bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational power and culture shift at Ducati motorcycles
Authors: Omar Maktoba , Porter Marc 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this research into corporate culture at Ducati Motorcycles, Spa., the qualitative approach was used based on Johnson's theory of corporate culture, relying on structured and unstructured interviews followed up by participant observation. Corporate culture was used as a strategic tool in changing the Ducati corporate mindset. The results show that the recognition and alteration of corporate culture played a large role in the successful implementation of a new corporate strategy. The Ducati strategic initiative focused on repositioning Ducati from a traditional Italian motorcycle manufacturer to a global marketing company. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunomodulatory and osteogenic differentiation effects of mesenchymal stem cells by adenovirus‐mediated coexpression of CTLA4Ig and BMP2
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Chao , Tang Tingting , Qu Zhihu , Lou Jueren , Dai Kerong 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMany reports have previously utilized a human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)‐expressing recombinant adenoviral vector (AdBMP2) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for osteoinductive gene therapy. However, immunosuppression is essential for osteoinduction by AdBMP2, and this is one of the major impediments to its clinical use. In the present study, in vitro propagated MSCs were transduced using an adenoviral (Ad) vector to express the gene encoding cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4‐immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig). Lymphocyte response was induced by allogeneic‐irradiated MSCs as stimulators. We also examined the effects of cotransfection with a combination of the CTLA4Ig and the BMP2 gene on osteoblastic cell differentiation. The results showed that BMP2 gene transfected MSC elicited significant stimulatory responses, and one‐way MLR reactions were significantly blunted by CTLA4Ig. Further study demonstrates that cotransfection of MSCs with the combination of the CTLA4Ig and the BMP2 gene stimulates osteoblastic cell differentiation in vitro. The findings suggest that genetic engineering of MSCs to express an immunosuppressive molecule in combination with an osteogenic protein gene may have potential application in the treatment of several genetic diseases and in bone reconstruction. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:314–321, 2008
Lifetime of Itrel II pulse generators for subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Anheim Mathieu , Fraix Valérie , Chabardès Stéphan , Krack Paul , Benabid Alim‐Louis , Pollak Pierre 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe efficacy of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) is well‐established but little is known about the lifetime of implanted pulse generators (IPG). To investigate the lifetime of the bilaterally implanted Itrel II® (Medtronic, Minneapolis) pulse generator, the first 49 consecutive patients with PD having been operated on at our center for bilateral STN chronic stimulation were reviewed with noting of the stimulation parameters in use prior to IPG replacement. The mean electrical voltage was 3.2 ± 0.3 V, mean pulse width was 65 ± 10 μs, and mean frequency was 145 ± 16 Hz. Replacement of an IPG was anticipated in 25% due to unilateral low‐battery signaling, or end of life. In either case, replacement of the contralateral IPG was undertaken simultaneously. The mean IPG lifetime was 83 ± 14 [40–113] months. The IPG lifetime correlated with the total electrical energy delivered (P = 0.002, r = −0.496). Unilateral IPG end‐of‐life generally led to subacute worsening of contralateral parkinsonism. In 25% of patients, there was also a worsening of axial symptoms leading to potential medical emergencies such as falls (10%), aspiration pneumonia (10%), or psychosis (5%). A close monitoring of patients and an anticipation of IPG replacement in the case of a low‐battery signal are recommended. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Nighttime sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Verbaan Dagmar , van Rooden Stephanie M. , Visser Martine , Marinus Johan , van Hilten Jacobus J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractOur objective is to evaluate nighttime sleep problems (NSP) and daytime sleepiness (DS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared to controls, and to assess relations with demographic, disease‐related, and clinical characteristics in patients. NSP and DS were evaluated with the SCOPA‐SLEEP questionnaire in PD patients and controls. In patients, other disease‐related and clinical characteristics were also evaluated. Four hundred twenty PD patients [mean (SD) age 61.1 (11.5) years] and 150 controls [mean (SD) age 60.9 (9.9) years] participated in the study. Compared to controls, a significantly greater proportion of patients had excessive DS (EDS) (43 vs. 10%), excessive NSP (ENSP) (27 vs. 9%), or used sleep medication (17 vs. 12%). Difficulties with falling asleep were similar in both groups. In both patients and controls, women experienced more NSP than men. In patients, depressive symptoms accounted for 21% of NSP variance and was the major contributor to the total explained variance (30%). Furthermore, NSP were related to dopamine‐agonist and levodopa dose, whereas DS was related to age, dopamine‐agonist dose, and disease severity. NSP and DS occur frequently in PD, with EDS being reported more commonly than ENSP. No strong relations were found between DS and demographic or clinical variables. The strong relation between NSP and depressive symptoms in PD calls for future studies to explore the nature of this relation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Molding the sensory cortex: Spatial acuity improves after botulinum toxin treatment for cervical dystonia
Authors: Walsh Richard , Hutchinson Michael 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDisorganization of sensory cortical somatotopy has been described in adult onset primary torsion dystonia (AOPTD). Although botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) acts peripherally, some studies have suggested a central effect. Our primary hypothesis was that sensory cortical reorganization occurs after BTX‐A treatment of AOPTD. Twenty patients with cervical dystonia and 18 healthy age‐matched control patients had spatial discrimination thresholds (SDTs) measured at baseline and monthly for 3 months. Mean baseline SDT (±SD) was 1.75 ±0.76 mm in the dystonia group, greater than the control group mean of 1.323 ± 0.45 mm (P = 0.05). Mean control group SDT did not vary significantly over time. A transient improvement of 23% from baseline (P = 0.005) occurred in the dystonia group 1 month after injection, which did not positively correlate with changes in physician and patient ratings of torticollis severity. The presumed mechanism of SDT improvement is a modulation of afferent cortical inputs from muscle spindles. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term follow‐up of impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mamikonyan Eugenia , Siderowf Andrew D. , Duda John E. , Potenza Marc N. , Horn Stacy , Stern Matthew B. , Weintraub Daniel 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRecent studies have linked dopamine agonist (DA) usage with the development of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Little is known about optimal management strategies or the long‐term outcomes of affected patients. To report on the clinical interventions and long‐term outcomes of PD patients who developed an ICD after DA initiation. Subjects contacted by telephone for a follow‐up interview after a mean time period of 29.2 months. They were administered a modified Minnesota Impulse Disorder Interview for compulsive buying, gambling, and sexuality, and also self‐rated changes in their ICD symptomatology. Baseline and follow‐up dopamine replacement therapy use was recorded and verified by chart review. Of 18 subjects, 15 (83.3%) participated in the follow‐up interview. At follow‐up, patients were receiving a significantly lower DA levodopa equivalent daily dosage (LEDD) (Z = −3.1, P = 0.002) and a higher daily levodopa dosage (Z = −1.9, P = 0.05), but a similar total LEDD dosage (Z = −0.47, P = 0.64) with no changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score (Z = −1.3, P = 0.19). As part of ICD management, 12 (80.0%) patients discontinued or significantly decreased DA treatment, all of whom experienced full or partial remission of ICD symptoms by self‐report, and 10 (83.3%) of whom no longer met diagnostic criteria for an ICD. For PD patients who develop an ICD in the context of DA treatment, discontinuing or significantly decreasing DA exposure, even when offset by an increase in levodopa treatment, is associated with remission of or significant reduction in ICD behaviors without worsening in motor symptoms. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Moving ear syndrome: The role of botulinum toxin
Authors: Godeiro‐Junior Clecio , Felicio Andre Carvalho , Felix Evandro Penteado Villar , Manzano Gilberto Mastrocola , de Azevedo Silva Sonia Maria , Borges Vanderci , Ballalai Ferraz Henrique , Barsottini Orlando G.P. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe report a 30‐year‐old man with moving ear syndrome caused by focal myoclonic jerks of the right temporal muscle. This focal myoclonus would disappear while the patient was sleeping, swallowing, or speaking. He was treated with botulinum toxin type A with a favorable outcome. Previous reports of this condition and possible therapeutic approaches are discussed. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
SIMM: An integrated forecasting system for the Mediterranean area
Authors: Speranza Antonio , Accadia Christophe , Mariani Stefano , Casaioli Marco , Tartaglione Nazario , Monacelli Giuseppina , Ruti Paolo Michele , Lavagnini Alfredo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMany ‘high‐impact’ meteorological, marine and hydrological events in the Mediterranean area are characterized by horizontal spatial scales of the order of 10–100 km. Such events are, sometimes, driven by complex dynamical processes involving planetary scale atmospheric flows. Several international programs (ALPEX, POEM, MAP, PYREX, MEDEX) have improved the understanding of some of these processes. However, because of the Mediterranean's geomorphological structure, characterized by mountain chains (e.g. the Alps), semi‐enclosed sea basins and small river catchments, many problems remain. It is clear that such problems have to be faced in the context of analysis‐prediction systems bridging the gap between global and local scales of motion. These systems should allow for an adequate representation of key dynamical processes at all the relevant scales of motion.The Hydro‐Meteorological‐Marine System (‘Sistema Idro‐Meteo‐Mare’, SIMM) is a first step in developing an integrated system, adequately covering all scales of motion from global to local. A short description of the system is presented, highlighting scientific concepts behind design choices. A summary of the results of verification tests is also illustrated, together with a general evaluation of the whole process in planning, developing and running SIMM in order to assist future updates of the system, currently under development. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Mathematical analysis of the two‐band Schrödinger model
Authors: Ben Abdallah Naoufel , Kefi‐Ferhane Jihene 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA mathematical model for quantum transport in an interband resonant tunneling diode is studied. The wave function of electrons has two components and is a solution of a 2 × 2 matrix Schrödinger equation derived from the k.p theory. The first component represents that part of electrons living in the conduction band while the second part represents the valence band. Transparent boundary conditions are derived and the Schrödinger equation is coupled to the Poisson equation for the electrostatic potential. Using the repulsivity of the electrostatic interaction, an a priori estimate is derived and used to construct a solution of the overall problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First trimester screening for Down syndrome using free β hCG, total hCG and PAPP‐A: an exploratory study
Authors: Wright Dave , Spencer Kevin , Nix Barry 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the potential utility of first trimester screening for Down syndrome using Free β‐hCG, total hCG and PAPP‐A.Materials and MethodsUsing estimates from the literature, a simulation study was undertaken to estimate the performance of tests incorporating, Free β‐hCG, total hCG and PAPP‐A at gestations of 8–12 weeks. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of departures from the assumed model.ResultsWe estimate that detection rates in excess of 75% for a false positive rate (FPR) of 3% can be achieved with first trimester measures of PAPP‐A, total hCG and Free β‐hCG at 8 weeks—the addition of total hCG adding 11%. Detection rates of around 90% for a FPR of 3% can be achieved through the inclusion of nuchal translucency (NT) at 12 weeks to these early first trimester biochemical markers. Our analysis indicates that the marginal benefit of adding total hCG diminishes rapidly with gestational age and that there is little benefit from adding total hCG later than 10 weeks of gestation.ConclusionThe performance of first trimester screening using early combinations of total hCG, Free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A should be assessed in further studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes to prescription of antiplatelet drugs by diabetes health workers
Authors: Woodward A , Bayley D , Gill GV 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this survey was to explore the attitudes to antiplatelet drug use amongst a group of UK diabetes specialist medical and nursing personnel.A postal questionnaire survey was circulated to all consultant diabetologists, specialist registrars in diabetes and diabetes specialist nurses working in the Mersey Deanery area.Seventy‐eight questionnaires were sent out, 63 (81%) returned. The perceived use of antiplatelet therapy was significantly higher for type 2 diabetes compared with type 1 diabetes, especially in the absence of complications or cardiovascular risk factors (52% vs 21%, p = 0.0004). Responses were more variable for type 1 diabetes: more nurses than doctors advised antiplatelet drugs in the absence of risk factors (46% vs 5%, p = 0.0002) and in the presence of smoking (79% vs 51%, p = 0.034). Aspirin was first‐line choice of antiplatelet drug; clopidogrel was generally used for gastric intolerance and aspirin allergy.We conclude that the combination of limited evidence base and imprecise guidelines is not favouring proper usage of antiplatelet drugs and that more evidence‐based didactic guidelines are required. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Classification of renal disease status using estimated glomerular filtration rates in diabetes
Authors: Baskar V , Holland MR , Singh BM 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe need for the incorporation of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in diabetes renal risk assessment is increasingly recognised but the choice of equation to use is not clear. We evaluated the differential impact of eGFR, using the Cockcroft's & Gault's (C&G) and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations, on the prevalence of various stages of chronic renal disease in our diabetes population.A cross sectional evaluation was conducted amongst 4548 individuals who attended our centre over an 18‐month period. SPSS was utilised for statistical analysis.Of 4171 with complete data, the prevalence of individuals with eGFR >90, 90–60, 60–30 and <30ml/min/1.73m2 were 25%, 46%, 27% and 2% respectively using the C&G equation and 9%, 62%, 27% and 2% respectively using the MDRD equation. The two equations were fully concordant in their classification of eGFR rank in 65%; in 20% of the cohort, the equations were discordant but not at an arbitrary eGFR threshold of 60ml/min/1.73m2; while in 15% of the population the two equations were discordant even at the threshold of 60ml/min/1.73m2, the majority of whom had normal values of serum creatinine and urine albumin:creatinine ratio.In conclusion, the prevalence of various stages of chronic renal disease in our diabetes cohort differed depending on the eGFR equation used, potentially impacting on service provision. To aid clarity and uniformity of practice, there is a need for organisations to decide on a single equation of choice before recommending it to routine diabetes care providers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Does hypoglycaemic avoidance behaviour contribute to increased HbA1c levels in physically active people with type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Wallymahmed ME , Morgan C , Gill GV , MacFarlane IA 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between glycaemic control (HbA1c), self‐reported vigorous activity, aerobic capacity and hypoglycaemic avoidance behaviour in people with type 1 diabetes.We studied 50 patients with type 1 diabetes, attending a routine diabetic clinic (30 male, mean age 36 years, mean duration of diabetes 18 years, mean HbA1c 9.1%). Aerobic fitness was assessed using a multistage sub‐maximal 20cm step test (Chester Step Test) and self‐reported physical activity, exercise related hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemic avoidance behaviour was assessed using a simple ‘in‐house’ questionnaire.Thirty patients (60%) reported participating in regular vigorous physical activity (sport or gym session >1 hour/week) and glycaemic control was significantly worse in this group compared to those who did not report vigorous activity on a regular basis (HbA1c 9.5% vs 8.5%, p<0.02). Of the vigorously active group, 83% reported taking some action to prevent hypoglycaemia during physical activity compared to 70% of the group who were not vigorously active. Significantly more patients in the vigorously active group reported purposely aiming for higher than normal blood glucose levels during activity than those who were not vigorously active (8 vs 0, p<0.03).In this study, regular vigorous physical activity was associated with poorer diabetic control which may be due to hypoglycaemic avoidance behaviour. Health care professionals should be trained in the management of exercise in type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Comparative analysis of gene expression on mRNA and protein level during development of Streptomyces cultures by using singular value decomposition
Authors: Vohradsky Jiri , Branny Pavel , Thompson Charles J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper describes a comparative systems level analysis of the developmental proteome and transcriptome in the model antibiotic‐producing eubacterium Streptomyces coelicolor, cultured on different media. The analysis formulates expression as the superposition of effects of regulatory networks and biological processes which can be identified using singular value decomposition (SVD) of a data matrix formed by time series measurements of expression of individual genes throughout the cell cycle of the bacterium. SVD produces linearly orthogonal factors, each of which can represent an independent system behavior defined by a linear combination of the genes/proteins highly correlated with the corresponding factor. By using SVD of the developmental time series of gene expression, as measured by both protein and RNA levels, we show that on the highest level of control (representing the basic kinetic behavior of the population), the results are identical, regardless of the type of experiment or cultivation method. The results show that this approach is capable of identifying basic regulatory processes independent of the environment in which the organism lives. It also shows that these processes are manifested equally on protein and RNA levels. Biological interpretation of the correlation of the genes and proteins with significant eigenprofiles (representing the highest level kinetic behavior of protein and/or RNA synthesis) revealed their association with metabolic processes, stress responses, starvation, and secondary metabolite production.
Glycosylation status of the membrane protein CD9P‐1
Authors: André Magali , Morelle Willy , Planchon Sébastien , Milhiet Pierre‐Emmanuel , Rubinstein Eric , Mollicone Rosella , Chamot‐Rooke Julia , Le Naour François 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe membrane protein CD9P‐1 is a major component of the tetraspanin web, a network of molecular interactions in the plasma membrane, in which it specifically associates with tetraspanins CD9 and CD81. The various functional effects of CD9 and CD81 may be related to their partners. Thus, we have addressed the characterization of the CD9P‐1 glycosylation using stably transfected HEK‐293 cells. After immunoprecipitation, CD9P‐1 was subjected to enzymatic PNGase F cleavage of N‐glycans, resulting in Asn to Asp conversion and increase in 1 mass unit. Thus, following protease digestion, deglycosylated peptides were selectively identified by high mass accuracy FTICR‐MS, using this conversion as a signature. This has demonstrated that all nine potential N‐glycosylation sites were actually engaged. On the other hand, the N‐glycan structures were determined combining chemical derivatization and exoglycosidase digestions followed by MALDI‐TOF MS, ESI‐MS/MS, and GC‐MS analysis. CD9P‐1 was shown to exhibit more than 40 different N‐glycans, essentially composed of complex and high mannose‐type structures. Finally, 2‐D PAGE and lectino‐blot analyses have revealed the presence of at least 17 glycosylated isoforms of CD9P‐1 at cell surface. All CD9P‐1 isoforms associate with CD9 leading to additional level of complexity of this primary complex in the tetraspanin web.
DFT studies on the thermodynamic properties of Na2Ti3O7 under high temperature and high pressure
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wu Haiying 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe equilibrium structure of the compound Na2Ti3O7 has been obtained via the minimization of the total energy within Local Density Approximation (LDA) based on Density Functional Theory (DFT), the calculated equilibrium volume are in agreement with available experimental value. In the meantime, the thermodynamic properties under high temperature and high pressure are investigated applying nonempirical Debye model combining with the first principle theory in the quasi‐harmonic approximation. The evaluated equilibrium volume using this model agrees with the value obtained from ab intio and from experiment. The results demonstrate that this method can provide reliable predictions for the temperature and pressure dependence of these quantities such as the equation of state (EOS), the entropy, the isothermal bulk modulus, the heat capacity, and the thermal expansion in detail. In addition, the calculated thermodynamic properties are all in agreement with available experimental data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface morphology engineering of metal‐oxide films by chemical spray pyrolysis
Authors: Rodriguez J. , Solis J. L. , Gómez M. , Estrada W. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe Chemical Spray Pyrolysis technique and a combination of sol‐gel and spray pyrolysis techniques have been used in order to monitor the morphology of metal‐oxide‐based thin films to be used as functional materials. We can obtain surfaces from specular to rough‐porous according to the physico‐chemical conditions of the precursor/spraying solution. We have produced coatings of ZnO‐based and NiOx‐based coatings from alcoholic and aqueous solutions. A single glass, ITO‐precoated glass or alumina was used as the substrate. Porous materials of WO3, WO3‐SnO2 and SnO2 have been produced by spraying either inorganic or metal alkoxide gels over a hot substrate. The morphologies of coatings were evaluated by either SEM or optical measurements. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)