bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile preparation of albumin-stabilized gold nanostars for the targeted photothermal ablation of cancer cells
Authors: Li Jingchao , Cai Rong , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: June 2015

BSA–FA conjugation was used as a stabilizer to synthesize gold nanostars (BSA–FA–AuNSs). The prepared BSA–FA–AuNSs should have a great potential as photothermal conversion agents for the receptor-mediated treatment of cancer cells.
The influence of localized plasmons on the optical properties of Au/ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Viter R. , Balevicius Z. , Abou Chaaya A. , Baleviciute I. , Tumenas S. , Mikoliunaite L. , Ramanavicius A. , Gertnere Z. , Zalesska A. , Vataman V. , Smyntyna V. , Erts D. , Miele P. , Bechelany M.
Published: June 2015

We report on the influence of localized plasmons resonance on the dispersion function of Au layer and on the strong enhancement of the UV PL peak in the ZnO layer for Au/ZnO nanostructures synthesized by PVD/ALD.
Symmetric bipolar charge‐plasma transistor with extruded base for enhanced performance
Authors: Bramhane L.K. , Upadhyay N. , Veluru J.R. , Singh J.
Published: June 2015

A new structure for a symmetric bipolar charge‐plasma transistor device with an extruded base is proposed. The charge plasma and extruded base concepts are used to increase the current gain and cutoff frequency of the proposed device, respectively. Metal contact hafnium accumulates electrons in the emitter/collector (E/C) regions and platinum accumulates holes in the base region. Using the metal contact of different work functions, the electrons and holes are accumulated in a lightly doped silicon film to create the E/C and the base regions, respectively. Two‐dimensional simulations of the proposed device demonstrate that it has a higher current gain of 9 × 106 and a peak cutoff frequency (fT) of 87.3 GHz. Furthermore, the fT for different silicon film thicknesses and base widths is optimised.
X‐band low phase noise loop oscillator with differential outputs
Authors: Yang Ziqiang , Luo Bangyu , Dong Jun , Yang Tao
Published: June 2015

A novel X‐band low phase noise loop oscillator with differential outputs is proposed. A substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) resonator operated in TE120 mode is employed in the feedback loop of the oscillator as a frequency stabilisation element. Meanwhile, two other ports are connected to the same resonator for differential outputs, which can avoid the use of any additional active device or balun. Moreover, this oscillator can generate low‐phase noise signals owing to the high‐Q SIW resonator. A prototype of the oscillator has been designed, fabricated and measured. Two anti‐phase output signals with good phase and amplitude accuracy are obtained at an oscillation frequency of 9.01 GHz. The measured phase noise is −104.3 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset, which corresponds to a figure of merit of −190.4 dB.
Design of adaptive H∞ filter for implementing on state‐of‐charge estimation based on battery state‐of‐charge‐varying modelling
Authors: Charkhgard Mohammad , Zarif Mohammad Haddad
Published: June 2015

This study suggests a new method for modelling lithium‐ion battery types and state‐of‐charge (SOC) estimation using adaptive H∞ filter (AHF). First, a universal linear model with some free parameters is considered for dynamical behaviour of the battery. The battery voltage and SOC are used as states of the model. Then for every period in the charge/discharge process the free parameters of the model are identified. Each period of process is associated with a specific SOC value, hence the parameters can be regarded as functions of SOC in the entire process. The functions are determined based on polynomial approximation and least squares method. The proposed SOC‐varying model is incorporated in AHF for SOC estimation. Moreover, a new method for adjusting the tuning parameters of the filter is suggested. The proposed method is verified by experimental tests on a lithium‐ion battery and is compared with adaptive extended Kalman filter and square‐root unscented Kalman filter
Managing the grazing dairy cow through the transition period: a review
Authors: Kay J. K. , Loor J. J. , Heiser A. , McGowan J. , Roche J. R.
Published: June 2015

The transition period of the dairy cow generally refers to the last three weeks of gestation and the first three weeks of lactation. During this period, the dairy cow faces numerous physiological challenges, requiring both homeostatic and homeorhetic changes to support the demands of lactation. Management strategies to achieve a successful transition have developed over many decades. Historically, these strategies focussed on achieving high energy intakes pre-calving in an attempt to improve post-calving metabolism; however, more recent research has indicated that this approach may not be appropriate. Physiological and molecular data have indicated that imposing a slight negative energy balance (EBAL) pre-calving can improve post-calving EBAL, metabolic health indices and milk production. It was hypothesised that the challenges of the transition period would be less in a grazing system than in an intensive confinement system, due to the lower milk production and the difference in population density and, therefore, pathogen exposure. However, the molecular and immunological responses to the change of state are similar in magnitude in a moderate-yielding pasture-fed cow and in a high-yielding cow fed a total mixed ration. The collective data point to a peripartum immunosuppression, which is affected by body condition score and feeding level. This review will outline the literature and provide an assessment of the most recent transition cow management for grazing dairy cows.
Development and adoption of new technologies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of pasture-based systems
Authors: French P. , O'Brien B. , Shalloo L.
Published: June 2015

New technologies that can allow measurement and exploitation of biological variation to improve resource efficiency are rapidly becoming available. Some of these technologies can be applied to improve the efficiency of pasture-based systems. There will be significant innovation in technology for capturing variation in dairy-cow productivity and welfare, as the potential market globally is very large; however, the market potential for technology for pasture-based grazing systems is much smaller and will require public funding to stimulate innovation in technology, to capture and exploit the variation in pasture production and utilisation. Current research in Teagasc Moorepark is focussed on developing and adapting technology to capture both the inter-paddock and intra-paddock variation in pasture production that will potentially allow more specific and efficient nutrient use and higher total herbage production. The second focus of the current research is in the development of technologies to capture and manage the variation in grass utilisation by real-time monitoring and collating the data on herd output and post-grazing residual and controlling individual-animal pasture allocation through individual GPS-location identification and control with virtual fencing.
Host Characteristics and Bacterial Traits Predict Experimental Virulence for Escherichia coli Bloodstream Isolates From Patients With Urosepsis
Authors: Johnson James R. , Porter Stephen , Johnston Brian , Kuskowski Michael A. , Spurbeck Rachel R. , Mobley Harry L.T. , Williamson Deborah A.
Published: June 2015

Background.  Extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections are common, costly, and potentially serious. A better understanding of their pathogenesis is needed.

Methods.  Sixty-seven E coli bloodstream isolates from adults with urosepsis (Seattle, WA; 1980s) underwent extensive molecular characterization and virulence assessment in 2 infection models (murine subcutaneous sepsis and moth larval lethality). Statistical comparisons were made among host characteristics, bacterial traits, and experimental virulence.

Results.  The 67 source patients were diverse for age, sex, and underlying medical and urological conditions. The corresponding E coli isolates exhibited diverse phylogenetic backgrounds and virulence profiles. Despite the E coli isolates′ common bloodstream origin, they exhibited a broad range of experimental virulence in mice and moth larvae, in patterns that (for the murine model only) corresponded significantly with host characteristics and bacterial traits. The most highly mouse-lethal strains were enriched with classic “urovirulence” traits and typically were from younger women with anatomically and functionally normal urinary tracts. The 2 animal models corresponded poorly with one another.

Conclusions.  Host compromise, including older age and urinary tract abnormalities, allows comparatively low-virulence E coli strains to cause urosepsis. Multiple E coli traits predict both experimental and epidemiological virulence. The larval lethality model cannot be a substitute for the murine sepsis model.
Food web heterogeneity and succession in created saltmarshes
Authors: Nordström Marie C. , Demopoulos Amanda W. J. , Whitcraft Christine R. , Rismondo Andrea , McMillan Patricia , Gonzalez Jennifer P. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: June 2015

Ecological restoration must achieve functional as well as structural recovery. Functional metrics for re‐establishment of trophic interactions can be used to complement traditional monitoring of structural attributes. In addition, topographic effects on food web structure provide added information within a restoration context; often, created sites may require spatial heterogeneity to effectively match structure and function of natural habitats.

We addressed both of these issues in our study of successional development of benthic food web structure, with focus on bottom‐up‐driven changes in macroinvertebrate consumer assemblages in the saltmarshes of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. We combined quantified estimates of the changing community composition with stable isotope data (13C:12C and 15N:14N) to compare the general trophic structure between created (2–14 years) marshes and reference sites and along topographic elevation gradients within saltmarshes.

Macrofaunal invertebrate consumers exhibited local, habitat‐specific trophic patterns. Stable isotope‐based trophic structure changed with increasing marsh age, in particular with regard to mid‐elevation (Salicornia) habitats. In young marshes, the mid‐elevation consumer signatures resembled those of unvegetated ponds. The mid‐elevation of older and natural marshes had a more distinct Salicornia zone food web, occasionally resembling that of the highest (Sarcocornia‐dominated) elevation. In summary, this indicates that primary producers and availability of vascular plant detritus structure consumer trophic interactions and the flow of carbon.

Functionally different consumers, subsurface‐feeding detritivores (Oligochaeta) and surface grazers (Hydrobia sp.), showed distinct but converging trajectories of isotopic change over time, indicating that successional development may be asymmetric between ‘brown’ (detrital) guilds and ‘green’ (grazing) guilds in the food web.

Synthesis and applications. Created marsh food webs converged into a natural state over about a decade, with successional shifts seen in both consumer community composition and stable isotope space. Strong spatial effects were noted, highlighting the utility of stable isotopes to evaluate functional equivalence in spatially heterogeneous systems. Understanding the recovery of functional properties such as food web support, and their inherent spatial variability, is key to planning and managing successful habitat restoration.
Effects of climate on reproductive investment in a masting species: assessment of climatic predictors and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Linhart Yan B. , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: June 2015

Mechanisms by which climatic factors drive reproductive investment and phenology in masting species are not completely understood. Climatic conditions may act as a proximate cue, stimulating the onset of reproduction and indirectly increasing fitness through benefits associated with synchronous reproduction among individuals. Alternatively, climatic conditions may directly influence individual‐level allocation to reproduction and reproductive success through effects occurring independently of synchronous reproduction. We previously showed that masting in a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) population was strongly influenced by spring mean temperature 2 years before seed cone maturation (Ti‐2). However, recent work shows that the difference in temperature between previous growing seasons (ΔT) is more predictive of reproductive investment in long‐lived tree species.

Here, we compared four candidate models that predict seed cone production inP. ponderosabased upon different climatic factors (includingTi‐2and ΔT models). After determining the best climatic predictor, we tested for a potential mechanism by which climate might directly influence seed cone production independent of benefits via synchrony, namely effects of temperature on trade‐offs between current and past reproduction (determined by underlying resource availability).

We found thatTi‐2(rather than ΔT) was the best predictor of seed cone production. We further show that this same climatic factor exerts a direct fitness benefit to individuals by reducing the strength of trade‐offs between current and past reproductive efforts.

Synthesis. We demonstrate that a single climatic factor provides fitness benefits to individuals directly, by weakening reproductive trade‐offs, and indirectly through the benefits associated with synchrony and masting. This suggests a mechanism for the origin and maintenance of masting: individuals initially respond to climatic cues that directly enhance reproduction (e.g. lower reproductive costs through weakened trade‐offs) and this dynamic, expressed across multiple individuals, reinforces these benefits through the economies of scale associated with synchrony and masting.
Audit Hours and Unit Audit Price of Industry Specialist Auditors: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Bae Gil S. , Choi Seung UK , Rho Joon HWA
Published: June 2015

Higher audit fees associated with auditor industry specialization could represent higher unit price charged by industry specialist auditors (ISAs) or the provision of a greater quantity of audit services. This study exploits a field setting in Korea, where the disclosure of audit hours is required in company annual reports, and finds that ISAs charge significantly higher total audit fees but also expend significantly greater audit hours than non‐ISAs. When audit fees and hours are considered together, the unit audit price of ISAs is significantly lower than that of non‐ISAs. This indicates that higher total audit fees associated with ISAs are likely to be attributable to greater audit hours associated with ISAs. However, greater audit hours for ISAs may suggest higher audit quality or may simply indicate that the additional audit work performed by ISAs is conducted by relatively cheaper junior auditors. Our work provides an alternative explanation for the higher total audit fees documented in the previous studies.
Multiple Septal Coronary‐Cameral Fistulae after Septal Myectomy
Authors: Al Maluli Hayan , Mathur Moses , Keane Martin G. , Guy T. Sloane , Dries Daniel , Edmundowicz Daniel
Published: June 2015

Mini‐Abstract

Coronary‐cameral fistulae are rare after septal myectomy. Although most close spontaneously, their recognition is important as they may become clinically relevant if they persist.
Gender and BCR‐ABL transcript type are correlated with molecular response to imatinib treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lin Han‐Xin , Sjaarda Jenny , Dyck Jocob , Stringer Randa , Hillis Chris , Harvey Maria , Carter Ronald , Ainsworth Peter , Leber Brian , Pare Guillaume , Sadikovic Bekim
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Achieving a major molecular response (MMR) is the goal of imatinib therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia. However, the association between gender, BCR‐ABL transcript type, and age with MMR is not well understood and often controversial.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 166 patients who have been treated with imatinib for up to 10 yr.

Results

Men had a lower MMR rate than women (63.3% vs. 81.6%, P = 0.006) and a shorter time to relapse (median 354 vs. 675 d, P = 0.049), while patients with b3a2 or with both b3a2 and b2a2 break point transcripts had higher MMR rate than those with b2a2 (81.8%, 77.1% vs. 60.7%, P = 0.023 for b3a2 vs. b2a2, P = 0.043 for both vs. b2a2). A striking difference was found between men with b2a2 and women with both b2a2 and b3a2 in terms of MMR rate (43.8% vs. 88.9%), MMR rate within 6 months (7.1% vs. 62.5%) and the time to MMR (median d 493 vs. 159, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Both gender and BCR‐ABL transcript, but not age, were significantly associated with the molecular response. Men with b2a2 represent a less favorable group in their response to imatinib treatment and may need alternative therapy regimen and closer monitoring.
The Neuregulin1/ErbB system is selectively regulated during peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Ronchi Giulia , Haastert‐Talini Kirsten , Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Perroteau Isabelle , Geuna Stefano , Gambarotta Giovanna
Published: June 2015

The peripheral nervous system has an intrinsic capability to regenerate, crucially related to the ability of Schwann cells (SC) to create a permissive environment, for example, through production of regeneration‐promoting neurotrophic factors. Survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation of SC into a myelinating phenotype during development and after injury is regulated by different Neuregulin1 (NRG1) isoforms. This study investigates the expression of different NRG1 isoforms and of their ErbB receptors in distal rat median nerve samples under regenerating conditions after a mild (crush) and more severe (end‐to‐end repair) injury and under degenerating condition. The expression of the NRG1/ErbB system was evaluated at mRNA and protein level, and demonstrated to be specific for distinct and consecutive phases following nerve injury and regeneration or the progress in degeneration. For the first time a detailed analysis of expression profiles not only of soluble and transmembrane NRG1 isoforms, but also of alpha and beta as well as type a, b and c isoforms is presented. The results of mRNA and protein expression pattern analyses were related to nerve ultrastructure changes evaluated by electron microscopy. In particular, transmembrane NRG1 isoforms are differentially regulated and proteolytically processed under regeneration and degeneration conditions. Soluble NRG1 isoforms alpha and beta, as well as type a and b, are strongly upregulated during axonal regrowth, while type c NRG1 isoform is downregulated. This is accompanied by an upregulation of ErbB receptors. This accurate regulation suggests that each molecule plays a specific role that could be clinically exploited to improve nerve regeneration.
C5a alters blood–brain barrier integrity in a humanin vitromodel of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mahajan Supriya D. , Parikh Neil U. , Woodruff Trent M. , Jarvis James N. , Lopez Molly , Hennon Teresa , Cunningham Patrick , Quigg Richard J. , Schwartz Stanley A. , Alexander Jessy J.
Published: June 2015

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in brain homeostasis, thereby maintaining the brain environment precise for optimal neuronal function. Its dysfunction is an intriguing complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).SLEis a systemic autoimmune disorder where neurological complications occur in 5–50% of cases and is associated with impairedBBBintegrity. Complement activation occurs inSLEand is an important part of the clinical profile. Our earlier studies demonstrated that C5a generated by complement activation caused the loss of brain endothelial layer integrity in rodents. The goal of the current study was to determine the translational potential of these studies to a human system. To assess this, we used a two dimensionalin vitroBBBmodel constructed using primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells and astroglial cells, which closely emulates thein vivoBBBallowing the assessment ofBBBintegrity. Increased permeability monitored by changes in transendothelial electrical resistance and cytoskeletal remodelling caused by actin fiber rearrangement were observed when the cells were exposed to lupus serum and C5a, similar to the observations in mice. In addition, our data show that C5a/C5aR1 signalling alters nuclear factor‐κB translocation into nucleus and regulates the expression of the tight junction proteins, claudin‐5 and zonula occludens 1 in this setting. Our results demonstrate for the first time that C5a regulatesBBBintegrity in a neuroinflammatory setting where it affects both endothelial and astroglial cells. In addition, we also demonstrate that our previous findings in a mouse model, were emulated in human cellsin vitro, bringing the studies one step closer to understanding the translational potential of C5a/C5aR1 blockade as a promising therapeutic strategy inSLEand other neurodegenerative diseases.
Relevance of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells for early and late phases of murine sepsis
Authors: Tatura Roman , Zeschnigk Michael , Hansen Wiebke , Steinmann Joerg , Goncalves Vidigal Pedrina , Hutzler Marina , Pastille Eva , Westendorf Astrid M. , Buer Jan , Kehrmann Jan
Published: June 2015

The role of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in the course of the early hyper‐inflammatory and subsequent hypo‐inflammatory phases of sepsis is ambiguous. Whereas Nrp1 expression has been reported to discriminate natural Treg cells from induced Treg cells, the Treg cell stability depends on the methylation status of foxp3‐TSDR. To specifically evaluate the role of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the early and late phases of sepsis, we induced sepsis by caecal ligation and puncture and subsequent Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in a DEREG (DEpletion of REGulatory T cells) mouse model. We found an increase of Foxp3+ Treg cells to all CD4+ T cells during murine sepsis. Using a new methylation‐sensitive quantitative RT‐PCR method and deep amplicon sequencing, we demonstrated that natural (Nrp1+ Foxp3+) Treg cells and most induced (Nrp1− Foxp3+) Treg cells are stable and exhibit unmethylated foxp3‐TSDR, and that both Treg populations are functionally suppressive in healthy and septic mice. DEREG mice depleted of Foxp3+ Treg cells exhibit higher disease scores, mortality rates and interleukin‐6 expression levels than do non‐depleted DEREG mice in early‐phase sepsis, a finding indicating that Foxp3+ Treg cells limit the hyper‐inflammatory response and accelerate recovery. Treg cell depletion before secondary infection with P. aeruginosa 1 week after caecal ligation and puncture does not influence cytokine levels or the course of secondary infection. However, a moderate Treg cell recurrence, which we observed in DEREG mice during secondary infection, may interfere with these results. In summary, Treg cells contribute to a positive outcome after early‐phase sepsis, but the data do not support a significant role of Treg cells in immune paralysis during late‐phase sepsis.
Effects of invasive knapweed (Centaurea stoebesubsp.micranthos) on a threatened native thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) vary with environment and life stage
Authors: Rand Tatyana A. , Louda Svata M. , Bradley Kate M. , Crider Kimberly K.
Published: June 2015

We examined the type and magnitude of invasive plant (Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek) effects on the demographic parameters of a rare plant (Cirsium pitcheri Torr. & A.Gray), using two seed addition experiments with three treatments in two dune habitats — lakeshore linear dunes and high perched dunes on Lake Michigan, USA. Treatments were near Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos, near a native plant, or in the open. Seedling emergence, establishment, and juvenile survivorship were significantly higher on perched dunes, with higher surface soil moisture, than on lakeshore dunes. Treatment effects varied significantly with habitat and life stage. Seedling establishment decreased near Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos on lakeshore dunes, but increased near any neighbor on perched dunes. However, juvenile survival was significantly lower near Centaurea stoebe. subsp. micranthos in both habitats. The probability of reaching the adult flowering stage was much lower, and occurred later, for plants near Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos, especially on lakeshore dunes. Thus, Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos had a strong negative effect on establishment, survival, and flowering of Cirsium pitcheri, but interaction intensity varied with habitat and life stage. The results suggest that coupling seed addition with watering and invasive plant removal could bolster populations of this rare endemic plant.
Vector-valued nonuniform multiresolution analysis on local fields
Authors: Shah Firdous Ahmad , Bhat M. Younus
Published: June 2015

A multiresolution analysis (MRA) on local fields of positive characteristic was defined by Shah and Abdullah for which the translation set is a discrete set which is not a group. In this paper, we continue the study based on this nonstandard setting and introduce vector-valued nonuniform multiresolution analysis (VNUMRA) where the associated subspace V0 of L2(K, ℂM) has an orthonormal basis of the form {Φ (x - λ)}λ∈Λ where Λ = {0, r/N} + 𝒵, N ≥ 1 is an integer and r is an odd integer such that r and N are relatively prime and 𝒵 = {u(n) : n ∈ ℕ0}. We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of associated wavelets and derive an algorithm for the construction of VNUMRA on local fields starting from a vector refinement mask G(ξ) with appropriate conditions. Further, these results also hold for Cantor and Vilenkin groups.
Analysis of erectile responses to bradykinin in the anesthetized rat
Authors: Edward Justin A. , Pankey Edward A. , Jupiter Ryan C. , Lasker George F. , Yoo Daniel , Reddy Vishwaradh G. , Peak Taylor C. , Chong Insun , Jones Mark R. , Feintech Samuel V. , Lindsey Sarah H. , Kadowitz Philip J.
Published: June 2015

The kallikrein-kinin system is expressed in the corpus cavernosa, and bradykinin (BK) relaxes isolated corpora cavernosal strips. However, erectile responses to BK in the rat have not been investigated in vivo. In the present study, responses to intracorporal (ic) injections of BK were investigated in the anesthetized rat. BK, in doses of 1–100 μg/kg ic, produced dose-related increases in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and dose-related deceases in mean arterial pressure (MAP). When decreases in MAP were prevented by intravenous injections of angiotensin II (Ang II), increases in ICP, in response to BK, were enhanced. Increases in ICP, ICP/MAP ratio, and area under the curve and decreases in MAP in response to BK were inhibited by the kinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140 and enhanced by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril and by Ang-(1–7). Increases in ICP, in response to BK, were not attenuated by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor ( Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) or the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) but were attenuated by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, sodium meclofenamate. Decreases in MAP were not attenuated by either inhibitor. These data suggest that erectile responses are mediated by kinin B2 receptors and modulated by decreases in MAP. These data indicate that ACE is important in the inactivation of BK and that erectile and hypotensive responses are independent of NO in the penis or the systemic vascular bed. Erectile responses to cavernosal nerve stimulation are not altered by BK or HOE-140, suggesting that BK and B2 receptors do not modulate nerve-mediated erectile responses under physiologic conditions. These data suggest that erectile responses to BK are mediated, in part, by the release of cyclooxygenase products.
Neuroblastoma Arginase Activity Creates an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment That Impairs Autologous and Engineered Immunity
Authors: Mussai Francis , Egan Sharon , Hunter Stuart , Webber Hannah , Fisher Jonathan , Wheat Rachel , McConville Carmel , Sbirkov Yordan , Wheeler Kate , Bendle Gavin , Petrie Kevin , Anderson John , Chesler Louis , De Santo Carmela
Published: June 2015

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, and survival remains poor for patients with advanced disease. Novel immune therapies are currently in development, but clinical outcomes have not matched preclinical results. Here, we describe key mechanisms in which neuroblastoma inhibits the immune response. We show that murine and human neuroblastoma tumor cells suppress T-cell proliferation through increased arginase activity. Arginase II is the predominant isoform expressed and creates an arginine-deplete local and systemic microenvironment. Neuroblastoma arginase activity results in inhibition of myeloid cell activation and suppression of bone marrow CD34+ progenitor proliferation. Finally, we demonstrate that the arginase activity of neuroblastoma impairs NY-ESO-1–specific T-cell receptor and GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor–engineered T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. High arginase II expression correlates with poor survival for patients with neuroblastoma. The results support the hypothesis that neuroblastoma creates an arginase-dependent immunosuppressive microenvironment in both the tumor and blood that leads to impaired immunosurveillance and suboptimal efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. Cancer Res; 75(15); 3043–53. ©2015 AACR.
Phase I Clinical Trial to Determine the Feasibility and Maximum Tolerated Dose of Panitumumab to Standard Gemcitabine-Based Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: van Zweeden Annette A. , van der Vliet Hans J. , Wilmink Johanna W. , Meijerink Martijn R. , Meijer Otto W.M. , Bruynzeel Anna M.E. , van Tienhoven Geertjan , Giovannetti Elisa , Kazemier Geert , Jacobs Maarten A.J.M. , Verheul Henk M.W.
Published: June 2015

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors may improve both the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy and the radiosensitizing activity of gemcitabine. Based on this rationale and the nonoverlapping toxicity profiles of gemcitabine and the monoclonal EGFR antibody panitumumab, we designed a phase I trial to investigate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and activity of panitumumab added to gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Experimental Design: Patients with LAPC and WHO performance status 0 to 1 were treated with weekly panitumumab at four dose levels (1–2.5 mg/kg), combined with weekly gemcitabine 300 mg/m2 and radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) for 6 weeks, followed by gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks every 4 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Each cohort was monitored during the combination therapy to establish dose limiting toxicity. Tumor evaluation was performed after CRT and during gemcitabine monotherapy.

Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled; 14 were evaluable for toxicity and 13 for response. The MTD for panitumumab was 1.5 mg/kg. Three of the 6 patients, treated at MTD, experienced grade 3 adverse events during the combination therapy; neutropenia (n = 2; 33%), fatigue (n = 1; 17%), nausea (n = 1; 17%), and vomiting (n = 1; 17%). Partial response was achieved by 3 patients (23%), 1 in each dose cohort. Median progression free survival of the three cohorts together was 8.9 months.

Conclusions: The addition of panitumumab to gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy in LAPC has manageable toxicity and potential clinical efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(20); 4569–75. ©2015 AACR.
ПРЕДСТАВЛЕННЯ ЗНАНЬ В АДАПТИВНИХ СИСТЕМАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ
Authors: Dutchak М. S.
Published: June 2015

In basis of adaptive distance learning systems ( ASDO ) laid a knowledge base. Knowledge Base ASDO - a special kind of database designed for knowledge management (metadata): collection, storage, retrieval and adaptive delivery of learning material. Model of knowledge representation ASDO includes all stages of functioning of the knowledge base.

The basis of the knowledge base of ASDO consist of frame-model of knowledge representation. But in contrast to the classical model, which reflected the final version of knowledge representation, the proposed model includes all stages of functioning of the knowledge base.

Benefits of the proposed model construction BZ: structuring knowledge, dynamic knowledge management; optionality determine all the parameters, the ability to track and manual change mode; adaptive issuing educational material.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНА СИСТЕМА ДЛЯ ВІДДІЛЕНЬ НЕЙРОХІРУРГІЧНО РЕАБІЛІТАЦІ
Authors: Tsymbaliuk V. I. , Stetsyuk V. Z. , Savytskyi A. Yo. , Luhovskyi Yu. O. , Pichkur O. L.
Published: June 2015

This article is about creating information system for the rehabilitation Department of Neurosurgery.

To develop the information system needs to explore the work of department, examine the medical documentation and statistical reporting forms which doctors using in their work. Determine the sequence of making records into documentation. And finally make list of requirements for application with help of medical staff.

The software was developed by using C# language and the database server MySQL. It has five major systems and several ancillary subsystems. The major systems are: saving personal and clinical patient information, editing inputted data, showing data, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of database, the implementation of access to the same database from different computers. Auxiliary subsystems include: creating medical documentation, blocking form’s elements, searching for patient through database, making statistic over some period of time, creating folders for every patient and others. There was designed user interface that allows doctors to reduce time for learning functionality of application.

Information system has positive effect. It saves time for medical staff and reduces the possibility of inputting wrong information. Application does not require high hardware characteristics of computer.
ОНТОЛОГІЇ У СТРАХОВІЙ МЕДИЦИНІ
Authors: Dzhundubaieva S. O.
Published: June 2015

Introduction of ontological representations in insurance medicine is difficult due to lack of skilled professionals in this area of knowledge and ontology representation languages are complex and far from the knowledge of medical insurance. In addition, medical insurance is based on a large volume of procedural knowledge, which are also difficult to generalize and order. At the same time, harmonization of risk medical insurance and the desire of the population to purchase medical services urgently require a certain systematization. Outlines ways to create an ontology of health insurance are identified.
МЕТОДИКА ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЯКОСТІ ДІАБЕТОЛОГІЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ НА ОСНОВІ АНКЕТУВАННЯ ЛІКАРІВ
Authors: Tkachenko V. I. , Mankovskyi B. M. , Krasnov V. V. , Babintseva L. Yu.
Published: June 2015

The assessment of results of new guidelines’ implementation in type 2 diabetes and quality of care is actual in Ukraine. The aim of our research is to develop a simple methodology for assessing the quality of diabetes care during new diabetes guideline implementation in Ukraine. Materials and Methods. We conducted a systematic review of S6 Ukrainian and 148 foreign literature in assessment of diabetes care, quality indicators, based on which our method was formed, its approbation was held. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel 2007, SPSS, Statistica 6.0. Results. We have developed a questionnaire by adapting existing English-language questionnaire GUIDANCE to Ukrainian health care system and added questions about knowledge and results of implementation new Ukrainian guidelines in diabetes care. The validation of questionnaire included expertise on content validity, reliability (Cronbach’s alpha level = 0.87), the sensitivity (0.7) and specificity (0.82). The method consists of use developed questionnaire for doctors in conjunction with the data of statistical reports and valid versions of questionnaires for diabetes patients ADDQoL DTSQ. The example of application of this method for assessment the quality of diabetes care is described and was informative. The proposed method allows to analyze all aspects of the quality of diabetes care.
ПРО ДОСВІД ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ РАДІОВІЗІОГРАФА DR.SUNI 1800 ТА ВІЛЬНО- РОЗПОВСЮДЖУВАНОГО ПРОГРАМНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ МІС ЕМК З ВІДКРИТИМ КОДОМ OPENDENTAL
Authors: Semenets A. V. , Kuziv N. I.
Published: June 2015

Digital radiovisiography is widely used X-ray technology in the dentistry practice for the diagnostics currently. The brief overview of the market of the digital radiovisiographs and related radiology information systems is given. High hardware and software prices are often combined with insufficient and low-quality support services. The Dr.Suni 1800 intraoral radiovisiograph installation problems due to the outdated software are described. The abilities of the open-source free software usage in the radiology diagnoses tasks are shown. The existing methodology of the Dr.Suni 1800 intraoral radiovisiograph and the OpenDental medical information system integration is improved. An updated step-by-step integration procedure is presented. The Windows 7 (32-bit edition) compatibility is confirmed.
РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ПОГЛИБЛЕНОГО АНАЛІЗУ ПАРАМЕТРИЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ТЕЛЕРЕКЛАМИ ЛІКІВ, ПАРАФАРМАЦІЇ, ПИВО-ГОРІЛЧАНИХ ВИРОБІВ - ДОКАЗОВА БАЗА ДЛЯ РОЗРОБКИ НОРМАТИВНО-ПРАВОВИХ ЗАСАД ЕФЕКТИВНОГО ДЕРЖАВНОГО УПОРЯДКУВАННЯ Ї Ї ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: Ponomarenko M. S. , Soloviov O. S.
Published: June 2015

There was conducted the analysis of parametric indices of monitoring of television advertising of medicines, parapharmaceutical production and alcoholic drinks in 2011 on the main Ukrainian television channels. There were determined key differences and mechanisms of the development of television advertising business.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНІ ВЗАЄМОЗВ’ЯЗКИ СТРАХОВОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ В МЕДИЦИНІ ТА ЗАДОВОЛЕНОСТІ ПАЦІЄНТІВ
Authors: Dzhundubayeva S. O.
Published: June 2015

Issues of improving the health insurance through the creation of quality systems of care are discussed. Particular attention is paid to indicators of dissatisfaction patients. It was investigated the quality of health care in 5000 patients from 135 enterprises. There was examined the proportion of cases of inappropriate care as a result of non-compliance of its quantity or quality. It was illustrated the prospects of the use of information - mathematical strategy for assessing trends in noncompliance through existing standards and protocols. There was studied the frequency of ethical inaccuracies. It is shown that the leading causes of dissatisfaction with the quality of care in hospitals and outpatient treatment are its untimely and incomplete. Informational values of these indicators are more than 2 times higher than the rest of the parameters of dissatisfaction.
ФАКТОРИ РИЗИКУ РОЗВИТКУ НЕОВАСКУЛЯРНОЇ ГЛАУКОМИ ПІСЛЯ МІНІ- ІНВАЗИВНОЇ ВІТРЕКТОМІЇ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ПРОЛІФЕРАТИВНОЮ ДІАБЕТИЧНОЮ РЕТИНОПАТІЄЮ
Authors: Ruban A. N.
Published: June 2015

The article presents the risk factors for neovascular glaucoma in patients after miniinvasive diabetic vitrectomy. This was a retrospective study of 237 eyes (237 patients) who underwent combined sutureless vitrectomy 23/25G for the complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Indications for the surgery were vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. The main predictive clinical features of neovascular glaucoma after diabetic vitrectomy were: previously not performed laser phothocoagulation, level of HbA1 c >8 %, neovascular glaucoma contralateral eye, neovascularization of iris, type of diabetis, sex, vitreous hemorrhage, “table-type” of fractional retinal detachment, Marcus-Gunn defect, size of nonperfusion >2 quadrants, previously not injected inhibitor of VEGF.
Radical Recentering
Authors: Galloway Mollie K. , Ishimaru Ann M.
Published: June 2015

Background: The widely adopted Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standards are designed to guide the preparation and professional development of educational leaders. However, the standards’ limited mention of race, class, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexuality, or other marginalized identities suggests that addressing persistent inequities need not be a central concern of preparation programs and leaders in P-12 schools. Purpose and Proposed Model: In this article, we put forth a new set of standards with equity at the core. We seek to advance the conversation about why standards centered on equity are needed—particularly in light of a proposed standards refresh—and what implications would follow from equity-focused standards. To this end, we offer 10 high-leverage equitable leadership practices, identified through research and the extant literature as those most likely to mitigate disparities for students who have not been well served due to their race, class, ethnicity, home language, and/or ability. We discuss how a set of equity-focused leadership standards would facilitate radical changes in leadership preparation programs, professional development, and evaluation. Implications: We aim for this work to augment the conversation around leadership standards and compel action to bring equity to the center.
Automatic Coding of Short Text Responses via Clustering in Educational Assessment
Authors: Zehner Fabian , Sälzer Christine , Goldhammer Frank
Published: June 2015

Automatic coding of short text responses opens new doors in assessment. We implemented and integrated baseline methods of natural language processing and statistical modelling by means of software components that are available under open licenses. The accuracy of automatic text coding is demonstrated by using data collected in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 in Germany. Free text responses of 10 items with [Formula: see text] responses in total were analyzed. We further examined the effect of different methods, parameter values, and sample sizes on performance of the implemented system. The system reached fair to good up to excellent agreement with human codings [Formula: see text] Especially items that are solved by naming specific semantic concepts appeared properly coded. The system performed equally well with [Formula: see text] and somewhat poorer but still acceptable down to [Formula: see text] Based on our findings, we discuss potential innovations for assessment that are enabled by automatic coding of short text responses.
Defective Number Sense or Impaired Access? Differential Impairments in Different Subgroups of Children With Mathematics Difficulties
Authors: Wong Terry T.-Y. , Ho Connie S.-H. , Tang Joey
Published: June 2015

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a specific learning disability in mathematics that affects around 6% of the population. Currently, the core deficit of DD remains unknown. While the number sense deficit hypothesis suggests that the core deficit of DD lies in the inability to represent nonsymbolic numerosity, the access deficit hypothesis suggests that the origin of this disability lies in the inability to associate numbers with the underlying magnitude representation. The present study compared the performance of DDs with their low-achieving (LA) and normally achieving peers in nonsymbolic numerosity processing and number-magnitude mapping over 1 year (from kindergarten to 1st grade). The results demonstrated differential impairments in different subgroups of children with mathematics difficulties. While DDs showed deficits in both nonsymbolic numerosity processing and number-magnitude mapping, LAs showed deficit only in the number-magnitude mapping. Furthermore, the deficit in number-magnitude mapping among the DD group was partially explained by their number sense deficit. The number sense deficit hypothesis is supported. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Refugee flows and state contributions to post-Cold War UN peacekeeping missions
Authors: Uzonyi Gary
Published: June 2015

Why do states participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions? Extant theory revolves around two benefits states derive from participation: the financial benefits participants receive for their contributions and the ability to further liberal norms abroad. Yet, these theories have received limited empirical support. In addition, they cannot explain where and when leaders send troops. To rectify these limitations, I focus on a more straightforward benefit states receive from limiting conflict and providing stability to war-torn regions. Namely, stabilizing conflict areas helps stem the externalities caused from ongoing conflicts, such as refugees. This explanation of participation in peacekeeping predicts who is most likely to send support (those fearing refugee inflows), the size of contribution (increasing relative to the inflows), and where they send assistance (to the specific conflict area producing the externalities). Statistical analysis of all UN peacekeeping missions since 1990 provides support for this argument and reveals that refugee flows better predict who is likely to contribute troops, and to what conflict, than the size of those contributions. While other realpolitik considerations strongly influence which states participate in UN peacekeeping, neither democracy nor state need is a statistically significant explanator of who contributes. However, state need does predict the size of contribution.
Looking Beyond Risk in Paroling Denying Prisoners
Authors: Dagan Netanel
Published: June 2015

This paper offers an additional theoretical perspective to the “Catch-22” problem as discussed in Assy and Menashe’s article, which appeared in the December 2014 issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior. It offers to look beyond risk in the discussion about parole of denying prisoners. By focusing on the retributive meaning of the problem, the paper offers an additional framework to discuss the magnitude of the problem (via proportionality analysis), and the overt and covert forces that influence a parole board’s discretion in action (via character retributivism analysis).
The Relative Option to Stock Volume and Market Response to Earnings Surprises
Authors: Rai Atul , Tartaroglu Semih
Published: June 2015

This study examines the effect of option volume relative to stock volume (O/S) on market response to earnings surprises. The market reaction per unit of earnings surprise is lower for firms that have high O/S prior to earnings announcement than for firms with low O/S prior to earnings announcement. The difference is exacerbated for higher levels of pre-announcement returns. Results suggest informed trading by option traders stimulates preemption of the information content of earnings releases and makes earnings surprises less of a surprise. Overall, results are consistent with the view that options improve informational efficiency. Results are robust to several controls.