bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type I Interferons Regulate the Magnitude and Functionality of Mouse Polyomavirus-Specific CD8 T Cells in a Virus Strain-Dependent Manner
Authors: Qin Qingsong , Shwetank   , Frost Elizabeth L. , Maru Saumya , Lukacher Aron E. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTMouse polyomavirus (MPyV) is a ubiquitous persistent natural mouse pathogen. A glutamic acid (E)-to-glycine (G) difference at position 91 of the VP1 capsid protein shifts the profile of tumors induced by MPyV from an epithelial to a mesenchymal cell origin. Here we asked if this tropism difference affects the MPyV-specific CD8 T cell response, which controls MPyV infection and tumorigenesis. Infection by the laboratory MPyV strain RA (VP1-91G) or a strain A2 mutant with an E-to-G substitution at VP1 residue 91 [A2(91G)] generated a markedly smaller virus-specific CD8 T cell response than that induced by A2(VP1-91E) infection. Mutant A2(91G)-infected mice showed a higher frequency of memory precursor (CD127hiKLRG1lo) CD8 T cells and a higher recall response than those of A2-infected mice. Using T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic CD8 T cells and immunization with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells, we found that early bystander inflammation associated with A2 infection contributed to recruitment of the larger MPyV-specific CD8 T cell response. Beta interferon (IFN-β) transcripts were induced early during A2 or A2(91G) infections. IFN-β inhibited replication of A2 and A2(91G)in vitro. Using mice lacking IFN-αβ receptors (IFNAR−/−), we showed that type I IFNs played a role in controlling MPyV replicationin vivobut differentially affected the magnitude and functionality of virus-specific CD8 T cells recruited by A2 and A2(91G) viral infections. These data indicate that type I IFNs are involved in protection against MPyV infection and that their effect on the antiviral CD8 T cell response depends on capsid-mediated tropism properties of the MPyV strain.IMPORTANCEIsolates of the human polyomavirus JC virus from patients with the frequently fatal demyelinating brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) carry single amino acid substitutions in the domain of the VP1 capsid protein that binds the sialic acid moiety of glycoprotein/glycolipid receptors on host cells. These VP1 mutations may alter neural cell tropism or enable escape from neutralizing antibodies. Changes in host cell tropism can affect recruitment of virus-specific CD8 T cells. Using mouse polyomavirus, we demonstrate that a single amino acid difference in VP1 known to shift viral tropism profoundly affects the quantity and quality of the anti-polyomavirus CD8 T cell response and its differentiation into memory cells. These findings raise the possibility that CD8 T cell responses to infections by human polyomaviruses may be influenced by VP1 mutations involving domains that engage host cell receptors.
Performance of a non-contact infrared thermometer in healthy newborns
Authors: Sollai Sara , Dani Carlo , Berti Elettra , Fancelli Claudia , Galli Luisa , de Martino Maurizio , Chiappini Elena 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of a non-contact infrared thermometer (NCIT) in comparison with digital axillary thermometer (DAT) and infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) in a population of healthy at term and preterm newborns nursed in incubators.Setting1 level III maternity hospital, and its intensive neonatal care unit.Participants119 healthy at term newborns and 70 preterm newborns nursed in incubators were consecutively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were unstable/critical conditions, polymalformative congenital syndromes and severe congenital syndromes.InterventionsBody temperature readings were prospectively collected. Each participant underwent bilateral axillary temperature measurement with DAT, bilateral tympanic measurement with ITT and mid-forehead temperature measurements using NCIT.Primary outcome measuresDegree of agreement between methods was evaluated by the Bland and Altman method.Results714 measurements in 119 healthy at term newborns and 420 measurements in 70 preterm newborns nursed in incubators were performed. Clinical reproducibility of NCIT was 0.0455°C for infants in incubators and 0.0861°C for infants outside an incubator. Bias was 0.029°C for infants in incubators and <0.0001°C for infants outside an incubator. Zero outliers were recorded. The mean difference between methods was good both for newborns at term (0.12°C for NCIT vs DAT and 0.02°C for NCIT vs ITT) and preterm newborns in incubators (0.10°C for NCIT vs DAT and 0.14°C for NCIT vs ITT). Limits of agreement were 0.99 to −0.75 and 0.78 to −0.75 in at term newborns and were particularly satisfactory in preterm newborns in incubators (95% CI: 0.48 to −0.27 and 0.68 to −0.40).ConclusionsOur results with Bland and Altman analysis demonstrate that NCIT is a very promising tool, especially in preterm newborns nursed in incubators. Trial registration: The study was approved by the Careggi University Hospital Ethics Committee (07/2011).
Deaths following prehospital safety incidents: an analysis of a national database
Authors: Yardley Iain E , Donaldson Liam J 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionEnsuring patient safety in the prehospital environment is difficult due to the unpredictable nature of the workload and the uncontrolled situations that care is provided in. Studying previous safety incidents can help understand risks and take action to mitigate them. We present an analysis of safety incidents related to patient deaths in ambulance services in England.MethodsAll incidents related to a patient death reported to the National Reporting and Learning System from an ambulance service between 1 June 2010 and 31 October 2012 were subjected to thematic analysis to identify the failings that led to the incident.ResultsSixty-nine incidents were analysed, equating to one safety incident-related death per 168 000 calls received. Just three event categories were identified: delayed response (59%, 41/69), shortfalls in clinical care (35%, 24/69) and injury during transit (6%, 4/69). Primary failures differed for the categories: problems with dispatch caused the majority of delays in response, with equipment problems and bad weather accounting for the remainder. Failure to provide necessary care was predominantly caused by clinical misjudgements by ambulance staff and equipment issues underlay incidents that led to a patient injury.ConclusionsImprovements intended to address safety related mortality in the ambulance service should include ensuring adequate equipping and resourcing of ambulance services, improving coordination and decision-making during dispatch and supporting individual staff members in the difficult decisions they are faced with.
Thromboaspiration technique as first approach for endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke: initial experience at nine Italian stroke centers
Authors: Romano D G , Cioni S , Vinci S L , Pero G , Comelli C , Comai A , Peschillo S , Mardighian D , Castellan L , Resta F , Piano M G , Comelli S , Barletta L , Puliti A , Leonini S , Bracco S 
Published: March 2016

Background and purposeAspiration thrombectomy of large vessel occlusions has made a comeback among recanalization techniques thanks to recent advances in catheter technology resulting in faster recanalization and promising clinical results when used either alone or as an adjunct to stent retriever. This multicenter retrospective study reports angiographic data, complications, and clinical outcome in patients treated with aspiration thrombectomy as the first-line option.Materials and methodsWe analysed the clinical and procedural data of patients treated from January 2014 to March 2015. Recanalization was assessed according to the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score. Clinical outcome was evaluated at discharge and after 3 months.ResultsOverall, 152 patients (mean age 68 years) were treated. Sites of occlusion were 90.8% anterior circulation (including 16.4% tandem extracranial/intracranial occlusions) and 9.2% basilar artery. In 79 patients administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was attempted. Recanalization of the target vessel was obtained in 115/152 cases (75.6%) whereas direct aspiration alone was successful in 83/152 cases (54.6%) with an average puncture to revascularization time of 44.67 min. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 7.8% and embolization to new territories in 1.9%. 77 patients (50.6%) had a good outcome at 90-day follow-up: 55/96 in the direct aspiration alone group and 22/56 in the aspiration-stent retriever group.ConclusionsDirect aspiration thrombectomy appears a feasible technique with good revascularization results achieved in more than half the patients. In light of the self-reported data, inhomogeneous patient selection, absence of a core imaging laboratory, and a non-standardized approach, the results should be validated in a larger trial.
Effects of essential oil compounds addition on ryegrass silage protein degradation
Authors: Foskolos A. , Cavini S. , Ferret A. , Calsamiglia S. 
Published: March 2016

Five essential oil compounds in four doses (0, 50, 500, and 2000 mg kg−1of fresh forage) were sprayed on ryegrass forage before ensiling. Thymol, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde at 2000 mg and carvacrol at 500 and 2000 mg inhibited deamination. Cinnamaldehyde at 2000 mg resulted in silages with 9.8% higher true protein.
Morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and bud success responses of myrobolan 29 c plum rootstock subjected to water stress
Authors: Bolat Ibrahim , Dikilitas Murat , Ikinci Ali , Ercisli Sezai , Tonkaz Tahsin 
Published: March 2016

Water stress treatments on some morphological, biomass, physiological, biochemical characteristics and budding success of apricot and plum cultivars/Myrobolan 29 C plum rootstock have been studied in a pot-experiment trial. Three different water stress levels (control-100 %, medium-75 %, and severe-50 % of the pot capacity) were applied. The results showed that measured morphological, biomass, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as budding success of cultivars on the rootstocks were affected by water stress. Water stress, both moderate and severe, significantly decreased the relative shoot length, diameter and shoot stem cross sectional area, plant total fresh and dry weights. Increases in water stress led to increases in peroxidase activities, phenol and proline contents in plum rootstock. Increases in water stress also resulted in reduction in budding success in both Formosa (plum cv)/Myrobolan 29 C (90.00 % and 48.33 %) and San Castrese (apricot cv)/Myrobolan 29 C (87.50 % and 42.83 %).
Natural Product Vibsanin A Induces Differentiation of Myeloid Leukemia Cells through PKC Activation
Authors: Yu Zu-Yin , Xiao He , Wang Li-Mei , Shen Xing , Jing Yu , Wang Lin , Sun Wen-Feng , Zhang Yan-Feng , Cui Yu , Shan Ya-Jun , Zhou Wen-Bing , Xing Shuang , Xiong Guo-Lin , Liu Xiao-Lan , Dong Bo , Feng Jian-Nan , Wang Li-Sheng , Luo Qing-Liang , Zhao Qin-Shi , Cong Yu-Wen 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-based cell differentiation therapy has been successful in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, other subtypes of AML display resistance to ATRA-based treatment. In this study, we screened natural, plant-derived vibsane-type diterpenoids for their ability to induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, discovering that vibsanin A potently induced differentiation of AML cell lines and primary blasts. The differentiation-inducing activity of vibsanin A was mediated through direct interaction with and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Consistent with these findings, pharmacological blockade of PKC activity suppressed vibsanin A–induced differentiation. Mechanistically, vibsanin A–mediated activation of PKC led to induction of the ERK pathway and decreased c-Myc expression. In mouse xenograft models of AML, vibsanin A administration prolonged host survival and inhibited PKC-mediated inflammatory responses correlated with promotion of skin tumors in mice. Collectively, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for vibsanin A as a myeloid differentiation-inducing compound, with potential application as an antileukemic agent. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2698–709. ©2016 AACR.
Doxorubicin Blocks Cardiomyocyte Autophagic Flux by Inhibiting Lysosome Acidification
Authors: Li Dan L. , Wang Zhao V. , Ding Guanqiao , Tan Wei , Luo Xiang , Criollo Alfredo , Xie Min , Jiang Nan , May Herman , Kyrychenko Viktoriia , Schneider Jay W. , Gillette Thomas G. , Hill Joseph A. 
Published: March 2016

Background—
The clinical use of doxorubicin is limited by cardiotoxicity. Histopathological changes include interstitial myocardial fibrosis and the appearance of vacuolated cardiomyocytes. Whereas dysregulation of autophagy in the myocardium has been implicated in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, the role of autophagy in doxorubicin cardiomyopathy remains poorly defined.

Methods and Results—

Most models of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity involve intraperitoneal injection of high-dose drug, which elicits lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and peritoneal fibrosis, all of which confound the interpretation of autophagy. Given this, we first established a model that provokes modest and progressive cardiotoxicity without constitutional symptoms, reminiscent of the effects seen in patients. We report that doxorubicin blocks cardiomyocyte autophagic flux in vivo and in cardiomyocytes in culture. This block was accompanied by robust accumulation of undegraded autolysosomes. We go on to localize the site of block as a defect in lysosome acidification. To test the functional relevance of doxorubicin-triggered autolysosome accumulation, we studied animals with diminished autophagic activity resulting from haploinsufficiency for
Beclin 1
.
Beclin 1
+/−
mice exposed to doxorubicin were protected in terms of structural and functional changes within the myocardium. Conversely, animals overexpressing Beclin 1 manifested an amplified cardiotoxic response.

Conclusions—
Doxorubicin blocks autophagic flux in cardiomyocytes by impairing lysosome acidification and lysosomal function. Reducing autophagy initiation protects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Cognitive Aging in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Gardener Hannah , Wright Clinton B. , Dong Chuanhui , Cheung Ken , DeRosa Janet , Nannery Micaela , Stern Yaakov , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Sacco Ralph L. 
Published: March 2016

Background

The American Heart Association defined target levels for 7 cardiovascular health (
CVH
) factors: smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. We hypothesized that a greater number of American Heart Association ideal
CVH
metrics would be associated with less decline in cognitive performance in our multiethnic population.

Methods and Results

A subsample from the population‐based Northern Manhattan Study underwent repeated neuropsychological testing (mean interval 6±2 years). Domain‐specific
Z
scores were derived by using factor analysis for the domains of Episodic Memory, Semantic Memory, Executive Function, and Processing Speed, based on initial performance and decline over time. Linear regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between the number of ideal
CVH
metrics at enrollment with later cognitive performance and decline, adjusting for sociodemographics and magnetic resonance imaging brain markers. Among 1033 participants (mean age at initial cognitive assessment 72±8 years, 39% male, 19% black, 16% white, 65% Hispanic; n=722 with repeat testing), 3% had 0 ideal factors, 15% had 1 factor, 33% had 2 factors, 30% had 3 factors, 14% had 4 factors, 4% had 5 factors, 1% had 6 factors, and 0% had 7 factors. An increasing number of ideal
CVH
factors was associated with better processing speed at initial assessment and less decline. The association was driven by nonsmoking and glucose. Among those with better cognitive performance at initial assessment, positive associations were observed between the number of ideal
CVH
factors and less decline in the domains of Executive Function and Episodic Memory.

Conclusions

The number of ideal
CVH
metrics was associated with less decline in the domains of Processing Speed and, to a lesser extent, of Executive Function and Episodic Memory. Ideal
CVH
promotion benefits brain health and cognitive aging.
cDNA cloning, characterization and mRNA expression of cryptocyanin from the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853
Authors: Wang Xingqiang , Wang Lingling , Wang Mengqiang , Zhang Huan , Song Linsheng 
Published: March 2016

Cryptocyanin is a copper-free non-respiratory protein and plays an important role in the physiological process of decapod crustaceans. In the present study, the full length cDNA encoding cryptocyanin (EsCc) was cloned from the haemocytes of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, which was 2630 bp, consisting of a 5′-untranslated region of 237 bp, a 3′-untranslated region of 359 bp, and an open reading frame of 2034 bp. The deduced protein possessed 678 amino-acid residues, and the predicted molecular mass was 79.09 kDa. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that it belonged to the arthropod haemocyanin superfamily and shared 78% homology to Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister cryptocyanin subunit 2. The expression pattern of EsCc in five tissues was investigated in premoult, intermoult and postmoult stages to understand its role during the moulting cycle. In hepatopancreas, the significant up-regulation of EsCc expression was observed in both premoult and intermoult stages, while the significant change of EsCc expressions in muscle and haemocytes was only found in premoult stages. To gain insight into the antimicrobial activity of EsCc in inflammatory processes, its expression profiles in the haemolymph of Chinese mitten crab challenged with Vibrio anguillarum and Pichia pastoris were examined. The challenge of V. anguillarum induced higher expression of EsCc as early as 6 h post-infection. Instead, a significant up-regulation of EsCc transcript was observed at 12 h post P. pastoris challenge. The above results implied that crustacean cryptocyanin was involved in the new exoskeleton formation. Also, it might be induced to resist invasions of pathogens.
Taking Over Control From Highly Automated Vehicles in Complex Traffic Situations
Authors: Gold Christian , Körber Moritz , Lechner David , Bengler Klaus 
Published: March 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of traffic density and verbal tasks on takeover performance in highly automated driving. Background: In highly automated vehicles, the driver has to occasionally take over vehicle control when approaching system limits. To ensure safety, the ability of the driver to regain control of the driving task under various driving situations and different driver states needs to be quantified. Methods: Seventy-two participants experienced takeover situations requiring an evasive maneuver on a three-lane highway with varying traffic density (zero, 10, and 20 vehicles per kilometer). In a between-subjects design, half of the participants were engaged in a verbal 20-Questions Task, representing speaking on the phone while driving in a highly automated vehicle. Results: The presence of traffic in takeover situations led to longer takeover times and worse takeover quality in the form of shorter time to collision and more collisions. The 20-Questions Task did not influence takeover time but seemed to have minor effects on the takeover quality. Conclusions: For the design and evaluation of human–machine interaction in takeover situations of highly automated vehicles, the traffic state seems to play a major role, compared to the driver state, manipulated by the 20-Questions Task. Application: The present results can be used by developers of highly automated systems to appropriately design human–machine interfaces and to assess the driver’s time budget for regaining control.
The Mundell-Fleming Model Revisited
Authors: Fan Liang-Shing , Fan Chuen-Mei 
Published: March 2016

With the globalization of the world economy, improved international capital mobility, and the popularity of fixed (pegged) exchange rates among small developing and transition economies, the Mundell-Fleming model has reasserted its importance as an analytical tool. This paper surveys the Mundell-Fleming model in major macroeconomics and international economics textbooks. In the graphical presentations, all textbooks use the traditional IS-LM curves in the (y, i) plane except Mankiw who presents a model in the (y, e) plane with a unique addition of the effect of import restriction policies. It is generally known that fiscal expansions will worsen the trade balance. A synthesized model is presented in which a necessary condition for such effect is derived.
How to Build an Economic Model in Your Spare Time
Authors: Varian Hal R. 
Published: March 2016

Editor’s Introduction Originally published in Volume 41, Number 2, Fall 1997, pages 3-10. Hal Varian (born 1947) is widely known by professional economists for his pathbreaking work in the economics of information and networks. Many more know him as the author of two bestselling microeconomics textbooks, one written for undergraduate college students and one designed for advanced graduate students. Through his research and his books, Professor Varian’s ideas have influenced a generation of economists. In this paper, Professor Varian outlines how he approaches the task of building an economic model to explain an observed phenomena or solve a problem. His words are encouraging advice for graduate students and young economists learning how to “practice the art” of economics. Professor Varian offers a number of tips ranging from how to choose a topic, when to read the literature, and even to how to effectively manage your bibliographic citations. Professor Varian’s advice has passed the market test as this paper remains one of the most referenced and downloaded papers in The American Economist’s backfile. However, after including the paper on a course reading list several years ago, one doctoral student pointed out to this editor that Professor Varian fails to explain how to find the “spare time” that he references in the title!
The Walters-Lawson Affair and the Two Worlds of Communication
Authors: Szenberg Michael 
Published: March 2016

Editors’ Introduction Originally published in Volume 35, Number 1, Spring 1991, pages 19-20. This paper recounts an interesting chapter in the life of The American Economist and its then Editor-in-Chief, Michael Szenberg. It is not often that an academic journal becomes the unwitting source of a “news scoop” resulting in an international political controversy. However, this is exactly what happened in 1989 when the British newspaper Financial Times ran a story quoting Sir Alan Walters’ opinion of a plan to integrate Britain into the European Monetary System. Walters was then serving as the personal economic advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and had prepared an article for Professor Szenberg’s commissioned series of papers on the lives of eminent economists. Walters’ quote from this article was seen by some as an affront to Nigel Lawson, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and an embarrassment to the Thatcher government. It made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. After the affair faded from view, Professor Szenberg took the opportunity to prepare this paper comparing and contrasting the world of academic publishing with the world of reporting and publishing the news. During the ordeal, The American Economist became confused with the British news magazine The Economist, which resulted in a brief legal dispute, all because a quote was taken out of context.