0.115 ≥ r ≥ −0.382) in the carotid arteries on both sides, but positive correlations (0.211 ≤ r ≤ 0.320) in the vertebral arteries, even after controlling for age, gender, and blood pressure.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated different diameter/flow relationships in the carotid and the vertebral arteries of stroke patients, which may suggest pathologic changes in the adaptive processes governing vessel diameter and growth, especially in the carotid arteries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:16–23, 2014
The early Martian atmosphere: Investigating the role of the dust cycle in the possible maintenance of two stable climate states
Authors: Kahre Melinda A. , Vines Sarah K. , Haberle Robert M. , Hollingsworth Jeffery L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractC. Leovy (personal communication, 2007) speculated that two stable climate states on early Mars could have resulted from interactions between the dust and CO2 cycles. In one state, a highly active dust cycle would prevent atmospheric collapse, and in the second, the collapsed atmosphere would not maintain an active dust cycle. An initial assessment of this idea is presented based on a Mars general circulation model parameter study. A range of global dust loadings, CO2 ice albedos, and obliquities are investigated to explore conditions in which increasing the atmospheric dust content stabilizes an otherwise unstable atmosphere. We find that dust only stabilizes the atmosphere at high obliquity and when the CO2 ice albedo is high. Although results suggest that two stable states could have existed on early Mars under limited conditions, further work is needed to know if the conditions necessary are physically plausible.
Deltaic deposits at Aeolis Dorsa: Sedimentary evidence for a standing body of water on the northern plains of Mars
Authors: DiBiase Roman A. , Limaye Ajay B. , Scheingross Joel S. , Fischer Woodward W. , Lamb Michael P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA fundamental long‐standing question regarding Mars history is whether the flat and low‐lying northern plains ever hosted an ocean. The best opportunity to solve this problem is provided by stratigraphic observations of sedimentary deposits onlapping the crustal dichotomy. Here, we use high‐resolution imagery and topography to analyze a branching network of inverted channel and channel lobe deposits in the Aeolis Dorsa region, just north of the dichotomy boundary. Observations of stacked, cross‐cutting channel bodies and stratal geometries indicate that these landforms represent exhumed distributary channel deposits. Observations of depositional trunk feeder channel bodies, a lack of evidence for past topographic confinement, channel avulsions at similar elevations, and the presence of a strong break in dip slope between topset and foreset beds suggest that this distributary system was most likely a delta, rather than an alluvial fan or submarine fan. Sediment transport calculations using both measured and derived channel geometries indicate a minimum delta deposition time on the order of 400 years. The location of this delta within a thick and widespread clastic wedge abutting the crustal dichotomy boundary, unconfined by any observable craters, suggests a standing body of water potentially 105 km2in extent or greater and is spatially consistent with hypotheses for a northern ocean.
Liver lesion detection and characterization: Role of diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Galea Nicola , Cantisani Vito , Taouli Bachir 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) plays an emerging role for the assessment of focal and diffuse liver diseases. This growing interest is due to that fact that DWI is a noncontrast technique with inherent high contrast resolution, with promising results for detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. Recent advances in diffusion image quality have also added interest to this technique in the abdomen. The purpose of this review is to describe the current clinical roles of DWI for the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions, and to review pitfalls, limitations, and future directions of DWI for assessment of focal liver disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1260–1276. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study on modulation dynamic characteristics of laser diodes using RZ and NRZ bit formats
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Mahmoud Safwat W. Z. , Mahmoud Alaa A. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYA comprehensive study on semiconductor laser characteristics under gigabit‐per‐second digital modulation is presented. Comparison of the modulation characteristics under both formats of the return to zero (RZ) and non‐return to zero (NRZ) bit formats is introduced. The modulation characteristics include the eye diagram, turn‐on jitter (TOJ) and frequency chirp. The study elucidates how the laser modulation performance changes with variation of the modulation bit rate relative to the maximum bit rate and the setting bit rate of the relaxation oscillations. The relative contributions of the intrinsic noise of the laser and the pseudorandom bit‐pattern effect to the modulation characteristics are differentiated. The results showed that when the bit rate is higher than the setting bit rate, the eye diagram is partially closed and becomes completely closed when the bit rate increases beyond the maximum bit rate. When the bit rate is higher than 2.25 Gbps, the TOJ values under NRZ modulation are smaller than those under RZ modulation near the threshold level. Under both RZ and NRZ formats, chirp increases with the bit rate with the chirp under the RZ format being higher than that under the NRZ format. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between membrane damage, leakage of intracellular compounds, and inactivation of Escherichia coli treated by pressurized CO2
Authors: Yao Chunyan , Li Xiaodong , Bi Weiwei , Jiang Chen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe relationship between membrane damage, leakage of intracellular compounds, and inactivation of Escherichia coli treated by pressurized CO2 was investigated by assessing the inactivation, bacterial cell membrane permeability, the leakage of protein, nucleic acid, and K+ and Mg2+ of E. coli. The results indicated that pressurized CO2 treatment induced the leakage of protein in E. coli, but the time of leakage was lagged behind the time of 99% E. coli inactivation, so it was only the secondary phenomenon of inactivation. The inactivation of E. coli was related to the leakage of nucleic acid, K+, Mg2+ induced by the pressurized CO2 treatment. There was direct relationship between the inactivation of E. coli and the damaging effect of pressurized CO2 treatment on the cell membrane of E. coli.
Safety of intra‐operative vasopressor in free jejunal flap reconstruction
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Chow Velda Ling Yu , Liu Lawrence Hin Lun 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundMicrovascular surgeons always hold strong belief against the use of vasopressors during free flap surgery. Our aim is to study the safety of intra‐operative vasopressors on free jejunal flap reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing free jejunal flap reconstruction, aiming at investigating the intra‐operative use of vasopressors and the potential complications associated.ResultsBetween 1984 and 2012, 110 free jejunal flaps were performed for reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects created after resection of cancers of the hypopharynx. Intra‐operative vasopressor was given in 81 (73.6%) patients. The most common vasopressors used were ephedrine (42.7%), phenylephrine (14.5%) or both (42.8%). They were administered to the patients before the start of flap harvesting (n = 32, 29.1%), during the flap harvesting (n = 30, 27.3%), during microvascular anastomosis (n = 20, 18.2%), or they were given more than once during the whole operation (n = 28, 25.4%). The incidence of intra‐operative re‐anastomosis due to thrombosis was 4.5% and the post‐operative flap failure rate was 5.4%. There was no significant relationship between the administration of vasopressor during surgery and the need for intra‐operative re‐anastomosis, post‐operative flap failure and the timing of flap failure. Similarly, there was also no relationship between the timing of vasopressor administration and the above variables. The long‐term stricture rate was 2.7%, the risk of which was not increased by the intra‐operative use of vasopressors.ConclusionThe intra‐operative use of vasopressors is safe in free jejunal flap reconstruction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:358–361, 2013.
The egg. The inside story of a cell
Authors: Monti Manuela , Redi Carloalberto 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThe egg, a fantastic little laboratory of molecular biology, has played a crucial role in redefining modern biology by moving it from the description of living things to the synthesis of living things (synthetic biology). Over the centuries, many hypotheses have been advanced concerning the egg's role in reproduction—from the preformation theory until von Baer's discovery to the present, with the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine celebrating the egg as a totipotent stem cell able to reprogram fully differentiated somatic nuclei. The molecular dissection of its cytoplasmic components makes the egg an ideal bioreactor for several biotechnological applications, including pharmacological and food production sciences. In addition to its ubiquitous contribution to the worldwide diet, the egg, a powerful symbol, pervades philosophy, art, religion, and idiomatic expressions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80:691–697, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Development and Evaluation of a Vocational Rehabilitation Training Programme for Rheumatology Occupational Therapists
Authors: O'Brien Rachel , Woodbridge Sarah , Hammond Alison , Adkin Julie , Culley June 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPeople with inflammatory arthritis rapidly develop work disability, yet there is limited provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in rheumatology departments. As part of a randomized, controlled trial, ten occupational therapists (OTs) were surveyed to identify their current VR provision and training needs. As a result, a VR training course for OTs was developed which included both taught and self‐directed learning. The course included: employment and health and safety legislation, work assessment and practical application of ergonomic principles at work.Pre‐, immediately post‐ and two months post‐training, the ten OTs completed a questionnaire about their VR knowledge and confidence On completion, they reported a significant increase (p < 0.01)in their knowledge and confidence when delivering vocational rehabilitation. They rated the course as very or extremely relevant, although seven recommended more practical sessions. The preference for practical sessions was highlighted, in that the aspects they felt most beneficial were role‐playing assessments and sharing ideas through discussion and presentations.In conclusion, the course was considered effective in increasing both knowledge and confidence in using VR as an intervention, but, due to time constraints within the working day, some of the self‐directed learning should be incorporated into the training days. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep apnea modifies the long‐term impact of surgically induced weight loss on cardiac function and inflammation
Authors: Kardassis Dimitris , Grote Ludger , Sjöström Lars , Hedner Jan , Karason Kristjan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjective:Obesity is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both conditions are proinflammatory and proposed to deteriorate cardiac function. We used a nested cohort study design to evaluate the long‐term impact of bariatric surgery on OSA and how weight loss and OSA relate to inflammation and cardiac performance.Design and Methods:At 10‐year follow‐up in the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, we identified 19 obese subjects (BMI 31.2 ± 5.3 kg m−2), who following bariatric surgery at SOS‐baseline had displayed sustained weight losses (surgery group), and 20 obese controls (BMI 42.0 ± 6.2 kg m−2), who during the same time‐period had maintained stable weight (control group). All study participants underwent overnight polysomnography examination, echocardiography and analysis of inflammatory markers.Results:The surgery group displayed a lower apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (19.9 ± 21.5 vs. 37.8 ± 27.7 n/h, P = 0.013), lower inflammatory activity (hsCRP 2.3 ± 3.0 vs. 7.2 ± 5.0 mg L−1, P < 0.001), reduced left ventricular mass (165 ± 22 vs. 207 ± 22 g, P < 0.001) and superior left ventricular diastolic function (E/A ratio 1.24 ± 1.10 vs. 1.05 ± 0.20, P = 0.006) as compared with weight stable obese controls. In multiple regression analyses including all subjects (n = 39) and controlling for BMI, the AHI remained independently associated with hsCRP (β = 0.09, P < 0.001), TNF‐α (β = 0.03, P = 0.031), IL‐6 (β = 0.01, P = 0.007), IL 10 (β = −0.06; P = 0.018), left ventricular mass (β = 0.64, P < 0.001), left atrial area (β = 0.08, P = 0.002), pulmonary artery pressure (β = 0.08, P = 0.011) and E/Ea ratio (β = 0.04, P = 0.021).Conclusions:Patients with sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery display less severe sleep apnea, reduced inflammatory activity, and enhanced cardiac function. Persisting sleep apnea appears to limit the beneficial effect of weight loss on inflammation and cardiac performance.
SNP‐based non‐invasive prenatal testing detects sex chromosome aneuploidies with high accuracy
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse Carole , Banjevic Milena , Ryan Allison , Sigurjonsson Styrmir , Zimmermann Bernhard , Hill Matthew , Hall Megan P. , Westemeyer Margaret , Saucier Jennifer , Demko Zachary , Rabinowitz Matthew 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based and informatics‐based non‐invasive prenatal test that detects sex chromosome aneuploidies early in pregnancy.MethodsSixteen aneuploid samples, including thirteen 45,X, two 47,XXY, and one 47,XYY, along with 185 euploid controls, were analyzed. Cell‐free DNA was isolated from maternal plasma, amplified in a single multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that targeted 19 488 polymorphic loci covering chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, and sequenced. Sequencing results were analyzed using a Bayesian‐based maximum likelihood statistical method to determine copy number of interrogated chromosomes, calculating sample‐specific accuracies.ResultsOf the samples that passed a stringent quality control metric (93%), the algorithm correctly identified copy number at all five chromosomes in all but one of the 187 samples, for 934/935 correct calls as early as 9.4 weeks of gestation. We detected 45,X with 91.7% sensitivity (CI: 61.5–99.8%) and 100% specificity (CI: 97.9–100%), and 47,XXY and 47,XYY. The average calculated accuracy was 99.78%.ConclusionThis method non‐invasively detected 45,X, 47,XXY, and 47,XYY fetuses from cell‐free DNA isolated from maternal plasma with high calculated accuracies and thus offers a non‐invasive method with the potential to function as a routine screen allowing for early prenatal detection of rarely diagnosed yet commonly occurring sex aneuploidies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pragmatic estimates of the proportion of pediatric inpatients exposed to specific medications in the USA
Authors: Feudtner Chris , Dai Dingwei , Faerber Jennifer , Metjian Talene A. , Luan Xianqun 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeTo provide pragmatic national estimates of the proportion of hospitalized pediatric patients exposed to specific drugs in the USA.MethodsWe used Premier Perspective Database and the Pediatric Health Information System data including specific drug exposures of 1.15 million inpatients <18 years old in 411 general and 52 children's hospitals throughout the USA in 2006, extrapolating this information into the probability‐based Kids' Inpatient Database, which has demographic and clinical characteristics but no drug exposure data. We used a multivariable stratified resampling (MSR) technique to estimate the proportion of drug exposure for the 700 most commonly used drugs and performed additional stability and sensitivity analyses for 19 drugs.ResultsThe estimated proportion of pediatric inpatients exposed to specific drugs in 2006 ranged from high levels such as that of acetaminophen (17.36; 95%CI: 17.32, 17.41) to rare exposures such as bosentan (0.0018; 95%CI: 0.0013, 0.0023). Additional analyses for 19 drugs revealed that the MSR estimates were close to estimates generated by multivariable multiple imputation, with a maximum absolute difference of 0.03 for acetaminophen (17.36 vs. 17.33) and famotidine (1.90 vs. 1.93), and that even with 50% of the hospitals removed at random, the proportion estimates did not vary by more than 2.5‐fold at the upper 97.5 percentile.ConclusionsThese pragmatic national estimates of the proportion of pediatric inpatient drug exposures, generated using an MSR technique, provide a context for interpretation of drug‐related adverse event reports and prioritization of pediatric pharmacology research. © 2013 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Nordic prescription databases as a resource for pharmacoepidemiological research—a literature review
Authors: Wettermark B , Zoëga H , Furu K , Korhonen M , Hallas J , Nørgaard M , Almarsdottir AB , Andersen M , Andersson Sundell K , Bergman U , Helin‐Salmivaara A , Hoffmann M , Kieler H , Martikainen JE , Mortensen M , Petzold M , Wallach‐Kildemoes H , Wallin C , Sørensen HT 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeAll five Nordic countries have nationwide prescription databases covering all dispensed drugs, with potential for linkage to outcomes. The aim of this review is to present an overview of therapeutic areas studied and methods applied in pharmacoepidemiologic studies using data from these databases.MethodsThe study consists of a Medline‐based structured literature review of scientific papers published during 2005–2010 using data from the prescription databases in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, covering 25 million inhabitants. Relevant studies were analyzed in terms of pharmacological group, study population, outcomes examined, type of study (drug utilization vs. effect of drug therapy), country of origin, and extent of cross‐national collaboration.ResultsA total of 515 studies were identified. Of these, 262 were conducted in Denmark, 97 in Finland, 4 in Iceland, 87 in Norway, and 61 in Sweden. Four studies used data from more than one Nordic country. The most commonly studied drugs were those acting on the nervous system, followed by cardiovascular drugs and gastrointestinal/endocrine drugs. A total of 228 studies examined drug utilization and 263 focused on the effects and safety of drug therapy. Pregnant women were the most commonly studied population in safety studies, whereas prescribers' adherence to guidelines was the most frequent topic of drug utilization studies.ConclusionsThe Nordic prescription databases, with their possibility of record‐linkage, represent an outstanding resource for assessing the beneficial and adverse effects of drug use in large populations, under routine care conditions, and with the potential for long‐term follow‐up. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BoS costs: status and optimization to reach industrial grid parity
Authors: Ringbeck Stefan , Sutterlueti Juergen 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIt is essential to have a complete system overview to optimize photovoltaic (PV) power plants and minimize balance of system (BoS) costs. The described approach leads to a competitive system solution with lower levelized cost of energy (LCoE). Recently, BoS costs have become more important due to rapidly decreasing PV module prices. Improvements for mechanical and electrical BoS costs are validated and benchmarked for PV technologies on a (sub) system level. An example of 30% BoS cost reduction for TF‐Si based on a low voltage design, TL inverter, and a new module mounting interface is investigated among others. The BoS cost fractions are expected to fall to 55% (TF‐Si) and 60% (c‐Si) for ground mounted systems between 2010 and 2016 (including efficiency increase). The annual reduction of BoS costs is expected to be in the range of 8–9.5%. System costs for ground mounted system and commercial roof top plants in Europe and Asia are discussed. In Europe, the system costs dropped from 2.35€/Wp in 2010 to 1.00€/Wp in 2016. LCoE reductions based on sub‐BoS optimizations are investigated. Industrial grid parity is expected in 2012 in Italy (with system costs of 1.34€/Wp) and 2016 for Germany (system cost 1.07€/Wp). BoS costs reductions needed for an LCoE of 0.084€/kWh (25% below industrial electricity cost, 2016) and the gas parity level (0.064 €/kWh in 2016) are explored. Evolutionary and revolutionary BoS approaches and cost reductions are discussed to meet these targets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐efficiency microcrystalline silicon single‐junction solar cells
Authors: Hänni Simon , Bugnon Grégory , Parascandolo Gaetano , Boccard Mathieu , Escarré Jordi , Despeisse Matthieu , Meillaud Fanny , Ballif Christophe 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis short communication highlights our latest results towards high‐efficiency microcrystalline silicon single‐junction solar cells. By combining adequate cell design with high‐quality material, a new world record efficiency was achieved for single‐junction microcrystalline silicon solar cell, with a conversion efficiency of 10.69%, independently confirmed at ISE CalLab PV Cells. Such significant conversion efficiency could be achieved with only 1.8 µm of Si. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.