bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial Cells in Humanized Mouse Models Harboring a Human Immune System
Authors: Yang Heung-Mo , Moon Sung-Hwan , Choi Young-Sil , Park Soon-Jung , Lee Yong-Soo , Lee Hyun-Joo , Kim Sung-Joo , Chung Hyung-Min 
Published: October 2013

Objective—
Allogeneic transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derivatives has the potential to elicit the patient’s immune response and lead to graft rejection. Although hESCs and their derivatives have been shown to have advantageous immune properties in vitro, such observations could not be determined experimentally in vivo because of ethical and technical constraints. However, the generation of humanized mice (hu-mice) harboring a human immune system has provided a tool to perform in vivo immunologic studies of human cells and tissues. Using this model, we sought to examine the therapeutic potential of hESC-derived endothelial cells, human embryonic fibroblasts, and cord blood–derived endothelial progenitor cells in a human immune system environment.

Approach and Results—
All cell types transplanted in hu-mice showed significantly reduced cell survival during the first 14 days post-transplantation compared with that observed in immunodeficient mice. During this period, no observable therapeutic effects were detected in the hindlimb ischemic mouse models. After this point, the cells demonstrated improved survival and contributed to a long-term improvement in blood perfusion. All cell types showed reduced therapeutic efficacy in hu-mice compared with NOD scid IL2 receptor gamma chain knockout mice. Interestingly, the eventual improvement in blood flow caused by the hESC-derived endothelial cells in hu-mice was not much lower than that observed in NOD scid IL2 receptor gamma chain knockout mice.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that hESC derivatives may be considered a good source for cell therapy and that hu-mice could be used as a preclinical in vivo animal model for the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy to predict the outcomes of human clinical trials.
Extradural Internal Carotid Artery Caliber Dysregulation Is Associated With Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Schimansky Sarah , Patel Samir , Rahal Jason , Lauric Alexandra , Malek Adel M. 
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—
Flow-induced hemodynamic forces are critical in extra- and intracranial arterial caliber regulation and have been proposed to mediate intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation and rupture. We hypothesized that vascular structural control may be impaired in patients harboring brain aneurysms and sought to examine any differences in extradural internal carotid artery (ICA) caliber profiles.

Methods—

Ninety-six catheter 2-dimensional angiograms were divided into 3 subgroups: (1) ICA leading to IA (n=38), (2) matched contralateral ICA (n=25), and (3) ICA from nonaneurysmal controls (n=33). ICA diameter was measured proximally beyond the bulb (
D
Prox
) and distally at the extradural point of maximal dilation (
D
MaxDist
), yielding maximal distal-to-proximal ratio (
R
Mdp
).

Results—

Unlike non-IA controls that tapered smoothly, ICAs leading to IA consistently demonstrated focal sites of abnormal dilation in the distal cervical or petrous extradural segments.
R
Mdp
was greater in ICAs leading to IA compared with non-IA controls (1.17±0.1 versus 1.0±0.08;
P
<0.0001). Matched-pair analysis showed
R
Mdp
to be higher in ICAs leading to IA than the corresponding contralateral ICAs (1.19±0.1 versus 1.07±0.11;
P
=0.001);
R
Mdp
from contralateral ICAs was greater than non-IA controls (
P
=0.005). Among ICAs leading to IA, women showed higher
R
Mdp
(1.11±0.12 versus 1.05±0.11;
P
=0.02) with no relationship to intradural IA location.

Conclusions—
Measurements of the extradural ICA in patients harboring intradural IA suggest an association with a remote upstream abnormal vascular caliber control consistent with a diffuse flow–mediated structural dysregulation showing laterality and sex dependence.
The Subjective Present and Its Modulation in Clinical Contexts
Authors: Tschacher Wolfgang , Ramseyer Fabian , Bergomi Claudia 
Published: October 2013

Time is a basic dimension in psychology, underlying behavior and experience. Timing and time perception constitute implicit processes that are often inaccessible to the individual person. Research in this field has shown that timing is involved in many areas of clinical significance. In the projects presented here, we combine timing with seemingly different fields of research, such as psychopathology, perceptual grouping, and embodied cognition. Focusing on the time scale of the subjective present, we report findings from three different clinical studies: (1) We studied perceived causality in schizophrenia patients, finding that perceptual grouping (‘binding’, ‘Gestalt formation’), which leads to visual causality perceptions, did not distinguish between patients and healthy controls. Patients however did integrate context (provided by the temporal distribution of auditory context stimuli) less into perceptions, in significant contrast to controls. This is consistent with reports of higher inaccuracy in schizophrenia patients’ temporal processing. (2) In a project on auditory Gestalt perception we investigated auditory perceptual grouping in schizophrenia patients. The mean dwell time was positively related to how much patients were prone to auditory hallucinations. Dwell times of auditory Gestalts may be regarded as operationalizations of the subjective present; findings thus suggested that patients with hallucinations had a shorter present. (3) The movement correlations of interacting individuals were used to study the non-verbal synchrony between therapist and patient in psychotherapy sessions. We operationalized the duration of an embodied ‘social present’ by the statistical significance of such associations, finding a window of roughly 5.7 seconds in conversing dyads.
We discuss that temporal scales of nowness may be modifiable, e.g., by mindfulness. This yields promising goals for future research on timing in the clinical context: psychotherapeutic techniques may alter binding processes, hence the subjective present of individuals, and may affect the social present in therapeutic interactions.
The Seasonal Effects of ENSO on Atmospheric Conditions Associated with European Precipitation: Model Simulations of Seasonal Teleconnections
Authors: Shaman Jeffrey 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The seasonal upper-tropospheric teleconnection between ENSO and the North Atlantic/European sector is explored through a series of model experiments. A barotropic vorticity equation model is linearized about climatological conditions for each season of the year, and divergence forcing is applied over the equatorial Pacific to mimic El Niño–related convective activity. During boreal fall, winter, and spring, this forcing similarly excites a northeastward-propagating stationary barotropic Rossby wave train that extends across the North Atlantic to the European coast. Strong anomalies develop over the British Isles in the vicinity of the North Atlantic jet exit. Solutions during boreal summer produce no clear wave train; however, evidence exists for a North Atlantic response because of both eastward- and westward-propagating signals. These direct responses over the Atlantic and Europe are qualitatively similar to observed ENSO-associated anomalies during boreal spring and fall, but differ structurally during summer and winter. Further experiments with the vorticity equation model using full Rossby wave source forcing, which included vorticity advection, increase the amplitude of the response over Europe during some seasons; however, structural differences persist.
Finally, experiments with the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), version 4, reveal that the basic northeastward-propagating response is modulated by downstream feedbacks. These changes are most profound during boreal winter and engender an arching wave train pattern that, matching observations, reflects off the jet over North America, propagates southeastward over the North Atlantic, and fails to reach the European coast. Overall, the simulations with CAM correctly depict observed seasonal changes in the magnitude of the ENSO–North Atlantic/European teleconnection by producing a strong fall and winter response but a weaker spring and summer response. The CAM experiments also indicate that the seasonal response is not dependent on antecedent conditions; however, CAM simulations fail to project the upper-tropospheric anomalies appropriately to the lower troposphere.
Imaging of upper urinary tract cancer: using conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI with different b values
Authors: Wu Guang-yu , Lu Qing , Wu Lian-ming , WenKong  , Chen Xiao-xi , Xu Jian-rong 
Published: October 2013

Background Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has been considered to be useful in diagnosing upper urinary tract (UUT) disease; however, the value of DW-MRI with different b values has not been reported. Purpose To evaluate the performance of using conventional MRI alone and in combination with DWI with different b values in diagnosing UUT cancer. Material and Methods Seventy patients with suspected UUT cancer underwent conventional MRI (T1-weighted and T2-weighted) and DW-MRI (b = 500 and 1500 s/mm2) on a 3 T-MRI scanner. The ureteroscopic and histopathologic findings were compared with the imaging findings. The utility of detecting UUT cancer using conventional MRI (set A), combined DW-MRI (b = 500 s/mm2) and conventional MRI (set B), and combined DW-MRI (b = 1500 s/mm2) and conventional MRI (set C) were independently evaluated by two readers. Results A total of 32 patients had verified cancer; 23 patients had benign UUT diseases, and 15 had no abnormality. Sets B and C had significantly improved diagnostic accuracy for UUT cancer compared with set A; the specificity in diagnosing UUT cancer was significantly improved when using set C compared with sets A and B. In patients without UUT obstructions, improved sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosis was achieved when using sets B and C compared with set A. Conclusion Using DW-MRI in combination with conventional MRI provides increased diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in patients without UUT obstruction. The combination of conventional MRI and DW-MRI with a higher b value (1500 s/mm2) improved the specificity in diagnosing UUT cancer compared to conventional sequences and DW-MRI with a lower b value (500 s/mm2).
Role Ambiguity, Role Conflict, or Burnout
Authors: Phillips Jane , Andrews Lisa , Hickman Louise 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To determine whether burnout, role ambiguity, or conflict affects Australian hospice volunteers. Method: Hospice volunteers (n = 120) were invited to participate in this pilot survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the free-text responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Guidelines have been used to report this data. Results: A total of 97 participants completed the survey. The majority were middle-aged women who had been palliative care volunteers for more than 7 years and volunteered 14 hours/week (median). Participants reported low levels of role ambiguity (x = 8.4, standard deviation [SD] ±3.0) and conflict (x = 9.8, SD ±3.4) and described enjoying their volunteering and having no symptoms of burnout (76%). Significance: Active hospice volunteers report low levels of role ambiguity, conflict, and burnout. Adopting a range of self-care strategies and working within a structured volunteer program appear to be important protective factors.
Drowning risk perceptions among rural guardians of Thailand
Authors: Laosee Orapin , Khiewyoo Jiraporn , Somrongthong Ratana 
Published: October 2013

Drowning is one of the most common causes of death among young children in Thailand. Children in primary school in rural settings have a high rate of fatal drowning. Guardians’ perceptions are important since children are normally in their care. This study aims to describe drowning risk perceptions of guardians and to identify barriers to developing a child’s swimming skills. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among guardians of children who attended 12 schools serving 48 villages in a rural community. The results revealed that less than one-fifth (18%) of children in the household could swim. Guardians reported that children should learn to swim at the age of seven years. About one-quarter (23%) of guardians did not perceive drowning as the leading cause of death among children. More than a quarter (25.4%) perceived that their child was not at the risk of drowning. No statistical differences were reported on drowning perception among guardians with different swimming skills as well as child’s swimming skill. Significantly more parents of children who could not swim perceived lack of swimming instructors, clean water and school swimming lessons as barriers to a child’s acquisition of swimming skill. The results highlight the need to consider improving the infrastructure in rural areas to facilitate swimming skills for school children to reduce drowning risk.
Stepparenting issues and relationship quality: The role of clear communication
Authors: Pace Garrett T , Shafer Kevin , Jensen Todd M , Larson Jeffry H 
Published: October 2013

Summary Using data from a sample of RELATE (the RELATionship Evaluation Survey) respondents in stepfamilies (N = 560), this study examined the association between relationship quality (satisfaction and stability) and stepparenting issues. Although stepparenting issues can negatively impact romantic partners in stepfamilies, we suggest that high-quality communication may be a protective factor for individuals and couples stressed by their relationship with a nonbiological child. Findings Our results show that stepparenting issues are negatively associated with satisfaction and stability, but is partially mediated by clear-sending communication. Further, this mediation is stronger for women when considering satisfaction and for men when considering stability. Applications Our results show that stepparenting issues can be a strong sense of discord among romantic couples. Yet, they also indicate that clear-sending communication in relationships can substantially reduce the negative association of these issues with relationship quality. This finding suggests that therapeutic models that focus on emotionally focused couples therapy, structural family therapy, or address issues within the family system may be best for addressing common problems in stepfamilies.
L'impossible archéologie de la mémoire: à propos de W ou le souvenir d'enfance de Georges Perec
Authors: Olivier Laurent 
Published: October 2013

RésuméPendant les deux dernières décades, Georges Perec, qui est mort dans les quarantaines, est devenu un des écrivains contemporains français le plus influent. Son travail se concentre le plus souvent sur l'exploration de la mémoire par l'analyse de ses restes: textes, photos et mémoires. Cette approche littéraire procure aux archéologues des perspectives stimulantes et originelles pour l'interprétation des restes du passé ainsi que pour l'archéologie du passé proche. Dans cet article, je désire examiner les principales implications pour la pratique d'archéologique du chefd'œuvre de Perec – W ou le souvenir d'enfance. Je cherche à considérer comment Perec arrive à bouleverser notre compréhension traditionnelle de l'évidence des histoires et milieux du passé.
Solid-state intercalation of cationic surfactants into Tunisian smectites
Authors: Gamoudi S. , Frini-Srasra N. , Srasra E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntercalation of cationic surfactants hexadecylpyridinium (HDPy+) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA+) into the interlayer space of homoionic (Na-, Ca- and Zn-) smectites by solid-solid reactions was investigated. These reactions were complete within 15 min. Changes in the surface and structure of the smectites modified with different surfactants were characterized using XRD, FTIR and DSC. The intercalation of surfactant is controlled by the exchangeable cation of smectite and monofunctional ammonium cation type. HDPy+ and HDTMA+ surfactants were retained by Zn-exchanged smectite, suggesting important surface properties (CEC = 80 meq/100 g clay, SBET = 116.5 m2/g) and acid-base properties (point of zero proton charge PZC, density charge σH). HDPy cation loading was effective, suggesting that the aromatic polar group is favoured for intercalation. Comparing with original clay, modification with surfactants increased the basal spacings d001. Based on the d001 spacing of modified smectites, different configurations of surfactants within smectite interlayer were proposed as a function of surfactant concentration, which were examined by FTIR and DSC.
A phase 2 trial of azacitidine and gemtuzumab ozogamicin therapy in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Nand Sucha , Othus Megan , Godwin John E. , Willman Cheryl L. , Norwood Thomas H. , Howard Dianna S. , Coutre Steven E. , Erba Harry P. , Appelbaum Frederick R. 
Published: October 2013

Key Points
The results met predefined goals in poor-risk older patients with non-M3 AML. The results in good-risk patients are comparable to those with chemotherapy-based regimens, with a better safety profile.
The red ear syndrome
Authors: Lambru Giorgio , Miller Sarah , Matharu Manjit S 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Red Ear Syndrome (RES) is a very rare disorder, with approximately 100 published cases in the medical literature. Red ear (RE) episodes are characterised by unilateral or bilateral attacks of paroxysmal burning sensations and reddening of the external ear. The duration of these episodes ranges from a few seconds to several hours. The attacks occur with a frequency ranging from several a day to a few per year. Episodes can occur spontaneously or be triggered, most frequently by rubbing or touching the ear, heat or cold, chewing, brushing of the hair, neck movements or exertion. Early-onset idiopathic RES seems to be associated with migraine, whereas late-onset idiopathic forms have been reported in association with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). Secondary forms of RES occur with upper cervical spine disorders or temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction. RES is regarded refractory to medical treatments, although some migraine preventative treatments have shown moderate benefit mainly in patients with migraine-related attacks. The pathophysiology of RES is still unclear but several hypotheses involving peripheral or central nervous system mechanisms have been proposed.
Unsupervised automated high throughput phenotyping of RNAi time-lapse movies
Authors: Failmezger Henrik , Fröhlich Holger , Tresch Achim 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Gene perturbation experiments in combination with fluorescence time-lapse cell imaging are a powerful tool in reverse genetics. High content applications require tools for the automated processing of the large amounts of data. These tools include in general several image processing steps, the extraction of morphological descriptors, and the grouping of cells into phenotype classes according to their descriptors. This phenotyping can be applied in a supervised or an unsupervised manner. Unsupervised methods are suitable for the discovery of formerly unknown phenotypes, which are expected to occur in high-throughput RNAi time-lapse screens.

Results
We developed an unsupervised phenotyping approach based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) with multivariate Gaussian emissions for the detection of knockdown-specific phenotypes in RNAi time-lapse movies. The automated detection of abnormal cell morphologies allows us to assign a phenotypic fingerprint to each gene knockdown. By applying our method to the Mitocheck database, we show that a phenotypic fingerprint is indicative of a gene’s function.

Conclusion
Our fully unsupervised HMM-based phenotyping is able to automatically identify cell morphologies that are specific for a certain knockdown. Beyond the identification of genes whose knockdown affects cell morphology, phenotypic fingerprints can be used to find modules of functionally related genes.
Flanking sequence context-dependent transcription factor binding in early Drosophila development
Authors: Stringham Jessica L , Brown Adam S , Drewell Robert A , Dresch Jacqueline M 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Gene expression in the Drosophila embryo is controlled by functional interactions between a large network of protein transcription factors (TFs) and specific sequences in DNA cis-regulatory modules (CRMs). The binding site sequences for any TF can be experimentally determined and represented in a position weight matrix (PWM). PWMs can then be used to predict the location of TF binding sites in other regions of the genome, although there are limitations to this approach as currently implemented.

Results
In this proof-of-principle study, we analyze 127 CRMs and focus on four TFs that control transcription of target genes along the anterio-posterior axis of the embryo early in development. For all four of these TFs, there is some degree of conserved flanking sequence that extends beyond the predicted binding regions. A potential role for these conserved flanking sequences may be to enhance the specificity of TF binding, as the abundance of these sequences is greatly diminished when we examine only predicted high-affinity binding sites.

Conclusions
Expanding PWMs to include sequence context-dependence will increase the information content in PWMs and facilitate a more efficient functional identification and dissection of CRMs.