bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure induces loss of gap junction communication and redistribution of connexin 43 in astrocytes
Authors: Malone Paula , Miao Haixi , Parker Amy , Juarez Santiago , Hernandez M. Rosario 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAstrocytes, the major glia in the nonmyelinated optic nerve head (ONH), connect via gap junctions built of connexin‐43 (Cx43) to form a functional syncytium allowing communication and control of ionic and metabolic homeostasis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) axon. We examined gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) by scrape loading assays in human ONH astrocytes exposed to hydrostatic (HP) or ambient pressure (CP) in vitro. Immunostaining, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblots were used to detect Cx43 distribution and phosphorylation in astrocytes exposed to HP with/without EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors AG1478 and AG82 and MAPK inhibitors U0126, PD98059, and SB203580. The data indicates that upon exposure to HP, astrocytes decrease GJIC and exhibit altered cellular localization and phosphorylation of Cx43. Inhibition of EGFR blocked the effects of HP on GJIC and HP‐induced Cx43 tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibitors of MAPK‐ ERK1/2 and ‐p38 caused partial closure of GJIC under CP and HP, which was maintained for 6 h. Inhibition of Big Mitogen‐Activated Kinase 1/ERK5 (BMK1/ERK5) caused partial closure under CP and HP followed by full recovery after 6 h. Inhibition of MAPK did not affect the HP‐induced increase in Cx43 serine 279/282 phosphorylation. We conclude that activation of the EGFR pathway in response to HP leads to decrease of GJIC via tyrosine phosphorylation of Cx43 in ONH astrocytes. In glaucoma under conditions of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), astrocytes may lose GJIC altering the homeostasis of RGC axons, adopting the reactive phenotype, contributing to glaucomatous neuropathy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of hospital costs as a basis for pricing services in Mali
Authors: Audibert Martine , Mathonnat Jacky , Pareil Delphine , Kabamba Raymond 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn a move to achieve a better equity in the funding of access to health care, particularly for the poor, a better efficiency of hospital functioning and a better financial balance, the analysis of hospital costs in Mali brings several key elements to improve the pricing of medical services. The method utilized is the classical step‐down process which takes into consideration the entire set of direct and indirect costs borne by the hospital. Although this approach does not allow to estimate the economic cost of consultations, it is a useful contribution to assess the financial activity of the hospital and improve its performance, financially speaking, through a more relevant user fees policy. The study shows that there are possibilities of cross‐subsidies within the hospital or within services which improve the recovery of some of the current costs. It also leads to several proposals of pricing care while taking into account the constraints, the level of the hospital its specific conditions and equity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Focusing on the software of managing health workers: what can we learn from high commitment management practices?
Authors: Marchal Bruno , Kegels Guy 
Published: June 2007

AbstractKnowledge of what constitutes best practice in human resource management (HRM) in public‐oriented services is limited and the operational aspects of managing health workers at provision level have been poorly studied. The magnet hospital concept offers some insights into HRM practices that are leading to high commitment. These have been shown to lead to superior performance in not only industrial business firms, but also service industries and the public service. The mechanisms that drive these practices include positive psychological links between managers and staff, organizational commitment and trust. Conditions for successful high commitment management (HiCoM) include health service managers with a strong vision and able to transmit this vision to their staff, appropriate decision spaces for healthcare managers and a pool of reasonable well‐trained health workers. For this, adequate remuneration is the first condition. Equally important are the issues of cultural fit and of ‘commitment’. What would staff expect from management in return for their commitment to the organization? Salary buys indeed time of employees, but other practices ensure their commitment. Only if these drivers are understood will managers be able to make their HRM practices more responsive to the needs and expectations of the health workers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative preclinical activity of the folate‐targeted Vinca alkaloid conjugates EC140 and EC145
Authors: Leamon Christopher P. , Reddy Joseph A. , Vlahov Iontcho R. , Westrick Elaine , Parker Nikki , Nicoson Jeffrey S. , Vetzel Marilynn 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEC140 is a water soluble folate conjugate of desacetylvinblastine monohydrazide (DAVLBH), which is constructed with an endosome‐cleavable acyl hydrazone bond. This agent has proven to be active and specific against well established, subcutaneous folate receptor (FR)‐positive tumors in multiple animal models. Recent structure‐activity and optimization studies have yielded a disulfide bond‐containing counterpart to EC140, herein referred to as EC145. This new conjugate was found to retain high affinity for FR‐positive cells, and it produced specific, dose‐responsive activity in vitro. Comparative in vivo efficacy tests confirmed that, like EC140, EC145 displays activity against both syngeneic and xenograft tumor models. However, EC145 was found to be more active and better tolerated than EC140; hence, more durable complete responses were consistently observed in EC145‐treated tumor‐bearing animals. Furthermore, EC145 was not found to be active against a FR‐negative tumor model. Additional preclinical studies are therefore warranted to better understand EC145's breadth of activity against FR‐positive tumors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Akt signaling regulates actin organization via modulation of MMP‐2 activity during chondrogenesis of chick wing limb bud mesenchymal cells
Authors: Jin Eun‐Jung , Park Kwang Sook , Bang Ok‐Sun , Kang Shin‐Sung 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEndochondral ossification is initiated by the differentiation of mesenchymal precursor cells to chondrocytes. This process is characterized by a strong interdependence of cell shape and cytoskeletal organization accompanying the onset of chondrogenic gene expression, but the molecular mechanisms mediating these interactions are not known. In this study, we hypothesized that the activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 would be involved in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and that this would require an Akt‐dependent signaling pathway in chick wing bud mesenchymal cells. The pharmacological inhibition of Akt signaling resulted in decreased glycosaminoglycan synthesis and reduced the level of active MMP‐2, leading to suppressed cortical actin organization which is characteristic of differentiated chondrocytes. In addition, the exposure of cells to bafilomycin A1 reversed these chondro‐inhibitory effects induced by inhibition of Akt signaling. In conclusion, our data indicate that Akt signaling is involved in the activation of MMP‐2 and that this Akt‐induced activation of MMP‐2 is responsible for reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton into a cortical pattern with parallel rounding of chondrogenic competent cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 252–261, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal doubly constant weight codes
Authors: Etzion Tuvi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA doubly constant weight code is a binary code of length n1 + n2, with constant weight w1 + w2, such that the weight of a codeword in the first n1 coordinates is w1. Such codes have applications in obtaining bounds on the sizes of constant weight codes with given minimum distance. Lower and upper bounds on the sizes of such codes are derived. In particular, we show tight connections between optimal codes and some known designs such as Howell designs, Kirkman squares, orthogonal arrays, Steiner systems, and large sets of Steiner systems. These optimal codes are natural generalization of Steiner systems and they are also called doubly Steiner systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 137–151, 2008
A small generating set for the 3‐BD closed set of block sizes ≥ 6
Authors: Zhang Shaopu , Lei Jianguo , Kong Hairong 
Published: June 2007

AbstractLet v, k be positive integers and k ≥ 3, then Kk = : {v: v ≥ k} is a 3‐BD closed set. Two finite generating sets of 3‐BD closed sets K4 and K5 are obtained by H. Hanani [5] and Qiurong Wu [12] respectively. In this article we show that if v ≥ 6, then v ∈ B3(K,1), where K = {6,7,…,41,45,46,47,51,52,53,83,84}\{22,26}; that is, we show that K is a generating set for K6. Finally we show that v ∈ B3(6,20) for all v ∈ K\{35,39,40,45}. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 128–136, 2008
Homelessness, violence exposure, and school participation among urban adolescent mothers
Authors: Kennedy Angie C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractUsing a risk and resilience framework, this exploratory study examines the relationships between homelessness, exposure to multiple types of violence, and school participation within a survey sample of poor adolescent mothers living in an urban setting. Participants who were homeless either currently or historically were compared with participants who had never been homeless in terms of rate of violence exposure and school participation. Social support was analyzed as a moderator of the effects of violence exposure on the odds of homelessness, while positive attitude toward school was assessed as a moderator of homelessness on school participation. Results from MANOVA indicate that participants who report homelessness have significantly higher rates of exposure to violence and significantly lower rates of social support, positive attitude toward school, and school participation in comparison with participants who have never been homeless. Regression analyses indicate that violence exposure, moderated by social support, plays a significant contributing role in participants' odds of ever being homeless. Experiencing homelessness, in turn, is a significant contributor to reduced school participation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 639–654, 2007.
Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck: Sonographic and MRI appearances
Authors: Safak Alp Alper , Erdogmus Besir , Yazici Burhan , Gokgoz Ahmet Taner 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rare disorder in females. A 50‐year‐old female presented with the complaint of swelling and occasional pain in the right groin. Sonographic examination revealed a proximal dilatation at the inguinal canal with a 3‐cm ovoid, septated cystic lesion at the distal end. The mass appeared as a simple cyst on MRI. Valsalva's maneuver during real‐time sonography helped differentiate the hydrocele of the canal of Nuck from an inguinal hernia. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Ultrasound biomicroscopic appearances of eyelid lesions at 50 MHz
Authors: Bajaj Mandeep S. , Aalok Lalit , Gupta Viney , Sen Seema , Pushker Neelam , Chandra Mahesh 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurpose.To correlate the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) appearance of eyelid lesions with the results of histopathologic examination.Methods.Fifty‐two patients with eyelid lesions were evaluated using 50‐MHz UBM, and the UBM scans were compared with the histopathologic findings. The obscuration of the normal lid sonographic layers and invasion into adjacent tissues were criteria suggesting malignancy.Results.UBM characteristics of different eyelid lesions are presented. The sensitivity of UBM in detecting malignancy ranged from 78% to 86%, whereas the specificity ranged from 37% to 69%.Conclusion.This study of eyelid lesions shows that UBM can help differentiate between various benign and malignant lid lesions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Doppler examination of uteroplacental circulation in early pregnancy: Can it predict adverse outcome?
Authors: Özkaya Ümmü , Özkan Sebiha , Özeren Semih , Çorakçı Aydın 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurpose.To determine whether spectral Doppler measurements obtained from bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries in early gestation correlate with adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods.One hundred five pregnant women underwent transvaginal Doppler sonographic examination of uteroplacental circulation at 6–12 weeks' gestation. Resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries were measured. Diameters of gestational sac (GS) and yolk sac, crown–rump length (CRL), GS–CRL difference, and GS/CRL ratio were also recorded. Correlation was made with pregnancy outcome.Results.Sixteen women developed adverse pregnancy outcome. In these women, right uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher than in women with normal obstetrical outcome. Spiral artery PI and RI values were also higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. GS–CRL difference, GS/CRL ratio, and yolk sac diameters were significantly lower in this group.Conclusion.Transvaginal Doppler examination can detect hemodynamic changes in uteroplacental circulation associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcome. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Firm‐based trial to improve central venous catheter insertion practices
Authors: Miranda Julio A. , Trick William E. , Evans Arthur T. , Charles‐Damte Marjorie , Reilly Brendan M. , Clarke Peter 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDCentral venous catheters placed in femoral veins increase the risk of complications. At our institution, residents place most catheters in the femoral vein.OBJECTIVEDetermine whether a hands‐on educational session reduced femoral venous catheterization and improved residents' confidence and adherence to recommendations for infection control.DESIGNFirm‐based clinical trial between November 2004 and March 2005.SETTINGGeneral medical wards of Cook County (Stroger) Hospital (Chicago, IL), a public teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTSInternal medicine residents (n = 150).INTERVENTIONBefore their 4‐week rotation, intervention‐firm residents received a lecture and practiced placing catheters in mannequins; control‐firm residents received the usual training.MEASUREMENTSVenous insertion site, adherence to recommendations for infection control, knowledge and confidence about catheter insertion, and catheter‐associated complicationsRESULTSResidents inserted 54 catheters, or 0.24 insertions per resident per 4‐week rotation. There was a nonsignificant decrease in femoral insertions for nondialysis catheters in the intervention group compared to the control group (44% vs. 58%), difference: −14% (95% CI, −52% to 24%). The intervention significantly increased residents' knowledge of complications related to femoral vein catheterization and temporarily increased their confidence about placing internal jugular or subclavian venous catheters. Intervention‐group residents were more likely to use masks during catheterization (risk ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.7), but other practices were similar.CONCLUSIONSOur intervention improved residents' knowledge of complications and use of masks during catheter insertion; however, it did not significantly change venous insertion sites. Catheter insertions on our general medicine wards are infrequent, and the skills acquired during the skills‐building session may have deteriorated given the few clinical opportunities for reinforcement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:135–142. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
PDGF‐BB released in tendon repair using a novel delivery system promotes cell proliferation and collagen remodeling
Authors: Thomopoulos Stavros , Zaegel Melissa , Das Rosalina , Harwood Fredrick L. , Silva Matthew J. , Amiel David , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly , Gelberman Richard H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen remodeling in flexor tendon repair through sustained delivery of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB). The release kinetics of PDGF‐BB from a novel fibrin matrix delivery system was initially evaluated in vitro. After the in vivo degradation rate of the fibrin matrix was determined using fluorescently tagged fibrin, PDGF‐BB was delivered to the site of flexor tendon repair in vivo in a canine model. The effect of PDGF‐BB on intrasynovial tendon healing was studied using histology‐based assays (cell density, proliferation, and type I collagen expression) and by measuring total DNA levels and reducible collagen crosslink levels. The fibrin matrix delivery system provided sustained release of PDGF‐BB in vitro at a rate modulated by the ratio of heparin to growth factor. In vivo, the fibrin matrix remained at the repair site for more than 10 days. Delivery of PDGF‐BB led to a qualitative increase in cell density, cell proliferation, and type I collagen mRNA expression. PDGF‐BB also led to statistically significant increases in total DNA (20% increase at 7 days, 18% increase at 14 days) and reducible collagen crosslinks (30% increase at 7 days). Sustained delivery of growth factors may be achieved using a novel fibrin‐based delivery system. PDGF‐BB delivery increased cell proliferation and matrix remodeling and thus may accelerate flexor tendon healing. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1358–1368, 2007
Globalization and restructuring in the auto industry: the impact on the West Midlands automobile cluster
Authors: Bailey David 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
This paper examines the form of the auto cluster in the West Midlands in the context of the structural changes unfolding in the industry. These include greater pressure on firms to recover costs when technological change has been intensifying, driving up the costs of new model development, increased international sourcing of modular components and a shift of assembly operations towards lower‐cost locations.
Add in recent exchange rate volatility and maintaining manufacturing operations, and the West Midlands cluster has become increasingly challenging for firms and policy‐makers, as witnessed by recent plant closures at MG Rover, Jaguar and Peugeot.
The paper considers to what extent public policy can assist, suggesting that policy needs to do all it can to retain capacity whilst also helping firms to use their competencies and to apply them in new ways. These will have to be in higher value added activities such as engines and drivetrains, R&D, consultancy and in other sectors such as the growing aeronautics industry.
Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast and simple online sample preparation coupled with capillary LC‐MS/MS for determination of prostaglandins in cell culture supernatants
Authors: Rinne Sandra , Ramstad Kleiveland Charlotte , Kassem Moustapha , Lea Tor , Lundanes Elsa , Greibrokk Tyge 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn online 2‐D strong cation exchange (SCX)–RP capillary liquid chromatographic (cLC) method with IT mass spectrometric (IT‐MS/MS) detection for the simultaneous determination of prostaglandin (PG) A1, PGD2, PGE1, PGE2, PGF2a, 6‐keto‐(6k)PGF1a, and 15‐Δ12,14‐deoxy‐PGJ2 (15dPGJ2) in cell culture supernatants was developed and validated. Pretreatment of the cell culture supernatants included dilution and filtration, and the analysis time including all sample preparation steps was less than 50 min per sample. Peptides/proteins contained in the matrix were removed by the SCX column. LODs in the range of 0.4–2.2 ng/mL cell culture supernatant, recoveries higher than 80% and within‐ and between‐day precisions of less than 30% RSDs were obtained. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were stimulated with cytokine‐containing supernatants derived from activated T lymphocytes, and PG production was analyzed using the developed method. PGE2 was found in cultures from both untreated and stimulated hMSCs, while PGE1 was present above the detection limit only in stimulated cells.
STOPE‐based approach for e‐readiness assessment case studies
Authors: Al‐Osaimi Khalid , Alheraish Abdulmohsen , Bakry Saad Haj 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe STOPE‐based approach is used here for practical e‐readiness assessment case studies. The approach integrates and evaluates the various e‐readiness assessment issues, over its well‐structured domains: strategy, technology, organization, people, and environment. The case studies considered concern three Saudi organizations: a government organization, a bank, and a private sector company. The results obtained provide e‐readiness indicators that illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of each organization with regard to e‐readiness strategic development issues, information and communication technology (ICT) issues, management and organization issues, people issues, and environment issues within which the organization operates. The work shows how the approach can be practically used, and it also provides practical results that direct the organizations concerned toward enhancing their e‐readiness in response to the current trend of globalizing e‐business. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A protein chip approach for high‐throughput antigen identification and characterization
Authors: Hu Shaohui , Li Yu , Liu Guozhen , Song Qifeng , Wang Li , Han Yuning , Zhang Yang , Song Yali , Yao Xiying , Tao Yong , Zeng Haipan , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Zhu Heng , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Wu Lin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractProteomics research in humans and other eukaryotes demands a large number of high‐quality mAbs. Here, we report a new approach to produce high‐quality mAbs against human liver proteins using a combined force of high‐throughput mAb production and protein microarrays. After immunizing mice with live cells from human livers, we isolated 54 hybridomas with binding activities to human cells and identified the corresponding antigens for five mAbs via screening on a protein microarray of 1058 unique human liver proteins. Finally, we demonstrated that using the five mAbs we could characterize the expression profiles of their corresponding antigens by using tissue microarrays. Among them, we discovered that eIF1A expressed only in normal liver tissues, not in hepatocellular carcinoma in humans.