bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motor patterns of distal hind limb muscles in walking turtles: Implications for models of limb bone loading
Authors: Schoenfuss Heiko L. , Roos John D. , Rivera Angela R. V. , Blob Richard W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPrevious studies of limb bone loading in walking turtles indicate that the ground reaction force exerts a flexor moment at the ankle during stance, requiring extensor muscle activity to maintain joint equilibrium. Of four proposed ankle extensors in turtles, two (gastrocnemius medialis, pronator profundus) originate on the tibia and fibula, respectively, while the other two (flexor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius lateralis) originate from the distal femur, crossing the flexor aspect of the knee and potentially eliciting compensatory forces from antagonist knee extensor muscles that could contribute to femoral stress. Published bone stress models assume all four proposed ankle extensors are active during stance in turtles. However, if only the ankle extensors that cross the knee were active then femoral stresses might be higher than predicted by published models, whereas if only extensors that do not cross the knee were active then femoral stresses might be lower than predicted. We analyzed synchronized footfall and electromyographic activity patterns in slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) and found that all four proposed ankle extensors were active during at least part of stance phase in most individuals, corroborating bone stress models. However, activation patterns were complex, with multiple bursts in many ankle extensors that frequently persisted into swing phase. In addition, two hypothesized ankle flexors (tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum communis) were frequently active during stance. This might increase the joint moment that ankle extensors must counter, elevating the forces they transfer across the knee joint and, thereby, raising femoral stress. Recognition of these activity patterns may help reconcile differences between evaluations of loads on turtle limbs based on force platform versus in vivo strain studies. Moreover, while some variation in motor patterns for the distal hind limbs of turtles may reflect functional compartmentalization of muscles, it may also indicate flexibility in the control of their limb movements. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On particle ionization/enrichment of multifunctional nanoprobes: washing/separation‐free, acceleration and enrichment of microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of proteins via bare TiO2 nanoparticles in ESI‐MS and comparing to MALDI‐MS
Authors: Wu Hui‐Fen , Agrawal Kavita , Shrivas Kamlesh , Lee Yi‐Hsien 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA simple, rapid, straightforward and washing/separation free of in‐solution digestion method for microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of proteins (cytochrome c, lysozyme and myoglobin) using bare TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) prepared in aqueous solution to serve as multifunctional nanoprobes in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) was demonstrated. The current approach is termed as ‘on particle ionization/enrichment (OPIE)’ and it can be applied in ESI‐MS, atmospheric pressure‐matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (AP‐MALDI‐MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). The bare TiO2 NPs can assist, accelerate and effectively enhance the digestion efficiency, sequence coverage and detection sensitivity of peptides for the microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of proteins in ESI‐MS. The reason is attributed to the fact that proteins or partially digested proteins are easily attracted or concentrated onto the surface of TiO2 NPs, resulting in higher efficiency of digestion reactions in the microwave experiments. Besides, the TiO2 NPs could act as a microwave absorber to accelerate and enrich the protein fragments in a short period of time (40–60 s) from the microwave experiments in ESI‐MS. Furthermore, the bare TiO2 NPs prepared in aqueous solution exhibit high adsorption capability toward the protein fragments (peptides); thus, the OPIE approach for detecting the digested protein fragments via ESI and MALDI ionization could be achieved. The current technique is also a washing and separation‐free technique for accelerating and enriching microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of proteins in the ESI‐MS and MALDI‐MS. It exhibits potential to be widely applied to biotechnology and proteome research in the near future. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial resistance, integrons and plasmid replicon typing in multiresistant clinical Escherichia coli strains from Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Chah Kennedy F. , Agbo Ifeoma C. , Eze Didacus C. , Somalo Sergio , Estepa Vanesa , Torres Carmen 
Published: October 2010

AbstractEleven multiresistant Escherichia coli strains of animal and human origin were assayed for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, integrons and associated gene cassettes, as well as plasmid content. Ciprofloxacin‐resistant strains were screened for amino acid changes in GyrA and ParC proteins. The E. coli strains were found to harbor a variety of genes including cmlA, aac (3)‐II, aac (3)‐IV, aadA, strA‐strB, tet (A), tet (B), blaTEM, sul1, sul2 and sul3. Four of the eight int I1‐positive strains were also positive for qacE Δ1 ‐sul1 region and the following gene cassettes were detected: dfrA7, dfrA12 + orfF + aadA2 and blaOXA1+ aadA1. Five strains contained class 1 integrons lacking the qacE Δ1 ‐sul1 region and they showed a single type of gene cassette arrangement (estX + psp + aadA2 + cmlA + aadA1 + qacH + IS440 + sul3). The two int I2‐positive strains carried the same type of gene cassette arrangement (dfrA1 + sat + aadA1). The seven ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli strains exhibited a Ser‐83‐Leu substitution in GyrA protein and a Ser‐80‐Ile substitution in ParC protein; six of these strains presented an additional substitution in GyrA (Asp‐87‐Gly or Asp‐87‐Asn) and one strain in ParC (Glu‐84‐Gly). Eight different plasmid‐replicon‐types were detected among the 11 E. coli strains, IncF being the most frequent one detected, found in nine strains; other plasmid replicon types detected were IncX, IncI1, IncY, IncW, IncFIC, IncB/O, and IncK. Antimicrobial resistance in the E. coli strains studied was mediated by a variety of genes, some of them included in integrons, as well as by mutations gyr A and par C genes. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular typing of Epidermophyton floccosum isolated from patients with dermatophytosis by RAPD‐PCR
Authors: Khosravi Alireza , Behzad Forough , Sabokbar Azar , Shokri Hojjatollah , Haddadi Siamak , Masoudi‐Nejad Ali 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe evaluated the ability of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to type Epidermophyton floccosum isolates recovered from patients with dermatophytosis originating from different regions of Iran. A total of 13 clinical isolates of E. floccosum obtained from Iranian patients were analyzed by RAPD with 7 arbitrary primers (OPN16, OPD18‚ OPU15, OPX19, R28, OPA04 and OPAA17). Among the applied primers, OPN16 produced banding patterns from all the isolates. In addition, some of the isolates had very close relation. The phenon line which represented the mean similarities was at the value of 73%. At this level, 4 groups were characterized. Two isolates of a patient had different molecular patterns, suggesting infection transmission from different sources in the case of a single patient. RAPD‐PCR provided a rapid and practical tool for identification of E. floccosum isolates, which was independent of morphological characteristics, and enhanced laboratory diagnosis of dermatophytosis. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of sub‐lethal doses of vancomycin and oxacillin on biofilm formation by vancomycin intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mirani Zulfiqar Ali , Jamil Nusrat 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBiofilms are means of protection to bacteria against antibiotics and antibodies. Catheters and others tube devices used by patients are prone to accumulation of thick layers of biofilms as hiding place for etiologic agents, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital‐acquired infections. Vancomycin remains the only treatment of choice for MRSA infections. In the present study a vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) (Labeled as CP2) was isolated from the blood of a post‐operative cardiac patient. It harbors a plasmid which carry vanA gene and exhibited low‐level vancomycin resistance (MIC 16μg/ml), high level of oxacillin/methicillin resistance (MIC 500 μg/ml) and was sensitive to teicoplanin. CP2 also found to carry icaA gene on its chromosome. This strain exhibited resistance to triton‐X100 induced autolysis under sub‐inhibitory concentration of vancomycin and produced some extracellular matrix material that surrounding the cells. These characteristic features have warranted us to study the biofilm formation by CP2 on biomedical indwellings in presence of vancomycin and oxacillin. Our findings suggest that sub‐lethal dose of vancomycin induced the biofilm formation by CP2 on nylon and silicon indwellings whereas oxacillin facilitated the biofilm formation on glass surfaces exclusively. This implicates that not only the antibiotics but also the indwelling material influences biofilm formation. Therefore, these implants serve as potential surfaces for bacterial adhesion that lead to biofilm formation, thus provide hiding places for pathogens from the actions of antimicrobials. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Realizing the potential of a multinational, multicultural organization: Lessons learned at Merck Serono
Authors: Schnee Elmar 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWhen Merck Serono—formed by the 2007 union of Merck KGaA of Germany and Serono of Switzerland—embarked on a mission to become a recognized leader in the pharmaceutical field, its leaders found that they had the task of forging a unified organizational culture as well. This article details the training, communications, and leadership issues that the company's managers encountered in crafting a cohesive, high‐performing structure that attracts and retains the people needed to develop innovative products that serve consumer needs. Among the key lessons learned: never underestimate the impact of culture, invest in understanding how work actually gets done, and do not be afraid to admit mistakes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engaging production‐floor employees for rapid improvements at Test Technology, Inc.
Authors: Sokalski Joseph M. , Runfola Salvatore F. , Runfola Gina 
Published: October 2010

AbstractCompanies that seek to improve their operations by applying lean manufacturing principles often enjoy early success but then fall back on inefficient ways of doing business. Such was the case at Test Technology, Inc. (TestTech), in Marlton, New Jersey, where the successful creation of synchronized workstations had led to productivity improvements that ultimately proved unsustainable. The advent of a new president, however, brought a renewed commitment to lean manufacturing that stressed the cultural change from supervisor‐driven dictates to employee‐initiated improvements needed to ensure ongoing success. This article details the activities undertaken to transform the company, using employee‐directed kaizens, 5S housekeeping that achieved a “hospital operating room” standard of cleanliness, and a production‐floor team that became TestTech's strongest selling tool for closing deals with new customers and delivering superior service. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Talent management at Novartis Oncology: Supporting a decade of success
Authors: Hoffman Robert 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDesigned to combine the nimbleness and innovation of a small biotech with the resources of “Big Pharma,” this business unit points to its medical and commercial talent and their “patient‐first” focus as key to its development and marketing of a pipeline of highly successful cancer‐fighting compounds around the world. The author describes the rationale for the unit's creation and its “winning proposition”; outlines the eight main components of its talent management strategy for a highly expert workforce; and highlights commercial and medical talent's contributions to Novartis Oncology in terms of commercial excellence, innovation, reputation, and ability to build and retain a world‐class team. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The human dimension of change at RES Internacional
Authors: Strongin Dan , Manning James 
Published: October 2010

AbstractCombining an American food ingredients brokerage firm whose market was shrinking with a disorganized maquiladora might seem like a recipe for disaster. And in the absence of a unifying vision, it was. But when the head of the company stepped into his workers' shoes, he helped tear down the cultural barriers that were masking the root causes of his organization's ills. Now, with a focus on systems thinking, workers have a renewed sense of purpose and they are being trained in the tools to not only identify the source of long‐standing problems but also to devise simple but effective solutions. The results include enhanced communications at all levels and a healthy boost in the bottom line. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Domino versus deceased donor liver transplantation
Authors: Bispo Miguel , Marcelino Paulo , Marques Hugo Pinto , Martins Américo , Perdigoto Rui , Aguiar Maria João , Mourão Luís , Barroso Eduardo 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the potential impact of domino liver transplantation (DLT) on initial graft function and early postoperative outcome in patients with cirrhosis in a Portuguese liver transplantation center. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed between 77 domino recipients (from familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy donors) and 91 deceased donor recipients, all submitted to primary elective whole liver transplantation, using the piggyback technique, in a 42-month period. Outcome parameters included graft dysfunction (defined as either primary nonfunction or initial poor function, according to the Ploeg-Maring criteria) and Clavien II-IV complications in the first postoperative week. Domino and deceased donor recipients had similar preoperative severity indices (Child-Pugh classification and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score) and immediate postoperative severity scores (APACHE II [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II] and SAPS II [Simplified Acute Physiology Score II]). In DLT, donors were younger, cold ischemia time was shorter, and intraoperative transfusion requirements of packed red blood cells and fresh-frozen plasma were significantly lower. Graft dysfunction incidence was 3.4-fold lower in DLT: 5.2% (only 4 cases of initial poor function) versus 18.0% (1 primary nonfunction and 15 cases of initial poor function), P = 0.010. Postoperative bleeding was the most frequent early Clavien II-IV complication (n = 29, 17.3%), with an incidence 2.2-fold lower in domino recipients. A statistically significant difference was not found in the other analyzed Clavien II-IV complications, intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit mortality, and 1-year survival rate. In conclusion, in this study the younger donors and shorter ischemic time associated with DLT may provide a protective role in regards to graft dysfunction and perioperative bleeding, which are 2 important determinants of early morbidity after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Polymers for Control Freaks: Sequence‐Defined Poly(amidoamine)s and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hartmann Laura 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA novel synthetic strategy towards monodisperse, sequence‐defined polymers is presented. This technique was applied for the synthesis of a set of polymer carriers for DNA delivery combining monodisperse, sequence‐defined PAA segments with PEO blocks. These precision polymers are sequentially assembled from a library of building blocks, enabling programmed interactions and functions by sequence‐specific positioning of different functionalities. Due to the absence of chemical and molecular‐weight distributions in the multifunctional segments, exact correlation of the monomer sequence and (bio)properties is attainable. This is demonstrated by the interactions with plasmid DNA, investigating the dsDNA complexation and condensation properties in dependence of the monomer sequence. magnified image
A Bioinspired Polymeric Template for 1D Assembly of Metallic Nanoparticles, Semiconductor Quantum Dots, and Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Yuhan , Lee Haeshin , Messersmith Phillip B. , Park Tae Gwan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA precise control of metallic‐nanoparticle assembly is highly critical for the realization of tangible, high‐performance devices or materials. Until recently, nanoparticle assembly using 1D templates had been limited to a narrow spectrum of nanoparticles as it was mostly dependent on the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles used. Inspired by the universal adhesive properties of mussels, we demonstrate a universal polymeric template for 1D assembly of various nanoparticles including, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots. We find that the length of the 1D assembly is tunable using hyaluronic acid‐graft‐catechol templates with various contour lengths. magnified image
Using the Hard Templating Method for the Synthesis of Metal‐Conducting Polymer Multi‐Segmented Nanowires
Authors: Callegari Vincent , Demoustier‐Champagne Sophie 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWith the development of nanotechnology, there is a growing demand for advanced electronics based on functional nanomaterials. In this respect, owing to their unique properties, conducting polymers (CP) synthesized in the form of one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures are of particular interest. In this feature paper, we first report one of the most powerful techniques, the hard templating synthesis, for elaborating a large number of uniform 1D CP nanotubes or nanowires with precise control over lengths and diameters. Then, recent advances in the preparation, through electrochemical template synthesis, of various multi‐segmented nanowires containing a combination of metallic and polymeric components are discussed. Hybrid metal‐CP nanowires are promising high tech materials as they exhibit enhanced performances compared to their bulk counterparts and are of direct interest for developing novel multifunctional systems for a wide range of applications. Finally, some future directions for research in the area of multi‐segmented nanowires are proposed. magnified image
31P NMR of phospholipid metabolites in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Komoroski Richard A. , Holder John C. , Pappas Alex A. , Finkbeiner Alex E. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract1H MRSI in vivo is increasingly being used to diagnose prostate cancer noninvasively by measurement of the resonance from choline‐containing phospholipid metabolites. Although 31P NMR in vivo or in vitro is potentially an excellent method for probing the phospholipid metabolites prominent in prostate cancer, it has been little used recently. Here, we report an in vitro 31P NMR comparison of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, focusing on the levels of the major phospholipid metabolites. Unlike phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine, phosphoethanolamine and glycerophosphoethanolamine (and their ratio) were significantly different between cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The high level of phosphoethanolamine+glycerophosphoethanolamine relative to phosphocholine+glycerophosphocholine suggests that the former may be significant contributors to the “total choline” resonance observed by 1H MRSI in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of urinary tract infection in patients with type 2 diabetes. Experience from adverse event reporting in clinical trials
Authors: Hammar Niklas , Farahmand Bahman , Gran Mikael , Joelson Svante , Andersson Susan W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPurposeDiabetes mellitus has long been widely considered to be associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), but information on incidence rates are scarce and risk factor data have been conflicting. The aim was to estimate UTI incidence and evaluate potential risk factors for UTI in patients with type 2 diabetes included in recent clinical trials.MethodsType 2 diabetes patients from 10 AstraZeneca phase III diabetes clinical trials (n = 6016, mean 57.4 years, 50.7% female) conducted during 2004–2007 were included. Patients free of UTI at baseline were followed for up to 6 months after inclusion in the trials. UTI was considered present if any term sorting under the MedDRA high‐level term “UTIs” was recorded as an adverse event.ResultsIn all, 142 patients had an adverse event for UTI, corresponding to an incidence of 59.5/1000 person‐years for all patients (91.5/1000 in women, 28.2/1000 in men) and a cumulative incidence of 2% during 6 months. Female gender was associated with an increased incidence [relative risk (RR) 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3–5.1] and also higher age (RR 2.5 [95% CI 1.4–4.8] for ages ≥70 years vs. 40–49 years). No increased incidence was associated with body mass index (25–29, 30+ vs. <25 kg/m2), HbA1c (<8% vs. >8%), race (Black, Oriental vs. Caucasian) or drug treatment (study drug, comparator vs. placebo). A history of immune system disorder conveyed a twofold higher risk for UTI.ConclusionUTI is common among female patients with type 2 diabetes and older patients of both genders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the TELLS prereading procedure to enhance comprehension levels and rates in secondary students
Authors: Ridge Ashley D. , Skinner Christopher H. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA multiple‐baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of the Title, Examine, Look, Look, and Setting (TELLS) prereading procedure on reading comprehension in 3, ninth‐grade students with reading skills deficits. Results suggest that the TELLS procedure enhanced both comprehension levels and rates across all three students. These comprehension skills, however, did not appear to generalize across passages, suggesting that TELLS may be an effective, but not a particularly efficient prereading strategy. Additional studies are needed to determine if the TELLS procedure can cause meaningful increases in generalizable reading comprehension skills. Discussion focuses on applied and theoretical implications and directions for future researchers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accommodating remedial readers in the general education setting: Is listening‐while‐reading sufficient to improve factual and inferential comprehension?
Authors: Schmitt Ara J. , Hale Andrea D. , McCallum Elizabeth , Mauck Brittany 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWord reading accommodations are commonly applied in the general education setting in an attempt to improve student comprehension and learning of curriculum content. This study examined the effects of listening‐while‐reading (LWR) and silent reading (SR) using text‐to‐speech assistive technology on the comprehension of 25 middle‐school remedial readers. Participants were provided three grade‐level passages, each with 10 comprehension questions (5 factual, 5 inferential) after SR and also after LWR using the assistive technology. Conditions were counterbalanced across participants. No significant differences were found between LWR and SR total, factual, or inferential comprehension, even after controlling for participant reading ability. Discussion focuses on implications of these findings for reading comprehension theory and school psychologists, study limitations, and directions for future inquiry. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.