bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus fumigatus promotes T helper type 2 responses through thymic stromal lymphopoietin production by human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Luping , Wang Leyi , Wu Xinyi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundFungal keratitis is a major cause of blindness. To understand the mechanism of both innate and adaptive immunity in corneal infection is of great significance in the treatment and prevention of fungal keratitis. Our previous study concerned innate immunity. Here, we explored the potential role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in adaptive immunity of fungal keratitis.MethodsHuman corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were stimulated with Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae (106 pieces per millilitre) with or without TSLP siRNA, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with or without TSLP. HCECs and PBMCs were co‐cultured in a transwell system for various periods. Then we collected PBMCs and detected the proliferation and activation as well as T helper type 2 (Th2) differentiation by flow cytometry and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. IgG and IgA levels in supernatants of PBMCs were measured by means of ELISA.ResultsThymic stromal lymphopoietin could induce a Th2 response in vitro, and the expression of TSLP was highly increased in HCECs stimulated with A. fumigatus hyphae. A. fumigatus‐infected HCECs were capable of promoting human lymphocyte proliferation and activating human CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells by up‐regulating the expression of activation marker CD69. Importantly, Th2 differentiation of CD4+ T cells was induced during co‐culture with A. fumigatus‐infected HCECs in a transwell system. Interestingly, blockade of TSLP using siRNA prevented the proliferation and activation of lymphocytes as well as Th2 differentiation. We also detected an increased IgG level that was associated with TSLP.ConclusionThese findings suggested that HCEC‐derived TSLP has a key role in adaptive immune responses of fungal keratitis via skewing Th2 differentiation and promoting humoral immunity.
Gamma‐variate plasma clearance versus urinary plasma clearance of51Cr‐EDTAin patients with cirrhosis with and without fluid retention
Authors: Fuglsang Stefan , Henriksen Ulrik L. , Hansen Hanne B. , Bendtsen Flemming , Henriksen Jens H. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn patients with fluid retention, the plasma clearance of51Cr‐EDTA(Clexpobtained by multiexponential fit) may overestimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The present study was undertaken to compare a gamma‐variate plasma clearance (Clgv)with the urinary plasma clearance of51Cr‐EDTA(Clu) in patients with cirrhosis with and without fluid retention. A total of 81 patients with cirrhosis (22 without fluid retention, 59 with ascites) received a quantitative intravenous injection of51Cr‐EDTAfollowed by plasma and quantitative urinary samples for 5 h. Clgvwas determined from the injected dose relative to the plasma concentration‐time area, obtained by a gamma‐variate iterative fit. Clexpand Cluwere determined by standard technique. In patients without fluid retention, Clgv, Clexpand Cluwere closely similar. The difference between Clgvand Clu(Clgv– Clu = ΔCl) was mean −0·6 ml min−1 1·73 m−2. In patients with ascites, ΔCl was significantly higher (11·8 ml min−1 1·73 m−2,P<0·0001), but this value was lower than Clexp– Clu(17·5 mL min−1 1·73 m−2,P<0·01). ΔCl increased with lower values ofGFR(P<0·001). In conclusion, in patients with fluid retention and ascites Clgvand ClexpoverestimatesGFRsubstantially, but the overestimation is smaller with Clgv. Although Clumay underestimateGFRslightly, patients with ascites should collect urine quantitatively to obtain a reliable measurement ofGFR.
Threatened or Data Deficient: assessing the conservation status of poorly known species
Authors: Roberts David L. , Taylor Lin , Joppa Lucas N. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimTo determine whether extinction risk assessments based on biological collections and using Criterion B of the IUCN Red List Criteria reflect in part an accurate measure of species rarity and thus extinction risk.LocationMadagascar.MethodsWe calculate the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) for orchids using herbarium specimen data. Correlations were made against range, occupancy, extinction risk, number of specimens and the date of description. We calculated the average increase in range per species specimen, correlated this against the date of description and determined significance of the observed EOO accumulation using randomization tests.ResultsSignificant negative correlations were found between date of description and all measures of range, occupancy and associated Red List Categories and number of specimens, as well as between the average range accumulation per specimen and date of description. Seventy‐five percentage of species’ observed EOO accumulations significantly differed from random. Maximum deviations between observed EOO accumulations and those derived from random sampling were always significantly positive. For most species, this occurred more frequently during the first half of the accumulation sequence.Main conclusionsSpecies described more recently have smaller ranges and occupancies, fewer specimens and greater perceived extinction risk status. Levels of geographic uniqueness of collections are higher in species described more recently. Awareness of a species range increased faster than random, particularly in the first half of the sampling process, suggesting that newly discovered or yet to be discovered species are rare and likely have a higher risk of extinction. For many species, biological collections represent the sum of our knowledge. While data may be limited, such species should be listed in an appropriate Red List Category in accordance with the IUCN Red List Guidelines rather than as Data Deficient.
Sellars and Nonconceptual Content
Authors: Levine Steven 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this paper I take up the question of whether Wilfrid Sellars has a notion of non‐conceptual perceptual content. The question is controversial, being one of the fault lines along which so‐called left and right Sellarsians diverge. In the paper I try to make clear what it is in Sellars' thought that leads interpreters to such disparate conclusions. My account depends on highlighting the importance of Sellars' little discussed thesis that perception involves a systematic form of mis‐categorization, one where perceivers mistake their sensory states to be properties of physical objects. I argue that the counterpart color and shape attributes of these states, which become ‘point of viewish’ when organized by the productive imagination, provides perceptual experience with its non‐conceptual representational content. I then argue that this content is not a form of the mythical Given because one can only have a non‐conceptual point of view on an object when an object is introduced into one's perceptual experience through the conceptual mis‐taking of one's sensory states. So, while Sellars has a notion of non‐conceptual representational content, it can only be salient in the context of a perceptual act that is conceptual overall.
From unwitnessed fatality to witnessed rescue: Nonpharmacologic interventions in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Rugg‐Gunn Fergus , Duncan John , Hjalgrim Helle , Seyal Masud , Bateman Lisa 
Published: January 2016

SummarySudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk reduction remains a critical aim in epilepsy care. To date, only aggressive medical and surgical efforts to control seizures have been demonstrated to be of benefit. Incomplete understanding of SUDEP mechanisms limits the development of more specific interventions. Periictal cardiorespiratory dysfunction is implicated in SUDEP; postictal electroencephalography (EEG) suppression, coma, and immobility may also play a role. Nocturnal supervision is protective against SUDEP, presumably by permitting intervention in the case of a life‐threatening event. Resuscitative efforts were implemented promptly in near‐SUDEP cases but delayed in SUDEP deaths in the Mortality in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Study (MORTEMUS) study. Nursing interventions—including repositioning, oral suctioning, and oxygen administration—reduce seizure duration, respiratory dysfunction, and EEG suppression in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), but have not been studied in outpatients. Cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter‐defibrillator devices may be of benefit in a few select individuals. A role for implantable neurostimulators has not yet been established. Seizure detection devices, including those that monitor generalized tonic–clonic seizure‐associated movements or cardiorespiratory parameters, may provide a means to permit timely periictal intervention. However, these and other devices, such as antisuffocation pillows, have not been adequately investigated with respect to SUDEP prevention.
Who to target in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy prevention and how? Risk factors, biomarkers, and intervention study designs
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Surges Rainer , Delamont Robert , Haywood Serena , Hesdorffer Dale C. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe risk of dying suddenly and unexpectedly is increased 24‐ to 28‐fold among young people with epilepsy compared to the general population, but the incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) varies markedly depending on the epilepsy population. This article first reviews risk factors and biomarkers for SUDEP with the overall aim of enabling identification of epilepsy populations with different risk levels as a background for a discussion of possible intervention strategies. The by far most important clinical risk factor is frequency of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), but nocturnal seizures, early age at onset, and long duration of epilepsy have been identified as additional risk factors. Lack of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment or, in the context of clinical trials, adjunctive placebo versus active treatment is associated with increased risks. Despite considerable research, reliable electrophysiologic (electrocardiography [ECG] or electroencephalography [EEG]) biomarkers of SUDEP risk remain to be established. This is an important limitation for prevention strategies and intervention studies. There is a lack of biomarkers for SUDEP, and until validated biomarkers are found, the endpoint of interventions to prevent SUDEP must be SUDEP itself. These interventions, be they pharmacologic, seizure‐detection devices, or nocturnal supervision, require large numbers. Possible methods for assessing prevention measures include public health community interventions, self‐management, and more traditional (and much more expensive) randomized clinical trials.
Introduction—Epilepsy Research UK expert workshop 2014
Authors: Nashef Lina , Richardson Mark P. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryWe offer Epilepsia readers this supplement based on the proceedings of an international workshop on sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP) held in 2014 at St Anne's College at Oxford and hosted by Epilepsy Research UK (ERUK). This is the second Epilepsia supplement dedicated to SUDEP and its focus is on prevention. As workshop co‐chairs, in this introduction we outline why we believe we are on the threshold of a new era of prevention in SUDEP.
Managerial Social Capital and Financial Development: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Javakhadze David , Ferris Stephen P. , French Dan W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study examines the issue of whether managerial social capital, defined as aggregate benefits of social obligations and informal contacts formed through social networks, has an impact on financial development. Utilizing a large cross‐country sample for the period 1999–2012, we provide evidence that higher levels of social capital have a positive effect on financial development. We are able to examine different types of social connections for our sample firms and find that informal and nonprofessional relationships matter the most for financial market development. These findings are robust to alternative model specifications, variable measurement, and estimation techniques.
Serum osteopontin level and common carotid artery intima‐media wall thickness in psoriasis
Authors: Robati Reza M. , Partovi‐Kia Masoud , Sadat‐Amini Hadi , Haghighatkhah Hamid Reza , Younespour Shima , Toossi Parviz 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease is well documented, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The relationship between osteopontin and psoriasis has been studied. High serum levels of osteopontin are reported in psoriasis, with increased cardiovascular risk factors in these patients.ObjectivesWe evaluate the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis by measuring the mean intima–media wall thickness (MIMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with psoriasis and assessing its correlation with osteopontin to identify vascular risk factors associated with psoriasis.MethodsIntima–media wall thickness of the CCA and plasma osteopontin were determined in 40 patients and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects.ResultsMedian serum osteopontin was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in healthy control subjects. Mean intima–media wall thickness of the CCA was positively associated with plasma osteopontin level (r = 0.47, P < 0.0001), body mass index (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001), age (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001), and triglycerides (r = 0.65, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis study shows higher levels of plasma osteopontin and MIMT‐CCA in psoriasis patients than in healthy controls. This is the first study to show a positive correlation between plasma osteopontin and MIMT‐CCA.
Wald's mighty maximin: a tutorial
Authors: Sniedovich Moshe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEver since its appearance on the scene in the 1940s, in the then nascent field of statistical decision theory, Wald's maximin paradigm has played a vital role in many disciplines in the treatment of nonprobabilistic uncertainty, both as a tool of thought and as a practical instrument. In fact, in some fields, such as modern robust optimization, Wald's paradigm dominates the scene. It is important to note that this paradigm's preeminence in many fields continues unabated, despite its obvious limitations and the criticism that had been and continues to be leveled at it. So, in this tutorial we examine the methodological aspects of this stalwart of decision theory from the viewpoint of robust decision‐making, paying special attention to its obvious and not so obvious limitations and to its relation to other maximin paradigms.
A novel approach to solve the split delivery vehicle routing problem
Authors: Chen Ping , Golden Bruce , Wang Xingyin , Wasil Edward 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe split delivery vehicle routing problem (SDVRP) is a relaxed version of the classic capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). Customer demands are allowed to split among vehicles. This problem is computationally challenging and the state‐of‐the‐art heuristics are often complicated to describe and difficult to implement, and usually have long computing times. All these hinder their application by practitioners to solve real‐world problems. We propose a novel, efficient, and easily implemented approach to solve the SDVRP using an a priori split strategy, that is, each customer demand is split into small pieces in advance. Our computational experiments on 82 benchmark instances show that our algorithm is overall much more efficient and produces results that are comparable to those from the state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Epidermal growth factor attenuates blood‐spinal cord barrier disruption via PI3K/Akt/Rac1 pathway after acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Ye Libing , Zhou Yulong , Zhu Sipin , Wang Qingqing , Shi Hongxue , Chen Daqing , Wei Xiaojie , Wang Zhouguang , Li Xiaokun , Xiao Jian , Xu Huazi , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAfter spinal cord injury (SCI), disruption of blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) elicits blood cell infiltration such as neutrophils and macrophages, contributing to permanent neurological disability. Previous studies show that epidermal growth factor (EGF) produces potent neuroprotective effects in SCI models. However, little is known that whether EGF contributes to the integrity of BSCB. The present study is performed to explore the mechanism of BSCB permeability changes which are induced by EGF treatment after SCI in rats. In this study, we demonstrate that EGF administration inhibits the disruption of BSCB permeability and improves the locomotor activity in SCI model rats. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathways by a specific inhibitor, LY294002, suppresses EGF‐induced Rac1 activation as well as tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) expression. Furthermore, the protective effect of EGF on BSCB is related to the activation of Rac1 both in vivo and in vitro. Blockade of Rac1 activation with Rac1 siRNA downregulates EGF‐induced TJ and AJ proteins expression in endothelial cells. Taken together, our results indicate that EGF treatment preserves BSCB integrity and improves functional recovery after SCI via PI3K‐Akt‐Rac1 signalling pathway.
Impact of aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B10 on the risk of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sato Shunsuke , Genda Takuya , Ichida Takafumi , Murata Ayato , Tsuzura Hironori , Narita Yutaka , Kanemitsu Yoshio , Ishikawa Sachiko , Kikuchi Tetsu , Mori Masashi , Hirano Katsuharu , Iijima Katsuyori , Wada Ryo , Nagahara Akihito , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground and AimAldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a cancer‐related oxidoreductase, was recently reported to be upregulated in some chronic liver diseases. However, its relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is not fully assessed, especially in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.MethodsAldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B10 expression in the liver of 550 patients with chronic HCV infection was immunohistochemically assessed and quantified. A multivariate Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of AKR1B10 expression for HCC development, and the cumulative incidence of HCC was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsAldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B10 expression in the patients ranged from 0% to 80%. During the median follow‐up of 3.2 years, 43 of 550 patients developed HCC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high AKR1B10 expression (≥6%) was an independent risk factor for HCC (HR, 6.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.90–14.25; P < 0.001). The 5‐year cumulative incidences of HCC were 22.8% and 2.2% in patients with high and low AKR1B10 expression, respectively (P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the effects of high AKR1B10 expression on HCC development risk were significant over strata. In particular, HRs attributed to high AKR1B10 expression were significant in the subgroups that had been considered at a lower risk of HCC, such as in patients with younger age and mild hepatic fibrosis or those who achieved sustained virological response after interferon therapy.ConclusionVarious degrees of AKR1B10 upregulation in the liver were observed in patients with chronic HCV infection, and high AKR1B10 expression could be a novel predictor of HCC.
A business of some heat: molecular imaging of phosphodiesterase 5
Authors: Cumming Paul 
Published: January 2016

G‐protein coupled receptors activate intracellular signaling by well‐known pathways involving cyclic nucleotides or phosphatidylinositol. However, these signaling pathways (second messenger systems) have scarcely been investigated with molecular imaging techniques. This Editorial highlights a preclinical PET study by Gómez‐Vallejo and coworkers, in which the authors studied the cerebral uptake of the prototypic phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil and showed that its action manifested in elevated cGMP levels in cerebrospinal fluid of non‐human primates, but their rat PET studies with [11C]sildenafil failed to show specific binding in brain. This negative PET study underlines that abundance (Bmax) of the target molecule can be decisive for success of a new ligand, and emphasizes the need for further quantitative PET studies of PDE5 as calculations suggest that it might yet be detected with a PET tracer of higher affinity than [11C]sildenafil.Read the highlighted article ‘Pharmacokinetic investigation of sildenafil using positron emission tomography and determination of its effect on cerebrospinal fluid cGMP levels’ on page 403.
Evaluation of Palate Cleansers for Astringency Evaluation of Red Wines
Authors: Vidal Leticia , Antúnez Lucía , Giménez Ana , Ares Gastón 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAstringency has been reported to be strongly time‐dependent and to exhibit buildup on repeated ingestions. A common approach to deal with this phenomenon during astringency evaluation is the use of palate cleansers. The aim of this work was to evaluate palate cleansers for red wine astringency evaluation, considering both reduction of astringency buildup and sample discrimination. Fourteen trained panelists evaluated two sets of four Tannat wine samples using time‐intensity methodology. In the first sample set the same wine was presented four times, while the second one comprised four samples with different added concentrations of added grape seed tannins. Each assessor evaluated both sample sets with five different palate cleansers (still mineral water, plain unsalted crackers, skimmed milk, drinkable plain sweetened yogurt and 2 g/L pectin solution) in triplicate. None of the evaluated palate cleansers could prevent the occurrence of astringency buildup, while sample discrimination ability differed among the five palate cleansers considered.Practical ApplicationsAstringency is one of the most relevant sensory characteristics involved in wine quality and complexity, which makes its evaluation very important for wine industry and wine research. Results from this study provide information for the selection of best practices in astringency evaluation. The fact that none of the evaluated palate cleansers was efficient in preventing astringency buildup over repeated ingestions highlights the importance of limiting the number of wine samples evaluated in a single session and/or considering a predetermined waiting time between samples. Regarding sample discrimination, drinkable plain sweetened yogurt, followed by a water rinse, provided the best results compared to other usual alternatives, such as water, pectin solutions or plain crackers. In fact, plain crackers, which have been recommended in other studies, showed the lowest discrimination.