bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐CD40 antibody‐mediated costimulation blockade promotes long‐term survival of deep‐lamellar porcine corneal grafts in non‐human primates
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , Kim Dong Hyun , Choi Hyuk Jin , Lee Hyun Ju , Kang Hee Jung , Park Chung‐Gyu , Hwang Eung‐Soo , Kim Mee Kum , Wee Won Ryang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundCorneal xenotransplantation is an effective solution for the shortage of human donor corneas, and the porcine cornea may be a suitable candidate for the donor cornea because of its optical similarity with humans. However, it is necessary to administer additional immunosuppressants to overcome antigenic differences. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of porcine corneas with anti‐CD40 antibody‐mediated costimulation blockade in a clinically applicable pig‐to‐non‐human primate corneal xenotransplantation model.MethodsFive Chinese rhesus macaques underwent deep‐lamellar corneal transplantation using clinically acceptable sized (7.5 mm diameter) porcine corneal grafts. The anti‐CD40 antibody was intravenously administered on a programmed schedule. Graft survival, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure were evaluated. Changes in effector and memory T and B cell subsets and anti‐αGal and donor‐specific antibodies were investigated in the blood, and the changes in complement levels in the aqueous humor and blood were evaluated. Memory cell profiles in the anti‐CD40 antibody‐treated group were compared with those from the anti‐CD154 antibody‐treated group or rejected controls presented in our previous report. The changes in anti‐αGal, non‐αGal, and donor‐specific antibodies after 6 months were compared with baseline values.ResultsAnti‐CD40 antibody‐mediated costimulation blockade resulted in the successful survival of xenocorneal grafts (>389, >382, >236, >201, and >61 days), with 80% reaching 6 months of survival. Injection of anti‐CD40 antibody considerably reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the grafts and significantly blocked the complement response in the aqueous humor (P=.0159, Mann‐Whitney U test). Systemic expansion of central or effector memory T cells was abrogated in the anti‐CD40 antibody‐treated primates compared with those in the rejected controls (P<.05, Mann‐Whitney U test) or those in the anti‐CD154 antibody‐treated primates (P>.05, Mann‐Whitney U test). The levels of anti‐αGal, non‐αGal, and donor‐specific antibodies at 6 months were not significantly increased compared with baseline levels (P>.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test).ConclusionsAn anti‐CD40 antibody‐mediated blockade appears to be effective immunosuppressive approach for porcine corneal deep‐lamellar xenotransplantation in primates.
Systemic sclerosis is associated with specific alterations in gastrointestinal microbiota in two independent cohorts
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Chang Yu-Ling , Jacobs Jonathan P , Tillisch Kirsten , Mayer Emeran A , Clements Philip J , Hov Johannes R , Kummen Martin , Midtvedt Øyvind , Lagishetty Venu , Chang Lin , Labus Jennifer S , Molberg Øyvind , Braun Jonathan 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo compare faecal microbial composition in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) from 2 independent cohorts with controls and to determine whether certain genera are associated with SSc-gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms.DesignAdult patients with SSc from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Oslo University Hospital (OUH) and healthy controls participated in this study (1:1:1). All participants provided stool specimens for 16S rRNA sequencing. Linear discriminant analysis effect size demonstrated genera with differential expression in SSc. Differential expression analysis for sequence count data identified specific genera associated with GIT symptoms as assessed by the GIT 2.0 questionnaire.ResultsThe UCLA-SSc and OUH-SSc cohorts were similar in age (52.1 and 60.5 years, respectively), disease duration (median (IQR): 6.6 (2.5–16.4) and 7.0 (1.0–19.2) years, respectively), gender distribution (88% and 71%, respectively), and GIT symptoms (mean (SD) total GIT 2.0 scores of 0.7 (0.6) and 0.6 (0.5), respectively). Principal coordinate analysis illustrated significant microbial community differences between SSc and controls (UCLA: p=0.001; OUH: p=0.002). Patients with SSc had significantly lower levels of commensal genera deemed to protect against inflammation, such asBacteroides(UCLA and OUH),Faecalibacterium(UCLA),Clostridium(OUH); and significantly higher levels of pathobiont genera, such asFusobacterium(UCLA), compared with controls. Increased abundance ofClostridiumwas associated with less severe GIT symptoms in both cohorts.ConclusionsThe present analysis detected specific aberrations in the lower GIT microbiota of patients with SSc from 2 geographically and ethnically distinct cohorts. These findings suggest that GIT dysbiosis may be a pathological feature of the SSc disease state.
Frequency and composition dependency of optical and dielectric properties of PMMA/boehmite nano-hybrid prepared via facile aqueous one-pot process
Authors: Ghamari Misagh , Farzi Gholamali 
Published: April 2017

Optical properties of PMMA/boehmite nano-hybrid synthesized directly from their relevant precursors via facile aqueous one-pot process is studied. Silane coupling agent was applied to make compatible chemically the organic–inorganic counterparts. The chemical bond of SiOAl as the main link between organic and inorganic moieties was confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra. The chemical bond of Si–O–Al as the main link between organic and inorganic moieties. Determining the refractive and absorption index, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant, energy loss function, and their distribution for PMMA/boehmite nano-hybrid as a function of boehmite loading was assessed in the range of 12–120 THz using FTIR data and Kramers–Kronig relations. The inorganic/organic weight ratio varied from 0.7% to 5% and its impact on optical features was evaluated. It was demonstrated that the optical features of hybrids are frequency-dependent and less affected from boehmite incorporation.
Mesoscale Vertical Motions near Nocturnal Convection Initiation in PECAN
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Wilson James W. , Ahijevych David A. , Sobash Ryan A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRadiosonde measurements from the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) 2015 field campaign are used to diagnose mesoscale vertical motions near nocturnal convection initiation (CI). These CI events occur in distinctly different environments including ones with 1) strong forcing for ascent associated with a synoptic cold front and midtropospheric short wave, 2) nocturnal low-level jets interacting with weaker quasi-stationary fronts, or 3) the absence of a surface front or boundary altogether. Radiosonde-derived vertical motion profiles in each of these CI environments are characterized by low- to midtropospheric ascent. The representativeness of these vertical motion profiles is supported by distributions of corresponding mesoscale averages from model-produced 0–6-h ensemble forecasts. Thermodynamic data from radiosondes are then analyzed along with selected model ensemble members to elucidate the role of the vertical motions on subsequent CI. In a case with strong forcing for mesoscale ascent, vertical motions facilitated CI by reducing convection inhibition (CIN). However, in the majority of cases, weaker but persistent vertical motions contributed to the development of elevated, approximately saturated layers with lapse rates greater than moist adiabatic. Such layers have negligible CIN and, thereby, the capacity to support CI even without strong finescale triggering mechanisms in the environment. This aspect may distinguish much central U.S. nocturnal CI from typical daytime CI. The elevated unstable layers occur in disparate large-scale environments, but a common aspect of their development is mesoscale ascent in the presence of warm advection, which results in upward transports of moisture (contributing to local increases of moist static energy) with adiabatic cooling above.
Assessing the Practices of Population-Based Birth Defects Surveillance Programs Using the CDC Strategic Framework, 2012
Authors: Mai Cara T. , Correa Adolfo , Kirby Russell S. , Rosenberg Deborah , Petros Michael , Fagen Michael C. 
Published: April 2017

Objective. We assessed the practices of U.S. population-based birth defects surveillance programs in addressing current and emergent public health needs. Methods. Using the CDC Strategic Framework considerations for public health surveillance (i.e., lexicon and standards, legal authority, technological advances, workforce, and analytic capacity), during 2012 and 2013, we conducted a survey of all U.S. operational birth defects programs ( n=43) soliciting information on legal authorities, case definition and clinical information collected, types of data sources, and workforce staffing. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine program directors to further understand how programs are addressing current and emergent needs. Results. Three-quarters of birth defects surveillance programs used national guidelines for case definition. Most birth defects surveillance programs (86%) had a legislative mandate to conduct surveillance, and many relied on a range of prenatal, postnatal, public health, and pediatric data sources for case ascertainment. Programs reported that the transition from paper to electronic formats was altering the information collected, offering an opportunity for remote access to improve timeliness for case review and verification. Programs also reported the growth of pooled, multistate data collaborations as a positive development. Needs identified included ongoing workforce development to improve information technology and analytic skills, more emphasis on data utility and birth defects-specific standards for health information exchange, and support to develop channels for sharing ideas on data interpretation and dissemination. Conclusion. The CDC Strategic Framework provided a useful tool to determine the birth defects surveillance areas with positive developments, such as multistate collaborative epidemiologic studies, and areas for improvement, such as preparation for health information exchanges and workforce database and analytic skills. Our findings may inform strategic deliberations for enhancing the effectiveness of birth defects surveillance programs.
Virtually borderless: an examination of culture in virtual teaming
Authors: Symons John , Stenzel Claudia 
Published: April 2017

Improvements in transportation and communication technology and a reduction in economic and political barriers are amongst the factors that are increasing globalisation. One consequence of globalisation is that it is encouraging the use of multinational teams. Coupled with the changing nature of work and continuous improvement in collaborative software, virtual working in multinational teams is growing in popularity as a cost-effective way of operating. The study of the human resource implications of this new and virtually borderless frontier of collaborative working is lagging behind the rapidly advancing technology. This paper distils theory with recent research findings in virtual teaming. This is the term used to describe project teams working across time and space using electronic media. The authors contend that the key competencies in successful virtual teaming can be clustered under the headings of technology, leadership and culture. The paper explores the literature under these headings, focusing on culture and adding findings from research projects undertaken independently by the authors with ABB and IBM.1
The Shareholder Value Chain: Values, Vision and Shareholder Value Creation
Authors: Lichtenstein Scott , Dade Pat 
Published: April 2017

Business now almost universally accepts that the primary management task is value creation. The impact of leaders’, directors' and executives' personal values in the value creation process has been largely ignored in the literature. This paper seeks to redress the current situation by proposing that the needs and values of leaders and executives drive the vision, goals and strategies to create shareholder value. Yet, while most directors and senior managers will be at ease with pushing the organisation farther and faster in the creation of new methods to create more shareholder value, this is creating dis-ease amongst other directors, executives and the organisations' operator who have different values. This disease potentially stymies leaders' and boards' ability to create more value for shareholders. By understanding the values dynamic and asking different questions, boards and leaders can motivate the culture to create more value. The objective of this paper is to build on previous executive values research by examining the impact of how the values of one executive value group translate into methods of creating shareholder value and proposing the linkage between leaders values and shareholder value. First, a theoretical background is provided. Next, the results of empirical research into executive values are briefly reviewed and combined with data and insights from proprietary market research to discuss how the needs and values of one executive value group impact on strategic leadership factors driving shareholder value creation methods. This is followed by proposing a conceptual framework illustrating the linkages between leaders' values and shareholder value creation with propositions. Conclusion and implications are drawn and finally limitations and areas for further research are provided.
S100β is associated with cognitive impairment in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Lapa A T , Postal M , Sinicato N A , Bellini B S , Fernandes PT , Marini R , Appenzeller S 
Published: April 2017

Objective To investigate serologic S100β protein levels in childhood-onset SLE patients (cSLE) and to elucidate their association with disease activity and neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations. Methods We included 71 cSLE patients (67 females; median age 18 years; range 9–37 and 53 (47 females; median age of 20 years; range 6–29) age and sex matched healthy controls. Neurological manifestations were analysed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Cognitive evaluation was performed in all participants using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), according to age, and validated in Portuguese. SLE patients were further assessed for clinical and laboratory SLE manifestations, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)) and current drug exposures. Sera S100β protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial kits. Results The median S100β protein level was 116.55 pg/mL (range 1.53–468.50) in cSLE and 54.98 pg/mL (range 0.69–181.00) in healthy controls ( p < 0.001). An association was observed between S100β protein and NP manifestations ( p = 0.03). The S100β protein levels was associated with cognitive impairment in cSLE patients ( p = 0.006). Conclusions S100β protein levels are increased in cSLE with cognitive impairment. S100β may be considered a potential biomarker that underlies central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, especially cognitive impairment.
Treatment restrictions in patients with severe stroke are associated with an increased risk of death
Authors: Geurts Marjolein , de Kort Floor AS , de Kort Paul LM , van Tuijl Julia H , van Thiel Ghislaine JMW , Kappelle L Jaap , van der Worp H Bart 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Treatment restrictions in the first 2 days after intracerebral haemorrhage have been independently associated with an increased risk of early death. It is unknown whether these restrictions also affect mortality if these are installed several days after stroke onset. Patients and methods Sixty patients with severe functional dependence at day 4 after ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage were included in this prospective two-centre cohort study. The presence of treatment restrictions was assessed at the day of inclusion. Information about mortality, functional outcome (modified Rankin scale) score and quality of life (visual analogue scale) was recorded 6 months after stroke onset. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale >3. Satisfactory quality of life was defined as visual analogue scale ≥ 60. Results At 6 months, 30 patients had died, 19 survivors had a poor functional outcome and 9 patients had a poor quality of life. Treatment restrictions were independently associated with mortality at 6 months (adjusted relative risk, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.59; p = 0.01), but not with functional outcome. Discussion Our findings were observed in 60 selected patients with severe stroke. Conclusion The instalment of treatment restrictions by itself may increase the risk of death after stroke, even if the first 4 days have passed. In future stroke studies, this potential confounder should be taken into account. Quality of life was satisfactory in the majority of the survivors, despite considerable disability.
A Histological Study of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Related to Human Cytomegalovirus Reactivation
Authors: Yoneda Sho , Imagawa Akihisa , Fukui Kenji , Uno Sae , Kozawa Junji , Sakai Makoto , Yumioka Toshiki , Iwahashi Hiromi , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContext:Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is thought to be partly caused by virus infection.Objective:This study investigated the mechanism of β cell destruction in fulminant T1DM after drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS).Methods:We determined the localization of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and viral receptors of Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), together with inflammatory cells, by immunohistochemistry of the autopsy pancreas of a patient with fulminant T1DM with DIHS and in seven subjects with normal glucose tolerance who underwent pancreatectomy.Results:HCMV-positive cells were detected in islets and exocrine areas in the patient with fulminant T1DM. Greater numbers of macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes had infiltrated into HCMV-positive islets than into HCMV-negative islets, and 52.6% of HCMV-positive cells were also positive for IRF3. α Cells expressed IRF3, ZBP1, or RIG-I. No HCMV-positive cells were detected in the control subjects. HHV-6−positive, but not EBV-positive, cells were present in the patient and the control subjects.Conclusions:These findings indicate that the immunoresponse caused by HCMV infection was associated with β cell injury.
Characteristic Isotherms for a Mixed Molecular Layer Composed of Phospholipid and Fatty Acid
Authors: Nakata Satoshi , Seki Yota , Nomura Mio , Fukuhara Koichi , Denda Mitsuhiro 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A mixed molecular layer composed of phospholipids and fatty acids (carbon number: 18) was investigated experimentally to understand the interaction between them depending on the number of double bonds in the fatty acids. The surface pressure–surface area (Π–A) isotherm for 1,2-di-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) at an air/water interface characteristically changed with the addition of fatty acid, i.e., A at Π was not changed for oleic acid very much in comparison with other fatty acids. The degree of the decrease in A at Π for 1,2-di-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine was not changed for stearic acid very much in comparison with other fatty acids, suggesting different responses to fatty acids between the two compounds. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to evaluate the interaction between DOPC and fatty acid molecules.
Inventory Management in a Consumer Electronics Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Calmon Andre P. , Graves Stephen C. 
Published: April 2017

The goal of this paper is to describe, model, and optimize inventory in a reverse logistics system that supports the warranty returns and replacements for a consumer electronic device. The context and motivation for this work stem from a collaboration with an industrial partner, a Fortune 100 company that sells consumer electronics. The reverse logistics system is a closed-loop supply chain: failed devices are returned for repair and refurbishing; this inventory is then used to serve warranty claims or sold through a side sales channel. Managing inventory in this system is challenging because of the short life cycle of these devices and the rapidly declining value for the inventory. We examine an inventory model that captures these dynamics. We characterize the structure of the optimal policy for this problem for stochastic demand and introduce an algorithm to calculate optimal sell-down levels. We also provide a closed-form policy for the deterministic version of the problem, and we use this policy as a certainty-equivalent approximation to the stochastic optimal policy. Finally, using numerical experiments, we analyze the sensitivity of this system to changes in various parameters, and we also evaluate the performance of the certainty-equivalent approximation using data from our industrial partner. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0622 .
Effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus Extract Through Cytotoxic Test and Apoptosis Mechanism of Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Ekowati Nuraeni , Mumpuni Aris , Muljowati Juni Safitri 
Published: April 2017

<p><em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em> is a common mushroom cultivated in Indonesia, and potential properties of bioactive compounds for medicinal mushroom. This study was aimed at obtaining <em>P.ostreatus</em> extract bioactive compounds potential in inhibiting the proliferation of cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and evaluating the HeLa cell proliferation kinetics and HeLa cell death mechanisms. The research was beneficial in making this product can be easily applied in a more controlled industrial scale. Anticancer activity test through a cytotoxic test using the MTT [3- (4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-yl) -2.5-diphenyl tertrazolium bromide], the kinetics proliferation of HeLa cells and HeLa cell death mechanism was performed. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Ethyl acetate extract of <em>P.</em> <em>ostreatus</em> isolated from Madiun showed the best results with IC <sub>50</sub> = 107.59 µg / ml. HeLa cell proliferation kinetics analysis showed that the application of bioactive compounds 100 µg / ml resulted in an increase of in death of HeLa cells along with length of incubation time. An important finding was that HeLa cells death by apoptosis was greater than by necrosis. In conclusion, the extracts of <em>P.</em> <em>ostreatus</em> has the potential to inhibit the growth of HeLa cells.</p><p> </p>