bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High detection rate of clinically relevant genomic abnormalities in plasma cells enriched from patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Stevens‐Kroef Marian , Weghuis Daniel Olde , Croockewit Sandra , Derksen Leo , Hooijer Jeroen , ElIdrissi‐Zaynoun Najat , Siepman Angelique , Simons Annet , Kessel Ad Geurts van 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMultiple myeloma is a heterogeneous disease, which is characterized by the occurrence of specific genomic abnormalities that are both of diagnostic and prognostic relevance. Since the detection of these abnormalities through molecular‐genetic techniques is hampered by the overall low percentage of plasma cells present in primary bone marrow aspirates, we assessed the efficacy of these techniques in enriched plasma cell fractions from 61 multiple myeloma patients. Using interphase FISH, genomic abnormalities could be detected in 96% of the enriched samples as compared to 61% in the cultured whole bone marrow samples. We also found that microarray‐based genomic profiling of enriched plasma samples facilitates the detection of additional, possibly clinically relevant, genomic abnormalities. We conclude that the genomic delineation of enriched plasma cells from multiple myeloma patients results in a significantly increased detection rate of clinically relevant genomic abnormalities. In order to facilitate molecular‐genetic data interpretation, we recommend morphological assessment of plasma cell purity after enrichment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myelinated nerve bundles developed on the plano‐concave fibers containing nerve conduit
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chin , Liao Jiunn‐Der , Lin Chou‐Ching K. , Ju Ming‐Shaung 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMorphologically and chemically modified plano‐concave fibers (PCFs) are designed as a unit of guided channels for supporting Schwann cells to facilitate mass transport and promote nerve regeneration. The surface‐modified PCFs are imprinted with linearly patterned grooves (LPGs) to guide adherent Schwann cell elongation and axon extension. After being cocultured with PC12 neuron‐like cells, Schwann cells differentiate into the myelinated type and interact with PC12 axons. The myelinated axons aggregate as a linear bundle and extend along the direction of LPGs on a PCF. The cross section of a myelin structure is examined using a transmission electron microscope. The PCFs can potentially bridge gaps in injured nerves, improving the therapeutic efficacy of nerve regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3490–3495, 2012.
Synthesis and characterization of sensitive hydrogels based on semi‐interpenetrated networks of poly[2‐ethyl‐(2‐pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid
Authors: Magalhães Joana , Sousa Rui A. , Mano João F. , Reis Rui L. , Blanco Francisco J. , Román Julio San 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSensitive hydrogels attract interest due to their soft wet appearance and shape response to environmental variations. The synthesis and characterization of semi‐interpenetrated hydrogels obtained by radical‐induced polymerization of 2‐ethyl‐(2‐pyrrolidone)methacrylate (EPM) in the presence of different concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) using N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide or triethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, followed by freeze‐drying, are described. Polymeric systems were characterized by NMR, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and DMA. PEPMHA hydrogels' mechanical properties and swelling were found to be intimately related to HA concentration and crosslinker. The swelling response was assessed for temperature and pH variation in order to study the behavior of the hydrogels. We found that the presence of HA in PEPM polymeric systems induced a sensitivity to pH variation rather than temperature. Finally, the biocompatibility profile of the hydrogels was evaluated, using mesenchymal stem cells. Cell adhesion and proliferation results revealed the non‐cytotoxicity of the systems. We estimate that PEPMHA hydrogels can be used for applications in tissue engineering and for the controlled release of bioactive compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:157–166, 2013.
Fractal dimension and Shannon's entropy analyses of the architectural complexity caused by the inflammatory reactions induced by highly crystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) microspheres implanted in subcutaneous tissues of the Wistar rats
Authors: Silva Danilo A. , Basso Glaucia G. , Semenzim Vinícius L. , Godoy Moacir F. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Andrade Alexandre L. , Luvizotto Maria C. R. , Braile Domingo M. , Nery José G. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe results of the histopathological analyses after the implantation of highly crystalline PVA microspheres in subcutaneous tissues of Wistar rats are here in reported. Three different groups of PVA microparticles were systematically studied: highly crystalline, amorphous, and commercial ones. In addition to these experiments, complementary analyses of architectural complexity were performed using fractal dimension (FD), and Shannon's entropy (SE) concepts. The highly crystalline microspheres induced inflammatory reactions similar to the ones observed for the commercial ones, while the inflammatory reactions caused by the amorphous ones were less intense. Statistical analyses of the subcutaneous tissues of Wistar rats implanted with the highly crystalline microspheres resulted in FD and SE values significantly higher than the statistical parameters observed for the amorphous ones. The FD and SE parameters obtained for the subcutaneous tissues of Wistar rats implanted with crystalline and commercial microparticles were statistically similar. Briefly, the results indicated that the new highly crystalline microspheres had biocompatible behavior comparable to the commercial ones. In addition, statistical tools such as FD and SE analyses when combined with histopathological analyses can be useful tools to investigate the architectural complexity tissues caused by complex inflammatory reactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Measurement Equivalence of the Brief Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol Scale in a Multiethnic Sample of College Students
Authors: Ham Lindsay S. , Wang Yijie , Kim Su Yeong , Zamboanga Byron L. 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesThis study examined the measurement equivalence of the Brief Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol scale (B‐CEOA; Ham et al., 2005)—a measure that assesses alcohol outcome expectancies (AOE) and expectancy evaluations—across ethnic groups and genders among multiethnic college student samples.MethodUndergraduates provided self‐report data in two multisite studies (Study 1: N = 1,536, 75.5% women, Mage = 19.6 years old, 56.4% European American, 9.8% African American, 7.6% Asian American, and 26.2% Hispanic/Latino American; Study 2: N = 7,767, 72.6% women, Mage = 19.8 years old, 63.3% European American, 7.9% African American, 14.3% Asian American, and 14.5% Hispanic/Latino American).ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a positive and negative 4‐factor model. Positive and negative AOE and expectancy evaluations were positively associated with hazardous alcohol use. Measurement equivalence of the B‐CEOA across ethnicities and genders was largely supported.ConclusionsThis study provides support for the utility of the B‐CEOA in college students of different ethnicities and genders in assessment and prevention.
Electrophysiological evidence for the presence of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in mouse sperm
Authors: Figueiras‐Fierro Dulce , Acevedo Juan José , Martínez‐López Pablo , Escoffier Jessica , Sepúlveda Francisco V. , Balderas Enrique , Orta Gerardo , Visconti Pablo E. , Darszon Alberto 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMammalian sperm must undergo a maturational process, named capacitation, in the female reproductive tract to fertilize the egg. Sperm capacitation is regulated by a cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and involves increases in intracellular Ca2+, pH, Cl−, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and in mouse and some other mammals a membrane potential hyperpolarization. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a Cl− channel modulated by cAMP/PKA and ATP, was detected in mammalian sperm and proposed to modulate capacitation. Our whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from testicular mouse sperm now reveal a Cl− selective component to membrane current that is ATP‐dependent, stimulated by cAMP, cGMP, and genistein (a CFTR agonist, at low concentrations), and inhibited by DPC and CFTRinh‐172, two well‐known CFTR antagonists. Furthermore, the Cl− current component activated by cAMP and inhibited by CFTRinh‐172 is absent in recordings on testicular sperm from mice possessing the CFTR ΔF508 loss‐of‐function mutation, indicating that CFTR is responsible for this component. A Cl− selective like current component displaying CFTR characteristics was also found in wild type epididymal sperm bearing the cytoplasmatic droplet. Capacitated sperm treated with CFTRinh‐172 undergo a shape change, suggesting that CFTR is involved in cell volume regulation. These findings indicate that functional CFTR channels are present in mouse sperm and their biophysical properties are consistent with their proposed participation in capacitation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 590–601, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences among nursing homes in outcomes of a safe resident handling program
Authors: Kurowski Alicia , Gore Rebecca , Buchholz Bryan , Punnett Laura 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA large nursing home corporation implemented a safe resident handling program (SRHP) in 2004‐2007. We evaluated its efficacy over a 2‐year period by examining differences among 5 centers in program outcomes and potential predictors of those differences. We observed nurs‐ing assistants (NAs), recording activities and body postures at 60‐second intervals on personal digital assistants at baseline and at 3‐month, 12‐month, and 24‐month follow‐ups. The two outcomes computed were change in equipment use during resident handling and change in a physical workload index that estimated spinal loading due to body postures and handled loads. Potential explanatory factors were extracted from post‐observation interviews, investigator surveys of the workforce, from administrative data, and employee satisfaction surveys. The facility with the most positive outcome measures was associated with many positive changes in explanatory factors and the facility with the fewest positive outcome measures experienced negative changes in the same factors. These findings suggest greater SRHP benefits where there was lower NA turnover and agency staffing; less time pressure; and better teamwork, staff communication, and supervisory support.
Mental health training with soldiers four months after returning from iraq: Randomization by platoon
Authors: Castro Carl Andrew , Adler Amy B. , McGurk Dennis , Bliese Paul D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMilitary personnel report significant and increasing mental health problems in the months following return from combat. Nevertheless, studies have not assessed the impact of mental health training with this at‐risk population. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a prototype mental health training module designed for U.S. soldiers 3–6 months after returning from combat; the module was a component of the Battlemind Training system. Soldiers (N = 1,645) were randomly assigned by platoon to 1 hour of training or a survey‐only control group. Baseline surveys were conducted immediately before training; a training satisfaction survey was administered immediately after training, and a follow‐up survey was administered 6 months later. Immediate postsession surveys were conducted with 681 subjects, and follow‐up surveys were conducted with 542 soldiers. The Battlemind Training module received positive ratings from participants, and those who received it reported significantly better adjustment in terms of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression, and life satisfaction at follow‐up compared to those in the survey‐only control group. Changes in attitudes about the stigma of seeking mental health care were found immediately posttraining, but not at follow‐up. The findings demonstrate that brief mental health training can be effective in reducing mental health systems with at‐risk occupational groups.
Accounting for wildlife life‐history strategies when modeling stochastic density‐dependent populations: A review
Authors: Williams Christopher K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article briefly reviews and provides discussion on the evidence for, and nature of, density‐dependence patterns inrandK‐selected species. In this review, I discuss how life‐history strategies cause different nonlinear density‐dependence patterns and I provide a simple modeling recommendation to incorporate nonlinear density dependence in population growth equations. Second, I discuss the importance of incorporation of environmental stochasticity and local extinction associated with nonlinear density dependence associated with life‐history patterns through a novel modeling exercise. Last, I discuss the importance of considering how life‐history nonlinear density dependence could affect optimal harvest yields. Though these topics are extensive, this review should spur wildlife biologists and managers to consider more inclusive population models that incorporate life‐history strategies and stochasticity in their decision‐making processes. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Coblation tonsillectomy in children: Incidence of bleeding
Authors: Walner David L. , Miller Steven P. , Villines Dana , Bussell Gregory S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding rate utilizing the Coblation device for total tonsillectomy in children.Study Design:Prospectively designed clinical study.Methods:Institutional review board approval was obtained to study patients undergoing Coblation tonsillectomy. Records of all children 1 to 18 years of age undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy from April 2003 to April 2010 were reviewed. All children underwent total tonsillectomy utilizing the Coblation device, and the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding complications were analyzed. The data were also analyzed to determine whether surgeon experience with the technique influenced the bleeding rate.Results:A total of 1,918 patients were evaluated. Intraoperative blood loss was <5 mL in >90% of the patients, with no patients experiencing >20 mL of blood loss. The postoperative bleeding rate was consistent with the literature (n = 87, 4.5%). Of the patients with bleeding following surgery, five (5.7%) experienced primary bleeding and 82 (94.3%) secondary bleeding. Postoperative bleeding that ceased spontaneously and did not require intervention was present in 56 (2.9%). The number of patients who actually required intervention to control postoperative bleeding was 31 (1.6%). The majority of bleeding occurred by postoperative day 7. There was no statistically significant difference in bleeding rates by age, and there was no evidence found to support a surgeon learning curve for performing Coblation tonsillectomy.Conclusions:This study provides further support that Coblation total tonsillectomy in children is a reliable and safe procedure with a relatively low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.
Membrane Affinity and Antibacterial Properties of Cationic Polyelectrolytes With Different Hydrophobicity
Authors: Kiss Éva , Heine Elisabeth T. , Hill Katalin , He Ying Chun , Keusgen Nina , Pénzes Csanád B. , Schnöller Donát , Gyulai Gergő , Mendrek Aleksandra , Keul Helmut , Moeller Martin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe antibacterial behavior of cationic polyelectrolytes is studied using model membrane experiments and in vitro bacterial investigations. The molecular interaction with lipid films is evaluated by the degree of penetration of the polymers into Langmuir monolayers of neutral or negatively charged lipids. The polymer/lipid interaction results in structural changes of the penetrated lipid layer visualized using AFM. The polymers are found to be effective in inhibiting the proliferation of E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus. The influence of the chemical structure on the functional behavior is related to the conformational properties. An optimum structure is identified on the basis of antibacterial and hemolytic tests as well as membrane‐destroying efficacy of the antimicrobial polymers. magnified image
Quantifying the Effect of Covalently Immobilized Enzymes on Biofilm Formation by Atomic Force Microscopy‐Based Single‐Cell Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Friedrichs Jens , Zieris Andrea , Prokoph Silvana , Werner Carsten 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA novel atomic force microscopy‐based single‐cell force spectroscopy assay to quantify the adhesion of bacterial cells to surfaces was developed. The assay was applied to quantify the effect of two biofilm‐degrading enzymes, the protease Subtilisin A and glycoside hydrolase cellulase, on the attachment of the biofilm‐forming bacterial strain Cobetia marina. Insights on the mechanism of the initial adhesion and on the nature of the adhesion‐mediating molecules were gained. The assay can be easily adapted to various other substrates, different bacterial strains and other fouling species (e.g., algae and diatoms).
Towards fund‐raising excellence in museums—linking governance with performance
Authors: Betzler Diana , Gmür Markus 
Published: July 2012

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the relationship between fund‐raising governance characteristics and fund‐raising performance in a sample of 98 Swiss museums. We propose a governance model that reflects the developmental level of an organization's fund‐raising in regard to success. Inspired by research on business excellence, the proposed model extends the primarily qualitative and theory‐based concepts of dynamic organization life‐cycle models, which are found in nonprofit research, by taking a quantitative approach. We explore five fund‐raising governance factors: boards' fund‐raising activity, board as symbolic decision maker, board as donor, fund‐raising strategic planning and controlling, and fund‐raising techniques. Museums are classified into fund‐raising governance levels: ‘zero’, ‘awareness’, ‘composition’ and ‘integration’. The model is shown to be linked with fund‐raising income.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Insights into Plasma‐Assisted Dissociation of Organometallic Vapors for Gas‐Phase Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Pin Ann , Kumar Ajay , Sankaran R. Mohan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOrganometallic compounds are a general class of metal precursors that are used for chemical vapor deposition of metal films and nanoparticle nucleation in the gas phase. While there have been numerous studies of metal film deposition, there exist far fewer studies of how organometallic vapors are dissociated in the gas phase to homogeneously nucleate metal nanoparticles, and, most importantly, if the organic components are incorporated in the nanoparticle material. Here, we study the dissociation of organometallic precursors in an atmospheric‐pressure microplasma by optical emission spectroscopy and assess the chemical composition of the as‐grown nanoparticles by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find that certain precursors such as Ni(Cp)2 do not form carbon except at higher discharge powers where electron and gas heating are enhanced. In comparison, precursors such as Cu(acac)2 dissociate to form carbon moieties even at low discharge currents. These results should help guide processes that are intended to produce high‐purity metal nanoparticles. magnified image
Clinical significance of respiratory isolates for Mycobacterium abscessus complex from pediatric patients
Authors: Do Paul C. M. , Nussbaum Eliezer , Moua John , Chin Terry , Randhawa Inderpal 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMycobacterium abscessus complex is the most virulent of rapidly growing mycobacteria causing invasive lung disease. To better delineate clinical pediatric experience and outcomes with M. abscessus complex, we retrospectively gathered 5‐year data on M. abscessus complex infection and outcomes in a large, hospital‐based pediatric pulmonary center. Patients were selected from the database of the microbiology department at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Patients had at least one positive pulmonary isolate for M. abscessus complex from February 2006 to May 2011. Treatment modality data were collected and successful therapy of disease was determined as clearance of M. abscessus complex infection after antibiotics proven by culture negative respiratory isolate within at least 12 months of therapy initiation. Two cystic fibrosis patients with M. abscessus complex were identified, one with failed therapy and the other with stable pulmonary status despite persistent isolation. One primary ciliary dyskinesia patient had successful clearance of M. abscessus complex, however is now growing M. avium intracellulare. A patient with no prior medical history was successfully treated with antimycobacterial therapy. Eleven patients with neuromuscular disorders had tracheal aspirates positive for M. abscessus complex. None were treated due to stable lung status and all but two had spontaneous clearance of the mycobacteria. The two remaining persist with sporadic isolation of M. abscessus complex without clinical significance. We concluded that patients with tracheostomy associated M. abscessus complex infections do not appear to require treatment and often have spontaneous resolution. Cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia patients may have clinical disease warranting treatment, but current antimycobacterial therapy has not proven to be completely successful. As M. abscessus complex gains prevalence, standardized guidelines for diagnosis and therapy are needed in the pediatric population. Multicenter cohort analysis is necessary to achieve such guidelines. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:470–480. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microscopic analysis of performance variations in carbon nanotube field emission cathodes: Implications for device optimization
Authors: Berhanu Sarah , Gröning Oliver , Chen Zexiang , Merikhi Jacqueline , Kaiser Monja , Rupesinghe Nalin L. , Bachmann Peter K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered very promising for the realization of low‐cost field emission electron sources. However, despite intensive research and development efforts, the fabrication of reliable CNT cathodes for high current density (>100 mA/cm2) applications remains a formidable challenge. In this study we use scanning anode field emission microscopy (SAFEM) to investigate the microscopic origins of macroscopic emission performance variations in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown CNT planar field emission cathodes. The field enhancement distributions are determined and the field emission properties of individual emission sites on the cathodes are probed. Contact I(V) measurements are carried out to estimate the resistance of individual emitters. The degradation behavior of individual sites is also studied and can be related with the macroscopic cathode performances. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provide additional information on the contact and structural properties of the cathodes. Our results indicate that the sample macroscopic performances depend strongly on the individual emitter field emission properties in terms of maximum current before degradation and contact resistance.