bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive care of elderly patients with hip fracture: the orthogeriatric model
Authors: Frondini Carlo , Lunardelli Maria L. 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Hip fractures in the elderly are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Interdisciplinary hospital care models proposed for the treatment of these patients include consultant teams, integrated orthopedic-geriatric care, and comprehensive geriatric-led care settings. A prospective interventional cohort study was conducted in 4 public hospitals in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy to compare the outcomes of these different care models. This report presents the preliminary results obtained with an orthogeriatric model in one of these centers, a large teaching hospital in Bologna. Materials and methods: Beginning in February 2008, all patients older than 75 years admitted to the University of Bologna’s Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital for hip fractures were cared for in an orthogeriatric unit. The unit consisted of 10 beds in the orthopedic ward that were managed by a geriatric specialist and a multidisciplinary team, which met daily and included an orthopedic surgeon, a physiatrist, a nurse case-manager, staff nurses, a physical therapist, and a social worker. The management protocol included a thorough geriatric work-up to identify comorbidities and risk factors, systematic assessment and prevention of pain and acute disorientation, early verticalization and moblization, postacute rehabilitation therapy, family support, and regular follow-up after discharge. Preliminary results were compared with those achieved in the same orthopedic ward prior to the creation of the Orthogeriatric Unit. Results: During 2008, 226 elderly patients (mean age 86.2 + 5.5 years), 73.4% of whom were women, were admitted to the Orthogeriatric Unit for hip fractures. The mean Charlson comorbidity index of this cohort was 3.0 + 1.8). Half the patients had Activity of Daily Living scores < 4, and cognitive impairment was common (mean score on Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire: 5.9 + 3.2). Compared with figures obtained in the hospital’s orthopedic ward prior to 2008, in-hospital mortality dropped from 5.98% to 3.98%. The mean overall length of hospitalization was not significantly reduced, but the mean stay in the Orthogeriatric unit decreased by almost 2 days (to 10.46 days from 12.44 days in the traditional orthopedic unit). Discussion: Compared with traditional care models, the orthogeriatric model may allow better integration of the health-care resources available for the management of hip fractures in the elderly, and this improvement may have positive effects on the outcome of these cases.
The Business of Utopia: Estidama and the Road to the Sustainable City
Authors: Cugurullo Federico 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Over the last couple of decades, global urban politics has experienced the increasing emergence of ambitious megaprojects aiming to create sustainable cities capable of facing severe ecological and economic crises. This essay argues that the genesis of eco-cities is grounded in a strong wave of utopianism that can have potential negative socioecological implications, and by looking at the current development strategies of Abu Dhabi, it aims to explore the interrelations among utopia, sustainability, and urban politics. Using empirical material, Abu Dhabi's development plans are examined to understand how visions of the good society and of the good city are theorized and integrated into the policy agenda. The focus is on Estidama, a program for social and urban change based on the sheik's dream of transforming Abu Dhabi into a sustainable global city, and on its main incarnation: Masdar City. In the analysis of convergences and divergences with western utopianism, this essay explains how images of the ideal city are used to boost the local economy and fulfill the political interests of the ruling class. Ultimately, the reasons behind the association eco-city/ideal city are elucidated, and the role of utopia in the quest for the sustainable society is questioned.
Beneficial Contribution of Alloy Disorder to Electron and Phonon Transport in Half‐Heusler Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Xie Hanhui , Wang Heng , Pei Yanzhong , Fu Chenguang , Liu Xiaohua , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Zhao Xinbing , Zhu Tiejun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractElectron and phonon transport characteristics determines the potential of thermoelectric materials for power generation or refrigeration. This work shows that, different from most of high performance thermoelectric materials with dominant acoustic phonon scattering, the promising ZrNiSn based half‐Heusler thermoelectric solid solutions exhibit an alloy scattering dominated charge transport. A low deformation potential and a low alloy scattering potential are found for the solid solutions, which is beneficial to maintain a relatively high electron mobility despite of the large effective mass, and can be intrinsic favorable features contributing to the noticeably high power factors of ZrNiSn based alloys. A quantitive description of the different phonon scattering mechanisms suggests that the point defect scattering is the most important mechanism that determines the phonon transport process of the solid solutions. The present results indicate that alloying can be an effective approach for such materials systems to enhance thermoelectric figure of merit ZT by reducing phonon thermal conductivity, while minimizing the deterioration of charge mobility due to the low alloy scatteirng potential.
Utilizing high‐fidelity crucial conversation simulation in genetic counseling training
Authors: Holt R. Lynn , Tofil Nancy M. , Hurst Christina , Youngblood Amber Q. , Peterson Dawn Taylor , Zinkan J. Lynn , White Marjorie Lee , Clemons Jason L. , Robin Nathaniel H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGenetics professionals are often required to deliver difficult news to patients and families. This is a challenging task, but one that many genetics trainees have limited opportunity to master during training. This is true for several reasons, including relative scarcity of these events and an understandable hesitation of supervisors allowing a trainee to provide such high stakes information. Medical simulation is effective in other health care disciplines giving trainees opportunities of “hands on” education in similar high stakes situations. We hypothesized that crucial conversations simulation would be effective for genetics trainees to gain experience in communication and counseling skills in a realistic clinical scenario. To test this hypothesis, we designed a prenatal counseling scenario requiring disclosure of an abnormal amniocentesis result and discussion of pregnancy management options; we challenged participants to address common counseling questions. Three medical genetics resident physicians and five genetic counseling students participated. Genetics and simulation experts observed the session via live video feed from a different room. A behavioral checklist was completed in real time assessing trainee's performance and documenting medical information discussed. Debriefing immediately followed the session and included simulation and genetics experts and the actor parents. Participants completed open‐ended post evaluations. There was a trend towards participants being more likely to discuss issues the child could have while an infant/toddler rather than issues that could emerge as the child with Down Syndrome transitions to adulthood and end of life (P = .069). All participants found the simulation helpful, notably that it was more realistic than role‐playing with colleagues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Status of the freshwater mussel (Unionidae) communities of the mainstem of the Leon River, Texas
Authors: Randklev Charles R. , Johnson Matthew S. , Tsakiris Eric T. , Groce Julie , Wilkins Neal 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe Leon River drainage, located in the Brazos River basin, has not been extensively surveyed for freshwater mussels (Family Unionidae). This is problematic given that three state‐threatened species, Quadrula houstonensis, Quadrula mitchelli, and Truncilla macrodon, have historically occurred in this drainage and two are now candidates for protection under the US Endangered Species Act.Mussels were sampled qualitatively at 44 sites in the summer and fall of 2011 to determine whether these species were still extant in the Leon River. The distributions and abundances of species at present considered common were also examined. Shell length data were assessed to determine the overall viability of the mussel fauna within the Leon River drainage.In total, 2081 live mussels were collected representing 12 species, including the federal candidate species Quadrula houstonensis, but Lampsilis hydiana, Quadrula mitchelli and Truncilla macrodon were not collected. Overall mussel abundance and species richness was low and community composition was highly fragmented with riverine species largely occurring in the middle portion of the Leon River. There was evidence that population recruitment is occurring, but only for a few species.River impoundment, inadequate instream flows, and agricultural practices are probable causes of the changes in mussel species composition. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impacts of reservoir releases on mussel persistence within this basin and in areas where droughts and low stream flow are commonplace. More information is needed on how agricultural practices affect mussel communities; the information that is currently available does little in the way of identifying factors that can be managed at site or reach scales. Studies that address these knowledge gaps will help resource managers to design more effective strategies to protect mussel populations within and outside this basin. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target innervation is necessary for neuronal polyploidization in the terrestrial slug Limax
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Yamagishi Miki , Wakiya Kyoko , Tanaka Yoko , Ito Etsuro 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe brain of gastropod mollusks contains many giant neurons with polyploid genomic DNAs. Such DNAs are generated through repeated DNA endoreplication during body growth. However, it is not known what triggers DNA endoreplication in neurons. There are two possibilities: (1) DNAs are replicated in response to some unknown molecules in the hemolymph that reflect the nutritive status of the animal; or (2) DNAs are replicated in response to some unknown factors that are retrogradely transported through axons from the innervated target organs. We first tested whether hemolymph with rich nutrition could induce DNA endoreplication. We tested whether the transplanted brain exhibits enhanced DNA endoreplication like an endogenous brain does when transplanted into the homocoel of the body of a slug whose body growth is promoted by an increased food supply. However, no enhancement was observed in the frequency of DNA endoreplication when we compared the transplanted brains in the growth‐promoted and growth‐suppressed host slugs, suggesting that the humoral environment is irrelevant to triggering the body growth‐dependent DNA endoreplication. Next, we tested the requirement of target innervation by surgically dissecting a unilateral posterior pedal nerve of an endogenous brain. Substantially lower number of neurons exhibited DNA endoreplication in the pedal ganglion ipsilateral to the dissected nerve. These results support the view that enhanced DNA endoreplication is mediated by target innervation and is not brought about through the direct effect of humoral factors in the hemolymph during body growth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 609–620, 2013
Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Napyradiomycins from Two Marine‐Derived Streptomyces Strains
Authors: Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Jensen Paul R. , Fenical William 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe cancer‐cell‐cytotoxicity‐guided fractionation of the acetone extracts of two cultured marine‐derived Streptomyces strains belonging to the MAR4 group yielded six new napyradiomycins, compounds A–F (1–6), together with three known compounds, napyradiomycins B2–B4 (7–9). Napyradiomycins 1–4 are new members of the napyradiomycin “C‐type” meroterpenoids, which possess a linear monoterpene bridge between C‐7 and C‐10a. Compound 4 has an additional tetrahydropyran ring fused to the phenol moiety. Compounds 5–9 are related to the napyradiomycin “B‐type” meroterpenoids. The structures of all new compounds were assigned by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and other spectroscopic data. The relative configurations were assigned based upon interpretation of ROESY 2D NMR experiments. The cytotoxicity of 1–9 against the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT‐116 and their antibacterial activities against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are presented.
Enhanced Performance of Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical‐Systems (MEMS) Microbial Fuel Cells Using Electrospun Microfibrous Anode and Optimizing Operation
Authors: Fraiwan A. , Sundermier S. , Han D. , Steckl A. J. , Hassett D. J. , Choi S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this work, a microfabricated anode based on gold coated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) fiber was developed that outperformed gold microelectrode by a factor of 2.65‐fold and even carbon paper by 1.39‐fold. This is a result of its ability to three‐dimensionally interface with bacterial biofilm, the metabolic “engines” of the microbial fuel cell (MFC). We also examined unavoidable issues as the MFC is significantly reduced in size (e.g. to the microscale); (1) bubble production or movement into the microchamber and (2) high sensitivity to flow rate variations. In fact, intentionally induced bubble generation in the anodic chamber reduced the MFC current density by 33% and the MFC required 4 days to recover its initial performance. Under different flow rates in the anode chamber, the current densities were almost constant, however, the current increased up to 38% with increasing flow rate in the cathode.
Genetic relationship between multiple squamous cell carcinomas arising in the oral cavity
Authors: Montebugnoli Lucio , Leonardi Elisa , Morandi Luca , Farnedi Anna , Gissi Davide Bartolomeo , Marchetti Claudio , Tarsitano Achille , Balbi Tiziana , Gentile Luciano , Cocchi Roberto , Foschini Maria Pia 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundHistological and clinical criteria are generally used to differentiate second primary tumors (SPTs) from local recurrences. The purpose of the present study was to apply mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D‐loop analysis to differentiate SPTs from local recurrences and to validate the clinical classification.MethodsThe study population consisted of 20 consecutive patients presenting multiple oral neoplastic lesions for a total of 25 paired lesions. The mtDNA D‐loop analysis was performed by direct sequencing and phylogenetic clusterization.ResultsAgreement between mtDNA analysis and clinical classification was found in 19 cases. Discrepancies arose in 6 cases in which the clinical criteria based only on the spatial or temporal distance of the second lesion from the index tumor had led to a diagnosis of SPT (2 cases) or local recurrence (4 cases).ConclusionThe present data highlight the value of mtDNA analysis in establishing the clonal relationship between the index tumor and the second neoplastic lesion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 94–100, 2014
H‐coil repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Onesti E. , Gabriele M. , Cambieri C. , Ceccanti M. , Raccah R. , Di Stefano G. , Biasiotta A. , Truini A. , Zangen A. , Inghilleri M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPainful neuropathy is associated with plasticity changes in the nervous system. Standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non‐invasive technique used to study changes in cortical excitability and to inhibit pain perception. Deep rTMS is a newer development that allows direct activation of deeper neuronal populations, by a unique coil design termed the H‐coil. This study was designed to assess whether deep rTMS applied over the motor cortical lower‐limb representation relieves pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to receive daily real or sham H‐coil rTMS for 5 consecutive days. After a 5‐week washout period, they crossed over to the alternative treatment for additional 5 days (according to a crossover study design). Outcome measures were changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and in area and threshold of RIII nociceptive flexion reflex (RIII reflex).ResultsOf the 25 patients randomized, 23 completed the study. After real rTMS, the VAS scores decreased significantly (p = 0.01), and so did RIII reflex area (p < 0.01), while no significant effects in these variables were induced by the sham rTMS treatment. The rTMS‐induced changes in the outcome measures disappeared about 3 weeks after stimulation. All patients tolerated stimulation well.ConclusionsDeep H‐coil rTMS provides pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This innovative technique can induce a therapeutic effect on brain areas that otherwise remain difficult to target. rTMS may produce its analgesic effects, inducing motor cortex plasticity and activating descending inhibitory pain control systems.
Distal‐Less Regulates Eyespot Patterns and Melanization in Bicyclus Butterflies
Authors: MONTEIRO ANTÓNIA , CHEN BIN , RAMOS DIANE M. , OLIVER JEFFREY C. , TONG XIAOLING , GUO MIN , WANG WEN‐KAI , FAZZINO LISA , KAMAL FIRDOUS 
Published: April 2013

AbstractButterfly eyespots represent novel complex traits that display substantial diversity in number and size within and across species. Correlative gene expression studies have implicated a large suite of transcription factors, including Distal‐less (Dll), Engrailed (En), and Spalt (Sal), in eyespot development in butterflies, but direct evidence testing the function of any of these proteins is still missing. Here we show that the characteristic two‐eyespot pattern of wildtype Bicyclus anynana forewings is correlated with dynamic progression of Dll, En, and Sal expression in larval wings from four spots to two spots, whereas no such decline in gene expression ensues in a four‐eyespot mutant. We then conduct transgenic experiments testing whether over‐expression of any of these genes in a wild‐type genetic background is sufficient to induce eyespot differentiation in these pre‐patterned wing compartments. We also produce a Dll‐RNAi transgenic line to test how Dll down‐regulation affects eyespot development. Finally we test how ectopic expression of these genes during the pupal stages of development alters adults color patters. We show that over‐expressing Dll in larvae is sufficient to induce the differentiation of additional eyespots and increase the size of eyespots, whereas down‐regulating Dll leads to a decrease in eyespot size. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Dll in the early pupal wing led to the appearance of ectopic patches of black scales. We conclude that Dll is a positive regulator of focal differentiation and eyespot signaling and that this gene is also a possible selector gene for scale melanization in butterflies. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B:321–331, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Key controls on the seasonal and interannual variations of the carbonate system and air‐sea CO2 flux in the Northeast Atlantic (Bay of Biscay)
Authors: Jiang Zong‐Pei , Hydes David J. , Tyrrell Toby , Hartman Sue E. , Hartman Mark C. , Dumousseaud Cynthia , Padin Xose Antonio , Skjelvan Ingunn , González‐Pola César 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBiogeochemical variations of surface water in the Northeast Atlantic (Bay of Biscay) were examined using high‐frequency underway measurements combined with monthly sampling of carbon‐related variables. The mechanisms controlling seasonal CO2 variability were investigated by distinguishing the contributions of biological and physical processes to the monthly changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). The seasonality of DIC (47–81 µmol kg−1) had a single peak with a winter maximum primarily driven by vertical mixing and a summer minimum driven by spring biological removal. Non‐Redfield C:N uptake was observed in the nutrient‐depleted summer but not during the spring bloom. In the North Atlantic, pCO2 seasonality shows a latitudinal transition: from the temperature‐dominated oligotrophic subtropical gyre to the subpolar region where pCO2 is dominated by changing concentrations of DIC. In the midlatitude Bay of Biscay, the annual cycle of pCO2 (61–75 µatm) showed a double‐peak distribution. The summer pCO2 peak was mainly driven by temperature increase, while the winter peak resulted from the dominant effect of entrainment of subsurface water. Interannual variations of DIC were more pronounced in winter and were driven by the changes in the strength of winter mixing. Higher wintertime concentrations and seasonal amplitudes of DIC were observed in cold years when the mixed‐layer depths were deeper, which appears to be associated with negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation. The Bay of Biscay shows a decrease of CO2 uptake in 2008–2010 (−0.97 and −0.75 mol m−2 yr−1) compared to 2002–2004 (−1.47 and −1.68 mol m−2 yr−1).
NAFTA, Skilled Migration, and Continental Nursing Markets
Authors: Gabriel Christina 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTHigh‐skilled labour migration figures prominently in global policy narratives. Increasingly, countries in the global north have introduced policies to attract and facilitate the entry of skilled migrants. More recently, the high‐skilled migrant is cast as an ‘agent of development’ within policy discourse and practice. This paper challenges this rhetoric by interrogating the ways in which the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implicated in skilled worker mobility. Specifically, it focuses on the empirical case of the nascent continental nursing labour market to highlight the linkages between trade, migration, and development. Two specific interrelated aspects are investigated. First, the ways in which the NAFTA appeared to promote a set of linkages between nursing labour markets of Canada, US, and Mexico through its mobility provisions. Second and relatedly, the paper explores how the new continental nursing market, engendered by the NAFTA, has created a space for third party actors, most notably nursing recruiters, to facilitate cross‐border mobility of nurses. The paper emphasises the importance of considering the diverse contexts that are implicated in the production, mobility, and governance of specific skills. This consideration troubles dominate policy narratives of skilled migration as being either a boon or detriment to development goals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery
Authors: Tian Huayu , Chen Jie , Chen Xuesi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNanocarriers are a new type of nonviral gene carriers, many of which have demonstrated a broad range of pharmacological and biological properties, such as being biodegradable in the body, stimulus‐responsive towards the surrounding environment, and an abiltiy to specifically targeting certain disease sites. By summarizing some main types of nanocarriers, this Concept considers the current status and possible future directions of the potential clinical applications of multifunctional nanocarriers, with primary attention on the combination of such properties as biodegradability, targetability, transfection ability, and stimuli sensitivity.