bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contact and fumigant toxicity of Armoracia rusticana essential oil, allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds to Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Yun Yeon‐Kyeong , Kim Hyun‐Kyung , Kim Jun‐Ran , Hwang Kumnara , Ahn Young‐Joon 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The toxicity to adult Dermatophagoides farinae of allyl isothiocyanate identified in horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, oil and another 27 organic isothiocyanates was evaluated using contact + fumigant and vapour‐phase mortality bioassays. Results were compared with those of two conventional acaricides, benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate.RESULTS: Horseradish oil (24 h LC50, 1.54 µg cm−2) and allyl isothiocyanate (2.52 µg cm−2) were highly toxic. Benzyl isothiocyanate (LC50, 0.62 µg cm−2) was the most toxic compound, followed by 4‐chlorophenyl, 3‐bromophenyl, 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, 2‐chlorophenyl, 4‐bromophenyl and 2‐bromophenyl isothiocyanates (0.93–1.41 µg cm−2). All were more effective than either benzyl benzoate (LC50, 4.58 µg cm−2) or dibutyl phthalate (24.49 µg cm−2). The structure‐activity relationship indicates that types of functional group and chemical structure appear to play a role in determining the isothiocyanate toxicities to adult D. farinae. In the vapour‐phase mortality bioassay, these isothiocyanates were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was, in part, a result of vapour action.CONCLUSION: In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, the horseradish oil‐derived compounds and the isothiocyanates described herein merit further study as potential acaricides for the control of house dust mite populations as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
A generalized design methodology for the output feedback regulation of a special type of systems with bounded inputs
Authors: Zavala‐Río A. , Aguilera‐González A. , Martínez‐Sibaja A. , Astorga‐Zaragoza C. M. , Adam‐Medina M. 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn this work, a generalized design scheme for the output feedback regulation of a special type of systems with bounded inputs is proposed. It gives rise to a simple dynamic controller that guarantees the regulation objective avoiding input saturation, for any initial condition within a specific set that may comprehend the whole state space and that does not require any additional system data (apart from the output variable). Several processes, like double‐pipe heat exchangers, bioreactors, and binary distillation columns, are shown to be part of the type of systems that may be regulated through the developed methodology. The efficiency of the proposed scheme is corroborated through experimental and simulation results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delay‐dependent stability and robust L2 −L ∞  control for a class of fuzzy descriptor systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Kchaou Mourad , Souissi Mansour , Toumi Ahmed 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, the problem of delay‐dependent robust L2 −L ∞  (energy to peak) control for a class of uncertain fuzzy descriptor systems with time‐varying delay is investigated. The parametric uncertainties are assumed to be of a linear fractional form involving all system matrices. First, a delay‐dependent criterion is given in terms of LMIs to guarantee that the fuzzy descriptor system is regular, impulse free, and stable. Based on this criterion, a state fuzzy feedback controller is designed to ensure that the closed‐loop system is regular, impulse free, and robustly stable with a prescribed L2 −L ∞  performance satisfied for all admissible parameter uncertainties. Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive fuzzy decentralized output feedback control for stochastic nonlinear large‐scale systems using DSC technique
Authors: Tong Shaocheng , Li Yongming , Wang Tao 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, an adaptive fuzzy decentralized backstepping output feedback control approach is proposed for a class of uncertain large‐scale stochastic nonlinear systems without the measurements of the states. The fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions, and a fuzzy state observer is designed for estimating the unmeasured states. Using the designed fuzzy state observer, and by combining the adaptive backstepping technique with dynamic surface control technique, an adaptive fuzzy decentralized output feedback control approach is developed. It is shown that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the signals of the resulting closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in probability, and the observer errors and the output of the system converge to a small neighborhood of the origin by choosing appropriate design parameters. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output regulation for a class of switched nonlinear systems: an average dwell‐time method
Authors: Dong Xiaoxiao , Zhao Jun 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYThis paper studies the problem of output regulation for a class of switched nonlinear systems. Sufficient conditions for the problem to be solved are presented in terms of the average dwell‐time scheme. These conditions are obtained based on full information feedback laws and error feedback laws, respectively. The results extend the output regulation theory for non‐switched nonlinear systems to switched nonlinear systems. A simulation example also shows the validity of the results.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preconditioning by Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition Improves Therapeutic Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Following Myocardial Infarction in Mice
Authors: Hoke Nicholas N. , Salloum Fadi N. , Kass David A. , Das Anindita , Kukreja Rakesh C. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The rationale of this article is enhancing the therapeutic potential of stem cells in ischemic microenvironments by novel preconditioning strategies is critical for improving cellular therapy. We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) with sildenafil (Viagra) or knockdown with a silencing vector in adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) would improve their survival and enhance cardiac function following myocardial implantation in vivo. ASCs were treated with sildenafil or PDE-5 silencing vector short hairpin RNA (shRNAPDE-5) and subjected to simulated ischemia/reoxygenation in vitro. Both sildenafil and shRNAPDE-5 significantly improved viability, decreased necrosis, apoptosis, and enhanced the release of growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), and insulin-like growth factor. Inhibition of protein kinase G reversed these effects. To show the beneficial effect of preconditioned ASCs in vivo, adult male CD-1 mice underwent myocardial infarction. Preconditioned ASCs (4 × 105) were directly injected intramyocardially. Preconditioned ASC-treated hearts showed consistently superior cardiac function when compared with nonpreconditioned ASCs after 4 weeks of treatment. This was associated with significantly reduced fibrosis, increased vascular density, and decreased resident myocyte apoptosis when compared with mice receiving nonpreconditioned ASCs. VEGF, b-FGF, and Angiopoietin-1 were also significantly elevated 4 weeks after cell therapy with preconditioned ASCs. We conclude that preconditioning by inhibition of PDE-5 can be a powerful novel approach to improve stem cell therapy following myocardial infarction.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Epithelial and Mesenchymal Subpopulations Within Normal Basal Breast Cell Lines Exhibit Distinct Stem Cell/Progenitor Properties
Authors: Sarrio David , Franklin Chris K. , Mackay Alan , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Isacke Clare M. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
It has been proposed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells generates stem cell features, and that the presence of EMT characteristics in claudin-low breast tumors reveals their origin in basal stem cells. It remains to be determined, however, whether EMT is an inherent property of normal basal stem cells, and if the presence of a mesenchymal-like phenotype is required for the maintenance of all their stem cell properties. We used nontumorigenic basal cell lines as models of normal stem cells/progenitors and demonstrate that these cell lines contain an epithelial subpopulation (“EpCAM+,” epithelial cell adhesion molecule positive [EpCAMpos]/CD49fhigh) that spontaneously generates mesenchymal-like cells (“Fibros,” EpCAMneg/CD49fmed/low) through EMT. Importantly, stem cell/progenitor properties such as regenerative potential, high aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity, and formation of three-dimensional acini-like structures predominantly reside within EpCAM+ cells, while Fibros exhibit invasive behavior and mammosphere-forming ability. A gene expression profiling meta-analysis established that EpCAM+ cells show a luminal progenitor-like expression pattern, while Fibros most closely resemble stromal fibroblasts but not stem cells. Moreover, Fibros exhibit partial myoepithelial traits and strong similarities with claudin-low breast cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrate that Slug and Zeb1 EMT-inducers control the progenitor and mesenchymal-like phenotype in EpCAM+ cells and Fibros, respectively, by inhibiting luminal differentiation. In conclusion, nontumorigenic basal cell lines have intrinsic capacity for EMT, but a mesenchymal-like phenotype does not correlate with the acquisition of global stem cell/progenitor features. Based on our findings, we propose that EMT in normal basal cells and claudin-low breast cancers reflects aberrant/incomplete myoepithelial differentiation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Measuring instructional practice in science using classroom artifacts: lessons learned from two validation studies
Authors: Martínez José Felipe , Borko Hilda , Stecher Brian M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWith growing interest in the role of teachers as the key mediators between educational policies and outcomes, the importance of developing good measures of classroom processes has become increasingly apparent. Yet, collecting reliable and valid information about a construct as complex as instruction poses important conceptual and technical challenges. This article summarizes the results of two studies that investigated the properties of measures of instruction based on a teacher‐generated instrument (the Scoop Notebook) that combines features of portfolios and self‐report. Classroom artifacts and teacher reflections were collected from samples of middle school science classrooms and rated along 10 dimensions of science instruction derived from the National Science Education Standards; ratings based on direct classroom observations were used as comparison. The results suggest that instruments that combine artifacts and self‐reports hold promise for measuring science instruction with reliability similar to, and sizeable correlations with, measures based on classroom observation. We discuss the implications and lessons learned from this work for the conceptualization, design, and use of artifact‐based instruments for measuring instructional practice in different contexts and for different purposes. Artifact‐based instruments may illuminate features of instruction not apparent even through direct classroom observation; moreover, the process of structured collection and reflection on artifacts may have value for professional development. However, their potential value and applicability on a larger scale depends on careful consideration of the match between the instrument and the model of instruction, the intended uses of the measures, and the aspects of classroom practice most amenable to reliable scoring through artifacts. We outline a research agenda for addressing unresolved questions and advancing theoretical and practical knowledge around the measurement of instructional practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 38–67, 2012
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program Attenuates Stress and Accelerates Recovery in Patients After Radical Resection for Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ren Li , Zhu Dexiang , Wei Ye , Pan Xiangou , Liang Li , Xu Jianmin , Zhong Yunshi , Xue Zhanggang , Jin Ling , Zhan Shaokang , Niu Weixin , Qin Xinyu , Wu Zhaohan , Wu Zhaoguang 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this trial was to compare the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program with conventional perioperative management in patients who underwent radical resection for colorectal cancer.MethodsA combination of evidence‐based and consensus methodology was used to develop the ERAS protocol. Five hundred ninety‐seven consecutive patients who underwent elective colorectal resection were randomized to either the ERAS (n = 299) or the control group (n = 298). Outcomes relating to nutrition and metabolism index, stress index, and recovery index were measured and recorded.ResultsDemographic and operative data were similar between the two groups. Patients in the ERAS group showed improved nutritional status when compared with those of the control group. On postoperative day (POD) 1, the HOMA‐IR (insulin resistance index) of the ERAS group was lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The cortisol level of the control group was elevated on both POD 1 (p = 0.007) and POD 5 (p = 0.002) compared to the preoperative level. However, the cortisol level of the ERAS group was not increased until POD 5 (p = 0.001). Reduced levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ in the ERAS group indicated less postoperative stress responses. In addition, ERAS was associated with accelerated recovery of gastrointestinal function. The postoperative length of stay (p < 0.001) and expense (p < 0.001) for the ERAS group were reduced in comparison to the controls. Twenty‐eight cases in the control group and twenty‐nine in the ERAS group suffered complications, which was not significantly different.ConclusionThe ERAS protocol attenuates the surgical stress response and accelerates postoperative recovery without compromising patient safety.
Is Pretreatment Endoscopic Biopsy a Good Predictor of Signet Ring Cell Histology in Gastric Carcinoma?
Authors: Piessen Guillaume , Amielh David , Messager Mathieu , Vinatier Edouard , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Triboulet Jean Pierre , Mariette Christophe 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundSignet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma is defined as an adenocarcinoma in which >50% of the total operative specimen consists of isolated or small groups of malignant cells containing intracytoplasmic mucins (hSRCs). We previously demonstrated that hSRCs are a predictor of poor prognosis with specific tumoral characteristics suggesting the need for a dedicated therapeutic strategy before surgery. However diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of SRCs on pretreatment biopsies (bSRCs) is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine if bSRCs can accurately predict hSRCs and survival.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed among 254 patients with an adenocarcinoma. We performed pretreatment endoscopic biopsies and histopathologic analysis of the surgical specimen. Pretreatment endoscopic biopsy results were compared with definitive pathologic results and were correlated with long‐term survival.ResultsFrom 254 patients enrolled, 96 had bSRCs (37.8%), and 101 (39.8%) had hSRCs. Pretreatment biopsy results were correct in 89 of 101 patients with hSRC (sensitivity 88.1%) and in 146 of 153 with histologic non‐SRCs (hNSRCs) (specificity 95.4%). The positive and negative predictive values for the biopsies were 92.7, and 92.4%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 92.5%. When compared to the biopsy results, non‐SRCs (bNSRCs), bSRCs were associated with poorer survival and were identified as an independent factor for poor prognosis (hazard ratio 1.89 with 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 2.64, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of signet ring cells in samples obtained from routine pretreatment endoscopic biopsies accurately predicts SRC histology and poor prognosis. The specific therapeutic strategy can consequently be considered from the initial diagnosis.
Evaluation of Genetic Variation Among Wild Populations and Local Varieties of Rice
Authors: Ishii Takashige , Hiraoka Takashi , Kanzaki Tomoyuki , Akimoto Masahiro , Shishido Rieko , Ishikawa Ryo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is derived from Asian wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff). Vietnamese local varieties and wild natural populations in Vietnam and Myanmar were examined to evaluate the levels of genetic variation in cultivated and wild rice. In total, 222 Vietnamese local varieties were analyzed with ten microsatellite markers. Using marker genotype and gene diversity data, the local varieties were differentiated based on geographical distribution, cropping season, and human preference. A total of 976 wild plants were collected at six natural sites of wild populations (three each in Myanmar and Vietnam), and the degrees of variation among populations were analyzed with five microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed wide genetic differentiation among wild populations. The diversity values detected in a single wild population in Vietnam were higher than those in whole Vietnamese local varieties. These results indicate that wild rice has much greater genetic variation than cultivated rice.
The Ligamentum Flavum at L4‐5: Relationship With Anthropomorphic Factors and Clinical Findings in Older Persons With and Without Spinal Disorders
Authors: Haig Andrew J. , Adewole Adodeji , Yamakawa Karen S.J. , Kelemen Benjamin , Aagesen Andrea L. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between ligamentum flavum thickness and clinical spinal stenosis.DesignA validation study.SettingClinical research laboratory.PatientsA total of 119 subjects from the Michigan Spinal Stenosis Study (MSSS).MethodsTwo new measurement techniques were compared by use of magnetic resonance images of 4 asymptomatic subjects by 2 examiners. The technique with the best interrater reliability was then used to measure the ligamentum flavum at L4‐L5 in 119 subjects in the MSSS who, on the basis of clinical examination without imaging, were thought to have lumbar stenosis, mechanical back pain, or no pain. These findings were related to other radiologic findings, demographics, clinical severity, and electrodiagnostic findings.Main Outcome MeasurementsPerpendicular on the inside of the spinal canal from the deepest point of concavity of the lamina to the edge of the ligament.ResultsThe ligamentum flavum width measurement had high interrater (r = 0.774) and intrarater (r = 0.768) reliability. In 28 asymptomatic volunteers, ligamentum flavum width averaged 5.72 ± 0.95 mm, with the left side significantly thinner than the right (t = 2.117, P = .044), and thicker ligaments with age (r = 0.653, P < .001). Asymptomatic persons whom radiologists thought had stenosis had thicker ligaments (t = 2.273, P = .032). Persons with clinical stenosis (n = 48) and mechanical pain (n = 43) had ligament thickness similar to that of asymptomatic volunteers. Among patients with clinical stenosis, ligamentum flavum thickness did not relate to symptom severity (pedometer and laboratory ambulation tests, Pain Disability Index, and visual analog scale for pain). Most neurophysiological findings had no relationship with ligamentum flavum width, except the presence of limb fibrillation potentials related to a thinner ligament (t = 2.915, P = .004).ConclusionsThe measurement technique is standardized for the ligamentum flavum for future use. Although the ligamentum flavum appears to get thicker with age, other factors, including clinical diagnosis, pain, and function, do not appear to relate to the ligamentum flavum width.
Development of a model to assess the cost‐effectiveness of gestational diabetes mellitus screening and lifestyle change for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lohse Nicolai , Marseille Elliot , Kahn James G. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasingly recognized as an opportunity for early prevention of diabetes and other diseases over the lifespan, and may be responsible for up to 30% of cases of type 2 diabetes. A newly developed mathematical model (the GDModel) provides provisional estimates of the cost and health impact of various GDM screening and management choices, and calculates averted disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs). The model was piloted in 5 different healthcare facilities in India and Israel. Universal screening of pregnant women followed by postpartum lifestyle management yielded net savings of US$78 per woman with GDM in India and US$1945 per woman in Israel. The estimated DALYs averted were 2.33 in India and 3.10 in Israel. With lower GDM prevalence, intervention efficacy, and type 2 diabetes incidence, the intervention had a net cost in India, with a cost per DALY averted of US$11.32. This was far below the WHO definition of “very cost‐effective,” set at annual GDP per capita. The intervention in Israel remained cost‐saving. GDM screening and postpartum lifestyle management are either cost‐saving or have a net cost but an attractive cost‐effectiveness ratio. Some input values are currently being refined. Nevertheless, the current findings of cost‐savings or favorable cost‐effectiveness are robust to a wide range of plausible input values, including highly unfavorable values. The GDModel will be further developed into a user‐friendly tool that can guide policy‐makers on decisions regarding GDM screening strategies and guidelines.
Designing feasible interventions for healthy pregnancies in low‐resource settings
Authors: Norris Shane A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn low‐resource settings there is a need for effective interventions targeting women before and during pregnancy to improve their health outcomes and provide the best start to life for their infants. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview for designing, implementing, and evaluating such interventions. Drawing upon published literature and case studies, several key steps in the process of intervention design, implementation, and evaluation are identified. Pregnancy intervention studies in low‐resource settings are challenging. Essential intervention process steps include: (1) selecting the optimal setting to pilot the intervention; (2) forming strong stakeholder collaborations; (3) identifying, understanding, and prioritizing community health problems; (4) facilitating the demand for intervention research and evidence utilization; (5) effectively implementing and evaluating the prototype intervention to provide evidence of effectiveness; and (6) planning with stakeholders for sustainability. Fundamental to any intervention for healthy pregnancies is the understanding that the process does not end with an evaluation study, but rather the end goal is to ensure successful interventions are sustainable, scalable, and integrated into health services.