bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Lipoprotein‐Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity Predict Coronary Events and Partly Account for the Treatment Effect of Pravastatin: Results From the Long‐term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease Study
Authors: White Harvey D. , Simes John , Stewart Ralph A. H. , Blankenberg Stefan , Barnes Elizabeth H. , Marschner Ian C. , Thompson Peter , West Malcolm , Zeller Tanja , Colquhoun David M. , Nestel Paul , Keech Anthony C. , Sullivan David R. , Hunt David , Tonkin Andrew ,   The LIPID Study Investigators
Published: October 2013

Background

Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐
PLA
2
) levels are associated with coronary heart disease (
CHD
) in healthy individuals and in patients who have had ischemic events.

Methods and Results

The Long‐term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease (
LIPID
) study randomized 9014 patients with cholesterol levels of 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L to placebo or pravastatin 3 to 36 months after myocardial infarction or unstable angina and showed a reduction in
CHD
and total mortality. We assessed the value of baseline and change in Lp‐
PLA
2
activity to predict outcomes over a 6‐year follow‐up, the effect of pravastatin on Lp‐
PLA
2
levels, and whether pravastatin treatment effect was related to Lp‐
PLA
2
activity change. Lp‐
PLA
2
was measured at randomization and 1 year, and levels were grouped as quartiles. The prespecified end point was
CHD
death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Baseline Lp‐
PLA
2
activity was positively associated with
CHD
events (
P
<0.001) but not after adjustment for 23 baseline factors (
P
=0.66). In 6518 patients who were event free at 1 year, change in Lp‐
PLA
2
was a significant independent predictor of subsequent
CHD
events after adjustment for these risk factors, including
LDL
cholesterol and
LDL
cholesterol changes (
P
<0.001). Pravastatin reduced Lp‐
PLA
2
by 16% compared with placebo (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for Lp‐
PLA
2
change, the pravastatin treatment effect was reduced from 23% to 10% (
P
=0.26), with 59% of the treatment effect accounted for by changes in Lp‐
PLA
2
. Similar reductions in treatment effect were seen after adjustment for
LDL
cholesterol change.

Conclusion

Reduction in Lp‐
PLA
2
activity during the first year was a highly significant predictor of
CHD
events, independent of change in
LDL
cholesterol, and may account for over half of the benefits of pravastatin in the
LIPID
study.
Exploring the occupations of homeless adults living with mental illnesses in Toronto / Explorer les occupations d’adultes sans-abri atteints de maladies mentales vivant à Toronto
Authors: Illman Sarah C. , Spence Sandy , O’Campo Patricia J. , Kirsh Bonnie H. 
Published: October 2013

Background. The nature of occupational engagement for homeless people living with mental illnesses is not well understood, and there are few studies to date that examine the occupational lives of these individuals. Purpose. This research study seeks to understand how this group of individuals engages in occupations. The central question is ‘‘What is the nature of occupational engagement by homeless adults living with mental illnesses in Toronto?’’ Method. A constant comparative method of analysis was used in a secondary analysis of 60 interviews with homeless adults experiencing mental illness. Findings. Four themes emerged that describe the nature of occupational engagement for this group: occupations as enjoyment, occupations as survival/risk, occupations as passing time, and occupations as self-management. Implications. This research informs occupational therapy interventions aimed at optimizing engagement, health, and well-being for homeless adults living with mental illnesses.
Effects of Mental Fatigue on the Development of Physical Fatigue
Authors: Mehta Ranjana K. , Parasuraman Raja 
Published: October 2013

Objective: The present study used a neuroergonomic approach to examine the interaction of mental and physical fatigue by assessing prefrontal cortex activation during submaximal fatiguing handgrip exercises. Background: Mental fatigue is known to influence muscle function and motor performance, but its contribution to the development of voluntary physical fatigue is not well understood. Method: A total of 12 participants performed separate physical (control) and physical and mental fatigue (concurrent) conditions at 30% of their maximal handgrip strength until exhaustion. Functional near infrared spectroscopy was employed to measure prefrontal cortex activation, whereas electromyography and joint steadiness were used simultaneously to quantify muscular effort. Results: Compared to the control condition, blood oxygenation in the bilateral prefrontal cortex was significantly lower during submaximal fatiguing contractions associated with mental fatigue at exhaustion, despite comparable muscular responses. Conclusion: The findings suggest that interference in the prefrontal cortex may influence motor output during tasks that require both physical and cognitive processing. Application: A neuroergonomic approach involving simultaneous monitoring of brain and body functions can provide critical information on fatigue development that may be overlooked during traditional fatigue assessments.
Otolaryngological Progression of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis after Systemic Treatment with Rituximab
Authors: Malm Ian‐James , Mener David J. , Kim Jean , Seo Philip , Kim Young J. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveRituximab is used for the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), historically known as Wegener's granulomatosis. However, the otolaryngological progression of GPA after systemic treatment with rituximab (Rituxan) is unclear. We therefore examined the disease sequelae of patients with GPA who were treated with rituximab.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of GPA who were treated with rituximab between 2006 and 2012 were included in this study. Systemic and otolaryngological symptomatology, prednisone usage, and procedural interventions following B‐cell depletion were analyzed.ResultsWe identified 11 patients who met our inclusion criteria. The average length of follow‐up after treatment with rituximab was 23.5 months. After treatment with rituximab, there was a significant decrease in daily prednisone dose at 3, 12, and 18 months postinfusion (P <. 05). However, there was no observed improvement in patients’ otolaryngological complaints as measured by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score. Furthermore, patients treated with rituximab underwent numerous otolaryngological interventions during follow‐up. Patients with a history of subglottic stenosis (n = 6) underwent an average of 3.40 laryngoscopies and 0.58 dilations per year during rituximab remission, and patients with sinusitis also underwent multiple nasal endoscopies (4.54 per year, n = 9) and nasal debridements (1.34, n = 9).ConclusionsWhile rituximab has been shown to be noninferior to cyclophosphamide with respect to remission from systemic GPA, these patients continue to have chronic otolaryngological manifestations of their disease. Otolaryngologists must continue to play a supportive role throughout their maintenance period.
Grasp analysis tools for synergistic underactuated robotic hands
Authors: Gabiccini Marco , Farnioli Edoardo , Bicchi Antonio 
Published: October 2013

Despite being a classical topic in robotics, the research on dexterous robotic hands still stirs a lively research activity. The current interest is especially attracted by underactuated robotic hands where a high number of degrees of freedom (DoFs), and a relatively low number of degrees of actuation co-exist. The correlation between the DoFs obtained through a wise distribution of actuators is aimed at simplifying the control with a minimal loss of dexterity. In this sense, the application of bio-inspired principles is bringing research toward a more conscious design. This work proposes new, general approaches for the analysis of grasps with synergistic underactuated robotic hands. After a review of the quasi-static equations describing the system, where contact preload is also considered, two different approaches to the analysis are presented. The first one is based on a systematic combination of the equations. The independent and the dependent variables are defined, and cause–effect relationships between them are found. In addition, remarkable properties of the grasp, as the subspace of controllable internal force and the grasp compliance, are worked out in symbolic form. Then, some relevant kinds of tasks, such as pure squeeze, spurious squeeze and kinematic grasp displacements, are defined, in terms of nullity or non-nullity of proper variables. The second method of analysis shows how to discover the feasibility of the pre-defined tasks, operating a systematic decomposition of the solution space of the system. As a result, the inputs to be given to the hand, in order to achieve the desired system displacements, are found. The study of the feasible variations is carried out arriving at the discovery of all the combinations of nullity and/or non-nullity variables which are allowed by the equations describing the system. Numerical results are presented both for precision and power grasps, finding forces and displacements that the hand can impose on the object, and showing which properties are preserved after the introduction of a synergistic underactuation mechanism.
Pharmacologic increase in HIF1α enhances hematopoietic stem and progenitor homing and engraftment
Authors: Speth Jennifer M. , Hoggatt Jonathan , Singh Pratibha , Pelus Louis M. 
Published: October 2013

Key Points
dmPGE2 stabilizes the transcription factor HIF1α in stem and progenitor cells. Pharmacologic stabilization of HIF1α increases CXCR4 and enhances stem and progenitor homing and engraftment.
90K, an interferon-stimulated gene product, reduces the infectivity of HIV-1
Authors: Lodermeyer Veronika , Suhr Kristina , Schrott Nicola , Kolbe Christian , Stürzel Christina M , Krnavek Daniela , Münch Jan , Dietz Christian , Waldmann Tanja , Kirchhoff Frank , Goffinet Christine 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
In response to viral infections, interferons induce the transcription of several hundred genes in mammalian cells. Specific antiviral functions, however, have only been attributed to a few of them. 90K/LGALS3BP has been reported to be an interferon-stimulated gene that is upregulated in individuals with cancer or HIV-1 infection.

Results
Here, we show that 90K expression dose-dependently decreased the particle infectivity of HIV-1 progeny. The lower infectivity of released particles correlated with reduced virion incorporation of mature envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41. Further, proteolytic processing of the gp160 precursor and surface expression of gp120 in the producer cell were impaired in the presence of 90K expression. In contrast, expression of Gag, Nef and Vpu, and virus release were not grossly affected by 90K expression. 90K-imposed restriction occurred in the absence of direct interaction of 90K with HIV-1 Env or entrapment of Env in the ER. The cell-associated, but not the secreted species of 90K, mediated the antiviral effect. A truncated version of human 90K, solely consisting of the two intermediate domains, displayed a similar antiviral activity as the full-length wildtype 90K, indicating that the N-terminal SRCR-like domain and the C-terminal domain are dispensable for 90K’s antiviral activity. The murine homolog of 90K, CypCAP (Cyclophilin C-associated protein), neither modulated particle infectivity of HIV-1 nor lowered the virion incorporation of mature gp120, suggesting a species-specific mode of action. 90K was expressed at basal levels in TZM-bl cells and in primary macrophages, and at low levels in CD4+ T-cells and PBMCs. 90K’s susceptibility to IFN-mediated stimulation of expression was cell type-specific. siRNA-mediated knockdown of 90K in TZM-bl cells and primary macrophages enhanced the incorporation of Env glycoproteins into progeny virions, boosted the particle infectivity of released HIV-1, and accelerated HIV-1 spread. Conversely, treatment of HIV-1 infected macrophages with IFN-α induced 90K expression and lowered the particle infectivity of HIV-1.

Conclusions
Thus, 90K constitutes a novel antiviral factor that reduces the particle infectivity of HIV-1, involving interference with the maturation and incorporation of HIV-1 Env molecules into virions.
Conservation and utilization of African Oryza genetic resources
Authors: Wambugu Peterson W , Furtado Agnelo , Waters Daniel LE , Nyamongo Desterio O , Henry Robert J 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Africa contains a huge diversity of both cultivated and wild rice species. The region has eight species representing six of the ten known genome types. Genetic resources of these species are conserved in various global germplasm repositories but they remain under collected and hence underrepresented in germplasm collections. Moreover, they are under characterized and therefore grossly underutilized. The lack of in situ conservation programs further exposes them to possible genetic erosion or extinction. In order to obtain maximum benefits from these resources, it is imperative that they are collected, efficiently conserved and optimally utilized. High throughput molecular approaches such as genome sequencing could be employed to more precisely study their genetic diversity and value and thereby enhance their use in rice improvement. Oryza sativa was the first crop plant to have its reference genome sequence released marking a major milestone that opened numerous opportunities for functional characterization of the entire rice genome. Studies have however demonstrated that one reference genome sequence is not enough to fully explore the genetic variation in the Oryza genus, hence the need to have reference sequences for other species in the genus. An overview of the state of conservation and utilization of African Oryza is hereby presented. Progress in the release of reference genome sequences for these species is also highlighted.
Computed tomographic evaluation to determine efficacy of euthanasia of yearling feedlot cattle by use of various firearm-ammunition combinations
Authors: Thomson Daniel U. , Wileman Benjamin W. , Rezac Darrel J. , Miesner Matt D. , Johnson-Neitman Jennifer L. , Biller David S. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate with CT the efficacy of various combinations of firearms and ammunitions to penetrate and disrupt the brain tissue of cadaveric heads of feedlot steers.
Sample—42 fresh cadaveric heads of 12- to 18-month-old Bos taurus steers.
Procedures—For each of 7 combinations of firearms and ammunitions (.22-caliber rifle firing a long rifle 30-grain plated lead solid- or hollow-point round, .223-caliber carbine firing a 50-grain ballistic-tip round, 9-mm pistol firing a 124-grain total metal jacket round, .45-caliber automatic Colt pistol [ACP] firing a 230-grain full metal jacket round, and 12-gauge shotgun firing a 2.75-inch 1.25-ounce No. 4 birdshot shell or a 1-ounce rifled slug), 6 cadaveric heads were shot at an identical distance (3 m), angle, and anatomic location. Heads were scanned with third-generation CT, and images were evaluated to determine extent of penetration, projectile fragmentation, cranial fracture, and likelihood of instantaneous death (≥ 30% destruction of brain tissue or a brainstem lesion).
Results—41 of 42 skulls were penetrated by the projectile. Instantaneous death was considered a likely consequence for 83% (25/30) of heads shot with a rifle-fired .22-caliber solid-point round, pistol-fired .45-caliber ACP round, carbine-fired .223-caliber round, and shotgun-fired birdshot and slug. Of the 18 heads shot with pistol-fired 9-mm and .45-caliber ACP rounds and rifle-fired .22-caliber hollow-point rounds, only 6 had brainstem lesions.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that gunshots delivered by all firearm-ammunition combinations except rifle-fired .22-caliber hollow-point rounds and pistol-fired 9-mm rounds were viable options for euthanasia of feedlot cattle.
Invariant connections and invariant holomorphic bundles on homogeneous manifolds
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Teleman Andrei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLet X be a differentiable manifold endowed with a transitive action α: A×X→X of a Lie group A. Let K be a Lie group. Under suitable technical assumptions, we give explicit classification theorems, in terms of explicit finite dimensional quotients, of three classes of objects:equivalence classes of α-invariant K-connections on X α-invariant gauge classes of K-connections on X, andα-invariant isomorphism classes of pairs (Q,P) consisting of a holomorphic Kℂ-bundle Q → X and a K-reduction P of Q (when X has an α-invariant complex structure).
Tutorat en ligne et rétroactions correctives à distance – Vers un modèle de médiation pour la production en langue étrangère
Authors: Brudermann Cédric 
Published: October 2013

Une expérience avec recueil et quantification de données a été conduite à l'Institut universitaire de formation des maîtres de Perpignan auprès d'étudiants Lansad (anglais B1 / B2) intégrés dans un dispositif hybride au cours de l'année universitaire 2007-2008 (Brudermann, 2010). Cette recherche visait à évaluer les besoins de ces étudiants au cours de la réalisation de tâches écrites et orales à distance, afin de réfléchir, ensuite, sur des pistes pédagogiques à considérer pour les prendre en charge, dans le cadre d'une médiation à distance. Dans cette perspective, un système de tutorat en ligne favorisant les rétroactions correctives a été élaboré pour promouvoir des expériences d'apprentissage (Bange, 1992) potentiellement favorables à l'acquisition de l'anglais langue étrangère. Afin de mesurer les effets de cette remédiation à distance sur la progression langagière des étudiants, une expérience a été mise en place auprès de trois groupes d'apprenants Lansad (B1 / B2) à l'université Pierre et Marie Curie. L'analyse du corpus CP1, collecté dans le cadre de cette deuxième étude, indique que, sous l'effet des modalités proposées, des changements qualitatifs ont pu être observés dans les productions orales et écrites des informateurs.
Cutting Edge: Feed-Forward Activation of Phospholipase Cγ2 via C2 Domain–Mediated Binding to SLP65
Authors: Engelke Michael , Oellerich Thomas , Dittmann Kai , Hsiao He-Hsuan , Urlaub Henning , Serve Hubert , Griesinger Christian , Wienands Jürgen 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Ag-mediated B cell stimulation relies on phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) for Ca2+ mobilization. Enzymatic activity of PLCγ2 is triggered upon Src homology 2 domain–mediated binding to the tyrosine-phosphorylated adaptor SLP65. However, SLP65 phosphorylation outlasts the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration suggesting additional levels of PLCγ2 regulation. We show in this article that the functionality of the PLCγ2/SLP65 complex is controlled by the weakly characterized C2 domain of PLCγ2. Usually C2 domains bind membrane lipids, but that of PLCγ2 docks in a Ca2+-regulated manner to a distinct phosphotyrosine of SLP65. Hence, early Ca2+ fluxing provides feed-forward signal amplification by promoting anchoring of the PLCγ2 C2 domain to phospho-SLP65. As the cellular Ca2+ resources become exhausted, the concomitant decline of Ca2+ dampens the C2-phosphotyrosine interaction so that PLCγ2 activation terminates despite sustained SLP65 phosphorylation.
Unique Features of Naive CD8+ T Cell Activation by IL-2
Authors: Cho Jae-Ho , Kim Hee-Ok , Kim Kyu-Sik , Yang Deok-Hwan , Surh Charles D. , Sprent Jonathan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
IL-2 has a pervasive influence on the immune system and dictates the survival and differentiation of multiple T cell subsets, including CD4 regulatory T cells, CD4 Th cells, and CD8 memory cells. IL-2 is synthesized by T cells during the early stages of the immune response and promotes T cell expansion and effector cell generation after initial activation via TCR signaling. Based on studies with activated T cell lines maintained in vitro, IL-2 is known to activate multiple signaling pathways that show considerable overlap with the pathways elicited via the TCR. In this paper, we have examined IL-2 signaling under TCR-independent conditions, namely by culturing purified resting naive CD8 T cells with IL-2 in the absence of Ag or APC. Under these conditions, we show in this study that IL-2 elicits a unique pattern of signaling associated with strong lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase/JAK3-dependent activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway with little or no involvement of STAT5, NF-κB, or the calcineurin/NFAT pathways. Such signaling induces marked proliferation associated with rapid and selective expression of eomesodermin but not T-bet and differentiation into long-lived central memory cells after adoptive transfer.
Receptor–Ligand Interactions: Binding Affinities Studied by Single‐Molecule and Super‐Resolution Microscopy on Intact Cells
Authors: Dietz Marina S. , Fricke Franziska , Krüger Carmen L. , Niemann Hartmut H. , Heilemann Mike 
Published: October 2013

AbstractProtein–ligand interactions play an important role in many biological processes. Notably, membrane receptors are the starting point for a huge variety of cellular signal transduction pathways. Quantifying the binding affinity of a ligand for its transmembrane receptor is of great importance as it provides information on the potency of the ligand. We developed a new experimental procedure to determine binding affinities of ligands for their membrane receptors directly on intact single cells using super‐resolution imaging. Dissociation constants were determined by titrating fluorophore‐labelled ligand against cells expressing the target protein and applying single‐molecule imaging.
Large‐Sized Fabrication of Tunable Plasmonic Electrodes Via Electrodeposition
Authors: Chen Wei‐Hung , Chen Ying‐Shiou , Fu Shu‐Juan , Ko Wen‐Yin , Lin Kuan‐Jiuh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractElectrodeposition method, a simple, cheap, and flexible approach, to fabricate gold nanoparticle (Au NPs) films with an area larger than 1 cm2 on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes modified with (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was presented. Size‐controllable and high loading Au NPs were obtained, which were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. Our current method provides a versatile and facile pathway to fabricate large‐scale metal nanoparticles thin film, enhancing alternatives for academic investigation and industrial application.
Electrochemical Determination of Cu(II) Ions in Chloride‐Rich Environment Using Polyviologen‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Hsu Pei‐Fen , Ciou Wan‐Lun , Chen Po‐Yu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPolyviologen was formed on glassy carbon electrodes using potentiostatic electropolymerization in pH 4.2 Britton‐Robinson buffer solution. The polyviologen‐modified glassy carbon electrode (PVGCE) was employed to determine Cu(II) in chloride‐rich solutions in order to demonstrate the electroanalytical application of polyviologen. The PVGCE was found capable of enhancing the detection limit of Cu(II) in chloride‐rich environment because of the anion‐exchange feature of the polymer film. Cathodic stripping square‐wave voltammetry (CSSWV) was employed to determine Cu(II). The dependence of the cathodic stripping current on the concentration of Cu(II) was linear from 0.06 ppm to 9.53 ppm with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit is 0.02 ppm (σ = 3). Regeneration of the PVGCE can be achieved by simply immersing the electrode in a stirred 0.5 M NaCl solution.