bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wnt drives stem cell-mediated repair response after hepatic injury
Authors: Nejak-Bowen Kari N. , Monga Satdarshan P.S. 
Published: June 2013

Huch M, Dorrell C, Boj SF, van Es JH, Li VS, van de Wetering M, et al. In vitro expansion of single Lgr5+ liver stem cells induced by Wnt-driven regeneration. Nature 2013;494:247-250. (Reprinted with permission.)

Abstract

The Wnt target gene Lgr5 (leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5) marks actively dividing stem cells in Wnt-driven, self-renewing tissues such as small intestine and colon, stomach and hair follicles. A three-dimensional culture system allows long-term clonal expansion of single Lgr5+ stem cells into transplantable organoids (budding cysts) that retain many characteristics of the original epithelial architecture. A crucial component of the culture medium is the Wnt agonist RSPO1, the recently discovered ligand of LGR5. Here we show that Lgr5-lacZ is not expressed in healthy adult liver, however, small Lgr5-LacZ+ cells appear near bile ducts upon damage, coinciding with robust activation of Wnt signalling. As shown by mouse lineage tracing using a new Lgr5-IRES-creERT2 knock-in allele, damage-induced Lgr5+ cells generate hepatocytes and bile ducts in vivo. Single Lgr5+ cells from damaged mouse liver can be clonally expanded as organoids in Rspo1-based culture medium over several months. Such clonal organoids can be induced to differentiate in vitro and to generate functional hepatocytes upon transplantation into Fah−/− mice. These findings indicate that previous observations concerning Lgr5+ stem cells in actively self-renewing tissues can also be extended to damage-induced stem cells in a tissue with a low rate of spontaneous proliferation.
The establishment and expansion of an innovative centre for rational pharmacotherapy—determinants and challenges
Authors: Kardakis Therese , Tomson Göran , Wettermark Björn , Brommels Mats , Godman Brian , Bastholm‐Rahmner Pia 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe regional Board of Health in Stockholm, Sweden, established the Pharmacotherapy Centre (PTC) to enhance the rational use of medicines. The PTC initiated computerised decision support systems and developed a range of electronic service products to sustain rational prescribing. However, knowledge about which determinants have supported or hindered the sustainability of this type of healthcare organisation is limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify and explore determinants that support or challenge the development and sustainability of the PTC organisation, as well as investigate the key elements of their implementation efforts.MethodsAn in‐depth interview study among key informants involved in the establishment of the PTC organisation was conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFindings suggest that determinants enabling the development and expansion of this organisation include the presence of innovative characteristics among the PTC leadership and the ability of leaders to nurture visionary innovation in others, as well as the instigation of informal social networks and to identify end‐user needs. Challenges included an ambiguous relationship to the pharmaceutical industry, an underestimation of the innovation‐system fit and to undertake systematic evaluation of created impact by the organisation. Although prescriber use of electronic service products and adherence to an essential drug list increased over time, it remains difficult to identify methods required for demonstrating patient effects.ConclusionWhereas some determinants enabled the successful expansion of the PTC organisation, others served to substantially hinder it. The determinants identified can pave the way for systematic investigations into organisational change and development research in the pharmaceutical field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE PREDICTABILITY OF AGGREGATE CONSUMPTION GROWTH IN OECD COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Everaert Gerdie , Pozzi Lorenzo 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYWe examine aggregate consumption growth predictability. We derive a dynamic consumption equation which encompasses relevant predictability factors: habit formation, intertemporal substitution, current income consumption and non‐separabilities between private consumption and both hours worked and government consumption. We estimate this equation for a panel of 15 OECD countries over the period 1972–2007, taking into account parameter heterogeneity, endogeneity and error cross‐sectional dependence using a GMM version of the common correlated effects mean group estimator. Small‐sample properties are demonstrated using Monte Carlo simulations. The estimation results support income growth as the only variable with significant predictive power for aggregate consumption growth. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane microreactors for catalytic reactions
Authors: Tan Xiaoyao , Li K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMembrane microreactors (MMRs) combine the advantages of membrane separation and microreactors such as high area/volume ratio, enhanced mass and/or heat transfer, improved catalytic efficiency without equilibrium limitation, good operational safety and design flexibility. This article presents a short review of recent developments in MMRs and in particular highlights their applications in catalytic processing. The structure and fabrication of MMRs, the incorporation of catalysts with membranes, the flow characteristics as well as their applications in a variety of catalytic processes are presented. The prospects and challenges of MMRs in catalytic processing are also presented and discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Vertical structure of ice cloud layers from CloudSat and CALIPSO measurements and comparison to NICAM simulations
Authors: Ham Seung‐Hee , Sohn Byung‐Ju , Kato Seiji , Satoh Masaki 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe shape of the vertical profile of ice cloud layers is examined using 4 months of CloudSat and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) global measurements taken on January, April, July, and October 2007. Ice clouds are selected using temperature profiles when the cloud base is located above the 253 K temperature level. The obtained ice water content (IWC), effective radius, or extinction coefficient profiles are normalized by their layer mean values and are expressed in the normalized vertical coordinate, which is defined as 0 and 1 at the cloud base and top heights, respectively. Both CloudSat and CALIPSO observations show that the maximum in the IWC and extinction profiles shifts toward the cloud bottom, as the cloud depth increases. In addition, clouds with a base reaching the surface in a high‐latitude region show that the maximum peak of the IWC and extinction profiles occurs near the surface, which is presumably due to snow precipitation. CloudSat measurements show that the seasonal difference in normalized cloud vertical profiles is not significant, whereas the normalized cloud vertical profile significantly varies depending on the cloud type and the presence of precipitation. It is further examined if the 7 day Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) simulation results from 25 December 2006 to 1 January 2007 generate similar cloud profile shapes. NICAM IWC profiles also show maximum peaks near the cloud bottom for thick cloud layers and maximum peaks at the cloud bottom for low‐level clouds near the surface. It is inferred that oversized snow particles in the NICAM cloud scheme produce a more vertically inhomogeneous IWC profile than observations due to quick sedimentation.
Experimental evaluation and prediction of forming limit of FSW blanks made of AA 6061 T6 sheets at different weld orientations and weld locations
Authors: Ramulu P. J. , Narayanan R. G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe main objective of the present work is to predict the forming limit of friction stir welded (FSW) sheets made of AA 6061T6, having different weld orientations, weld locations, and made at two different welding speeds. The predicted forming limit curves (FLCs) are validated with experimental FLCs. The thickness gradient based necking criterion (TGNC) and major strain‐rate ratio based necking criterion (MSRC) are used to predict the forming limit. The significance of single zone model and double zone model in FLC prediction is discussed. A decrease in hardness is witnessed in the weld zone as compared to base material. With increase in shoulder diameter and decrease in rotational speed, hardness has improved in the weld zone. The forming limit predictions of un‐welded sheets and FSW sheets coincide well with experimental results. The predicted FLCs of FSW sheets from TGNC and MSRC are equally accurate as compared to experimental FLCs in all the weld locations. Both TGNC and MSRC predict almost the same forming limit in 90° weld orientation, while TGNC showed better prediction in 45° weld orientation. FSW sheets with double zone models show better prediction accuracy than single zone models in most of the cases, except in the case of weld at centre location and at longitudinal orientation. There is only slight deviation between single zone and double zone model predictions. The failure location and failure pattern predictions are also agreeing well with the experimental FLCs.
Approach to determine stress strain curves by FEM supported nanoindentation
Authors: Bobzin K. , Bagcivan N. , Theiß S. , Brugnara R. , Perne J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNanoindentation is an often used method to characterize the hardness and the elastic modulus of thin coatings. Finding a method to determine the flow curve of thin coatings using analytical or numerical methods is one goal of actual nanoindenter research. In this work an approach is presented to determine the flow curve of materials using nanoindentation and finite element simulation (FEM). This method uses a FEM model of the indentation process. The determination of the flow curve is achieved by iteratively comparing experimental and simulated load‐displacement curves and adapting the modelled plastic behaviour until both curves match. Analytical methods are used to determine boundary conditions for the flow curve and therefore reduce the number of possible solutions. The method is validated on material samples with known flow curves. The forecasted flow curves uniformly show good agreement with experimental measured flow curves. A critical discussion of the results and the future prospects is made.
Predictive factors of outcome in primary cervical dystonia following pallidal deep brain stimulation
Authors: Witt Jennifer L. , Moro Elena , Ash Rima S. , Hamani Clement , Starr Philip A. , Lozano Andres M. , Hodaie Mojgan , Poon Yu‐Yan , Markun Leslie C. , Ostrem Jill L. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundImprovement after bilateral globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation (DBS) in primary generalized dystonia has been negatively associated with disease duration and age, but no predictive factors have been identified in primary cervical dystonia (CD).MethodsPatients treated with bilateral globus pallidus internus DBS for primary CD from 2 DBS centers with preoperative and postoperative Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scales (TWSTRS) were studied retrospectively to explore possible predictors of response.ResultsPatients showed significantly improved TWSTRS total and severity scores (n = 28, mean 55.6% and 50.8%, respectively, both P < .001). Patients with lateral shift at baseline had less improvement in TWSTRS severity subscores (P = .02). No correlations between outcomes and disease duration, age at dystonia onset or surgery, baseline scores, or other included variables were found.ConclusionsAlthough this is the largest study supporting efficacy of bilateral pallidal DBS in primary CD, no major clinical predictive outcomes of surgical benefit were identified. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Circulating cortisol‐associated signature of glucocorticoid‐related gene expression in subcutaneous fat of obese subjects
Authors: Pavlatou Maria G. , Vickers Kasey C. , Varma Sudhir , Malek Rana , Sampson Maureen , Remaley Alan T. , Gold Philip W. , Skarulis Monica C. , Kino Tomoshige 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Serum cortisol concentrations fluctuate in a circadian fashion, and glucocorticoids exert strong effects on adipose tissue and induce obesity through the glucocorticoid receptor.Design and Methods:To examine the impact of physiologic levels of circulating cortisol on subcutaneous adipose tissue, 25 overweight and obese subjects were employed, and their serum levels of morning (AM) and evening (PM) cortisol, AM/PM cortisol ratios, and 24‐h urinary‐free cortisol (UFC) were compared with their clinical parameters, serum cytokine levels, and mRNA expression of 93 receptor action‐regulating and 93 glucocorticoid‐responsive genes in abdominal subcutaneous fat.Results and Conclusions:AM cortisol levels did not correlate with mRNA expression of the all genes examined, whereas PM cortisol levels, AM/PM cortisol ratios, and 24‐h UFC were associated with distinct sets of these genes. Body mass index did not significantly correlate with the four cortisol parameters employed. These results suggest that physiologic levels of AM serum cortisol do not solely represent biological effects of circulating cortisol on the expression of glucocorticoid‐related genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, whereas PM levels, amplitude, and net amounts of the diurnally fluctuating serum cortisol have distinct effects. Through the genes identified in this study, glucocorticoids appear to influence intermediary metabolism, energy balance, inflammation, and local circadian rythmicity in subcutaneous fat. Our results may also explain in part the development of metabolic abnormality and obesity in subjects under stress or patients with melancholic/atypical depression who demonstrate elevated levels of PM serum cortisol.
Binge eating behavior among a national sample of overweight and obese veterans
Authors: Higgins Diana M. , Dorflinger Lindsey , MacGregor Kristin L. , Heapy Alicia A. , Goulet Joseph L. , Ruser Christopher 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the US military veterans, binge eating has not been examined in this population.Design and Methods:Using a secondary data analysis approach, the prevalence and correlates of self‐reported binge eating among 45,477 overweight or obese veterans receiving care in Veterans Health Administration facilities were examined. Participants completed a 23‐item survey that assessed demographics, weight history, physical and mental health comorbidities, and eating habits during routine medical clinic visits. χ2 and logistic regression were used to examine the relationships among binge eating and demographic variables and medical and psychiatric comorbidities.Results:Nearly, three‐quarters of the sample reported clinically meaningful binge eating (i.e., two or more times per week). Binge‐eaters were more likely to report higher body mass index, depression, anxiety, and type 2 diabetes (P <0.0001). After controlling for potentially confounding variables, male veterans were significantly more likely to report clinically meaningful binge eating than female veterans (P < 0.001).Conclusion:These results have important implications for modifying weight management programs and highlight the need for the assessment and treatment to address binge eating, particularly among men and patients with type 2 diabetes.
A clinical model of obesity treatment is more effective in preschoolers and Spanish speaking families
Authors: Haemer Matthew A. , Ranade Daksha , Barón Anna E. , Krebs Nancy F. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Preschool and minority children have not been well represented in obesity treatment studies. This analysis of clinical obesity treatment was carried out within a diverse population of children 2‐12 years to identify demographic characteristics associated with successful treatment.Design and Methods:A medical record review captured BMI and demographics for children 2‐12 years who began treatment during a 42‐month period (n = 479). Associations of body mass index z‐score (BMI‐Z) change with child and family demographics were examined with logistic regression and time‐to‐event analysis.Results:Treatment led to a mean BMI‐Z decrease of 0.18. Half of children with follow‐up (n = 273) exceeded the a priori cut‐off for successful treatment of −0.1 BMI‐Z. Preschoolers and children of Spanish‐speakers were more likely to succeed, (Adjusted OR: 5.8 [95% CI: 2.7‐12.2] and 2.3 [95% CI: 1.1, 4.9]). The hazard ratio for treatment failure was 3.7 [95% CI: 2.1, 6.8] for children starting treatment at 6‐12 years compared to preschoolers, adjusted for other demographics.Conclusions:This mode of treatment was more likely to succeed among children treated before school age and among children whose parents spoke only Spanish. Screening and treatment for obesity in preschoolers and Hispanic immigrant families deserve further prospective study.
Amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein (AF‐GFAP), a biomarker of open neural tube defects
Authors: Lopez Jonathan , Mikaelian Ivan , Gonzalo Philippe 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveNeural tube defects (NTDs) are usually identified by ultrasonography and confirmed by alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) assay and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) electrophoresis in amniotic fluid. Yet, both of these biomarkers can be found positive in other etiologies. Here, amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein (AF‐GFAP), which was identified by a proteomic study, is shown to be a useful biomarker for NTD diagnosis.MethodAmniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein was measured by an ELISA assay in 138 cases of NTDs. Seventy samples from normal pregnancies used as controls and 27 samples giving false positive or false negative results either for AchE or AFP and corresponding to fetal death (n = 8), gastroschisis (n = 8), and unexplained etiologies (n = 11) were also tested.ResultsWhatever the gestational age, GFAP was below 0.2 ng/mL in control samples, whereas 99.1% of open NTDs (29/29 in the anterior NTD group and 80/81 in the spina bifida group) were above this threshold. Closed NTDs were all negative (28/28). None of the other samples tested were positive, except in case of fetal death (8/8).ConclusionsAmniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein is a sensitive biomarker for open NTD diagnosis with a good negative predictive value for closed NTD. Compared with AFP and AchE, our results indicate that AF‐GFAP alone is more efficient than this classical association. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea
Authors: Cho Juhee , Choi Eun‐kyung , Kim So Young , Shin Dong Wook , Cho Be‐Long , Kim Chang‐hoon , Koh Dai Ha , Guallar Eliseo , Bardwell Wayne A. , Park Jong Hyock 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveCancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer patients.MethodsAs a part of the Korean government's program to develop comprehensive supportive care, we conducted a nationwide survey in 2010 at the National Cancer Center and in nine regional cancer centers across Korea. Cancer stigma was assessed by using a set of 12 questions grouped in three domains—impossibility of recovery, stereotypes of cancer patients, and experience of social discrimination. Depression was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsA total of 466 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 30% of the cancer survivors had negative attitudes toward cancer and held stereotypical views of themselves: about 10% of the participants experienced social discrimination due to cancer, and 24.5% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Patients who had or experienced cancer stigma were 2.5 times more likely to have depression than patients with positive attitudes.ConclusionsRegardless of highly developed medical science and increased survivorship, cancer survivors had cancer stigmas, and it was significantly associated with depression.ImpactOur findings emphasize the need for medical societies and health professionals to pay more attention to cancer stigma that patients are likely to experience during treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young people describe their prediagnosis cancer experience
Authors: Gibson Faith , Pearce Susie , Eden Tim , Glaser Adam , Hooker Louise , Whelan Jeremy , Kelly Daniel 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveYoung people often report a protracted journey to diagnosis and frequently report perceived delays. This study was undertaken to increase understanding of the self‐reported prediagnosis experiences in young people with a non‐haematological cancer, as close as possible to the time of diagnosis.MethodsNarrative interviews were conducted with 24 young people aged 16–24, 2–4 months from the diagnosis of a solid tumour. Data were analysed to identify whether prediagnosis narratives could be classified according to shared characteristics (typologies) to identify broader contextual issues concerning cancer, and cancer risk perceptions, in this age group. Case notes were also accessed to contextualize and confirm accounts.ResultsThe main themes, which included a group narrative concerning perspectives of delay, included the impact on an individual's everyday life by symptoms; the role that significant others in young peoples' lives played in the interpretation of symptom significance; the negotiation of entry into, and experiences of, generalist health care; entry into specialist care; and the threshold points that exemplified when events shifted and a diagnosis was eventually obtained.ConclusionsThe narratives reveal complex, and multidimensional explanations for delay with individual and contextual factors contributing. Insights were gained into preventable diagnostic delay; including investigations having been instigated, but not followed up. Each narrative also offered significant insights into how cancer symptoms should be considered within the context of young peoples' lives. This would help prevent signs and symptoms in this age group failing to trigger suspicion and not being treated seriously. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution photoemission comparison study of interface formation between MgO and the atomically clean and Se‐passivated Ge(100) surfaces
Authors: Chellappan Rajesh Kumar , Hughes Greg 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe interface formation between MgO dielectric layers and the atomically clean and selenium‐passivated Ge(100) surfaces has been studied using high‐resolution synchrotron radiation based photoemission spectroscopy. Atomically clean germanium was prepared by argon ion bombardment and sub‐ sequent annealing at 550 °C. MgO deposition on this surface resulted in interface oxide formation whereas no oxidation states were observed for a selenium‐treated germanium surface indicating the effectiveness of this interlayer at producing an abrupt MgO/Ge(100) interface. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)