bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Antihypertensive Medication Utilization before and after Guideline Changes Using the Department of Defense Prescription Database
Authors: Okano Gary J , Rascati Karen L , Wilson James P , Remund Daniel D 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in the proportion of antihypertensive medication utilization, distributed by medication classes, associated with the Fifth Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC V) guideline changes and the Department of Defense Pharmacoeconomic Center's recommendations to follow JNC V guidelines in presumed newly treated hypertensive patients. DESIGN: A 43-month, longitudinal, retrospective analysis using data from the Department of Defense Uniformed Services Prescription Database. SETTING: Seven outpatient US military sites. PATIENTS: Eligible patients (n = 7277) included those from seven military sites, aged 20–49 years, who were: (1) active-duty members of the US Armed Forces, (2) active-duty members' family members, (3) retired members of the US Armed Forces, and (4) US Armed Forces retired members' family members. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Proportion of antihypertensive medication utilization, distributed by medication class over the 43-month study period. METHODOLOGY: Segmented time series analysis was used for each of the following four medication classes: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and diuretics. RESULTS: Segmented time series analyses revealed no significant differences in utilization of the four medication classes that corresponded to published guidelines outlining initial antihypertensive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: It appeared that JNC V guidelines and recommendations of the Pharmacoeconomic Center to follow JNC V had little effect on the utilization of prescription medication classes studied.
Well-ordered polymer nano-fibers with self-cleaning property by disturbing crystallization process
Authors: Yang Qin , Luo Zhuangzhu , Tan Sheng , Luo Yimin , Wang Yunjiao , Zhang Zhaozhu , Liu Weimin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBionic self-cleaning surfaces with well-ordered polymer nano-fibers are firstly fabricated by disturbing crystallization during one-step coating-curing process. Orderly thin (100 nm) and long (5–10 μm) polymer nano-fibers with a certain direction are fabricated by external macroscopic force (Fblow) interference introduced by H2gas flow, leading to superior superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 170° and a water sliding angle (WSA) of 0-1°. In contrast, nano-wires and nano-bridges (1–8 μm in length/10-80 nm in width) are generated by “spinning/stretching” under internal microscopic force (FT) interference due to significant temperature difference in the non-uniform cooling medium. The findings provide a novel theoretical basis for controllable polymer “bionic lotus” surface and will further promote practical application in many engineering fields such as drag-reduction and anti-icing.
Biomechanics of TGFβ‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition: implications for fibrosis and cancer
Authors: O’Connor Joseph W , Gomez Esther W 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFibrosis, a disease that results in loss of organ function, contributes to a significant number of deaths worldwide and sustained fibrotic activation has been suggested to increase the risk of developing cancer in a variety of tissues. Fibrogenesis and tumor progression are regulated in part through the activation and activity of myofibroblasts. Increasing evidence links myofibroblasts found within fibrotic lesions and the tumor microenvironment to a process termed epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic change in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics. EMT can be stimulated by soluble signals, including transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and recent studies have identified a role for mechanical cues in directing EMT. In this review, we describe the role that EMT plays in fibrogenesis and in the progression of cancer, with particular emphasis placed on biophysical signaling mechanisms that control the EMT program. We further describe specific TGFβ‐induced intracellular signaling cascades that are affected by cell‐ and tissue‐level mechanics. Finally, we highlight the implications of mechanical induction of EMT on the development of treatments and targeted intervention strategies for fibrosis and cancer.
Cardiac Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life in New Hemodialysis Patients without Symptomatic Cardiac Disease
Authors: Williams Christopher E , Curtis Bryan M , Randell Edward W , Foley Robert N , Parfrey Patrick S 
Published: July 2014

Background: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is impaired in hemodialysis patients and cardiac biomarkers are elevated, but their relationship is uncertain. Objectives: To determine whether the cardiac biomarkers, troponin T and N terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), predict deterioration in the physical domains of HRQOL. Design: A prospective cohort study of patients in a randomized controlled clinical trial of correction of anemia with erythropoietin. Setting: Multiple hemodialysis centers located throughout Canada and Europe. Participants: Patients who started maintenance hemodialysis within the previous 3–18 months, with no clinical evidence or prior history of symptomatic cardiac failure or ischemic heart disease, and left ventricular volume < 100 ml/m2. Measurements: Predictor: Baseline concentrations of Troponin T and NT-proBNP. Outcomes: Physical function and vitality scores using the SF-36 questionnaire and fatigue scores using the FACIT questionnaire at baseline and after 24, 48, and 96 weeks follow-up. Methods: Univariate analysis of the association between baseline variables and baseline HRQOL scores and change in scores over time was undertaken using linear regression. Multivariate models were created using multiple linear regression, and it was pre-specified that these include the variables which were associated with the outcome at a p < 0.05 in the univariate regression. Results: Baseline median (interquartile range) physical function score was 70 (50–85), vitality 55 (40–75), and fatigue 73 (58–86). The 75th percentile for Troponin T was 0.05 ng/mL and for NT-proBNP 652 ng/mL. High Troponin T levels were significantly associated with deterioration in the 3 physical domains, independent of other risk factors, whereas high NT-proBNP were not associated. In multivariate models baseline Troponin T > 0.05 ng/mL were significantly associated with the change from baseline to 96 weeks follow-up for SF-36 vitality and FACIT-fatigue scores, and approached statistical significance for SF-36 physical function (0.056). Limitations: Not possible to confirm whether Troponin T associations were independent of subsequent cardiac events. Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients without prior symptomatic cardiac disease and without a dilated left ventricle at baseline, elevated baseline Troponin T levels, but not NT-pro BNP, were independently associated with deterioration in the physical domains of HRQOL.
Induction of bone formation in abdominal implants constituted by collagen sponges embedded with plant-based human transforming growth factor family proteins in ectopic dog model
Authors: Jacinto-Tinajero Juan Carlos , Ascencio Daniel , Marquina Brenda , Barrios-Payán Jorge , Gutierrez Maria Concepcion , Lim Miguel Gomez , Pando Rogelio Hernández 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTrauma, osteomyelitis, bone tumour resections and congenital deformities are the main causes of bone deficiency in which autologous graft is the preferred treatment, but usually the bone supplies are limited.MethodsAn experimental model of heterotopic bone formation in the subcutaneous abdominal area of dogs was developed. This model consists in omentum wrapped implants constituted by collagen type 1 sponges embedded with demineralized bone powder, calcium cloride, thrombin and platelet rich plasma; the implant is totally converted in trabecular bone after four months of implantation. This model was improved by accelerating bone production, after the isolation of the most conspicuous histological constituents (inflammatory, bone and adipose tissues) by laser microdisection and purified from them RNA that was used to determine by RT-PCR the gene expression kinetics of the most important growth bone factors. Then, the most abundant and rapidly synthesized factors were produced by genetic engineering in tobacco plants.ResultsBone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 7 and transforming growth factor-β1were the most rapidly and highly synthesized factors, and they were efficiently produced in a genetic engineering plant based system in tobacco leaves. Their incorporation as recombinant proteins in the scaffold collagen sponge induced in just one month mature heterotopic bone.ConclusionThis study demonstrates for the first time that this plant system is able to produce recombinant bone growth factors in high amount and at low cost, and they were highly efficient to rapidly induce bone formation in abdominal implants potentially useful for autotransplantation.
Navigating the cell: how motors function in vivo
Authors: De La Cruz Enrique M. , Holzbaur Erika L. F. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The Company of Biologists Workshop entitled ‘Navigating the Cell: How Motors Function in vivo’ was held in March 2014 at Wiston House in Steyning, West Sussex, UK. The meeting was an opportunity for a diverse group of experts in the biology and physics of cytoskeletal dynamics, and molecular motors to come together in a setting that promoted scientific interactions and the development of new collaborations. Here, we summarize the highlights of the meeting, one of which was the unique organizational principle that promoted cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches among the participants.
Functions and the role of labor agency in social welfare and personnel management in Germany (through the example of immigrants)
Authors: Кудайберген  , Kudaybergen Pirimkul 
Published: July 2014

The paper considers functions of the Labor Agency (Agency), which is an important mechanism for workforce management processes and procedures in the context of socially-oriented German economy. Agency activities are analyzed and how it practically implements social welfare principles (as exemplified by immigrants from CSI, Asian and African countries). The author operates based on his research and personal experience, gained while working in various German universities and companies. Special attention is given to how the Agency’s Center of Employment provide unemployed with unemployment relief and workplaces. Practical measures conducive to unemployment reduction are highlighted. It is emphasized that while Germany has powerful system of social welfare and sufficient unemployment reliefs, payroll taxes are also relatively high. Consequently, many immigrants try their hard to avoid working and prefer to live on the dole. Along with that the author reveals the reasons and ways through which German state officials discriminate immigrants thus favoring natives of Germany.
Nevertheless, given one million vacancies to be filled throughout the country, many Germans reject the German tax system, emigrate and work successfully abroad (e.g., 65% of doctors in Switzerland are expatriate Germans). The paper specially emphasizes, that the majority of immigrants to Germany are poorly educated, poorly civilized Asians and Africans with extra families, while among native Germans single-child families prevail and highly qualified specialists do prevail among emigrants. Such social discrepancy arose discontent among German burghers which results in annual neo-Nazi anti-German marches in towns and villages. In conclusion the author provides recommendations for immigrants and Russians, willing to work in German, on how to integrate in the German society and adapt to labor market conditions of Germany.
Creating the space of truth in the make-believe world of the theatre: An interview with Peter Sellars
Authors: Fricker Karen 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Peter Sellars is one of the most celebrated directors of opera, theatre and festivals in the contemporary West. He is well known for his adaptations of classic works in response to the political, social and economic conditions at the time of staging, while his activist politics and lack of reverence for hierarchical institutions frequently polarizes response to his work. In a spirited interview, conducted by academic and critic Karen Fricker in July 2013 as part of the Leverhulme Olympic Talks on Theatre and Adaptation, Sellars discusses his background in puppet theatre, his early career at Harvard University and the American National Theatre, and several of his important productions including Ajax (an adaptation of Sophocles by Robert Auletta, American National Theatre, 1986); Children of Herakles (Euripides, premiered at the Ruhr Triennale, 2002); and Desdemona, a music theatre piece created with writer Toni Morrison and singer Rokia Traoré in 2012.
Reviews
Authors: Crook Tim , Raw Laurence 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Theater of the Mind: Imagination, Aesthetics, and American Radio Drama, Neil Verma (2012) Chicago & London: The University of Chicago Press, 296 pp., ISBN: p/bk 978-0226853512, £21.50, h/bk 978-0226853505, £63.00
Science Fiction, Film, Television, and Adaptation: Across the Screens, J. P. Telotte and Gerald Duchovnay (eds) (2012) London and New York: Routledge, 212 pp., ISBN 9780415887199, h/bk, Price £88.99
Conflict and Cooperation and the Evolution of the Nascent Nile Basin Regime
Authors: Tesfaye Aaron 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The Nile River and its tributaries have been critical to the survival of the people who live within their reach since antiquity. Political power, the survival of societies—indeed, life itself—has been determined by access to and control of the river's waters. The political history of the region can be traced according to who controlled how much of the river. In modern times interstate relations have been and still are governed by the amount of influence each country has over the Nile and its tributaries. Although the Nile River stretches for more than 4,000 miles, its waters are a finite resource, and now 11 countries and millions of people depend on the waters for their livelihoods. Creating a basin-wide regime to manage the resource to the satisfaction of all is very important and a daunting task.
The Timing of Cord Clamping and Oxidative Stress in Term Newborns
Authors: Díaz-Castro Javier , Florido Jesus , Kajarabille Naroa , Garrido-Sánchez Maria , Padilla Carmen , de Paco Catalina , Navarrete Luis , Ochoa Julio J. 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:
Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord is the most prevalent of all operations, but the optimal timing of cord clamping is controversial, with different timings offering advantages and disadvantages. This study, for the first time, compares the influence of early and late cord clamping in correlation with oxidative stress and inflammation signaling, Because cord clamping timing may have a significant influence on placenta-to-infant blood transfer, thereby modifying oxygenation of maternal and fetal tissues, and on the transfer of inflammatory mediators throughout the placenta.

METHODS:
Sixty-four pregnant subjects were selected at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Services Department of the Clinico San Cecilio Hospital, Granada, Spain, based on disease-free women who experienced a normal course of pregnancy and a spontaneous, vaginal, single delivery. Half of the subjects had deliveries with early-clamped newborn infants (at 10 s), and the other half had late-clamped deliveries (at 2 min).

RESULTS:
Erythrocyte catalase activity was significantly greater in the late-clamped group than in the early-clamped group (P &lt; .01 for the umbilical vein and P &lt; .001 for the artery). The values for superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant status, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II were all significantly higher in the late-clamped group compared with the early-clamped group (P &lt; .01, P &lt; .001, and P &lt; .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:
The results suggest a beneficial effect of late cord clamping, produced by an increase in antioxidant capacity and moderation of the inflammatory-mediated effects induced during delivery of term neonates.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Rosen Carol L. , Debaun Michael R. , Strunk Robert C. , Redline Susan , Seicean Sinziana , Craven Daniel I. , Gavlak Johanna C.D. , Wilkey Olu , Inusa Baba , Roberts Irene , Goodpaster R. Lucas , Malow Beth , Rodeghier Mark , Kirkham Fenella J. 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To ascertain the prevalence of and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA).

METHODS:
Cross-sectional baseline data were analyzed from the Sleep and Asthma Cohort Study, a multicenter prospective study designed to evaluate the contribution of sleep and breathing abnormalities to SCA-related morbidity in children ages 4 to 18 years, unselected for OSAS symptoms or asthma. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationships between OSAS status on the basis of overnight in-laboratory polysomnography and putative risk factors obtained from questionnaires and direct measurements.

RESULTS:
Participants included 243 children with a median age of 10 years; 50% were boys, 99% were of African heritage, and 95% were homozygous for βS hemoglobin. OSAS, defined by obstructive apnea hypopnea indices, was present in 100 (41%) or 25 (10%) children at cutpoints of ≥1 or ≥5, respectively. In univariate analyses, OSAS was associated with higher levels of habitual snoring, lower waking pulse oxygen saturation (Spo2), reduced lung function, less caretaker education, and non–preterm birth. Lower sleep-related Spo2 metrics were also associated with higher obstructive apnea hypopnea indices. In multivariable analyses, habitual snoring and lower waking Spo2 remained risk factors for OSAS in children with SCA.

CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of OSAS in children with SCA is higher than in the general pediatric population. Habitual snoring and lower waking Spo2 values, data easily obtained in routine care, were the strongest OSAS risk factors. Because OSAS is a treatable condition with adverse health outcomes, greater efforts are needed to screen, diagnose, and treat OSAS in this high-risk, vulnerable population.
Increased Circulating Levels of Betatrophin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hu Hao , Sun Wenjun , Yu Shuqin , Hong Xiafei , Qian Weiyun , Tang Bingqian , Wang Dong , Yang Ling , Wang Jifang , Mao Caoming , Zhou Libin , Yuan Guoyue 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE
Betatrophin, a newly identified hormone, has been recently characterized as a potent stimulator that increases the production and expansion of insulin-secreting β-cells in mice, but the physiological role of betatrophin remains poorly understood. This study measured for the first time serum betatrophin levels in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and explored the correlations between its serum levels and various metabolic parameters in T2DM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We analyzed the concentrations of betatrophin by ELISA in blood samples of 166 well-characterized individuals in whom anthropometric parameters, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycosylated hemoglobin, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity (1/homeostasis model assesment of insulin resistance [1/HOMA-IR] and Matsuda index [ISIM]), and insulin secretion were measured. The participants were divided into newly diagnosed T2DM patients (n = 83) and age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects (n = 83).

RESULTS
Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in healthy control subjects (613.08 [422.19–813.08] vs. 296.57 [196.53–509.46] pg/mL; P &lt; 0.01). Serum betatrophin positively correlated with age, 2-h post-OGTT glucose (2hPG), and postprandial serum insulin (PSI), but negatively with 1/HOMA-IR and ISIM in T2DM patients. In the control group, betatrophin was only positively associated with age. In T2DM subjects, multivariate regression analyses showed that age, 2hPG, and PSI were independent factors influencing serum betatrophin levels.

CONCLUSIONS
Circulating concentrations of betatrophin are significantly increased in T2DM patients. Our results suggest that betatrophin may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.
The Effect of Adjuvanting Cancer Vaccines with Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D on Melanoma-Driven CD8+ T Cell Exhaustion
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ertl Hildegund C. J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTwo vaccines expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes of melanoma-associated Ags (MAAs) by a chimpanzee-derived replication-defective AdC68 vector were compared in a mouse model of melanoma. In one vaccine, termed AdC68-gDMelapoly, the epitopes were expressed as a fusion protein within HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD), which blocks immunoinhibitory signaling through the herpes virus entry mediator pathway. The other vaccine, termed AdC68-Melapoly, expressed only the MAA epitopes. AdC68-gDMelapoly induced more potent MAA-specific CD8+ T cell responses especially to the subdominant MAA epitopes. Upon prophylactic vaccination, mice that developed CD8+ T cell responses to the two vaccines that were comparable in magnitude showed equal protection against tumor challenge. When mice were first challenged with tumor cells and then vaccinated results differed. In animals with comparable CD8+ T cell responses, the AdC68-gDMelapoly vaccine was more efficacious compared with the AdC68-Melapoly vaccine in delaying tumor growth. This effect was linked to reduced expression of 2B4, LAG-3, and programmed death-1 on tumor-infiltrating MAA-specific CD8+ T cells elicited by the gD-adjuvanted vaccine, suggesting that CD8+ T cells induced in presence of gD are less susceptible to tumor-driven exhaustion.
Distinct Fcγ Receptors Mediate the Effect of Serum Amyloid P on Neutrophil Adhesion and Fibrocyte Differentiation
Authors: Cox Nehemiah , Pilling Darrell , Gomer Richard H. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The plasma protein serum amyloid P (SAP) reduces neutrophil adhesion, inhibits the differentiation of monocytes into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes, and promotes phagocytosis of cell debris by macrophages. Together, these effects of SAP reduce key aspects of inflammation and fibrosis, and SAP injections improve lung function in pulmonary fibrosis patients. SAP functions are mediated, in part, by FcγRs, but the contribution of each FcγR is not fully understood. We found that aa Q55 and E126 in human SAP affect human fibrocyte differentiation and SAP binding to FcγRI. E126, K130, and Q128 affect neutrophil adhesion and SAP affinity for FcγRIIa. Q128 also affects phagocytosis by macrophages and SAP affinity for FcγRI. All the identified functionally significant amino acids in SAP form a binding site that is distinct from the previously described SAP-FcγRIIa binding site. Blocking FcγRI with an IgG-blocking Ab reduces the SAP effect on fibrocyte differentiation, and ligating FcγRIIa with Abs reduces neutrophil adhesion. Together, these results suggest that SAP binds to FcγRI on monocytes to inhibit fibrocyte differentiation, and binds to FcγRIIa on neutrophils to reduce neutrophil adhesion.