bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rho plays a key role in TGF‐β1‐induced cytoskeletal rearrangement in human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Lee Jungeun , Ko Meekyung , Joo Choun‐Ki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractProliferative vitroretinopathy (PVR) is caused by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell proliferation and transformation into fibrotic cells that produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is known to play an important role in PVR pathogenesis. To determine how TGF‐β1 mediates the pathogenic changes in RPE cells, we characterized the effects of TGF‐β1 on the morphology, ECM accumulation, and stress fiber formation of ARPE‐19 cells, a human RPE cell line. We then elucidated the signaling pathways that mediate these effects. Serum‐starved ARPE‐19 cells were incubated with 10 ng/ml TGF‐β1 and their morphological changes were examined by phase‐contrast microscopy. Actin reorganization was examined by immunochemistry and confocal microscopy. Protein phosphorylation was analyzed by Western blot analysis. TGF‐β1 treatment induced cytoskeleton reorganization, α‐SMA expression, increased the phosphorylation of ERK, Smad2/3, and AKT, and activated RhoA and Rac1. Cytoskeletal rearrangement was prevented by pretreatment with a Rho inhibitor and by expression of a dominant negative form of Rho. TGF‐β1 also increased LIM kinase and cofilin phosphorylation and the Rho inhibitor blocked this effect. We propose that TGF‐β1 induces human RPE cells to undergo cytoskeletal actin rearrangement via Rho GTPase‐dependent pathways that modulate LIM kinase and cofilin activity. This inhibits actin depolymerization and induces the cytoskeletal rearrangements in RPE cells that result in the characteristic features of PVR. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 520–526, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of microscope objective lenses from 1,400 to 1,650 nm to evaluate performance for long‐wavelength nonlinear microscopy applications
Authors: Keatings Stefanie Renaud , Zhang Wei , McConnell Gail 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe have demonstrated a simple method for characterization of objective lens performance at longer wavelengths for 3PLSM and THG imaging. We investigated a range of air and oil‐immersion objective lenses across a wavelength range of 1,400–1,650 nm using a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator laser source. In the first instance, we investigated the percentage light transmission across this spectral range. Second, we used a simple second harmonic autocorrelation pulse measurement technique to study the dispersion properties of these lenses at the range of input wavelengths. For the objective lenses investigated, we observed pulse broadening on the order of around 4%–7% for air immersion lenses and 9%–12% for oil immersion lenses. Even for the greater dispersion incurred by the application of the oil immersion lenses, these objectives are suitable for longer wavelength application in conjunction with a suitable light source. The same techniques could easily be applied for a larger range of objective lenses and adapted for alternative spectral windows and pulse durations. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic core model for circuit simulations including losses and hysteresis
Authors: Gruosso Giambattista , Brambilla Angelo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a magnetic core model that accounts the effects due to nonlinearity, hysteresis and eddy currents. The model is suited to circuit simulation and can be implemented as a subcircuit. To test the proposed implementation the results obtained by simulating a power square wave generator (Royer oscillator) have been compared with measurements on a laboratory prototype. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatectomy of segment 4a and 5 combined with extra‐hepatic bile duct resection for T2 and T3 gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Kohya Naohiko , Miyazaki Kohji 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of advanced gallbladder carcinoma (GBCa) remains unfortunate. However, the prognostic factors and the efficacy of extended resection remain unclear. The adequacy for extended resection for T2 and T3 GB Ca, according to the characteristics of either the clinicopathological factors or the prognostic factors, was evaluated.MethodsA series of 73 patients with GBCa were treated after 1989. Tumor staging from the AJCC revealed 23 patients with T2 tumors, and 29 patients with T3 tumors, respectively.ResultsFor T2 GB Ca, the patient group of extra‐hepatic bile duct resection (BDR) and the patient group of S4a + 5 hepatectomy S4a + 5 had significantly better survival rates. For T3 GB Ca, the patient group of BDR and S4a + 5 tend to have better survival rates. For both T2 and T3 GB Ca, either pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PpPD) showed no significant difference in survival.ConclusionS4a + 5 combined with BDR and D2 lymph node dissection is a highly recommended operation for the treatment of T2 and T3 GB Ca. Further extension of the operation, such as the addition of PD (PpPD) or an extended hepatectomy, should be carefully modified for each individual according to the cancer spread mode. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:498–502. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What determines the profitability of foreign direct investment? A subsidiary‐level analysis of Japanese multinationals
Authors: Sakakibara Mariko , Yamawaki Hideki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article identifies key factors that determine the profitability of Japanese firms abroad by using panel‐data regression models on new, large‐scale, subsidiary‐level data over the 1990–1996 period. The results show that the determinants of subsidiary profits differ across host regions, suggesting that the economic and institutional factors specific to host regions influence significantly the profit performances of overseas subsidiaries. While the size effect on the subsidiary profitability is present in all the regions, other effects, such as experience, local supplier networks, local sales and macroeconomic conditions affect the performance of subsidiaries in a different manner by region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Playing football in a soccer field: value chain structures, institutional modularity and success in foreign expansion
Authors: Jacobides Michael G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper suggests that an unrecognized determinant of global expansion is thestructure of the value chain, which is both country‐ and sector‐specific. Value chain structure evolves in a path‐dependent,country‐specificway. Differences in vertical structures between countries predict the extent to which firms in any segment can export their competitive advantage. For globalization to occur, firms must have an ‘institutionally modular’ product, which is not easy to achieve. Evidence from the mortgage banking industry suggests that increasing modularization and global convergence of value chain structures may be opening up new venues for globalization, especially in the service sector. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory reform and managerial choice: an analysis of the cost savings from airline deregulation
Authors: Peteraf Margaret , Reed Randal 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper explores the question of how the differential exercise of managerial choice can facilitate organizational adaptation and improve efficiency over periods of regulatory change. We address this question in the context of the US airline industry, with a detailed decomposition of an airline cost function. Our findings suggest that managers employ choice in unconstrained domains to counteract the effects of constrained or pre‐determined choices. This is an adaptive mechanism that helps firms adjust to environmental change or maneuver over a rugged landscape. We view this as a type of dynamic managerial capability for achieving dynamic fit under changing conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FGF2 secreting human fibroblast feeder cells: A novel culture system for human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Saxena Shobhit , Hanwate Madhuri , Deb Kaushik , Sharma Vijay , Totey Satish 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHuman embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines are traditionally derived and maintained on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) which are xenogeneic and enter senescence rapidly. In view of the clinical implications of hESCs, the use of human fibroblast as feeders has been suggested as a plausible alternative. However, use of fibroblast cells from varying sources leads to culture variations along with the need to add FGF2 in cultures to sustain ES cell pluripotency. In this study we report the derivation of FGF2 expressing germ layer derived fibroblast cells (GLDF) from hESC lines. These feeders could support the pluripotency, karyotypes and proliferation of hESCs with or without FGF2 in prolonged cultures as efficiently as that on MEF. GLDF cells were derived from embryoid bodies and characterized for expression of fibroblast markers by RT‐PCR, Immunofluorescence and by flow cytometry for CD marker expression. The expression and secretion of FGF2 was confirmed by RT‐PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The hESC lines cultured on MEF and GLDF were analyzed for various stemness markers. These feeder cells with fibroblast cells like properties maintained the properties of hESCs in prolonged culture over 30 passages. Proliferation and pluripotency of hESCs on GLDF was comparable to that on mouse feeders. Further we discovered that these GLDF cells could secrete FGF2 and maintained pluripotency of hESC cultures even in the absence of supplemental FGF2. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a novel hESC culture system which does not warrant FGF2 supplementation, thereby reducing the cost of hESC cultures. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1523–1532 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating uses of data mining techniques in propensity score estimation: a simulation study
Authors: Setoguchi Soko , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Brookhart M. Alan , Glynn Robert J. , Cook E. Francis 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn propensity score modeling, it is a standard practice to optimize the prediction of exposure status based on the covariate information. In a simulation study, we examined in what situations analyses based on various types of exposure propensity score (EPS) models using data mining techniques such as recursive partitioning (RP) and neural networks (NN) produce unbiased and/or efficient results.MethodWe simulated data for a hypothetical cohort study (n = 2000) with a binary exposure/outcome and 10 binary/continuous covariates with seven scenarios differing by non‐linear and/or non‐additive associations between exposure and covariates. EPS models used logistic regression (LR) (all possible main effects), RP1 (without pruning), RP2 (with pruning), and NN. We calculated c‐statistics (C), standard errors (SE), and bias of exposure‐effect estimates from outcome models for the PS‐matched dataset.ResultsData mining techniques yielded higher C than LR (mean: NN, 0.86; RPI, 0.79; RP2, 0.72; and LR, 0.76). SE tended to be greater in models with higher C. Overall bias was small for each strategy, although NN estimates tended to be the least biased. C was not correlated with the magnitude of bias (correlation coefficient [COR] = −0.3, p = 0.1) but increased SE (COR = 0.7, p < 0.001).ConclusionsEffect estimates from EPS models by simple LR were generally robust. NN models generally provided the least numerically biased estimates. C was not associated with the magnitude of bias but was with the increased SE. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics and genomics: A hypothesis‐free approach to the study of the role of visceral adiposity in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Escobar‐Morreale Héctor F. , Insenser María , Cortón Marta , Millán José L. San , Peral Belén 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is possibly the most common endocrine disorder in premenopausal women. The primary defect in PCOS consists of an exaggerated androgen secretion by the ovaries and the adrenal glands of affected women, which is amplified by several mechanisms including abdominal adiposity and insulin resistance. Abdominal adiposity contributes to hyperandrogenism by favoring insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinism, because insulin facilitates ovarian and adrenal androgen synthesis, among other mechanisms. Furthermore, mounting evidence suggest that androgen excess may also contribute to a predominantly abdominal disposition of body fat in women, suggesting that women with PCOS suffer from a vicious circle whereby androgen excess favoring the abdominal deposition of fat further facilitates androgen secretion by the ovaries and adrenals. Familial aggregation of PCOS cases suggests an inherited component in PCOS, yet the genetic mechanisms underlying this inheritance remain elusive. The present manuscript reviews the hypothesis‐free approaches – such as genomics and proteomics – that have been used recently to study PCOS, focusing on studies from our group addressing the gene expression profiles and the proteome of visceral adipose tissue of morbidly obese women presenting with or without PCOS.
Human pathogenic streptococcal proteomics and vaccine development
Authors: Cole Jason N. , Henningham Anna , Gillen Christine M. , Ramachandran Vidiya , Walker Mark J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGram‐positive streptococci are non‐motile, chain‐forming bacteria commonly found in the normal oral and bowel flora of warm‐blooded animals. Over the past decade, a proteomic approach combining 2‐DE and MS has been used to systematically map the cellular, surface‐associated and secreted proteins of human pathogenic streptococcal species. The public availability of complete streptococcal genomic sequences and the amalgamation of proteomic, genomic and bioinformatic technologies have recently facilitated the identification of novel streptococcal vaccine candidate antigens and therapeutic agents. The objective of this review is to examine the constituents of the streptococcal cell wall and secreted proteome, the mechanisms of transport of surface and secreted proteins, and describe the current methodologies employed for the identification of novel surface‐displayed proteins and potential vaccine antigens.
XPS and TOF‐SIMS study of the distribution of Li ions in thin films of vanadium pentoxide after electrochemical intercalation
Authors: Castle James E , Decker Franco , Salvi Anna Maria , Martin Frantz A , Donsanti Frederique , Ibris Neluta , Alamarguy David 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe intercalation of vanadium pentoxide by lithium ions leads to a change in optical properties, a process that is of value in thin‐film electrochromic devices. The extent of intercalation can be measured, electrochemically, from the charge capacity of the film and, is in good agreement with that determined in the outermost layers by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), when intercalation occurs homogeneously through the film thickness. SIMS profiles of V2O5‐deposited on ITO‐glass coupons have allowed examination of the interface between these layers and in prior work showed a marked build up of Li in this interphase. Investigation of the distribution of lithium within the interphase showed it to be present in parts of the testpiece that were not immersed in the electrolyte used for Li insertion. In this work we have tested the suggestion that the lithium found in the interface can be introduced, during intercalation, via the exposed edge of the V2O5/ITO interface at the periphery of the sample. A series of intercalation cycles using modified cells to expose either: a) the periphery; or b) the centre; of the thin film have been carried out. The distribution of lithium after intercalation has been examined using a combination of ToF‐SIMS and XPS. XPS showed lithium in the film to be related only to the immersed regions of the testpiece whilst SIMS profiles confirmed the widespread distribution of Li through the interface, only when an edge was exposed. We work confirms an important influence of an unsealed edge when samples are produced by cutting from larger glass plates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulating targeted component abstractions using software Reflexion Modelling
Authors: Buckley Jim , LeGear Andrew P. , Exton Chris , Cadogan Ross , Johnston Trevor , Looby Bill , Koschke Rainer 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDesign abstractions such as components, modules, subsystems or packages are often not made explicit in the implementation of legacy systems. Indeed, often the abstractions that are made explicit turn out to be inappropriate for future evolution agendas. This can make the maintenance, evolution and refactoring of these systems difficult. In this publication, we carry out a fine‐grained evaluation of Reflexion Modelling as a technique for encapsulating user‐targeted components. This process is a prelude to component recovery, reuse and refactoring. The evaluation takes the form of twoin vivocase studies, where two professional software developers encapsulate components in a large, commercial software system. The studies demonstrate the validity of this approach and offer several best‐use guidelines. Specifically, they argue that users benefit from having a strong mental model of the system in advance of Reflexion Modelling, even if that model is flawed, and that users should expend effort exploring the expected relationships present in Reflexion Models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performing operational release planning, replanning and risk analysis using a system dynamics simulation model
Authors: Al‐Emran Ahmed , Pfahl Dietmar 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSoftware release planning takes place on strategic and operational levels. Strategic release planning aims at assigning features to subsequent releases such that technical, resource, risk and budget constraints are met. Operational release planning focuses on the development of a single software release. Its purpose is to assign resources to feature development tasks such that total release duration is minimized under given process and project constraints. Replanning becomes necessary on the operational level because of addition or deletion of features during release development, due to changes in the workforce, or due to changes in process and project constraints. The allocation of resources to feature development tasks depends on the accurate estimation of planning parameters like task size, developer productivity or dependencies between task types. Risk analysis can help assess the reliability of a chosen release plan due to variation in these dependencies. In this article, we present elements of a simulation‐based methodology to planning, replanning and risk analysis of software releases on an operational level. Even though there exist approaches addressing these three aspects individually, our proposed approach combines all of them into one single package and, hence, offers stronger support to decision makers. The core element of the methodology is the process simulation model REPSIM‐2 (Release Plan Simulator, Version 2). We describe the functionality of REPSIM‐2 and illustrate its usefulness for planning, replanning and risk analysis through application scenarios. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence‐Based Assessment of the Role of Ultrasonography in the Management of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Morris Lilah F. , Ragavendra Nagesh , Yeh Michael W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundAlthough ultrasonographic (US) evaluation is currently recommended for the workup of all palpable thyroid nodules, little guidance exists regarding the manner in which US data are to be used. Herein, we examine the available evidence and recommend how US can be used most effectively to predict malignancy. We discuss the role of US‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and other special topics regarding US evaluation and management of benign nodules.MethodsWe also present a systematic review of the literature using evidence‐based criteria.ResultsUS features alone cannot predict malignancy or benignity, but techniques that combine US features and FNA cytology are most effective and most accurate for predicting malignancy (Level III and IV evidence). US features suggesting malignancy include a blurred or ill‐defined margin, irregular shape, solid echo structure, hypoechogenicity, absent halo, fine calcifications, and intranodular vascular pattern. Most patients with malignancies have more than two US features characteristic of malignancy. US‐guided FNA has nonsignificantly higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than the palpation‐guided technique (Level III and IV evidence). US guidance is particularly beneficial in patients with nonpalpable, multiple, or heterogeneous nodules for preferentially aspirating a specific segment of the nodule (large or partially cystic nodule) or when nodule palpation is difficult (patients with diffuse glandular disease or obesity).ConclusionsUS is an essential component of thyroid nodule evaluation and management. Techniques that combine US features and FNA cytology for thyroid nodule workup are more accurate than either technique alone. US‐guided FNA can decrease the rate of nondiagnostic aspirates.
Increase in Bone Mineral Density after Successful Parathyroidectomy for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Collaud Stéphane , Staub‐Zähner Tania , Trombetti Andrea , Clerici Thomas , Marangon Nicola , Binet Isabelle , Myers Patrick O. , Rizzoli René , Martin Pierre‐Yves , Robert John H. , Triponez Frederic 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have reported changes of bone mineral density (BMD) after parathyroidectomy in patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation (3 HPT).Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 14 patients who underwent successful parathyroidectomy for 3 HPT and who had available BMD data before and after parathyroidectomy.ResultsMedian follow‐up time was 26 months (IQR: 16.8–40.2). Serum calcium levels decreased significantly after parathyroidectomy (2.32 ± 0.09 versus 2.66 ± 0.16 mmol/l; p < 0.01), as did PTH levels (5.1 ± 3.0 versus 27.8 ± 23.7 pmol/l; p < 0.01). Nine patients (64%) had a steroid‐free immunosuppression at follow‐up. Mean increase in BMD was 9.5 ± 8.0% for the spine and 9.5 ± 7.9% for the hip (p < 0.01 for both sites). Patients with osteoporosis (T‐score ≤ 2.5) or osteopenia (T‐score ≤ 1) before parathyroidectomy had the biggest increase in BMD (10.7 ± 7.7% in hip BMD and of 12.3 ± 8.1% in spine BMD).ConclusionsParathyroidectomy is an efficient treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with 3 HPT.
Functional Outcome After Redo Below‐Knee Amputation
Authors: Stasik Chad N. , Berceli Scott A. , Nelson Peter R. , Lee W. Anthony , Ozaki C. Keith 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundNonhealing below‐knee amputation (BKA) necessitates redo BKA or conversion to above‐knee amputation (AKA). Outcomes after redo BKA remain poorly defined. We hypothesized that in selected patients redo BKA results in favorable functional outcomes.MethodsPatients undergoing redo BKA at a single institution during 4 years were reviewed. A concurrent cohort proceeding directly to ipsilateral AKA served as comparative controls.ResultsOf 138 BKAs, 23 (17%) failed to heal primarily. Baseline demographics and medical comorbidities were similar between groups. Clinicians selected 14 for redo BKA and 9 for ipsilateral AKA. Eight (57%) of those undergoing redo BKA had a history of minor stump trauma and 13 (93%) had a palpable popliteal pulse, compared with no trauma (P = 0.007) and 4 (44%, P = 0.018) palpable popliteal pulses in the AKA group. Functionally, 86% of redo‐BKA patients returned home, all eventually healed, and 86% walked, whereas none in the AKA group walked.ConclusionsIn selected patients, redo BKA yields excellent functional outcomes. A history of minor stump trauma and a palpable popliteal pulse favor redo BKA compared with conversion to AKA.