bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haplotype analysis of ADAM33 polymorphisms in asthma
Authors: Vishweswaraiah Sangeetha , Ramachandra Nallur B. , Jayaraj B.S. , Holla Amrutha D. , Chakraborty Samarpana , Agrawal Anurag , Mahesh Padukudru A. 
Published: November 2019

Background & objectives:

ADAM33 is implicated as a potentially strong candidate gene for asthma and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Many polymorphisms of ADAM33 have been studied along with ADAM33 expression in various cells of the lungs. Haplotype analysis also showed association with asthma in different populations across the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive screening of ADAM33 polymorphisms in adult patients with asthma.

Methods:
Thirty five polymorphisms of ADAM33 were genotyped in 55 patients with asthma and 53 controls. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes with phenotypes of asthma was analysed.

Results:
The genotype, minor allele frequency, odds ratio and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium did not show any significant difference among cases and controls. No association was found between SNPs of ADAM33 with the severity of asthma. Correlation analysis of ADAM33 SNPs to the phenotypes, based on clinical variables and allergen sensitization, did not show significant difference. Haplotype analysis showed that rs2280090 and rs2280091 were associated with asthma in the patient group.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Haplotype analysis showed an association of the two SNP variations with asthma. These SNPs lead to amino acid change and are prone to phosphorylation, which may affect expression levels and protein function of ADAM33 and asthma susceptibility.
Detection of respiratory syncytial virus & Mycoplasma pneumoniae in paediatric lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Kumar Sanchit , Chakravarti Anita , Kumar Surinder , Kapoor Seema 
Published: November 2019

Background & objectives:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are considered common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. The present study was conducted to detect M. pneumoniae and RSV in paediatric LRTIs employing serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis.

Methods:
Seventy five children aged one month to five years with acute LRTIs were investigated for M. pneumoniae antibodies and RSV antigen using immunochromatographic test, RT-PCR for RSV and M. pneumoniae by PCR on nasopharyngeal aspirates.

Results:
RSV infection was observed in 33 (44%) and M. pneumoniae was positive in 26 (35%) children. No significant difference in infection was noted between male and female children. Clinical and radiological features among RSV and M. pneumoniae positive and negative cases were similar. Considering RT-PCR for RSV as gold standard, RSV antigen immunochromatography was 90.90 per cent sensitive and 100 per cent specific.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our study showed the presence of RSV and M. pneumoniae infection in 44 and 35 per cent children, respectively with community-acquired LRTIs and aged less than five years.
Surgical outcomes of diabetic hand infections in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Mofikoya Bolaji O 
Published: November 2019

Background Hand infections in diabetics can be a major cause of functional impairment .In patients with Tropical Diabetic hand syndrome prompt surgical intervention may salvage the hand, but return to premorbid function remain a challenge.Objectives A retrospective study of consecutive diabetic patients with hand infections was done in 2 tertiary institutions in Lagos,Nigeria to identify the epidemiology, modes of presentation, types of surgical intervention and outcomes oftreatment.Results Twenty one patients were studied over a 5 year period. ten males, eleven females .All were type 2 Diabetes. 52.4%(11) were diagnosed less than a year prior to presentation. 61.9%(13) had digit/hand gangrene on presentation. All operated patients (20) had wound debridements. 52.5% (11) digit/hand amputations and this was the commonest surgical procedures done. Other surgeries done include skin grafts and `flap reconstructions. There was a 19% mortality rate. Less than a fifth were able return to their premorbid occupation after 3 months. But all had reduced range of motion in the interphalangeal joints in the adjacent digits.ConclusionsThere is a high morbidity rate for hand infections in the diabetic, even though majority of the hands were salvaged, most patients were unable to return to their premorbid occupation at 3 months.
Extracting small deformation beyond individual station precision from dense Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) networks in France and western Europe
Authors: Masson Christine , Mazzotti Stephane , Vernant Philippe , Doerflinger Erik 
Published: November 2019

Abstract. We use 2 decades of data from a dense geodetic network
to extract regionally coherent velocities and deformation rates in France
and neighboring western European countries. This analysis is combined with statistical
tests on synthetic data to quantify the deformation detection thresholds and
significance levels. By combining two distinct methods – Gaussian smoothing
and k-means clustering – we extract horizontal deformations with a 95 %
confidence level of ca. 0.1–0.2 mm yr−1 (ca. 0.5–1×10-9 yr−1) on
spatial scales of 100–200 km or more. From these analyses, we show that the
regionally average velocity and strain rate fields are statistically
significant in most of our study area. The first-order deformation signal in
France and neighboring western European countries is a belt of N–S to NE–SW shortening
of ca. 0.2–0.4 mm yr−1 (1–2×10-9 yr−1) in central and
eastern France. In addition to this large-scale signal, patterns of
orogen-normal extension are observed in the Alps and the Pyrenees, but
methodological biases, mainly related to GPS (Global Positioning System) solution combinations, limit
the spatial resolution and preclude associations with specific geological
structures. The patterns of deformation in western France show either
tantalizing correlation (Brittany) or anticorrelation (Aquitaine Basin)
with the seismicity. Overall, more detailed analyses are required to address
the possible origin of these signals and the potential role of aseismic
deformation.
Rethinking the Role of International Civil Service on Sustainable Development in Africa: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto C.J , Nnaji I.L 
Published: November 2019

International civil servants are expected to provide leadership that could translate into practical gains for all human societies across the globe. They are to use their creative talents, knowledge and experience to bring these goals to pass in the life of the people of the world, particularly in developing countries. While they have embraced these goals, the extent to which they have accomplished them is still a matter of debate. Therefore, within the framework of structural-agency theory, the paper examined international civil service (ICS) and sustainable development in Africa with the aim of identifying issues, challenges and the way forward. The article employed the methods of qualitative research design as well as exploratory and descriptive perspectives. The researchers also consulted different sources to ensure quality of the article. Subsequently, relevant sources of this research were fairly and professionally scrutinised, understood and tested with the available literature for the purpose of the research. Inter alia, it included scan-reading, comprehensive and critical reading and writing down ideas. Authoritative scholarly sources were reviewed, during a desktop study. The aim was to identify the relevant publications and apply them in the research. This article argues that international civil servants are expected as a philosophy to pursue the corporate interests of the people rather than their own personal or group interests. This is why they are fondly called servants of the state and the world community respectively. However, it appears personal and group interests have found its way into common interest. It concludes that if the ICS is to make any impact on the campaign for rapid socio-economic development of the world, the ICSs need to be proactive and interventionist in order to arrest the increasing decline in socio-economic and political development across the globe and most especially in Africa.
Preparation and Characteristics of Microencapsulated Lauric Acid as Composite Thermal Energy Storage Materials
Authors: CHEN Yanghua , LIU Yuan , WANG Zhaohe 
Published: November 2019

A novel microencapsulated phase change material was prepared by sol-gel method using lauric acid (LA) as core material and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as shell material. The composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results of the FE-SEM and FT-IR indicated that LA was well coated in the shell of TiO2 and no chemical reaction occurred between them. The results of the DSC denoted that the composites with 43.5 % encapsulation ratio of the LA melted at 44.39 ℃ with the melting enthalpy of 67.54 J/g and solidified at 43.64 ℃ with the solidification enthalpy of 65.17 J/g. The results of the TGA signified that the thermal stability and fire resistance of the microcapsules were greatly enhanced under the protection barrier of TiO2. The thermal decomposition of the microencapsulated LA with TiO2 shell hardly occurred under 200 ℃. That is to say, the composites possess good thermal stability in the operating temperature range. In conclusion, the prepared microencapsulated composites can be incorporated into solar energy storage like solar air heaters and into electronic devices as heat sinks.
Experts or Dummies? Quality of E-Book Pool and User Selections in a Consortial Demand Driven Acquisition Program
Authors: Jabaily Matthew J. , Glazier Rhonda 
Published: November 2019

Academic libraries are increasingly purchasing electronic books (e-books) via demand driven acquisitions (DDA) programs. However, there is no guarantee about the quality of DDA titles. This is especially true for consortially managed DDA pools or when pools include all titles from selected publishers. This study analyzes data from EBSCO’s GOBI acquisitions platform to assess the quality of the pool and purchased titles from the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL) publisher-based DDA program. Results showed that most available and selected titles were appropriate for academic libraries. Popular and lower level academic titles made up a relatively small portion of the DDA pool but were selected at a proportionally higher rate than other titles. The DDA pool was weighted towards titles that had been previously purchased by few GOBI libraries, but users tended to select titles that had been purchased by more GOBI libraries. Implications of these results are discussed from the point of view of a consortium member library using the DDA program as a supplement to its broader collections of print and electronic books.
Dossiê Cultura e Diferenças
Authors: Balieiro Fernando de Figueiredo , Pinho Patricia de Santana , Medeiros Priscila Martins 
Published: November 2019

A Século XXI: Revista de Ciências Sociais, periódico cientifico do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Sociais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), apresenta neste número o dossiê “Cultura e Diferenças”. Os artigos aqui reunidos trazem em comum a percepção da diferença enquanto um conjunto de representações construídas social e culturalmente, sempre imersas em relações de poder. Nesse sentido, abordar a diferença é compreendê-la enquanto elemento circunstancial, em movimento constante e sempre relacional com certos particularismos que se constituem como hegemônicos, neutros ou universais. De maneira mais específica, os artigos deste dossiê nos trazem análises atentas às experiências dissidentes e subalternas, além de refletirem sobre as circunstâncias de produção das narrativas dominantes. São reflexões que não perdem de vista a hibridez, os descentramentos e as contradições que marcam quaisquer processos de identificação social. Os textos aqui compilados transitam por temas como a produção artística na literatura e nas narrativas fílmicas periféricas; fronteiras; imigração; branquitude e formação da classe média; além da produção de teoria social.
Crystal structure of the catalytic D2 domain of the AAA+ ATPase p97 reveals a putative helical split‐washer‐type mechanism for substrate unfolding
Authors: Stach Lasse , Morgan Rhodri Marc , Makhlouf Linda , Douangamath Alice , von Delft Frank , Zhang Xiaodong , Freemont Paul S. 
Published: November 2019

Several pathologies have been associated with the AAA+ ATPase p97, an enzyme essential to protein homeostasis. Heterozygous polymorphisms in p97 have been shown to cause neurological disease, while elevated proteotoxic stress in tumours has made p97 an attractive cancer chemotherapy target. The cellular processes reliant on p97 are well described. High‐resolution structural models of its catalytic D2 domain, however, have proved elusive, as has the mechanism by which p97 converts the energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force to unfold protein substrates. Here, we describe the high‐resolution structure of the p97 D2 ATPase domain. This crystal system constitutes a valuable tool for p97 inhibitor development and identifies a potentially druggable pocket in the D2 domain. In addition, its P61 symmetry suggests a mechanism for substrate unfolding by p97.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the PDB database under the accession numbers 6G2V, 6G2W, 6G2X, 6G2Y, 6G2Z and 6G30.
Enhancing Triple Negative Breast Cancer Immunotherapy by ICG‐Templated Self‐Assembly of Paclitaxel Nanoparticles
Authors: Feng Bing , Niu Zifei , Hou Bo , Zhou Lei , Li Yaping , Yu Haijun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCombination cancer immunotherapy has shown promising potential for simultaneously eliciting antitumor immunity and modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM). However, combination immunotherapy with multiple regimens suffers from the varied chemo‐physical properties and inconsistent pharmacokinetic profiles of the different therapeutics. To achieve tumor‐specific codelivery of the immune modulators, an indocyanine green (ICG)‐templated self‐assembly strategy for preparing dual drug‐loaded two‐in‐one nanomedicine is reported. ICG‐templated self‐assembly of paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticles (ISPN), and the application of ISPN for combination immunotherapy of the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are demonstrated. The ISPN show satisfied colloidal stability and high efficacy for tumor‐specific codelivery of ICG and PTX through the enhanced tumor permeability and retention effect. Upon laser irradiation, the ICG component of ISPN highly efficiently induces immunogenic cell death of the tumor cells via activating antitumor immune response through photodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, PTX delivered by ISPN suppresses the regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) to combat ITM. The combination treatment of TNBC with ISPN and αPD‐L1‐medaited immune checkpoint blockade therapy displays a synergistic effect on tumor regression, metastasis inhibition, and recurrence prevention. Overall, the ICG‐templated nanomedicine may represent a robust nanoplatform for combination immunotherapy.
Probing the Impedance of a Biological Tissue with PEDOT:PSS‐Coated Metal Electrodes: Effect of Electrode Size on Sensing Efficiency
Authors: Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Lingstedt Leona V. , Lieberth Katharina , Reinholz Jonas , Mailänder Volker , Blom Paul W. M. , Gkoupidenis Paschalis 
Published: November 2019

AbstractElectrodes coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) have been employed to measure the integrity of cellular barriers. However, a systematic experimental study of the correlation between tissue integrity and impedance of the sensing device has not yet been conducted. Using impedance spectroscopy, how the impedance ratio of the biological tissue to the recording device affects the recording ability of the latter is investigated. PEDOT:PSS‐coated electrodes of various dimensions are employed and the effect of their size to their sensing efficiency is examined. The biotic/abiotic ensemble is modeled with a simple equivalent circuit and an analytical expression of the total impedance as a function of frequency is extracted. The results reveal a critical impedance ratio of the biological tissue to the sensor which allows for efficient sensing of the tissue integrity. This work provides the ground rules for improved impedance‐based biosensors with optimized sensitivity.
Association of gastric acid suppressants with the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Authors: Teng Shih‐Lun , Hsu Che‐Han , Hsu Chia‐Chun , Shin Jeng‐Shiann , Huang Jen‐Chieh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe study aimed to characterize the association of gastric acid suppressants (GAS) with the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients with ascites. A retrospective case controlled study from January 2013 to December 2017 at Cheng‐Ching General Hospital was conducted. We included patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis with ascites, divided into those with and without SBP. SBP was defined by ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell level. GAS users were patients who received GAS daily for more than 7 days in the 90 days before admission. Of 229 cirrhotic patients enrolled, 60 had SBP and 169 did not. The groups differed significantly in albumin (P = .045) and total bilirubin (P = .016) levels; in international normalized ratio (P = .007) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (P = .021); but not in histamine‐2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) use. Multivariate analysis identified PPI use as the only independent risk factor for SBP development (odds ratio 2.101, 95% confidence interval 1.122‐3.935, P = .02). PPIs but not H2RAs may increase the incidence of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Prescribing PPIs in cirrhotic patients should be done carefully, for the minimal effective treatment duration.
OHS education and safety training of teenage workers in Iceland
Authors: Einarsdóttir Margrét , Snorradóttir Ásta 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to investigate the extent and quality of occupational health and safety (OHS) education and safety training of Icelandic teenagers.MethodsMixed methods were used to obtain data. Initially, 12 group and 7 individual interviews with a total of 45 teenagers were conducted. Supplemental qualitative data was collected to corroborate the interviews. Following this, a survey was sent to a sample of 2800 13 to 19‐year‐olds, randomly selected from Registers Iceland.ResultsThe response rate was 48.6% (N = 1339). Severe inadequacy in the quality and quantity of both OHS education and safety training was found. In total, 30% received OHS education at school and 14% obtained safety training at work. OHS education was considered unsystematic, and the safety training low engagement. Participants noted that safety training was especially inadequate in jobs in the retail sector and restaurants.ConclusionsOHS education needs to be taught systematically within all levels of the Icelandic school system, and authorities should be more active in educating employers on their responsibilities on health and safety at work.
An overview of existing mesothelioma registries worldwide, and the need for a US Registry
Authors: van Gerwen Maaike , Alpert Naomi , Flores Raja , Taioli Emanuela 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe association between asbestos exposure, mainly in occupational settings, and malignant mesothelioma has been well established; this has prompted several countries to establish mesothelioma epidemiologic surveillance programs often at the request of national agencies. This review compares currently existing mesothelioma registries worldwide to develop a concept model for a US real‐time case capture mesothelioma registry. Five countries were identified with a mesothelioma specific registry, including Italy, France, UK, Australia, and South Korea. All, except the UK, used interviews to collect exposure data. Linkage with the national death index was available or was in future plans for all registries. The registries have limited information on treatment, quality of life, and other patient‐centered outcomes such as symptoms and pain management. To thoroughly collect exposure data, “real‐time” enrollment is preferable; to maximize the capture of mesothelioma cases, optimal coverage, and a simplified consent process are needed.
Designing of internal model control proportional, integral, and derivative controller with second‐order filtering for lag‐ and delay‐dominating processes based on suitable dead time approximation
Authors: Nath Ujjwal Manikya , Dey Chanchal , Mudi Rajani K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn practice, majority of the industrial chemical processes contain considerable dead time and significant process lag. Depending on the value of dead time to time constant ratio, industrial processes can be classified as lag dominating and delay dominating in nature. Here, an attempt has been made to find out an improved dead time estimation technique from the available methodologies like Taylor series and Pade's approximation relations so that a more accurate process model can be obtained and, consequently, an enhanced model‐based internal model control based proportional, integral, and derivative (IMC‐PID) controller may be designed. In addition, to ensure an improved closed loop performance, a second‐order filter is incorporated in IMC‐PID structure where damping term of the filter is calculated from dead time to time constant ratio of the concerned process. Efficacy of the proposed scheme is verified through simulation study on first‐order plus dead time, second‐order plus dead time, higher order, and nonminimum phase processes in comparison with recently reported model‐based PID settings. In addition to simulation study, a real‐time experimental verification is also made on a level control loop under transient and steady state operating phases.
Sex and Ontogenetic Variation in the Crest of Numida meleagris: Implications for Crested Vertebrates
Authors: Angst Delphine , Barnoud Jonathan , Cornette Raphaël , Chinsamy Anusuya 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTCrested vertebrates are known from a wide variety of modern and fossil taxa, however, the actual formation and function of the crest is still debatable. Among modern birds, the globally distributed guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) is characterized by having a cranial bony crest (overlain by keratin), but surprisingly little is known about its development. Here, we studied the crest of 202 wild guinea fowl from the same population, using anatomical measurements as well as 2D‐morphometry. Our results show that juveniles have smaller skulls than adults and have smaller, simpler crests that are visible even in very young individuals. Among adults, female skulls are smaller than males, and they have smaller, simpler shaped crests, which permit a discrimination between the sexes of 93% when the keratin is preserved with the bony crest, and of 89% when only the bony crest is available. By extrapolation, these results confirm that the crest can be used as an ontogenetic character, as well as for sex discrimination in the fossil record. Our results also show that the overlying keratin does not always mimic the underlying bony crest, which should be considered when reconstructing extinct crested vertebrates. Anat Rec, 303:1018–1034, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy