bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results of a prospective study of positron emission tomography–directed management of residual nodal abnormalities in node‐positive head and neck cancer after definitive radiotherapy with or without systemic therapy
Authors: Porceddu Sandro V. , Pryor David I. , Burmeister Elizabeth , Burmeister Bryan H. , Poulsen Michael G. , Foote Matthew C. , Panizza Benedict , Coman Scott , McFarlane David , Coman William 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to present our prospectively evaluated positron emission tomography (PET)‐directed policy for managing the neck in node‐positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (N+HNSCC) after definitive radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent systemic therapy.MethodsOne hundred twelve consecutive patients who achieved a complete response at the primary site underwent a 12‐week posttherapy nodal response assessment with PET and diagnostic CT. Patients with an equivocal PET underwent a repeat PET 4 to 6 weeks later. Patients with residual CT nodal abnormalities deemed PET‐negative were uniformly observed regardless of residual nodal size.ResultsMedian follow‐up from commencement of RT was 28 months (range, 13–64 months). Residual CT nodal abnormalities were present in 50 patients (45%): 41 PET‐negative and 9 PET‐positive. All PET‐negative residual CT nodal abnormalities were observed without subsequent isolated nodal failure.ConclusionPET‐directed management of the neck after definitive RT in node‐positive HNSCC appropriately spares neck dissections in patients with PET‐negative residual CT nodal abnormalities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Role of parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy
Authors: Bachar Gideon , Mizrachi Aviram , Hadar Tuvia , Feinmesser Raphael , Shpitzer Thomas 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring in parathyroidectomy has been previously debated.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was of 240 patients, operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) between January 2002 and January 2006 and categorized into 3 groups by preoperative and intraoperative modalities: group 1 (n = 109), technetium 99m sestamibi (MIBI), ultrasonography, and IOPTH; group 2 (n = 102), ultrasonography and MIBI; and group 3 (n = 29), ultrasonography and IOPTH. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.ResultsIn group 1, IOPTH increased the success rate from 97% to 99%. In group 2, ultrasonography and MIBI were concordant in 95% of cases. In group 3, IOPTH increased the sensitivity from 89% to 96%. The duration of surgery was longer (p < .0001) when IOPTH was applied.ConclusionsWhen ultrasonography and MIBI are used, the additional benefit of IOPTH is marginal, especially given the longer duration of surgery. Ultrasonography and additional IOPTH yield good success rates when MIBI is not available. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
The motivation of information technology consultants: The struggle with social dimensions and identity
Authors: Wallgren Lars Göran , Hanse Jan Johansson 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIncreasingly, customer companies hire external information technology (IT) consultants, often on a special project basis. These consultants are employees of professional service firms, although they receive their assignments from the hiring companies, report to them, and are supervised by them. Using semistructured interviews with 12 IT consultants in Sweden, we examine the factors that influence their work motivation, including the effect of this dual allegiance—to the service firm and to the customer company. The data indicate that the primary motivators are the variety in tasks and the opportunity to influence and/or manage an entire project. Neither monetary incentives nor the consultancy firm norms are strong motivators. A factor that affects work behavior and motivation is the subordinate identity that IT consultants must assume with their powerful clients. The article concludes with practical suggestions for managers who seek to understand what motivates employees who work at a distance, under external control. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Processing Chemical and Photonic Signals by Artificial Multicomponent Molecular Systems
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Semeraro Monica , Credi Alberto 
Published: January 2011

AbstractMiniaturization has been an essential ingredient in the outstanding progress of information technology over the past fifty years. The next, perhaps ultimate, limit of miniaturization is that of molecules, which are the smallest entities with definite size, shape, and properties. Molecular‐level systems that respond to external stimulation by changing some physical or chemical properties can be viewed as input–output devices and therefore may be useful for transferring, processing, and storing information. Some of these nanoscale devices can, in fact, perform logic operations of remarkable complexity. This research — although far from being transferred into technology — is attracting interest, since the nanometer realm seems to be out of reach for the “top‐down” techniques currently available to microelectronics industry. Leaving aside futuristic speculations related to the construction of a chemical computer, molecular logic devices could be interesting for specific applications in areas such as diagnostics, medicine, and materials science, where problems need to be addressed in places — for example, inside a cell — that are out of reach for a silicon‐based computer. Here we discuss the idea of processing information with artificial multicomponent molecular systems in solution by illustrating a few recent examples developed in our laboratory.
Research in progress conference for hospitalists provides valuable peer mentoring
Authors: Abougergi Marwan S. , Wright Scott M. , Landis Regina , Howell Eric E. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Many academic hospitalist units lack senior mentors. In such groups, peer mentoring may be valuable. To formalize collaboration, we instituted a research‐in‐progress conference at our institution, and this article describes the format and evaluation data.METHODS:The research‐in‐progress sessions were held every 3 to 4 weeks and followed a specific format. Evaluation forms were completed after each of the 15 sessions during the 2009 academic year. Attendees and presenters completed surveys at the end of the sessions. The projects presented were tracked for successful academic outcomes, namely, publication in a peer‐reviewed journal or presentation at a national meeting.RESULTS:A mean of 9.6 persons were present at each session and completed the evaluations. All 15 presenters rated the climate of the sessions as extremely supportive, and 86% believed they were helpful in advancing their project. A total of 143 evaluations were completed by the attendees, 86% and 96% of whom found the sessions to be intellectually stimulating and to have satisfactorily kept them abreast of their colleagues' scholarly pursuits, respectively. To date, 10 of the 15 projects have translated into successful academic outcomes: 6 peer‐reviewed publications and 4 other presentations presented at national meetings.CONCLUSIONS:The research‐in‐progress conference has been well received and has resulted in academic productivity within our hospitalist division. It is likely that such a conference will be most valuable for groups with limited access to senior mentors. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:43–46. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Lucid dreaming and resilience in the face of exposure to terrorism
Authors: Soffer‐Dudek Nirit , Wertheim Reut , Shahar Golan 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe relationship between resilience and lucid dreams, which involves awareness of the experience of dreaming, was examined in 79 Israeli young adults. Psychological distress and lucid dreams 3 years prior to exposure to terrorism, and exposure levels and psychological distress 1 week following exposure, were assessed. Both indirect exposure through media and perceived stress predicted an increase in distress during the 3‐year interval under low, but not high, levels of lucid dreams. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
A randomized, controlled study of treatment for alcohol dependence in patients awaiting liver transplantation
Authors: Weinrieb Robert M. , Van Horn Deborah H.A. , Lynch Kevin G. , Lucey Michael R. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Alcohol is the second most common cause of cirrhosis necessitating liver transplantation in the United States, yet rates of posttransplant drinking approach 50% and no controlled clinical trials of alcoholism treatment exist in this population. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), or referral to local treatment sources (“treatment as usual” [TAU]). Addictive behavior, mood states, and general health were compared. Candor concerning alcohol use was encouraged by keeping drinking questionnaires in confidence, except in medical emergencies. Ninety-one subjects were studied; 46 received MET, 45 received TAU, 29 proceeded to transplantation (MET, n = 13; TAU, n = 16). A total of 69 subjects completed 24 weeks of observation, and 25 subjects were assessed at 96 weeks. No difference in study attendance was observed, but significantly more MET subjects attended 1 or more treatment sessions. Twenty-three subjects (25% of sample) drank after randomization but before transplant. Excluding an extreme outlier, MET drinkers had significantly fewer drinks per drinking days than TAU drinkers. Neither treatment plan resulted in significant variances in measures of psychosocial health. In conclusion, although MET afforded no significant benefit over TAU for mood or general health outcomes, this study provides some degree of support for MET to limit the quantity and frequency of pretransplant alcohol consumption among liver transplant candidates with alcohol dependence. However, because of the limited number of study subjects, these data must be interpreted cautiously. Further research to validate our findings or to identify better methods to identify and intervene with patients at risk of pretransplant and posttransplant drinking should continue. Liver Transpl 17:539-547, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Mobilization of hepatic mesenchymal stem cells from human liver grafts
Authors: Pan Qiuwei , Fouraschen Suomi M.G. , Kaya Fatima S. F. Aerts , Verstegen Monique M. , Pescatori Mario , Stubbs Andrew P. , van IJcken Wilfred , van der Sloot Antoine , Smits Ron , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Metselaar Herold J. , Kazemier Geert , de Jonge Jeroen , Tilanus Hugo W. , Wagemaker Gerard , Janssen Harry L.A. , van der Laan Luc J.W. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Extensive studies have demonstrated the potential applications of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as regenerative or immunosuppressive treatments in the setting of organ transplantation. The aims of the present study were to explore the presence and mobilization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in adult human liver grafts and to compare their functional capacities to those of BM-MSCs. The culturing of liver graft preservation fluids (perfusates) or end-stage liver disease tissues resulted in the expansion of MSCs. Liver-derived mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs) were equivalent to BM-MSCs in adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation and in wingless-type-stimulated proliferative responses. Moreover, the genome-wide gene expression was very similar, with a 2-fold or greater difference found in only 82 of the 32,321 genes (0.25%). L-MSC differentiation into a hepatocyte lineage was demonstrated in immunodeficient mice and in vitro by the ability to support a hepatitis C virus infection. Furthermore, a subset of engrafted MSCs survived over the long term in vivo and maintained stem cell characteristics. Like BM-MSCs, L-MSCs were found to be immunosuppressive; this was shown by significant inhibition of T cell proliferation. In conclusion, the adult human liver contains an MSC population with a regenerative and immunoregulatory capacity that can potentially contribute to tissue repair and immunomodulation after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 17:596-609, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Development of a disease-specific questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Saab Sammy , Ng Vivian , Landaverde Carmen , Lee Sung-Jae , Comulada Scott W. , Arevalo Jennifer , Durazo Francisco , Han Steven-Huy , Younossi Zobari , Busuttil Ronald W. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Currently, no disease-targeted instrument is available for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in liver transplant recipients. We developed and tested a post-liver transplant quality of life (pLTQ) instrument. Item selection for the pLTQ instrument was based on responses from liver transplant recipients, 12 liver experts, and a literature search. Impact scores were generated, and a factor analysis was conducted to organize the items into domains. Questions were constructed for each item, and redundant questions were removed. The pLTQ instrument was initially administered to 196 liver transplant patients and then was again administered to 77 patients 6 to 9 months later with a generic HRQOL survey [Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36)]. Analysis of variance was used to compare the scores of patients at different times since transplantation and with various indications for transplantation. After redundancies were eliminated, the pLTQ instrument included 32 items in 8 domains: Emotional Function, Worry, Medications, Physical Function, Healthcare, Graft Rejection Concern, Financial, and Pain. We found stable pLTQ instrument and SF-36 instrument scores over time. Data 6 to 9 months after the initial assessment indicated stable quality of life outcomes. The pLTQ instrument is applicable to a variety of liver transplant recipients. The questionnaire was tested with a cross-sectional and longitudinal approach. Liver Transpl 17:567-579, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Lipovitellin constitutes the protein backbone of glycoproteins involved in sperm–egg interaction in the amphibian Discoglossus pictus
Authors: Campanella C. , Caputo M. , Vaccaro M.C. , De Marco N. , Tretola L. , Romano M. , Prisco M. , Camardella L. , Flagiello A. , Carotenuto R. , Limatola E. , Polzonetti‐Magni A. , Infante V. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOur knowledge of the molecules that interact with sperm at the egg membrane is restricted to a short list. In the eggs of Discoglossus pictus, fusion with sperm is limited to a differentiated structure, the dimple, offering several advantages for detecting molecules involved in fertilization. Previous studies have identified fucosylated glycoproteins of 200, 260, and 270 kDa located at the surface of the dimple that are able to bind sperm in vitro. Here, we show that dimple glycoproteins and a protein represented by a 120‐kDa band released following gel‐into‐gel SDS–PAGE of both glycoproteins share the same N‐terminal amino acid sequence, which itself is similar to the N‐termini of Xenopus liver‐synthesized vitellogenin (VTG) and the lipovitellin 1. MALDI/MS mass spectrometry indicated that the 120‐kDa band is part of both gps 200 and 270/260. A 117‐kDa major protein of the egg lysate exhibits the same MALDI/MS spectrum, and LC‐MSMS indicates that this is a lipovitellin 1 (DpLIV) that coincides with the 120‐kDa band and is responsible for the formation of the 200–270‐kDa dimers. Therefore, lipovitellin 1 constitutes the protein backbone of the dimple glycoconjugates. In vitro assays using polystyrene beads coated with DpLIV or with its dimers indicate that significant sperm binding occurs only with DpLIV dimers. In amphibians, VTG is taken up by the oocyte, where it releases lipovitellins destined to form yolk. In Discoglossus, our data suggest that yolk proteins are also synthesized by the oocyte. The dimple forms in the ovulated oocyte following the exocytosis of vesicles that likely expose DpLIVs at their membrane. Indeed, in whole mounts of immunostained eggs, anti‐vitellogenin antibodies label only the surface of the dimple. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:161–171, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silencing of Rieske iron–sulfur protein using chemically synthesised siRNA as a potential biopesticide against Plutella xylostella
Authors: Gong Liang , Yang Xiuqun , Zhang Biliang , Zhong Guohua , Hu MeiYing 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Extensive applications and frequent long‐term use of pesticides can affect behavioural mechanisms and physiological and biochemical aspects of insects, leading to resistance. However, insect control strategies involving a different mode of action would be valuable for managing the emergence of insect resistance. In this context, the development of RNA interference technology has brought a turning point in the creation of new biopesticides.RESULTS: Full‐length cDNA of Rieske iron–sulfur protein (RISP) was cloned and characterised from Plutella xylostella L. Three siRNAs specific to RISP sequences were designed and chemically synthesised, and fed to P. xylostella larvae by coating cabbage leaves. This resulted in specific gene silencing of RISP, and consequently brought significant mortality of P. xylostella larvae compared with the control treatment. Silencing of RISP leads to significantly lower transcript levels of RISP compared with the control. In addition, the amount of ATP in the surviving larvae was lower than in the control. However, surviving larvae gradually recovered to normal transcript and protein levels.CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration of the potential use of chemically synthesised siRNA in the development of new biopesticides as a mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
State feedback stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems with SiISS inverse dynamics
Authors: Duan Na , Xie Xue‐Jun , Yu Xin 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis paper further considers a more general class of stochastic nonlinear systems with stochastic integral input‐to‐state stability (SiISS) inverse dynamics and drift and diffusion terms depending upon the other states besides stochastic inverse dynamics and the first state. By skillfully choosing the designed functions and the update laws of parameters, and using the important mathematical tools established in IEEE Trans. Automat. Contr. 2010; 55(2):304–320, a unifying framework of state feedback controller is proposed to guarantee that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded almost surely and the states can be regulated to zero almost surely. A simulation example demonstrates the effectiveness of the control scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian inference of gene–environment interaction from incomplete data: What happens when information on environment is disjoint from data on gene and disease?
Authors: Gustafson Paul , Burstyn Igor 
Published: January 2011

AbstractInference in gene–environment studies can sometimes exploit the assumption of Mendelian randomization that genotype and environmental exposure are independent in the population under study. Moreover, in some such problems it is reasonable to assume that the disease risk for subjects without environmental exposure will not vary with genotype. When both assumptions can be invoked, we consider the prospects for inferring the dependence of disease risk on genotype and environmental exposure (and particularly the extent of any gene–environment interaction), without detailed data on environmental exposure. The data structure envisioned involves data on disease and genotype jointly, but only external information about the distribution of the environmental exposure in the population. This is relevant as for many environmental exposures individual‐level measurements are costly and/or highly error‐prone. Working in the setting where all relevant variables are binary, we examine the extent to which such data are informative about the interaction, via determination of the large‐sample limit of the posterior distribution. The ideas are illustrated using data from a case–control study for bladder cancer involving smoking behaviour and the NAT2 genotype. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work–home interference and the relationship with job characteristics and well‐being: a South African study among employees in the construction industry
Authors: Mostert Karina , Peeters Maria , Rost Izel 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAlthough the relationship between job characteristics, work–home interference (WHI) and work‐related well‐being has been researched in Western societies, this relationship has not often been tested in non‐Western societies such as South Africa and among low‐wage non‐professional workers, like construction workers. The aim of this study was to test the mediating effect of negative and positive WHI in the relationship between job characteristics (job demands and job resources) and work‐related well‐being (burnout and work engagement) in a sample of 528 employees in the construction industry in South Africa. Structural equation modelling showed that, as expected, job demands and job resources were partially related to burnout, both directly and indirectly through negative WHI. Similarly, job resources were partially related to work engagement, both directly and indirectly, through positive WHI. It can be concluded that these results extend previous research by showing that the relationships between job characteristics, WHI and well‐being hold true for low‐wage workers in a non‐Western society. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Making a Retina—From the Building Blocks to Clinical Applications
Authors: Wallace Valerie A. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
The retina is the neural tissue located at the back of the eye that captures and processes light and transmits this information to visual processing centers in the brain, which enables us to see. Basic research in retinal development has provided important insight on the control of cell fate, proliferation, and neurogenesis in the central nervous system. This review summarizes the major cellular and molecular events that occur during retinal development and highlights how this knowledge may be harnessed for new therapeutic strategies to treat retinal disease.
Handover approaches for seamless mobility management in next generation wireless networks
Authors: Magagula Linoh A. , Chan H. Anthony , Falowo Olabisi E. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTNext generation wireless networks (NGWN) will be an integration of heterogeneous wireless access networks that will interwork over an IP‐based infrastructure. This all‐IP vision has led to the development of handover mechanisms to support seamless mobility for active network services among the different interworking wireless networks in order to ensure network access ubiquity in NGWN. These handover mechanisms need to ensure that mobile devices continue to receive ongoing communication without any noticeable disruption during handover events among the heterogeneous networks. This paper gives a qualitative and quantitative review of current handover approaches of IP mobility management protocols for NGWN with an objective to introduce a new way of further optimizing the handover performance. In particular, the paper focuses on handover approaches of mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) based mobility management protocols. Thus, the need, benefits, and limitations of these handover approaches are explored. Thereafter, dynamic handover coordination is introduced as a new viable solution that exploits the benefits and mitigates the limitations of these handover approaches hence improving handover performance in terms of handover delay, packet loss, and signaling overhead. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.