bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry of influenza A virus: host factors and antiviral targets
Authors: Edinger Thomas O. , Pohl Marie O. , Stertz Silke
Published: November 2013

Influenza virus is a major human pathogen that causes annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. Moreover, the virus causes outbreaks in poultry and other animals, such as pigs, requiring costly and laborious countermeasures. Therefore, influenza virus has a substantial impact on health and the global economy. Here, we review entry of this important pathogen into target cells, an essential process by which viral genomes are delivered from extracellular virions to sites of transcription/replication in the cell nucleus. We summarize current knowledge on the interaction of influenza viruses with their receptor, sialic acid, and highlight the ongoing search for additional receptors. We describe receptor-mediated endocytosis and the recently discovered macropinocytosis as alternative virus uptake pathways, and illustrate the subsequent endosomal trafficking of the virus with advanced live microscopy techniques. Release of virus from the endosome and import of the viral ribonucleoproteins into the host cell nucleus are also outlined. Although a focus has been on viral protein function during entry, recent studies have revealed exciting information on cellular factors required for influenza virus entry. We highlight these, and discuss established entry inhibitors targeting viral and host factors, as well as the latest prospects for designing novel ‘anti-entry’ compounds. New entry inhibitors are of particular importance for current efforts to develop the next generation of anti-influenza drugs – entry is the first essential step of virus replication and is an ideal target to block infection efficiently.
Recognition of the Protein Kinase AVRPPHB SUSCEPTIBLE1 by the Disease Resistance Protein RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE5 Is Dependent onS-Acylation and an Exposed Loop in AVRPPHB SUSCEPTIBLE1
Authors: Qi Dong , Dubiella Ullrich , Kim Sang Hee , Sloss D. Isaiah , Dowen Robert H. , Dixon Jack E. , Innes Roger W.
Published: November 2013

The recognition of pathogen effector proteins by plants is typically mediated by intracellular receptors belonging to the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) family. NLR proteins often detect pathogen effector proteins indirectly by detecting modification of their targets. How NLR proteins detect such modifications is poorly understood. To address these questions, we have been investigating the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) NLR protein RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE5 (RPS5), which detects the Pseudomonas syringae effector protein Avirulence protein Pseudomonas phaseolicolaB (AvrPphB). AvrPphB is a cysteine protease that specifically targets a subfamily of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases, including the Arabidopsis protein kinase AVRPPHB Susceptible1 (PBS1). RPS5 is activated by the cleavage of PBS1 at the apex of its activation loop. Here, we show that RPS5 activation requires that PBS1 be localized to the plasma membrane and that plasma membrane localization of PBS1 is mediated by amino-terminal S-acylation. We also describe the development of a high-throughput screen for mutations in PBS1 that block RPS5 activation, which uncovered four new pbs1 alleles, two of which blocked cleavage by AvrPphB. Lastly, we show that RPS5 distinguishes among closely related kinases by the amino acid sequence (SEMPH) within an exposed loop in the C-terminal one-third of PBS1. The SEMPH loop is located on the opposite side of PBS1 from the AvrPphB cleavage site, suggesting that RPS5 associates with the SEMPH loop while leaving the AvrPphB cleavage site exposed. These findings provide support for a model of NLR activation in which NLR proteins form a preactivation complex with effector targets and then sense a conformational change in the target induced by effector modification.
Three-dimensional rotation electron diffraction: softwareREDfor automated data collection and data processing
Authors: Wan Wei , Sun Junliang , Su Jie , Hovmöller Sven , Zou Xiaodong
Published: November 2013

Implementation of a computer program package for automated collection and processing of rotation electron diffraction (RED) data is described. The software package contains two computer programs:REDdata collection andREDdata processing. TheREDdata collection program controls the transmission electron microscope and the camera. Electron beam tilts at a fine step (0.05–0.20°) are combined with goniometer tilts at a coarse step (2.0–3.0°) around a common tilt axis, which allows a fine relative tilt to be achieved between the electron beam and the crystal in a large tilt range. An electron diffraction (ED) frame is collected at each combination of beam tilt and goniometer tilt. TheREDdata processing program processes three-dimensional ED data generated by theREDdata collection program or by other approaches. It includes shift correction of the ED frames, peak hunting for diffraction spots in individual ED frames and identification of these diffraction spots as reflections in three dimensions. Unit-cell parameters are determined from the positions of reflections in three-dimensional reciprocal space. All reflections are indexed, and finally a list withhklindices and intensities is output. The data processing program also includes a visualizer to view and analyse three-dimensional reciprocal lattices reconstructed from the ED frames. Details of the implementation are described. Data collection and data processing with the softwareREDare demonstrated using a calcined zeolite sample, silicalite-1. The structure of the calcined silicalite-1, with 72 unique atoms, could be solved from the RED data by routine direct methods.
Fibrinogen species as resolved by HPLC-SAXS data processing within theUltraScan Solution Modeler(US-SOMO) enhanced SAS module
Authors: Brookes Emre , Pérez Javier , Cardinali Barbara , Profumo Aldo , Vachette Patrice , Rocco Mattia
Published: November 2013

Fibrinogen is a large heterogeneous aggregation/degradation-prone protein playing a central role in blood coagulation and associated pathologies, whose structure is not completely resolved. When a high-molecular-weight fraction was analyzed by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography/small-angle X-ray scattering (HPLC-SAXS), several composite peaks were apparent and because of the stickiness of fibrinogen the analysis was complicated by severe capillary fouling. Novel SAS analysis tools developed as a part of theUltraScan Solution Modeler(US-SOMO; http://somo.uthscsa.edu/), an open-source suite of utilities with advanced graphical user interfaces whose initial goal was the hydrodynamic modeling of biomacromolecules, were implemented and applied to this problem. They include the correction of baseline drift due to the accumulation of material on the SAXS capillary walls, and the Gaussian decomposition of non-baseline-resolved HPLC-SAXS elution peaks. It was thus possible to resolve at least two species co-eluting under the fibrinogen main monomer peak, probably resulting from in-column degradation, and two others under an oligomers peak. The overall and cross-sectional radii of gyration, molecular mass and mass/length ratio of all species were determined using the manual or semi-automated procedures available within theUS-SOMOSAS module. Differences between monomeric species and linear and sideways oligomers were thus identified and rationalized. This newUS-SOMOversion additionally contains several computational and graphical tools, implementing functionalities such as the mapping of residues contributing to particular regions ofP(r), and an advanced module for the comparison of primaryI(q)versus qdata with model curves computed from atomic level structures or bead models. It should be of great help in multi-resolution studies involving hydrodynamics, solution scattering and crystallographic/NMR data.
Arrangement of Rh3+ions infac-triamminetrichloridorhodium from powder data and infac-triamminetrinitratorhodium crystals twinned by merohedry
Authors: Vasiliev Alexander D. , Molokeev Maxim S. , Baidina Iraida A. , Belyaev Anatoly V. , Vorob'eva Sofiya N.
Published: November 2013

The rhodium complexes [RhCl3(NH3)3], (I), and [Rh(NO3)3(NH3)3], (II), are built from octahedral RhX3(NH3)3units; in (I) they are isolated units, while in (II) the units are stacked in columns with partially filled sites for the Rh atoms. The octahedra of monoclinic crystals of (I) are linked by N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds and the Rh3+ions are located on the mirror planes. In the trigonal crystals of (II), the discontinuous `columns' along the threefold axis are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The structure of (I) has been solved using laboratory powder diffraction data, the structure of (II) has been solved by single-crystal methods using data from a merohedrally twinned sample. Both compounds possess low solubility in water.
Cohort profile: Risk evaluation of cancers in Chinese diabetic individuals: a longitudinal (REACTION) study (队列简介：中国糖尿病患者肿瘤发生风险的纵向研究（REACTION研究）)
Authors: Bi Yufang , Lu Jieli , Wang Weiqing , Mu Yiming , Zhao Jiajun , Liu Chao , Chen Lulu , Shi Lixin , Li Qiang , Wan Qin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Yan Li , Liu Yan , Wang Guixia , Luo Zuojie , Tang Xulei , Chen Gang , Huo Yanan , Gao Zhengnan , Su Qing , Ye Zhen , Wang Youming , Qin Guijun , Deng Huacong , Yu Xuefeng , Shen Feixia , Chen Li , Zhao Liebin , Zhang Jie , Sun Jichao , Dai Meng , Xu Min , Xu Yu , Chen Yuhong , Lai Shenghan , Bloomgarden Zachary T. , Li Donghui , Ning Guang
Published: November 2013

Objective

To demonstrate whether abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes and prediabetes) is associated with increased risk for cancer in the Chinese population and to identify factors that modify the risk of cancer among individuals with abnormal glucose metabolism.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2012, 259 657 community‐dwelling adults, aged 40 years and older, were recruited from 25 centers across mainland China to participant in the baseline survey of the REACTION study, with follow‐up investigations performed 3, 5, and 10 years later. Detailed questionnaires about lifestyles, physical and biochemical measurement, bio‐samples including serum, urine, and whole blood for DNA extraction were collected for all the participants.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of this cohort was 57 ± 10 years. And the prevalence of pre‐existing and newly diagnosed diabetes was 10.32% and 10.57%, respectively. A total of 4511 prevalent cancer cases (988 men and 3523 women) were identified, the prevalence was 1.79. Compared to those with normal glucose metabolism, men with diabetes had a significantly lower adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) of stomach cancer (PR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.89), and women with diabetes had significantly higher adjusted PRs of cancer of all sites (PR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20–1.56), and cancer of the breast (PR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.21–2.00), the endometrium (PR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.16–2.15), and the thyroid (PR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.03–2.27).

Conclusion

The multi‐center REACTION study has captured a broad range of data on physical, psychological and metabolic function as well as health status, biochemical and lifestyle information in 259 657 adults from the general population across the China.
Early interaction between infants and their parents predicts social competence at the age of four
Authors: Hedenbro Monica , Rydelius Per‐Anders
Published: November 2013

Aim

To investigate the impact that the interaction between first‐born children and their parents, from the age of 3 months, has on peer and social competence when the children are 4 years of age.

Methods

Fifteen families were videotaped in Lausanne Trilogue Play situations (child–mother–father interactions), when the children were three, nine, 18 and 48 months of age. The findings were then related to peer and social competence assessments carried out by preschool teachers when the children were four.

Results

There was a correlation between the parents' responsiveness and the child's capacity to initiate (make contributions to) turn‐taking sequences in the family triad early in life. This, in turn, was associated with the child's later peer and social competence. At the age of 3 months, the child's contributions to the triadic interaction were interpreted by the parents as intentional communication. According to the preschool teachers' assessments, children who initiated turn‐taking sequences at 9 months of age had better peer competence (p = 0.008) and social competence (p = 0.028) at 48 months.

Conclusion

The results highlight the opportunities that parents have to stimulate their child's later social competence. They also show that a Lausanne Trilogue Play situation can be used to identify competent children and children/families with communication deficits.
Maternal western diet primes non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult mouse offspring
Authors: Pruis M. G. M. , Lendvai Á. , Bloks V. W. , Zwier M. V. , Baller J. F. W. , de Bruin A. , Groen A. K. , Plösch T.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Metabolic programming via components of the maternal diet during gestation may play a role in the development of different aspects of the metabolic syndrome. Using a mouse model, we aimed to characterize the role of maternal western‐type diet in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the offspring.

Methods

Female mice were fed either a western (W) or low‐fat control (L) semisynthetic diet before and during gestation and lactation. At weaning, male offspring were assigned either the W or the L diet, generating four experimental groups: WW, WL, LW and LL offspring. Biochemical, histological and epigenetic indicators were investigated at 29 weeks of age.

Results

Male offspring exposed to prenatal and post‐weaning western‐style diet (WW) showed hepatomegaly combined with accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides. This accumulation was associated with up‐regulation of de novo lipid synthesis, inflammation and dysregulation of lipid storage. Elevated hepatic transaminases and increased expression of Tnfa, Cd11, Mcp1 and Tgfb underpin the severity of liver injury. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of advanced steatohepatitis in WW offspring. In addition, alterations in DNA methylation in key metabolic genes (Ppara, Insig, and Fasn) were detected.

Conclusion

Maternal dietary fat intake during early development programmes susceptibility to liver disease in male offspring, mediated by disturbances in lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Long‐lasting epigenetic changes may underlie this dysregulation.
Intrinsic Rewards, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Habit Strength: A Three‐Wave Study Testing the Associative‐Cybernetic Model
Authors: Wiedemann Amelie U. , Gardner Benjamin , Knoll Nina , Burkert Silke
Published: November 2013

Background: Habit formation is thought to lead to long‐term maintenance of fruit and vegetable consumption. Habits develop through context‐dependent repetition, but additional variables such as intrinsic reward of behaviour may influence habit strength. Drawing upon the Associative‐Cybernetic Model, this exploratory study tested different pathways by which intrinsic reward may influence fruit and vegetable consumption habit strength. Methods: In a three‐wave study of fruit and vegetable intake in adults (N = 127) from the general population, intrinsic reward, intention, and self‐efficacy were assessed at baseline, fruit and vegetable consumption and intrinsic reward two weeks later, and habit strength another two weeks later. Direct, indirect, and moderation effects of intrinsic reward on habit strength were tested simultaneously in a moderated mediation model. Results: Intrinsic reward had a positive indirect effect on habit strength through its influence on the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption. Further, the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and habit was stronger where consumption was considered more intrinsically rewarding. Conclusions: Findings highlight the potential relevance of intrinsic reward to habit. We suggest that intrinsic rewards from behaviour may not only facilitate habit via behaviour frequency, but also reinforce the relationship between behavioural repetition and habit strength.
Totally intracorporeal robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: optimizing total outcomes
Authors: Collins Justin W. , Wiklund N. Peter
Published: November 2013

We performed a systematic literature review to assess the current status of a totally intracorporeal robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) approach. The current ‘gold standard’ for radical cystectomy remains open radical cystectomy. RARC has lagged behind robot‐assisted prostatectomy in terms of adoption and perceived patient benefit, but there are indications that this is now changing. There have been several recently published large series of RARC, both with extracorporeal and with intracorporeal urinary diversions. The present review focuses on the totally intracorporeal approach. Radical cystectomy is complex surgery with several important outcome measures, including oncological and functional outcomes, complication rates, patient recovery and cost implications. We aim to answer the question of whether there are advantages to a totally intracorporeal robotic approach or whether we are simply making an already complex procedure more challenging with an associated increase in complication rates. We review the current status of both oncological and functional outcomes of totally intracorporeal RARC compared with standard RARC with extraperitoneal urinary diversion and with open radical cystectomy, and assess the associated short‐ and long‐term complication rates. We also review aspects in training and research that have affected the uptake of RARC. Additionally we evaluate how current technology is contributing to the future development of this surgical technique.
Trade policy and industrial development: iron and steel in a small open economy, 1870−1913
Authors: Inwood Kris , Keay Ian
Published: November 2013

In this paper we argue that effective tariff protection associated with the 1879 National Policy and the 1887 Tupper tariffs triggered investment in new, technologically advanced blast furnaces that were capable of accommodating rapid output expansion. This conclusion is based on an appreciation of the timing of late nineteenth‐century investments in Canada and their connection to changes in government policy and other demand determinants. In our empirical investigation we use new information on westbound transatlantic freight rates, intra‐continental transport costs, and furnace‐specific micro‐data, and we acknowledge the endogenous relationships linking investment to domestic demand, labour costs, and tariffs.
Imputing rent in consumption measures, with an application to consumption poverty in Canada, 1997–2009
Authors: Norris Sam , Pendakur Krishna
Published: November 2013

We consider two econometric problems in the measurement of poverty, both relating to rent imputation. First, we account for quality differences correlated with selection into owner‐occupied versus rental tenure. This correction increases estimated household consumption by 5% over uncorrected estimates and decreases estimated poverty rates quite dramatically. Second, we propose that measurement error induced by the imputation be corrected by imputing a consumption distribution, rather than a consumption level, for each household. This correction increases estimated poverty rates slightly. We use our methods to measure consumption poverty in Canada, and find that the imputation strategy used influences the patterns observed. For example, measured poverty among the elderly barely declines when one uses our methods, in contrast to the almost 6 percentage point reduction we find using traditional methods. In our assessment of the over‐time evolution of consumption poverty, we find that substantial progress has been made on overall poverty and on child poverty, but that poverty among the elderly hardly changed.
What separates us? Sources of resistance to globalization
Authors: Head Keith , Mayer Thierry
Published: November 2013

With increasing sophistication, economists have been estimating gravity equations for five decades. Robust evidence shows that borders and distance impede trade by much more than tariffs or transports costs can explain. We therefore advocate investigation of other sources of resistance, despite the greater difficult involved in measuring and modelling them. From our selective review of recent findings, a unifying explanation emerges. A legacy of historical isolation and conflict forged a world economy in which neither tastes nor information are homogeneously distributed. Cultural difference and inadequate information manifest themselves most strongly at national borders and over distance.
Why do immigrant workers in Australia perform better than those in Canada? Is it the immigrants or their labour markets?
Authors: Clarke Andrew , Skuterud Mikal
Published: November 2013

Research comparing the labour market performance of recent cohorts of immigrants to Australia and Canada points to superior employment and earnings outcomes in Australia. Examining Australian and Canadian Census data between 1986 and 2006, we find that this performance advantage is not driven by differences in broader labour market conditions affecting all new labour market entrants. Rather, the results from comparing immigrants from a common source country – either the U.K., India, or China – suggest that Australian immigrants perform better, particularly in average earnings, primarily because of a different source country distribution. Moreover, the recent tightening of Australian selection policy, most notably its use of mandatory pre‐migration English‐language testing, appears to be having an effect, primarily by further shifting the source country distribution of immigrants away from non‐English‐speaking source countries, rather than in identifying higher‐quality migrants within source countries.
Export‐supporting FDI
Authors: Krautheim Sebastian
Published: November 2013

A large fraction of affiliates owned by multinational manufacturing companies operate in the wholesale and retail sectors. This paper proposes a model of trade, horizontal FDI, and export‐supporting FDI (ESFDI). ESFDI reduces distribution costs abroad, while production remains at home. ESFDI introduces a complementarity between trade and FDI, while trade and production abroad remain substitutes. German firm‐level FDI data show that ESFDI is quantitatively relevant. In line with the model, most firms choose either ESFDI or horizontal FDI in a given market; ESFDI is chosen by smaller parents and is strongest when distance from Germany is low.
Prescription of antidepressants is increased in Danish patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and is associated with hyperandrogenism. A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Altinok M. L. , Glintborg D. , dePont Christensen R. , Hallas J. , Andersen M.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Quality of life is impaired in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we compared the time to first prescription of antidepressants (ADM) in PCOS vs two control groups.

Design

Register‐based cohort study.

Patients

One thousand and one hundred and twenty‐four premenopausal women with hirsutism and/or PCOS, premenopausal women with hypertension (HT, n = 301), and age‐ and sex‐matched population controls (controls, n = 4110).

Measurements

Prescriptions for ADM on secondary care contacts from regional registers.

Results

The median age at cohort entry in PCOS, HT and controls was 29, 34 and 29 years, respectively. Among PCOS, HT and controls, 227 (20%), 74 (25%) and 633 (15%), respectively, had prescriptions of ADM. The median time to first prescription of ADM in the PCOS, HT and control cohorts was 6·8, 6·6 and 7·2 years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for time to prescription of ADM for HT vs PCOS was 1·36 [95% CI (1·02–1·82)], P = 0·039, and for controls vs PCOS, it was 0·75 [95% CI (0·64–0·88)], P < 0·001. Within patients with PCOS, hyperandrogenism contributed significantly to the model, likelihood ratio test P = 0·009. The adjusted hazard ratio for hyperandrogenism vs no hyperandrogenism was 1·97 (1·12–3·45), P = 0·018.

Conclusion

Patients with PCOS had moderately but significantly decreased time to first prescription of ADM compared with age‐matched healthy women, whereas patients with HT had the shortest time to prescription. In PCOS, prescription of ADM was associated with the presence of hyperandrogenism.
Thin lenticule Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: single, slow pass technique
Authors: Vajpayee Rasik B , Maharana Prafulla K , Jain Shreyans , Sharma Namrata , Jhanji Vishal
Published: November 2013

Background

To evaluate the outcomes of single pass thin lenticule sutureless Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty with donor lenticules prepared using a 400 μm microkeratome head.

Design

Interventional case series.

Participants

Cases with corneal endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

Fifteen cases with corneal endothelial dysfunction (eight pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, three Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, three congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy and one failed graft) underwent thin lenticule Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty at a tertiary care hospital. Donor lenticule was prepared with a single pass 400 μm Carriazo Barraquer microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France) head. Sutureless Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed in all the cases through a 3.5 mm corneoscleral tunnel using a Busin glide for graft insertion.

Main Outcome Measures

Main parameters evaluated were postoperative donor lenticule thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity.

Results

Donor lenticules were harvested successfully for all 15 cases without any complications. At 6‐months follow up, the mean logMAR best‐corrected visual acuity improved from 1.87 ± 0.52 to 0.109 ± 0.11 (P = < 0.0001). The mean donor lenticule thickness was 111 ± 17.62 μm (range 70–134 μm) at the last follow up. The mean endothelial cell loss was 26.33 ± 1.34%.

Conclusions and Relevance

Thin donor lenticules for Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty can be safely harvested using a single pass technique with 400 μm microkeratome head and can be used for a successful Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty surgery.
Dapagliflozin compared with other oral anti‐diabetes treatments when added to metformin monotherapy: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Goring S. , Hawkins N. , Wygant G. , Roudaut M. , Townsend R. , Wood I. , Barnett A. H.
Published: November 2013

Aims

Indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was used to estimate the effect of dapagliflozin, a new agent with a novel mechanism of action (SGLT‐2 inhibition), relative to other anti‐diabetes therapies after 1 year of treatment.

Methods

A systematic literature review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) of RCTs involving anti‐diabetes treatments added to metformin were conducted. RCTs enrolling subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy were included. Comparators included dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), sulphonylureas, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues and dapagliflozin. Outcomes of interest were mean change from baseline HbA1c, weight and systolic blood pressure, and incidence of hypoglycaemia.

Results

From 4270 abstracts, six RCTs were included in the primary analysis; no RCTs involving GLP‐1 analogues met primary inclusion criteria. All RCTs were actively controlled with sulphonylureas. The mean change in HbA1c from baseline was similar across comparators. The treatment effect (95% credible interval) of dapagliflozin on HbA1c was −0.08% (−0.25, 0.10) relative to DPP‐4 inhibitors, −0.02% (−0.24, 0.21) relative to TZDs and 0.00% (−0.16, 0.16) relative to sulphonylureas. Non‐sulphonylureas showed significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia relative to sulphonylureas. Dapagliflozin had a significant effect on weight change: the relative difference was −2.74 kg (−5.35, −0.10) compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors, and −4.67 kg (−7.03, −2.35) compared with sulphonylureas. Systolic blood pressure was not meta‐analysed due to infrequent reporting.

Conclusion

Compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors, TZDs and sulphonylureas, dapagliflozin offers similar HbA1c control after 1 year, with similar or reduced risk of hypoglycaemia and the additional benefit of weight loss, when added to metformin.
Raising “Authentic” Indian Children in the United States: Dynamism in the Ethnotheories of Immigrant Hindu Parents
Authors: Ganapathy‐Coleman Hemalatha
Published: November 2013

What deeply held beliefs guide first‐generation Asian Indian parents in the United States? How do parental conceptions of childrearing change as a result of immigration? What cultural conceptions of children and childrearing are maintained despite the pressures of assimilation? These were the core questions for this qualitative cultural psychological study of the ethnotheories of 10 Hindu parents of Asian Indian origin residing in Baltimore in the early 2000s. I employed caregiver diaries, ecological inventories, repeated in‐depth interviews, and informal observations to gain access to these ethnotheories. The parents emphasized interpersonal skills, family ties, and daily routines in relation to social responsibility—ideas that relate to contemporary psychological paradigms but that also resonate with some idealized traditional core concepts from Hinduism. This article explores the constancy of certain cultural ideals in parenting across two continents and highlights the creation of a new conception of parenting based on the shared experience of immigration from various parts of India. In the process, it provides insights into the psychology of parenting among parents who purposefully integrate their culture of origin into the culture of their U.S. host land to define a new “authentic” Indian identity for their children.
Motherhood and Resilience among Rwandan Genocide‐Rape Survivors
Authors: Zraly Maggie , Rubin Sarah E. , Mukamana Donatilla
Published: November 2013

Anthropological scholarship on motherhood offers frameworks for studying the everyday lives of mothers to reveal a deeper understanding of what mothering means and how motherhood relates to broader sociocultural forms. Theory emerging from psychological anthropology explores the interplay of resilience and suffering in contexts of extreme adversity. Bringing together these bodies of work, this article engages with a lacuna in the scholarship and examines how motherhood shapes women's resilience among Rwandan genocide‐rape survivors. We elucidate how motherhood opened them to new forms of sociality in the context of postgenocide Rwanda. Maternal desire gave rise to a motherhood assemblage that fostered diverse modes of resilience, created the potential for new life possibilities, and placed limitations on opportunities. Our findings suggest that emotional experience is crucial to resilience among Rwandan genocide‐rape survivors who are mothers and point to future directions for research and health promotion among populations affected by conflict‐related sexual violence.
A K0‐based calibration procedure for the Weibull stress cleavage model
Authors: Qian X. , Chen S.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a simplified calibration procedure for the microscopic Weibull stress model to estimate the cumulative probability of cleavage fracture for ferritic steels. The proposed method requires two discrete values of the macroscopic Weibull scale parameter (K0) in contrast to the two sets of statistically significant fracture toughness data mandated in previous calibration schemes. The proposed approach predicates on the fundamental assumption that the macroscopic toughness, for specimens dominated by cleavage mechanisms, follow the three‐parameter Weibull model outlined in the testing standards. The calibration procedure thus generates two sets of fictitious toughness data corresponding to two sets of specimens with marked differences in crack‐front constraints. The calibrated Weibull parameters agree closely with the calibration results based on the conventional approach for the Euro steels. The proposed calibration also leads to an improved method to determine a limiting load level, beyond which extensive plastic deformation propagates in the specimen.
On the New Analytical Solution for a Well in Cartesian Coordinates with MODFLOW Comparisons
Authors: Batu Vedat
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the comparison process of Batu (2012) generalized three‐dimensional well hydraulics solution for confined aquifers in Cartesian coordinates with MODFLOW is presented. First, a brief description of Batu (2012) solution along with the governing equations and some of its key features are described. The final average drawdown expression in an observation well is given with the conversion expressions from Cartesian to radial coordinates. A generalized comparison using Batu (2012), Hantush (1964), and MODFLOW (Harbaugh et al. 2000), for vertical wells in horizontally isotropic aquifers, that is, ayx = Ky/Kx = 1, is presented. Comparisons are also presented with Batu (2012) and MODFLOW for horizontally anisotropic aquifers, that is, ayx ≠ 1. After that comparisons are presented for horizontal wells between Batu (2012) and MODFLOW.
Dynamic Marketing Capabilities: Toward an Integrative Framework
Authors: Barrales‐Molina Vanesa , Martínez‐López Francisco J. , Gázquez‐Abad Juan Carlos
Published: November 2013

In recent years, the dynamic capabilities view has attracted attention in the management literature, and theoretical papers note many research challenges. Currently, one of the most significant issues is the role of the marketing function in the development of dynamic capabilities, and some recent discussions have even introduced the new term ‘dynamic marketing capabilities’. The main area of interest is how to achieve a well‐integrated framework to serve as the starting point for empirical papers. Although the most recent research proposes a wide range of processes as possible dynamic marketing capabilities, it is difficult to find consensus among these proposals. To resolve this difficulty, this paper seeks to define the dynamic marketing capabilities construct based on accepted components in the generic dynamic capabilities view. More specifically, it defines the role of dynamic marketing capabilities through absorptive capacity and knowledge management. By identifying these components and relating them in an integrative model, the authors propose to explain how dynamic marketing capabilities work and precisely which marketing processes promote both components.
Urine alkalization improves the problems of pain and sleep in hypersensitive bladder syndrome
Authors: Ueda Tomohiro , Yoshida Toru , Tanoue Hideki , Ito Masaaki , Tamaki Masahiro , Ito Yasuhiko , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of urine alkalization therapy using citrates in patients with hypersensitive bladder syndrome.

Methods

A total of 76 patients with urinary frequency were assessed for their symptoms using a 2‐day voiding diary as well as the urine pH at each voiding during the screening period. Their symptoms were also assessed by pain score, King's health questionnaire, and O'Leary–Sant symptom and problem index scores. Finally, 50 patients were evaluated for changes in symptoms after oral treatment with citrates for 2–4 weeks after the screening period.

Results

After the treatment, significant increases in the urine pH (from 5.8 ± 0.4 to 6.3 ± 0.4; increment of 0.5 ± 0.4; P < 0.01), and significant decreases in the number of micturitions per day (from 14.5 ± 6.5 to 13.5 ± 5.9; P = 0.02) and the number of episodes of pain/discomfort per day (from 7.8 ± 6.8 to 6.1 ± 7.1; P = 0.02) were observed. In the King's health questionnaire, the sleep/energy domain score was significantly improved (from 60.0 ± 25.0 to 50.3 ± 29.6; P < 0.01). In a subgroup analysis based on urine pH (urine pH <6.2 and ≥6.2), significant improvements in the voiding symptoms, the sleep/energy domain score and the O'Leary–Sant problem index were observed in the group with urine pH of ≥6.2. There were statistically significant differences between the subgroups in the volume per voiding, maximum volume per voiding and the problem index. In addition, the subgroup, in which patients had pain in the screening period, showed statistically significant improvements in the number of micturitions per day, episodes of pain/discomfort per day, the sleep/energy domain score and the problem index.

Conclusions

Urine alkalization therapy is likely to be effective in the treatment for hypersensitive bladder syndrome.
Recruiting High Skill Labour in North America: Policies, Outcomes and Futures
Authors: Boyd Monica
Published: November 2013

This article compares Canadian and US recruitment of highly skilled workers, defined by educational, skill, and occupational criteria. Analysis shows that Canada disproportionally recruits skilled workers as legal permanent residents whereas family reunification dominates in the US. But such contrast ignores the large temporary skilled worker flows to the US and the on‐going reliance on them, or the growing use of temporary labour in Canada, including skilled workers. Data is presented on the admission of skilled migrants; recent and future policy developments are discussed. Comprehensive immigration reform is back on the US agenda with potential to increase the migration of skilled immigrants, to utilize a point system for some, and to continue the role of employers in the H1B visa programme. Canada has recently moved to a model of high skill labour recruitment that is characterized by decentralized selection mechanisms, and is demand driven and employer instigated.

Policy Implications

In studies of high skill international worker flows, it is insufficient to focus only on permanent resident policies; temporary worker programmes also offer entry to high skilled workers.

Although skill can be defined by high education and professional or science based occupation, some countries seek skilled workers in the trades. New Canadian policy includes a Skilled Trades class.

In the United States, the congressional system often produces incremental change on aspects of skilled worker policy. In Canada, the consolidation of power in the parliamentary executive is allowing substantial change in how skilled international workers will be recruited.
Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), but not IL‐23, induces the expression of IL‐7 in microglia and macrophages: implications for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Mondal Susanta , Jana Arundhati , Pahan Kalipada
Published: November 2013

Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) p70 and IL‐23 are bioactive cytokines and their biological functions are becoming clear. Increased expression of IL‐7 in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral immune cells is associated with multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Here, we describe the induction of IL‐7 in primary mouse and human microglia, BV‐2 microglial cells, mouse peritoneal macrophages and astrocytes by IL‐12p70. Interestingly, IL‐12 strongly induced the expression of IL‐7 whereas IL‐23 and other p40 family members remained weak inducers of IL‐7 in these cell types. Consistently, IL‐12, but not IL‐23 and other p40 family members, induced IL‐7 promoter‐driven luciferase activity in microglial cells. Among various stimuli tested, IL‐12 emerged as the most potent stimulus followed by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and HIV‐1 gp120 in inducing the activation of IL‐7 promoter in microglial cells. Furthermore, increase in IL‐7 mRNA expression by over‐expression of IL‐12p35 subunit, but not p40 and IL‐23 p19 subunit, confirm that p35, but not p40 and p19, is responsible for the induction of IL‐7. Finally, by using primary microglia from IL‐12 receptor β1‐deficient (IL‐12Rβ1−/−) and IL‐12Rβ2−/− mice, we demonstrate that IL‐12 induces the expression of IL‐7 in microglia and macrophages via both IL‐12Rβ2 and IL‐12Rβ1. These studies delineate a novel biological function of IL‐12 that is absent in IL‐23 and other p40 family members.
Antigenic drift of H1N1 influenza A virus in pigs with and without passive immunity
Authors: Diaz Andres , Allerson Matthew , Culhane Marie , Sreevatsan Srinand , Torremorell Montserrat
Published: November 2013

Background

The genetic and antigenic characteristics of influenza A viruses (IAV) within and between species change over time due to antigenic shift and drift. Although pigs are known to play a key role in the epidemiology of IAV between species, little is known about the molecular evolution of IAV hemagglutinin (HA) in pigs.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the HA drift of an H1N1 IAV after infecting weaned pigs with or without maternally derived passive immunity.

Methods

Three‐ to four‐week‐old piglets born either to vaccinated or unvaccinated sows were contact‐infected upon exposure with an IAV‐infected pig. Nasal swabs were collected daily from each pig and tested for IAV by RRT‐PCR. Full‐length HA sequences were obtained directly from positive nasal swabs and compared between groups.

Results

Synonymous and non‐synonymous mutations were detected in pigs with and without passive immunity. Most of the non‐synonymous mutations occurred within the HA1 region of the HA. Changes within HA1 region were only identified in antigenic site B in pigs without passive immunity and in antigenic sites A, B, and D in pigs with passive immunity. However, there was no association between the immune status of the pig and the amino acid substitutions observed.

Conclusions

Overall, we demonstrated that amino acid substitutions within antigenic sites can happen in weaned pigs with or without passive immunity shortly after infection.
The evaluation of a nucleoprotein ELISA for the detection of equine influenza antibodies and the differentiation of infected from vaccinated horses (DIVA)
Authors: Galvin Pamela , Gildea Sarah , Arkins Sean , Walsh Cathal , Cullinane Ann
Published: November 2013

Background

Antibodies against equine influenza virus (EIV) are traditionally quantified by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) or single radial haemolysis (SRH).

Objectives

To evaluate an ELISA for the detection of antibodies against influenza nucleoprotein in the diagnosis and surveillance of equine influenza (EI).

Methods

The ELISA was compared with the SRH and HI tests. Serial serum samples from 203 naturally and 14 experimentally infected horses, from 60 weanlings following primary vaccination with five different vaccines (two whole inactivated vaccines, two ISCOM‐based subunit vaccines and a recombinant canarypox virus vaccine) and from 44 adult horses following annual booster vaccination with six different vaccines were analysed.

Results

Fewer seroconversions were detected in clinical samples by ELISA than by SRH or HI but ELISA was more sensitive than SRH in naïve foals post‐experimental infection. The ELISA did not detect the antibody response to vaccination with the recombinant canarypox virus vaccine confirming the usefulness of the combination of this kit and vaccine to differentiate between naturally infected and vaccinated horses, that is, DIVA. No DIVA capacity was evident with the other vaccines.

Conclusion

The results suggest that this ELISA is a useful supplementary test for the diagnosis of EI although less sensitive than HI or SRH. It is an appropriate test for EI surveillance in a naïve population and may be combined with the recombinant canarypox virus vaccine but not with other commercially available subunit vaccines, in a DIVA strategy.
The genetics of virus particle shape in equine influenza A virus
Authors: Elton Debra , Bruce Emily A. , Bryant Neil , Wise Helen M. , MacRae Shona , Rash Adam , Smith Nikki , Turnbull Matthew L. , Medcalf Liz , Daly Janet M. , Digard Paul
Published: November 2013

Background

Many human strains of influenza A virus produce highly pleomorphic virus particles that at the extremes can be approximated as either spheres of around 100 nm diameter or filaments of similar cross‐section but elongated to lengths of many microns. The role filamentous virions play in the virus life cycle remains enigmatic.

Objectives/Methods

Here, we set out to define the morphology and genetics of virus particle shape in equine influenza A virus, using reverse genetics and microscopy of infected cells.

Results and Conclusions

The majority of H3N8 strains tested were found to produce filamentous virions, as did the prototype H7N7 A/eq/Prague/56 strain. The exception was the prototype H3N8 isolate, A/eq/Miami/63. Reassortment of equine influenza virus M genes from filamentous and non‐filamentous strains into the non‐filamentous human virus A/PR/8/34 confirmed that segment 7 is a major determinant of particle shape. Sequence analysis identified three M1 amino acid polymorphisms plausibly associated with determining virion morphology, and the introduction of these changes into viruses confirmed the importance of two: S85N and N231D. However, while either change alone affected filament production, the greatest effect was seen when the polymorphisms were introduced in conjunction. Thus, influenza A viruses from equine hosts also produce filamentous virions, and the major genetic determinants are set by the M1 protein. However, the precise sequence determinants are different to those previously identified in human or porcine viruses.
Comparison of influenza A virus infection in high‐ and low‐birth‐weight pigs using morphometric analysis
Authors: Detmer Susan E. , Gunvaldsen Rayna E. , Harding John C.
Published: November 2013

Background

Epigenetic studies have shown that low‐birth‐weight (LBW) and growth restriction has been associated with reduced immune function in humans and reduced passive immunity in pigs. To examine the immune responses of high‐birth‐weight (HBW) and LBW groups of pigs, influenza A virus infection was used as an exemplifier of neonatal respiratory disease.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were (i) to compare clinical, immunological, and pathological outcome of influenza infection in HBW to LBW pigs and (ii) to establish standardized sampling sites, score each site independently with set criteria, and compare scores between sites.

Methods

Sixty‐eight 4‐week‐old pigs originating from either HBW or LBW litters were intratracheally inoculated with 106·3 TCID50/ml of A/swine/Texas/4199‐2/1998 H3N2 and euthanized 48 hours later. Samples were collected 2·5 cm from the tip of both cranial and middle lung lobes. The formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue sections were scored in a blinded manner by a single pathologist using established scoring criteria for routine and immunohistochemical stains. Clinical parameters, lung and nasal swab virus titers, and cytokine levels for interferon‐alpha and interleukin‐1‐beta, IL‐6, and IL‐8 were measured.

Results and Conclusions

Lung lesion severity and influenza staining intensity were significantly lower in LBW compared with HBW pigs (P < 0·05). Additionally, examining just the LBW group, the significant difference between lobes (P = 0·009) showed that the mean score for the right cranial lung lobe was higher compared with the other three lobes.