bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurosteroids in clinical practice: implications for women’s health
Authors: Genazzani Andrea Riccardo , Bucci Fiorella , Russo Natalia , Daino Diana , Santoro Anna Natalizia , Pluchino Nicola 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The steroidogenic endocrine glands and local synthesis both contribute to the pool of steroids present in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Although the synthesis of neurosteroids in the nervous system is now well established, the spectrum of respective functions in regulating neuronal and glial functions remains to be fully elucidated. From the concept of neurosteroids derives another therapeutical strategy: the use of pharmaceutical agents that increase the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids within the nervous system. This approach is so far hampered by the lack of knowledge concerning the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of neurosteroids and their relationship with sex steroids produced by peripheral glands. The present review summarizes some of the available clinical and experimental findings supporting the critical role of neuro-steroids during the fertile life and reproductive aging and their relationship with endogenous and exogenous sex steroids. Brain metabolism of synthethic progestins and the implication of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment in post-menopausal women will be also discussed.
U.S. Presidents and Their Roles in Emergency Management and Disaster Policy 1950‐2009
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Van Wart Montgomery , Sylves Richard , Yuldashev Farhod 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper attempts both to rate the quality and breadth of presidential involvement in emergency management, as well as to examine the possible reasons for the differing quality. Using three major factors for evaluation, it is possible to review the presidential records from the second half of the twentieth century to today, and derive broad categorical assessments using a holistic methodology. The major factors are the ability and willingness to appropriately distinguish the needs and priorities of disaster management apart from civil defense needs and priorities, the selection of well‐qualified disaster management leaders with a background in natural and accidental disasters, and the quality of implementation of programs including administrative execution, number and level of presidential disaster declarations, and timely presidential involvement in catastrophes. Using this framework, two presidents emerged as excellent, three as good, four as average, and two as poor. Interestingly, while some presidents learned from previous executive types of experiences, others did not. While some presidents learned from major catastrophes (focusing events) that occurred just before or during their administrations, others were hard‐pressed simply to recover from especially disruptive or new disasters and failed to improve the system as a result. A consistent finding is that the performance of presidents in emergency management has had a growing effect on their overall reputations by the public and experts. Before 1950, presidential roles were extremely modest and expectations almost nonexistent. After Truman and through Regan, roles increased substantially and expectations were modest. From Clinton through Obama, the roles have continued to increase and expectations have become exceedingly high.
Access Survival amongst Hemodialysis Patients Referred for Preventive Angiography and Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
Authors: Chan Kevin E. , Pflederer Timothy A. , Steele David J. R. , Lilly Michael P. , Ikizler T. Alp , Maddux Frank W. , Hakim Raymond M. 
Published: September 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Referring hemodialysis patients for elective access angiography and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is commonly done to prevent access failure, yet the effectiveness of this procedure remains unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measures
An observational matched cohort analysis among 40,132 Medicare beneficiaries receiving hemodialysis with a fistula or graft was performed. Cox regression was used to determine whether access intervention was associated with improved 1-year access survival.

Results
Nonsurgical access intervention was found to be frequent at a rate of 20.9 procedures per 100 access years. In the 1-year period after intervention using angiography and PTA, the overall access failure rate was 53.7 per 100 access years in the intervention group and 49.6 in the nonintervention group (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.08). Similar findings were also seen when the analysis was repeated in only fistulas (HR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.15) and grafts (HR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.05). In patients with a low intra-access flow rate (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99) or a new access (HR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.89), angiography and PTA significantly increased access survival when compared with nonintervention (P for interaction was <0.0001). Angiography-PTA-related upper-extremity hematoma, vessel injury, or embolism-thrombosis occurred in 1.1% of all patients.

Conclusions
Access characteristics significantly modify the survival benefits of angiography and PTA intervention where the benefits of these interventions are most seen in newer accesses or accesses with insufficient flow.
Adherence to Use of a Home-Based Exercise DVD in People With Huntington Disease: Participants' Perspectives
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Quinn Lori , van Deursen Robert , Martin Richard , Rosser Anne , Busse Monica 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundIndividualized exercise instruction on a regular basis may be desirable for people with Huntington disease (HD). Sustained interventions, however, may not be the most feasible for lifelong disease management. It is critical, therefore, for physical therapists to find ways to facilitate engagement in independent exercise programs. The capabilities of DVD technology can make the DVD a useful format to facilitate engagement for people with HD who have motivational and cognitive problems.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore how people with HD used a home-based exercise DVD and how it was perceived by the participants and their caregivers.DesignAn exploratory, mixed-method design was used in this study.MethodsFifteen participants with HD were provided with an exercise DVD, developed by the authors, to support their engagement in a home-based exercise program. Exercise diaries were used to record adherence rates. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore what factors affected the usability of the DVD. Conversations were audio recorded and fully transcribed. Content analysis approach was used to analyze the interviews.ResultsMost of the participants (11/15, 73.3%) adhered well to the use of the DVD. Participants felt that the exercises were suitable. Commitment of the caregiver as a key to the success of the program was the main theme that emerged from the data. Participants identified barriers and facilitators that affected adherence to using the exercise DVD and described management strategies that helped promote adherence to the exercise program.ConclusionsThe DVD was perceived to be suitable and supportive. The DVD could be appropriate for use in supporting people with HD to engage in exercise at home, either outside of therapy sessions or upon completion of a therapy program.
Hypodensity of extradural hematomas in children: an ominous sign
Authors: Nayil Khursheed , Ramzan Altaf , Arif Sajad , Wani Abrar , Sheikh Zahoor , Wani Tariq , Laharwal Masood , Dhar Anil 
Published: September 2011

Object
The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of hypodensity in extradural hematomas on CT with the clinical profile in pediatric patients. This is the only study available in this age group.

Methods
This was a prospective study conducted over a period of 3 years in which all children 18 years old or younger with a diagnosis of cranial extradural hematoma were included. The patients were allocated to 2 groups: those with mixed-density clots (17 cases) and those with classically hyperdense clots (52 cases). A comparative analysis between the 2 groups was conducted.

Results
Patients with mixed-density clots presented earlier to the hospital, had poor Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission, exhibited large clot volumes, had a high incidence of active bleeding at surgery, and had increased morbidity and mortality as compared with the patients with hyperdense extradural hematomas.

Conclusions
Early recognition and rapid evacuation of the mixed-density clot with restoration of hemostasis may result in a decline in morbidity and death in children with this entity.
The Role of NiO Doping in Reducing the Impact of Humidity on the Performance of SnO2‐Based Gas Sensors: Synthesis Strategies, and Phenomenological and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Kim Hae‐Ryong , Haensch Alexander , Kim Il‐Doo , Barsan Nicolae , Weimar Udo , Lee Jong‐Heun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe humidity dependence of the gas‐sensing characteristics in SnO2‐based sensors, one of the greatest obstacles in gas‐sensor applications, is reduced to a negligible level by NiO doping. In a dry atmosphere, undoped hierarchical SnO2 nanostructures prepared by the self‐assembly of crystalline nanosheets show a high CO response and a rapid response speed. However, the gas response, response/recovery speeds, and resistance in air are deteriorated or changed significantly in a humid atmosphere. When hierarchical SnO2 nanostructures are doped with 0.64–1.27 wt% NiO, all of the gas‐sensing characteristics remain similar, even after changing the atmosphere from a dry to wet one. According to diffuse‐reflectance Fourier transform IR measurements, it is found that the most of the water‐driven species are predominantly absorbed not by the SnO2 but by the NiO, and thus the electrochemical interaction between the humidity and the SnO2 sensor surface is totally blocked. NiO‐doped hierarchical SnO2 sensors exhibit an exceptionally fast response speed (1.6 s), a fast recovery speed (2.8 s) and a superior gas response (Ra/Rg = 2.8 at 50 ppm CO (Ra: resistance in air, Rg: resistance in gas)) even in a 25% r.h. atmosphere. The doping of hierarchical SnO2 nanostructures with NiO is a very‐promising approach to reduce the dependence of the gas‐sensing characteristics on humidity without sacrificing the high gas response, the ultrafast response and the ultrafast recovery.
Mechanical surface analysis of bone: A case study of cut marks and enamel hypoplasia on a neolithic cranium from Sweden
Authors: During Ebba M. , Nilsson Lennart 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA method for measuring, recording, and studying fine surface irregularities in three dimensions is presented. The method, which involves recording the movements of a diamond‐tipped stylus as it scans the surface being studied, is demonstrated on a Neolithic cranium from Sweden. The cranium emanates from a pile dwelling dated to about 3000 B.C. Its frontal bone exhibits distinct cut marks indicative of scalping, and the teeth show signs of enamel hypoplasia. The surface topography of the putative cut marks and hypoplastic enamel were investigated using the stylus method. Measurements of enamel hypoplasia were also carried out for comparison on a front tooth from the lower jaw, and the cut mark study was compared with scanning electron micrographs. The results of this case study demonstrate that the stylus method can obtain high‐resolution measurements of fine surface details directly on the original bone without preparation of or damage to the specimen.
Preparation and characterization of EVA/clay Nanocomposites with improved barrier performance
Authors: Wilson Runcy , Plivelic Tomás S. , Aprem Abi Santhosh , Ranganathaiagh C. , Kumar S. Anil , Thomas Sabu 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPoly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/clay nanocomposites containing two different organoclays with different clay loadings were prepared. The transport of gases (oxygen and nitrogen) through the composite membranes was investigated and the results were compared. These studies revealed that the incorporation of nanoclays in the polymer increased the efficiency of the membranes toward barrier properties. It was also found that the barrier properties of the membranes decreased with clay loadings. This is mainly due to the aggregation of clay at higher loadings. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray scattering. Small angle X‐ray scattering results showed significant intercalation of the polymer chains between the organo‐modified silicate layers in all cases. Better dispersed silicate layer stacking and more homogeneous membranes were obtained for Cloisite® 25A based nanocomposites compared with Cloisite® 20A samples. Microscopic observations (SEM and TEM) were coherent with those results. The dispersion of clay platelets seemed to be maximized for 3 wt % of clay and agglomeration increased with higher clay loading. Wide angle X‐ray scattering results showed no significant modifications in the crystalline structure of the EVA matrix because of the presence of the clays. The effect of free volume on the transport behavior was studied using positron annihilation spectroscopy. The permeability results have been correlated with various permeation models. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Culture temperature modulates aggregation of recombinant antibody in cho cells
Authors: Gomez Natalia , Subramanian Jayashree , Ouyang Jun , Nguyen Mary D.H. , Hutchinson Matthew , Sharma Vikas K. , Lin Andy A. , Yuk Inn H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDuring production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb), it is highly desirable to remove and control antibody aggregates in the manufacturing process to minimize the potential risk of immunogenicity to patients. During process development for the production of a recombinant IgG in a CHO cell line, we observed atypical high variability from 1 to 20% mAb aggregates formed during cell culture that negatively impacted antibody purification. Analytical characterization revealed the IgG aggregates were mediated by hydrophobic interactions likely caused by misfolded antibody during intracellular processing. Strikingly, data analysis showed an inverse correlation of lower cell culture temperature producing higher aggregate levels. All cultures at 37°C exhibited ≤5% aggregates at harvest. Aggregate levels increased 4–12‐fold in 33°C cultures when compared to 37°C, with a corresponding 2–4‐fold increase in heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) mRNA. Additionally, 37°C cases showed a greater excess of LC to HC mRNA levels. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone expression and ER size also increased 25–75% at 33°C versus 37°C but to a lesser extent than LC and HC mRNA, consistent with a potential limiting ER folding capacity at 33°C for this cell line. Finally, we identified a 2–5‐fold increase in mAb aggregate formation at 33°C compared to 37°C cultures for three additional CHO cell lines. Taken together, our observations indicate that low culture temperature can increase antibody aggregate formation in CHO cells by increasing LC and HC transcripts coupled with limited ER machinery. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 125–136. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of laparoendoscopic single-siteversusconventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Bucher P , Pugin F , Buchs N C , Ostermann S , Morel P 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundConventional laparoscopy with three or more ports remains the ‘gold standard’ for cholecystectomy, but a laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach is emerging, designed to decrease parietal trauma and improve cosmesis. This study compared conventional laparoscopic (CL) with LESS cholecystectomy, with short-term clinical results as the main outcomes.MethodsA randomized trial of CL and LESS cholecystectomies involving 150 patients was undertaken. Follow-up was for 1 month after surgery. The primary endpoint was body image results evaluated by means of validated scales. Secondary endpoints were: postoperative pain measured on a visual analogue scale, analgesia requirement, morbidity, quality of life (QoL) measured with Short Form 12, duration of operation, hospital stay, time to return to work and cost analysis.ResultsOperating times and complications were similar in the two groups. Two LESS procedures (3 per cent) were converted to two-port laparoscopy owing to difficulties with exposure, and one CL operation was achieved through a single port because extensive fibrous peritoneal adhesions prevented placement of other ports. There were three and four port-site seroma/haematomas in the LESS and CL groups respectively. Better pain profiles and lower analgesia requirements were recorded in the LESS group (P &lt; 0·001). QoL, body image and scar scale results were also better (P &lt; 0·001). Operative costs were higher for LESS procedures (P &lt; 0·001), although median time to return to work was shorter (P = 0·003).ConclusionLESS is an alternative to CL cholecystectomy associated with better cosmesis, body image, QoL and an improved postoperative pain profile. Registration number: NCT00904865 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
MTDH and EphA7 are markers for metastasis and poor prognosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Dong‐Cai , Yang Zhu‐Lin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGallbladder cancer is an aggressive cancer with extremely poor prognosis. Over 90% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced, inoperable stage with metastasis and invasion to other organs. In this study, the expression of metadherin (MTDH) and erythropoietin‐producing hepatoma‐amplified sequence (Eph) receptor A7 (EphA7) in 96 benign and 108 malignant lesions of gallbladder was determined by immunohistochemistry, and their correlations with pathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Positive expression of EphA7 and MTDH was significantly higher in gallbladder adenocarcinoma than in benign lesions. In adenocarcinoma, the positive expression of EphA7 and MTDH was significantly associated with differentiation, tumor mass, lymphnode metastasis, invasion, and overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that positive expression of EphA7 and MTDH was an independent poor‐prognostic predictor in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. The elevated expression of EphA7 and/or MTDH is closely related to carcinogenesis, progression, clinical biological behaviors, and prognosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multicentric encapsulated papillary oncocytic neoplasm of the thyroid: A case diagnosed by a combined cytological, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular approach
Authors: Bellevicine Claudio , Malapelle Umberto , Docimo Giovanni , Ciancia Giuseppe , Mossetti Gennaro , Pettinato Guido , Troncone Giancarlo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFine‐needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of oncocytic lesions is challenging. In fact, oncocytic changes occur in inflammatory, hyperplastic, and neoplastic settings, including both benign and malignant tumors. The rare oncocytic variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), shows papillae composed by cells with large oncocytic granular cytoplasm featuring clear PTC nuclear features. A morphological similar, but biologically distinct lesion, is the encapsulated papillary oncocytic neoplasia. Here, we first report on FNA, its cytological features together with histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular correlates. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of novel stimuli‐responsive polyglycerol‐based hydrogels
Authors: Salehpour Somaieh , Zuliani Christopher J. , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTemperature and pH‐responsive polyglycerol‐based hydrogels were successfully synthesized and characterized. An increase in polyglycerol molecular weight was achieved by cross‐linking polyglycerol using multifunctional electrophilic epoxide‐containing compounds. The chemical structure of polyglycerol‐based hydrogels was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The temperature‐dependent swelling behavior of the hydrogels was studied at 293, 310, 333, and 353 K and a negative temperature‐sensitive system was observed. The hydrogels exhibited pH sensitivity at pH 4, 7, and 10. The hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of these hydrogels make them suitable for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biotechnological applications. They could potentially serve as a replacement for fossil‐based poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels.Practical applications: Polyglycerol produced from glycerol consists of an inert polyether backbone with functional hydroxyl side groups which make it very suitable for the design of hydrogels. The structure of this biocompatible hydrogel resembles well‐known fossil‐based hydrogels poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH). Polyglycerol‐based hydrogel is suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biotechnological fields as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and hydrogel adhesives for wound dressing. Furthermore, since these hydrogels show relatively high swelling ratios, they can be used as moisture absorbents and solvent dryers.
Morality shifting in the context of intergroup violence
Authors: Leidner Bernhard , Castano Emanuele 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe propose morality shifting as a mechanism through which individuals can maintain a moral image of the ingroup. We argue that a shift from the moral principles of harm and fairness to those of loyalty and authority occurs when assessing a potentially threatening event, particularly among high ingroup glorifiers. Three studies confirmed this hypothesis using three different methodologies. Study 1 compared the use of language related to four moral foundations formulated in moral psychology in response to ingroup‐ and outgroup‐committed wrongdoings. Results showed that loyalty‐ and authority‐related words were used more, whereas harm‐ and fairness‐related words were used less in response to ingroup‐ compared with outgroup‐committed wrongdoings. Study 2 replicated this effect with regards to the cognitive accessibility of these moral principles. Study 3 confirmed that morality shifting is a motivated response to social identity threat, rather than a response to mere activation of social identity. Finally, as predicted, Study 3 demonstrated the effect of morality shifting to be moderated by ingroup glorification but not ingroup attachment. Implications and consequences for intergroup and individual wrongdoings, as well as for intergroup relations, are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process intensification routes for mineral carbonation*
Authors: Santos Rafael M. , Van Gerven Tom 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMineral carbonation is a realistic route for capture and storage of carbon dioxide. The principal advantages of this approach are the chemical stability and storage safety of mineral carbonates, the opportunities for process integration available, and the potential for conversion of low‐value materials into useful products. In this work, the valorization of alkaline waste materials from thermal processes by mineral carbonation utilizing intensified and integrated mineral carbonation routes is explored. Process intensification aims at providing the paradigm‐shifting techniques needed to revolutionize the chemical engineering industry in the twenty‐first century, particularly focusing on improvements toward process efficiency, yield, and sustainability. The combination of process intensification and process integration strategies has the potential to produce economically feasible and industrially acceptable carbonation technologies that can soon be implemented large scale, several examples of which are already proven at laboratory scale and are herein discussed. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd