bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep in trigeminal autonomic cephalagias: A review
Authors: Barloese M , Lund N , Jensen R 
Published: July 2014

Purpose of review Sleep and cluster headache (CH) are believed to be interconnected but the precise relation to the other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) is uncertain and complex. A better understanding of these relations may eventually lead to a clarification of the underlying mechanisms and eventually to more effective therapeutic regimens. This review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the subject of TACs and sleep. An association between episodic CH and distinct macrostructural sleep phases, especially the relation to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, has been described in some older studies but could not be confirmed in other, more recent studies. Investigations into the microstructure of sleep in these patients are lacking. Only a few case reports exist on the relation between sleep and other TACs. Summary Recent studies do not find an association between CH and REM sleep. One older study suggests chronic paroxysmal hemicranias may be locked to REM sleep but otherwise the relation is unknown. Reports indicate that CH and obstructive sleep apnoea are associated in some individuals but results are diverging. Single cases show improvement of CH upon treatment of sleep apnoea, but the causal relationship remains in question. Other TACs are probably not connected to sleep and strictly nocturnal attacks should prompt investigations for secondary causes. The relation between CH and sleep is, however, fascinating and detailed sleep studies in carefully diagnosed patients are warranted.
Export Subsidy Reforms and Productivity Improvements: The Case of the Indian Textile and Clothing Sector
Authors: Narayanan G. Badri , Rungta Vasundhara 
Published: July 2014

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recommends all members to phase out their export subsidies. While this may render export-oriented industries susceptible to tighter competition in their import markets, productivity improvements could help offset such disadvantages. This article explores the interaction between these two different aspects to evaluate the economy-wide impact of export subsidy reforms and productivity improvements in the Indian textile and clothing sector. Our analysis stands on various policy simulations applying the general equilibrium model of the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP; Hertel, 1997 ). The welfare impacts of the removal of Indian textile and clothing subsidies in terms of equivalent variation shows that India is expected to encounter a loss of about 71.5 million US$, while other Asian countries may gain about 218 million US$. In a different scenario, we simulate the impact of a complete phase-out of subsidies provided to the textile and clothing industry of India and a simultaneous increase in total factor productivity growth to 3.5 per cent. This leads to a net positive welfare change and an expected gain of about US$ 13.17 million in terms of allocative efficiency. We conclude that merely removing subsidies is not enough, as is often argued by Indian policymakers that such a policy reversal might result in contraction of the sector. Investments in total factor productivity should come about simultaneously, probably by employing surplus funds from saved subsidy payments in areas like research and development and infrastructure. This conclusion may be qualitatively generalised for any sector in the world, which is examined for export subsidy reforms, but similar economy-wide studies are recommended for specific cases. JEL Codes: F00, F13, C68, L670
A Note on the Estimation of the Gini Index
Authors: Djolov George 
Published: July 2014

This article provides a statistical decision-making framework for the Gini index through the introduction of practically usable confidence intervals for this index. The resultant intervals enable hypothesis testing with the Gini index as well as providing a mechanism for studying the reliability of its estimates. The article presents these confidence intervals and demonstrates their prospective uses with an illustrative example to officially published estimates for the index from 24 countries. JEL Classification: C02, C13
Is there a Corruption-effect on Conspicuous Consumption?
Authors: Gokcekus Omer , Suzuki Yui 
Published: July 2014

This study empirically explores the following issue: Does corruption fuel conspicuous consumption? It examines the existence and magnitude of any potential corruption-effect on conspicuous consumption expenditure. Regression analyses of an unbalanced panel data for 20 OECD countries between 2004 and 2010 indicate that luxury car sales are higher by 191 per cent in a country with a high perceived corruption level, for example, CPI score of 4.5, as compared to a country with a low perceived corruption level, for example, CPI score of 9.0, ceteris paribus. JEL Classification: D12; D73
Accessibility to Credit and its Determinants: A State-level Analysis of Cultivator Households in India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Manojit , Rajeev Meenakshi 
Published: July 2014

It is well known that around 80 per cent of farmers in India are in the small or marginal farmers group which requires financial resources on a regular basis for their farming activities. Needless to say, as these households do not possess adequate savings, accessibility to financial resources at reasonable terms and conditions from financial intermediaries becomes a crucial parameter for their productive activities and hence, in turn, their well-being. Based on the 59th round of household-level data from the Debt and Investment Survey and the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of farmers provided by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) of India, this article examines the nature of exclusion faced by farmer households in credit markets across selected prominent states of India. This is done by constructing an indicator, namely, the ‘incidence of borrowing’. This article also tries to identify the factors that explain exclusion from access to financial resources by developing a methodology for the detection of credit exclusion. Our results show that the relation between the cost of credit (interest rate) and access to credit depends heavily on the extent of prevalence of informal lenders in a region. JEL Classification: O1, O2
Osteoprotegerin is independently associated with metabolic syndrome and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tavintharan S , Pek Li Ting Sharon , Liu Jian Jun , Ng Xiao Wei , Yeoh Lee Ying , Su Chi Lim , Chee Fang Sum 
Published: July 2014

Aims: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein from tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, responsible for osteoclastogenesis inhibition and associated with arterial calcification and stiffness. We describe the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and OPG in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology: We consecutively enrolled 1220 patients from our institution’s Diabetes Centre from August 2011. Anthropometric data such as fasting blood/urine were obtained, and OPG was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Mean (standard deviation (SD)) of age and diabetes duration was 57.4 (10.9) years and 11.2 (8.9) years, respectively. Prevalence of MS was 64.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 61.3%–67.2%) and associated with significantly higher OPG (5.44 vs 4.47 pmol/L) and microvascular complications. The presence of microvascular complications was associated with higher OPG: nephropathy (5.54 (2.20) vs 4.65 (1.70) pmol/L, p < 0.0001), neuropathy (6.33 (2.64) vs 5.06 (1.91) pmol/L, p < 0.0001) and retinopathy (6.08 (2.47) vs 5.00 (1.95) pmol/L, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, glucose and microvascular complications, OPG remained an independent predictor of MS: (odds ratio (OR) = 1.102 (95% CI: 1.015–1.196), p = 0.021). Conclusion: Higher OPG levels were associated with risk of MS and microvascular complications. Studies are needed to test whether OPG could be a useful biomarker identifying patients at risk of vascular complications and whether further exploration of this pathway may lead novel therapeutic options.
What answers does the Internet provide for patients in Ireland with questions about generic medicines?
Authors: Dunne Suzanne S , Cummins Niamh M , Hannigan Ailish , Shannon Bill , Cullen Walter , Dunne Colum P 
Published: July 2014

Background Use of generic medicines in Ireland has historically been low. New legislation, in 2013, introduced reference pricing and generic substitution in Ireland for the first time. Also, as patents have recently expired for many familiar medicines, Irish patients are more likely than ever to receive a generic medicine. Objective As the Internet is a primary source of information for patients seeking information on healthcare matters, this study aims to assess – in terms of quality and accessibility – information on generic medicines that a searcher in Ireland is likely to find online. Methods Internet searches were completed using a computer with an Irish Internet Protocol address. Search results were evaluated with respect to quality of information, using a newly developed Website Quality Assessment tool, and for readability, using existing methods. The reproducibility of the tools was assessed, and correlations between Website Quality Assessment score, readability statistics and Google search engine results page ranking were determined. Results This novel and topical evaluation showed that, of the websites most likely to be seen by a searcher, none demonstrated the desired combination of scoring highly for both quality of information and readability. Conclusions Patient education is a key factor in implementation of the changes planned in the Irish healthcare system. There is a gap in online knowledge provision in Ireland, which, if filled by a website designed using the Website Quality Assessment tool developed in this study, can correct this deficit by providing accessible, high-quality information.
Comparing Tendinous and Ligamentous Ankle Pathology in Atraumatic Overweight and Nonoverweight Patients
Authors: Galli Melissa M. , Protzman Nicole M. , Mandelker Eiran M. , Malhotra Amit , Schwartz Edward , Brigido Stephen A. 
Published: July 2014

With the increased prevalence of obesity, there has been a parallel rise in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pathology of the hindfoot and ankle is scarcely understood. The purpose of the present report was to compare the number of tendinous and ligamentous pathologies within the hindfoot and ankle between overweight (BMI ≥ 25.00 kg/m2) and nonoverweight (BMI < 25.00 kg/m2) atraumatic patients. We hypothesized that overweight patients would demonstrate more tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with their nonoverweight counterparts. Five hundred consecutive magnetic resonance images were reviewed. One hundred eight patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-six patients were overweight and 42 patients were nonoverweight. Ninety-eight percent of overweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature, whereas 62% of nonoverweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature. Thus, the prevalence of pathology was 1.59 times higher among overweight patients compared with nonoverweight patients. Moreover, controlling for age, overweight patients demonstrated approximately twice as many tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with nonoverweight patients (adjusted mean ± SD = 4.44 ± 2.14 vs 1.98 ± 2.07, respectively), which was statistically significantly different ( P < .001). To definitively assess causation and the clinical evolution of hindfoot and ankle pathology, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are warranted. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level III: Case series
Core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse: a retrospective study from the French AML Intergroup
Authors: Hospital Marie-Anne , Prebet Thomas , Bertoli Sarah , Thomas Xavier , Tavernier Emmanuelle , Braun Thorsten , Pautas Cécile , Perrot Aurore , Lioure Bruno , Rousselot Philippe , Tamburini Jérôme , Cluzeau Thomas , Konopacki Johanna , Randriamalala Edouard , Berthon Céline , Gourin Marie-Pierre , Recher Christian , Cahn Jean-Yves , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Boissel Nicolas 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
GO before transplant improves outcome of CBF-AML patients in first relapse.
Dual mechanisms by which miR-125b represses IRF4 to induce myeloid and B-cell leukemias
Authors: So Alex Yick-Lun , Sookram Reeshelle , Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Minisandram Aarathi , Cheng David , Xie Catherine , Lim Ee Lyn , Flores Yvette Garcia , Jiang Shuai , Kim Jocelyn Tammy , Keown Christopher , Ramakrishnan Parameswaran , Baltimore David 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
MiR-125b induces tumorigenesis in myeloid cells by repressing the expression of IRF4 at the mRNA and protein level. MiR-125b promotes oncogenesis in B cells that involves selection of cells that acquire genetic deletion of the gene encoding IRF4.
Treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease with bortezomib
Authors: Pai Chien-Chun Steven , Chen Mingyi , Mirsoian Annie , Grossenbacher Steven K. , Tellez Joseph , Ames Erik , Sun Kai , Jagdeo Jared , Blazar Bruce R. , Murphy William J. , Abedi Mehrdad 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
Bortezomib ameliorates sclerodermatous cGVHD responses by inhibiting germinal center B cells while maintaining GVT effects in murine models. Bortezomib provides therapeutic benefits for patients with active steroid-refractory cGVHD.
Genetic alterations of the cohesin complex genes in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Thota Swapna , Viny Aaron D. , Makishima Hideki , Spitzer Barbara , Radivoyevitch Tomas , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Levine Ross L. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. 
Published: July 2014

Key PointsRecurrent hypomorphic cohesin defects and cohesin low expression were identified in a significant proportion of patients with MDS and AML. Cohesin mutations likely represent secondary events in clonal hierarchy and contribute to clonal transformation.
Spotlight on pathogenesis of TRALI: HNA-3a (CTL2) antibodies
Authors: Storch Emily K. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Human neutrophil antigen-3a (HNA-3a) antibodies contained in donor plasma can result in severe, sometimes fatal transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Recent developments in TRALI secondary to antibodies to HNA-3a antigen span diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention resulting in improved understanding, potential treatments, and mitigation strategies. First, on the molecular level, characterization of HNA-3 antigen has allowed for genotyping methods that clarify population prevalence. Related work has led to generation of multiple antibody detection assays. These assays aid in determining potential populations at risk and potential mitigation strategies. Second, the development of TRALI requires a hit from the patient and from the product. Anti-HNA-3a is one of the product-derived factors and appears to result in TRALI by binding directly to pulmonary endothelium as well as to neutrophils expressing the corresponding antigen. Finally, potential mitigation strategies include red blood cell product filtration to remove anti-HNA-3a as well as other antibodies.
Genetic loci associated with changes in lipid levels leading to constitution-based discrepancy in Koreans
Authors: Chung Sun-Ku , Yu Hyunjoo , Park Ah Yeon , Kim Jong Yeol , Cha Seongwon 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Abnormal lipid concentrations are risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The pathological susceptibility to cardiovascular disease risks such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, insulin resistance, and so on differs between Sasang constitutional types.

Methods
We used multiple regression analyses to study the association between lipid-related traits and genetic variants from several genome-wide association studies according to Sasang constitutional types, considering that the Tae-Eum (TE) has predominant cardiovascular risk.

Results
By analyzing 26 variants of 20 loci in two Korean populations (8,597 subjects), we found that 12 and 5 variants, respectively, were replicably associated with lipid levels and dyslipidemia risk. By analyzing TE and non-TE type (each 2,664 subjects) populations classified on the basis of Sasang constitutional medicine, we found that the minor allele effects of three variants enriched in TE type had a harmful influence on lipid risk (near apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5)-APOA4-APOC3-APOA1 on increased triglyceride: p = 8.90 × 10-11, in APOE-APOC1-APOC4 on increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: p = 1.63 × 10-5, and near endothelial lipase gene on decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: p = 4.28 × 10-3), whereas those of three variants (near angiopoietin-like 3 gene, APOA5-APOA4-APOC3-APOA1, and near lipoprotein lipase gene on triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) associated in non-TE type had neutral influences because of a compensating effect.

Conclusions
These results implied that the minor allele effects of lipid-associated variants may predispose TE type subjects to high cardiovascular disease risk because of their genetic susceptibility to lipid-related disorders.
Preparation and nanoencapsulation of l-asparaginase II in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles and in vitro release study
Authors: Bahreini Elham , Aghaiypour Khosrow , Abbasalipourkabir Roghayeh , Mokarram Ali Rezaei , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Saidijam Massoud 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This paper describes the production, purification, and immobilization of l-asparaginase II (ASNase II) in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). ASNase II is an effective antineoplastic agent, used in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia chemotherapy. Cloned ASNase II gene (ansB) in pAED4 plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21pLysS (DE3) competent cells and expressed under optimal conditions. The lyophilized enzyme was loaded into CSNPs by ionotropic gelation method. In order to get optimal entrapment efficiency, CSNP preparation, chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) ratio, and protein loading were investigated. ASNase II loading into CSNPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and morphological observation was carried out by transmission electron microscopy. Three absolute CS/TPP ratios were studied. Entrapment efficiency and loading capacity increased with increasing CS and TPP concentration. The best ratio was applied for obtaining optimal ASNase II-loaded CSNPs with the highest entrapment efficiency. Size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and loading capacity of the optimal ASNase II-CSNPs were 340 ± 12 nm, 21.2 ± 3 mV, 76.2% and 47.6%, respectively. The immobilized enzyme showed an increased in vitro half-life in comparison with the free enzyme. The pH and thermostability of the immobilized enzyme was comparable with the free enzyme. This study leads to a better understanding of how to prepare CSNPs, how to achieve high encapsulation efficiency for a high molecular weight protein, and how to prolong the release of protein from CSNPs. A conceptual understanding of biological responses to ASNase II-loaded CSNPs is needed for the development of novel methods of drug delivery.
Fabrication of low-density GaN/AlN quantum dots via GaN thermal decomposition in MOCVD
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Senlin , Xiong Hui , Tian Wu , Li Yang , Fang Yanyan , Wu Zhihao , Dai Jiangnan , Xu Jintong , Li Xiangyang , Chen Changqing 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
With an appropriate high anneal temperature under H2 atmosphere, GaN quantum dots (QDs) have been fabricated via GaN thermal decomposition in metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Based on the characterization of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the obtained GaN QDs show good size distribution and have a low density of 2.4 × 108 cm-2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis demonstrates that the GaN QDs were formed without Ga droplets by thermal decomposition of GaN.
Alamouti-coded decode-and-forward protocol with optimum relay selection and power allocation for cooperative communications
Authors: Swasdio Wanakorn , Pirak Chaiyod , Jitapunkul Somchai , Ascheid Gerd 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this paper, an Alamouti-coded decode-and-forward protocol with optimum relay selection for three-user one destination cooperative communications is investigated. Particularly, we design the new protocol that allows the source node retransmitting the signal to the destination node at the same time as the relay node forwarding the received signal to the destination node with an Alamouti coding scheme. We exploit the cooperative maximum ratio combining technique (C-MRC) at the destination for combining a multiple copy of received signals. Therefore, the proposed scheme achieves the maximum diversity gain and lower probability of error in comparison with the existing decode and forward protocol. We also analyze a symbol error rate (SER) upper bound of the single relay system, and exploit a result of this analysis to select the optimum relay in a multiple-relay cooperation scheme based on the minimum SER selection strategy. Moreover, the optimum power allocation for the proposed protocol is derived, and it is able to provide the optimum transmission power strategy to the source and the relay nodes in order to achieve the minimum probability of error. In the performance analysis, the theoretical error probability is studied and compared with the simulation results. Simulation results indicate that the proposed protocol significantly outperforms the existing protocols, and the theoretical error probability curve is relatively close to the simulated SER curve.
Targeting the proper amyloid-beta neuronal toxins: a path forward for Alzheimer’s disease immunotherapeutics
Authors: Goure William F , Krafft Grant A , Jerecic Jasna , Hefti Franz 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLevels of amyloid-beta monomer and deposited amyloid-beta in the Alzheimer’s disease brain are orders of magnitude greater than soluble amyloid-beta oligomer levels. Monomeric amyloid-beta has no known direct toxicity. Insoluble fibrillar amyloid-beta has been proposed to be an in vivo mechanism for removal of soluble amyloid-beta and exhibits relatively low toxicity. In contrast, soluble amyloid-beta oligomers are widely reported to be the most toxic amyloid-beta form, both causing acute synaptotoxicity and inducing neurodegenerative processes. None of the amyloid-beta immunotherapies currently in clinical development selectively target soluble amyloid-beta oligomers, and their lack of efficacy is not unexpected considering their selectivity for monomeric or fibrillar amyloid-beta (or both) rather than soluble amyloid-beta oligomers. Because they exhibit acute, memory-compromising synaptic toxicity and induce chronic neurodegenerative toxicity and because they exist at very low in vivo levels in the Alzheimer’s disease brain, soluble amyloid-beta oligomers constitute an optimal immunotherapeutic target that should be pursued more aggressively.