bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Characteristics of Film Insert Moldings Consisting of Semicrystalline and Amorphous Polymers
Authors: Leong Y. W. , Hamada H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Film insert moldings were produced from amorphous and crystalline polymers, i. e. PC + ABS and PET respectively. The vastly different characteristics of these polymers provide an interesting platform to study the mechanisms that are responsible for interfacial bond formation, particularly when these materials were molded at different molding conditions. It was observed that intermolecular diffusion between amorphous polymers takes place at virtually any temperature as long as it is kept above the glass transition temperature of the material, though higher temperatures are favorable to accelerate diffusion. As for crystalline polymers, there is an initial need to create free and mobile molecular chains by heating the materials to its melting temperature before any significant diffusion takes place. Certain criteria have to be met, irrespective of the materials used, before good interfacial bonding is achieved. Firstly, the injection molding parameters should be optimized to ensure intimacy between the surfaces of the film and injected resin. Once this is achieved, interdiffusion of molecules should be promoted to ensure extensive film-substrate molecular entanglements. The state of molecular entanglement should then be retained for a sufficient amount of time as the material solidifies in order to obtain good film-substrate adhesion.
Israel's Future: The Time Factor
Authors: Inbar Efraim , Lustick Ian S. 
Published: April 2008

A Debate between Efraim Inbar and Ian S. LustickTime is on Israel's Side
Efraim InbarFrom a realpolitik perspective, the balance of power between Israel and its neighbors is the critical variable in the quest for survival in a bad neighborhood. If Israel’s position is improving over time and the power differential between the Jewish State and its foes is growing, then its capacity to overcome regional security challenges is assured. Moreover, under such circumstances there is less need to make concessions to weaker parties that are in no position to exact a high price from Israel for holding on to important security and national assets such as the Golan Heights, the settlement blocs close to the “Green Line,” the Jordan Rift, and particularly Jerusalem.With a Bang or a Whimper, Time Is Running Out
Ian S. Lustick Israel’s existence in the Middle East is fundamentally precarious. Twentieth-
century Zionism and Israeli statehood is but a brief moment in Jewish history. There is nothing more regular in Jewish history and myth than Jews “returning” to the Land of Israel to build a collective life—nothing more regular, that is, except, for Jews leaving the country and abandoning the project. Abraham came from Mesopotamia, then left for Egypt. Jacob left for Hauran, then returned, then left with his sons for Egypt. The Israelites
subsequently left Egypt with Moses and Joshua, and “returned” to the Land. Upper class Jews who did not leave with the Assyrians left with Jeremiah for Babylon, then returned with Ezra and Nehemiah.
Making Peace with the Duel of Narratives: Dual-Narrative Texts for Teaching the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Lazarus Ned 
Published: April 2008

Sami Adwan and Dan Bar-On, eds., Learning the Other’s Historical Narrative: Israelis and Palestinians, Parts One and Two (Beit Jalla: Peace Research Institute in the Middle East, 2003, 2006).Robert I. Rotberg, ed., Israeli and Palestinian Narratives of Conflict: History’s Double Helix (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006).Paul Scham, Walid Salem, and Benjamin Pogrund, eds., Shared Histories: A Palestinian-Israeli Dialogue (Walnut Creek, CA: Left Coast Press, 2005).
Radiation-induced meningioma
Authors: Umansky Felix , Shoshan Yigal , Rosenthal Guy , Fraifeld Shifra , Spektor Sergey 
Published: April 2008

✓ The long-term or delayed side effects of irradiation on neural tissue are now known to include the induction of new central nervous system neoplasms. However, during the first half of the 20th century, human neural tissue was generally considered relatively resistant to the carcinogenic and other ill effects of ionizing radiation. As a result, exposure to relatively high doses of x-rays from diagnostic examinations and therapeutic treatment was common.
In the present article the authors review the literature relating to radiation-induced meningiomas (RIMs). Emphasis is placed on meningiomas resulting from childhood treatment for primary brain tumor or tinea capitis, exposure to dental x-rays, and exposure to atomic explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The incidence and natural history of RIMs following exposure to high- and low-dose radiation is presented, including latency, multiplicity, histopathological features, and recurrence rates. The authors review the typical presentation of patients with RIMs and discuss unique aspects of the surgical management of these tumors compared with sporadic meningioma, based on their clinical experience in treating these lesions.
Pituitary apoplexy: correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological results
Authors: Semple Patrick L. , Jane John A. , Lopes M. Beatriz S. , Laws Edward R. 
Published: April 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to correlate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in pituitary apoplexy with histopathological results and determine whether the histopathology influences clinical presentation and outcome.

Methods
The records of 36 patients with histologically confirmed pituitary apoplexy, who were treated surgically at the University of Virginia Health System between 1996 and 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. The MR images were divided into 3 groups: 1) infarction alone; 2) hemorrhage with or without infarction; and 3) tumor only with no evidence of apoplexy. The histological examination was divided into infarction alone or hemorrhagic infarction/hemorrhage. The MR imaging findings were then correlated with the histopathological results to assess how accurately the histopathology was predicted by the MR imaging. The clinical features and outcomes of the two histopathological groups were also compared.

Results
The MR imaging findings were able to predict the histopathology accurately in the majority of cases. The group of patients with infarction had less severe clinical features and a better outcome than those with hemorrhagic infarction/hemorrhage.

Conclusions
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the setting of pituitary apoplexy accurately predict the nature of the apoplectic process and help to guide the type and timing of therapy.
Successful inhibition of intracranial human glioblastoma multiforme xenograft growth via systemic adenoviral delivery of soluble endostatin and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2
Authors: Szentirmai Oszkar , Baker Cheryl H. , Bullain Szofia S. , Lin Ning , Takahashi Masaya , Folkman Judah , Mulligan Richard C. , Carter Bob S. 
Published: April 2008

Object
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by neovascularization, raising the question of whether angiogenic blockade may be a useful therapeutic strategy for this disease. It has been suggested, however, that, to be useful, angiogenic blockade must be persistent and at levels sufficient to overcome proangiogenic signals from tumor cells. In this report, the authors tested the hypothesis that sustained high concentrations of 2 different antiangiogenic proteins, delivered using a systemic gene therapy strategy, could inhibit the growth of established intracranial U87 human GBM xenografts in nude mice.

Methods
Mice harboring established U87 intracranial tumors received intravenous injections of adenoviral vectors encoding either the extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2-Fc fusion protein (Ad-VEGFR2-Fc) alone, soluble endostatin (Ad-ES) alone, a combination of Ad-VEGFR2-Fc and Ad-ES, or immunoglobulin 1-Fc (Ad-Fc) as a control.

Results
Three weeks after treatment, magnetic resonance imaging-based determination of tumor volume showed that treatment with Ad-VEGFR2-Fc, Ad-ES, or Ad-VEGFR2-Fc in combination with Ad-ES, produced 69, 59, and 74% growth inhibition, respectively. Bioluminescent monitoring of tumor growth revealed growth inhibition in the same treatment groups to be 62, 74, and 72%, respectively. Staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling showed reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in all antiangiogenic treatment groups.

Conclusions
These results suggest that systemic delivery and sustained production of endostatin and soluble VEGFR2 can slow intracranial glial tumor growth by both reducing cell proliferation and increasing tumor apoptosis. This work adds further support to the concept of using antiangiogenesis therapy for intracranial GBM.
The biomechanical effectiveness of prophylactic vertebroplasty: a dynamic cadaveric study
Authors: Oakland Robert J. , Furtado Navin R. , Wilcox Ruth K. , Timothy Jake , Hall Richard M. 
Published: April 2008

Object
The purpose of the study was to investigate the segmental effects of prophylactic vertebroplasty under increasingly demanding loading conditions and to assess the effect of altered cement properties on the construct biomechanics.

Methods
Twelve human cadaveric 3-vertebral functional spinal units (T12–L2) were prepared such that the intact L-1 vertebra was prophylactically augmented with cements of differing elastic moduli (100, 50, 25, and 12.5% modulus of the base cement). These specimens were subjected to quasistatic subfailure compression pre- and postaugmentation to 50% of the predicted failure strength and then cyclic loading in a fatigue rig (115,000 cycles) to characterize the high-stress, short-cycle fatigue properties of the construct. Loading was increased incrementally in proportion to body weight to a maximum of 3.5 × body weight. Quantitative computed tomography assessment was conducted pre- and postaugmentation and following cyclic testing to assess vertebral condition, cement placement, and fracture classification.

Results
Adjacent and periaugmentation fractures were induced in the prophylactically augmented segments. However, it appeared that these fractures mainly occurred when the specimens were subjected to loads beyond those that may commonly occur during most normal physiological activities.

Conclusions
Lowering the elastic modulus of the cement appeared to have no significant effect on the frequency or severity of the induced fracture within the vertebral segment.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Siegel Caroline H. , Sammaritano Lisa R. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and immune-mediated injury to multiple organ systems, including the mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, hematologic, and kidney systems. Approximately 3.4 million people worldwide have received a diagnosis of SLE.ObservationsApproximately 90% of people with SLE are female. Although there are no uniformly accepted diagnostic criteria for SLE, the 2019 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (formerly the European League Against Rheumatism)/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria developed for scientific study are an estimated 96.1% sensitive and 93.4% specific for SLE. These classification criteria include both clinical factors, such as fever, cytopenia, rash, arthritis, and proteinuria, which may be indicative of lupus nephritis; and immunologic measures, such as SLE-specific autoantibodies and low complement levels. Approximately 40% of people with SLE develop lupus nephritis, and an estimated 10% of people with lupus nephritis develop end-stage kidney disease after 10 years. The primary goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or quiescence, defined by minimal symptoms, low levels of autoimmune inflammatory markers, and minimal systemic glucocorticoid requirement while the patient is treated with maintenance doses of immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive medications. Treatment goals include reducing disease exacerbations, hospitalizations, and organ damage due to the disease or treatment toxicity. Hydroxychloroquine is standard of care for SLE and has been associated with a significant reduction in mortality. Treatments in addition to hydroxychloroquine are individualized, with immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide, typically used for treating moderate to severe disease. Three SLE medications were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration: belimumab (for active SLE in 2011 and for lupus nephritis in 2020), voclosporin (for lupus nephritis), and anifrolumab (for active SLE).Conclusions and RelevanceSystemic lupus erythematosus is associated with immune-mediated damage to multiple organs and increased mortality. Hydroxychloroquine is first-line therapy and reduces disease activity, morbidity, and mortality. When needed, additional immunosuppressive and biologic therapies include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, belimumab, voclosporin, and anifrolumab.
Single Ascending and Multiple-Dose Trial of Zerlasiran, a Short Interfering RNA Targeting Lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Nissen Steven E. , Wolski Kathy , Watts Gerald F. , Koren Michael J. , Fok Henry , Nicholls Stephen J. , Rider David A. , Cho Leslie , Romano Steven , Melgaard Carrie , Rambaran Curtis 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceLipoprotein(a) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic stenosis, with no pharmacological treatments approved by regulatory authorities.ObjectivesTo assess the safety and tolerability of zerlasiran, a short interfering RNA targeting hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), and effects on serum concentrations of lipoprotein(a).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsSingle- and multiple-dose study in healthy participants and patients with stable ASCVD, respectively, with lipoprotein(a) serum concentrations greater than 150 nmol/L, conducted at 7 research sites in the US, the Netherlands, UK, and Australia between November 18, 2020, and February 8, 2023, with last follow-up on August 23, 2023.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to receive (1) a single subcutaneous dose of placebo (n = 8), zerlasiran 300 mg (n = 6) or 600 mg (n = 6); or (2) 2 doses of placebo (n = 9), zerlasiran 200 mg (n = 9) at a 4-week interval or 300 mg (n = 9) or 450 mg (n = 9) at an 8-week interval.Main Outcomes MeasuresThe primary outcome was safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included serum levels of zerlasiran and effects on lipoprotein(a) serum concentrations.ResultsAmong 37 patients in the multiple-dose group (mean age, 56 [SD, 10.4] years; 15 [42%] women), 36 completed the trial. Among 14 participants with extended follow-up after single doses, 13 completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events. Median baseline lipoprotein(a) concentrations in the multiple-dose group were 288 (IQR, 199-352) nmol/L. Median changes in lipoprotein(a) concentration at 365 days after single doses were 14% (IQR, 13% to 15%) for the placebo group, −30% (IQR, −51% to −18%) for the 300 mg of zerlasiran group, and −29% (IQR, −39% to −7%) for the 600-mg dose group. After 2 doses, maximal median changes in lipoprotein(a) concentration were 19 (IQR, −17 to 28) nmol/L for the placebo group, −258 (IQR, −289 to −188) nmol/L for the 200 mg of zerlasiran group, −310 (IQR, −368 to −274) nmol/L for the 300-mg dose group, and −242 (IQR, −343 to −182) nmol/L for the 450-mg dose group, with maximal median percent change of 7% (IQR, −4% to 21%), −97% (IQR, −98% to −95%), −98% (IQR, −99% to −97%), and −99% (IQR, −99% to −98%), respectively, attenuating to 0.3% (IQR, −2% to 21%), −60% (IQR, −71% to −40%), −90% (IQR, −91% to −74%), and −89% (IQR, −91% to −76%) 201 days after administration.ConclusionsZerlasiran was well tolerated and reduced lipoprotein(a) concentrations with infrequent administration.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04606602
Trajectories of Health Care Contact Days for Patients With Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gupta Arjun , Nguyen Paul , Kain Danielle , Robinson Andrew G. , Kulkarni Amit A. , Johnson David H. , Presley Carolyn J. , Blaes Anne H. , Rocque Gabrielle B. , Ganguli Ishani , Booth Christopher M. , Hanna Timothy P. 
Published: April 2024

ImportancePatients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) experience substantial morbidity and mortality. Contact days (ie, the number of days with health care contact outside the home) measure how much of a person’s life is consumed by health care, yet little is known about patterns of contact days for patients with NSCLC.ObjectiveTo describe the trajectories of contact days in patients with stage IV NSCLC and how trajectories vary by receipt of cancer-directed treatment in routine practice.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA retrospective, population-based decedent cohort study was conducted in Ontario, Canada. Participants included adults aged 20 years or older who were diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017) and died (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019); there was a maximum 2-year follow-up. Data analysis was conducted from February 22 to August 16, 2023.ExposureSystemic cancer-directed therapy (yes or no) and type of therapy (chemotherapy vs immunotherapy vs targeted therapy).Main Outcomes and MeasuresContact days (days with health care contact, outpatient or institution-based, outside the home) were identified through administrative data. The weekly percentage of contact days and fitted models with cubic splines were quantified to describe trajectories from diagnosis until death.ResultsA total of 5785 decedents with stage IV NSCLC were included (median age, 70 [IQR 62-77] years; 3108 [53.7%] were male, and 1985 [34.3%] received systemic therapy). The median overall survival was 108 (IQR, 49-426) days, median contact days were 36 (IQR, 21-62), and the median percentage that were contact days was 33.3%. A median of 5 (IQR, 2-10) days were spent with specialty palliative care. Patients who did not receive systemic therapy had a median overall survival of 66 (IQR, 34-130) days and median contact days of 28 (IQR, 17-44), of which a median of 5 (IQR, 2-9) days were spent with specialty palliative care. Overall and for subgroups, normalized trajectories followed a U-shaped distribution: contact days were most frequent immediately after diagnosis and before death. Patients who received targeted therapy had the lowest contact day rate during the trough (10.6%; vs immunotherapy, 15.4%; vs chemotherapy, 17.7%).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, decedents with stage IV NSCLC had a median survival in the order of 3.5 months and spent 1 in every 3 days alive interacting with the health care system outside the home. These results highlight the need to better support patients and care partners, benchmark appropriateness, and improve care delivery.
Early Seizure Prophylaxis in Mild and Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pease Matthew , Mittal Adi , Merkaj Sara , Okonkwo David O. , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge A. , Elmer Jonathan , Liou Wen-Shyong , Pingue Valeria , Hammond Flora M. , Abramovici Sergiu , Castellano James , Barot Niravkumar 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceGuidelines recommend seizure prophylaxis for early posttraumatic seizures (PTS) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Use of antiseizure medications for early seizure prophylaxis after mild or moderate TBI remains controversial.ObjectiveTo determine the association between seizure prophylaxis and risk reduction for early PTS in mild and moderate TBI.Data SourcesPubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (January 1, 1991, to April 18, 2023) were systematically searched.Study SelectionObservational studies of adult patients presenting to trauma centers in high-income countries with mild (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], 13-15) and moderate (GCS, 9-12) TBI comparing rates of early PTS among patients with seizure prophylaxis with those without seizure prophylaxis.Data Extraction and SynthesisThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were used. Two authors independently reviewed all titles and abstracts, and 3 authors reviewed final studies for inclusion. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with absolute risk reduction.Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome was absolute risk reduction of early PTS, defined as seizures within 7 days of initial injury, in patients with mild or moderate TBI receiving seizure prophylaxis in the first week after injury. A secondary analysis was performed in patients with only mild TBI.ResultsA total of 64 full articles were reviewed after screening; 8 studies (including 5637 patients) were included for the mild and moderate TBI analysis, and 5 studies (including 3803 patients) were included for the mild TBI analysis. The absolute risk reduction of seizure prophylaxis for early PTS in mild to moderate TBI (GCS, 9-15) was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.1%-1.2%; P = .02). The absolute risk reduction for mild TBI alone was similar 0.6% (95% CI, 0.01%-1.2%; P = .04). The number needed to treat to prevent 1 seizure was 167 patients.Conclusion and RelevanceSeizure prophylaxis after mild and moderate TBI was associated with a small but statistically significant reduced risk of early posttraumatic seizures after mild and moderate TBI. The small absolute risk reduction and low prevalence of early seizures should be weighed against potential acute risks of antiseizure medications as well as the risk of inappropriate continuation beyond 7 days.