bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sevoflurane vs. propofol on mitochondrial functional activity after ischemia-reperfusion injury and the influence on clinical parameters in patients undergoing CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Sirvinskas E , Kinderyte A , Trumbeckaite S , Lenkutis T , Raliene L , Giedraitis S , Macas A , Borutaite V
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on the activity of mitochondrial function related to ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial damage biomarkers release and clinical parameters in the postoperative period. Seventy-two patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized into two groups: 36 patients received sevoflurane during anesthesia (Group S) and 36 patients received propofol (Group P). To investigate the functional activity of mitochondria, we used skinned fibers prepared from biopsies of right atrial tissue before cardioplegia and after the aorta cross-clamp removal (within 10-15 minutes after reperfusion). Patients’ clinical data (length of stay in ICU, hemodynamic parameters, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and the amount of lactate and troponin I in the blood serum) were evaluated postoperatively. The results showed that, before cardioplegia and after reperfusion, there was no significant difference in the mitochondrial routine and State 3 respiration rates between the groups. The effect of cytochrome c was higher in Group P. Troponin I concentration at the 12th hour after the surgery was 2.2 ± 0.8 ng/mL in Group S and 3.5 ± 1.1 ng/mL in Group P (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic parameters and length of stay in the ICU between the groups. We conclude that sevoflurane slightly protects the mitochondrial outer membrane from ischemia-reperfusion injury and the loss of cytochrome c, yet has the similar effect on clinical parameters in the postoperative period when compared to propofol.
Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory: Confirmatory factor analysis of the Spanish version
Authors: Zarza Alzugaray Francisco Javier , Hernández Santos Orejudo , López Oscar Casanova , Gil Beatriz Mazas
Published: February 2015

This article presents the process of adjusting into Spanish Kenny’s Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (Kenny, Davis, & Oates, 2004). This questionnaire is based on Barlow’s theory of performance anxiety and evaluates levels of anxiety whilst on stage. After doing two translations into Spanish, a peer review, and pilot study, the questionnaire was answered by 490 musicians training in six Spanish music conservatories. Results showed that the adapted version of the instrument, with some minor modifications, has good psychometric properties, also validated through a confirmatory factor analysis procedure. Thereof, and in accordance with to Barlow’s theoretical framework, we saw emerge three related factors that made reference to specific cognitions of performance anxiety, such as helplessness as a factor of psychological vulnerability and early family influences. Performance anxiety is related to a psychological vulnerability profile and early relationship context. Finally, it is important to count with reliable instruments that allow contrasting theories in different cultural background, comparing the effects of problems or treatment outcomes.
Using novel metrics to assess biogeographic patterns of abrupt treelines in relation to abiotic influences
Authors: Case Bradley S. , Hale Roddy J.
Published: February 2015

Alpine treeline ecotones display spatial variability in a range of features that often reflect underlying abiotic variation and its control on the processes that form and maintain treelines. In this study, we explore treeline pattern–environment relationships for continuous, abrupt Nothofagus treelines in New Zealand across a seven degree latitudinal gradient (circa 39–46° S). Our main aims were: 1) to develop a set of metrics for characterising spatial variation in abrupt treelines at a landscape scale; 2) to relate these metrics to underlying abiotic variation in order to determine the relative roles of climate, substrate, topography and disturbance in structuring Nothofagus treeline patterns; and 3) to develop a possible biogeographic typology of Nothofagus treelines. A GIS-based approach was used to develop seven metrics describing different facets of landscape-scale treeline pattern. Regression modelling and variance partitioning were used to explore relationships among treeline pattern metrics and abiotic variation. Cluster analysis was used to characterise emergent treeline types and GIS was used to map their biogeographic distributions. The individual treeline metrics characterised unique patterns of treeline variation across New Zealand and, upon clustering, resulted in seven distinctive treeline types. Nothofagus treeline patterns in New Zealand are strongly structured by environmental gradients, with about half the landscape-scale variation in treelines being structured by patterns of abiotic variation. Gradients of climatic and disturbance were most influential in explaining landscape-scale variation of individual treeline metrics and of multivariate treeline patterns. The presented, metric-based approach offers a means to develop a comprehensive picture of continuous, landscape-scale treeline variation, bridging an existing research gap between studies at site and global scales. Our approach can enable the development biogeographic treeline typologies that could facilitate the comparison of treeline patterns across large areas and provide a basis for the generation of new hypotheses regarding treeline formation and dynamics.
Emergency Department Management of Pediatric Unprovoked Seizures and Status Epilepticus in the State of Illinois
Authors: Taylor Connie , Piantino Juan , Hageman Joseph , Lyons Evelyn , Janies Kathryn , Leonard Daniel , Kelley Kent , Fuchs Susan
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this survey and record review was to characterize emergency department management of unprovoked seizures and status epilepticus in children in Illinois. The survey was sent to 119 participating emergency departments in the Emergency Medical Services for Children program; responses were received from 103 (88% response rate). Only 44% of the emergency departments had a documented protocol for seizure management. Only 12% of emergency departments had child neurology consultation available at all times. Record review showed that 58% of patients were discharged home, 26% were transferred to another institution, and 10% were admitted to a non-intensive care unit setting. Ninety percent of patients were treated with anticonvulsants. Seizure education was provided by the primary emergency department nurse (97%) and the treating physician (79%). This project demonstrated strengths and weaknesses in the current management of pediatric seizure patients in Illinois emergency departments.
The Role of Career Growth in Chinese New Employee’s Turnover Process
Authors: Chen Jian-Qiao , Hou Zhi-Jin , Li Xu , Lovelace Kathi J. , Liu Yi-Ling , Wang Zhi-Li
Published: February 2015

This study addresses the role of career growth in the turnover process among Chinese new employees. Based on reviews of the background of Chinese new employee combined with the Theory of Work Adjustment, we focus on career growth, person–organization fit (P-O fit), and job satisfaction as potential predictors. We examined career growth’s mediating effect between P-O fit and job satisfaction and its role in predicting turnover intention. Questionnaires were sent out through e-mail to Chinese new employees graduated within the past 3 years. Results of 323 valid cases showed that (1) career growth was positively correlated to job satisfaction and negatively correlated to turnover intention, (2) job satisfaction fully mediated career growth’s effect on turnover intention, (3) P-O fit positively predicted career growth, (4) career growth fully mediated P-O fit’s effect on job satisfaction, (5) P-O fit, career growth, and job satisfaction jointly explained 40% of the turnover intention’s total variance. Implications for individuals and organizations are discussed.
Children and the doctrine of substituted judgement
Authors: Cherkassky Lisa
Published: February 2015

The common law in the United Kingdom dictates that children facing medical treatment should be treated in accordance with their best interests. The Children Act 1989 also demands that the welfare of the child is paramount. However, in light of the creation of saviour siblings after the case of Quintavalle, it is disputed that the donor child is treated in accordance with his/her best interests when undergoing a non-therapeutic procedure for the benefit of another. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) can, for example, validate a bone marrow harvest on a child created specifically for harvest without the consent of the High Court. The doctrine of substituted judgement was developed in the United States to substitute a previously competent adult decision, but it is proposed that parents of saviour siblings are reviving it in a modified form to install a speculative psychological benefit into the saviour child to satisfy the criteria for a harvest in common law. As a result, there is a glaring discrepancy between the objective jurisdiction of the courts and the validation of non-therapeutic harvesting procedures upon children by the HTA, opening the door to potential legal action.
Understanding the Effect of Demographic and Personality Traits on the E-Filing Continuance Usage Intention in Malaysia
Authors: Santhanamery T. , Ramayah T.
Published: February 2015

The submission of tax return forms via e-filing has shown a tremendous increase among taxpayers in Malaysia since its launch in 2006, particularly for individual taxpayers. Around 33 per cent of the total registered individual taxpayers in Malaysia have filed their income taxes via e-filing in 2010. E-filing services serve measurable benefits to both taxpayers and the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) in terms of convenience, time saving, accuracy, security, cost effectiveness, reduced processing time and increase in productivity and efficiency. Unfortunately, as a result of digital divide, all the taxpayers may not be able to realize these benefits. This study examines the effect of individual demographic characteristics of age, gender, income, education and ethnicity, and the Big Five personality traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, agreeableness and openness to experience, on the e-filing continuance usage intention. Data were collected from five urban states in Malaysia, namely, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The result indicates a significant support for most of the demographic and personality variables. The implication of the study and future research are elaborated in the discussion.
A Wavelet-based MRA-EDCC-GARCH Methodology for the Detection of News and Volatility Spillover across Sectoral Indices—Evidence from the Indian Financial Market
Authors: Chakrabarty Anindya , De Anupam , Bandyopadhyay Gautam
Published: February 2015

The article studies the nature and direction of shock and volatility transmission among the nine non-overlapping sectoral indices of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) across eight different scales (from 2–4 days to 1–2 years) using a newly developed wavelet-based multi-resolution–extended dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (MRA–EDCC GARCH) model and compared the results with that of the traditional vector-auto regression–extended dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (VAR–EDCC GARCH) model. The study reveals that the volatility interaction is scale dependent. Significant variation in the magnitude and direction of the spillover incidences are observed between the results of the two models which elucidates that the traditional VAR–EDCC GARCH model may not be sufficient in unlocking the complex pattern of volatility interaction and the multiscale analysis can be further used to extract the hidden information. Shock spillover incidences are found to decrease with scale while the volatility spillover is found to vary both in magnitude and direction across scales. Previous literatures have established that volatility interaction among financial assets can be leveraged successfully in designing trading strategies that generates better results in comparison to the trading strategies that does not employ volatility interactions in their model. Given the findings that the magnitude and direction of volatility interaction changes with the change in investment horizon, it can be concluded that a strategy calibrated for short-term traders may not be optimal for long-term traders and vice versa.
Financial Crisis and Contagion Effects to Indian Stock Market: ‘DCC–GARCH’ Analysis
Authors: Chittedi Krishna Reddy
Published: February 2015

The study applies the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) bivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model of Engle ( 2002 ) in order to capture the contagion effects during global financial crisis. We used daily stock returns for the period January 2002–December 2011 to study the contagion effects from the United States (US) to India. We have considered January 2002–December 2007 as the pre-crisis period and January 2008–December 2011 as crisis period. Empirical findings show that there has been a significant increase in the mean of correlation coefficient between the markets in the crisis periods compared to the pre-crisis period. This proves the existence of contagion between the US and Indian markets. However, this enhanced correlation does not lead to the removal of international diversification benefits since emerging markets still outperform in the long run due to reduced volatility. Finally, it should be noted that the presence of investment barriers and the importance of country-specific risks curtail foreign participation, even though it has grown considerably in a diminishing manner over time.
Trade Flows between India and Other BRICS Countries: An Empirical Analysis Using Gravity Model
Authors: Mishra Aswini Kumar , Gadhia Jigar N. , Kubendran N. , Sahoo Makara
Published: February 2015

This article provides a detailed theoretical justification for the application of gravity model in the context of India’s trade relation with other BRICS countries. Based on 20 years data set from 1990 to 2010, the study finds that there is a positive relationship between gross national product (GNP)/ per capita GNP of the nation and its volume of trade. Also the study finds that where as the transport cost play a negative role in influencing foreign trade among BRICS nations, other variables related to foreign trade like exchange rate, inflation and import-GDP ratio does not play a major role in influencing it.
Are They Really Different? A Study on Apparel Shoppers’ Retail Format Perception in USA and India
Authors: Basu Rituparna
Published: February 2015

The retailer’s operating environment today is far more complex and interconnected than that which prevailed during the closing of the last century. Given the trends of changing consumer preferences and the growing importance of the emerging destinations for retail expansion, the focus is definitely on the untapped markets owing to their relatively high market growth potential. Whether global or local, the retailer’s adaptation to market conditions is crucial. However, heterogeneity of the business landscape and divergence of consumer tastes in the ‘spiky world’ calls for well suited format adaptations specific to markets. Hence, this article aims to have a clear understanding of the consumers’ perspectives on organized retail forms in two contrasting markets with the pioneering use of single and multi-brand format classifications. The research respectively uses datasets from the developed US market and the potentially strong evolving retail market in India to explore format perceptions of shoppers in the respective scenarios. The forming format perception of 126 sampled apparel shoppers in urban India is compared with 107 sampled respondents from the US with the use of exploratory factor analysis. Consequently, the failure of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the factors in the Indian case is used to highlight some interesting insights on the inherent departures in the status of consumers’ store learning pertaining to the two markets, giving directions for future research and practices in the domain.
How Schwann Cells Sort Axons
Authors: Feltri M. Laura , Poitelon Yannick , Previtali Stefano Carlo
Published: February 2015

Peripheral nerves contain large myelinated and small unmyelinated (Remak) fibers that perform different functions. The choice to myelinate or not is dictated to Schwann cells by the axon itself, based on the amount of neuregulin I–type III exposed on its membrane. Peripheral axons are more important in determining the final myelination fate than central axons, and the implications for this difference in Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes are discussed. Interestingly, this choice is reversible during pathology, accounting for the remarkable plasticity of Schwann cells, and contributing to the regenerative potential of the peripheral nervous system. Radial sorting is the process by which Schwann cells choose larger axons to myelinate during development. This crucial morphogenetic step is a prerequisite for myelination and for differentiation of Remak fibers, and is arrested in human diseases due to mutations in genes coding for extracellular matrix and linkage molecules. In this review we will summarize progresses made in the last years by a flurry of reverse genetic experiments in mice and fish. This work revealed novel molecules that control radial sorting, and contributed unexpected ideas to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control radial sorting of axons.
An Evaluation of the 1997 Expenditure Decentralization Reform in Mexico
Authors: Fritscher André Martínez , Zamora Carolina Rodríguez
Published: February 2015

This article studies the Mexican state-level impact on health outcomes of the decentralization of health funding and responsibilities that took place in 1997. Since the reform took place simultaneously in all states, we focus on a difference in difference estimation of whether those states that received more funds achieved better health outcomes after health services decentralization. According to our results, those states that received more funds did not boost the advances in health outcomes already achieved under the centralized health sector regime. There are two main possible explanations for these results. First, the allocation among states of the earmarked fund that was created as a result of the reform failed to take into account state-specific health needs. Second, the decentralization reform was not enough since it did not concede more tax autonomy to states and no other mechanisms were implemented to maintain states accountable for their health expenditure decisions.
Daily Application of Alprostadil Topical Cream (Vitaros) Does Not Impact Vaginal pH, Flora, or Histology in Female Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Meier-Davis Susan R. , Debar Salma , Siddoway Jacob , Rabe Mark
Published: February 2015

Topical alprostadil cream (Vitaros) is approved in Canada and Europe for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. To determine the effects on the female urogenital tract with repeated administration of the entire dose (300 μg alprostadil containing 2.5% dodecyl-2-n,n-dimethylaminopropionate hydrochloride), the vaginal pH, flora, and histology were assessed as a model for 100% transference from male to the female during unprotected sexual intercourse. Female cynomolgus monkeys were administered the entire dose of Vitaros for 14 days with a 7-day recovery. Relative to vehicle and placebo cream, the vaginal pH and microflora were determined at baseline and weekly, thereafter. Vaginal biopsies were evaluated at the end of dosing and recovery. All animals were clinically normal for the study duration, and the vaginal pH was consistent between dose groups and the dosing period. Vaginal microflora and histopathology findings of mild inflammation were generally similar across treatment groups. In conclusion, repeated vaginal exposure to Vitaros did not alter the pH, microflora, or histology after 14 daily doses, supporting the safety of Vitaros transference to the female partner.
Development of sotagliflozin, a dual sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1/2 inhibitor
Authors: Lapuerta Pablo , Zambrowicz Brian , Strumph Paul , Sands Arthur
Published: February 2015

The sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an important emerging class for the treatment of diabetes. Development of SGLT2 inhibitors has been oriented around a desire for high selectivity for the SGLT2 protein relative to the SGLT1 protein. More recently, genetic and pharmacology research in mice has indicated that gastrointestinal SGLT1 inhibition may also be an appropriate therapeutic target to treat diabetes. Combining SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition in a single molecule would provide complementary insulin-independent mechanisms to treat diabetes. Therefore, sotagliflozin (LX4211) has been developed as a dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2. The differentiating clinical features of dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2 include a large postprandial glucose reduction, elevation of glucagon-like peptide 1 and modest urinary glucose excretion. These features may have clinical implications for the use of sotagliflozin in the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
What’s in it for me? The meaning of involvement in a self-advocacy group for six people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Clarke Rachel , Camilleri Kelly , Goding Lois
Published: February 2015

Background:

This article explores the experiences of six people with intellectual disabilities in the context of a self-advocacy group, identifying the benefits and difficulties of being part of the group.

Materials and Methods:

Six adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed about their experiences. Each individual took part in two individual and two group interviews. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Analysis revealed four themes, namely, being part of the group, self-esteem, self-determination and empowerment.

Conclusion:

Being part of the group is central to the experience of self-esteem, self-development and empowerment. Responses allow the exploration of the interrelationship between individual, group and community. Consideration is given to models of disability and the evidence base in relation to personal and political outcomes of self-advocacy. Links are made with developing a sense of self, self-determination, interpersonal learning and building resilience. Implications for practice are discussed.
Straightening out vertigo
Authors: Moorhouse Tobias Edward , Bellwood Adrian
Published: February 2015

The arrival of a dizzy patient is often a heart-sinking moment for most physicians, regardless of specialty. The problem is twofold: first, the patient’s history of events is often inconsistent, vague and bizarre, and second, balance disorders are often ‘black-boxed’ by doctors as either too complicated to understand or as just not making sense. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the power of good communication skills and carefully honed questions in managing patients with balance disorders.
Influence of crystal structure of nanosized ZrO2 on photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange
Authors: Basahel Sulaiman N , Ali Tarek T , Mokhtar Mohamed , Narasimharao Katabathini
Published: February 2015

Nanosized ZrO2 powders with near pure monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic structures synthesized by various methods were used as catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. The structural and textural properties of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption measurements. The performance of synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under UV light irradiation was evaluated. The photocatalytic activity of the pure monoclinic ZrO2 sample is higher than that of the tetragonal and cubic ZrO2 samples under optimum identical conditions. The characterization results revealed that monoclinic ZrO2 nanoparticles possessed high crystallinity and mesopores with diameter of 100 Å. The higher activity of the monoclinic ZrO2 sample for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange can be attributed to the combining effects of factors including the presence of small amount of oxygen-deficient zirconium oxide phase, high crystallinity, large pores, and high density of surface hydroxyl groups.
Metal nanoparticle-enhanced photocurrent in GaAs photovoltaic structures with microtextured interfaces
Authors: Dmitruk Nicolas L , Borkovskaya Olga Yu , Mamontova Iryna B , Mamykin Sergii V , Malynych Sergii Z , Romanyuk Volodymyr R
Published: February 2015

The photocurrent enhancement effect caused by Au and Ag nanoparticles for GaAs-based photovoltaic structures of surface barrier or p-n junction type with microtextured interfaces has been investigated in dependence on the conditions of nanoparticles deposition and, respectively, on the shape and local dielectric environment of obtained nanoparticle arrays. Three nanoparticle deposition methods have been checked: 1) photoinduced chemical deposition of Au from aqueous AuCl3 solution forming nanowires on the ridges of quasigrating-type surface microrelief, 2) deposition of Ag nanoparticles from colloidal suspension on the GaAs substrate covered with poly(vinylpyridine), and 3) drop and dry deposition of Au/SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles from aqueous colloid solution. The comprehensive investigation of optical reflectance, photoelectric, and electrical characteristics of the fabricated barrier structures has shown the highest photovoltaic parameters for surface microrelief of quasigrating-type and electroless Au nanoparticle deposition. The analysis of characteristics obtained allowed us also to define the mechanisms of the total photocurrent enhancement.
FRESCo: finding regions of excess synonymous constraint in diverse viruses
Authors: Sealfon Rachel S , Lin Michael F , Jungreis Irwin , Wolf Maxim Y , Kellis Manolis , Sabeti Pardis C
Published: February 2015

Background

The increasing availability of sequence data for many viruses provides power to detect regions under unusual evolutionary constraint at a high resolution. One approach leverages the synonymous substitution rate as a signature to pinpoint genic regions encoding overlapping or embedded functional elements. Protein-coding regions in viral genomes often contain overlapping RNA structural elements, reading frames, regulatory elements, microRNAs, and packaging signals. Synonymous substitutions in these regions would be selectively disfavored and thus these regions are characterized by excess synonymous constraint. Codon choice can also modulate transcriptional efficiency, translational accuracy, and protein folding.

Results

We developed a phylogenetic codon model-based framework, FRESCo, designed to find regions of excess synonymous constraint in short, deep alignments, such as individual viral genes across many sequenced isolates. We demonstrated the high specificity of our approach on simulated data and applied our framework to the protein-coding regions of approximately 30 distinct species of viruses with diverse genome architectures.

Conclusions

FRESCo recovers known multifunctional regions in well-characterized viruses such as hepatitis B virus, poliovirus, and West Nile virus, often at a single-codon resolution, and predicts many novel functional elements overlapping viral genes, including in Lassa and Ebola viruses. In a number of viruses, the synonymously constrained regions that we identified also display conserved, stable predicted RNA structures, including putative novel elements in multiple viral species.
Haploinsufficiency of Hedgehog interacting protein causes increased emphysema induced by cigarette smoke through network rewiring
Authors: Lao Taotao , Glass Kimberly , Qiu Weiliang , Polverino Francesca , Gupta Kushagra , Morrow Jarrett , Mancini John Dominic , Vuong Linh , Perrella Mark A , Hersh Craig P , Owen Caroline A , Quackenbush John , Yuan Guo-Cheng , Silverman Edwin K , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: February 2015

Background

The HHIP gene, encoding Hedgehog interacting protein, has been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and our subsequent studies identified a functional upstream genetic variant that decreased HHIP transcription. However, little is known about how HHIP contributes to COPD pathogenesis.

Methods

We exposed Hhip haploinsufficient mice (Hhip
+/-
) to cigarette smoke (CS) for 6 months to model the biological consequences caused by CS in human COPD risk-allele carriers at the HHIP locus. Gene expression profiling in murine lungs was performed followed by an integrative network inference analysis, PANDA (Passing Attributes between Networks for Data Assimilation) analysis.

Results

We detected more severe airspace enlargement in Hhip
+/-
mice vs. wild-type littermates (Hhip
+/+
) exposed to CS. Gene expression profiling in murine lungs suggested enhanced lymphocyte activation pathways in CS-exposed Hhip
+/-
vs. Hhip
+/+
mice, which was supported by increased numbers of lymphoid aggregates and enhanced activation of CD8+ T cells after CS-exposure in the lungs of Hhip
+/-
mice compared to Hhip
+/+
mice. Mechanistically, results from PANDA network analysis suggested a rewired and dampened Klf4 signaling network in Hhip
+/-
mice after CS exposure.

Conclusions

In summary, HHIP haploinsufficiency exaggerated CS-induced airspace enlargement, which models CS-induced emphysema in human smokers carrying COPD risk alleles at the HHIP locus. Network modeling suggested rewired lymphocyte activation signaling circuits in the HHIP haploinsufficiency state.
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β promotes receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression and osteoclast formation in the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tsushima Hidetoshi , Okazaki Ken , Ishihara Kohei , Ushijima Takahiro , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: February 2015

Introduction

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor that is activated in the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and promotes expression of various matrix metalloproteinases. In this study, we examined whether C/EBPβ mediates the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and drives osteoclast formation in primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients. The cooperation of C/EBPβ and activation transcription factor-4 (ATF4) in the regulation of the RANKL promoter was also investigated.

Methods

Immunofluorescence staining was performed for C/EBPβ, RANKL, and ATF4 in synovium from RA patients. Adenovirus expression vectors for two major isoforms, C/EBPβ-liver-enriched activator protein (LAP) and - liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP), or small interfering RNA for C/EBPβ, were used to manipulate C/EBPβ expression in RA-FLS. RA-FLS over-expressing C/EBPβ were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to test osteoclast formation by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. A promoter assay for RANKL, a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and an immunoprecipitation (IP) assay were also performed.

Results

Immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of C/EBPβ, ATF4 and RANKL in RA synovium. Western blotting revealed the expression of C/EBPβ-LAP and -LIP in RA-FLS. Over-expression of either C/EBPβ-LAP or -LIP significantly increased the expression of RANKL mRNA, while C/EBPβ-LIP down-regulated osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA. The RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio was significantly increased by C/EBPβ-LIP over-expression. Knockdown of C/EBPβ with siRNA decreased the expression of RANKL mRNA. The number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells was increased in co-cultures of PBMCs and FLS over-expressing either C/EBPβ-LAP or -LIP, but was more significant with LIP. C/EBPβ-LIP does not have a transactivation domain. However, promoter assays showed that C/EBPβ-LIP and ATF4 synergistically transactivate the RANKL promoter. ChIP and IP assays revealed the cooperative binding of C/EBPβ and ATF4 on the RANKL promoter.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that C/EBPβ, especially C/EBPβ-LIP in cooperation with ATF4, is involved in osteoclast formation by regulating RANKL expression in RA-FLS. These findings suggest that C/EBPβ plays a crucial role in bone destruction in RA joints.
Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase enhances the growth of Leuconostoc mesenteroides lactic acid bacteria at low temperatures
Authors: Goto Seitaro , Kawamoto Jun , Sato Satoshi B , Iki Takashi , Watanabe Itaru , Kudo Kazuyuki , Esaki Nobuyoshi , Kurihara Tatsuo
Published: February 2015

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can cause deterioration of food quality even at low temperatures. In this study, we investigated the cold-adaptation mechanism of a novel food spoilage LAB, Leuconostoc mesenteroides NH04 (NH04). L. mesenteroides was isolated from several spoiled cooked meat products at a high frequency in our factories. NH04 grew rapidly at low temperatures within the shelf-life period and resulted in heavy financial losses. NH04 grew more rapidly than related strains such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides NBRC3832 (NBRC3832) at 10°C. Proteome analysis of NH04 demonstrated that this strain produces a homolog of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase––AhpC––the expression of which can be induced at low temperatures. The expression level of AhpC in NH04 was approximately 6-fold higher than that in NBRC3832, which was grown under the same conditions. Although AhpC is known to have an anti-oxidative role in various bacteria by catalyzing the reduction of alkyl hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide, the involvement of AhpC in cold adaptation of food spoilage bacteria was unclear. We introduced an expression plasmid containing ahpC into NBRC3832, which grows slower than NH04 at 10°C, and found that expression of AhpC enhanced growth. These results demonstrated that AhpC, which likely increases anti-oxidative capacity of LAB, plays an important role in their rapid growth at low temperatures.
What are the impacts of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus L.) on arctic and alpine vegetation? A systematic review
Authors: Bernes Claes , Bråthen Kari Anne , Forbes Bruce C , Speed James DM , Moen Jon
Published: February 2015

Background

The reindeer (or caribou,Rangifer tarandusL.) has a natural range extending over much of Eurasia’s and North America’s arctic, alpine and boreal zones, yet its impact on vegetation is still unclear. This lack of a common understanding hampers both the management of wild and semi-domesticated reindeer populations and the preservation of biodiversity. To achieve a common platform, we have undertaken a systematic review of published studies that compare vegetation at sites with different reindeer densities. Besides biodiversity, we focused on effects on major plant growth forms.

Methods

Searches for literature were made using online publication databases, search engines, specialist websites and bibliographies of literature reviews. Search terms were developed in English, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian and Swedish. Identified articles were screened for relevance based on titles, abstracts and full text using inclusion criteria set out in ana prioriprotocol. Relevant articles were then subject to critical appraisal of susceptibility to bias. Data on outcomes such as abundance, biomass, cover and species richness of vegetation were extracted together with metadata on site properties and other potential effect modifiers.

Results

Our searches identified more than 6,000 articles. After screening for relevance, 100 of them remained. Critical appraisal excluded 60 articles, leaving 40 articles with 41 independent studies. Almost two thirds of these studies had been conducted in Fennoscandia. Meta-analysis could be made of data from 31 of the studies. Overall, effects of reindeer on species richness of vascular plants depended on temperature, ranging from negative at low temperature to positive at high temperature. Effects on forbs, graminoids, woody species, and bryophytes were weak or non-significant, whereas the effect on lichens was negative. However, many individual studies showed clear positive or negative effects, but the available information was insufficient to explain this context dependence.

Conclusions

We see two pressing matters emerging from our study. First, there is a lack of research with which to build a circumpolar understanding of grazing effects, which calls for more studies using a common protocol to quantify reindeer impacts. Secondly, the highly context-dependent outcomes suggest that research and management have to consider local conditions. For instance, predictions of what a management decision would mean for the effects of reindeer on vegetation will have to take the variation of vegetation types and dominant growth forms, productivity, and grazing history into account. Policy and management have to go hand-in-hand with research in individual cases if the dynamics between plants, animals, and humans are to be sufficiently understood.
Clinical significance of monocyte heterogeneity
Authors: Stansfield Brian K , Ingram David A
Published: February 2015

Monocytes are primitive hematopoietic cells that primarily arise from the bone marrow, circulate in the peripheral blood and give rise to differentiated macrophages. Over the past two decades, considerable attention to monocyte diversity and macrophage polarization has provided contextual clues into the role of myelomonocytic derivatives in human disease. Until recently, human monocytes were subdivided based on expression of the surface marker CD16. “Classical” monocytes express surface markers denoted as CD14++CD16− and account for greater than 70% of total monocyte count, while “non‐classical” monocytes express the CD16 antigen with low CD14 expression (CD14+CD16++). However, recognition of an intermediate population identified as CD14++CD16+ supports the new paradigm that monocytes are a true heterogeneous population and careful identification of specific subpopulations is necessary for understanding monocyte function in human disease. Comparative studies of monocytes in mice have yielded more dichotomous results based on expression of the Ly6C antigen. In this review, we will discuss the use of monocyte subpopulations as biomarkers of human disease and summarize correlative studies in mice that may yield significant insight into the contribution of each subset to disease pathogenesis.
Mobile follower robot as an assistive device for home oxygen therapy – evaluation of tether control algorithms
Authors: Endo Gen , Allan Ben , Iemura Yu , Fukushima Edwardo F , Iribe Masatsugu , Takubo Toshio , Ohira Mineko
Published: February 2015

Home Oxygen Therapy (H.O.T.) is a medical treatment for severe lung diseases in which the patients are supplied concentrated oxygen. This paper investigates the use of a follower robot as a support device for H.O.T. patients, consisting of a two-wheeled differential drive robot connected to the user by tether. Two different control algorithms were studied using dynamic simulation and motion capture experiments with healthy subjects. In further experiments with H.O.T. patients, including a questionnaire survey, it was confirmed that Follow the Leader control was capable of following the user’s trajectory more accurately than Pseudo-Joystick control, and that overall H.O.T. patients showed a preference for Follow the Leader control.
Review of Yannis Hamilakis's Archaeology and the Senses: Human Experience, Memory, and Affect; Alfredo Gonzàles-Ruibal (ed), Reclaiming Archaeology: Beyond the Tropes of Modernity
Authors: Plantzos Dimitris
Published: February 2015

Review of Yannis Hamilakis, Archaeology and the Senses: Human Experience, Memory, and Affect. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014. 255 pp.
Malignant pleural effusions and the role of talc poudrage and talc slurry: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mummadi Srinivas , Kumbam Anusha , Hahn Peter Y.
Published: February 2015

Background:Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) is common with advanced malignancy. Palliative care with minimal adverse events is the cornerstone of management. Although talc pleurodesis plays an important role in treatment, the best modality of talc application remains controversial.  

Objective:To compare rates of successful pleurodesis, rates of respiratory and non-respiratory complications between thoracoscopic talc insufflation/poudrage (TTI) and talc slurry (TS). 

Data sources and study selection:MEDLINE (PubMed, OVID),  EBM Reviews (Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, DARE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Assessment and NHS Economic Evaluation Database), EMBASE and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials published between 01/01/1980 - 10/1/2014 and comparing the two strategies were selected. 

Results:Twenty-eight potential studies were identified of which 24 studies were further excluded, leaving four studies. No statistically significant difference in the probability of successful pleurodesis was observed between TS and TTI groups (RR 1.06; 95 % CI 0.99-1.14; Q statistic, 4.84). There was a higher risk of post procedural respiratory complications in the TTI group compared to the TS group (RR 1.91, 95% CI= 1.24-2.93, Q statistic 3.15). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of non-respiratory complications between the TTI group and the TS group was observed (RR 0.88, 95% CI= 0.72-1.07, Q statistic 4.61).

Conclusions:There is no difference in success rates of pleurodesis based on patient centered outcomes between talc poudrage and talc slurry treatments.  Respiratory complications are more common with talc poudrage via thoracoscopy.
"The Taste No Chef Can Give": Processing Street Food in Mumbai
Authors: Solomon Harris
Published: February 2015

This article examines a Mumbai street food called the vada pav. I describe how a local political party branded its own version of the food, elaborate how streetside vendors make and sell the food, and then show how corporate franchises inspired by McDonald’s rendered the vada pav “safe” and “clean” through mechanized processing. In contrast to treating the street as an empty container inside which food is placed, this article elaborates how the street is critical for changing a food from one version to another. I argue that the street lies at the heart of what I will describe as attempts at food processing. Food processing isolates raw ingredients; it singles them out to transform a food into something else. My aim is to expand what processing might entail across sites of vernacular politics and intensified corporatization. Differences in possible transformations allow for guesses about how one thing transforms into another. The particular relationship of the vada pav to the street shapes what kind of guesswork is necessary to understand processing’s political and social effects. The street marks efforts to transform the vada pav, and, accordingly, ideologies and acts of processing must move beyond a focus on location to accommodate how the street generates possibilities for urban life.
States of Camouflage
Authors: Jusionyte Ieva
Published: February 2015

Focusing on a story of former firefighters who used a counterfeit rescue vehicle to perform a false emergency as a cover-up for drug trafficking in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, this article engages the concept of camouflage to intervene in anthropological discussions on statecraft. The article explores how drug traffickers—but also gendarmes, prefects, and customs officers, who help smugglers by accepting bribes—use the camouflage of legitimate political authority to enable illicit transactions. In the tri-border area, the notion of camouflage helps explain how the contraband and corruption that pervade border relationships are inseparable from formal enactments of political authority. Camouflage, thus, helps illuminate the aesthetic, pragmatic, and moral connections between statecraft and criminality, further enhancing our analytical purchase on how the law and its violation are symbiotically intertwined. I argue that this study of corruption on the border reveals that state effects are created by endless refractions, which do more than blur the distinction between law and crime, between the deceived and the deceiving, between the original and the counterfeit. Camouflage does not merely blend the predictable dichotomous categories by which we approach and analyze the performance of the state, but by obfuscating any clear distinction between the legal, the political, and the criminal, it actually enables states to happen.
Is There a Motherhood Wage Penalty for Highly Skilled Women?
Authors: Gafni Dalit , Siniver Erez
Published: February 2015

We use a unique data set of all individuals who graduated from universities in Israel during the period 1995–2008 in order to investigate the widening of the gender wage gap during the years following graduation. It is found that the main explanation is having children, rather than skills or academic background. The results show that each additional child reduces a woman’s wage by 6.6%, and increases a man’s wage by 3.4%. Furthermore, we examine three channels that may explain the motherhood penalty: periods of non-employment, a shift to the public sector and lower-paying firms and the timing of births. Having children increases a woman’s period of non-employment while decreasing a man’s, and each month of non-employment due to maternity leave reduces a woman’s wage by 1.0%, while non-employment reduces a man’s wage by only 0.6%. Mothers tend to shift from the private to the public sector and from higher-paying to lower-paying firms, which offer a more flexible and more convenient work environment, at the cost of a lower salary. Finally, a delay in having children increases a woman’s wage while having little, if any, effect on a man’s wage. Furthermore, controlling for this variable reduces the estimated motherhood penalty.
A Generalized Formulation of Demand Response under Market Environments
Authors: Nguyen Minh Y , Nguyen Duc M.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a generalized formulation of Demand Response (DR) under deregulated electricity markets. The problem is scheduling and controls the consumption of electrical loads according to the market price to minimize the energy cost over a day. Taking into account the modeling of customers’ comfort (i.e., preference), the formulation can be applied to various types of loads including what was traditionally classified as critical loads (e.g., air conditioning, lights). The proposed DR scheme is based on Dynamic Programming (DP) framework and solved by DP backward algorithm in which the stochastic optimization is used to treat the uncertainty, if any occurred in the problem. The proposed formulation is examined with the DR problem of different loads, including Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and a newly DR on the water supply systems of commercial buildings. The result of simulation shows significant saving can be achieved in comparison with their traditional (On/Off) scheme.