bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Le role strategique des hommes-orchestres dans l'ecosysteme des poles de competitivite
Authors: Abittan Yoni , Assens Christophe 
Published: January 2013

Résumé La mondialisation de l’économie pousse les régions à la spécialisation et la recherche d’avantages concurrentiels. Entre octobre 2007 et juin 2010, nous avons étudié en profondeur 4 systèmes d’innovation mettant en réseau des acteurs publics et privés, à savoir la Silicon Valley, Israël, le Maroc et la France. Au cours de cette recherche, nous avons identifié des acteurs que l’on qualifie d’hommesorchestres (“boundary spanners“), jouant un rôle clé dans la performance des écosystèmes d’innovation en raison de leur capital social, leurs compétences techniques et leur esprit d’entreprise. Quel est le profil de ces hommesorchestres ? Quelles sont les conditions requises pour qualifier un individu d’homme-orchestre ? Existe-t-il des spécificités culturelles inhérentes à ces hommes-orchestres ? Quelles sont les raisons qui motivent ces hommesorchestres à connecter les acteurs internes et externes de l’écosystème d’innovation ?
Early Experience with a Newly Developed Electrospun Polycarbonate-urethane Vascular Graft for Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Ferraresso Mariano , Bertoli Silvio , Nobili Paolo , Bortolani Ettore Maria 
Published: January 2013

Purpose In this pilot study, we tested a newly developed electrospun multilayered, self-sealing graft, AVflo™, specifically designed for early hemodialysis access. Methods Ten eligible consenting patients had a polycarbonate-urethane graft (AVflo™) implanted and were followed up prospectively for at least six months. Performance measures included graft patency, complications and time to first cannulation. Mean age of the patients was 66.7 ± 10 years. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of renal failure. A total of 70% of the patients had a history of previous vascular access and 40% history of minimally invasive radiologic procedures for patency maintenance. In 40% of the cases the need for AV graft implantation was because of recurrent infections from permanent catheter for dialysis. Seven grafts were placed in the upper arm and three in the thigh. Mean follow up was 230 ± 75 days. Results There were no systemic or local reactions to the graft and we did not report any graft infections. Two grafts thrombosed because of severe bleeding post-cannulation due to an incorrect needle puncture. Both grafts were successfully thrombectomized. Primary and secondary patency rates at six months were 60% and 78%, respectively. These patency rates were comparable to those reported for other polyether-urethane and ePTFE grafts. Median time to first cannulation was seven days (3-21) and all puncture sites sealed in less than five minutes. Conclusions This newly developed electrospun polycarbonate-urethane graft is safe in humans, permits early access obviating the need for venous catheters, and has equivalent patency as other prosthetic grafts.
HIV and disability: a pilot study exploring the use of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to measure daily life performance
Authors: Merritt Brenda , Gahagan Jacqueline , Kottorp Anders 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionLimitations in performing activities of daily living (ADL) are important indicators of health and overall wellness, yet relatively few studies specifically identify the ADL abilities of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs). Given the wide range of abilities and ages of PHAs, there is an urgent need to utilize an assessment of ADL ability that can validly evaluate those who are very able, as well as those who are very disabled, without the presence of ceiling or floor effects, to provide sensitive measures to detect change.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to gather preliminary evidence of the validity of using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) with PHAs.MethodsBy utilizing existing data records of PHAs from the international AMPS database, we explored (a) demographic factors; (b) person response validity by examining person and individual item goodness‐of‐fit to the AMPS measurement model; and (c) trends in ADL abilities of PHAs.FindingsThere were 137 data records in the international AMPS database (0.08% of the database). Goodness‐of‐fit analyses revealed that >90% of the individuals in the sample fit AMPS measurement model and >99% of the individual item ratings fit the model. More than 80% of the data record had ADL motor abilities that were significantly lower than age expectations, and 67% had ADL process ability measures that were significantly lower than age expectations.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that the AMPS is a valid measure of ADL ability for PHAs. Coupled with the lower than expected number of AMPS data records for PHAs and the significant ADL ability challenges that were encountered by this sample, this pilot study may indicate that PHAs encounter barriers to accessing rehabilitation services and/or may not receive referrals until significant ADL challenges are encountered.
A Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Nanoscale Antiferroelectric and Ferroelectric Phases Coexisting in a Relaxor Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 Thin Film at Room Temperature
Authors: Peng Biaolin , Fan Huiqing , Zhang Qi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRecently, large electrocaloric effects (ECE) in antiferroelectric sol‐gel PbZr0.95Ti0.05O3 thin films and in ferroelectric polymer P(VDF‐TrFE)55/45 thin films were observed near the ferroelectric Curie temperatures of these materials (495 K and 353 K, respectively). Here a giant ECE (ΔT = 45.3 K and ΔS = 46.9 J K−1 kg−1 at 598 kV cm−1) is obtained in relaxor ferroelectric Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 (PBZ) thin films fabricated on Pt(111)/TiOx/SiO2/Si substrates using a sol‐gel method. Nanoscale antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phases coexist at room temperature (290 K) rather than at the Curie temperature (408 K) of the material. The giant ECE in such a system is attributed to the coexistence of AFE and FE phases and a field‐induced nanoscale AFE to FE phase transition. The giant ECE of the thin film makes this a promising material for applications in cooling systems near room temperature.
Surface‐Mediated Release of a Small‐Molecule Modulator of Bacterial Biofilm Formation: A Non‐Bactericidal Approach to Inhibiting Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Broderick Adam H. , Breitbach Anthony S. , Frei Reto , Blackwell Helen E. , Lynn David M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe report an approach to preventing bacterial biofilm formation that is based on the surface‐mediated release of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐aminobenzimidazole (DMABI), a potent and non‐bactericidal small‐molecule inhibitor of bacterial biofilm growth. Our results demonstrate that DMABI can be encapsulated in thin films of a model biocompatible polymer [poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide), PLG] and be released in quantities that inhibit the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by up to 75–90% on surfaces that otherwise support robust biofilm growth. This approach enables the release of this new anti‐biofilm agent for over one month, and it can be used to inhibit biofilm growth on both film‐coated surfaces and other adjacent surfaces (e.g., on other uncoated surfaces and at air/water interfaces). Our results demonstrate a non‐bactericidal approach to the prevention of biofilm growth and provide proof of concept using a clinically relevant human pathogen. In contrast to coatings designed to kill bacteria on contact, this approach should also permit the design of strategically placed depots that disseminate DMABI more broadly and exert inhibitory effects over larger areas. In a broader context, the non‐bactericidal nature of DMABI could also provide opportunities to address concerns related to evolved resistance that currently face approaches based on the release of traditional microbicidal agents (e.g., antibiotics). Finally, the results of initial in vitro mammalian cell culture studies indicate that DMABI is not toxic to cells at concentrations required for strong anti‐biofilm activity, suggesting that this new agent is well suited for further investigation in biomedical and personal care contexts.
Polymeric Systems Incorporating Plant Viral Nanoparticles for Tailored Release of Therapeutics
Authors: Honarbakhsh Sara , Guenther Richard H. , Willoughby Julie A. , Lommel Steven A. , Pourdeyhimi Behnam 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTherapeutic polylactide (PLA) nanofibrous matrices are fabricated by incorporating plant viral nanoparticles (PVNs) infused with fluorescent agents ethidium bromide (EtBr) and rhodamine (Rho), and cancer therapeutic doxorubicin (Dox). The native virus, Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV), reversibly opens and closes upon exposure to the appropriate environmental stimuli. Infusing RCNMV with small molecules allows the incorporation of PVNActive into fibrous matrices via two methods: direct processing by in situ electrospinning of a polymer and PVNs solution or immersion of the matrix into a viral nanoparticle solution. Five organic solvents commonly in‐use for electrospinning are evaluated for potential negative impact on RCNMV stability. In addition, leakage of rhodamine from the corresponding PVNRho upon solvent exposure is determined. Incorporation of the PVN into the matrices are evaluated via transmission electron, scanning electron and fluorescent microscopies. Finally, the percent cumulative release of doxorubicin from both PLA nanofibers and PLA and polyethylene oxide (PEO) hybrid nanofibers demonstrate tailored release due to the incorporation of PVNDox as compared to the control nanofibers with free Dox. Preliminary kinetic analysis results suggest a two‐phase release profile with the first phase following a hindered Fickian transport mechanism for the release of Dox for the polymer‐embedded PVNs. In contrast, the nanofiber matrices that incorporate PVNs through the immersion processing method followed a pseudo‐first order kinetic transport mechanism.
Randomized clinical trial of the impact of insulin therapy on liver function in patients undergoing major liver resection
Authors: Hassanain M , Metrakos P , Fisette A , Doi S A R , Schricker T , Lattermann R , Carvalho G , Wykes L , Molla H , Cianflone K 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Postoperative liver dysfunction is the major source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy. This study tested the benefits of a metabolic support protocol based on insulin infusion, for reducing liver dysfunction following hepatic resection.

Methods
Consecutive consenting patients scheduled for liver resection were randomized to receive preoperative dextrose infusion followed by insulin therapy using the hyperinsulinaemic normoglycaemic clamp protocol (n = 29) or standard therapy (control group, n = 27). Patients in the insulin therapy group followed a strict dietary regimen for 24 h before surgery. Intravenous dextrose was started at 2 mg per kg per min the night before and continued until surgery. Hyperinsulinaemic therapy for a total of 24 h was initiated at 2 munits per kg per min at induction of anaesthesia, and continued at 1 munit per kg per min after surgery. Normoglycaemia was maintained (3·5–6·0 mmol/l). Control subjects received no additional dietary supplement and a conventional insulin sliding scale during fasting. All patients were tested serially to evaluate liver function using the Schindl score. Liver tissue samples were collected at two time points during surgery to measure glycogen levels.

Results
Demographics were similar in the two groups. More liver dysfunction occurred in the control cohort (liver dysfunction score range 0–8 versus 0–4 with insulin therapy; P = 0·031). Median (interquartile range) liver glycogen content was 278 (153–312) and 431 (334–459) µmol/g respectively (P = 0·011). The number of complications rose with increasing severity of postoperative liver dysfunction (P = 0·032)

Conclusion
The glucose–insulin protocol reduced postoperative liver dysfunction and improved liver glycogen content. Registration number: NCT00774098 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Metformin use and improved response to therapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Skinner Heath D. , Crane Christopher H. , Garrett Christopher R. , Eng Cathy , Chang George J. , Skibber John M. , Rodriguez‐Bigas Miguel A. , Kelly Patrick , Sandulache Vlad C. , Delclos Marc E. , Krishnan Sunil , Das Prajnan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLocally advanced rectal cancer is commonly treated with chemoradiation prior to total mesorectal excision (TME). Studies suggest that metformin may be an effective chemopreventive agent in this disease as well as a possible adjunct to current therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of metformin use on pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and outcomes in rectal cancer. The charts of 482 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated from 1996 to 2009 with chemoradiation and TME were reviewed. Median radiation dose was 50.4 Gy (range 19.8–63). Nearly, all patients were treated with concurrent 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy (98%) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (81.3%). Patients were categorized as nondiabetic (422), diabetic not taking metformin (40), or diabetic taking metformin (20). No significant differences between groups were found in clinical tumor classification, nodal classification, tumor distance from the anal verge or circumferential extent, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level, or pathologic differentiation. pCR rates were 16.6% for nondiabetics, 7.5% for diabetics not using metformin, and 35% for diabetics taking metformin, with metformin users having significantly higher pCR rates than either nondiabetics (P = 0.03) or diabetics not using metformin (P = 0.007). Metformin use was significantly associated with pCR rate on univariate (P = 0.05) and multivariate (P = 0.01) analyses. Furthermore, patients taking metformin had significantly increased disease‐free (P = 0.013) and overall survival (P = 0.008) compared with other diabetic patients. Metformin use is associated with significantly higher pCR rates as well as improved survival. These promising data warrant further prospective study.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐analysis of Large, Randomized, Controlled Trials vs Warfarin
Authors: Dogliotti Ariel , Paolasso Ernesto , Giugliano Robert P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground:Warfarin reduces ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation, but has numerous limitations. Novel oral anticoagulants provide more predictable anticoagulation with fewer shortcomings.Hypothesis:Novel oral anticoagulants are superior to warfarin to prevent stroke or systemic embolism.Methods:Phase III randomized warfarin‐controlled trials enrolling >3000 patients that reported clinical efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through October 2012. Two reviewers extracted data; differences were resolved by consensus. The end points analyzed were stroke or systemic embolism (primary efficacy composite); all‐cause mortality, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism (individually, secondary efficacy); and hemorrhagic stroke, major bleeding (individually, safety). The Mantel‐Haenszel method was used to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from fixed‐effects (if homogenous) or random‐effects models (if heterogeneous).Results:In 5 studies of 51895 patients, the composite of stroke or systemic embolism (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.98; P = 0.03) and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85‐0.96; P = 0.0026, respectively) were reduced with the novel agents. Factor Xa inhibitors significantly reduced the primary composite (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74‐0.94; P = 0.004) and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84 ‐ 0.98; P = 0.01). Direct thrombin inhibitor achieved results similar to the overall meta‐analysis (drug class–outcome interactions P = 0.47 for primary outcome, P = 1.00 for mortality). Compared with warfarin, novel anticoagulants markedly reduced hemorrhagic stroke (RR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.41‐0.64; P < 0.0001).Conclusions:Novel oral anticoagulants may be superior to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, reducing the composite of stroke or systemic embolism and lowering all‐cause mortality. The benefit is largely due to fewer hemorrhagic strokes.Ernesto Paolasso, MD, is a national lead investigator for a clinical trial sponsored by Daiichi‐Sankyo investigating a novel oral anticoagulant. Robert Giugliano, MD, SM, is a member of the TIMI Study Group, which has received research grant support from Johnson & Johnson and from Daiichi‐Sankyo related to clinical trials of anticoagulants. Dr. Giugliano has received honoraria for consultation/lectures from Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Daiichi‐Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi‐Aventis.The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Effects of Dronedarone Started Rapidly After Amiodarone Discontinuation
Authors: Immordino Laura , Connolly Stuart , Crijns Harry , Roy Denis , Capucci Alessandro , Radzik David , Aliot Etienne , Hohnloser Stefan , Kowey Peter 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground:Multiple studies have shown that amiodarone is effective in treating atrial fibrillation (AF), but is associated with a relatively high incidence of side effects; however, due to amiodarone's long elimination half‐life (20–100 days), physicians may hesitate to start other drugs until it has fully cleared.Hypothesis:A rapid switch from amiodarone to dronedarone is feasible.Methods:EURIDIS and ADONIS were double‐blind, multinational, parallel‐group trials comparing the efficacy and safety of dronedarone with placebo over 12 months. This retrospective subanalysis of EURIDIS/ADONIS compared the effects of dronedarone in patients discontinuing amiodarone within 2 days before randomization (“rapid switch”) with results in patients who had received no amiodarone during the 2 months preceding randomization.Results:In total, 1237 patients were enrolled (“rapid switch”, n = 154; “no amiodarone”, n = 1014). In both the “rapid switch” and the “no amiodarone” groups, dronedarone users had significantly lower AF recurrence than patients receiving placebo (HR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.44–0.95; P = 0.0224 and HR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.67–0.92; P = 0.0027, respectively). Dronedarone users had a higher incidence of bradyarrhythmic events than placebo‐treated patients. A “rapid switch” from amiodarone to dronedarone was associated with a higher incidence of serious heart failure events and heart failure hospitalizations versus all other groups. Overall event rates were low and there was no significant difference in total adverse event rates or deaths between groups.Conclusion:In this patient population, a switch from amiodarone to dronedarone within a 2‐day time frame might be feasible in certain patient categories, but further investigation is warranted.The ADONIS/EURIDIS studies and this post hoc analysis were funded by sanofi‐aventis.The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Cadmium‐Induced Physiological Response in Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Authors: Liu Zhouli , Chen Wei , He Xingyuan , Jia Lian , Huang Yanqing , Zhang Yue , Yu Shuai 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPhytoremediation of Cd‐contaminated soil using hyperaccumulators has become a new promising technique. Lonicera japonica Thunb. has been reported as a new Cd‐hyperaccumulator. In this study, the effect of Cd stress duration on growth, photosynthesis and mineral nutrition of L. japonica was investigated. At 30 days after Cd stress, there was not any visual leaf symptoms in L. japonica, and an obvious stimulating effect of 10 mg kg−1 Cd on net photosynthesis rate (PN) was well correlated to photosynthetic pigment contents and mineral nutrition (Mg and Fe) concentrations. With Cd stress time extended, no significant differences of shoots and total biomass and PN compared with the control was observed, indicating that L. japonica could develop effective tolerance mechanisms to avoid Cd‐induced damage to photosynthesis and growth. The photosynthetic performance remained functional through stomatal and non‐stomatal adjustments, and mineral nutrition responses. The improved growth based on shoots and total biomass and PN by 10 mg kg−1 Cd, as suggested by hormesis, may be beneficial to enhance the potential for phytoremediation, because it typically faced the low Cd concentrations in actual Cd‐contaminated soils. The study results indicated that L. japonica could be used for phytoremediation contaminated soils by Cd.
Synthesis of Anatase Se/Te‐TiO2 Nanorods with Dominant {100} Facets: Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity Induced by Visible Light
Authors: Lin Zong‐Hong , Roy Prathik , Shih Zih‐Yu , Ou Chung‐Mao , Chang Huan‐Tsung 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA facile method for the preparation of Te‐ and Se/Te‐doped anatase TiO2 nanorods (NRs) with exposed {100} facets, which provides high photocatalytic and antibacterial activity under irradiation with visible light, is developed. Sodium titanate nanotubes are formed from commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) in NaOH through a hydrothermal reaction. The as‐prepared Na‐titanate nanotubes are then used to form Te‐TiO2 nanotubes in the presence of tellurite (TeO32−) ions and NaBH4. Upon further hydrothermal reaction, the Te‐TiO2 nanotubes are transformed to form Te‐TiO2 NRs that further form Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs through a reduction of selenite (SeO32−) ions with NaBH4. The Te‐TiO2 NRs and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs have highly active {100} facets and thus provide the photocatalytic activities for the generation of ⋅OH at 2.5 and 4.5 times higher than that of commercial P25, respectively. The Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs exhibit higher antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus than P25 when activated by visible light. These stable and biocompatible Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs hold great potential as potent antibacterial agents.
Catalytic Oxidation of Benzene on Liquid Ion‐Exchanged Cu,H(Na)/ZSM‐5 and Cu,H(Na)/Y Zeolites: Spin Trapping of Transient Radical Intermediates
Authors: Kromer Alexander , Roduner Emil 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe liquid‐phase adsorption of benzene on copper‐containing H,Na/ZSM‐5 and H,Na/Y zeolites leads to the formation of various transient radical species, which may play a crucial role in the mechanism of the direct oxidation of benzene to phenol with molecular oxygen. The spin trap method at ambient temperature in combination with ESR spectroscopy is used to show the catalytic formation of large yields of radical intermediates on Cu,H/ZSM‐5, but far less on Cu,Na/ZSM‐5, and not at all in the absence of Cu. This requirement of both, the Cu redox activity and Brønsted acid centers, demonstrates that radical formation requires a bifunctional catalyst. It is conceivable but remains to be shown that the observed C6H5O⋅ radicals may react further to the desired phenol.