bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of additional, dynamic supported standing practice on functional recovery in patients with sub-acute stroke: a randomized pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Braun Tobias , Marks Detlef , Thiel Christian , Zietz Dörte , Zutter Daniel , Grüneberg Christian 
Published: May 2015

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of additional dynamic versus static passive standing performed by patients with sub-acute stroke supervised by trained helpers. Design: Assessor blinded, randomized pilot and feasibility trial. Setting: Neurological rehabilitation centre. Participants: Non-ambulatory participants in the sub-acute phase after stroke. Intervention: Usual care plus additional standing training, consisting of either dynamic standing practice in a modified standing frame (intervention group, n=14) or static standing practice in a conventional standing frame (control group, n=14) for 5 weeks. Main measures: Feasibility was assessed through occurrence of adverse events, patient satisfaction and operability of the technical device handled by trained helpers. Preliminary effectiveness was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (primary outcome) and other measures of physical functioning. Results: Trained helpers were capable to apply the intervention, and no adverse events occurred. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Within-group changes tended to be higher for the intervention group, but did not reach a significant level except for the Functional Ambulation Categories. Specifically, median pre-post improvements in the Berg Balance Scale tended to be higher in the dynamic (20, inter quartile range (IQR): 2–33 points) than in the static standing group (4.5, IQR: 0–16 points; U=62; P=0.052; effect size=0.478). Conclusions: In severely affected individuals after stroke, dynamic supported standing practice can be performed safely by trained helpers. In a larger-scale phase III study, a total of 116 patients would be needed to prove the preliminary effectiveness found in this study.
Trends in Computer Instruction in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo Part 2: Microcomputer Instruction in First Year
Authors: Brundrett E. , Weckman D. C. , Davidson G. 
Published: May 2015

Following an evaluation of undergraduate computing requirements in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo (see Part 1 of this paper), students in Mechanical Engineering were ‘strongly recommended’ to purchase their own microcomputers. To complement this recommendation, introductory lectures in microcomputer basics were presented in the autumns of 1987 and 1988 to all first-term general engineering (includes civil, computer, electrical, geological and mechanical) and chemical engineering students as part of existing courses on engineering concepts. The introduction included hands-on experience on the *WATSTAR microcomputer network during a two-hour tutorial in the first week, followed during the term by eight lectures on microcomputer hardware, selected software, and some engineering applications of microcomputers. Wordprocessor and spreadsheet software were taught in sufficient detail for students to use them for some of their course assignments. A survey of students in December 1987 indicated that the microcomputer lectures had been well received. Further, in their second term at university, students of both years exhibited a significant increase in familiarity and acceptance of microcomputers. For example, second-term computer language courses in FORTRAN and PASCAL were completed with fewer late assignments and significantly fewer failures. A further benefit to engineering students was the ability of all students to utilize more effectively microcomputer software during the first work term of their cooperative or thin sandwich program.
The use of 5′-Phosphate Derivatives of Nucleoside Analogues as Inhibitors of HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Nillroth U. , Vrang L. , Ahlsen G. , Besidsky Y. , Chattopadhyaya J. , Ugi I. , Danielson U. H. 
Published: May 2015

A series of phosphate esters of nucleoside analogues was synthesized and tested for anti-HIV activity in cell culture. A number of these compounds were potent inhibitors of HIV-replication with ED50 ≥ 10 nM. The most potent compounds were phosphate esters of the most potent nucleosides, 3′-fluoro-3′-deoxythymidine (FLT) and 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT). In cell culture, the inhibition by one of these derivatives was shown to be reversed by thymidine. Also, the AZT analogue was less active against AZT-resistant virus. None of the compounds tested was directly inhibitory of HIV reverse transcriptase. The compounds were found to be labile; the rate of hydrolysis and the identity of the products varied depending on the substituents on the phosphorus atom. Activation of the most active analogue, FLT-5′-(methoxyglycinyl S-(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl))thiophosphate (JCA-304), involved a pH-dependent hydrolysis, which increased with increasing pH. The hydrolysis was not dependent on HIV proteinase, the presence of MT4 cells or enzymatic activity originating from the culture medium. The product of hydrolysis of JCA-304 was the free nucleoside (FLT); FLT-5′-monophosphate was not detected. The corresponding acyclovir analogue was not active against thymidine-kinase-deficient herpes simplex virus in Vero cells. Hydrolysis of FLT-5′-(S-(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl))thiophosphate (JCA-319) was observed in cell culture medium but not in buffer at the same pH. The product was identified as FLT-5′-monophosphate. Neither of these compounds was seen as an intermediate in the hydrolysis of JCA-304. The results suggest that the compounds are prodrugs activated by a non-enzymatic hydrolysis and a cytosolic phosphorylation yielding potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. The cellular stability of substituted 5′-phosphate derivatives cannot be predicted from their behaviour in buffer or from the hydrolysis of closely related analogues.
Is My Stress Greater Than Yours? A Comparison of Policemen and Firemen
Authors: Alexander David A. , Walker Leslie G. 
Published: May 2015

Previous research has suggested that police work is stressful both because of the nature of operational duties and because of the organisational climate in which police officers fulfil these duties. Few studies have compared, however, the views of police officers with those of other emergency personnel. This paper compares large samples of policemen and firemen in relation to many aspects of their work, job satisfaction and several health indices. The results confirm that police work and firefighting generate sources of stress for those involved in such work, but that policemen more commonly report health problems and identify such factors as shift work and long hours as being damaging to their personal life. Firemen, on the other hand, reported more job satisfaction than did the policemen.
Outcomes and precautions of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer
Authors: Inokuchi Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Maki , Kudo Kana , Yamada Hiroaki , Inoue Shuntaro , Nishimura Ken , Nakayama Norisuke , Motohashi Osamu 
Published: May 2015

Objectives: Since the development of techniques for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), the indication range of endoscopic resection (ER) has been extended in early gastric cancer (EGC) treatment. For undifferentiated-type EGC, tumors with an intramucosal depth of invasion, no ulceration and a diameter of 20 mm or less were included in the expanded indications for ER in the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines 2010. Nonetheless, because of difficulty in detecting lesions that meet the criteria for ER, the number of endoscopically resected cases of undifferentiated-type EGC is less than that of differentiated-type EGC. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the outcomes of ESD in 38 patients with 40 lesions of EGC in which the dominant pathological type was confirmed to be undifferentiated (signet ring cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma) on histological examination of resected specimens. Results: Margin involvement and submucosal infiltration were common noncurative factors. Precise evaluation of the area and depth of lesions is a problem to be solved. Among a total of five patients with involved or uncertain horizontal margins, one of two patients who underwent additional surgery had residual cancer, and one of three patients who were observed had recurrence. Conclusions: Undifferentiated-type EGC with a positive horizontal margin may relapse after ESD. It is therefore essential to precisely evaluate the area of the lesion and to perform resection with an adequate safety margin to decrease the risk of recurrence.
Immunomodulation by lipid emulsions in pulmonary inflammation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hecker Matthias , Linder Tomke , Ott Juliane , Walmrath Hans-Dieter , Lohmeyer Jürgen , Vadász István , Marsh Leigh M , Herold Susanne , Reichert Martin , Buchbinder Anja , Morty Rory Edward , Bausch Britta , Fischer Tobias , Schulz Richard , Grimminger Friedrich , Witzenrath Martin , Barnes Matt , Seeger Werner , Mayer Konstantin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of mortality in intensive care units. As there is rising evidence about immuno-modulatory effects of lipid emulsions required for parenteral nutrition of ARDS patients, we sought to investigate whether infusion of conventional soybean oil (SO)-based or fish oil (FO)-based lipid emulsions rich in either n-6 or n-3 fatty acids, respectively, may influence subsequent pulmonary inflammation.MethodsIn a randomized controlled, single-blinded pilot study, forty-two volunteers received SO, FO, or normal saline for two days. Thereafter, volunteers inhaled pre-defined doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 8 or 24 h later. In the murine model of LPS-induced lung injury a possible involvement of resolvin E1 (RvE1) receptor ChemR23 was investigated. Wild-type and ChemR23 knockout mice were infused with both lipid emulsions and challenged with LPS intratracheally.ResultsIn volunteers receiving lipid emulsions, the fatty acid profile in the plasma and in isolated neutrophils and monocytes was significantly changed. Adhesion of isolated monocytes to endothelial cells was enhanced after infusion of SO and reduced by FO, however, no difference of infusion on an array of surface adhesion molecules was detected. In neutrophils and monocytes, LPS-elicited generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines increased in the SO and decreased in the FO group. LPS inhalation in volunteers evoked an increase in neutrophils in BAL fluids, which decreased faster in the FO group. While TNF-α in the BAL was increased in the SO group, IL-8 decreased faster in the FO group. In the murine model of lung injury, effects of FO similar to the volunteer group observed in wild-type mice were abrogated in ChemR23 knockout mice.ConclusionsAfter infusion of conventional lipid emulsions, leukocytes exhibited increased adhesive and pro-inflammatory features. In contrast, FO-based lipid emulsions reduced monocyte adhesion, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and neutrophil recruitment into the alveolar space possibly mediated by ChemR23-signaling. Lipid emulsions thus exert differential effects in human volunteers and micein vivo.Trial registrationDRKS00006131at the German Clinical Trial Registry, 2014/05/14
Three-dimensional spheroid cell culture of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells leads to enhanced paracrine induction of wound healing
Authors: Santos Jorge M , Camões Sérgio P , Filipe Elysse , Cipriano Madalena , Barcia Rita N , Filipe Mariana , Teixeira Mariana , Simões Sandra , Gaspar Manuela , Mosqueira Diogo , Nascimento Diana S , Pinto-do-Ó Perpétua , Cruz Pedro , Cruz Helder , Castro Matilde , Miranda Joana P 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stromal cells has gained increased interest given the benefits it may bring to the treatment of a variety of traumatic injuries such as skin wounds. Herein, we report on a three-dimensional culture-based method to improve the paracrine activity of a specific population of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UCX®) towards the application of conditioned medium for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.

Methods
A UCX® three-dimensional culture model was developed and characterized with respect to spheroid formation, cell phenotype and cell viability. The secretion by UCX® spheroids of extracellular matrix proteins and trophic factors involved in the wound-healing process was analysed. The skin regenerative potential of UCX® three-dimensional culture-derived conditioned medium (CM3D) was also assessed in vitro and in vivo against UCX® two-dimensional culture-derived conditioned medium (CM2D) using scratch and tubulogenesis assays and a rat wound splinting model, respectively.

Results
UCX® spheroids kept in our three-dimensional system remained viable and multipotent and secreted considerable amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor A, which was undetected in two-dimensional cultures, and higher amounts of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor β1, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, fibroblast growth factor 2 and interleukin-6, when compared to CM2D. Furthermore, CM3D significantly enhanced elastin production and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. In turn, tubulogenesis assays revealed increased capillary maturation in the presence of CM3D, as seen by a significant increase in capillary thickness and length when compared to CM2D, and increased branching points and capillary number when compared to basal medium. Finally, CM3D-treated wounds presented signs of faster and better resolution when compared to untreated and CM2D-treated wounds in vivo. Although CM2D proved to be beneficial, CM3D-treated wounds revealed a completely regenerated tissue by day 14 after excisions, with a more mature vascular system already showing glands and hair follicles.

Conclusions
This work unravels an important alternative to the use of cells in the final formulation of advanced therapy medicinal products by providing a proof of concept that a reproducible system for the production of UCX®-conditioned medium can be used to prime a secretome for eventual clinical applications.
Systematic construction of common channel hopping rendezvous strategies in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Guerra Erik Ortiz , Reguera Vitalio Alfonso , Souza Richard D , Fernández Evelio G , Pellenz Marcelo E 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) have emerged as a promising paradigm that can solve the shortage of spectrum resources, providing the ability to adapt and opportunistically exploit the spectrum holes. The rendezvous process allows cognitive users to find a common channel and establish a communication link. In this paper, we focus on the design of fast blind rendezvous algorithms to guarantee that every node should be able to rendezvous in all common available channels. We follow a systematic approach by first proposing a role-based algorithm that ensures maximum rendezvous diversity and then extending it to a common strategy through the use of multiples radios. Both proposals guarantee rendezvous under symmetric and asymmetric models. Simulation results show that our proposals outperform other recently developed rendezvous protocols with similar approaches in terms of expected time to rendezvous and maximum time to rendezvous.
Assessment of the current Canadian rhinology workforce
Authors: Smith Kristine A , Sommer Doron D , Grondin Sean , Rotenberg Brian , Tewfik Marc A , Kilty Shaun , Wright Erin , Janjua Arif , Lee John , Diamond Chris , Rudmik Luke 
Published: May 2015

Background The Canadian Rhinologic workforce and future needs are not well defined. The objective of this study was to define the current demographics and practice patterns of the Canadian Rhinologic workforce. Outcomes from this study can be used to perform rhinologic workforce needs assessments. Methods A national survey was administered to all Canadian otolaryngologists who were identified to have a clinical practice composed of >50% rhinology. Results 42 surgeons participated in the survey (65% response rate). The mean age was 46 (SD 10.1) years and the average age of planned retirement was 66 (SD 4.0). Eighty three percent of respondents had completed a rhinology fellowship and 17% practiced exclusively rhinology. Thirty three percent hold advanced degrees. Forty two percent of surgeons felt their access to operative time was insufficient. Six percent of surgeons reported not having access to image guided surgery. Fourteen percent felt that there were too many practicing rhinologists in Canada while 17% believed there were too few practicing rhinologists. Seventeen percent have advised their residents to pursue other fields due to a perceived lack of future jobs. Overall, 66% of respondents were satisfied with their income, and 83% were satisfied with their careers. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that there is a perceived mismatch between the current supply of Rhinology labor and the capacity to treat patients in a timely manner. Outcomes from this study will begin to improve Rhinologic workforce planning in Canada and reduce the gap between patient demand and access to high quality care.
2D and 3D frequency-domain elastic wave modeling in complex media with a parallel iterative solver
Authors: Li Yang , Métivier Ludovic , Brossier Romain , Han Bo , Virieux Jean 
Published: May 2015

Full-waveform inversion and reverse time migration rely on an efficient forward-modeling approach. Current 3D large-scale frequency-domain implementations of these techniques mostly extract the desired frequency component from the time-domain wavefields through discrete Fourier transform. However, instead of conducting the time-marching steps for each seismic source, in which the time step is limited by the stability condition, performing the wave modeling directly in the frequency domain using an iterative linear solver may reduce the entire computational complexity. For 2D and 3D frequency-domain elastic wave modeling, a parallel iterative solver based on a conjugate gradient acceleration of the symmetric Kaczmarz row-projection method, named the conjugate-gradient-accelerated component-averaged row projections (CARP-CG) method, shows interesting convergence properties. The parallelization is realized through row-block division and component averaging operations. Convergence is achieved systematically even when different physical factors such as the space-dependent Poisson’s ratio, free-surface condition, and seismic attenuation are incorporated in the wave modeling. We determined that the scalability of CARP-CG was satisfactory, especially for large-scale applications, using up to several hundred computational cores. We found a potential improvement in computational complexity compared to time-domain modeling through numerical experiments. Finally, we achieved a convergence at 5 Hz in a 3D heterogeneous model, involving fast-slow-fast layers resembling waveguide geometries, with up to several hundred million unknowns, in fewer than 10 h on fewer than 200 cores. All of these results make CARP-CG a potential candidate of the forward modeling engine for seismic imaging on challenging models.
Psychological coping and recurrent major adverse cardiac events following acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Molloy Gerard J. , Poole Lydia , Wikman Anna , Kaski Juan Carlos , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundDepressed mood and stress are associated with recurrent adverse outcomes following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but the impact of psychological coping style has not been evaluated in detail.AimsWe tested the relationship between task-oriented coping and event-free survival following ACS.MethodWe followed 158 patients with ACS for an average of 59.8 months for major adverse cardiac outcomes. Psychological coping was assessed with the Coping Inventory of Stressful Situations.ResultsCompared with patients in the lower half of the distribution, those reporting higher task-oriented coping had a reduced hazard of adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11–0.68, P=0.005) independently of demographic, clinical and behavioural covariates. The combination of low task-oriented coping and high depressive symptoms showed a strong association with adverse outcomes (HR = 6.25, 95% CI 1.88–20.82, P=0.003).ConclusionsThe tendency to cope using task-oriented strategies may promote event-free survival following ACS.
DEFECTIVE KERNEL 1 promotes and maintains plant epidermal differentiation
Authors: Galletti Roberta , Johnson Kim L. , Scofield Simon , San-Bento Rita , Watt Andrea M. , Murray James A. H. , Ingram Gwyneth C. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTDuring plant epidermal development, many cell types are generated from protodermal cells, a process requiring complex co-ordination of cell division, growth, endoreduplication and the acquisition of differentiated cellular morphologies. Here we show that the Arabidopsis phytocalpain DEFECTIVE KERNEL 1 (DEK1) promotes the differentiated epidermal state. Plants with reduced DEK1 activity produce cotyledon epidermis with protodermal characteristics, despite showing normal growth and endoreduplication. Furthermore, in non-embryonic tissues (true leaves, sepals), DEK1 is required for epidermis differentiation maintenance. We show that the HD-ZIP IV family of epidermis-specific differentiation-promoting transcription factors are key, albeit indirect, targets of DEK1 activity. We propose a model in which DEK1 influences HD-ZIP IV gene expression, and thus epidermis differentiation, by promoting cell adhesion and communication in the epidermis.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Film Morphology of Planar Heterojunction Mixed Halide Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3−xClx Solar Cells Based on Compact ZnO
Authors: Zhang Shude , Li Xiaomin , Gao Xiangdong , Lei Lei , Ding Xukun , Gao Qianqian 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A one-step deposition method was adopted to form the organic–inorganic mixed halide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3−xClx) on compact ZnO in order to study the effect of annealing temperature on perovskite film morphology and photovoltaic performance of solar cells. In contrast to the reported results, the perovskite begins to decompose at a pretty low temperature of 70 °C. Through careful temperature modulation, we achieved a fairly high efficiency of 9.28%.
Mid-term clinical results of a modern convertible total elbow arthroplasty
Authors: Wagener M. L. , de Vos M. J. , Hannink G. , van der Pluijm M. , Verdonschot N. , Eygendaal D. 
Published: May 2015

Unlinked, linked and convertible total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) are currently available. This study is the first to report the clinical results of the convertible Latitude TEA. This was a retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 63 patients (69 primary TEAs) with a mean age of 60 years (23 to 87). Between 2006 and 2008 a total of 19 men and 50 women underwent surgery. The mean follow-up was 43 months (8 to 84). The range of movement, function and pain all improved six months post-operatively and either continued to improve slightly or reached a plateau thereafter. The complication rate is similar to that reported for other TEA systems. No loosening was seen. Remarkable is the disengagement of the radial head component in 13 TEAs (31%) with a radial head component implanted.Implantation of both the linked and the unlinked versions of the Latitude TEA results in improvement of function and decreased pain, and shows high patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:681–8.