bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
rApi m 3 and rApi m 10 improve detection of honey bee sensitization in Hymenoptera venom‐allergic patients with double sensitization to honey bee and yellow jacket venom
Authors: Frick M. , Müller S. , Bantleon F. , Huss‐Marp J. , Lidholm J. , Spillner E. , Jakob T.
Published: August 2015

Recombinant allergens improve the diagnostic precision in Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA), in particular in patients with double sensitization to both honey bee (HBV) and yellow jacket venom (YJV). While currently available vespid allergens allow the detection of >95% of YJV‐allergic patients, the sensitization frequency to the only available HBV marker allergen rApi m 1 in HBV‐allergic patients is lower. Here, we demonstrate that sIgE to additional HBV marker allergens rApi m 3 and rApi m 10 allows the detection of genuine HBV sensitization in 46–65% of Api m 1 negative sera. This is of particular relevance in patients with double sensitization to HBV and YJV that did not identify the culprit insect. Addition of sIgE to rApi m 3 and rApi m 10 provides evidence of HBV sensitization in a large proportion of rApi m 1‐negative patients and thus provides a diagnostic marker and rationale for VIT treatment with HBV, which otherwise would have been missing.
Influence of co‐culture with denuded oocytes during in vitro maturation on fertilization and developmental competence of cumulus‐enclosed porcine oocytes in a defined system
Authors: Appeltant Ruth , Somfai Tamás , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Maes Dominiek , Van Soom Ann
Published: August 2015

Co‐culture of cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) with denuded oocytes (DOs) during in vitro maturation (IVM) was reported to improve the developmental competence of oocytes via oocyte‐secreted factors in cattle. The aim of the present study was to investigate if addition of DOs during IVM can improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC) results for oocytes in a defined in vitro production system in pigs. The maturation medium was porcine oocyte medium supplemented with gonadotropins, dbcAMP and β‐mercaptoethanol. Cumulus‐oocyte complexes were matured without DOs or with DOs in different ratios (9 COC, 9 COC+16 DO and 9 COC+36 DO). Consequently; oocytes were subjected to IVF as intact COCs or after denudation to examine if DO addition during IVM would affect cumulus or oocyte properties. After fertilization, penetration and normal fertilization rates of zygotes were not different between all tested groups irrespective of denudation before IVF. When zygotes were cultured for 6 days, no difference could be observed between all treatment groups in cleavage rate, blastocyst rate and cell number per blastocyst. In conclusion, irrespective of the ratio, co‐culture with DOs during IVM did not improve fertilization parameters and embryo development of cumulus‐enclosed porcine oocytes in a defined system.
A systematic review of the emerging definition of ‘deprescribing’ with network analysis: implications for future research and clinical practice.
Authors: Reeve Emily , Gnjidic Danijela , Long Janet , Hilmer Sarah
Published: August 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify what definitions have been published for the term ‘deprescribing’, and determine whether a unifying definition could be reached. A secondary aim was to uncover patterns between the published definitions which could explain any variation.

Methods

Systematic literature searches were performed (earliest records to February 2014) in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Informit, Scopus and Google Scholar. The terms deprescrib* or de‐prescrib* were employed as a keyword search in all fields. Conventional content analysis and word frequencies were used to identify characteristics of the definitions. Network analysis was conducted to visualize characteristic distribution across authors and articles.

Results

Following removal of duplicates, 231 articles were retrieved, 37 of which included a definition. Eight characteristics of the definitions were identified: use of the term stop/withdraw/cease/discontinue (35 articles), aspect of prescribing included e.g. long term therapy/inappropriate medications (n = 18), use of the term ‘process’ or ‘structured’ (n = 13), withdrawal is planned/supervised/judicious (n = 11), involving multiple steps (n = 7), includes dose reduction/substitution (n = 7), desired goals/outcomes described (n = 5) and involves tapering (n = 4). Network analysis did not reveal patterns responsible for variations in previously used definitions.

Conclusions

These findings show that there is lack of consensus on the definition of deprescribing. This article proposes the following definition: ‘Deprescribing is the process of withdrawal of an inappropriate medication, supervised by a health care professional with the goal of managing polypharmacy and improving outcomes’. This definition has not yet been externally validated and further work is required to develop an internationally accepted and appropriate definition.
Classifying communication ability in cerebral palsy
Authors: Cockerill Helen
Published: August 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Vander Zwart et al. on pages 180–188 of this issue.
Valproate modulates glucose metabolism in patients with epilepsy after first exposure
Authors: Rakitin Aleksei , Kõks Sulev , Haldre Sulev
Published: August 2015

Valproate (VPA) treatment has been reported to be associated with weight gain and metabolic changes, such as hyperinsulinemia. The question of whether hyperinsulinemia and other metabolic changes are consequences of increased weight, or are instead direct results of VPA treatment, remains a matter of debate. The aim of the current study was to explore the influence of VPA treatment on glucose and insulin levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) directly following the first intravenous (IV) administration. Sixteen patients (18–46 years old) with newly diagnosed epilepsy underwent an OGTT with 75 g glucose prior to the start of VPA treatment, as well as directly following the first IV VPA administration. We observed that plasma glucose levels during the 120 min of OGTT session following infusion of VPA were significantly lower than those measured during OGTT without VPA treatment (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 4.28 ± 0.94 mmol/l vs. 4.75 ± 1.09 mmol/l respectively, p = 0.038). However, blood concentrations of insulin and C‐peptide did not differ significantly between the two measurements. This is the first study to show a potential acute glucose‐lowering effect of VPA during OGTT in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
Climate change and maize yield in southern Africa: what can farm management do?
Authors: Rurinda Jairos , van Wijk Mark T. , Mapfumo Paul , Descheemaeker Katrien , Supit Iwan , Giller Ken E.
Published: August 2015

There is concern that food insecurity will increase in southern Africa due to climate change. We quantified the response of maize yield to projected climate change and to three key management options – planting date, fertilizer use and cultivar choice – using the crop simulation model, agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM), at two contrasting sites in Zimbabwe. Three climate periods up to 2100 were selected to cover both near‐ and long‐term climates. Future climate data under two radiative forcing scenarios were generated from five global circulation models. The temperature is projected to increase significantly in Zimbabwe by 2100 with no significant change in mean annual total rainfall. When planting before mid‐December with a high fertilizer rate, the simulated average grain yield for all three maize cultivars declined by 13% for the periods 2010–2039 and 2040–2069 and by 20% for 2070–2099 compared with the baseline climate, under low radiative forcing. Larger declines in yield of up to 32% were predicted for 2070–2099 with high radiative forcing. Despite differences in annual rainfall, similar trends in yield changes were observed for the two sites studied, Hwedza and Makoni. The yield response to delay in planting was nonlinear. Fertilizer increased yield significantly under both baseline and future climates. The response of maize to mineral nitrogen decreased with progressing climate change, implying a decrease in the optimal fertilizer rate in the future. Our results suggest that in the near future, improved crop and soil fertility management will remain important for enhanced maize yield. Towards the end of the 21st century, however, none of the farm management options tested in the study can avoid large yield losses in southern Africa due to climate change. There is a need to transform the current cropping systems of southern Africa to offset the negative impacts of climate change.
Epithelial atrophy in oral submucous fibrosis is mediated by copper (II) and arecoline of areca nut
Authors: Khan Imran , Pant Ila , Narra Sivakrishna , Radhesh Rekha , Ranganathan Kannan , Rao Somanahalli Girish , Kondaiah Paturu
Published: August 2015

Exposure of oral cavity to areca nut is associated with several pathological conditions including oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Histopathologically OSF is characterized by epithelial atrophy, chronic inflammation, juxtaepithelial hyalinization, leading to fibrosis of submucosal tissue and affects 0.5% of the population in the Indian subcontinent. As the molecular mechanisms leading to atrophied epithelium and fibrosis are poorly understood, we studied areca nut actions on human keratinocyte and gingival fibroblast cells. Areca nut water extract (ANW) was cytotoxic to epithelial cells and had a pro‐proliferative effect on fibroblasts. This opposite effect of ANW on epithelial and fibroblast cells was intriguing but reflects the OSF histopathology such as epithelial atrophy and proliferation of fibroblasts. We demonstrate that the pro‐proliferative effects of ANW on fibroblasts are dependent on insulin‐like growth factor signalling while the cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes are dependent on the generation of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of keratinocytes with arecoline which is a component of ANW along with copper resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity which becomes comparable to IC50 of ANW. Furthermore, studies using cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry and plasmid cleavage assay suggested that the presence of arecoline increases oxidation reduction potential of copper leading to enhanced cleavage of DNA which could generate an apoptotic response. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling assay and Ki‐67 index of OSF tissue sections suggested epithelial apoptosis, which could be responsible for the atrophy of OSF epithelium.
Periostin down‐regulation attenuates the pro‐fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells induced by TGF‐β1
Authors: Hong Li , Shejiao Dai , Fenrong Chen , Gang Zhao , Lei Dong
Published: August 2015

Liver fibrosis is characterized by an exacerbated accumulation of deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a pivotal role in the development of liver fibrosis. Periostin has been shown to regulate cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and apoptosis; however, the involvement of periostin and its role in transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced HSC activation remains unclear. We used RT‐PCR and Western blot to evaluate the expression level of periostin in hepatic fibrosis tissues and HSCs, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Proliferation ELISA BrdU kit, cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I, TGF‐β1, p‐Smad2 and p‐Smad3 were determined by western blot. Our study found that periostin was up‐regulated in liver fibrotic tissues and activated HSCs. In addition, siRNA‐periostin suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced HSC proliferation. The HSC transfected with siRNA‐periostin significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced expression levels of α‐SMA and collagen I. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 stimulated the expression of periostin, and siRNA‐periostin attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 activation in HSCs. These results suggest that periostin may function as a novel regulator to modulate HSC activation, potentially by promoting the TGF‐β1/Smad signalling pathway, and propose a strategy to target periostin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Pregnant Adolescents, Beliefs About Healthy Eating, Factors that Influence Food Choices, and Nutrition Education Preferences
Authors: Wise Nancy J.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Healthy eating among pregnant adolescents is essential for the well‐being of developing adolescent females and their fetuses, as well as for the prevention of adult chronic illness. Understanding factors that influence and prohibit healthy eating, along with preferences for nutrition education in the pregnant adolescent population, is critical when designing and implementing appropriate nutrition education programs. The purpose of this study was to collect individual viewpoints of pregnant adolescents to facilitate the development of a nutrition intervention.

Methods

This qualitative study using focus group methodology was conducted among pregnant adolescents. Participants (N = 14) were recruited through and teen parenting programs in the Mid‐Atlantic region. Focus groups were guided by 6 open‐ended questions that were developed based on implications from a previous study that surveyed eating habits of pregnant adolescents. Data were analyzed and coded using verbatim transcripts. Transcripts were read carefully for overall content and identification of major categories and then compared for similar and contrasting data.

Results

Four recurring themes emerged that described beliefs about healthy eating, influences on food choices, and nutrition education preferences: 1) pregnant adolescents demonstrate overall knowledge of healthy foods but are unwilling to give up unhealthy foods; 2) parents, offspring, and pregnancy influence healthy eating habits; 3) pregnant adolescents choose foods based on appearance and taste, cravings, convenience, and cost; and 4) pregnancy alters eating habits. Nutrition education in this population should be peer‐ and adolescent‐focused and incorporate preferred methods of learning and favored incentives.

Discussion

Pregnant adolescents are more likely to attend educational programs that are population‐specific and peer‐focused, and include incentives that make cooking easier, more convenient, and affordable. Program content should be available to potential participants ahead of time. Preferred methods of learning include video format, peer discussion, and hands‐on cooking with active participation in food preparation. Foods that are prepared should be visually appealing and adolescent‐friendly.
Assessment of efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid vs. carbon dioxide laser in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Mourad Basma , Elgarhy Lamia H. , Ellakkawy Heba‐Alla , Elmahdy Nageh
Published: August 2015

Background

There are numerous methods currently available for the management of xanthelasma. These include surgical excision, laser ablation using a variety of lasers and chemical cauterization. However, each method of treatment is associated with particular limitations and side effects.

Objectives

To assess the clinical efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations of topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) vs. carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum.

Methods

Thirty patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum were classified into four groups, treated by TCA 35%, 50%, 70%, and CO2 laser, respectively. Lipid profile was estimated for all patients.

Results

Both TCA peeling 70% and carbon dioxide laser ablation showed more significant clinical efficacy and tolerability with least number of sessions in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum than 50% and 35% TCA peeling. Post‐therapy erythema and hypopigmentation were more with TCA 70%. Post‐therapy hyperpigmentation was more with TCA (50%). There was a significant improvement in patients with normal lipid profile than those with abnormal profile.

Conclusion

Both TCA peeling 70% and carbon dioxide laser ablation are highly effective and well tolerated with least number of sessions in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CONSUMER CREDIT AND DEFAULT LITERATURE
Authors: Livshits Igor
Published: August 2015

This survey discusses recent contributions to the quantitative literature on unsecured consumer debt and default, and some ongoing challenges for the literature. Key topics include the sources of the rise in personal bankruptcies, the importance of asymmetric information and the effects of developments in information technologies on consumer credit markets, delinquency and informal bankruptcy, debt collection and restructuring of distressed debt, the cyclical behavior of consumer debt and default, and the insurance role of household debt. Implications for welfare analysis and policy design are discussed. Several theoretical contributions and approaches to modeling the consumer credit markets are also highlighted.
TOWARDS AN ECONOMICS OF AWARDS
Authors: Frey Bruno S. , Gallus Jana
Published: August 2015

Awards are a widespread phenomenon. They cater to the fundamental desire for social recognition and serve as a valuable incentive to influence behaviour. The study of awards such as medals, prizes and titles has in recent years gained momentum in economics, complementing the longstanding focus on material incentives. To evaluate the effectiveness of awards as a motivator is difficult as the effect of awards must be separated from the fact that awards are meant to be given to the best. We show how research on awards has advanced over the last couple of years, thus providing points of departure for future work.
Gramsci and Cultural Hegemony in Post‐Mao China
Authors: Huang Heidi Yu
Published: August 2015

This article gives an overview of the reception and re‐conception of Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony in China. It first analyses the semantic shifts and differences in the varied Chinese translations of the term, then discusses how the use of these distinctive Chinese translations has variously helped or limited scholars when examining the ideological discrepancies in contemporary reworkings of Gramscian thought in post‐Maoist China. This article concludes that hegemony offers a theoretical point of departure when seeking to understand the theories and practices of cultural revolution in modern China, even as the post‐Maoist context requires consideration of a dialectical, conceptual model addressing both local and globalizing contexts for understanding China's rising power.
Twenty‐First Century “Chinoiserie”
Authors: Christie Stuart
Published: August 2015

Twenty‐first century “Chinoiserie”, the title of the present cluster of essays offered via the Global Circulation Project, offers a series of perspectives on the philology of Chinese literary studies, culture, and language using formerly unimaginable scalars of “worldedness” (Hayot), even as the nation‐state, China, strives to assert the continuation of its own revolutionary project distinct from the global “market.” Presenting a forward philological practice that would rebut any reflection theory “about” China – for example, by refusing to express Chinese reality and experiences solely as a function, or form, of contemporary globalization – all of the following essays cite “China” as a potential site of critique, example, or even vitiation of the present dispensation of global capital. Achieving a degree of theoretical separation from the “market” allows China to emerge – at once discrepant of the technologies of global dissemination (such as the internet and the host of micro‐translational practices it encourages) as well as beholden to them, in locally rendered (“Chinese”) yet infinitely various forms. The very ubiquity of 21st century “Chinoiserie” presents useful challenges to conventional heuristics formerly used to encompass Chinese alterity (such as Goethe's Weltliteratur or T. S. Eliot's “translucency”) and also conveys the insistence of a sovereign demand: that the global appetite for Chinese language, culture, and its literary translations be rooted in the fulfillment (Erfüllung) of “China”, in all its variety, as the figure – ecological, translational, and epistemological – for our time.
Chinese Ecocriticism: A Survey of the Landscape
Authors: Berman Douglas Scott
Published: August 2015

Over the last decade, ecocriticism – defined broadly as the study of the relationship between language or art and the physical environment – has come to the fore in China, particularly in humanities departments, leading to an outpouring of critical articles, books, and specialized studies. Possible reasons for why ecocriticism has gained traction within the university are as follows: (i) the increasing hybridization and cross‐disciplinarity within literature departments, where media/film, social science, literature, and philosophy increasingly interact, and (ii) increased anxiety over environmental issues as amplified in the media. By cutting across several disciplines and media platforms, in only a few short years, ecocriticism has developed into a legitimate, and powerful, school of thought. The first section of this paper provides a brief overview of the recent history of the ecocritical “movement” in China – focusing on ways in which literary critics have developed ecocriticism into a vibrant discourse. The second half addresses social ecology, a specific branch of ecocriticism, and its relevance to themes of alienation and modernization active in the work of avant‐garde directors and ecological activists. While Chinese academics have been reluctant to address social and political themes through an ecocritical lens, in the coming years, we should find greater attention paid, both on the left and on the right, to issues of environmental justice and ecological community.
Standardized multilevel transition program: Does it affect renal transplant outcome?
Authors: Weitz Marcus , Heeringa Saskia , Neuhaus Thomas J. , Fehr Thomas , Laube Guido F.
Published: August 2015

The transfer of renal transplant patients from pediatric to adult care is a crucial step with a high risk of subsequent graft loss. Therefore, the transition should be a thoroughly planned, well‐designed and multidisciplinary process focused on the individual patient. Our pediatric nephrology department introduced a structured step‐by‐step transition program supported by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of the transition program on eGFR and number of ARs in comparison to a group without a transition program at one and three yr after transfer. We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of renal transplant patients prior to and after the introduction of the transition program. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly lower decline of eGFR in the group with transition program (−11.3 ± 44 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to the group without transition program (−28.4 ± 33 mL/min/1.73 m2) at three yr after transfer. The number of AR episodes significantly decreased from 34.6% in the group without transition program to 9.1% in the group with transition program. The standardized multilevel transition program seems to have significant positive effects on eGFR and number of AR episodes in renal transplant patients.
Phylogeny and classification ofCucujoidea and the recognition of a new superfamilyCoccinelloidea (Coleoptera:Cucujiformia)
Authors: ROBERTSON JAMES A. , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM , MOULTON MATTHEW , SHOCKLEY FLOYD W. , GIORGI ADRIANO , LORD NATHAN P. , MCKENNA DUANE D. , TOMASZEWSKA WIOLETTA , FORRESTER JUANITA , MILLER KELLY B. , WHITING MICHAEL F. , MCHUGH JOSEPH V.
Published: August 2015

A large‐scale phylogenetic study is presented forCucujoidea (Coleoptera), a diverse superfamily of beetles that historically has been taxonomically difficult. This study is the most comprehensive analysis of cucujoid taxa to date, withDNAsequence data sampled from eight genes (four nuclear, four mitochondrial) for 384 coleopteran taxa, including exemplars of 35 (of 37) families and 289 genera ofCucujoidea. Maximum‐likelihood analyses of these data present many significant relationships, some proposed previously and some novel. Tenebrionoidea andLymexyloidea are recovered together andCleroidea forms the sister group to this clade. Chrysomeloidea andCurculionoidea are recovered as sister taxa and this clade (Phytophaga) forms the sister group to the coreCucujoidea (Cucujoideas.n.). The nitidulid series is recovered as the earliest‐diverging core cucujoid lineage, although the earliest divergences among coreCucujoidea are only weakly supported. The cerylonid series (CS) is recovered as monophyletic and is supported as a majorCucujiform clade, sister group to the remaining superfamilies ofCucujiformia. Currently recognized taxa that were not recovered as monophyletic includeCucujoidea,Endomychidae,Cerylonidae andBothrideridae. Biphyllidae andByturidae were recovered inCleroidea. The remainingCucujoidea were recovered in two disparate major clades: one comprising the nitidulid series + erotylid series +Boganiidae andHobartiidae + cucujid series, and the other comprising the cerylonid series. Propalticidae are recovered withinLaemophloeidae. The cerylonid series includes two major clades, the bothriderid group and the coccinellid group. Akalyptoischiidae are recovered as a separate clade fromLatridiidae. Eupsilobiinae are recovered as the sister taxon toCoccinellidae. In light of these findings, many formal changes to cucujiform beetle classification are proposed. Biphyllidae andByturidae are transferred toCleroidea. The cerylonid series is formally recognized as a new superfamily, Coccinelloideastat.n.Current subfamilies elevated (or re‐elevated) to family status include:Murmidiidaestat.n.,Teredidaestat.n.,Euxestidaestat.n.,Anamorphidaestat.rev.,Eupsilobiidaestat.n., andMycetaeidaestat.n.The following taxa are redefined and characterized:Cleroideas.n.,Cucujoideas.n.,Cerylonidaes.n.,Bothrideridaes.n.,Endomychidaes.n.A new subfamily,Cyclotominaestat.n., is described. Stenotarsinaesyn.n.is formally subsumed within a new concept ofEndomychinaes.n.
Detection of red blood cell antibodies in mitogen‐stimulated cultures from patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Zaninoni Anna , Vercellati Cristina , Imperiali Francesca G. , Marcello Anna P. , Fattizzo Bruno , Fermo Elisa , Bianchi Paola , Grossi Claudia , Cattaneo Alessandra , Cortelezzi Agostino , Zanella Alberto , Barcellini Wilma
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a congenital hemolytic anemia caused by defects in red blood cell (RBC) membrane proteins leading to premature RBC clearance in the spleen. The presence of RBC autoantibodies has never been extensively investigated in HS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBC antibody–bound immunoglobulin (Ig)G was investigated in 91 consecutive HS patients by mitogen‐stimulated direct antiglobulin test (MS‐DAT), a sensitive method able to magnify latent RBC antibody autoimmunity and related with hemolytic variables, previous splenectomy, and type of membrane defect.

RESULTS

A total of 61% of HS cases had RBC antibodies by MS‐DAT (29 Band 3, 17 spectrin deficiency, and nine no defined defect). The amount of RBC‐bound IgG was greater in HS compared with controls (236 ± 192 ng/mL vs. 52 ± 29 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), although lower than that observed in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA; 634 ± 371 ng/mL vs. 236 ± 192 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Western blot experiments showed that purified IgG fraction from MS‐DAT–positive patients bind to α‐ and β‐spectrin, Band 3, and Band 4.9. Positive cases displayed increased reticulocytosis and slightly reduced hemoglobin (Hb) values compared to negative ones. Patients displaying RBC‐bound IgG of more than 250 ng/mL (the positive threshold of AIHA) showed increased number of spherocytes and mainly had spectrin deficiency. RBC‐bound IgG and free Hb increased over time after storage at 4°C, a surrogate of ex vivo aging, more evidently in HS than controls, and particularly in Band 3 deficiency.

CONCLUSION

RBC autoantibodies were detected by MS‐DAT in more than a half of HS patients. Positive cases showed a more evident hemolytic pattern suggesting a pathogenic role of these autoantibodies in RBC opsonization and splenic removal.
Observation of quantum oscillation of work function in ultrathin-metal/semiconductor junctions
Authors: Takhar Kuldeep , Meer Mudassar , Khachariya Dolar , Ganguly Swaroop , Saha Dipankar
Published: August 2015

Quantization in energy level due to confinement is generally observed for semiconductors. This property is used for various quantum devices, and it helps to improve the characteristics of conventional devices. Here, the authors have demonstrated the quantum size effects in ultrathin metal (Ni) layers sandwiched between two large band-gap materials. The metal work function is found to oscillate as a function of its thickness. The thermionic emission current bears the signature of the oscillating work function, which has a linear relationship with barrier heights. This methodology allows direct observation of quantum oscillations in metals at room temperature using a Schottky diode and electrical measurements using source-measure-units. The observed phenomena can provide additional mechanism to tune the barrier height of metal/semiconductor junctions, which are used for various electronic devices.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium
Xenorhabdus khoisanae
Strain MCB
Authors: Naidoo Stephanie , Featherston Jonathan , Gray Vincent M.
Published: August 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Xenorhabdus khoisanae
strain MCB, a Gram-negative bacterium and symbiont of a
Steinernema
entomopathogenic nematode. The genome assembly consists of 266 contigs covering 4.68 Mb. Genome annotation revealed 3,869 protein-coding sequences, with a G+C content of 43.5%.
Temporal trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors among white, South Asian, Chinese and black groups in Ontario, Canada, 2001 to 2012: a population-based study
Authors: Chiu Maria , Maclagan Laura C , Tu Jack V , Shah Baiju R
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine ethnic-specific temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors in Ontario between 2001 and 2012.

Design

A population-based repeated cross-sectional study.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

219 276 participants of the Canadian Community Health Survey (205 326 white, 5620 South Asian, 4368 Chinese and 3962 black) during the period 2001 to 2012.

Main outcome measures

Age-standardised ethnic-sex-specific prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors for three time periods: 2001–2004, 2005–2008 and 2009–2012 among Canada's four major ethnic groups: white, South Asian, Chinese and black.

Results

During the study period, the prevalence of diabetes increased 2.3-fold (p=0.0001) among South Asian males and 1.9-fold (p=0.02) among black females. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) increased over time across all ethnic groups, with the largest relative increases observed among males of Chinese (2.1-fold increase, p=0.04) and black (1.7-fold increase, p=0.06) descent. The prevalence of hypertension increased the most among black females. Smoking prevalence decreased by more than 20% among South Asian, Chinese and white females. Overall, South Asian males and black males and females showed the greatest declines in cardiovascular health over the study period.

Conclusions

We observed important ethnic differences in the temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factor profiles in Ontario. Awareness of the direction and magnitude of these risk factor trends may be useful in informing targeted strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases in multiethnic populations.
Contraception use and impact on pregnancy prevention in women participating in an HIV prevention trial in South Africa
Authors: Moodley Jayajothi , Naidoo Sarita , Wand Handan , Ramjee Gita
Published: August 2015

Background

Unplanned pregnancy rates in South Africa are high. Effective use of contraception is therefore an essential public health intervention to prevent unplanned pregnancies. This study describes contraception use and its impact on pregnancy in women participating in HIV prevention research and its implications for public health practice.

Method

A secondary analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural, contraception use, and pregnancy incidence data was conducted amongst women participating in the Microbicides Development Programme (MDP) 301 trial conducted in Durban, South Africa. Log-rank tests were carried out to compare the pregnancy incidence between women who reported use of injectable contraceptive methods compared to women using oral contraceptive pills, using condoms and other methods (intrauterine device, traditional methods and natural methods). The effect of types of contraceptives on pregnancy incidence was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Of the 2018 women enrolled, injectable contraception was the most commonly used method (52%) compared to pills, condoms for pregnancy prevention and other methods. Injectable contraception use was associated with lower crude pregnancy incidence of 4.4 per 100 woman-years [95% confidence interval (95% CI 3.3–5.9)] compared to women using pills [19.3 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 13.3–28.0)], condoms [19.7 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 16.3–23.6)] and other methods [11.5 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 7.5–17.6)]. This effect remained significant when adjusted for age, level of education, condom use at last sex act [hazard ratio 0.27, (95% CI 0.16–0.47,p<0.001)].

Conclusion

Injectable contraception offered a high level of protection against pregnancies among women in Durban.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN64716212.
Application of a Decision Model by Using an Integration of AHP and TOPSIS Approaches within Humanitarian Operation Life Cycle
Authors: Saksrisathaporn Krittiya , Bouras Abdelaziz , Reeveerakul Napaporn , Charles Aurelie
Published: August 2015

Emergency logistics is one of the most important parts of disaster relief operations. Quick and adequate decision making in this sector is vital but sometimes hard to achieve. This issue is currently faced by several humanitarian organizations, where the high turnover of staff and the lack of adequate tools make it hard to learn from past experiences. Choosing the most appropriate supplier, the adapted warehouse and transportation means is a complicated task. Indeed, on the one hand there are many criteria to take into account in the decision-making process, and on the other hand the relative importance of those criteria is changing over time. Existing academic works on this issue are very difficult to implement on real case scenarios as they do not propose practical solutions. In this paper, a decision model which evolves over time, depending on operations progresses is proposed. Selection of supplier, warehouse and vehicle are taken into consideration thanks to the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach. In order to achieve a proper decision, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used first to analyze the structure of alternatives selection problem and to determine weights of criteria. Then Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to obtain final ranking in a four-phases of humanitarian operation life cycle. A numerical example based on preliminary data from the French Red Cross including the sensitivity analysis is presented to clarify and validate the methodology.
Allocation of Virtual Machines in Cloud Data Centers—A Survey of Problem Models and Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Mann Zoltán Ádám
Published: August 2015

Data centers in public, private, and hybrid cloud settings make it possible to provision virtual machines (VMs) with unprecedented flexibility. However, purchasing, operating, and maintaining the underlying physical resources incurs significant monetary costs and environmental impact. Therefore, cloud providers must optimize the use of physical resources by a careful allocation of VMs to hosts, continuously balancing between the conflicting requirements on performance and operational costs. In recent years, several algorithms have been proposed for this important optimization problem. Unfortunately, the proposed approaches are hardly comparable because of subtle differences in the used problem models. This article surveys the used problem formulations and optimization algorithms, highlighting their strengths and limitations, and pointing out areas that need further research.
Optimizing off-chip accesses in multicores
Authors: Ding Wei , Tang Xulong , Kandemir Mahmut , Zhang Yuanrui , Kultursay Emre
Published: August 2015

In a network-on-chip (NoC) based manycore architecture, an off-chip data access (main memory access) needs to travel through the on-chip network, spending considerable amount of time within the chip (in addition to the memory access latency). In addition, it contends with on-chip (cache) accesses as both use the same NoC resources. In this paper, focusing on data-parallel, multithreaded applications, we propose a compiler-based off-chip data access localization strategy, which places data elements in the memory space such that an off-chip access traverses a minimum number of links (hops) to reach the memory controller that handles this access. This brings three main benefits. First, the network latency of off-chip accesses gets reduced; second, the network latency of on-chip accesses gets reduced; and finally, the memory latency of off-chip accesses improves, due to reduced queue latencies. We present an experimental evaluation of our optimization strategy using a set of 13 multithreaded application programs under both private and shared last-level caches. The results collected emphasize the importance of optimizing the off-chip data accesses.
Synthesizing racy tests
Authors: Samak Malavika , Ramanathan Murali Krishna , Jagannathan Suresh
Published: August 2015

Subtle concurrency errors in multithreaded libraries that arise because of incorrect or inadequate synchronization are often difficult to pinpoint precisely using only static techniques. On the other hand, the effectiveness of dynamic race detectors is critically dependent on multithreaded test suites whose execution can be used to identify and trigger races. Usually, such multithreaded tests need to invoke a specific combination of methods with objects involved in the invocations being shared appropriately to expose a race. Without a priori knowledge of the race, construction of such tests can be challenging. In this paper, we present a lightweight and scalable technique for synthesizing precisely these kinds of tests. Given a multithreaded library and a sequential test suite, we describe a fully automated analysis that examines sequential execution traces, and produces as its output a concurrent client program that drives shared objects via library method calls to states conducive for triggering a race. Experimental results on a variety of well-tested Java libraries yield 101 synthesized multithreaded tests in less than four minutes. Analyzing the execution of these tests using an off-the-shelf race detector reveals 187 harmful races, including several previously unreported ones. Our implementation, named NARADA, and the results of our experiments are available at http://www.csa.iisc.ernet.in/~sss/tools/narada.
Type-and-example-directed program synthesis
Authors: Osera Peter-Michael , Zdancewic Steve
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an algorithm for synthesizing recursive functions that process algebraic datatypes. It is founded on proof-theoretic techniques that exploit both type information and input–output examples to prune the search space. The algorithm uses refinement trees, a data structure that succinctly represents constraints on the shape of generated code. We evaluate the algorithm by using a prototype implementation to synthesize more than 40 benchmarks and several non-trivial larger examples. Our results demonstrate that the approach meets or outperforms the state-of-the-art for this domain, in terms of synthesis time or attainable size of the generated programs.
Numerical Analysis of Integral Characteristics for the Condenser Setups of Independent Power-Supply Sources with the Closed-Looped Thermodynamic Cycle
Authors: Vysokomornaya Olga V. , Kuznetsov Genii V. , Strizhak Pavel A.
Published: August 2015

The mathematical model of heat and mass transfer processes with phase transition is developed. It allows analysis of integral characteristics for the condenser setup of independent power-supply plant with the organic Rankine cycle. Different kinds of organic liquids can be used as a coolant and working substance. The temperatures of the working liquid at the condenser outlet under different values of outside air temperature are determined. The comparative analysis of the utilization efficiency of different cooling systems and organic coolants is carried out.
Effect of Salusin-ß on Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and its Possible Mechanism
Authors: Xu XiaoLe , He Mengzi , Liu Tingting , Zeng Yi , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: salusin-ß is considered to be a potential pro-atherosclerotic factor. Regulation and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important in the progression of atherosclerosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) exerts a vascular protective role beyond its metabolic effects. Salusin-ß has direct effects on VSMCs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of salusin-ß on PPARγ gene expression in primary cultured rat VSMCs. Methods: Western blotting analysis, real-time PCR and transient transfection approach were used to determine expression of target proteins. Specific protein knockdown was performed with siRNA transfection. Cell proliferation was determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. The levels of inflammation indicators interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Salusin-ß negatively regulated PPARγ gene expression at protein, mRNA and gene promoter level in VSMCs. The inhibitory effect of salusin-ß on PPARγ gene expression contributed to salusin-ß-induced VSMCs proliferation and inflammation in vitro. IγBa-NF-γB activation, but not NF-γB p50 or p65, mediated the salusin-ß-induced inhibition of PPARγ gene expression. Salusin-ß induced nuclear translocation of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). HDAC3 siRNA prevented salusin-ß-induced PPARγ reduction. Nuclear translocation of HDAC3 in response to salusin-ß was significantly reversed by an IγBa inhibitor BAY 11-7085. Furthermore, IγBa-HDAC3 complex was present in the cytosol of VSMCs but interrupted after salusin-ß treatment. Conclusion: IγBa-HDAC3 pathway may contribute to salusin-ß-induced inhibition of PPARγ gene expression in VSMCs.
N1-Guanyl-1,7-Diaminoheptane Sensitizes Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin by Preventing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through Inhibition of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A2 Activation
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Rongrong , Fu Peifen , Du Feiya , Hong Yun , Yao Minya , Zhang Xianning , Zheng Shusen
Published: August 2015

Background: Approximately 30% of breast cancer does not express the estrogen receptor (ER), which is necessary for endocrine-based therapy approaches. Many studies demonstrated that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2) serves as a proliferation-related oncogene in tumorigenic processes. Methods: The present study used cell viability assays, EdU incorporation assays, western blot, and immunofluorescence to explore whether N1-guanyl-1,7-diaminoheptane (GC7), which inhibits eIF5A2 activation, exerts synergistic cytotoxicity with doxorubicin in breast cancer. Results: We found that GC7 enhanced doxorubicin cytotoxicity in ER-negative HCC1937 cells but had little effect in ER-positive MCF-7 and Bcap-37 cells. Administration of GC7 reversed the doxorubicin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ER-negative breast cancer cells. Knockdown of eIF5A2 by siRNA inhibited the doxorubicin-induced EMT in ER-negative HCC1937 cells. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that GC7 combination therapy may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in estrogen negative breast cancer cells by preventing EMT through inhibition of eIF5A2 activation.
Role for HIF-1α and Downstream Pathways in Regulating Neuronal Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Diabetes
Authors: Yu Zhen , Tang Ling , Chen Lifen , Li Jinfang , Wu Wanfu , Hu Changlin
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: HIF-1α is accumulated in the cellular nucleus and cytoplasm under conditions of oxygen deprivation and engaged in pathophysiologic changes of homeostasis by modulating the expression of several target genes. As an endogenous signaling protein, HIF-1α contributes to in neuroprotection, erythropoiesis, and apoptosis modulation. The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by HIF-1α in regulating neurological injury evoked by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) through its downstream product, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In particular, we examined the effects of diabetic hyperglycemia on HIF-1α response in the processing of ICH. Methods: ELISA was used to measure HIF-1α and VEGF; and Western Blot analysis to examine the protein expression of VEGFR-2 and Caspase-3. Neurological Severity Score and brain water content were used to indicate neurological function and brain edema. Results: HIF-1α and VEGF were significantly increased in the brain after induction of ICH in non-diabetic control rats and diabetic rats; however, the amplified levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were attenuated in diabetic rats (P<0.05 vs. non-diabetic rats) as compared with non-diabetic rats. Also, the protein expression of VEGF receptor subtype 2 was significantly less in the brain of diabetic rats (P<0.05 vs. non-diabetic rats). Further, cerebral infusion of HIF-1 activator stabilized VEGF levels, attenuated Caspase-3 and improved neurological deficits induced by ICH and the effects are smaller in diabetic animals. Conclusion: HIF-1α activated by ICH likely plays a beneficial role via VEGF mechanisms and response of HIF-1α is largely impaired in diabetes. This has pharmacological implications to target specific HIF-1α and VEGF pathway for neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability related to ICH.