bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prion proteins (PRNP and PRND) are over‐expressed in osteosarcoma
Authors: Sollazzo Vincenzo , Galasso Marco , Volinia Stefano , Carinci Francesco 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAlthough osteosarcoma is the most common bone malignancy, the molecular and cellular mechanisms influencing its pathogenesis have remained elusive. Prion proteins (PRNP and PRND), known mostly for its involvement in neurodegenerative spongiform encephalopathies, have been recently demonstrated to be involved in resistance to apoptosis, tumorigenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. The main aim of research was to study whether prion proteins were over‐expressed in human osteosarcoma, and if prion proteins could have a role also in osteosarcomas. We evaluated differential gene expression between 22 cases of osteosarcoma and 40 cases of normal bone specimens through cDNA microarray analysis spanning a substantial fraction of the human genome. PRNP and PRND are significantly over‐expressed in osteosarcoma. PRNP and PRND appear involved with some important genes related to tumorigenesis and apoptosis. PRNP is linked to PTK2, RBBP9, and TGFB1 while PRND is linked to TNFSF10, BCL2A1, NFKB2, and TP53RK. Increased expression on Affymetrix arrays of prion proteins seems to be associated with the development of osteosarcoma. Prions seem to induce a negative regulation of apoptosis, thus promoting osteosarcoma development and progression. Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive tumor and even after modern chemotherapy and excision of tumors efforts are needed to improve clinical outcome. Since Prion proteins seem to be related to osteosarcoma development, their inhibition could represent a new approach to the molecular treatment of osteosarcoma. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1004–1012, 2012
Treatment of complex PTSD: Results of the ISTSS expert clinician survey on best practices
Authors: Cloitre Marylene , Courtois Christine A. , Charuvastra Anthony , Carapezza Richard , Stolbach Bradley C. , Green Bonnie L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study provides a summary of the results of an expert opinion survey initiated by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Complex Trauma Task Force regarding best practices for the treatment of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ratings from a mail‐in survey from 25 complex PTSD experts and 25 classic PTSD experts regarding the most appropriate treatment approaches and interventions for complex PTSD were examined for areas of consensus and disagreement. Experts agreed on several aspects of treatment, with 84% endorsing a phase‐based or sequenced therapy as the most appropriate treatment approach with interventions tailored to specific symptom sets. First‐line interventions matched to specific symptoms included emotion regulation strategies, narration of trauma memory, cognitive restructuring, anxiety and stress management, and interpersonal skills. Meditation and mindfulness interventions were frequently identified as an effective second‐line approach for emotional, attentional, and behavioral (e.g., aggression) disturbances. Agreement was not obtained on either the expected course of improvement or on duration of treatment. The survey results provide a strong rationale for conducting research focusing on the relative merits of traditional trauma‐focused therapies and sequenced multicomponent approaches applied to different patient populations with a range of symptom profiles. Sustained symptom monitoring during the course of treatment and during extended follow‐up would advance knowledge about both the speed and durability of treatment effects.
Vicarious exposure to trauma and growth in therapists: The moderating effects of sense of coherence, organizational support, and empathy
Authors: Brockhouse Rebecca , Msetfi Rachel M. , Cohen Keren , Joseph Stephen 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTherapists who work with traumatized individuals can experience psychological growth following this vicarious exposure to trauma. The purpose of the present study is to examine the variables that may moderate such vicarious posttraumatic growth. Therapists (N = 118) completed measures of vicarious exposure to trauma and growth, as well as empathy, sense of coherence, and perceived organizational support. Results showed that having a strong sense of coherence negatively predicted growth (β = −.28, p = .001), whereas empathy was a positive predictor (β = .37, p < .001). Empathy also moderated the exposure to growth relationship when growth involved relating to others (β = −.20; p = .018). Organizational support did not predict growth. The results have implications for the recruitment, training, and supervision of therapists working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Environmental persistence of Brucella abortus in the Greater Yellowstone Area
Authors: Aune Keith , Rhyan Jack C. , Russell Robin , Roffe Thomas J. , Corso Barbara 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBison (Bison bison) and elk (Cervus elaphus) of the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) are the last remaining reservoirs of bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in the United States. An important factor in evaluating the risk of transmission to cattle is the persistence of bacteria and infectious birth materials shed on pastures where cattle graze. We selected 2 study areas near the northern and western boundaries of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to determine the persistence of bacteria on fetal tissue, soil, and vegetation, and scavenging on infectious materials from birth and abortion sites. We performed 3 independent field experiments to determine: 1) persistence of Brucella abortus (RB51) purposely applied to fetal tissues, 2) scavenging of fetuses by native scavengers, and 3) natural contamination of birth or abortion sites in the GYA. Results from these field experiments established that Brucella bacteria can persist on fetal tissues and soil or vegetation for 21–81 days depending on month, temperature, and exposure to sunlight. Bacteria purposely applied to fetal tissues persisted longer in February than May and did not survive on tissues beyond 10 June regardless of when they were set out. Brucella abortus field strain persisted up to 43 days on soil and vegetation at naturally contaminated bison birth or abortion sites. Fetuses were scavenged by a variety of birds and mammals in areas near YNP and more rapidly inside YNP than outside the Park boundary. Models derived from our data determined a 0.05% chance of bacterial survival beyond 26 days (95% Credible Interval of 18–30 days) for a contamination event in May. May 15 is the final date for hazing all bison into Yellowstone National Park under the current interagency bison management plan. With these data managers can predict when it is safe to graze cattle onto pastures previously occupied by bison. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluating spatially explicit viability of a declining ruffed grouse population
Authors: Blomberg Erik J. , Tefft Brian C. , Reed J. Michael , McWilliams Scott R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSpecies associated with early successional habitats have experienced dramatic declines in the eastern United States as a result of land use changes and human disruption of natural disturbance regimes. Consequently, active management is required to create early successional habitat and promote plant and animal communities that depend on periodic forest disturbance. Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) depend on recently disturbed forest habitat, and have experienced dramatic declines over the last half‐century. Although ruffed grouse are extensively studied, little effort has been made to link population dynamics with habitat management at landscape scales. We used stochastic, spatially explicit population models that combined landscape conditions derived from a Geographic Information System with demographic data, and applied the model to a declining ruffed grouse population in Rhode Island, USA. We identified vital rates that influence ruffed grouse population dynamics using baseline models constructed with current demographic rates and landscape conditions, and assessed the effect of landscape‐scale forest management alternatives on population persistence by running multiple management simulations. Baseline models typically predicted population decline, and we concluded that vital rates (survival and recruitment) had a greater influence on population persistence than did dispersal capability, carrying capacity, or initial population size. Management simulations predicted greater population persistence under a scenario where high‐quality habitat was provided in fewer large blocks as opposed to many small blocks, and the rate at which we allowed ruffed grouse to colonize newly created habitat had a substantial impact on management success. Populations of ruffed grouse in the eastern United States are likely to continue to decline given current disturbance regimes, and our work provides a link between ruffed grouse demography and landscape‐scale habitat conditions to support management decisions. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
A cross‐sectional study of the change in mastoid geometry with age in children without a history of otitis media
Authors: Swarts J. Douglas , Foley Sean , Alper Cuneyt M. , Doyle William J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:This study assessed the normal growth and development of mastoid air‐cell system (MACS) geometry from infancy through adolescence.Study Design:Cross‐sectional study.Methods:This cross‐sectional study evaluated the change with age in MACS volume, surface area, and surface area/volume ratio in 36 (72 ears) individuals aged 1.6 to 18 years with no history of middle ear disease. The three MACS parameters were reconstructed using computed tomography (CT) scans judged by a radiologist to be normal. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the left and right values of each parameter, and between those parameters and age for male and female subjects.Results:For all three MACS parameters, the right and left values were highly correlated. MACS volume and surface area for male and female subjects showed an increase between 1 and 18 years. The surface area/volume ratio for males was independent of age but showed a shallow increase for females. When averaged across all ages, the ratio was similar to those previously reported.Conclusions:The growth trajectory for MACS volume observed in this study was not consistent with other cross‐sectional studies employing planimetry or CT of normal subjects that reported inconsistent results. Because of its potential role as a susceptibility factor for otitis media and other otologic problems, it is important to describe the growth and development of MACS geometry. Additional well‐controlled studies of this phenomenon are needed to clarify which of the growth trajectories actually describe the growth process for the three parameters of interest.
LONG‐TERM MANURING AND FERTILIZER EFFECTS ON DEPLETION OF SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS UNDER PEARL MILLET‐CLUSTER BEAN‐CASTOR ROTATION IN WESTERN INDIA
Authors: Srinivasarao CH. , Venkateswarlu B. , Lal R. , Singh A. K. , Kundu S. , Vittal K. P. R. , Patel J. J. , Patel M. M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTSoil organic carbon (SOC) pools are important for maintaining soil productivity and reducing the net CO2 loading of the atmosphere. An 18‐year old long‐term field experiment involving pearl millet‐cluster bean‐castor sequence was conducted on an Entisol in western India to examine the effects of chemical fertilizers and manuring on carbon pools in relation to crop productivity and C sequestration. The data showed that even the addition of 33.5 Mg ha−1 C inputs through crop residues as well as farm yard manure could not compensate the SOC depletion by oxidation and resulted in the net loss of 4.4 Mg C ha−1 in 18 years. The loss of SOC stock in the control was 12 Mg C ha−1. Conjunctive use of chemical fertilizers along with farm yard manure produced higher agronomic yields and reduced the rate of SOC depletion. The higher average seed yields of pearl millet (809 kg ha−1), cluster bean (576), and castor (827) over six cropping seasons were obtained through integrated use of fertilizers and manure. For every Mg increase in profile SOC stock, there was an overall increase of 0.46 Mg of crop yield, comprising increase in individual yield of pearl millet (0.17 Mg ha−1 y−1 Mg−1 SOC), cluster bean (0.14) and castor (0.15). The magnitude of SOC build up was proportional to the C inputs. Carbon pools were significantly correlated with SOC, which increased with application of organic amendments. Threshold C input of 3.3 Mg C ha−1 y−1 was needed to maintain the SOC stock even at the low antecedent level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natively Unfolded State for Engineering Nanoscale Fibrillar Arrays
Authors: Ryadnov Maxim G. , Cherny Dmitry I. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA generic rationale for the fabrication of high aspect ratio fibrillar nanoscale arrays is described. The design emulates an intermittence effect observed for β‐structured α‐synunclein fibrils, reported herein, in a structurally unrelated α‐helical fiber. The generated nanoarrays are composed of periodic nanosized segments separated at uniform distances of unfolded regions. These regions can be targeted for conformational binding and refolding with metal nanoparticle–peptide conjugates for the conversion of fibrillar arrays into nanoparticle arrays. The introduced concept opens new strategies for engineering novel nanoscale materials and devices.magnified image
Surviving mission drift: How charities can turn dependence on government contract funding to their own advantage
Authors: Bennett Roger , Savani Sharmila 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe widespread contracting out to British charities of welfare services previously furnished by the state has resulted in many charities operating in fields well outside those specified by their original missions. Challenges connected with charity mission drift have received a great deal of (mainly negative and critical) attention in the nonprofit practitioner literature in recent years, yet no academic research has been completed into exactly how charities respond managerially and operationally to government‐induced mission drift. This empirical study attempted to fill this important gap in knowledge about charity management through in‐depth case studies of three charities known to have experienced substantial mission drift during the last decade, focusing on the styles and types of approach the organizations had adopted in their dealings with government funding agencies. It emerged that the three charities accepted mission drift as a fact of life. Rather than simply supplying contract services to government bodies, the charities were highly proactive in seeking to initiate, direct, control, and assume overall strategic responsibility for state‐funded activities.
Identification of educational and infrastructural barriers to prompt antibiotic delivery in febrile neutropenia: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Burry Erica , Punnett Angela , Mehta Ashley , Thull‐Freedman Jennifer , Robinson Lisa , Gupta Sumit 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotic administration within 60 minutes of presentation for medical care may be used as a treatment target for febrile neutropenia (FN); however, anecdotal evidence suggests this target is often missed. Few studies have examined the prevalence or causes of delay. We describe the median time to antibiotic administration at our institution, predictors of delay, and barriers to prompt administration to inform quality improvement strategies.ProcedureA random sample of 50 episodes of FN presenting to the emergency department (ED) between 2008 and 2009 were reviewed. Times between triage, MD assessment, lab results, and antibiotic administration were recorded. Patient and ED variables were examined as possible predictors of delay. In parallel, lean methodology was used to identify system inefficiencies. A trained moderator conducted group interviews with interdisciplinary representatives involved in the emergency care of neutropenic patients to identify process barriers to prompt antibiotics.ResultsThe median time from triage to antibiotics was 216 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] = 151–274 minutes). The greatest delay occurred following the reporting of lab results (152 minutes, IQR = 84–210 minutes). Only fall season predicted a longer time to antibiotics (P = 0.03). The lean process identified unnecessary areas of delay between departments.ConclusionsTime to antibiotic administration exceeded 1 hour. The chart review and lean process suggested targets for educational and infrastructural interventions, including an ED pre‐printed order sheet, targeted combined subspecialty education between emergency and hematology/oncology staff, and family education. A mixed methodology approach represents a model for improving process efficiency and meeting “best‐practice” targets in medicine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:431–435. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric oncology research in low income countries: Ethical concepts and challenges
Authors: Denburg Avram E. , Joffe Steven , Gupta Sumit , Howard Scott C. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Antillon Federico A. , Vasquez Roberto , Sung Lillian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUneven strides in research and care have led to discrepancies in childhood cancer outcomes between high and low income countries (LICs). Collaborative research may help improve outcomes in LICs by generating knowledge for local scientific communities, augmenting knowledge translation, and fostering context‐specific evaluation of treatment protocols. However, the risks of such research have received little attention. This paper investigates the relationship between pediatric oncology research in LICs and four core issues in the ethics literature: standard of care, trial benefits, ethics review, and informed consent. Our aims are to highlight the importance of this field and the need for further inquiry. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 492–497. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of 3D electrospun structures from poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide acid)–nano‐hydroxyapatite composites
Authors: Leung Linus H. , Fan Stephanie , Naguib Hani E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe fabrication of three‐dimensional (3D) electrospun composite scaffolds was presented in this study. Layers of electrospun meshes made from composites of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide acid) (PLGA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were stacked and sintered using pressurized gas. Three HA concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 wt % were tested, and the addition of the HA nanoparticles decreased the tensile mechanical properties of the meshes with 20 wt % HA. However, after the gas absorption process, the fibers within the mesh sintered, which improved the mechanical properties more than twofold. The fabrication of 3D, porous, electrospun scaffolds was also demonstrated. The resulting 3D scaffolds had open porosity of up to 70% and modulus of ∼20 MPa. This technique improves on the current electrospinning technology by overcoming the challenges of depositing a thick, 3D structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Core extractable nano‐objects: Manipulating triblock copolymer micelles
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhang Ke , Peng Bo , Shi Yi , Chen Yongming 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe report manipulation of polymer nano‐objects by changing solvents through chemically crosslinking the spherical micelles of poly(3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (PTEPM‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP). In methanol, which is a common solvent of PTEPM and P2VP but poor of PS, PTEPM‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP forms micelles with a PS core. When changing the medium into acidic water, the PTEPM segments further collapse and gelate to form a crosslinked shell outside of the PS core. When the particles are re‐dispersed into tetrahydrofuran (THF), the PS segments are extracted out, producing uniform small cavity of few nanometers in each particle. Thus one sample can be used to generate well‐defined nano‐objects with different appearance by solvent manipulation. The particle structure development has been characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), DLS, and 1H NMR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
In situ Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements of Thin Protein Film Plasma Removal
Authors: Fumagalli Francesco , Hanuš Jan , Kylián Ondřej , Rossi François 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSurgical instruments are intended to come into direct contact with the patients' tissue and thus need to be sterilized and decontaminated in order to prevent infections, inflammations or transmission of diseases. In this study, plasma interactions with low contamination levels (typically less than 3 µg · mm−2) of BSA proteins were investigated in situ by means of quartz crystal microbalance. Mass removal rates were found to depend on treatment time showing a self‐limiting behavior. Removal rates kinetics were characterized by descriptive parameters and correlated with plasma induced chemical composition changes and morphological modification of the protein film.magnified image
Detonation Velocity Deficits and Curvature Radius of Mild Detonation Cords
Authors: Ye Yao‐Kun , Wen Yu‐Quan , Yan Nan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn order to study the detonation velocity deficits of wound mild detonation cords, a physical model and a theoretical mathematical equation for detonation velocity deficits of wound mild detonation cords were established based on the detonation wave’s corner effects and delay time phenomenon by using non‐dimensional analysis method. Besides, a semi‐empirical formula for detonation velocity deficit of wound mild detonation cords in the same charge size was obtained through experiments and curve fitting. Both the theoretical mathematical equation and the semi‐empirical formula show that the detonation velocity deficit of wound mild detonation cords and the reciprocal of the curvature radius have an exponential relationship.
Non‐Isothermal Kinetic Study of the Thermal Decomposition of Melamine 3‐Nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one Salt
Authors: Najafi Mostafa , Samangani Ayatallah Kalantari 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStudy on thermal behavior of 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO) salts was required to obtain important data for application purposes. These compounds have been shown to be useful intermediates for gun propellant ingredients, high energetic ballistic modifiers for solid propellants and other potential applications. In this paper, thermal decomposition and non‐isothermal kinetics of melamine 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one salt (MNTO) were studied under non‐isothermal conditions by DSC and TG methods. The kinetic parameters were obtained from analysis of the DSC and TG curves by Kissinger and Ozawa methods. The critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tb) was 574 K. The results show that MNTO is thermally more stable than NTO when compared in terms of the critical temperature of thermal explosion. Finally, the values of ΔS#, ΔH#, and ΔG# of its decomposition reaction were calculated.
Thermodynamic stability of BaTiO3 (110) surfaces
Authors: Wang J. , Tang G. , Wu X. S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe surface stability of five terminations (BaTiO, TiO, Ba, O2, and O) for the polar (110) BaTiO3 surface is systematically studied by first‐principle calculations. The surface grand potential is calculated and compared, taking into account the influence of the chemical environment as function of the relative chemical potential. The complete phase diagram of the ternary system is presented. The Ba‐terminated BaTiO3 (110) surface has a surface grand potential close to that for the BaO‐terminated (100) surface at 0 K under Ba‐rich conditions, which indicates that both (110) and (100) BaTiO3 surfaces can exist simultaneously in perovskite ceramics.