bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRICING OF MEDICAL DEVICES UNDER COVERAGE UNCERTAINTY—A MODELLING APPROACH
Authors: Girling Alan J. , Lilford Richard J. , Young Terry P. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYProduct vendors and manufacturers are increasingly aware that purchasers of health care will fund new clinical treatments only if they are perceived to deliver value‐for‐money. This influences companies' internal commercial decisions, including the price they set for their products. Other things being equal, there is a price threshold, which is the maximum price at which the device will be funded and which, if its value were known, would play a central role in price determination. This paper examines the problem of pricing a medical device from the vendor's point of view in the presence of uncertainty about what the price threshold will be. A formal solution is obtained by maximising the expected value of the net revenue function, assuming a Bayesian prior distribution for the price threshold. A least admissible price is identified. The model can also be used as a tool for analysing proposed pricing policies when no formal prior specification of uncertainty is available. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of whole‐body vibration exposure from unsuspended cabin tractor semi‐trailers
Authors: Velmurugan P. , Kumaraswamidhas L. A. , Sankaranarayanasamy K. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIndian tractor semi‐trailer drivers are exposed to mechanical whole‐body vibration during their work. Some drivers suffer from low‐back pain from this vibration. However, there is no evidence of a relationship between the whole‐body vibration from tractor semi‐trailers and low‐back pain or occupational disease because of the lack of investigations. A field study was conducted to characterize the health risks associated with driving tractor semi‐trailers. Studies were conducted at different loadings and on different road surfaces as well as at different speeds, with the vibrations measured at the driver–seat interface on x‐longitudinal, y‐transverse and z‐vertical axes. The vibrations were compared with the health‐risk guidance according to Annex B of ISO 2631‐1 (ISO 2631/1, 1997). The findings of this study indicated that Indian tractor semi‐trailer drivers should not operate continuously more than 4 h a day under current working conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complexity Questionnaires of Visual Displays: A Validation Study of Two Information Complexity Questionnaires of Visual Displays
Authors: Ling Chen , Lopez Miguel , Shehab Randa 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWith the prevalent use of visual interfaces and the increasing demand to display more information, information complexity in human–computer interfaces becomes a major concern for designers. Complex interfaces may adversely affect the effectiveness, efficiency, and even the operational safety of a system. Previously, two questionnaires were developed by researchers at the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate information complexity of air traffic control displays. This study adapted the questionnaires for commercial visual interfaces and validated them with two types of tasks on three travel websites. The questionnaire measures the information complexity of a visual display based on perceptual, cognitive, and action complexity in terms of three complexity factors: quantity, variety, and relation. The result demonstrates that the questionnaire that uses multiple items for measuring complexity construct has good reliability, validity, and sensitivity. Information complexity is also found to be negatively correlated with usability and positively correlated with mental workload. The contribution of the study includes validating the theoretical framework for the information complexity concept through the use of questionnaires and providing a practical tool for designers to measure information complexity of the visual display for iterative improvement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating evapotranspiration using an observation based terrestrial water budget
Authors: Rodell Matthew , McWilliams Eric B. , Famiglietti James S. , Beaudoing Hiroko K. , Nigro Joseph 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTEvapotranspiration (ET) is difficult to measure at the scales of climate models and climate variability. While satellite retrieval algorithms do exist, their accuracy is limited by the sparseness of in situ observations available for calibration and validation, which themselves may be unrepresentative of 500 m and larger scale satellite footprints and grid pixels. Here, we use a combination of satellite and ground‐based observations to close the water budgets of seven continental scale river basins (Mackenzie, Fraser, Nelson, Mississippi, Tocantins, Danube, and Ubangi), estimating mean ET as a residual. For any river basin, ET must equal total precipitation minus net runoff minus the change in total terrestrial water storage (TWS), in order for mass to be conserved. We make use of precipitation from two global observation‐based products, archived runoff data, and TWS changes from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission. We demonstrate that while uncertainty in the water budget‐based estimates of monthly ET is often too large for those estimates to be useful, the uncertainty in the mean annual cycle is small enough that it is practical for evaluating other ET products. Here, we evaluate five land surface model simulations, two operational atmospheric analyses, and a recent global reanalysis product based on our results. An important outcome is that the water budget‐based ET time series in two tropical river basins, one in Brazil and the other in central Africa, exhibit a weak annual cycle, which may help to resolve debate about the strength of the annual cycle of ET in such regions and how ET is constrained throughout the year. The methods described will be useful for water and energy budget studies, weather and climate model assessments, and satellite‐based ET retrieval optimization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of a novel, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP‐BEZ235 to enhance chemotherapy and antiangiogenic response in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Awasthi Niranjan , Yen Peter L. , Schwarz Margaret A. , Schwarz Roderich E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractGemcitabine has limited clinical benefits for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways are frequently dysregulated in PDAC. We investigated the effects of NVP‐BEZ235, a novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, in combination with gemcitabine and endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II (EMAP) in experimental PDAC. Cell proliferation and protein expression were analyzed by WST‐1 assay and Western blotting. Animal survival experiments were performed in murine xenografts. BEZ235 caused a decrease in phospho‐AKT and phospho‐mTOR expression in PDAC (AsPC‐1), endothelial (HUVECs), and fibroblast (WI‐38) cells. BEZ235 inhibited in vitro proliferation of all four PDAC cell lines tested. Additive effects on proliferation inhibition were observed in the BEZ235‐gemcitabine combination in PDAC cells and in combination of BEZ235 or EMAP with gemcitabine in HUVECs and WI‐38 cells. BEZ235, alone or in combination with gemcitabine and EMAP, induced apoptosis in AsPC‐1, HUVECs, and WI‐38 cells as observed by increased expression of cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) and caspase‐3 proteins. Compared to controls (median survival: 16 days), animal survival increased after BEZ235 and EMAP therapy alone (both 21 days) and gemcitabine monotherapy (28 days). Further increases in survival occurred in combination therapy groups BEZ235 + gemcitabine (30 days, P = 0.007), BEZ235 + EMAP (27 days, P = 0.02), gemcitabine + EMAP (31 days, P = 0.001), and BEZ235 + gemcitabine + EMAP (33 days, P = 0.004). BEZ235 has experimental PDAC antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo that is further enhanced by combination of gemcitabine and EMAP. These findings demonstrate advantages of combination therapy strategies targeting multiple pathways in pancreatic cancer treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 784–791, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective action of human sera differing in fatty acids and cholesterol content on in vitro gene expression
Authors: Zirpoli Hylde , Caputo Mariella , Carraturo Antonio , Torino Gaetano , Fazio Alessia , Attya Mohamed , Rastrelli Luca , Tecce Mario Felice 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSerum constituents might directly affect metabolic diseases pathogenesis and are commonly used as diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to investigate the human serum effect on in vitro gene expression, related to nutrients action and involved in lipid metabolism. In detail, 40 human sera were firstly analyzed in fatty acids profile by gas‐chromatography. Then samples were tested through direct addition within culture medium on Hep G2 human hepatoma cells, comparing samples from hypercholesterolemic (average 273 mg/dl) versus normocholesterolemic male subjects (average 155 mg/dl), since this condition is a relevant disease risk factor and is typically consequent to nutritional style. Hypercholesterolemic sera produced a 0.4‐fold reduction of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) mRNA (P < 0.05) and a 1.5‐fold increase of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) mRNA (P < 0.01). Samples with higher concentrations of n‐6 fatty acids produced a higher expression of UGT1A1 mRNA. Total fatty acids [docosahexaenoic, eicosopentanoic, arachidonic, linolenic, and linoleic acid (DHA, EPA, AA, LNA, and LA, respectively)] in each serum resulted roughly inverse with trend of SREBP‐1c mRNA expression. Serum AA, LA, and trans fatty acids were more abundant in hypercholesterolemic subjects (P < 0.01) while DHA as quota of detected fatty acids was significantly higher in normocholesterolemic subjects (P < 0.05). While it is not possible to indicate which component was responsible for the observed gene modulations, our data indicate that sera differing in lipid profiles, mainly associated with dietary behavior, differentially affect gene expression known to be involved in metabolic and nutritional related conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 815–823, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous contraction and buckling of stress fibers in individual cells
Authors: Deguchi Shinji , Matsui Tsubasa S. , Sato Masaaki 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIt has been proposed that buckling of actin stress fibers (SFs) may be associated with their disassembly. However, much of the detail remains unknown partly because the use of an elastic membrane sheet, conventionally necessary for inducing SF buckling with a mechanical compression to adherent cells, may limit high quality and quick imaging of the dynamic cellular events. Here, we present an alternate approach to induce buckling behavior of SFs on a readily observable glass plate. Actin SFs were extracted from cells, and constituent myosin II (MII) molecules were partially photo‐inactivated in contractility. An addition of Mg‐ATP allowed actin–myosin cross‐bridge cycling and resultant contraction of only thick SFs that still contained active MII in the large volume. Meanwhile, thin SFs with virtually no active motor protein in the small volume had no choice but to buckle with the shortening movement of nearby thick SFs functioning as a compression‐inducing element. This novel technique, thus allowing for selective inductions of contraction and buckling of SFs and measurements of the cellular prestress, may be applicable to not only investigations on their disassembly mechanisms but also to measurements of the relative thickness of individual SFs in each cell. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 824–832, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear accumulation of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase is impaired in diabetic rat liver
Authors: Bertinat Romina , Pontigo Juan P. , Pérez Moisés , Concha Ilona I. , Martín Rody San , Guinovart Joan J. , Slebe Juan C. , Yáñez Alejandro J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUsing a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic rat model, we analyzed and separated the effects of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia over the in vivo expression and subcellular localization of hepatic fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) in the multicellular context of the liver. Our data showed that FBPase subcellular localization was modulated by the nutritional state in normal but not in diabetic rats. By contrast, the liver zonation was not affected in any condition. In healthy starved rats, FBPase was localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, whereas in healthy re‐fed rats it was concentrated in the nucleus and the cell periphery. Interestingly, despite the hyperglycemia, FBPase was unable to accumulate in the nucleus in hepatocytes from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, suggesting that insulin is a critical in vivo modulator. This idea was confirmed by exogenous insulin supplementation to diabetic rats, where insulin was able to induce the rapid accumulation of FBPase within the hepatocyte nucleus. Besides, hepatic FBPase was found phosphorylated only in the cytoplasm, suggesting that the phosphorylation state is involved in the nuclear translocation. In conclusion, insulin and not hyperglycemia plays a crucial role in the nuclear accumulation of FBPase in vivo and may be an important regulatory mechanism that could account for the increased endogenous glucose production of liver of diabetic rodents. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 848–856, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender related alterations of β‐adrenoceptor mechanisms in heart failure due to arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Dent Melissa R. , Tappia Paramjit S. , Dhalla Naranjan S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine gender related changes in different components of β‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) system in response to arteriovenous fistula (AV‐shunt), which is known to produce heart failure due to volume overload. AV‐shunt was induced in male and female rats for 16 weeks by the needle technique; ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with or without estrogen were also used. Although AV‐shunt for 16 weeks produced cardiac hypertrophy in both sexes, male animals showed cardiac dysfunction whereas cardiac performance was maintained in females. Both β1‐AR and β2‐AR protein content and mRNA levels were decreased in male and increased in female hearts post‐AV‐shunt. The basal adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity was lower in the female heart; however, AC protein content and the increase in epinephrine (EPi)‐stimulated AC activity were greater in the female AV‐shunt group as compared to males. While AC V/VI and β‐arrestin 2 mRNA levels were decreased in males, mRNA level for GRK2 was increased in females post‐AV‐shunt. In contrast to intact females, AV‐shunt OVX animals showed depressed cardiac function, decreased β1‐AR, β2‐AR, and AC protein content, as well as reduced EPi‐stimulated AC activity. Treatment of OVX rats with 17‐β estradiol attenuated the AV‐shunt induced changes in β‐AR and AC protein content as well as cardiac dysfunction. These results reveal that β‐AR signal transduction system in response to AV‐shunt is downregulated in males and upregulated in females. Furthermore, estrogen appears to play an important role in the upregulation of β‐AR mechanisms and the maintenance of cardiac function in AV‐shunt females. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3080–3087, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of long‐term potentiation by CuZn superoxide dismutase injection in rat dentate gyrus: Involvement of muscarinic M1 receptor
Authors: Viggiano A. , Serù R. , Damiano S. , De Luca B. , Santillo M. , Mondola P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractLong‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression represent important processes that modulate synaptic transmission that carries out a key role in neural mechanisms of memory. Many studies give strong evidences on a role of the reactive oxygen species in the induction of LTP in CA1 region of hippocampal slices that was inhibited by adding the scavenger enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Previous data showed that SOD1 is secreted by many cellular lines, including neuroblastoma SK‐N‐BE cells through microvesicles by an ATP‐dependent mechanism; moreover, it has been shown that SOD1 interacts with human neuroblastoma cell membranes increasing intracellular calcium levels via a phospholipase C–protein kinase C pathway activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intracerebral injection of SOD1 or the inactive form of enzyme (ApoSOD) on the modulation of synaptic transmission in dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in urethane anesthetized rats. The results of the present research showed that intracerebral injection of SOD1 and ApoSOD in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampal formation inhibits LTP induced by high‐frequency stimulation of the perforant path. This result cannot be only explained by the dismutation of oxygen radical induced by SOD1 since also ApoSOD, that lacks the enzymatic activity, carries out the same inhibitory effect on LTP induction. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3111–3115, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of vitellogenin receptor in the ovarian follicles during the reproductive cycle of the spotted ray Torpedo marmorata Risso 1880
Authors: Del Giudice Giuseppina , Prisco Marina , Agnese Marisa , Valiante Salvatore , Verderame Mariailaria , Limatola Ermelinda , Laforgia Vincenza , Andreuccetti Piero 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe aim of this investigation was to identify the encoding sequence of vitellogenin receptor gene (vtgr), and its expression during the oogenesis in the spotted ray, Torpedo marmorata, in different phases of reproductive cycle. From an ovarian cDNA of vitellogenic female, we obtained a fragment of 581 bp, which corresponds to a partial sequence encoding the vitellogenin receptor (VTGR) in Torpedo (accession number: gi/193244760). This sequence shows a high identity with the VTGR of other vertebrates, particularly Leucoraja erinacea (89% identity) and Squalus acanthias (84% identity). We also showed that vtgr mRNA expression in the ovary modifies during the oogenesis and throughout the reproductive cycle. Indeed, in immature females, whose ovary contains only previtellogenic follicles, vtgr mRNA occurred in the oocyte cortex as well as within intermediate and pyriform cells. In mature females, whose ovary contains pre‐ and vitellogenic follicles, vtgr mRNA was detectable not only in the oocyte cortex and in intermediate and pyriform cells but also in small follicle cells present in the follicular epithelium of vitellogenic follicles. In ovulating females, that, as pregnant ones, show pre‐and vitellogenic follicles, vtgr mRNA was evident in the oocyte cortex only, whereas in pregnant females, no vtgr mRNA was evident. The role of VTGR in the control of Torpedo vitellogenesis is discussed. J. Exp. Zool. 315:585–592, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How do hatcheries influence embryonic development of sea turtle eggs? Experimental analysis and isolation of microorganisms in leatherback turtle eggs
Authors: Patino‐Martinez Juan , Marco Adolfo , Quiñones Liliana , Abella Elena , Abad Roberto Muriel , Diéguez‐Uribeondo Javier 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMany conservation programs consider translocation of turtle nests to hatcheries as a useful technique. The repeated use of the same incubation substrate over several seasons in these hatcheries could, however, be harmful to embryos if pathogens were able to accumulate or if the physical and chemical characteristics of the incubation environment were altered. However, this hypothesis has yet to be tested. We conducted two field experiments to evaluate the effects of hatchery sand and eggshell decay on the embryonic development of leatherback sea turtle eggs in Colombia. We identified the presence of both fungi and bacteria species on leatherback turtle eggs. Sea turtle eggs exposed to previously used hatchery substrates or to decaying eggshells during the first and middle third of the embryonic development produced hatchlings that were smaller and/or weighed less than control eggs. However, this did not negatively influence hatching success. The final third of embryonic development seems to be less susceptible to infection by microorganisms associated with decaying shells. We discuss the mechanisms that could be affecting sea turtle egg development when in contact with fungi. Further studies should seek to understand the infection process and the stages of development in which the fungi are more virulent to the eggs of this critically endangered species. J. Exp. Zool. 317:47–54, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A phase I clinical study of naked DNA expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor to treat patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Gu Yongquan , Zhang Jian , Guo Lianrui , Cui Shijun , Li Xuefeng , Ding Dayou , Kim Jong‐Mook , Ho Seong‐Hyun , Hahn Woong , Kim Sunyoung 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present phase I clinical trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of naked DNA therapy expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (pCK‐HGF‐X7) in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients.Materials and methodsTwenty‐one patients with CLI were consecutively assigned to receive increasing doses (cohort I: 4 mg; cohort II: 8 mg; cohort III: 12 mg; and cohort IV: 16 mg) of pCK‐HGF‐X7, which was administered into the ischemic calf and/or thigh muscle at days 1 and 15. A safety and tolerability evaluation and measurement of pain severity score using a visual analog scale (VAS), ulcer status, transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2) and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) were performed throughout a 3‐month follow‐up period.ResultsNo serious adverse events were observed in any of the 21 patients for the 3‐month follow‐up period. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the treated patients, with the mean VAS decreasing from 5.95–1.64 (p < 0.001). The mean ABI value increased from 0.49–0.63 (p = 0.026) at 3‐month follow‐up. The mean TcPO2 value on the dorsum of the foot, the anterior calf and posterior calf significantly increased from 28.25–39.28 mmHg (p = 0.012), from 22.00–30.63 mmHg (p = 0.046) and 32.05–47.19 mmHg (p = 0.001) at 3‐month follow‐up, respectively. Wound healing improvement was observed in the six of nine patients that had an ulcer at baseline.ConclusionsThese results support the performance of a phase II randomized controlled trial with pCK‐HGF‐X7. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making the financial case for corrective action to management
Authors: Robitaille Denise 
Published: October 2011

AbstractEven the best‐designed corrective action plans should not budge off the drawing board without a green light from upper management. Therefore, those charged with boosting organizational performance must do more than pinpoint areas needing improvement and devise a plan to address shortcomings. They need to learn to assess their proposals through the eyes of those who are responsible for strategic planning and authorizing the expenditure of resources. Only by addressing the legitimate concerns that contribute to management's resistance to change initiatives and crafting fact‐based arguments that illustrate the financial benefits to be realized from a well‐deployed corrective action program can its proponents obtain the support needed to turn their vision for organizational excellence into reality. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.