bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide nanofibers with variable compliance for directing cell fate
Authors: Jiang Xu , Nai Mui Hoon , Lim Chwee Teck , Le Visage Catherine , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Chew Sing Yian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCells perceive their microenvironment through physical and mechanical cues, such as extracellular matrix topography or stiffness. In this study, we developed a polysaccharide scaffold that can provide combined substrate topography and matrix compliance signals to direct cell fate. Pullulan/dextran (P/D) nanofibers were fabricated with variable stiffness by in situ crosslinking during electrospinning. By varying the chemical crosslinking content between 10, 12, 14, and 16%, (denoted as STMP10, STMP12, STMP14, and STMP16 respectively), scaffold mechanical stiffness was altered. We characterized substrate stiffness by various methods. Under hydrated conditions, atomic force microscopy and tensile tests of bulk scaffolds were conducted. Under dry conditions, tensile tests of scaffolds and single nanofibers were examined. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of the scaffolds in directing stem cell differentiation. Using human first trimester mesenchymal stem cells (fMSCs) cultured on STMP14 P/D scaffolds (Young's modulus: 7.84 kPa) in serum‐free neuronal differentiation medium exhibited greatest extent of differentiation. Cells showed morphological changes and significantly higher expression of motor neuron markers. Further analyses by western blotting also revealed the enhanced expression of choline acetyltransferase on STMP14 (7.84 kPa) and STMP16 (11.08 kPa) samples as compared to STMP12 (7.19 kPa). Taken together, this study demonstrates that the stiffness of P/D nanofibers can be altered by differential in situ crosslinking during electrospinning and suggests the feasibility of using such polysaccharide nanofibers in supporting fMSC neuronal commitment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 959–968, 2015.
Predictors of Using Mental Health Services After Sexual Assault
Authors: Price Matthew , Davidson Tatiana M. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Acierno Ron , Resnick Heidi S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSexual assault increases the risk for psychopathology. Despite the availability of effective interventions, relatively few victims who need treatment receive care in the months following an assault. Prior work identified several factors associated with utilizing care, including ethnicity, insurance, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Few studies, however, have examined predictors of treatment utilization prospectively from the time of assault. The present study hypothesized that White racial status, younger age, being partnered, having health insurance, having previously received mental health treatment, and having more PTSD and depression symptoms would predict utilization of care in the 6 months postassault. This was examined in a sample of 266 female sexual assault victims with an average age of 26.2 years, of whom 62.0% were White and 38.0% were African American assessed at 1.5 and 6 months postassault. Available information on utilizing care varied across assessments (1.5 months, n = 214; 3 months, n = 126; 6 months, n = 204). Significant predictors included having previously received mental health treatment (OR = 4.09), 1 day depressive symptoms (OR = 1.06), and having private insurance (OR = 2.24) or Medicaid (OR = 2.19). Alcohol abuse and prior mental health care were associated with a substantial increase in treatment utilization (OR = 4.07). The findings highlight the need to help victims at risk obtain treatment after sexual assault.
Knowledge Audit: Findings from the Energy Sector
Authors: Ragsdell Gillian , Probets Steve , Ahmed Ghosia , Murray Ian 
Published: May 2014

Knowledge audits assist organisations in understanding what knowledge is needed, available and used for their current activities. They also identify knowledge gaps that might limit the organisation's activities. An iterative cycle of knowledge audits takes account of the organisation's changing environment and triggers informed interventions. This paper reports the findings of the first knowledge audit in an organisation that brings together public bodies and private organisations with the aim of maximising the collective knowledge of its diverse membership to address a national research agenda.The audit collected qualitative data from interviews with employees from four departments. Interviewees were asked about their roles, procedures and knowledge needs; their department's knowledge requirements; and about knowledge interfaces with external partners. Views about the culture and structure of the organisation were also sought.Results were analysed at a departmental level to form two knowledge maps per department—one each for internal and external knowledge flows. Analysis of the maps and interview transcripts surfaced strengths and weaknesses of each department's knowledge activities. Next, a cross‐department comparison highlighted best practices and company‐wide opportunities for enhancing knowledge management.Resulting recommendations were to:Develop a holistic approach to knowledge sharingNurture organisational cultureClarify the strategic messageImprove the organisation of informationImprove the availability of staffDevelop interdepartmental communicationCommission future knowledge auditsIn addition to reporting the outcomes and outputs of the audit, the paper also shares reflections on the process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urodynamic studies for management of urinary incontinence in children and adults: A short version Cochrane systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clement Keiran David , Lapitan Marie Carmela M. , Omar Muhammad Imran , Glazener Cathryn Margaret Anne 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundUrodynamic tests are used to investigate people who have urinary incontinence or other urinary symptoms in order to make an objective diagnosis. The investigations are invasive and time consuming.ObjectivesTo determine if treatment according to a urodynamic‐based diagnosis, compared to treatment based on history and examination, leads to more effective clinical care and better clinical outcomes.Search MethodsCochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Register (searched February 19, 2013); reference lists of relevant articles.Selection CriteriaRandomized and quasi‐randomized trials in people who were and were not investigated using urodynamics, or comparing one type of urodynamic test against another.Data Collection and AnalysisAt least two independent review authors carried out trial assessment, selection, and data abstraction.ResultsWe found eight trials but data were available for only 1,036 women in seven trials. Women undergoing urodynamics were more likely to have their management changed (17% vs. 3%, risk ratio [RR] 5.07, 95% CI 1.87–13.74). Two trials suggested that women were more likely to receive drugs (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.32–3.31), but, in five trials, women were not more likely to undergo surgery (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88–1.12).There was no statistically significant difference in urinary incontinence in women who had urodynamics (37%) compared with those undergoing history and clinical examination alone (36%) (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.86–1.21).Authors' ConclusionsWhile urodynamics did change clinical decision‐making, there was some high‐quality evidence that this did not result in lower urinary incontinence rates after treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:407–412, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can the quantity of cell‐free fetal DNA predict preeclampsia: a systematic review
Authors: Martin Angela , Krishna Iris , Martina Badell , Samuel Amber 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated an increase in the quantity of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) before the onset of preeclampsia. It would be beneficial if the quantity of cffDNA predicted preeclampsia in order to implement preventative trials and strategies to decrease maternal and fetal morbidity. Our objective was to review the literature on using cffDNA levels as a predictor of preeclampsia.MethodsWe performed a systematic review following the Meta‐analyses and Systematic Review of Observational Studies guidelines. Included studies evaluated cffDNA levels in pregnant women before the clinical onset of preeclampsia.ResultsThirteen studies met inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity between included studies, and all received a quality grade of C on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation scale. Of the 13 studies, 11 found an increase in cffDNA among pregnant women who subsequently developed preeclampsia. In addition, all four studies analyzing early‐onset or severe preeclampsia found significantly elevated cffDNA levels prior to disease onset.ConclusionCell‐free fetal DNA quantification is a promising marker for preeclampsia prediction, especially for the development of early‐onset or severe preeclampsia. However, because of the heterogeneity in published studies, a precise conclusion about the statistical and clinical relevance cannot be made. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Factors Associated with Bleeding After Alteplase Administration for Pulmonary Embolism: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Curtis Garrett M. , Lam Simon W. , Reddy Anita J. , Bauer Seth R. 
Published: May 2014

Study ObjectiveTo identify risk factors associated with bleeding in patients who received alteplase for pulmonary embolism (PE), with a specific focus on risk factors available to the clinician at the time thrombolytics are being considered.DesignCase‐control study.SettingLarge academic medical center.PatientsSixty‐two adults with PE who were administered alteplase 100 mg over a 2‐hour infusion period between January 2000 and October 2011; of these patients, 28 experienced major bleeding (case patients), and 34 did not develop major bleeding (control patients).Measurements and Main ResultsRisk factors for bleeding from alteplase were compiled from the U.S. product label and the literature. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess for risk factors independently associated with bleeding. Patients with major bleeding more frequently had recent major surgery (odds ratio [OR] 9.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–79.99, p=0.039), an international normalized ratio above 1.7 (OR 13.20, 95% CI 1.54–113.52, p=0.008), and one or more risk factors for bleeding (OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.68–15.04, p=0.003). On multivariate analysis, one or more risk factors for bleeding (adjusted OR 5.74, 95% CI 1.78–18.55, p=0.004) and body weight (adjusted OR 1.18 for each 10 kg below 100 kg, 95% CI 1.01–1.37, p=0.035) were independently associated with major bleeding. Intensive care unit length of stay after alteplase administration was significantly longer in patients with major bleeding (median 2.2, interquartile range [IQR] 0.9–4.8) days versus 1.1 (IQR 0.4–1.9 days, p=0.028).ConclusionRisk factors for bleeding that are available to clinicians at the time the decision is made to administer alteplase for PE are significantly associated with the occurrence of major bleeding; the odds of major bleeding in patients with one or more risk factors for bleeding were ~5 times higher than in patients without these risk factors. Thus clinicians should weigh these risk factors for bleeding against the perceived benefit of thrombolytic therapy when deciding to administer a thrombolytic in an individual patient with PE.
The IUPAC International Congresses of Pesticide Chemistry (1963–2014) and Pest Management Science: a half‐century of progress
Authors: Brooks Gerald T 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAs we approach the 2014 San Francisco IUPAC Pesticide Chemistry Congress, we reflect on the 51 years of such congresses every 4 years since 1963. Meanwhile, our journal, Pesticide Science/Pest Management Science, has in parallel continually published relevant science for nearly as long (44 years from 1970). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Observations of Riparian Tree Geometry and Bank Characteristics along a Bank Stability Gradient at the South River, VA
Authors: Stotts S. , O'Neal M. A. , Pizzuto J. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, we evaluate the use of riparian tree‐geometry and bank‐characteristic data in developing riverbank stability forecasts at four study sites along a mercury‐contaminated reach of the South River, Virginia. Our forecast data set includes measurements of tree diameter, lean angle and percent root‐plate undercut, coupled with bank characteristics included in the Pfankuch Index. Stepwise comparisons and statistical analyses of our tree‐geometry data reveal that lean angle and percent root‐plate undercut are effective measures for discriminating between riparian tree populations at eroding and stable banks, with the strongest discriminant power from the percent root‐plate undercut. Our stability forecasts, using both tree and bank characteristics, agree with long‐term observations, underscoring the value of rarely used tree‐geometry data in such evaluations. The application of these results is important in long study reaches where forecasts of erosion potential from contaminated banks are required to develop mitigation strategies, but direct measurements of bank stability are not feasible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Evidence-Based Unified Definition of Lifelong and Acquired Premature Ejaculation: Report of the Second International Society for Sexual Medicine Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Serefoglu Ege Can , McMahon Chris G. , Waldinger Marcel D. , Althof Stanley E. , Shindel Alan , Adaikan Ganesh , Becher Edgardo F. , Dean John , Giuliano Francois , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. , Giraldi Annamaria , Glina Sidney , Incrocci Luca , Jannini Emmanuele , McCabe Marita , Parish Sharon , Rowland David , Segraves R. Taylor , Sharlip Ira , Torres Luiz Otavio 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation developed the first evidence-based definition for lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) in 2007 and concluded that there were insufficient published objective data at that time to develop a definition for acquired PE.

Aim
The aim of this article is to review and critique the current literature and develop a contemporary, evidence-based definition for acquired PE and/or a unified definition for both lifelong and acquired PE.

Methods
In April 2013, the ISSM convened a second Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation in Bangalore, India. The same evidence-based systematic approach to literature search, retrieval, and evaluation used by the original committee was adopted.

Results
The committee unanimously agreed that men with lifelong and acquired PE appear to share the dimensions of short ejaculatory latency, reduced or absent perceived ejaculatory control, and the presence of negative personal consequences. Men with acquired PE are older, have higher incidences of erectile dysfunction, comorbid disease, and cardiovascular risk factors, and have a longer intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) as compared with men with lifelong PE. A self-estimated or stopwatch IELT of 3 minutes was identified as a valid IELT cut-off for diagnosing acquired PE. On this basis, the committee agreed on a unified definition of both acquired and lifelong PE as a male sexual dysfunction characterized by (i) ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about 1 minute of vaginal penetration from the first sexual experience (lifelong PE) or a clinically significant and bothersome reduction in latency time, often to about 3 minutes or less (acquired PE); (ii) the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and (iii) negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Conclusion
The ISSM unified definition of lifelong and acquired PE represents the first evidence-based definition for these conditions. This definition will enable researchers to design methodologically rigorous studies to improve our understanding of acquired PE.
Climate projections for ecologists
Authors: Harris Rebecca Mary B. , Grose Michael R. , Lee Greg , Bindoff Nathaniel L. , Porfirio Luciana L. , Fox‐Hughes Paul 
Published: May 2014

Climate projections are essential for studying ecological responses to climate change, and their use is now common in ecology. However, the lack of integration between ecology and climate science has restricted understanding of the available climate data and their appropriate use. We provide an overview of climate model outputs and issues that need to be considered when applying projections of future climate in ecological studies. We outline the strengths and weaknesses of available climate projections, the uncertainty associated with future projections at different spatial and temporal scales, the differences between available downscaling methods (dynamical, statistical downscaling, and simple scaling of global circulation model output), and the implications these have for ecological models. We describe some of the changes in the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including the new representative concentration pathways. We highlight some of the challenges in using model projections in ecological studies and suggest how to effectively address them.WIREs Clim Change2014, 5:621–637. doi: 10.1002/wcc.291This article is categorized under:Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with ModelsFuture of Global Energy > Scenario Development and ApplicationClimate, Ecology, and Conservation > Modeling Species and Community Interactions
Time‐lapse observations to analyze the effects of assisted hatching
Authors: Goto Maki , Iwase Akira , Furusawa Naomi , Kobayashi Harumi , Kato Nao , Saito Ai , Mori Masahiko , Osuka Satoko , Kondo Mika , Nakamura Tomoko , Nakahara Tatsuo , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeAssisted hatching (AH) is an artificial disruption of the zona pellucida with the aim of facilitating embryo implantation. We used time‐lapse observations of mouse embryos to examine the effect of AH in mouse blastocysts.MethodsAH techniques were performed with acid Tyrode's solution. We compared the rates of blastocyst formation and blastocyst attachment to Ishikawa cells between the control (n = 28) and the AH group (n = 24). To analyze the effects of AH, 8‐cell mice embryos were cultured under time‐lapse observations (every 15 min). The time required for hatching, the hatching rates, the frequency of contraction, and the contraction rates in the blastocysts were analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in hatching rate or attachment rate. The times required for hatching were 286 ± 22 min in the AH group and 990 ± 437 min in the control group (P = 0.018). The contraction frequencies in blastocysts were 3.5 ± 0.7 times in the AH group and 7.5 ± 2.5 times in the control group (P = 0.020).ConclusionsFrom the time‐lapse observations we found that the time required for hatching and the frequency of contraction in blastocysts were both reduced by AH, although blastocyst formation and attachment were not affected.
Placental proteome alterations in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: He Pei , Wang Furong , Jiang Yan , Zhong Yi , Lan Yongfei , Chen Shuqing 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate differences in the placental proteomes of women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and those with a normal pregnancy.MethodsTen pregnant women diagnosed with ICP were recruited at the First People's Hospital of Yuhang District from October 2011 to September 2012; 10 age‐matched healthy pregnant women acted as controls. Total placental proteins were extracted and subjected to two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry to identify proteins that were differentially expressed in the two groups.ResultsIn total, 37 protein spots with differentially expressed proteins were found. These comprised proteins involved in cytoskeleton activity, blood coagulation, and platelet activation as well as chaperones, heat shock proteins, RNA‐binding and calcium‐binding proteins, and various enzymes.ConclusionThe placentas of women with ICP displayed significant proteome differences compared with women with a normal pregnancy. The results indicate that a variety of mechanisms and proteins may contribute to the development of ICP. Further verification and research are required to elucidate the exact roles of these proteins in ICP pathogenesis.
Adiabatic eigenflows in a vertical porous channel
Authors: Barletta A. , Storesletten L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe existence of an infinite class of buoyant flows in a vertical porous channel with adiabatic and impermeable boundary walls, called adiabatic eigenflows, is discussed. A uniform heat source within the saturated medium is assumed, so that a stationary state is possible with a net vertical through-flow convecting away the excess heat. The simple isothermal flow with uniform velocity profile is a special adiabatic eigenflow if the power supplied by the heat source is zero. The linear stability analysis of the adiabatic eigenflows is carried out analytically. It is shown that these basic flows are unstable. The only exception, when the power supplied by the heat source is zero, is the uniform isothermal flow, which is stable. The existence of adiabatic eigenflows and their stability analysis is extended to the case of spanwise lateral confinement, viz. in the case of a vertical rectangular channel. A generalisation of this study to a vertical channel with an arbitrary cross-sectional shape is also presented.
Numerical Solution for Variable Viscosity and Internal Heat Generation Effects on Boundary Layer Flow Over an Exponentially Stretching Porous Sheet with Constant Heat Flux and Thermal Radiation
Authors: Megahed A. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA numerical study has been carried out to analyze the constant heat flux, internal heat generation, variable viscosity and thermal radiation effects on the flow and heat transfer of a Newtonian fluid over an exponentially stretching porous sheet. Using a similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into coupled, non-linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical solutions to these equations subject to appropriate boundary conditions are obtained by using an efficient Chebyshev spectral method. The effects of various physical parameters such as viscosity parameter, the suction parameter, the radiation parameter, internal heat generation or absorption parameter and the Prandtl number on velocity and temperature are discussed by using graphical approach. Moreover, numerical results indicate that in the presence of constant heat flux, the skin-friction coefficient as well as Nusselt number is strongly affected by the viscosity parameter, suction parameter, radiation parameter and the internal heat generation parameter.
Buckling Analysis for a Ring-Stiffened FGM Cylindrical Shell Under Hydrostatic Pressure and Thermal Loads
Authors: Dai H.-L. , Qi L.-L. , Zheng H.-Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the buckling analysis for a ring-stiffened cylindrical shell consisted of functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to hydrostatic pressure and thermal loads. Material properties of the ring-stiffened FGM cylindrical shell are assumed to be temperature-dependent, and vary smoothly through the thickness direction of the structure according to a volume exponent. Based on the Donnell assumptions, buckling loads of the ring-stiffened FGM cylindrical shell are presented by utilizing the Galerkin method. Numerical results reveal that thermal loads, volume exponent and geometric parameters have significant effects on the buckling behavior of the ring-stiffened cylindrical shell.