bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of multirate DS‐CDMA communication systems with adaptive antennas
Authors: Chen Jun‐Da , Ueng Fang‐Biau , Chang Jui‐Chi , Lin Cen‐Lan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAdaptive antennas, with spatial processing, used in code division multiple access (CDMA) systems can enhance range, reliability, and capacity. Moreover, the adaptive beamforming technologies can remove unwanted noise and interference from the received signal. In this paper, we propose the adaptive direct sequence (DS) CDMA antenna receivers and compare their performances in three existing multirate methodologies—variable processing gain (VPG), variable chip rate, and multicode systems for multiuser communications in multipath fading channels. Simulation results show that the processing powers of both narrowband and wideband adaptive antennas are not enough. We propose a powerful processing technique named Wiener Code Filter (WCF) to retrieve the shortcomings. Mean square error (MSE) analyses are also given in this paper. Some simulation examples are given to compare the performances of the proposed multirate structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The critical protein interactions and structures that elicit growth deregulation in cancer and viral replication
Authors: Ou Horng D. , May Andrew P. , O'Shea Clodagh C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractOne of the greatest challenges in biomedicine is to define the critical targets and network interactions that are subverted to elicit growth deregulation in human cells. Understanding and developing rational treatments for cancer requires a definition of the key molecular targets and how they interact to elicit the complex growth deregulation phenotype. Viral proteins provide discerning and powerful probes to understand both how cells work and how they can be manipulated using a minimal number of components. The small DNA viruses have evolved to target inherent weaknesses in cellular protein interaction networks to hijack the cellular DNA and protein replication machinery. In the battle to escape the inevitability of senescence and programmed cell death, cancers have converged on similar mechanisms, through the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations that drive unchecked cellular replication in tumors. Understanding the dynamic mechanisms through which a minimal number of viral proteins promote host cells to undergo unscheduled and pathological replication is a powerful strategy to identify critical targets that are also disrupted in cancer. Viruses can therefore be used as tools to probe the system‐wide protein‐protein interactions and structures that drive growth deregulation in human cells. Ultimately this can provide a path for developing system context‐dependent therapeutics. This review will describe ongoing experimental approaches using viruses to study pathways deregulated in cancer, with a particular focus on viral cellular protein‐protein interactions and structures. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 48–73 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.88This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease
Mass spectrometric analysis of the secretome of Candida albicans
Authors: Sorgo Alice G. , Heilmann Clemens J. , Dekker Henk L. , Brul Stanley , de Koster Chris G. , Klis Frans M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe pathogenic fungus Candida albicans secretes a considerable number of hydrolases and other proteins. In‐depth studies of the C. albicans secretome could thus provide new candidates for diagnostic markers and vaccine development. We compared various growth conditions differing in pH, temperature and the presence of the hyphal inducer N‐acetylglucosamine. The polypeptide content of the growth media was ca. 0.1–0.2% of the total biomass. Using LC–tandem mass spectrometry, we identified 44 secretory proteins, the transmembrane protein Msb2, six secretory pathway‐associated proteins and 28 predicted cytosolic proteins. Many secretory proteins are wall‐related, suggesting that their presence in the growth medium is at least partially due to accidental release from the walls. Als3, Csa2, Rbt4, Sap4 and Sap6 were enriched in the medium of hyphal cultures; Bgl2, Cht3, Dag7, Eng1, Pir1, Rbe1, Scw11, Sim1/Sun42, Xog1 and Ywp1 in the medium of yeast cells; and Plb4.5 in pH 4 medium. Seven proteins (Cht3, Mp65, Orf19.5063/Coi1, Scw11, Sim1, Sun41 and Tos1) were consistently present under all conditions tested. These observations indicate that C. albicans tightly regulates its secretome. Mp65, Sun41, and Tos1 were each predicted to contain at least one highly immunogenic peptide. In total, we identified 29 highly immunogenic peptides originating from 18 proteins, including two members of the family of secreted aspartyl proteases. Fifty‐six peptides were identified as proteotypic and will be useful for quantification purposes. In summary, the number of identified secretory proteins in the growth medium has been substantially extended, and growth conditions strongly affect the composition of the secretome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das erste Alkalimetall‐Lanthanoid(III)‐Iodid‐Oxotellurat(IV): Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4
Authors: Zitzer Sabine , Schleid Thomas 
Published: April 2010

AbstractColorless platelets of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 were obtained within five days at 775 °C by the reaction of Lu2O3 and TeO2 in a 3:8 molar ratio with NaI added in excess as both fluxing agent and reactant in evacuated silica ampoules. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with the lattice parameters a = 921.69(5), b = 552.71(3), c = 1664.37(9) pm, β = 90.218(4)° and Z = 2. The crystal structure of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 exhibits two crystallographically different Lu3+ cations, both coordinated by eight O2– anions as square antiprisms. These polyhedra are interconnected through four common edges to build up {}^2_∞{[LuO{}^e_8/2]5–} layers (e = edge‐linking) parallel to (100). Furthermore, the crystal structure includes a crystallographically unique Na+ cation surrounded by four O2– and four I– anions also in the shape of a square antiprism. These polyhedra connect via common (I2)–···(I2)– edges in generating {}^1_∞{[Na2O8I{}^e_4]18–} double‐strands that are further linked by (I1)– vertices to result in the formation of {}^2_∞{[Na2O8I3{}^e,v_3]17–} layers (v = vertex‐linking) spreading out parallel to (100) as well. Thus, the crystal structure contains two crystallographically distinct I– anions, of which (I1)– is coordinated nearly linear (∢ (Na–I1–Na) = 179.6°) by two Na+ cations, whereas (I2)– has contact to three of them displaying a distance of 114 pm from the triangular (Na+)3 plane. The crystal structure of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 is completed by two crystallographically independent Te4+ cations that show stereochemically active non‐bonding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) and are located above and below the {}^2_∞{[LuO{}^e_8/2]5–} layers forming isolated ψ1‐tetrahedral [TeO3]2– anions (d(Te–O) = 188–190 pm) with all oxygen atoms.
18F‐FDG PET for the Identification of Adrenocortical Carcinomas among Indeterminate Adrenal Tumors at Computed Tomography Scanning
Authors: Nunes Marie Laure , Rault Alexandre , Teynie Julie , Valli Nathalie , Guyot Martine , Gaye Delphine , Belleannee Genevieve , Tabarin Antoine 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) has been proposed for the evaluation of adrenal tumors. However, only scarce data are available to evaluate its usefulness for the identification of primary adrenal carcinomas in patients with no previous history of cancer and equivocal tumors on computed tomography (CT) scan. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F‐FDG‐PET to predict malignancy in such patients.Methods and PatientsThis was a retrospective study carried out from 2006 to 2009 in a single university hospital center. Twenty‐three consecutive patients without previous history of cancer investigated for adrenal tumors without features of benign adrenocortical adenoma on CT scan but no obvious ACC underwent 18F‐FDG PET. All patients underwent adrenalectomy because of CT scan characteristics regardless of the results of 18F‐FDG PET. The ratio of maxSUV adrenal tumor on maxSUV liver (adrenal/liver maxSUV ratio) during 18F‐FDG PET was compared to Weiss pathological criteria.ResultsSeventeen patients had an adrenal adenoma, 2 had small size adrenal carcinomas (<5 cm), 1 had an angiosarcoma, and 3 had noncortical benign lesions. An adrenal/liver maxSUV ratio above 1.6 provided 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 100% negative predictive value for the diagnosis of malignant tumor.ConclusionsBecause of its excellent negative predictive value, 18F‐FDG‐PET may be of help in avoiding unnecessary surgery in patients with non‐secreting equivocal tumors at CT scanning and low 18F‐FGD uptake.
Might an overweight waitress make you eat more? How the body type of others is sufficient to alter our food consumption
Authors: McFerran Brent , Dahl Darren W. , Fitzsimons Gavan J. , Morales Andrea C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper investigates how people's food choices can be shaped by the body type of others around them. Using a professionally constructed obesity prosthesis, we show that the body type of a (confederate) server in a taste test study was sufficient to alter both the quantity (Experiment 1) and specific choices (Experiment 2) participants made but that chronic dieters and non‐dieters exhibited opposite effects. While non‐dieters ate more snacks when the server was thin, dieters ate more when the server was heavy. Dieters were also more persuaded by a heavy (vs. a thin) server, choosing both a healthy and unhealthy snack more often when she recommended it to them. We suggest these results may be attributable to identification with the server.
Social Investment Policies in Chile and Latin America: Towards Equal Opportunities for Women and Children?
Authors: STAAB SILKE 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSocial investment ideas are increasingly permeating social and care policy-making in Latin America. In this article, I analyse a variety of instruments which have been used to ‘invest in children’ across a range of Latin American countries to then zoom in on Chile, where early childhood education and care have attained a prominent place on the welfare agenda in recent years. This policy interest materialised in ‘Chile Grows With You’, an integrated child development strategy whose title resonates strongly with the global narrative on social investment. Engaging with the programme's aim of creating ‘equal opportunities from the cradle’, I discuss the transformative potential and the limitations of childcare service expansion in a highly unequal context.
Does the public think it is reasonable to wait for more evidence before funding innovative health technologies? The case of PET scanning in Ontario
Authors: Chafe Roger , Merali Farhan , Laupacis Andreas , Levinson Wendy , Martin Doug 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:Many innovative health technologies do not have a sufficient evidence-base to allow for adequate assessment of their benefits. Funders in several countries have been exploring arrangements that allow for temporary or partial coverage of these technologies, but only as part of a further evaluation. The public's support of arrangements that restrict access to innovative technology until sufficient evidence is available is crucial if these arrangements are going to remain viable. The project's other objective is to examine the lay public's views on a case in which patients’ publicly funded access to an innovative health technology is being delayed until there is sufficient evidence to justify a coverage decision. The case considered is the Ontario (Canada) government's decision to restrict access to positron emission tomography (PET) scans until further evidence becomes available.Methods:The case was deliberated on by twenty-six members of theToronto Health Policy Citizens' Council, with a follow-up survey administered to individual council members.Results:The majority of council members agreed that the approach taken by the government was reasonable and in the best interests of its citizens. The council did express concerns regarding certain aspects of the case, including about the length of time it is taking to obtain further evidence.Conclusions:Public support for arrangements that limit access to new technologies will likely vary depending on the details of the specific arrangement being proposed. Deliberative public dialogue can be effectively used to identify cases the general public is most likely to support.
Keys to a successful and sustainable telemedicine program
Authors: Whitten Pamela , Holtz Bree , Nguyen Lianh 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine organizational characteristics evident in successful telemedicine programs. The study proposed four research questions to identify the key organizational characteristics for successful telemedicine programs.Methods: Data were collected through an online survey using modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and organizational change readiness (ORC) validated assessments.Results: Using the UTAUT instrument and the ORC assessment, themes of successful telemedicine programs emerged. Overarching themes of successful programs included being formally structured, forward thinking, seeking to improve the quality of patient care, and being financially stable.Conclusions: This research provides a data-driven understanding of organizational issues that serve to maximize a telemedicine program's ability to achieve the overall goals and mission of a healthcare organization.
Measuring the influence of colleagues on a consultant team's use of breast conserving surgery
Authors: Hoy Andrew R. , Patrick Hannah , Campbell Bruce , Lyratzopoulos Georgios 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine potential reasons why the use of breast conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer varies substantially between hospital teams in England, and in particular to examine whether colleague influence has a role in influencing BCS rates locally.Methods: Routinely collected Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data relating to 420 surgical teams in England who performed more than ten breast cancer operations during the financial year 2006/07 were used to identify predictors of team BCS use. Team BCS rates (as a proportion of all types of breast excision surgery) were subject to a regression analysis that incorporated, as independent variables, a range of patient, organizational, and local demographic factors, as well as the BCS rate of colleagues working alongside them in the same hospitals(s).Results: After adjusting for the effects of other variables, BCS use by colleagues working in the same hospital(s) was a significant predictor of a team's own BCS rate (standardized b = 0.224; p < .001), denoting a typical 3 percent increase in a team's BCS rate for every 10 percent increase in the BCS rate of colleagues.Conclusions: The practice of colleagues seems to have a measurable influence upon a surgical team's BCS usage. Guidance from HTA organizations can set national standards about the use of new techniques and innovations, but dissemination can be either slowed down or accelerated by the influence of local colleagues. A strategy of disseminating guidance through professional networks or “local champions” could be a powerful avenue for change.
Budget impact analysis of trastuzumab in early breast cancer: A hospital district perspective
Authors: Purmonen Timo T. , Auvinen Päivi K. , Martikainen Janne A. 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:Adjuvant trastuzumab is widely used in HER2-positive (HER2+) early breast cancer, and despite its cost-effectiveness, it causes substantial costs for health care. The purpose of the study was to develop a tool for estimating the budget impact of new cancer treatments. With this tool, we were able to estimate the budget impact of adjuvant trastuzumab, as well as the probability of staying within a given budget constraint.Methods:The created model-based evaluation tool was used to explore the budget impact of trastuzumab in early breast cancer in a single Finnish hospital district with 250,000 inhabitants. The used model took into account the number of patients, HER2+ prevalence, length and cost of treatment, and the effectiveness of the therapy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis and alternative case scenarios were performed to ensure the robustness of the results.Results:Introduction of adjuvant trastuzumab caused substantial costs for a relatively small hospital district. In base-case analysis the 4-year net budget impact was €1.3 million. The trastuzumab acquisition costs were partially offset by the reduction in costs associated with the treatment of cancer recurrence and metastatic disease.Conclusions:Budget impact analyses provide important information about the overall economic impact of new treatments, and thus offer complementary information to cost-effectiveness analyses. Inclusion of treatment outcomes and probabilistic sensitivity analysis provides more realistic estimates of the net budget impact. The length of trastuzumab treatment has a strong effect on the budget impact.
Telemedicine in acute stroke management: Systematic review
Authors: Johansson Tim , Wild Claudia 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: Stroke is the third largest cause of death and a major factor in permanent disability. Disparities in access to healthcare services exist due to geographical barriers and limited resources. Rural locations often lack the resources for adequate acute stroke care. Telestroke is intended to enable the transfer of knowledge of acute stroke management to areas with limited neurological services. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment delivery reliability of telemedicine systems in acute stroke management.Methods: A systematic review was undertaken.Results: Eighteen studies were included in this systematic review. Telestroke services have been reported to lead to better functional health outcomes, including reduced mortality and dependency, compared with conventional care. Most studies report that systemic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment increased in hospitals providing telestroke services, although patients were often transferred to a stroke center for continuing monitoring and surveillance. Patients and healthcare providers reported high levels of satisfaction. There was limited evidence regarding the impact on resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.Conclusions: Telemedicine systems can be safe, feasible, and acceptable in acute stroke management. Telestroke is associated with increased delivery of tPA. The lack of standardized measuring and reporting of resources and health outcomes hinder comparisons between telestroke networks and the determination of best practices. More research is needed to explore the clinical and economic impact of telemedicine technologies in acute stroke management, so as to support policy makers in making informed decisions.
HTA in the United Kingdom: Response
Authors: Drummond Michael , Banta David 
Published: April 2010

Professor Gabbay says he is dismayed that our article on the history of HTA in a recent special issue makes so little mention of the NHS HTA Programme, He calls this “a puzzling oversight,” which “would both surprise and disappoint the thousands . . . who have been involved in some way or another.” It was not our intention to underplay the role of the program, nor to disappoint the thousands of participants. Rather, there was a considerable amount of material to cover and a limited amount of space to do it in. Any history of HTA in the United Kingdom is inevitably a personal reflection, and it is understandable that Professor Gabbay's own account would put the program more center-stage, given his role as former director.
Risk factors for multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli rectal colonization of dogs on admission to a veterinary hospital
Authors: GIBSON J. S. , MORTON J. M. , COBBOLD R. N. , FILIPPICH L. J. , TROTT D. J. 
Published: April 2010

SUMMARYThis study aimed to identify risk factors for intestinal colonization with multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli in dogs on admission to a veterinary teaching hospital. Exposures to potential risk factors, including prior treatments, hospitalizations and interventions during the 42 days prior to admission were assessed for 82 case admissions and 82 time-matched controls in a retrospective prevalence-based case-control study of 20 months duration. On multivariable analyses, risk of MDR E. coli colonization on admission was increased with prior hospitalization for 4–7 days and >7 days relative to shorter periods, and in dogs that had prior diagnostic imaging techniques. Univariable analyses indicated that risk was increased following prior treatment with several antimicrobial agents. However, on multivariable analysis, administration of fluoroquinolones was associated with increased risk but risk did not appear to increase following administration of other antimicrobials. These results can inform management of canine patients and infection control procedures to mitigate the risk of clinical disease due to MDR bacteria in hospitalized dogs.
Development of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in transitory cholinergic neurons, starburst amacrine cells, and GABAergic amacrine cells of rabbit retina, with implications for previsual and visual development of retinal ganglion cells
Authors: FAMIGLIETTI EDWARD V. , SUNDQUIST SARAH J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractStarburst amacrine cells (SACs), the only acetylcholine (ACh)-releasing amacrine cells (ACs) in adult rabbit retina, contain GABA and are key elements in the retina’s directionally selective (DS) mechanism. Unlike many other GABAergic ACs, they use glutamic acid decarboxlyase (GAD)67, not GAD65, to synthesize GABA. Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate the apoptosis at birth (P0) of transitory putative ACs that exhibit immunoreactivity (IR) for the ACh-synthetic enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), GAD67, and the GABA transporter, GAT1. Only a few intact, displaced ChAT-immunoreactive SAC bodies are detected at P0. At P2, ChAT-IR is detected in the two narrowly stratified substrata of starburst dendrites in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Quantitative analysis reveals that in the first postnatal week, only a small fraction of SACs cells express ChAT- and GABA-IR. Not until the end of the second week are they expressed in all SACs. At P0, a three-tiered stratification of GABA-IR is present in the IPL, entirely different from the adult pattern of seven substrata, emerging at P3–P4, and optimally visualized at P13. At P0, GAD65 is detectable in normally placed AC bodies. At P1, GAD65-IR appears in dendrites of nonstarburst GABAergic ACs, and by P5 is robust in the adult pattern of four substrata in the IPL. GAD65-IR never co-localizes with ChAT-IR. In a temporal comparison of our data with physiological, pharmacological, and ultrastructural studies, we suggest that transitory ChAT-immunoreactive cells share with SACs production of stage II (nicotinic) waves of previsual synchronous activity in ganglion cells (GCs). Further, we conclude that (1) GAD65-immunoreactive, non-SAC GABAergic ACs are the most likely candidates responsible for the suppression of stage III (muscarinic/AMPA-kainate) waves and (2) DS responses first appear in DS GCs, when about 50% of SACs express ChAT- and GABA-IR, and in 100% of DS GCs, when expression occurs in all SACs.