bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myogenic-induced mesenchymal stem cells are capable of modulating the immune response by regulatory T cells
Authors: Joo Sunyoung , Lim Hyun Ju , Jackson John D , Atala Anthony , Yoo James J
Published: February 2014

Cell therapy for patients who have intractable muscle disorders may require highly regenerative cells from young, healthy allogeneic donors. Mesenchymal stem cells are currently under clinical investigation because they are known to induce muscle regeneration and believed to be immune privileged, thus making them suitable for allogeneic applications. However, it is unclear whether allogeneic and myogenic-induced mesenchymal stem cells retain their immunomodulatory characteristics. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation on the immune characteristics of cells in vitro. We investigated the immunologic properties of mesenchymal stem cells after myogenic induction. Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from C57BL/6 mice and the C3H/10T1/2 murine mesenchymal stem cell line. Two different 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine doses (0.5 and 3 µM) were evaluated for their effects on mesenchymal stem cell skeletal myogenic differentiation potential, immune antigen expression, and mixed lymphocytic reactions. Using a mixed lymphocytic reaction, we determined the optimal splenocyte proliferation inhibition dose. The induction of regulatory T cells was markedly increased by the addition of 3 µM 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine–treated mesenchymal stem cells. Myogenic-induced mesenchymal stem cells do not elicit alloreactive lymphocyte proliferative responses and are able to modulate immune responses. These findings support the hypothesis that myogenic-induced mesenchymal stem cells may be transplantable across allogeneic barriers.
Efficacy of a nonsurgical treatment regimen in patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsehimy Mohammad M
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nonsurgical treatment regimen in the long-term control of necrotic areas of the jaws and pain in such patients.

Methods:

A total of 96 patients suffering from the disease were included in this study. All patients received nonsurgical treatment regimen for 10 days, and repeated every 3 months for 2 years. The size of the osteonecrotic lesions was measured and the pain level was self-assessed with a visual analog scale.

Results:

The patients showed a statistically significant (F = 16.1; p < .01; r2 = .95) gradual decrease in the size of exposed bone areas during the nonsurgical therapy (from 12.5 to 8.8 mm). Pain scores ranged from 0 to 3 score scale. Complete resolution of the disease was observed in some patients.

Conclusions:

This conservative nonsurgical treatment regimen seems to provide successful treatment in reduction of the sizes of exposed bone areas in the majority of patients.
Assessing the scientific research productivity of a leading toxicology journal: A case study of Human & Experimental Toxicology from 2003 to 2012
Authors: Zyoud Sa’ed H , Al-Jabi Samah W , Sweileh Waleed M , Awang Rahmat
Published: February 2014

Background:

Bibliometric studies are increasingly being used for research assessments. Bibliometric indicators involve the application of statistical methods to scientific publications to obtain the bibliographics for each journal. The main objective of this study was to conduct a bibliometric evaluation of Human & Experimental Toxicology retrieved from the Scopus database.

Methods:

This study obtained data from Scopus published from 1 January 2003 till 31 December 2012. The keywords entered in Scopus to accomplish the objective of this study were ‘Human’, ‘Experimental’ and ‘Toxicology’ as ‘Source Title’. Research productivity was evaluated based on a methodology developed and used in other bibliometric studies by analysing (a) total and trends in Human & Experimental Toxicology contributions in research between 2003 and 2012; (b) Human & Experimental Toxicology authorship patterns and productivity; (c) collaboration patterns; and (d) the citations received by the publications.

Results:

There were 1229 research articles published in Human & Experimental Toxicology. Of the articles included, 947 (77.1%) were original articles and 104 (8.5%) were review articles. The Hirsch-index of the retrieved documents was 35. The largest number of publications in Human & Experimental Toxicology was from the United States (19.6%), followed by India (12.8%) and Turkey (10.9%). The total number of citations was 9119, with a median (interquartile range) of 3 (1–9) in 6797 documents. The highest median (interquartile range) number of citations was 8 (2.7–12.7) for France, followed by 7.5 (2–22.5) for Iran and 6 (3–13.5) for the United Kingdom. The country most often citing articles that were published in Human & Experimental Toxicology was the United States, which made citations in 1508 documents, followed by India with citations in 792 documents.

Conclusion:

The documents in Human & Experimental Toxicology focus principally on original data, with very few review articles. Review articles tend to have higher citation rates than original articles, and hence, the editors and authors of Human & Experimental Toxicology might usefully promote the submission of reviews in the future to improve the impact of the journal.
The future shape of urological training
Authors: O’Flynn Kieran , Payne Steve , Joyce Adrian
Published: February 2014

The recent publication of the ‘Shape of Training Review’ by Professor David Greenaway has re-ignited the debate about the direction of UK postgraduate training in an era where there is significant challenges delivering high-quality care to an ageing population. This article sets out a vision of how BAUS believes that care should develop to meet the anticipated increase need for urological care, ensuring the right balance between specialist and generalist care.
Morbidity and mortality of sleep-disordered breathing: obstructive sleep apnoea and car crash
Authors: Phillips B.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To review the results of USA Department of Transportation meta-analysis regarding obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and car crash risk.

To discuss factors beyond OSA that increase the risk of crash.

Untreated OSA increases the risk of having a car crash two-fold. In addition, the severity of sleep-disordered breathing, degree of oxygen desaturation, self-reported sleepiness and body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of crash in OSA patients. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces the risk of car crash. The data are insufficient for other forms of treatment to date. Sleep loss, medications and driving conditions have also been found to be factors affecting the risk of crash.
Identification of asthma phenotypes in children
Authors: Lødrup Carlsen K.C. , Pijnenburg M.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

Aid understanding of the complexity of linking clinical disease presentation of asthma with underlying mechanisms

Outline possible advantages of improving this understanding

The lung is a highly complex organ that can only be understood by integrating the many aspects of its structure. There is increasing interest in defining childhood asthma phenotypes, following decades of research into understanding mechanisms of asthma development and their genetic background without significant breakthroughs. Despite the medical profession’s best efforts to define asthma, identify risk factors and natural development of asthma in birth cohorts, and find characteristics that distinguish one type of asthma from another, we still do not know the relevant characteristics of the various subgroups of childhood asthma. This review will briefly describe the importance of identifying childhood asthma phenotypes, the observable characteristics of the disease, and the previous and current approaches used to find them.
Functional modifications associated with gastrointestinal tract organogenesis during metamorphosis in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
Authors: Gomes Ana S , Kamisaka Yuko , Harboe Torstein , Power Deborah M , Rønnestad Ivar
Published: February 2014

Background

Flatfish metamorphosis is a hormone regulated post-embryonic developmental event that transforms a symmetric larva into an asymmetric juvenile. In altricial-gastric teleost fish, differentiation of the stomach takes place after the onset of first feeding, and during metamorphosis dramatic molecular and morphological modifications of the gastrointestinal (GI-) tract occur. Here we present the functional ontogeny of the developing GI-tract from an integrative perspective in the pleuronectiforme Atlantic halibut, and test the hypothesis that the multiple functions of the teleost stomach develop synchronously during metamorphosis.

Results

Onset of gastric function was determined with several approaches (anatomical, biochemical, molecular and in vivo observations). In vivo pH analysis in the GI-tract lumen combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) of α and β subunits of the gastric proton pump (H
+
/K
+
-ATPase) and pepsinogen A2 indicated that gastric proteolytic capacity is established during the climax of metamorphosis. Transcript abundance of ghrelin, a putative orexigenic signalling molecule produced in the developing stomach, correlated (p < 0.05) with the emergence of gastric proteolytic activity, suggesting that the stomach’s role in appetite regulation occurs simultaneously with the establishment of proteolytic function. A 3D models series of the GI-tract development indicated a functional pyloric sphincter prior to first feeding. Observations of fed larvae in vivo confirmed that stomach reservoir function was established before metamorphosis, and was thus independent of this event. Mechanical breakdown of food and transportation of chyme through the GI-tract was observed in vivo and resulted from phasic and propagating contractions established well before metamorphosis. The number of contractions in the midgut decreased at metamorphic climax synchronously with establishment of the stomach’s proteolytic capacity and its increased peristaltic activity. Putative osmoregulatory competence of the GI-tract, inferred by abundance of Na
+
/K
+
-ATPase α transcripts, was already established at the onset of exogenous feeding and was unmodified by metamorphosis.

Conclusions

The functional specialization of the GI-tract was not exclusive to metamorphosis, and its osmoregulatory capacity and reservoir function were established before first feeding. Nonetheless, acid production and the proteolytic capacity of the stomach coincided with metamorphic climax, and also marked the onset of the stomach’s involvement in appetite regulation via ghrelin.
Predictors of expiratory flow limitation measured by forced oscillation technique in COPD
Authors: Mikamo Masashi , Shirai Toshihiro , Mori Kazutaka , Shishido Yuichiro , Akita Takefumi , Morita Satoru , Asada Kazuhiro , Fujii Masato , Suda Takafumi
Published: February 2014

Background

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during tidal breathing is common in patients with severe COPD, and a major determinant of dynamic hyperinflation and exercise limitation. EFL can be measured by the forced oscillation technique (FOT); however, the relevance to clinical parameters is not fully understood. We hypothesized that emphysema extent and pulmonary function would contribute independently to the degree of EFL.

Methods

Broadband frequency FOT and pulmonary function tests were performed in 74 patients with COPD to derive respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs), and the EFL index as expressed by the differences between inspiratory and expiratory phases of Xrs at 5 Hz (ΔX5). Emphysema extent was measured by high-resolution computed tomography and scored.

Results

On the basis of the median value of ΔX5 (0.55 cmH2O/L/s), patients were classified into a high or low EFL index group. In multivariate regression analyses, a high EFL index was independently predicted by emphysema score, peripheral airway obstruction (forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity), hyperinflation (functional residual capacity), and airway caliber (whole-breath Rrs at 5 Hz).

Conclusions

EFL measured by FOT is a global measure of COPD that has separable etiologies and is useful for evaluating the disease condition.
Ethnobotany of dye plants in Dong communities of China
Authors: Liu Yujing , Ahmed Selena , Liu Bo , Guo Zhiyong , Huang Weijuan , Wu Xianjin , Li Shenghua , Zhou Jiangju , Lei Qiyi , Long Chunlin
Published: February 2014

Background

Dyes derived from plants have an extensive history of use for coloring food and clothing in Dong communities and other indigenous areas in the uplands of China. In addition to use as coloring agents, Dong communities have historically utilized dye plants for their value for enhancing the nutritive, medicinal and preservative properties of foods. However, the persistence of plant-derived dyes and associated cultural practices and traditional knowledge is threatened with rapid socio-economic change in China. Research is needed to document the ethnobotany of dye plants in indigenous communities towards their conservation and potential commercialization as a sustainable means of supporting local development initiatives.

Methods

Semi-structured surveys on plants used for coloring agents and associated traditional knowledge were conducted in fifteen Dong villages of Tongdao County in Hunan Province of South Central China during 2011–2012. Transect walks were carried out with key informants identified from semi-structured surveys to collect samples and voucher specimens for each documented plant species for taxonomic identification.

Results

Dong households at the study sites utilize the flowers, bark, stems, tubers and roots of 13 plant species from 9 families as dyes to color their customary clothing and food. Out of the documented plants, a total of 7 are used for coloring food, 3 for coloring clothing and 3 for both food and clothing. Documented plants consist of 3 species that yield black pigments, 3 for brownish red/russet pigments, 3 for red pigments, 2 for dark blue pigments and 2 for yellow pigments. In addition to dyes, the plants have multiple uses including medicinal, ornamental, sacrificial, edible, and for timber.

Conclusions

The use of dyes derived from plants persists at the study sites for their important role in expressing Dong cultural identity through customary clothing and food. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety of dye plants, their efficacy in enhancing food items and their commercial potential. Conservation policies and management plans are called for to preserve these ethnobotanical resources in a sustainable manner that supports local livelihoods while maintaining cultural practices.
Persistent negative visual aura in migraine without headache: a case report
Authors: Lim Jisun , Jo Kwang Deog , Lee Moon Kyu , Jang Wooyoung
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Persistent migraine aura without headache is an extremely rare condition. The International Headache Society defines various subtypes of migraines, including “persistent migraine aura without infarction” and “typical aura without headache.”

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 21-year-old Asian woman with a history of migraine without aura who had (as her first aura episode) persistent negative visual symptoms without headache for 6 months. We detected no lesions that could cause her persistent visual symptoms. Based on the patient’s history of migraine without aura and responsiveness to furosemide and lamotrigine, we concluded that the visual symptoms in this case were related to migraine visual auras.

Conclusions

Persistent visual aura without headache overlapped the criteria for the two migraine subtypes mentioned above and thus did not fit an exact diagnosis. Therefore, we assert that new criteria are needed to encompass uncertain visual symptoms of migraine aura.
Cardiac performance, biomarkers and gene expression studies in previously sedentary men participating in half-marathon training
Authors: Vance Danica D , Chen Gordon L , Stoutenberg Mark , Myerburg Robert J , Jacobs Kevin , Nathanson Lubov , Perry Arlette , Seo David , Goldschmidt-Clermont Pascal J , Rampersaud Evadnie
Published: February 2014

Background

The mechanisms through which exercise reduces cardiovascular disease are not fully understood. We used echocardiograms, cardiac biomarkers and gene expression to investigate cardiovascular effects associated with exercise training.

Methods

Nineteen sedentary men (22–37 years) completed a 17-week half-marathon training program. Serial measurements of resting heart rate, blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption, lipids, C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin T, echocardiograms and blood for gene expression were obtained from baseline to peak training. Controls included 22 sedentary men who did not exercise.

Results

Among the training group, VO2 max increased from 37.1 to 42.0 ml/kg/min (p < 0.001). Significant changes were seen in left ventricular wall thickness and mass, stroke volume, resting heart rate and blood pressure (p < 0.001). The control group demonstrated no significant changes. Expression profiling in the training group identified 10 significantly over-expressed and 53 significantly under-expressed loci involved in inflammatory pathways. Dividing the training group into high and low responders based on percent change in VO2 max identified loci that differentiated these two groups at baseline and after training.

Conclusion

Intensive exercise training leads to significant increase in cardiac and hemodynamic performance, and significant changes in expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory response.
Effects of mutations and deletions in the human optineurin gene
Authors: Turturro Sanja , Shen Xiang , Shyam Rajalekshmy , Yue Beatrice YJT , Ying Hongyu
Published: February 2014

Optineurin is a gene associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Foci formation and functional consequences including Golgi fragmentation, impairment of vesicle trafficking and apoptosis were observed previously upon overexpression and/or mutation of optineurin.

In the current study, a total of 15 GFP tagged constructs that included NTG (E50K and 2 bp-AG insertion), ALS (exon 5 deletion, R96L, Q398X, and E478G) and non-disease (L157A and D474N) associated mutants and a series of deletion fragments were cloned into mammalian expression vectors and transfected into RGC5 and/or Neuro2A cells to evaluate whether their expression confer the optineurin phenotypes. The cells were monitored for foci formation and stained by immunofluorescence with anti-GM130 to analyze the Golgi integrity. Transferrin uptake experiments were performed to evaluate the protein trafficking process and apoptosis was assessed with the active caspase 3/7 detection kit. We demonstrated that cells expressing E50K and R96L optineurin exhibited all of the optineurin phenotypes. Q398X mutant did not induce foci formation, but triggered Golgi fragmentation, impairment of transferrin uptake and increase in apoptosis. The 2 bp-AG insertion mutant had a nuclear localization, compromised the transferrin uptake and strongly induced apoptosis. The foci formation, which might not predict the rest of the phenotypes, appeared to require both the leucine zipper and ubiquitin binding domains of the optineurin sequence. Interactions of optineurin with proteins including Rab8, myosin VI, huntingtin and transferrin receptor might directly determine whether the Golgi and protein trafficking phenotypes would be manifested. Examination of mutants and deletion fragments located at various sites of optineurin gene provide clues as to what regions of the gene may play a critical role in the development of pathologic consequences.
Ontological specification of quality of chronic disease data in EHRs to support decision analytics: a realist review
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Ray Pradeep , Taggart Jane , Yu Hairong
Published: February 2014

This systematic review examined the current state of conceptualization and specification of data quality and the role of ontology based approaches to develop data quality based on "fitness for purpose" within the health context. A literature review was conducted of all English language studies, from January 2000-March 2013, which addressed data/information quality, fitness for purpose of data, used and implemented ontology-based approaches. Included papers were critically appraised with a "context-mechanism-impacts/outcomes" overlay. We screened 315 papers, excluded 36 duplicates, 182 on abstract review and 46 on full-text review; leaving 52 papers for critical appraisal. Six papers conceptualized data quality within the "fitness for purpose" definition. While most agree with a multidimensional definition of DQ, there is little consensus on a conceptual framework. We found no reports of systematic and comprehensive ontological approaches to DQ based on fitness for purpose or use. However, 16 papers used ontology-specified implementations in DQ improvement, with most of them focusing on some dimensions of DQ such as completeness, accuracy, correctness, consistency and timeliness. The majority of papers described the processes of the development of DQ in various information systems. There were few evaluative studies, including any comparing ontological with non-ontological approaches, on the assessment of clinical data quality and the performance of the application.
Estrogen receptor beta as a novel target of androgen receptor action in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Rizza Pietro , Barone Ines , Zito Domenico , Giordano Francesca , Lanzino Marilena , De Amicis Francesca , Mauro Loredana , Sisci Diego , Catalano Stefania , Wright Karin Dahlman , Gustafsson Jan-ake , Andò Sebastiano
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The two isoforms of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta play opposite roles in regulating proliferation and differentiation of breast cancers, with ER-alpha mediating mitogenic effects and ER-beta acting as a tumor suppressor. Emerging data have reported that androgen receptor (AR) activation inhibits ER-positive breast cancer progression mainly by antagonizing ER-alpha signaling. However, to date no studies have specifically evaluated a potential involvement of ER-beta in the inhibitory effects of androgens.

Methods

ER-beta expression was examined in human breast cancer cell lines using real-time PCR, Western blotting and small interfering RNA (siRNA) assays. Mutagenesis studies, electromobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis were performed to assess the effects of mibolerone/AR on ER-beta promoter activity and binding.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate that mibolerone, a synthetic androgen ligand, up-regulates ER-beta mRNA and protein levels in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Transient transfection experiments, using a vector containing the human ER-beta promoter region, show that mibolerone increases basal ER-beta promoter activity. Site-directed mutagenesis and deletion analysis reveal that an androgen response element (ARE), TGTTCT motif located at positions −383 and −377, is critical for mibolerone-induced ER-beta up-regulation in breast cancer cells. This occurs through an increased recruitment of AR to the ARE site within the ER-beta promoter region, along with an enhanced occupancy of RNA polymerase II. Finally, silencing of ER-beta gene expression by RNA interference is able to partially reverse the effects of mibolerone on cell proliferation, p21 and cyclin D1 expression.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data provide evidence for a novel mechanism by which activated AR, through an up-regulation of ER-beta gene expression, inhibits breast cancer cell growth.
Feasibility and reliability of an automated controller of inspired oxygen concentration during mechanical ventilation
Authors: Saihi Kaouther , Richard Jean-Christophe M , Gonin Xavier , Krüger Thomas , Dojat Michel , Brochard Laurent
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Hypoxemia and high fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2) are concerns in critically ill patients. An automated FiO2 controller based on continuous oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement was tested. Two different SpO2-FiO2 feedback open loops, designed to react differently based on the level of hypoxemia, were compared. The results of the FiO2 controller were also compared with a historical control group.

Methods

The system measures SpO2, compares with a target range (92% to 96%), and proposes in real time FiO2 settings to maintain SpO2 within target. In 20 patients under mechanical ventilation, two different FiO2-SpO2 open loops were applied by a dedicated research nurse during 3 hours, each in random order. The times spent in and outside the target SpO2 values were measured. The results of the automatic controller were then compared with a retrospective control group of 30 ICU patients. SpO2-FiO2 values of the control group were collected over three different periods of 6 hours.

Results

Time in the target range was higher than 95% with the controller. When the 20 patients were separated according to the median PaO2/FiO2 (160(133-176) mm Hg versus 239(201-285)), the loop with the highest slope was slightly better (P = 0.047) for the more-hypoxemic patients. Hyperoxemia and hypoxemia durations were significantly shorter with the controller compared with usual care: SpO2 target range was reached 90% versus 24%, 27% and 32% (P < .001) with the controller, compared with three historical control-group periods.

Conclusion

A specific FiO2 controller is able to maintain SpO2 reliably within a predefined target range. Two different feedback loops can be used, depending on the initial PaO2/FiO2; with both, the automatic controller showed excellent performance when compared with usual care.
Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 promotes bacterial phagocytosis by human macrophages
Authors: Wan Min , van der Does Anne M , Tang Xiao , Lindbom Lennart , Agerberth Birgitta , Haeggström Jesper Z
Published: February 2014

LL-37/hCAP-18 is the only human member of the cathelicidin family and plays an important role in killing various pathogens, as well as in immune modulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of LL-37 on bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages and demonstrate that LL-37 enhances phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in a dose- and time-dependent manner by dTHP-1 cells. In addition, LL-37 enhanced phagocytosis of nonopsonized Escherichia coli by human macrophages. Consistently, LL-37 elevated the expression of FcγRs on macrophages but not the complement receptors CD11b and -c. Further studies revealed that the expression of TLR4 and CD14 is also increased on LL-37-treated macrophages. Several lines of evidence indicated that the FPR2/ALX receptor mediated LL-37-induced phagocytosis. However, TLR4 signaling was also coupled to the phagocytic response, as a specific TLR4 antibody significantly suppressed phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized E. coli and nonopsonized E. coli by dTHP-1 cells. Finally, macrophages from Cnlp−/− mice exhibited diminished bacterial phagocytosis compared with macrophages from their WT littermates. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel, immune-modulatory mechanism of LL-37, which may contribute to bacterial clearance.
Epigenetically modulated LRRC33 acts as a negative physiological regulator for multiple Toll-like receptors
Authors: Su Xiaomin , Mei Shiyue , Liang Xue , Wang Shihua , Liu Jingyi , Zhang Yuan , Bao Yue , Chen Yanan , Che Yongzhe , Chunhua Zhao Robert , Zhang Zhujun , Yang Rongcun
Published: February 2014

The members of a LRR family play crucial roles in the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. We reported previously that LRRC33, a transmembrane protein of the LRR family, might potentially affect TLR-mediated activity. Here, we demonstrate that LRRC33 is a negative physiological regulator for multiple TLRs. Lrrc33−/− and Lrrc33+/− mice were more susceptible to TLR ligand challenges. The macrophages and DCs from Lrrc33−/− mice produced more proinflammatory cytokines than those of WT mice through increased activation of MAPK and NF-κB. Silencing LRRC33 also promoted multiple TLR-mediated activation in human moDCs. Notably, LRRC33 expression could be down-regulated by TLR ligands LPS, poly I:C, or PGN through H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modification. In LPS-conditioned moDCs, reduced enrichment of H3K4me3 and increased H3K27me3 could be observed at the promoter region of LRRC33. Furthermore, silencing H3K4me3-associated factors MLL and RBBP5 not only decreased the enrichment of H3K4me3 but also down-regulated expression of LRRC33, whereas the expression of LRRC33 was up-regulated after silencing H3K27me3-associated factors EZH2 and EED. Thus, our results suggest that LRRC33 and TLRs may form a negative-feedback loop, which is important for the maintenance of immune homeostasis.
Vitamin D3 and phenylbutyrate promote development of a human dendritic cell subset displaying enhanced antimicrobial properties
Authors: van der Does Anne M , Kenne Ellinor , Koppelaar Ella , Agerberth Birgitta , Lindbom Lennart
Published: February 2014

A promising strategy in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens is the induction of endogenous AMPs, with compounds such as VitD3 and PBA. These compounds display an array of immunomodulatory effects that remain to be investigated in further detail to establish their role in the clearance of infection and possible modulation of AMP expression. Here, we have investigated the effects of VitD3 and PBA on human monocyte-DC differentiation and found that VitD3 and PBA promote the development of a stretched CD14+/CD1a− DC subset. This subset produced enhanced levels of ROS and human cathelicidin; furthermore, it displayed enhanced killing capacity of Staphylococcus aureus compared with control DCs. When experiments were performed in WT and cathelicidin-deficient mice, we established that a ROS-producing, stretched DC subset was also induced in mouse-derived cells, independent of cathelicidin expression. However, in contrast to the human DCs, enhanced cathelicidin expression and enhanced antimicrobial activities were not found in the murine VitD3/PBA DC subset. In conclusion, the results of this study show that VitD3 and PBA induce a human DC subset that is effective against infection. These results promote further research into the use of these compounds as an antimicrobial treatment strategy.
Use of Auxiliary Functions in Evaluation of Self-Frictional Overlap Integrals over Noninteger n Slater Type Orbitals
Authors: Guseinov Israfil I , Mamedov Bahtiyar A
Published: February 2014

By the use of auxiliary functions with the noninteger indices introduced by one of the authors, the formulas for the S(α*)-self-frictional overlap integrals (S(α*)-SFOIs) of χ-Slater type orbitals with noninteger principal quantum number (χ-NISTOs) are presented, where α* is the self-frictional quantum number. The suggested approach guarantees a highly accurate calculation of the S(α*)-SFOIs for the arbitrary values of parameters and locations of orbitals.
The contradictions of the legal and religious regulation of public relations
Authors: Путилкин Павел , Putilkin Pavel
Published: February 2014

The article explores the contradictions of religious and legal regulation of social relations with the position of Orthodoxy. Revealed contradictions in criminal law, civil law, constitutional informational and other spheres of regulation. The current legislation is mapped with the Bible, New Testament, old Covenant. Special attention is paid to reasons of contradictions between law and religion.
Methodology of Motivation and Stimulation of Organization’s Personnel
Authors: Кибанов  , Kibanov Ardalon
Published: February 2014

Theoretical and methodological issues of motivation and stimulation of labor activity are discussed, including such concepts, as «motive», «incentive», «motivation » and «stimulation». The essence of interrelating and interconditioning processes of motivation and stimulation is defined along with their constituent elements. In-depth meaning of motivational core as a system of incentives and motives, driving labor activity at a given stage of the organizational life, is revealed. Motivational core, as a cohesion of interrelated incentives and motives, is characterized by the following features: several motives, affecting simultaneously the worker; different incentives corresponding to different kinds of resources being at the disposal of management system; consistent robust cause and effect relationship between motives and incentives; motivational core steadiness; can be modernized based on motives and incentives priority changes; ability to autonomous settlement of differences among motives and between incentives and motives. Major drivers of motivational core creation are discussed. The need for personnel motivational core is reasoned and key ways of motivational core managing are highlighted. Motivational core managing helps to lay down priorities and to range incentives in terms of their effect on motives. In the process certain motives are enhanced and others are weakened. Factors of motivation and stimulation effectiveness and of motivational core efficiency are characterized.
Lectures on the Discipline «Motivation and Stimulation of Labour Activity» (Part 9th)
Authors: Митрофанова  , Mitrofanova Elena
Published: February 2014

This article concludes the synopsis of lectures on «Motivation and Stimulation of Labour Activity» discipline within the bachelor-level program.
Current Issues of Assessing Investments in a Company’s Human Capital
Authors: Стрих  , Strikh Nikolay , Попова  , Popova Ekaterina
Published: February 2014

Across-the-world and domestic practices accumulate certain expertise in assessing various components of Corporate Social Responsibility. This is a reflection of established international viewpoint, that strategic HRM is impossible without investments in human capital. However certain gaps in research of the issue have predetermined the choice of goals and tasks for the current research. In particular, the unified model of the set of measures has not yet been developed. The paper concerns the issues of investments in human capital, presents social and economic criteria for evaluation of such investments. Ways to analyze composition of stakeholders are shown. Advantages of certain standardized international reporting procedures (АА 1000, GRI, SA 8000) are revealed. Thorough attention is given to evaluation of “pros’ and “contras” concerning investing in the human capital of a company. Potential risks for the company are outlined.
Personnel Management Department in Ryazan: History of Development and Current Achievements
Authors: Рулёва  , Ruleva Yulia
Published: February 2014

The paper describes how the Personnel Management Department in Ryazan State University named for S.A. Yesenin have been developed and shows the role

of the Department in the growth of vocational training in the field of human resource management in the Ryazan region.
Personnel Management Department of Southern Federal University
Authors: Скачкова  , Skachkova Liudmila , Михалкина  , Mikhalkina Elena , Баринова  , Barinova T.
Published: February 2014

The paper discribes the history of formation and strategic development Personnel Management Department of Southern Federal University.
Social Fire Risk Calculation in Respect to Gas Transportation Facilities
Authors: Быков  , Bykov A.
Published: February 2014

Approaches to definition of social risk indicators in current regulations applicable to gas transportation facilities are

analyzed. It has been shown that these indicators’ evaluation should be undertaken within a framework of fire and accident

risks, i.e. objects operate on combustible gas moving under overpressure. It is specified that existing techniques doesn´t

contain a concept of social fire risk in general. The remaining existing regulations are not applied to social risk value

assessment at gas transmission facilities.
Ratings of Russian Academic Periodicals Specializing on Problems of Safety, Environment Protection and Ecology
Authors: Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: February 2014

Methods related to calculation of Science Index citation and impact-factors of Russian academic periodicals with thematic orientation to problems of safety, environment protection and ecology have been considered. Analysis related to rating of main Russian academic periodicals on the specified subject has been performed. Main problems of Russian scientific periodical press have been designated.
Inclusive Leisure and Individuals With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Dattilo John
Published: February 2014

This article contains information about issues associated with the inclusion of people with intellectual disability and their participation in leisure within their communities. Concepts identified are intended to create dialogue about the provision of supports, establishment of policies, and implementation of research associated with inclusive leisure opportunities and people with intellectual disability. To begin this dialogue, the relevance of leisure is described to establish a foundation of understanding about inclusion, leisure, and people with intellectual disability. This is followed by identification of some major issues and techniques that may be helpful to reflect on when providing leisure supports and establishing policies. The final section of the paper contains considerations that may be useful when attempting to conduct research that is respectful and meaningful to people with intellectual disability, their families and friends, human service providers, and other members of the community.
New product concept selection: an integrated approach using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and conjoint analysis (CA)
Authors: Salhieh SaEd M. , Al-Harris Mira Y.
Published: February 2014

New product concept development is considered to be a critical step and the main determinant for the success or failure of new product development. This paper introduces a new methodology for the evaluation and selection of new product concepts using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Conjoint Analysis (CA). The proposed methodology integrates customer perceived value of the new product concepts through the use of CA and uses this perceived value as a measure for the new concepts performance. In addition, the methodology takes into account the development burden that a company has to perform to bring the new concept into a state of market readiness. This development burden is estimated by determining two main factors, namely the burden to produce and the burden to sell the new product concept. The customer perceived value and the development burden are both used in DEA to evaluate the new product concepts resulting in the selection of the best product concept. The applicability of the proposed methodology is illustrated through a case study. Keywords: Product development, concept selection, data envelopment analysis, conjoint analysis.
Relief supply in the aftermath of the 2009 typhoon morakot
Authors: Liao Yen-Hsiung
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To monitor whether the relief including food, and supplies met the need for the Typhoon Morakot victims. Approach: Relief data was obtained from the Relief Coordination Center (RCC), Pingtung County Government during July 10 to July 28, 2009. The relief was classified into food and supplies categories. Results: The most need of relief was cleaner necessaries (8/15 = 53.3 %), the last need of relief was seasoning (0/15 = 0 %). The subjects including eggs, bread, cloths, socks, lighter, and candle were not required by the victims although they were donated by people. Conclusion: The several catchment areas in Pingtung County needed to be cleaned after the flooding. Therefore, the kind of cleaner necessaries was the most as well as the longest need of relief expectantly. Our results suggest the priorities of resources allocation for the next disaster. Keywords: Typhoon Morakot, Cleaner Necessaries, Resource Allocation.
Trust, Truth, Status and Identity: An Experimental Inquiry
Authors: Butler Jeffrey V.
Published: February 2014

To investigate how group-contingent non-pecuniary preferences are affected when one group occupies a position of higher status than another group, experimental participants were divided into two trivially distinct groups and then one of the groups was randomly assigned “high status.” Control sessions were also conducted in which no status distinction was introduced. In all sessions, participants subsequently played two games governed by distinct social norms: a trust game and a cheap talk game where lying was possible. In the control sessions, norm compliance was higher in same-group interactions, consistent with previous research demonstrating that normative obligations are often parochial. In treatment sessions, parochialism vanished and was replaced by noblesse oblige: members of high status groups exhibited more norm compliance in all of their interactions. Finally, in game roles not governed by an unambiguous social norm, identity had no direct impact on behavior. Considered together, the results suggest that the channel through which social identity directly impacts behavior is norm compliance and that the nature of this impact depends crucially on the relationship between involved groups.
Severe Bacillus cereus infection in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Machado Clara , Silva Albina , Magalhães Maria J. , Sá Carla , Abreu Eduarda , Matos António M. , Pereira Almerinda
Published: February 2014

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in neonates with very low birth weight (VLBW) may have major clinical consequences due to their immunocompromised status. Bacillus cereus is a rare pathogen that can cause serious infection in these patients and is associated with a high mortality rate. We report the case of an extremely preterm neonate who developed severe infection of the CNS caused by B. cereus with progressive neurological deterioration despite broad spectrum antibiotic treatment. She died at the age of 16 months. In conclusion, we wish to increase the awareness among health care practitioner about the possibility of infection due to B. cereus in sick neonates and its devastating course in this population.
A note for alternating Ramanujan's circular summation formula
Authors: Liu Xian-Fang , Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: February 2014

Recently, Zhu gave an alternating circular summation
of theta functions (see [Appl. Anal. Discrete Math. 6 (2012), 114–125]). In this paper, we further extend Zhu's results. Some applications are also shown.
A note about complexity of lens spaces
Authors: Casali Maria Rita , Cristofori Paola
Published: February 2014

Within crystallization theory, (Matveev's) complexity of a 3-manifold can be estimated by means of the combinatorial notion of GM-complexity.
In this paper, we prove that the GM-complexity of any lens space

L
(
p
,
q
)

${L(p,q)}$

, with p ≥ 3, is bounded by

S
(
p
,
q
)
-
3

${S(p,q) -3}$

, where

S
(
p
,
q
)

${S(p,q)}$

denotes the sum of all partial quotients in the expansion of

q
p

${\frac{q}{p}}$

as a regular continued fraction. The above upper bound had been already established with regard to complexity; its sharpness was conjectured by Matveev
himself and has recently been proved for some
infinite families of lens spaces by Jaco, Rubinstein and Tillmann.
As a consequence, infinite classes of 3-manifolds turn out to exist, where complexity and GM-complexity coincide.
Moreover, we present and briefly analyze results arising from
crystallization catalogues up to order 32, which prompt us to
conjecture, for any lens space

L
(
p
,
q
)

${L(p,q)}$

with p ≥ 3, the
following relation:

k
(
L
(
p
,
q
)
)
=
5
+
2
c
(
L
(
p
,
q
)
)

${k(L(p,q)) = 5 + 2 c(L(p,q))}$

, where c(M)
denotes the complexity of a 3-manifold M and

k
(
M
)
+
1

${k(M) +1}$

is half the minimum order of a crystallization of M.
Fractional type Marcinkiewicz integral operators on function spaces
Authors: Xue Qingying , Yabuta Kôzô , Yan Jingquan
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we discussed about the boundedness of the
fractional type Marcinkiewicz integral operators, and improved a result given
by Chen, Fan and Ying in 2002. They showed that
under certain conditions the fractional type Marcinkiewicz integral operators
are bounded from the Triebel–Lizorkin spaces

F
˙

p
q

α

(

ℝ
n

)

${\dot{F}_{pq}^{\alpha }({\mathbb {R}^n})}$

to

L
p

(

ℝ
n

)

${L^p({\mathbb {R}^n})}$

. We greatly weakened their assumptions and extended their results
to a pretty much more general way.
Characteristics of the Bending Moment Acting on an Overhung Shaft in a Stirred Vessel
Authors: Shi Daien , Lu Tao , Eaglesham Archie , Gao Zhengming
Published: February 2014

The bending moment acting on an overhung shaft in an impeller stirred vessel was measured using a moment sensor equipped with digital telemetry. The results show that the characteristics of bending moment, such as the mean amplitudes, the amplitude and frequency distributions and the intensity of the amplitude fluctuations are influenced by both the ratio of operational speed to resonant speed (n/nr) and the impeller type. Analysis of the bending moment amplitude shows that the dimensionless shaft bending moment decreases for low values of n/nr and increases with increasing n/nr for higher values of n/nr. The value of the n/nr transition point depends on the type of impeller used in the experiments. Analysis of the power spectral density of bending moment fluctuation shows that the main contributions to the bending moment for low impeller speeds (i.e. well below the first resonant frequency) come from factors related to the fluid flow while the impeller imbalance becomes steadily more dominant as the speed increases.
Effects of Moisture Content and Impact Energy on the Cracking Characteristics of Walnuts
Authors: Shahbazi Feizollah
Published: February 2014

A study was conducted to determine the effects of moisture content and energy of impact on the cracking characteristics of walnuts. A sample of fresh harvested walnuts was divided into four portions and conditioned under sunshine for different time durations to obtain different levels of moisture content [9.2–29.7%, wet basis (w.b.)]. An impact test apparatus was used to apply different impact energies in the range of 0.13–1.11 J to samples with different moisture content. Data obtained on the quantity of fully cracked and unbroken kernel, fully cracked but broken kernel and uncracked nuts were used in the computation of the nuts cracking characteristics. Results showed that moisture content, impact energy and interaction effects of these two variables have significant effect on the walnuts cracking characteristics. Full cracking of nuts increased with impact energy and decreasing moisture content. The optimum moisture content for cracking walnuts that gave the best result combination of high whole kernel yield and low kernel breakage was found to be about 16%. The optimum impact energy for cracking was found to be about 1.01 J (1.01 ± 0.1 J). The results of this study show that development of a centrifugal impact cracker, which uses impact to crack walnuts, is possible. In the designing of the walnut cracker, the radius and speed of the cracker should be such that create impact energy and velocity of about 1.01 J and 11 m/s, respectively, and walnuts should be conditioned to the moisture content of about 16% for optimum efficiency.