bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PLGA nanometer surface features manipulate fibronectin interactions for improved vascular cell adhesion
Authors: Miller Derick C. , Haberstroh Karen M. , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe largest cause of mortality in the Western world is atherosclerotic vascular disease. Many of these diseases require synthetic vascular grafts; however, their patency rate is only 30% in small (<6 mm) diameter vascular grafts after 5 years of implantation. In an effort to increase small diameter vascular graft success, researchers have been designing random nanostructured surface features which enhance vascular cell functions. However, for the present study, highly‐controllable, nanostructured features on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) surfaces were formulated. To create ordered nanostructured roughness on PLGA surfaces, either 500, 200, or 100 nm polystyrene nanospheres were separately placed onto mica. These were then used as a template for creating an inverse poly(dimethylsiloxane) mold which was utilized to cast PLGA. Compared to all other PLGA films formulated, AFM results demonstrated greater initial fibronectin spreading on PLGA which possessed spherical 200 nm features. Compared to smooth PLGA, PLGA with 500 or 100 nm surface features, results further showed that PLGA with 200 nm spherical features promoted vascular cell (specifically, endothelial, and smooth muscle cell) adhesion. In this manner, the present study demonstrated a specific nanometer surface feature size that promoted fibronectin spreading and subsequent vascular cell adhesion; criteria critical to vascular graft success. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 80A:, 2007
Spanning trees with leaf distance at least four
Authors: Kaneko Atsushi , Kano M. , Suzuki Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFor a graph G, we denote by i(G) the number of isolated vertices of G. We prove that for a connected graph G of order at least five, if i(G–S) < |S| for all ∅︁ ≠ S ⊆ V(G), then G has a spanning tree T such that the distance in T between any two leaves of T is at least four. This result was conjectured by Kaneko in “Spanning trees with constrains on the leaf degree”, Discrete Applied Math, 115 (2001), 73–76. Moreover, the condition in the result is sharp in a sense that the condition i(G–S) < |S| cannot be replaced by i(G–S) ≤ |S|. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 55: 83–90, 2007
Bayesian strategies for dynamic pricing in e‐commerce
Authors: Cope Eric 
Published: December 2006

AbstractE‐commerce platforms afford retailers unprecedented visibility into customer purchase behavior and provide an environment in which prices can be updated quickly and cheaply in response to changing market conditions. This study investigates dynamic pricing strategies for maximizing revenue in an Internet retail channel by actively learning customers' demand response to price. A general methodology is proposed for dynamically pricing information goods, as well as other nonperishable products for which inventory levels are not an essential consideration in pricing. A Bayesian model of demand uncertainty involving the Dirichlet distribution or a mixture of such distributions as a prior captures a wide range of beliefs about customer demand. We provide both analytic formulas and efficient approximation methods for updating these prior distributions after sales data have been observed. We then investigate several strategies for sequential pricing based on index functions that consider both the potential revenue and the information value of selecting prices. These strategies require a manageable amount of computation, are robust to many types of prior misspecification, and yield high revenues compared to static pricing and passive learning approaches. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Human airway surface epithelial regeneration is delayed and abnormal in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hajj R , Lesimple P , Nawrocki‐Raby B , Birembaut P , Puchelle E , Coraux C 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) at an advanced stage of the disease is characterized by airway epithelial injury and remodelling. Whether CF remodelling is related to infection and inflammation or due to an abnormal regenerative process is still undecided. We have recently established the expression and secretion profiles of interleukin (IL)‐8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7, MMP‐9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 during non‐CF airway epithelial regeneration in a humanized nude mouse xenograft model. To enhance our understanding of CF remodelling, we compared the regeneration process of non‐infected human CF and non‐CF nasal epithelia. In both CF and non‐CF situations, epithelial regeneration was characterized by successive steps of cell adhesion and migration, proliferation, pseudostratification, and terminal differentiation. However, histological examination of the grafts showed a delay in differentiation of the CF airway epithelium. Cell proliferation was higher in the regenerating CF epithelium, and the differentiated CF epithelium exhibited a pronounced height increase and basal cell hyperplasia in comparison with non‐CF epithelium. In addition, while the number of goblet cells expressing MUC5AC was similar in CF and non‐CF regenerated epithelia, the number of MUC5B‐immunopositive goblet cells was lower in CF grafts. The expression of human IL‐8, MMP‐7, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐1 was enhanced in CF epithelium, especially early in the regenerative process. Together, our data strongly suggest that the regeneration of human CF airway surface epithelium is characterized by remodelling, delayed differentiation, and altered pro‐inflammatory and MMP responses. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of nucleated red blood cells in maternal circulation: A second step in screening for fetal aneuploidies and pregnancy complications
Authors: Mavrou A. , Kouvidi E. , Antsaklis A. , Souka A. , Kitsiou Tzeli S. , Kolialexi A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundIdentification of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in maternal circulation can facilitate non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis, but technical difficulties still exist. An increase in the number of circulating NRBCs, however, could indicate fetal aneuploidies or pregnancy complications.Materials and MethodsThe number of NRBCs was determined from 20 mL peripheral blood in 351 women in the second trimester of pregnancy after isolation by magnetic cell sorting (MACS) with anti‐CD71 antibody and identification with May‐Grunwald/Giemsa staining.ResultsAn average of eight NRBCs (range 1–12) were identified among 282 women with chromosomally normal fetuses. In cases known to carry aneuploid fetuses the mean number was 35 (range 7–113), but when the fetus had trisomy 21 (n = 17) an average of 71 NRBCs were identified. Among 26 carriers of β‐thalassemia, 42 NRBCs (range 22–158) were isolated. In pregnancies with abnormal Doppler findings in both uterine arteries (n = 20), 15 NRBCs (range 2–75) were isolated.ConclusionDetermining the number of NRBCs in maternal circulation could represent an additional screening step for fetal aneuploidies, as long as the anemic status of the mother is taken into consideration. However, more cases with abnormal Doppler results must be investigated before this test is used for in the prediction of pregnancy complications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐vessel view of the fetal heart: In utero development of the great vessels
Authors: Moon Min Hoan , Cho Jeong Yeon , Park Eun Jung , Min Jee Yeon , Kim Jeong‐Ah , Jung Sung Il , Song Mi Jin 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of our study is to provide reference values for the great vessels obtained from images of the three‐vessel view of the fetal heart, with an emphasis on the size discrepancy of the great vessels.MethodsFrom February 2003 to May 2003, the main pulmonary artery (MPA), ascending aorta (AA), and SVC were measured in well‐dated, nonanomalous fetuses scanned at 14–38 weeks of gestation.ResultsThe size of each great vessel had a significant positive relationship with advance in gestation (P < 0.001); MPA (mm) = − 2.76 + 0.34 × GA, ascending aorta (AA) (mm) = − 1.73 + 0.26 × GA − 1.18E − 05 × GA3, and SVC (mm) = 0.33 + 0.01 × GA2 − 4.12E − 05 × GA3. The AA/MPA ratio was significantly decreased with advance in gestation, while the SVC/AA ratio was significantly increased; AA/MPA ratio = − 1.24 − 0.03 × GA + 3.88E − 04 × GA2; P < 0.001, SVC/AA ratio = 0.63 − 5.43E − 03 × GA + 1.96E − 04 × GA2; P < 0.001.ConclusionOn the three‐vessel view of the fetal heart, the interpretation of the size discrepancy of the great vessels needs to be adjusted according to fetal growth. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological characterization of prostate tumors in TRAMP mice as model for pre‐clinical trials
Authors: Degrassi Anna , Russo Micaela , Scanziani Eugenio , Giusti Anna , Ceruti Roberta , Texido Gemma , Pesenti Enrico 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) develops progressive forms of prostate cancer. Due to the lack of a validated non‐invasive methodology, pathology has been so far the most common parameter evaluated in efficacy studies.METHODSWe studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 210 mice that were repeatedly measured up to 33 weeks of age in order to stage prostate tumors and follow pathological progression in single animals. A pre‐clinical trial with doxorubicin was also performed.RESULTSProgressive forms of cancer (well and poorly differentiated (PD) adenocarcinomas) were easily recognized on MR images and MRI findings were validated against histopathological analysis. Age at tumor onset was different for the two tumoral forms. Doxorubicin treatment caused a strong reduction in tumor volume.CONCLUSIONSProstate cancer in TRAMP mice is multifocal and heterogeneous: a non‐invasive methodology such as MRI facilitates the rational design of translational pre‐clinical trials in this widely used animal model. Prostate 67: 396–404, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Active capping demonstration in the Anacostia river, Washington, D.C.
Authors: Reible Danny , Lampert David , Constant David , Mutch Jr. Robert D. , Zhu Yuewei 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAn active capping demonstration project in Washington, D.C., is testing the ability to place sequestering agents on contaminated sediments using conventional equipment and evaluating their subsequent effectiveness relative to conventional passive sand sediment caps. Selected active capping materials include: (1) AquaBlokTM, a clay material for permeability control; (2) apatite, a phosphate mineral for metals control; (3) coke, an organic sequestration agent; and (4) sand material for a control cap. All of the materials, except coke, were placed in 8,000‐ft test plots by a conventional clamshell method during March and April 2004. Coke was placed as a 1.25‐cm layer in a laminated mat due to concerns related to settling of the material. Postcap sampling and analysis were conducted during the first, sixth, and eighteenth months after placement. Although postcap sampling is expected to continue for at least an additional 24 months, this article summarizes the results of the demonstration project and postcap sampling efforts up to 18 months. Conventional clamshell placement was found to be effective for placing relatively thin (six‐inch) layers of active material. The viability of placing high‐value or difficult‐to‐place material in a controlled manner was successfully demonstrated with the laminated mat. Postcap monitoring indicates that all cap materials effectively isolated contaminants, but it is not yet possible to differentiate between conventional sand and active cap layer performance. Monitoring of the permeability control layer indicated effective reductions in groundwater seepage rates through the cap, but also showed the potential for gas accumulation and irregular release. All of the cap materials show deposition of new contaminated sediment onto the surface of the caps, illustrating the importance of source control in maintaining sediment quality. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The performance of different propensity score methods for estimating marginal odds ratios
Authors: Austin Peter C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe propensity score which is the probability of exposure to a specific treatment conditional on observed variables. Conditioning on the propensity score results in unbiased estimation of the expected difference in observed responses to two treatments. In the medical literature, propensity score methods are frequently used for estimating odds ratios. The performance of propensity score methods for estimating marginal odds ratios has not been studied. We performed a series of Monte Carlo simulations to assess the performance of propensity score matching, stratifying on the propensity score, and covariate adjustment using the propensity score to estimate marginal odds ratios. We assessed bias, precision, and mean‐squared error (MSE) of the propensity score estimators, in addition to the proportion of bias eliminated due to conditioning on the propensity score. When the true marginal odds ratio was one, then matching on the propensity score and covariate adjustment using the propensity score resulted in unbiased estimation of the true treatment effect, whereas stratification on the propensity score resulted in minor bias in estimating the true marginal odds ratio. When the true marginal odds ratio ranged from 2 to 10, then matching on the propensity score resulted in the least bias, with a relative biases ranging from 2.3 to 13.3 per cent. Stratifying on the propensity score resulted in moderate bias, with relative biases ranging from 15.8 to 59.2 per cent. For both methods, relative bias was proportional to the true odds ratio. Finally, matching on the propensity score tended to result in estimators with the lowest MSE. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assessed symptoms in chronic heart failure — Important information for clinical management
Authors: Ekman Inger , Kjörk Ewa , Andersson Bert 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAim:To compare the patients' self‐assessment of the severity of their symptoms with a physicians assessment and to evaluate the ability of self‐assessed symptoms and ejection fraction (EF) to predict long‐term survival in heart failure patients.Method:Patients (n=332) evaluated symptoms using a self‐administered functional classification scale (Specific Activity Scale, SAS), which is equivalent to the NYHA scale. EF and NYHA functional class was also recorded. All patients were followed over a 3‐year period.Results:Approximately 50% of patients classified themselves into SAS class I. In contrast, the cardiologists classified only 9% of the patients as NYHA class I. In patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF≤0.35) SAS score (HR 1.48, 95% CI [1.03−2.12] p=0.03) and ACE inhibitor treatment (0.23 [0.11−.51], p=0.0003) independently predicted 3‐year mortality in a multivariable analysis. EF was not predictive of mortality in the low EF group. Only age predicted long‐term outcome in patients with preserved systolic function.Conclusion:Patients' self‐assessed symptoms and NYHA classification are not coherent. Left ventricular EF is of less importance in comparison with symptoms in chronic heart failure. Patients reporting less severe symptoms had a favourable 3‐year prognosis, regardless of EF.
Favorable outcome following emergency second trimester cerclage
Authors: Debby A. , Sadan O. , Glezerman M. , Golan A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground: To evaluate the outcome of midtrimester emergency cerclage with or without bulging of membranes. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 99 women who underwent emergency second trimester cerclage (16–27 gestational weeks). In 75 women the cervix was dilated and effaced but without bulging of membranes (group 1), and in 24 women the dilation and effacement of the cervix were accompanied by bulging of membranes into the vagina in an hourglass formation (group 2). McDonald technique was applied in all patients. Results Prolongation of pregnancy was significantly longer in group 1 compared to group 2 (14.3 ± 6.5 vs 9.3 ± 4.8 weeks, p = 0.007). The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (34.6 ± 4.6 vs 29.5 ± 3.2 weeks, p = 0.001). The incidence of chorioamnionitis was higher in group 2 compared to group 1 but statistically insignificant (25% vs 15%, p = 0.2). The overall neonatal survival was 83% (82 out of 99 neonates), without statistical difference between the two groups (86% in group 1 and 71% in group 2, p = 0.2). Conclusions Favorable neonatal outcome may be accomplished in patients with cervical incompetence in the second trimester of pregnancy following cervical emergency suturing even performed when the membranes are bulging through the cervix into the vagina.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy
Authors: Jin Sha , Ye Kaiming 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBiomedical application of nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area that raises new prospect in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. The ability to incorporate drugs or genes into a functionalized nanoparticle demonstrates a new era in pharmacotherapy for delivering drugs or genes selectively to tissues or cells. It is envisioned that the transfer of nanoengineering capability into disease therapy will provide constant and concentrated drug delivery to targeted tissues, minimizing systemic side effects and toxicity. We have in this article highlighted the recent state of the art in nanomedicine, focusing particularly on the achievement of nanotechnology in nanoscale drug and gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a specific emphasis has been placed on the use of nanotechnology to improve controlled drug release and sustainable drug delivery in solid tumors and on new drug therapies for age‐related neurodegenerative disorders.
Developing a theory of nursing: the relation of theory to practice, education and research
Authors: McFarlane Jean K. 
Published: December 2006

The relevant literature is reviewed and it is held that the relationships between nursing theory, practice, education and research are close and reciprocal relationships. Each is related to the other but it is argued that the hub of the relationships is nursing practice as nursing is a practice discipline.This paper is based on an address delivered on 10 July 1976 at the annual conference of the Association of Integrated and Degree Courses in Nursing held at the University of Hull, England.
Justification and use of research in nursing
Authors: Roper Nancy 
Published: December 2006

In 1976 100 nurses, mainly from the National Health Service, attended a study day organized by the Nursing Research Advisory Group for Scotland. The object was to create interest in published nursing research reports so as to generate critical thinking followed by activity on return to work. The theme for the day was ‘Justification and use of research in nursing’. It was postulated that research can be justified on the grounds of originality leading to a substantial addition to the nursing profession's body of knowledge and also on the grounds of replication which can provide credence to generalization from the original study. The subjects—prevention of pressure sores and nosocomial infection among others–were used to illustrate a possible financial justification. Each year several British health authorities are sued by patients who have developed a pressure sore in hospital. Should such a case be tried in open court it is highly debatable if a particular nurse's ignorance of well‐known research work would be defensible in court.Other justifications were thought to be economy of effort for nurses as well as patients, economy of material resources, research‐based nursing practice, improvement in the nursing curriculum and in manpower planning. The objective of all nursing research is directly or indirectly to improve the quality of nursing–but how is this measured?
The future nurse: selection and training; autonomy; should her health‐care role be modified for future patient demands?*
Authors: Hockey Lisbeth 
Published: December 2006

This paper was presented in the context of an international interdisciplinary conference on Priorities in Health Care. The focus of the paper is the relationship between the nurse's role and the demands of patients, now and in the future. The incongruence between patients' needs and their demands is discussed and the question is raised as to whether the nurse's skills and knowledge currently acquired will be appropriate to meet patients' needs and demands in the future.Future patient needs and demands are not the only external pressures on changes in the nurse's role; advances in medical treatment and technology and changing roles of other health professionals are others. The paper highlights the dilemma between the profession having to give way to such external pressures or the risk of preparing nurses for irrelevant roles. A case is made for greater interchangeability of first level health care workers through a common portal of entry. It is suggested that diversion into the various professional fields should occur after the foundation course to health care and suitable counselling.Among the top level professionally qualified nurses should be both generalists and specialists. A speciality of nursing generalism, as a parallel with general medical practice, is advocated. A plea is made for a liberating rather than a restricting interpretation of professionalism so that necessary changes in the nurse's role can be initiated and directed by the profession rather than being forced upon it by external pressures.
Patients'emotional responses to barium X‐rays
Authors: Barnett Jenifer Wilson 
Published: December 2006

This paper describes an experiment testing the effect of informing patients about barium X‐rays on their emotional reactions before and during the procedure. A self‐report scale of emotions was used to compare the level of anxiety reported by the informed patients with that of control subjects who did not receive this information.The barium meal study showed no differences in anxiety scores between informed and control subjects, most of whom reported low levels of anxiety. The enema study, however, showed significant differences in these scores. Informed patients reported less anxiety during the X‐ray than controls, who frequently reported high levels prior to and during X‐ray.
Violence in a psychiatric unit
Authors: Campbell W. , Mawson D. 
Published: December 2006

The aim of this paper is to discuss violence in a modem purpose‐built psychiatric unit, with a view to a better understanding of the associated problems of patient care and their management.The unit was built in 1965 and since then certain changes In its design have been necessary. Some modification of philosophy of care has also been introduced and these changes have benefited the majority of patients, but a plea is made for a ‘small area that is lockable’.The paper makes a valuable contribution to the current discussions into violence in psychiatric hospitals.