bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR9 is required for MAPK/NF-κB activation but does not cooperate with TLR2 or TLR6 to induce host resistance to Brucella abortus
Authors: Gomes Marco Túlio , Campos Priscila Carneiro , Pereira Guilherme de Sousa , Bartholomeu Daniella Castanheira , Splitter Gary , Oliveira Sergio Costa 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Brucella abortus is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes a zoonosis of worldwide occurrence, leading to undulant fever in humans and abortion in domestic animals. B. abortus is recognized by several pattern-recognition receptors triggering pathways during the host innate immune response. Therefore, here, we determined the cooperative role of TLR9 with TLR2 or TLR6 receptors in sensing Brucella. Furthermore, we deciphered the host innate immune response against B. abortus or its DNA, emphasizing the role of TLR9-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. TLR9 is required for the initial host control of B. abortus, but this TLR was dispensable after 6 wk of infection. The susceptibility of TLR9−/−-infected animals to Brucella paralleled with lower levels of IFN-γ produced by mouse splenocytes stimulated with this pathogen compared with wild-type cells. However, no apparent cooperative interplay was observed between TLR2–TLR9 or TLR6–TLR9 receptors to control infection. Moreover, B. abortus or its DNA induced activation of MAPK/NF-κB pathways and production of IL-12 and TNF-α by macrophages partially dependent on TLR9 but completely dependent on MyD88. In addition, B. abortus-derived CpG oligonucleotides required TLR9 to promote IL-12 and TNF-α production by macrophages. By confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that TLR9 redistributed and colocalized with lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 upon Brucella infection. Thus, B. abortus induced TLR9 traffic, leading to cell signaling activation and IL-12 and TNF-α production. Although TLR9 recognized Brucella CpG motifs, our results suggest a new pathway of B. abortus DNA-activating macrophages independent of TLR9.
Tight coordination of aerial flight maneuvers and sonar call production in insectivorous bats
Authors: Falk Benjamin , Kasnadi Joseph , Moss Cynthia F. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTEcholocating bats face the challenge of coordinating flight kinematics with the production of echolocation signals used to guide navigation. Previous studies of bat flight have focused on kinematics of fruit and nectar-feeding bats, often in wind tunnels with limited maneuvering, and without analysis of echolocation behavior. In this study, we engaged insectivorous big brown bats in a task requiring simultaneous turning and climbing flight, and used synchronized high-speed motion-tracking cameras and audio recordings to quantify the animals' coordination of wing kinematics and echolocation. Bats varied flight speed, turn rate, climb rate and wingbeat rate as they navigated around obstacles, and they adapted their sonar signals in patterning, duration and frequency in relation to the timing of flight maneuvers. We found that bats timed the emission of sonar calls with the upstroke phase of the wingbeat cycle in straight flight, and that this relationship changed when bats turned to navigate obstacles. We also characterized the unsteadiness of climbing and turning flight, as well as the relationship between speed and kinematic parameters. Adaptations in the bats' echolocation call frequency suggest changes in beam width and sonar field of view in relation to obstacles and flight behavior. By characterizing flight and sonar behaviors in an insectivorous bat species, we find evidence of exquisitely tight coordination of sensory and motor systems for obstacle navigation and insect capture.
The response of anosteocytic bone to controlled loading
Authors: Atkins Ayelet , Milgram Joshua , Weiner Steve , Shahar Ron 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT
The bones of the skeleton of most advanced teleost fish do not contain osteocytes. Considering the pivotal role assigned to osteocytes in the process of modeling and remodeling (the adaptation of external and internal bone structure and morphology to external loads and the repair of areas with micro-damage accumulation, respectively) it is unclear how, and even whether, their skeleton can undergo modeling and remodeling. Here, we report on the results of a study of controlled loading of the anosteocytic opercula of tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Using a variety of microscopy techniques we show that the bone of the anosteocytic tilapia actively adapts to applied loads, despite the complete absence of osteocytes. We show that in the directly loaded area, the response involves a combination of bone resorption and bone deposition; we interpret these results and the structure of the resultant bone tissue to mean that both modeling and remodeling are taking place in response to load. We further show that adjacent to the loaded area, new bone is deposited in an organized, layered manner, typical of a modeling process. The material stiffness of the newly deposited bone is higher than that of the bone which was present prior to loading. The absence of osteocytes requires another candidate cell for mechanosensing and coordinating the modeling process, with osteoblasts seeming the most likely candidates.
Inventory and Shipment Policies for the Online Movie DVD Rental Industry
Authors: Jung Kyung Sung , Chung Casey , Niu Shun-Chen , Sriskandarajah Chelliah 
Published: November 2015

The online movie rental industry in the United States has grown at a rapid pace during the past decade. Netflix and Blockbuster are two prime examples of companies that operate in this arena, each with a large subscriber base. These two companies employ two standard methods for movie delivery: streaming and DVD-by-mail services. Although the industry is clearly undergoing a transition into streaming service, a substantial fraction of subscribers continue to prefer the more traditional DVD-by-mail service. We will study the problem of how to efficiently manage DVD-by-mail service. An essential task in solving our problem is a proper modeling of subscriber demand. We will therefore first develop a demand formulation based on data from Blockbuster. This formulation is then used to construct a nonlinear mathematical program for making the following decisions: (i) the initial order quantity of a new movie (DVD) title and (ii) the shipment size of the title for every period (i.e., day) after its release. By exploiting the structure of this mathematical program, we develop a heuristic algorithm based on a simple shipment policy. Through extensive computational experiments, we demonstrate that our algorithm provides optimal or close to optimal solutions for practically relevant problem instances. The proposed policy and solution are simple, easy to understand, and easily implementable in practice.
Potential of Mass Spectrometry in Developing Clinical Laboratory Biomarkers of Nonvolatiles in Exhaled Breath
Authors: Beck Olof , Olin Anna-Carin , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Exhaled breath contains nonvolatile substances that are part of aerosol particles of submicrometer size. These particles are formed and exhaled as a result of normal breathing and contain material from distal airways of the respiratory system. Exhaled breath can be used to monitor biomarkers of both endogenous and exogenous origin and constitutes an attractive specimen for medical investigations.

CONTENT
This review summarizes the present status regarding potential biomarkers of nonvolatile compounds in exhaled breath. The field of exhaled breath condensate is briefly reviewed, together with more recent work on more selective collection procedures for exhaled particles. The relation of these particles to the surfactant in the terminal parts of the respiratory system is described. The literature on potential endogenous low molecular weight compounds as well as protein biomarkers is reviewed. The possibility to measure exposure to therapeutic and abused drugs is demonstrated. Finally, the potential future role and importance of mass spectrometry is discussed.

SUMMARY
Nonvolatile compounds exit the lung as aerosol particles that can be sampled easily and selectively. The clinical applications of potential biomarkers in exhaled breath comprise diagnosis of disease, monitoring of disease progress, monitoring of drug therapy, and toxicological investigations.
An investigation of feedback styles of classroom teachers who have low and high professional self-efficacy perceptions
Authors: Çimen Çoşğun Ümit , Sarı Mediha 
Published: November 2015

This study aims to make a comparative analysis of the feedback styles of classroom teachers who have low and high professional self-efficacy perceptions. The participants of the study are eight classroom teachers who work in state primary schools located in the city centre of Hatay. Descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the data collected through unstructured observations and semi-structured interviews. Schimmel's (1988) feedback classification was utilized in these analyses. Analysis of the data indicates very parallel findings in the observations and interviews. Both observations and interviews revealed that teachers in both groups generally used all feedback types; the type they used least frequently was exploratory feedback and then corrective and confirmation feedback stand in line respectively; confirmation feedback was found to be the most preferred feedback type by the teachers. On the other hand, the teachers whose professional self-efficacy perceptions were high used all the feedback types much more frequently than the teachers with low professional self-efficacy perceptions. An analysis of the observations showed that exploratory feedback, which has more positive effects on students' learning than the other feedback types, is the least frequently used feedback type among teachers with high professional competence perception as well.
Corrosion Behavior of Ceramic Cup of Blast Furnace Hearth by Liquid Iron and Slag
Authors: Li Yanglong , Cheng Shusen , Wang Zhifeng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThree kinds of sample bricks of ceramic cups for blast furnace hearth were studied by dynamic corrosion tests based on different corrosion systems, i.e., liquid iron system, liquid slag system and liquid iron–slag system. Considering the influence of temperature and sample rotational speed, the corrosion profiles and mass loss of the samples were analyzed. In addition, the microstructure of the corroded samples was observed by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the corrosion profiles could be divided into iron corrosion region, slag corrosion region and iron–slag corrosion region via corrosion degree after iron–slag corrosion experiment. The most serious corrosion occurred in iron–slag corrosion region. This is due to Marangoni effect, which promotes a slag film formed between liquid iron and ceramic cup and results in local corrosion. The corrosion of the samples deepened with increasing temperature of liquid iron and slag from 1,623 K to 1,823 K. The variation of slag composition had greater influence on the erosion degree than that of rotational speed in this experiment. Taking these results into account the ceramic cup composition should be close to slag composition to decrease the chemical reaction. A microporous and strong material should be applied for ceramic cup.
Contraception: a questionnaire on knowledge and attitude of adolescents, distributed on Facebook
Authors: Denis Lies , Storms Machteld , Peremans Lieve , Van Royen Kathleen , Verhoeven Veronique 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground:The contraceptive pill is widely used. An accurate knowledge is necessary for correct use.Objective:This study sheds light on adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and behavior in regard to contraceptive use, in the year 2014. The goal is to provide general practitioners (GP) with information about the potential gaps in knowledge concerning contraceptive use in order to give better counseling and prevent high-risk behavior in adolescents.Methods:A quantitative descriptive study was carried out among 14–25-year-old female and male adolescents. Data were collected through a web-based survey using the online survey software Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) and was distributed via the social networking site Facebook.Results:The survey was started by 1185 participants. The most popular contraceptive method among females is the oral contraceptive pill (63.7%). Four out of ten females (42.6%) do not know that when using an emergency pill, they must still take their regular contraceptive pill on the same day. The majority of female respondents (80.0%) go to their general practitioner for a prescription for the pill. Ninety-five percent (95.1%) of the females would feel comfortable asking their GP for extra information about the drug. The sex of the GP does not influence the likelihood of female patients seeking more information. The Internet also seems to serve as an important source of information. We defined a female subgroup, called “vulnerable”. The majority of females in the non-vulnerable group (70.4%) protected themselves before their first sexual contact instead of only half of the members in the vulnerable group (51.0%).Conclusion:The level of knowledge among adolescents about contraception is not alarming, but there are a few blind spots. Eliminating these gaps should be the aim of the doctor and pharmacologist.
Passive smoking: knowledge, exposure and responses among adolescents in a rural setting in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Emmanuwelge Madhurangi , Gunawardena Nalika Sepali 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background:
Passive smoking adversely affects the health of those exposed to it. Exposure to passive smoking among adolescents is also associated with early initiation to smoking.

Objective:
This study aimed at determining the knowledge, exposure and response to passive smoking among adolescents in a rural setting in Sri Lanka.

Subject:
Adolescents studying in grade 10 in seven rural schools in Polonnaruwa district.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among 498 adolescents selected proportionate to the size of the student population using a multi-stage cluster sampling method.

Results:
The response rate was 99.6% (498/500). Only 69.3%, (n=345) had heard of the term passive smoking. Of those who had heard of the term, 83.2%, (n=287) was accurate about what the term meant. Only 2.4% (n=12) of the study population was categorized as having a good level of knowledge on passive smoking. Self reported exposure levels to passive smoking was low among a majority (81%, n=406). On inquiring how they had reacted or will react to a situation of exposure to passive smoking, a majority (92.2%, n=459) indicated that they had/will rescind from the situation.

Conclusion:
The level of knowledge on passive smoking was poor among the adolescents in the rural setting in Sri Lanka. Despite the low level of exposure, the adolescents indicated that they were/will be assertive when faced with a situation of exposure to passive smoking. The study recommends that knowledge of adolescents on passive smoking be improved.
Cannabinoids in the management of chronic pain: a front line clinical perspective
Authors: Lynch Mary E. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Chronic pain is an escalating public health problem. Currently available treatments are inadequate to control chronic pain conditions, and there is a critical need for novel treatments. Over a half century of elegant preclinical research has identified the presence of a sophisticated endocannabinoid system that is part of our natural pain and immune defense network. Convergent work has supported the significant potential to exploit this system to decrease pain and inflammation. Although the clinical research remains in its infancy, recent systematic reviews have found that 25 of 30 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. The authors concluded that cannabinoids currently available for clinical use demonstrate a modest analgesic effect and are safe for the management of chronic pain. There is a critical need for more translational research so that the excellent work of Dr. Itai Bab and our basic science colleagues around the world can move forward in providing novel cannabinoid-based medicines. This should include more potent analgesics that are limited in side effects with several routes of delivery. Our patients deserve additional agents for pain control with a novel mechanism of action, and cannabinoids are the new frontier.
Linewidth Enhancement Factor Measurement of a Fabry Perot Laser Diode through Narrowband Optical FM Generation
Authors: Chattopadhyay Taraprasad , Bhattacharyya Prosenjit , Ghosh Chiranjib 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
This paper presents a simple method of linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) measurement of a semiconductor laser through narrowband optical frequency modulation (FM) generation by direct modulation. The narrowband optical FM is generated by using small-amplitude direct-current modulation, thereby limiting the resultant optical intensity modulation index level typically within 10%. The LEF is found to decrease linearly with the increase in bias current of the laser diode above threshold.
Remission of congenital hyperinsulinism following conservative treatment: an exploratory study in patients with KATP channel mutations
Authors: Lachmann Mark J. , Salgin Burak , Kummer Sebastian , Welters Alena , Döing Carsten , Zenker Martin , Wieland Ilse , Mayatepek Ertan , Meissner Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDuring conservative treatment, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) can resolve spontaneously. This study describes the hormonal and metabolic profiles in three patients withAn age-adapted fasting and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed.All patients (aged 6–9 years) tolerated age-adapted fasting durations (20, respectively 24 h), without reaching glucose concentrations ≤2.5 mmol/L, nor developing hypoglycemia-related symptoms. Nevertheless, insulin concentrations from all patients exceeded the 90th reference percentile at the end of the fasting test (range: 4.2–15.8 mU/L). During the OGTT, one patient (patient 2; BMI: 23.4 kg/mThe insulin concentration profiles in CHI patients in apparent clinical remission range from almost complete normalization to persistent, yet attenuated, hypersecretion. The hyperglycemia, detected during the OGTT, must be further monitored.
Ultrasonographic assessment of cervical length in pregnancies scheduled for a cesarean delivery: prediction of early spontaneous onset of labor
Authors: Rizzo Giuseppe , Aiello Elisa , Pietrolucci Maria Elena , Arduini Domenico 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAim:To investigate whether the cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound at 35 to 36 weeks of gestation is predictive of spontaneous early onset of labor in pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean section (CS).Study design:This was a prospective observational study on 167 women scheduled for elective CS at 39 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured ultrasonographycally at 35 to 36 weeks of gestation and the pregnancies characteristics were recorded. The presence or absence of spontaneous onset of labor before the time scheduled for elective CS was related to cervical length and pregnancies characteristics.Results:Of the 167 pregnancies enrolled, 25 (14.97%) underwent early spontaneous onset of labor before the time scheduled for the elective CS. The cervical length was significantly shorter in these women when compared with those delivering with an elective CS (21 vs. 30 mm z=5.49 P<0.0001). The presence of ≥2 previous CS as an indicator for elective CS resulted a significant predictor of early onset of labor in univariate analysis (P=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cervical length (adjusted odds ratio 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–1.61; P≤0.0001) was the only predictor for the early onset of labor. The area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve for the prediction of early onset of labor was 0.844 (95% CI 0.738–0.950) for cervical length as test variable. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that a cervical length <24 mm was significantly associated with a short time interval to delivery (log rank test χConclusion:Cervical length at 35–36 weeks of gestation provides information about the likelihood of spontaneous early onset of labor in pregnancies scheduled for CS and may be useful in individualizing the gestational age for elective CS.
Interleukin 6 im Liquor – diagnostische Wertigkeit
Authors: Gruber Sylvia , Werner Philipp , Germann Reinhard , Fraunberger Peter 
Published: November 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) wurde bereits 1985 als Differenzierungsfaktor für B-Zellen (B-cell stimulatory Factor 2) identifiziert, unter dessen Einfluss B-Zellen in Antikörper-bildende Zellen maturierten. In zahlreichen Studien wurde seither der pleiotrope Charakter von IL-6 belegt, das neben seinen Funktionen in der Immunabwehr, auch eine bedeutende Rolle in der Regulation von Hämatopoese, Inflammation und Onkogenese übernimmt. In Bezug auf das ZNS wurde die Beteiligung von IL-6 an der Neurogenese sowie an der Reaktion von Neuronen und Glia-Zellen auf Verletzungen beschrieben. Infektionen des ZNS, cerebrale Ischämien, schwere ZNS-Traumata oder chronisch entzündliche Erkrankungen wie Neuro-Lupus oder Neuro-Sarkoidose gehen mit erhöhten IL-6 Konzentrationen im Liquor einher. Aufgrund der Präsenz des Neuropoetins IL-6 im Rahmen dieser Erkrankungen wird ein möglicher Einsatz des Parameters IL-6 im Liquor zur Diagnostik und, in manchen Fällen, zur Verlaufsbeurteilung und Therapieüberwachung überprüft. In diesem Review geben wir einen Überblick über die derzeitige Studienlage und die diagnostische Wertigkeit von IL-6 im Liquor.
Acute Ischemic Stroke Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Large Vessel Occlusions / Akūta Cerebrāla Infarkta Endovaskulāra Ārstēšana Pacientiem ar Maģistrālo Artēriju Oklūzijām
Authors: Balodis Arturs , Radziņa Maija , Miglāne Evija , Valante Ramona , Millers Andrejs , Kupčs Kārlis 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Mechanical thrombectomy as an active treatment method has recently been chosen for patients with large artery occlusions and thrombolysis beyond a time window. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of endovascular treatment in patients with proximal vessel occlusion, compare this group with the intravenous thrombolysis group, and to identify possible criteria of active treatment. The prospective study included 81 patients hospitalised in the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital due to acute ischemic stroke; 48 of them received mechanical thrombectomy and 33 - intravenous thrombolysis. Thrombectomy (TE) was performed using Solitaire FR stent retrievers. The NIHSS score was used for evaluation of early therapy results and mRS (modified Rankin Scale) was used for late therapy results. ASPECTS was used to define the lesion size using imaging on admission and after treatment. Median NIHSS on admission was higher in the TE group - 16 (range 12 to 19) than in the TL group - 12 (range 8 to 15) (p < 0.05). Ninety days after treatment, mRS (0-2) was seen in 67% of patients in the TE group (n = 29), and 34% of patients in the TL group (n = 9) patients (p < 0.05). Median ASPECTS was lower in TE group - 5, in comparison to the TL group - 7 (p < 0.01) Mortality frequency was higher in the TL group (p > 0.05). Frequency of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhages was similar in the groups. Mechanical thrombectomy can achieve better late functional outcome than thrombolysis in a selected patients group.