bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene Transfer in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Using Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Virus
Authors: Gruntman Alisha M. , Bish Lawrence T. , Mueller Christian , Sweeney H. Lee , Flotte Terence R. , Gao Guangping 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) is a DNA virus with a small (∼4.7 kb) single‐stranded genome. It is a naturally replication‐defective parvovirus of the dependovirus group. Recombinant AAV (rAAV), for use as a gene transfer vector, is created by replacing the viral rep and cap genes with the transgene of interest along with promoter and polyadenylation sequences. Only the viral inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are required in cis for replication and packaging during production. The ITRs are also necessary and sufficient for vector genome processing and persistence during transduction. The tissue tropism of the rAAV vector is determined by the AAV capsid. In this unit we will discuss several methods to deliver rAAV in order to transduce cardiac and/or skeletal muscle, including intravenous delivery, intramuscular delivery, isolated limb infusion, intrapericardial injection in neonatal mice, and left ventricular wall injection in adult rats. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 28:14D.3.1‐14D.3.19. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human Immunodeficiency Viruses: Propagation, Quantification, and Storage
Authors: Peters Paul J. , Richards Kathryn , Clapham Paul 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDescribed in this unit are basic protocols frequently used in the research of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs). Provided are methods for propagating and quantifying HIV, as well as recommendations for long‐term storage. Background information about these methods is also provided and includes their advantages, disadvantages, and troubleshooting.Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 28:15J.1.1‐15J.1.24. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultradeep sequencing detects GNAQ and GNA11 mutations in cell‐free DNA from plasma of patients with uveal melanoma
Authors: Metz Claudia H. D. , Scheulen Max , Bornfeld Norbert , Lohmann Dietmar , Zeschnigk Michael 
Published: February 2013

AbstractElevated levels of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) are frequently observed in tumor patients. Activating mutations in exon 4 (R183) and exon 5 (Q209) of GNAQ and GNA11 are almost exclusively found in uveal melanoma, thus providing a highly specific marker for the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). To establish a reliable, noninvasive assay that might allow early detection and monitoring of metastatic disease, we determined the proportion of GNAQ or GNA11 mutant reads in cfDNA of uveal melanoma patients by ultradeep sequencing. Cell‐free DNA from 28 uveal melanoma patients with metastases or extraocular growth was isolated and quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (7–1550 ng DNA/mL plasma). GNAQ and GNA11 regions of interest were amplified in 22 of 28 patients and ultradeep sequencing of amplicons was performed to detect even low proportions of mutant reads. We detected Q209 mutations (2–38% mutant reads) in either GNAQ or GNA11 in the plasma of 9 of 22 metastasized patients. No correlation between the proportion of mutant reads and the concentration of cfDNA could be detected. Among the nine ctDNA‐positive patients, four had metastases in bone, whereas no metastases were detected in the 13 ctDNA‐negative patients at this location (P = 0.025). Furthermore, ctDNA‐positive patients tended to be younger at initial diagnosis and show larger metastases. The results show that ultradeep amplicon sequencing can be used to detect tumor DNA in plasma of metastasized uveal melanoma patients. It remains to be shown if this approach can be used for early detection of disseminated tumor disease.
Intravascular ultrasound analysis of small vessel lesions treated with the sparrow coronary stent system: Results of the CARE II trial
Authors: Kume Teruyoshi , Waseda Katsuhisa , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Yock Paul G. , Botelho Roberto , Verheye Stefan , Whitbourn Robert , Meredith Ian , Worthley Stephen , Hai Koh Tian , Honda Yasuhiro , Abizaid Alexandre , Fitzgerald Peter J. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the Sparrow sirolimus‐eluting stent (Sparrow‐SES) against the Sparrow bare‐metal stent (Sparrow‐BMS) and conventional balloon‐expandable bare‐metal stent (BMS: Driver/Micro‐Driver® stent, Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, CA).BackgroundThe Sparrow® stent (Biosensors International, Singapore) consists of a guide wire‐based, self‐expandable, ultra‐thin nitinol stent. The performance of this device with sirolimus in a fully biodegradable polymer has not been determined.MethodsA total of 74 patients were included in this intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) sub‐study of the CARE II trial, which was a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial in the treatment of single de novo native coronary artery lesions in vessels ranging from 2.0 mm to 2.75 mm in diameter (Sparrow‐SES: n = 31, Sparrow‐BMS: n = 22, BMS: n = 21).ResultsStent volume index (VI) was significantly increased 8‐month later in Sparrow‐SES and Sparrow‐BMS, but not in BMS (4.0±1.0 to 4.6±1.0 mm3/mm, p<0.0001, 4.0±0.6 to 4.4±0.8 mm3/mm, p<0.05, and 5.2±1.0 to 5.1±0.9 mm3/mm, p=0.421, respectively). % neointimal obstruction in Sparrow‐SES was significantly smaller than those in Sparrow‐BMS and BMS at follow‐up (17.6±9.4 vs. 36.2±13.8 and 39.9±11.1%, p<0.001). Sparrow‐SES showed a mean 15% stent expansion and good suppression of neointimal proliferation, resulting in a significantly lower percentage of change in lumen VI during follow‐up period (Sparrow‐SES: −6.2±16.2%, Sparrow‐BMS: −30.4±11.6%, BMS: −40.4±10.0%, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe self‐expanding Sparrow‐SES demonstrated chronic stent expansion, good suppression of neointimal proliferation and resulted in a more preserved lumen in stented small vessels compared with the Sparrow‐BMS and conventional balloon expandable BMS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability in quantitative and qualitative analysis of intravascular ultrasound and frequency domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Abnousi Freddy , Waseda Katsuhisa , Kume Teruyoshi , Otake Hiromasa , Kawarada Osami , Yong Celina M. , Fitzgerald Peter J. , Honda Yasuhiro , Yeung Alan C. , Fearon William F. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundFrequency‐domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT) is an intravascular imaging technique now available in the United States. However, the importance of level of training required for analysis using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and FD‐OCT is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐observer variability between expert and beginner analysts interpreting IVUS and FD‐OCT images.Methods and ResultsTwo independent expert analysts and two independent beginner analysts evaluated a total of 226 ± 2 stent cross‐sections with IVUS and 232 ± 2 stent cross‐sections with FD‐OCT in 14 patients after stenting. Inter‐ and intra‐observer variability for determining stent volume index (VI), as well as identifying incomplete stent apposition and dissection were assessed. The inter‐ and intra‐observer variability of stent VI was minimal for both beginner and expert analysts regardless of imaging technology (random variability: 0.38 vs. 0.05 mm3/mm for IVUS, 0.26 vs. 0.08 mm3/mm for FD‐OCT). Although qualitative IVUS analysis at the patient level revealed no significant difference between beginners and experts, this was not the case for FD‐OCT. The number of overall qualitative findings noted by beginner and expert analysts were more variable (overestimated or underestimated) with FD‐OCT.ConclusionDespite varying levels of training, the increased resolution of FD‐OCT compared to IVUS provides better detection and less variability in quantitative image analysis. On the contrary, this increased resolution not only increases the rate but also the variability of detection of qualitative image analysis, especially for beginner analysts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amplatzer left atrial appendage occlusion: Single center 10‐year experience
Authors: Nietlispach Fabian , Gloekler Steffen , Krause René , Shakir Samera , Schmid Michael , Khattab Ahmed A. , Wenaweser Peter , Windecker Stephan , Meier Bernhard 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo report a 10‐year single center experience with Amplatzer devices for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion.BackgroundIntermediate‐term outcome data following LAA occlusion are scarce.MethodsShort‐ and intermediate‐term outcomes of patients who underwent LAA occlusion were assessed. All procedures were performed under local aesthesia without transesophageal echocardiography. Patients were discharged on acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel for 1–6 months.ResultsLAA occlusion was attempted in 152 patients (105 males, age 72 ± 10 years, CHA2DS2‐Vasc‐score 3.4 ± 1.7, HAS‐BLED‐score 2.4 ± 1.2). Nondedicated devices were used in 32 patients (21%, ND group) and dedicated Amplatzer Cardiac Plugs were used in 120 patients (79%, ACP group). A patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect was used for left atrial access and closed at the end of LAA occlusion in 40 patients. The short‐term safety endpoints (procedural complications, bleeds) occurred in 15 (9.8%) and the efficacy endpoints (death, stroke, systemic embolization) in 0 patients. Device embolization occurred more frequently in the ND as compared to the ACP group (5 patients or 12% vs. 2 patients or 2%). Mean intermediate‐term follow up of the study population was 32 months (range 1–120). Late deaths occurred in 15 patients (5 cardiovascular, 7 noncardiac, 3 unexplained). Neurologic events occurred in 2, peripheral embolism in 1, and major bleeding in 4 patients. The composite efficacy and safety endpoint occurred in 7% and 12% of patients.ConclusionLAA closure may be a good alternative to oral anticoagulation. This hypothesis needs to be tested in a randomized clinical trial to ensure that all potential biases of this observational study are accounted for. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shifting Troubles: Decision‐Making versus Implementation in Participatory Watershed Governance
Authors: Roggero Matteo 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe explore the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive from the point of view of institutional economics, focusing on participation in the introduction of management plans. The design of participatory processes is linked with decision‐making and implementation costs through an analytical model. The model is subsequently applied to qualitative evidence from four different empirical cases. The analysis reveals similarities between widely heterogeneous cases: process design choices seem generally to economize on decision‐making costs. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for policy implementation and future research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Managing Socio‐Ecological Systems to Achieve Sustainability: A Study of Resilience and Robustness
Authors: Domptail Stephanie , Easdale Marcos H. , Yuerlita  
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTGrowing symptoms of the mismanagement of socio‐ecological systems (SESs) show that the long‐term existence of these systems is threatened. SES management improvement is the aim of many policy measures. But how successful are these various simultaneous policy measures in achieving the sustainable management of SESs? A framework for analysing policy measures and the management actions of land users was developed by Leach et al. (2010): the authors postulate that the sustainability of an SES depends on four system properties – stability, resilience, durability and robustness – and that external shocks and stresses affect these properties differently. The aim of this contribution is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the approach by applying it to three case studies, in Namibia, Argentina and Indonesia. We found that (1) more actions were directed towards resilience and robustness than towards command and control, (2) actions directed at stability and durability were generally undertaken at the national level and (3) the introduction of the concept of robustness to illustrate the property of adaptability enables the identification of trade‐offs among properties, but (4) issues of ecological degradation were difficult to address explicitly. We consider that the framework can make a useful contribution to policy making by framing the impact of a given intervention on SESs on the four key system properties. Yet, the framework provides a structure to make ex‐post assessment of SES management or to formulate assumptions about potential synergies/trade‐offs among impacts on system properties. However, we suggest using it as complementary to other policy impact assessment methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Measuring Hedging Effectiveness of Index Futures Contracts: Do Dynamic Models Outperform Static Models? A Regime‐Switching Approach
Authors: Salvador Enrique , Aragó Vicent 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study estimates linear and nonlinear GARCH models to find optimal hedge ratios with futures contracts for some of the main European stock indexes. By introducing nonlinearities through a regime‐switching model, we can obtain more efficient hedge ratios and superior hedging performance in both an in‐sample and an out‐sample analysis compared to the other methodologies (constant hedge ratios and linear GARCH). Moreover, nonlinear models also reflect the different patterns followed by the dynamic relationship between the volatility of spot and futures returns during low‐ and high‐volatility periods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:374–398, 2014
Contemporaneous Spill‐Over Among Equity, Gold, and Exchange Rate Implied Volatility Indices
Authors: Badshah Ihsan Ullah , Frijns Bart , Tourani‐Rad Alireza 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the contemporaneous spill‐over effects among the implied volatility indices for stocks (VIX), gold (GVZ), and the exchange rate (EVZ). Using the “identification through heteroskedasticity” approach of Rigobon (2003), we decompose the contemporaneous relationships between these indices into causal relationships. We find strong unidirectional spill‐over from VIX to GVZ and EVZ (increases in VIX lead to increases in GVZ and EVZ); and bi‐directional spill‐over between GVZ and EVZ. The impulse responses of our structural VAR suggest that the traditional VAR seriously overestimates the impulse responses for GVZ and EVZ. These findings have important implications for portfolio and risk management.
The North Pacific High and wintertime pre‐conditioning of California current productivity
Authors: Schroeder Isaac D. , Black Bryan A. , Sydeman William J. , Bograd Steven J. , Hazen Elliott L. , Santora Jarrod A. , Wells Brian K. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractVariations in large‐scale atmospheric forcing influence upwelling dynamics and ecosystem productivity in the California Current System (CCS). In this paper, we characterize interannual variability of the North Pacific High over 40 years and investigate how variation in its amplitude and position affect upwelling and biology. We develop a winter upwelling “pre‐conditioning” index and demonstrate its utility to understanding biological processes. Variation in the winter NPH can be well described by its areal extent and maximum pressure, which in turn is predictive of winter upwelling. Our winter pre‐conditioning index explained 64% of the variation in biological responses (fish and seabirds). Understanding characteristics of the NPH in winter is therefore critical to predicting biological responses in the CCS.
Shock compression of Fe‐FeS mixture up to 204 GPa
Authors: Huang Haijun , Wu Shijie , Hu Xiaojun , Wang Qingsong , Wang Xiang , Fei Yingwei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUsing a two‐stage light gas gun, we obtained new shock wave Hugoniot data for an iron‐sulfur alloy (Fe‐11.8wt%S) over the pressure range of 94–204 GPa. A least‐squares fit to the Hugoniot data yields a linear relationship between shock velocity DS and particle velocity u, DS (km/s) =3.60(0.14) +1.57(0.05) u. The measured Hugoniot data for Fe‐11.8wt%S agree well with the calculated results based on the thermodynamic parameters of Fe and FeS using the additive law. By comparing the calculated densities along the adiabatic core temperature with the PREM density profile, an iron core with 10 wt.% sulfur (S) provides the best solution for the composition of the Earth's outer core.
Observing the bottom density current over a shelf using an Argo profiling float
Authors: Vilibić Ivica , Mihanović Hrvoje 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPressure, temperature, and salinity data collected during the winter of 2011/2012 by an Argo profiling float over the Adriatic shelf were used to document the dense water formation and subsequent bottom density current (BDC) normally occurring along the shelf slope. The float was advected to the Jabuka Pit and neighboring shallow area (<275 m) after October 2010. The parking depth was set to approximately 150 m, enabling the float to mostly follow the firstOnlineseabed between December 2011 and July 2012. The profiler measured strong spatial‐temporal changes in the BDC thickness (from a few to about 50 m) and the bottom density (between 29.46 and 29.88 kg/m3). These observations show that an Argo float has the capability to observe a bottom density current and suggest that it would be possible to systematically use such floats to investigate these processes on coastal shelves.
DOES FISCAL DISCIPLINE TOWARDS SUBNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS AFFECT CITIZENS' WELL‐BEING? EVIDENCE ON HEALTH
Authors: Piacenza Massimiliano , Turati Gilberto 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to assess the impact on citizens' well‐being of fiscal discipline imposed by the central government on subnational governments. Because healthcare policies involve strategic interactions between different layers of governments in many different countries, we focus on a particular dimension of well‐being, namely citizens' health. We model fiscal discipline by considering government expectations of future deficit bailouts from the central government. We then study how these bailout expectations affect the expenditure for healthcare policies carried out by decentralized governments. To investigate this issue, we separate efficient health spending from inefficiencies by estimating an input requirement frontier. This allows us to assess the effects of bailout expectations on both the structural component of health expenditure and its deviations from the ‘best practice’. The evidence from the 15 Italian ordinary statute regions (observed from 1993 to 2006) points out that bailout expectations do not significantly influence the position of the frontier, thus not affecting citizens' health. However, they do appear to exert a remarkable impact on excess spending. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of stream cross section using ground penetration radar with Hilbert–Huang transform
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chang , Kao Su‐Pai , Wu Jhong‐Hua 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study presents a new method to measure stream cross section without having contact with water. Compared with conventional measurement methods which apply instruments such as sounding weight, ground penetration radar (GPR), used in this study, is a non‐contact measurement method. This non‐contact measurement method can reduce the risk to hydrologists when they are conducting measurements, particularly in high flow period. However, the original signals obtained by using GPR are very complex, different from studies in the past where the measured data were mostly interpreted by experts with special skill or knowledge of GPR so that the results obtained were less objective. This study employs Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) to process GPR signals which are difficult to interpret by hydrologists. HHT is a newly developed signal processing method that can not only process the nonlinear and non‐stationary complex signals, but also maintain the physical significance of the signal itself. Using GPR with HHT, this study establishes a non‐contact stream cross‐section measurement method with the ability to measure stream cross‐sectional areas precisely and quickly. Also, in comparison with the conventional method, no significant difference in results is found to exist between the two methods, but the new method can considerably reduce risk, measurement time, and manpower. It is proven that the non‐contact method combining GPR with HHT is applicable to quickly and accurately measure stream cross section. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CALCULI OF COMPLEXITY: HOW PHENOMENA EMERGE FROM RULES
Authors: McDowell J. J 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA complex system is one that generates emergent structures, usually by the repeated application of relatively simple rules. The structures are emergent in the sense that they are not specified in, and cannot be predicted from, the rules that produce them. Mitchell argues for a unified science of complexity but does not ultimately succeed in providing a coherent account. Her book is nevertheless useful as an introduction to some systems and algorithms that have been studied in complexity research and that may be applicable to natural phenomena, including the behavior of organisms. The book also contains interesting historical and biographical details about complexity research and some of the mathematicians and scientists who have contributed to it. A sample of the specific complex systems and algorithms Mitchell introduces is examined in this review, including iterated maps, cellular automata, genetic algorithms, and small world and random Boolean networks. The relevance of complexity theory for behavior analysis is also considered, including applications of simple rules, networks, cellular automata, and genetic algorithms.
EVIDENCE FOR RESPONSE MEMBERSHIP IN STIMULUS CLASSES BY PIGEONS
Authors: Urcuioli Peter J. , Jones B. Max , Lionello‐DeNolf Karen M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractResponse membership in pigeons' stimulus‐class formation was evaluated using associative symmetry and class expansion tests. In Experiment 1, pigeons learned hue–hue (AA) and form–form (BB) successive matching plus a modified hue–form (AB) task in which reinforcement was contingent upon a left versus right side‐key response after the positive AB sequences. On subsequent BA (symmetry) probe trials, pigeons responded more often to the comparisons on the reverse of the positive than negative AB sequences and, more importantly, preferentially pecked the side key consistent with symmetry after the reversed positive sequences. In Experiment 2, the original three baseline tasks were supplemented by dot–white (CC) successive matching in which reinforcement was contingent upon a left versus right side‐key response after the positive CC sequences. Class expansion was then tested by presenting nonreinforced CA and CB successive matching probes. Comparison response rates were mostly nondifferential on CA probes but were uniformly higher on CB probes that consisted of the C samples and B comparisons from the same, hypothesized class. Together, these results provide evidence that responses can become members of stimulus classes, as predicted by Urcuioli's (2008) theory of pigeons' stimulus‐class formation and Sidman's (2000) theory of equivalence.