bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factor of hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic transplantation with fludarabine, busulfan, and anti‐thymocyte globulin myeloablative conditioning
Authors: Lam Wilson , Storek Jan , Li Haocheng , Geddes Michelle , Daly Andrew 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundHemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), associated with factors such as BK polyomavirus reactivation, age, conditioning regimen, and presence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The incidence and impact of HC in patients receiving fludarabine (Flu), busulfan (Bu), and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) conditioning is unknown.MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study of patients undergoing SCT at our center between January 1, 2003 and Dec 31, 2012, to determine the incidence of HC and its effect on patient outcomes including overall survival (OS), relapse, non‐relapse mortality (NRM), GVHD, and healthcare resource use.ResultsIn total, 94 cases of HC were identified and matched to controls based on age, donor type, disease type, and disease status at transplantation. The total incidence of HC was 17.7% (117 of 661 patients). Cases had a higher rate (43.6% vs 27.1%, P=.0394) of acute GVHD (Grade II‐IV), and chronic GVHD requiring systemic steroids (34.9% vs 18.6%, P=.004). Male gender was found to be a risk factor (hazard ratio [HR]=1.725, P=.017). OS and progression‐free survival did not differ between cases and controls (OS HR=1.128, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7807‐1.639; progression‐free survival HR=0.8809, 95% CI 0.6320‐1.234), however the rate of NRM was higher in cases (HR=1.632, 95% CI 1.007‐2.830). Median length of hospitalization was longer for patients with HC than matched controls (65.5 days vs 40.5 days, P<.0001).ConclusionHC is common in patients undergoing allogeneic SCT with FluBuATG conditioning, and affects the duration of hospitalization. Rate of GVHD is higher among patients with HC. While OS is not affected, an association was seen with higher NRM in our study. Improvement in treatment for HC may lead to reductions in morbidity and healthcare resource utilization.
Single‐dose intravenous iron infusion or oral iron for treatment of fatigue after postpartum haemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holm C. , Thomsen L. L. , Norgaard A. , Langhoff‐Roos J. 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of a single‐dose intravenous infusion of iron isomaltoside compared with current treatment practice with oral iron measured by physical fatigue in women after postpartum haemorrhage.Materials and MethodsSingle‐centre, open‐label, randomized controlled trial. Participants received intravenous iron (n = 97) or oral iron (n = 99), and completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and haematological and iron parameters were measured. Primary outcome was the aggregated change in physical fatigue score from baseline to 12 weeks postpartum.ResultsThe difference in physical fatigue score was −0·97 (95% CI: −1·65; −0·28, P = 0·006) in favour of intravenous iron, but did not meet the predefined difference of 1·8. Across visits, we found statistically significant differences in fatigue and depression scores, as well as in haematological and iron parameters, all in favour of intravenous iron. There were no serious adverse reactions.ConclusionA single dose of intravenous iron was associated with a statistically significant reduction in aggregated physical fatigue within 12 weeks after postpartum haemorrhage compared to standard medical care with oral iron below the prespecified criteria of clinical superiority. As patient‐reported outcomes improved significantly and intravenous iron resulted in a fast hematopoietic response without serious adverse reactions, intravenous iron may be a useful alternative after postpartum haemorrhage if oral iron is not absorbed or tolerated.
Treatment of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in 12 foals
Authors: Barceló Oliver F. , Russell T. M. , Uprichard K. L. , Neil K. M. , Pollock P. J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical signs, surgical treatment, and outcome of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in foals.Study DesignRetrospective clinical study.Sample PopulationFoals (n = 12) with confirmed sepsis of the coxofemoral joint.MethodsLameness was localized to the coxofemoral joint based on physical examination. Sepsis was confirmed by cytological analysis of synovial fluid obtained under ultrasonographic guidance, during general anesthesia or standing sedation. Intra‐articular analgesia was used as an adjunct diagnostic modality in 2 foals. Surgical lavage of the affected joint was performed via arthroscopy or needle lavage, with repeated lavage performed in 7 foals.ResultsSynovial fluid contained 4.4 to 173 × 109/L white blood cells (WBCs), and 38‐63 g/L total protein. Cultures were positive in 10/12 foals. Isolated organisms included Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Rhodococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Staphylococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. Ten foals were discharged from hospital (83%). One of these was euthanized 15 days later due to chronic intestinal salmonellosis and renal failure, and 9 foals survived with no residual lameness detected 1 year after discharge from hospital.ConclusionsSepsis of the coxofermoral joint can be effectively treated with a combination of arthroscopic lavage and the use of systemic and local antimicrobials.
Tracking Control Design for Variable Mass and Configuration Robotic Systems
Authors: Jarzębowska Elżbieta 
Published: February 2017

The paper addresses control of variable mass and configuration mechanical systems subjected to holonomic or nonholonomic constraints, which are imposed due to systems desired performance, tracking specified motions or other control needs. The control design is model-based and an analytical dynamics modeling framework underlying controller design is presented. The framework novelty is that constraints, including nonholonomic ones and these on variable mass, can be merged into variable mass system dynamics and final motion equations are free of the constraint reaction forces so they can be used directly to control design. Many mechanical systems change their mass or configuration when they move, e.g. inertia-based propelled underwater vehicles, mobile robots and manipulators transporting loads or space vehicles flying their space missions.
The dynamics modeling framework presented in the paper can be applied to all variable mass system examples mentioned above. An underwater inertia-based propelled vehicle model dynamics and control performance illustrate the theoretical development presented in the paper. The paper contribution is two folded. It presents a unified approach to constrained variable mass or configuration systems modeling and introduces analytical dynamics methods to the nonlinear control domain.
Assessing Fuel Economy From Automated Driving: Influence of Preview and Velocity Constraints
Authors: Prakash Niket , Cimini Gionata , Stefanopoulou Anna G. , Brusstar Matthew J. 
Published: February 2017

Constrained optimization control techniques with preview are designed in this paper to derive optimal velocity trajectories in longitudinal vehicle following mode, while ensuring that the gap from the lead vehicle is both safe and short enough to prevent cut-ins from other lanes. The lead vehicle associated with the Federal Test Procedures (FTP) [1] is used as an example of the achieved benefits with such controlled velocity trajectories of the following vehicle. Fuel Consumption (FC) is indirectly minimized by minimizing the accelerations and decelerations as the autonomous vehicle follows the hypothetical lead. Implementing the cost function in offline Dynamic Programming (DP) with full drive cycle preview showed up to a 17% increase in Fuel Economy (FE). Real time implementation with Model Predictive Control (MPC) showed improvements in FE, proportional to the prediction horizon. Specifically, 20s preview MPC was able to match the DP results. A minimum of 1.5s preview of the lead vehicle velocity with velocity tracking of the lead was required to obtain an increase in FE.
The optimal velocity trajectory found from these algorithms exceeded the presently allowable error from standard drive cycles for FC testing. However, the trajectory was still safe and acceptable from the perspective of traffic flow. Based on our results, regulators need to consider relaxing the constant velocity error margins around the standard velocity trajectories dictated by the FTP to encourage FE increase in autonomous driving.
Design, Fabrication and Control of a Tilt Rotor Quadcopter
Authors: Nemati Alireza , Soni Neal , Sarim Mohammad , Kumar Manish 
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present work is to design, fabricate, control and experimentally study quadcopters with tilting propellers. Conventional quadcopters, due to limitation in mobility, belong to a class of under-actuated robots which cannot achieve any arbitrary desired state or configuration. The tilting rotor quadcopter provides the added advantage in terms of additional stable configurations that are made possible by additional actuated controls that convert the conventional quadcopter to a fully actuated robot. The tilting rotor quadcopter design is accomplished by using an additional motor for each rotor that enables the rotor to rotate along the axis of the quadcopter arm.
The dynamic model and the controller that have been proposed and reported by the authors of this paper in the previous publications were verified with the help of numerical studies for different flight scenarios. Subsequently, two different models of the vehicle were designed, fabricated and experimentally tested for different flight plans.
Transcription Profiling ofBacillus subtilisCells Infected with AR9, a Giant Phage Encoding Two Multisubunit RNA Polymerases
Authors: Lavysh Daria , Sokolova Maria , Slashcheva Marina , Förstner Konrad U. , Severinov Konstantin 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBacteriophage AR9 is a recently sequenced jumbo phage that encodes two multisubunit RNA polymerases. Here we investigated the AR9 transcription strategy and the effect of AR9 infection on the transcription of its host,Bacillus subtilis. Analysis of whole-genome transcription revealed early, late, and continuously expressed AR9 genes. Alignment of sequences upstream of the 5′ ends of AR9 transcripts revealed consensus sequences that define early and late phage promoters. Continuously expressed AR9 genes have both early and late promoters in front of them. Early AR9 transcription is independent of protein synthesis and must be determined by virion RNA polymerase injected together with viral DNA. During infection, the overall amount of host mRNAs is significantly decreased. Analysis of relative amounts of host transcripts revealed notable differences in the levels of some mRNAs. The physiological significance of up- or downregulation of host genes for AR9 phage infection remains to be established. AR9 infection is significantly affected by rifampin, an inhibitor of host RNA polymerase transcription. The effect is likely caused by the antibiotic-induced killing of host cells, while phage genome transcription is solely performed by viral RNA polymerases.IMPORTANCEPhages regulate the timing of the expression of their own genes to coordinate processes in the infected cell and maximize the release of viral progeny. Phages also alter the levels of host transcripts. Here we present the results of a temporal analysis of the host and viral transcriptomes ofBacillus subtilisinfected with a giant phage, AR9. We identify viral promoters recognized by two virus-encoded RNA polymerases that are a unique feature of the phiKZ-related group of phages to which AR9 belongs. Our results set the stage for future analyses of highly unusual RNA polymerases encoded by AR9 and other phiKZ-related phages.
Genetic Predisposition To Acquire a Polybasic Cleavage Site for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin
Authors: Nao Naganori , Yamagishi Junya , Miyamoto Hiroko , Igarashi Manabu , Manzoor Rashid , Ohnuma Aiko , Tsuda Yoshimi , Furuyama Wakako , Shigeno Asako , Kajihara Masahiro , Kishida Noriko , Yoshida Reiko , Takada Ayato 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses with H5 and H7 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes evolve from low-pathogenic precursors through the acquisition of multiple basic amino acid residues at the HA cleavage site. Although this mechanism has been observed to occur naturally only in these HA subtypes, little is known about the genetic basis for the acquisition of the polybasic HA cleavage site. Here we show that consecutive adenine residues and a stem-loop structure, which are frequently found in the viral RNA region encoding amino acids around the cleavage site of low-pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses isolated from waterfowl reservoirs, are important for nucleotide insertions into this RNA region. A reporter assay to detect nontemplated nucleotide insertions and deep-sequencing analysis of viral RNAs revealed that an increased number of adenine residues and enlarged stem-loop structure in the RNA region accelerated the multiple adenine and/or guanine insertions required to create codons for basic amino acids. Interestingly, nucleotide insertions associated with the HA cleavage site motif were not observed principally in the viral RNA of other subtypes tested (H1, H2, H3, and H4). Our findings suggest that the RNA editing-like activity is the key mechanism for nucleotide insertions, providing a clue as to why the acquisition of the polybasic HA cleavage site is restricted to the particular HA subtypes.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on the antigenicity of the viral surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase. Of the 16 HA subtypes (H1 to -16) maintained in waterfowl reservoirs of influenza A viruses, H5 and H7 viruses often become highly pathogenic through the acquisition of multiple basic amino acid residues at the HA cleavage site. Although this mechanism has been known since the 1980s, the genetic basis for nucleotide insertions has remained unclear. This study shows the potential role of the viral RNA secondary structure for nucleotide insertions and demonstrates a key mechanism explaining why the acquisition of the polybasic HA cleavage site is restricted to particular HA subtypes in nature. Our findings will contribute to better understanding of the ecology of influenza A viruses and will also be useful for the development of genetically modified vaccines against H5 and H7 influenza A viruses with increased stability.
What is the relationship between age and deprivation in influencing emergency hospital admissions? A model using data from a defined, comprehensive, all-age cohort in East Devon, UK
Authors: Pereira Gray Denis , Henley William , Chenore Todd , Sidaway-Lee Kate , Evans Philip 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo clarify the relationship between social deprivation and age as two factors associated with emergency admissions to hospital.DesignEmergency admissions for 12 months were analysed for patients in the NHS NEW Devon CCG. Social deprivation was measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Logistic regression models estimated the separate and combined effects of social deprivation and age on the risk of emergency admissions for people aged under and over 65.SettingEast Devon, UK—area of the NEW Devon CCG.Population765 861 patients in the CCG database.Main outcome measureEmergency admission to any English hospital.ResultsAge (p<0.001) and social deprivation (p<0.001) were significantly associated with emergency admission to hospital, but there was a significant interaction between age and social deprivation (p<0.001). From the third quintile of age upwards, age progressively overtakes deprivation and age has a dominant effect on emergency admissions over the age of 65. The effect of age was J-shaped in all deprivation groups, increasing exponentially after age 40. For patients under 65, age and social deprivation had similar risks for emergency admissions, the differences in risk between the top and bottom quintiles of IMD and age being ∼1.5 and 0.9 percentage points. In patients over 65, age had a much greater effect on the risk of admissions than social deprivation, the differences in risk between the top and bottom quintiles of IMD and age being ∼2.8 and 18.7 percentage points.ConclusionsRisk curves for all social groups have similar shapes, implying a common biological pattern for ageing in any social group. Over age 65, the biological effects of ageing outweigh the social effects of deprivation. Our model enables CCGs to anticipate and plan for emergency admissions to hospital. These findings provide a new logic for allocating resources to different populations.
A signalling cascade of IL-33 to IL-13 regulates metaplasia in the mouse stomach
Authors: Petersen Christine P , Meyer Anne R , De Salvo Carlo , Choi Eunyoung , Schlegel Cameron , Petersen Alec , Engevik Amy C , Prasad Nripesh , Levy Shawn E , Peebles R Stokes , Pizarro Theresa T , Goldenring James R 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveAlternatively activated macrophages (M2) are associated with the progression of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) in the stomach. However, the precise mechanism(s) and critical mediators that induce SPEM are unknown.DesignTo determine candidate genes important in these processes, macrophages from the stomach corpus of mice with SPEM (DMP-777-treated) or advanced SPEM (L635-treated) were isolated and RNA sequenced. Effects on metaplasia development after acute parietal cell loss induced by L635 were evaluated in interleukin (IL)-33, IL-33 receptor (ST2) and IL-13 knockout (KO) mice.ResultsProfiling of metaplasia-associated macrophages in the stomach identified an M2a-polarised macrophage population. Expression of IL-33 was significantly upregulated in macrophages associated with advanced SPEM. L635 induced metaplasia in the stomachs of wild-type mice, but not in the stomachs of IL-33 and ST2 KO mice. While IL-5 and IL-9 were not required for metaplasia induction, IL-13 KO mice did not develop metaplasia in response to L635. Administration of IL-13 to ST2 KO mice re-established the induction of metaplasia following acute parietal cell loss.ConclusionsMetaplasia induction and macrophage polarisation after parietal cell loss is coordinated through a cytokine signalling network of IL-33 and IL-13, linking a combined response to injury by both intrinsic mucosal mechanisms and infiltrating M2 macrophages.
130 nm CMOS Bulk-Driven Variable Gain Amplifier for Low-Voltage Applications
Authors: Arbet Daniel , Stopjaková Viera , Kováč Martin , Nagy Lukáš , Rakús Matej , Šovčík Michal 
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a variable gain amplifier (VGA) designed in 130 nm CMOS technology is presented. The proposed amplifier is based on the bulk-driven (BD) design approach, which brings a possibility to operate with low supply voltage. Since the supply voltage of only 0.6 V is used for the amplifier to operate, there is no risk of latch-up event that usually represents the main drawback of the BD circuit systems. BD transistors are employed in the input differential stage, which makes it possible to operate in rail-to-rail input voltage range. Achieved simulation results indicate that gain of the proposed VGA can be varied in a wide scale, which together with the low supply voltage feature make the proposed amplifier useful for low-voltage and low-power applications. An additional circuit responsible for maintaining the linear-in-decibel gain dependency of the VGA is also addressed. The proposed circuit block avails arbitrary shaping of the curve characterizing the gain versus the controlling voltage dependency.
Differential regulation of NMDA receptors by d-serine and glycine in mammalian spinal locomotor networks
Authors: Acton David , Miles Gareth B. 
Published: February 2017

Activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) requires the binding of a coagonist, either d-serine or glycine, in addition to glutamate. Changes in occupancy of the coagonist binding site are proposed to modulate neural networks including those controlling swimming in frog tadpoles. Here, we characterize regulation of the NMDAR coagonist binding site in mammalian spinal locomotor networks. Blockade of NMDARs by d(−)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (d-APV) or 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid reduced the frequency and amplitude of pharmacologically induced locomotor-related activity recorded from the ventral roots of spinal-cord preparations from neonatal mice. Furthermore, d-APV abolished synchronous activity induced by blockade of inhibitory transmission. These results demonstrate an important role for NMDARs in murine locomotor networks. Bath-applied d-serine enhanced the frequency of locomotor-related but not disinhibited bursting, indicating that coagonist binding sites are saturated during the latter but not the former mode of activity. Depletion of endogenous d-serine by d-amino acid oxidase or the serine-racemase inhibitor erythro-β-hydroxy-l-aspartic acid (HOAsp) increased the frequency of locomotor-related activity, whereas application of l-serine to enhance endogenous d-serine synthesis reduced burst frequency, suggesting a requirement for d-serine at a subset of synapses onto inhibitory interneurons. Consistent with this, HOAsp was ineffective during disinhibited activity. Bath-applied glycine (1–100 µM) failed to alter locomotor-related activity, whereas ALX 5407, a selective inhibitor of glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1), enhanced burst frequency, supporting a role for GlyT1 in NMDAR regulation. Together these findings indicate activity-dependent and synapse-specific regulation of the coagonist binding site within spinal locomotor networks, illustrating the importance of NMDAR regulation in shaping motor output. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide evidence that NMDARs within murine spinal locomotor networks determine the frequency and amplitude of ongoing locomotor-related activity in vitro and that NMDARs are regulated by d-serine and glycine in a synapse-specific and activity-dependent manner. In addition, glycine transporter-1 is shown to be an important regulator of NMDARs during locomotor-related activity. These results show how excitatory transmission can be tuned to diversify the output repertoire of spinal locomotor networks in mammals.