bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smooth muscle actin‐expressing stromal fibroblasts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Increased expression of galectin‐1 and induction of poor prognosis factors
Authors: Valach Jaroslav , Fík Zdeněk , Strnad Hynek , Chovanec Martin , Plzák Jan , Čada Zdeněk , Szabo Pavol , Šáchová Jana , Hroudová Miluše , Urbanová Markéta , Šteffl Martin , Pačes Jan , Mazánek Jiří , Vlček Čestmír , Betka Jan , Kaltner Herbert , André Sabine , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Kodet Roman , Smetana Karel , Gál Peter , Kolář Michal 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTumor stroma is an active part influencing the biological properties of malignancies via molecular cross‐talk. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts play a significant role in this interaction. These cells frequently express smooth muscle actin and can be classified as myofibroblasts. The adhesion/growth‐regulatory lectin galectin‐1 is an effector for their generation. In our study, we set the presence of smooth muscle actin‐positive cancer‐associated fibroblasts in relation to this endogenous lectin and an in vivo competitor (galectin‐3). In squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck, upregulation of galectin‐1 presence was highly significantly correlated to presence of smooth muscle actin‐positive cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the tumor (p = 4 × 10−8). To pinpoint further correlations on the molecular level, we applied microarray analyses to the transcription profiles of the corresponding tumors. Significant correlations of several transcripts were detected with the protein level of galectin‐1 in the cancer‐associated fibroblasts. These activated genes (MAP3K2, TRIM23, PTPLAD1, FUSIP1, SLC25A40 and SPIN1) are related to known squamous‐cell‐carcinoma poor‐prognosis factors, NF‐κB upregulation and splicing downregulation. These results provide new insights into the significance of presence of myofibroblasts in squamous cell carcinoma.
Preparation, characterization, and release behavior of aspirin‐loaded poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)/silica hydrogels
Authors: Lin Mei , Xu Peng , Zhong Wei 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPoly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) is a polymer hydrogel that can be used as a biomaterial. In this study, PHEA/silica composites containing aspirin as a model drug were prepared, and their drug release behaviors were tested. 2‐Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) was first copolymerized with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MSMA) in the presence of ammonium persulphate and then condensed with silicic acid oligomer. The composites were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, water uptake and matrix erosion of PHEA/silica of different weight ratios were also investigated. The results indicated that the silica particles were well dispersed in PHEA hydrogels. The in vitro drug release test revealed that the release rate of aspirin decreased with the increasing content of silica. The drug release behaviors were analyzed by employing the power law, which showed that the release profiles were governed either by Case II diffusion or by anomalous diffusion. The 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay of rabbit chondrocytes revealed that adding silica can improve the biocompatibility of PHEA to some extent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Videolaryngoscopic assessment of laryngeal edema after arytenoid adduction
Authors: Narajos Nena , Toya Yutaka , Kumai Yoshihiko , Sanuki Tetsuji , Yumoto Eiji 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Arytenoid adduction (AA) as surgical treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is associated with higher morbidity from airway complications due to postoperative laryngeal edema compared with other laryngeal framework surgeries. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative laryngeal edema after AA using a new videolaryngoscopic (VL) scoring assessment.Study Design:Prospective case series.Methods:Nineteen patients with UVFP (14 males and five females; mean age, 56 years) who were treated with AA alone or combined with ansa cervicalis (AA/AC) nerve anastomosis or nerve‐muscle pedicle (AA/NMP) flap implantation were evaluated. Laryngeal edema was assessed by VL scoring for 10 days postoperatively. Degree of edema was scored in three subsites: the membranous vocal fold, arytenoid mound, and pyriform sinus on the operated side. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.Results:No patient experienced postoperative airway compromise. Interexaminer reliability was generally high (Spearman r > 0.75). The mean degree of edema increased steadily from postoperative day (POD) 1 to 3, peaking on POD 3 at all subsites. It then declined significantly from POD 3 to 7 (P < .05) and gradually through POD 10. The maximum degree of edema, maximum edema time, and operative time were not correlated significantly at any subsite. Maximum edema time and surgery type (AA vs. AA/AC or AA/NMP) were not correlated at any subsite.Conclusions:Inter‐rater reliability for the proposed VL scoring was significant at all subsites. The VL findings suggest that AA alone or AA combined with reinnervation showed maximum laryngeal edema on POD 3 but added no significant morbidity.
Impedance and extraesophageal manifestations of reflux in pediatrics
Authors: Greifer Melanie , Ng Kenneth , Levine Jeremiah 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) include such signs and symptoms as cough, asthma, respiratory symptoms, hoarseness, and laryngoscopic findings. We reviewed the role of MII‐pH monitoring in the evaluation of these findings in children to determine whether there is an association with pathological acid or nonacid reflux.Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed charts from patients who underwent MII‐pH. Inclusion criteria were ages 0 to 21 years with extraesophageal signs or symptom. Data were analyzed using dedicated software and manually reviewed. Reflux composite score was calculated based on DeMeester criteria. Impedance scores were calculated based on adult criteria. Symptom indexes were calculated.Results:A total of 119 MII‐pH studies were performed. Of those, 63 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 39 males and 24 females with mean age 7.32 ± 4.1 years. The most common indication was cough. Six children had pathological GER based on DeMeester score. Using impedance criteria, only 10 of 63 patients had an abnormal evaluation (mean reflux episodes 107). Seven patients (15.2%) were found to have an association between symptom and reflux event.Conclusions:No association was demonstrated between the extraesophageal signs and symptoms and pathological GER based on DeMeester score or the number of reflux events based on impedance testing.
DAM CONSTRUCTION AND LOSS OF GEODIVERSITY IN THE ARAGUARI RIVER BASIN, BRAZIL
Authors: Rodrigues S. C. , Silva T. I. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe Araguari River is located in the central uplands of Brazil. Over the past 40 years, the region has undergone considerable change in its economy because of the green revolution and urban development that followed the construction of Brasilia in the 1960s, the new capital of Brazil. The main changes in the landscape were the construction of two hydroelectric power plants across the main valley, resulting in ~95 per cent loss in the natural features of the lower 200 km of the Araguari course. The inundation of the river valley has dramatically modified the landscape, with submersion of many locations, especially gorges, islands as well as tributary valleys and historic sites. The concept of geodiversity implies that abiotic elements of nature have unique qualities that are not uniformly distributed and include geomorphic, geologic and pedologic qualities within the context of their location. The concept of geodiversity is used to understand and assess losses from the Araguari River Valley landscapes. In this research, we present the total quantity of geosite types occurring for our Araguari River Valley study site. Twelve complex sites were identified, with six transformed to simple geosites because of inundation associated with formation of two reservoirs. The major changes caused by river impoundment resulted in a reduction in the richness of geosites and a reduction in their complexity by 50 per cent. The study results find that 14.3 per cent of the original geodiversity was lost after valley inundation. Quantification of changes in geodiversity is essential to comprehensively characterize the environmental impact of dams. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected and rapid recovery of left ventricular function in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy: impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Mouquet Frederic , Mostefa Kara Meriem , Lamblin Nicolas , Coulon Capucine , Langlois Stephane , Marquie Christelle , de Groote Pascal 
Published: March 2012

AimPeripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy responsible for heart failure toward the end of pregnancy, which can lead to chronic heart failure in 50% of cases. In this short report, we assessed the benefit of cardiac resynchronization in patients with PPCM and chronic systolic dysfunction despite optimal medical treatment.Methods and resultsFor the last 10 years, we managed eight patients diagnosed with PPCM. Two of them presented severe systolic dysfunction, and medical treatment resulted in limited improvement from 10% to 25% and from 25% to 28% despite optimal treatment for 9 and 6 years, respectively. These two patients were porposed to receive an implantatable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Six months after ICD‐CRT treatment, we observed a significant improvement in systolic function from 25% to 45% and 28% to 50%, respectively, and positive remodelling with reduction of left ventricular end‐diastolic volume from 216 to 144 mL and from 354 to 105 mL, which represent a 34% and a 70% reduction, respectively.ConclusionsPhysicians in charge of patients with PPCM should offer the opportunity of CRT for patients whose cardiac function has not significantly improved under standard medical treatment.
Peritoneal dialysis relieves clinical symptoms and is well tolerated in patients with refractory heart failure and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Koch Michael , Haastert Burkhard , Kohnle Matthias , Rump Lars Christian , Kelm Malte , Trapp Rudolf , Aker Sendogan 
Published: March 2012

AimsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment in patients with severe refractory heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods and resultsThe PD treatment was performed in 118 patients [49.2% New York Heart Association (NYHA) III and 50.8% NYHA IV] with a mean age of 73.2 ± 11.4 years as an in‐centre‐based and intermittent automated PD at least three times per week for 12 h per session and followed up for 1.11 ± 1.17 years. The functional status of those surviving for 6 months improved (P < 0.0001): 18 (32.1%) of all 60 patients with NYHA IV at baseline died within 6 months, 3 (5.4%) converted to NYHA III, 33 (58.9%) to NYHA II, and 2 (3.6%) to NYHA I. In all 58 patients with NYHA III at baseline, 14 (25.0%) died within 6 months, 27 (48.2%) converted to NYHA II, 12 (21.4%) to NYHA I, and 3 (5.4%) showed no improvement. In those surviving for 6 months, fluid overload was significantly reduced as body weight decreased, from 78.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 75.8–81.7] to 74.7 (71.5–77.9) after 6 months after multiple imputation (P < 0.001). The overall survival rates after 3, 6, and 12 months were 77% (95% CI 70–85), 71% (95% CI 62–79), and 55% (95% CI 45–64). In the multivariate analyses, age, diabetes mellitus, serum urea, and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly associated with mortality. The incidence of peritonitis and catheter dysfunction was 0.053 (95% CI 0.014–0.093) and 0.084 (95% CI 0.034–0.133), respectively.ConclusionThe data suggest that PD is a safe, efficient, and well tolerated therapeutic tool for patients with refractory chronic HF and CKD.
Collaborative knowledge management practices
Authors: Li Yulong , Tarafdar Monideepa , Subba Rao S. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a framework analyzing the relationship of collaborative knowledge management practices (CKMP) with supply chain integration and supply chain knowledge quality.Design/methodology/approachThe design of the study is based on a survey of 411 firms from eight manufacturing industries that are actively involved in inter‐firm knowledge management practices with supply chain partners. First a measurement instrument for CKMP was statistically validated with confirmatory factor analysis. Then the structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis was used to assess the structural relationship of CKMP with supply chain knowledge quality and supply chain integration.FindingsThe study found that engagement in CKMP can lead to better integration between supply chain partners and increased organizational knowledge quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted at the firm level for activities involving inter‐firm knowledge sharing. Some measurement inaccuracy might be generated with a single respondent from each organization answering questions about both supply chain management issues and knowledge management‐related issues.Practical implicationsBy identifying collaborative knowledge generation, storage, access, dissemination and application as the major components of CKMP, this study advises organizations on how to collaborate with partner firms on sharing supply chain knowledge. CKMP's positive relationship with knowledge quality and supply chain integration provides organizations with practice‐related motivation for engaging in collaborative knowledge management and alerts them to the possibility of other potential benefits from it.Originality/valueAs one of the first large‐scale empirical efforts to systematically investigate collaborative knowledge management processes in a supply chain management context, this paper can be used as basis for enhanced homological understanding of this domain, by exploring antecedents and consequences of collaborative knowledge management.
Application of fuzzy logic and electrodynamic sensors as flow pattern identifier
Authors: Rahmat M.F. , Kamaruddin N.S. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe use of pneumatic conveying of solid bulk over long distance has become a popular technique due to low operational cost, low maintenance requirement, layout flexibility and ease of automation. The purpose of this paper is to identifity the flow regime in a pneumatic conveyor system by electrodynamic sensor placed around the pipe using fuzzy logic tools.Design/methodology/approachElectrical charge tomography is used to detect the existence of inherent charge on the moving particles through the pipe. Linear back projection algorithm and filtered back projection algorithm are employed to produce tomography image. Baffles of different shapes are inserted to create various flow regimes, such as full flow, three quarter flow, half flow and quarter flow. Fuzzy logic tools are used to identify different flow regimes and produce filtered back concentration profiles for each flow regime.FindingsThe results show significant improvement in the pipe flow image resolution and measurement.Originality/valueThis paper presents a flow identifier method using electrical charge tomography and fuzzy logic to monitor solid particles flow in pipeline.
Preparing for the 21st century
Authors: Nutefall Jennifer E. , Chadwell Faye A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to communicate how an academic library can establish and implement a realignment process to prepare itself to serve users in the 21st century.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed a case study approach to present the challenges of realigning an academic library. They describe the collaborative and interactive process that OSU Libraries undertook to envision what a 21st century academy library might demand and to realign its units to support this vision. They summarize the positive outcomes of this process and provide an overview of what next steps might be.FindingsA combination of visioning exercises and collaborative study of the appropriate LIS literature were key to establishing the direction that the libraries' realignment would take and the eventual organizational structure the libraries implemented. The realignment activities not only emphasized collaboration among unit heads, but also emphasized the importance of clear communication, ongoing assessment, and connection to the university's overall strategic goals and realignment in order to guarantee eventual success.Originality/valueThis article describes a process that most academic libraries could emulate to shift the focus of legacy operations and departments to those that successfully meet the challenges of the twenty‐first century academic library.
Examining the antecedents of positive employee brand‐related attitudes and behaviours
Authors: King Ceridwyn , Grace Debra 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to examine the antecedents of employee brand commitment (BC) and brand citizenship behaviours (BCB). In doing so, it also aims to propose a model which includes organisational socialisation, relationship orientation and employee receptiveness to explain the relationships between these three antecedents and BC and BCB.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research methodology was adopted which resulted in the development of a self‐administered online survey instrument. As the population of interest was employees working in a service industry, a purposive sampling technique was adopted. Using a national database of service employees, a random sample of 2,000 e‐mail addresses was generated and respondents were invited to participate in the online survey. This resulted in the completion of 371 online surveys, representing a response rate of 19 per cent.FindingsThe findings revealed a significant positive effect between organisational socialisation and BCB, but not with BC. On the other hand, relationship orientation was found to have a significant positive effect on BC, but not BCB. Employee receptiveness was the only antecedent to have a strong positive effect on both BC and BCB.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the findings, it appears that individual employee factors are extremely important in understanding how employees feel about and behave in relation to their employer's brand. Just as the external market literature reports numerous links between individual factors (i.e. personality, values, motivation, etc.) of consumers and consumption‐related behaviour, the internal market literature will significantly benefit by adopting a similar line of enquiry in relation to employees. The acquisition of such knowledge will not only assist organisations in selecting “brand‐oriented” employees, but will also help them identify, develop and nurture future brand champions.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight to managers that covet organisational success through the adoption of internal brand management practices. In particular, it empirically validates the significance of the receptivity of employees in enhancing not only their commitment to the brand but the exhibition of “pro” brand behaviours as well. Without employees that are first receptive to organisational dialogue, the intentions of internal brand management initiatives are unlikely to be realised.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence of the antecedents of employee brand commitment and subsequent brand behaviour. In doing so, it highlights the need to understand the pre‐existing individual factors that employees bring to the employment exchange table, given that they significantly influence the way in which employees feel about and behave in relation to their employer's brand.
The role of the sales employee in securing customer satisfaction
Authors: Evanschitzky Heiner , Sharma Arun , Prykop Catja 
Published: March 2012

PurposePrevious research has emphasized the pivotal role that salespeople play in customer satisfaction. In this regard, the relationship between salespeople's attitudes, skills, and characteristics, and customer satisfaction remains an area of interest. The paper aims to make three contributions: first, it seeks to examine the impact of salespeople's satisfaction, adaptive selling, and dominance on customer satisfaction. Second, this research aims to use dyadic data, which is a better test of the relationships between constructs since it avoids common method variance. Finally, in contrast to previous research, it aims to test all of the customers of salespeople rather than customers selected by salespeople.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs multilevel analysis to examine the relationship between salespeople's satisfaction with the firm on customer satisfaction, using a dyadic, matched business‐to‐business sample of a large European financial service provider that comprises 188 customers and 18 employees.FindingsThe paper finds that customers' evaluation of service quality, product quality, and value influence customer satisfaction. The analysis at the selling firm's employee level shows that adaptive selling and employee satisfaction positively impact customer satisfaction, while dominance is negatively related to customer satisfaction.Practical implicationsResearch shows that customer‐focus is a key driver in the success of service companies. Customer satisfaction is regarded as a prerequisite for establishing long‐term, profitable relations between company and customer, and customer contact employees are key to nurturing this relationship. The role of salespeople's attitudes, skills, and characteristics in the customer satisfaction process are highlighted in this paper.Originality/valueThe use of dyadic, multilevel studies to assess the nature of the relationship between employees and customers is, to date, surprisingly limited. The paper examines the link between employee attitudes, skills, and characteristics, and customer satisfaction in a business‐to‐business setting in the financial service sector, differentiating between customer‐ and employee‐level drivers of business customer satisfaction.
Human capital development: comparative analysis of BRICs
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre , Zavyalova Elena , Minina Vera 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe goal of this article is to conduct macro‐level analysis of human capital (HC) development strategies, pursued by four countries commonly referred to as BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).Design/methodology/approachThis analysis is based on comparisons of macro indices of human capital and innovativeness of the economy and a review of related academic literature and government publications.FindingsThe study results suggest that in terms of present human capital capacity Russia and Brazil are ahead of China and India. However, during the last decade the governments of the latter two countries have initiated impressive national programs of HC development, which include significant investment and targeted government regulation in such areas as primary and secondary education, vocational education and training, and higher education, especially in science and technology fields. Russia and Brazil have targeted programs in some of the above areas, but lack comprehensive long‐term strategies, covering all the above areas and coordinating effort of various agencies and constituencies.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recommended to expand the scope of analysis to include other fast growing developing economies (e.g. Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey).Originality/valueThe article provides, for the first time, a comparison of human capital development indices and strategies of the four largest developing economies. The original feature of the article is a combination of the analysis of macro‐level indices with an in‐depth analysis of policy documents and academic literature.