bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of TNF‐α, TGF‐β1, IL‐10, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ gene polymorphism with acute rejection and infection in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Mu Hui‐jun , Xie Ping , Chen Jing‐yu , Gao Fei , Zou Jian , Zhang Ji , Zhang Bin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractInfection and rejection are common complications faced by lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and have become major impediments to long‐term survival. Cytokines may play an important role in the development of these complications. In this study, we explored the correlation between TNF‐α (−308 A/G), TGF‐β1 (+869 T/C, +915 G/C), IL‐10 (−592 C/A, −819 T/C, −1082 G/A), IL‐6 (−174 G/C), and IFN‐γ (+874 T/A) gene polymorphisms and the incidence of acute rejection and infection. Transplant outcomes were reviewed in a retrospective cohort of 113 LTRs from a single center between December 2004 and November 2012. Cytokine polymorphisms were measured using sequence‐specific primer‐based PCR. HLA typing was performed for the donors and recipients. We found that the LTRs with the IL‐10 −819 CC and −592 CC genotypes had a significantly decreased risk of infection (p = 0.017, OR = 0.177, 95% CI = 0.04–0.85). However, we found no significant association between cytokine polymorphisms and acute rejection. Furthermore, the data revealed that the occurrence of acute rejection was strongly associated with infection episodes (χ2 = 8.5256, p < 0.01). These results suggest that LTRs possessing the IL‐10 −819 CC and −592 CC genotype may be protected from the occurrence of infection. Our results demonstrated that infection is an important cause of acute rejection for LTRs.
Looking Inside Glitch Mitigation Capability: The Effect of Intraorganizational Communication Channels
Authors: Tenhiälä Antti , Salvador Fabrizio 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTManufacturers can reduce the occurrence of glitches in their operations by building capabilities to prevent them, yet mitigation capabilities are also needed to contain the effects of the glitches that will still inevitably occur every now and then. We examine the glitch mitigation capability of a production process from an information‐processing perspective and propose that (i) the impact of operational glitches on delivery performance is contingent on the formalization of intrafirm communication channels and (ii) this effect is stronger when formal communication channels are complemented with informal channels. We test our model in a sample of 163 make‐to‐order production processes and find support for the first hypothesis and partial support for the second hypothesis. The statistical analyses also reveal nonhypothesized empirical regularities, which we explore through an additional qualitative study based on 34 site visits and 30 interviews with production planners. The results have practical implications for the design of intraorganizational communication channels, and they also contribute to the research on organizational resilience and communications by showing that when coping with disruptions, the formal communication channels have advantages that are seldom discussed in the literature or recognized by practitioners.
Capacity Planning and Allocation for Web‐Based Applications
Authors: Mohan Srimathy , Alam Ferdous M. , Fowler John W. , Gopalakrishnan Mohan , Printezis Antonios 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTMotivated by the technology division of a financial services firm, we study the problem of capacity planning and allocation for Web‐based applications. The steady growth in Web traffic has affected the quality of service (QoS) as measured by response time (RT), for numerous e‐businesses. In addition, the lack of understanding of system interactions and availability of proper planning tools has impeded effective capacity management. Managers typically make decisions to add server capacity on an ad hoc basis when systems reach critical response levels. Very often this turns out to be too late and results in extremely long response times and the system crashes. We present an analytical model to understand system interactions with the goal of making better server capacity decisions based on the results. The model studies the relationships and important interactions between the various components of a Web‐based application using a continuous time Markov chain embedded in a queuing network as the basic framework. We use several structured aggregation schemes to appropriately represent a complex system, and demonstrate how the model can be used to quickly predict system performance, which facilitates effective capacity allocation decision making. Using simulation as a benchmark, we show that our model produces results within 5% accuracy at a fraction of the time of simulation, even at high traffic intensities. This knowledge helps managers quickly analyze the performance of the system and better plan server capacity to maintain desirable levels of QoS. We also demonstrate how to utilize a combination of dedicated and shared resources to achieve QoS using fewer servers.
Price Incentives and Coordination in a Two‐Product Decentralized Supply Chain
Authors: Shao Jing , Krishnan Harish , McCormick S. Thomas 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe investigate pricing incentives for competing retailers who distribute two variants of a manufacturer's product in a decentralized supply chain. Under a two‐dimensional Hotelling model, we derive decentralized retailers' prices for the products, and distortions in pricing when compared to centrally optimal prices. We show that price distortions decrease as consumers' travel cost between retailers increases, due to less intense competition. However, price distortions do not change monotonically in consumers' switching cost between products within stores. To fix decentralized retailers' price distortions, we construct a two‐part pricing contract that coordinates the supply chain. We show that the coordinating contract is Pareto‐improving and analyze increase in the supply chain profit under coordination.
Physical activity interventions in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Quirk H. , Blake H. , Tennyson R. , Randell T. L. , Glazebrook C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTo synthesize evidence from randomized and non‐randomized studies of physical activity interventions in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes so as to explore clinically relevant health outcomes and inform the promotion of physical activity.MethodWe conducted a search of CINAHL Plus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, SportDiscus and Web of Science between October and December 2012. Eligible articles included subjects aged ≤18 years with Type 1 diabetes and a physical activity intervention that was more than a one‐off activity session. Physiological, psychological, behavioural or social outcomes were those of interest.ResultsA total of 26 articles (10 randomized and 16 non‐randomized studies), published in the period 1964–2012, were reviewed. Although there was heterogeneity in study design, methods and reporting, 23 articles reported at least one significant beneficial health outcome at follow‐up. Meta‐analyses of these studies showed potential benefits of physical activity on HbA1c (11 studies, 345 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.52, 95% CI ‐0.97 to ‐0.07; P = 0.02), BMI (four studies, 195 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.41, 95% CI ‐0.70 to ‐0.12; P = 0.006) and triglycerides (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.70, 95% CI ‐1.25 to ‐0.14; P = 0.01).The largest effect size was for total cholesterol (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.91, 95% CI ‐1.66 to ‐0.17; P = 0.02).ConclusionsPhysical activity is important for diabetes management and has the potential to delay cardiovascular disease, but there is a lack of studies that are underpinned by psychological behaviour change theory, promoting sustained physical activity and exploring psychological outcomes. There remains a lack of knowledge of how to promote physical activity in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Optimization of direct currents to enhance dentine bonding of simplified one‐step adhesive
Authors: Chen Hongfei , Fu Dongjie , Yang Hongye , Liu Yinchen , Huang Yanyu , Huang Cui 
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different direct current intensities on dentine bonding effectiveness of Clearfil S3 Bond and on cell viability of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Thirty‐five‐third molars were sectioned and ground to provide flat surfaces. Clearfil S3 Bond was applied under different current conditions for 30 s and then resin composite was built up. Specimens were processed for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) testing and for nanoleakage investigation using scanning electron microscopy. Primary HDPCs isolated from premolars were stimulated with different intensities of electric current for 30 s. Then, cell viability was tested using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Specimens bonded with application of electrical current intensities of 50, 60, 70, and 90 µA exhibited a significant increase in immediate µTBS compared with all other groups. Bonded interfaces prepared using electrically assisted current application showed reduced interfacial nanoleakage upon scanning electron microscopy. Electric current application, from 20 to 70 µA, had no effect on the viability of HDPCs. This study provides further evidence for its future clinical use.
No selection on immunological markers in response to a highly virulent pathogen in an Arctic breeding bird
Authors: Legagneux Pierre , Berzins Lisha L. , Forbes Mark , Harms Naomi Jane , Hennin Holly L. , Bourgeon Sophie , Gilchrist H. G. , Bêty Joël , Soos Catherine , Love Oliver P. , Foster Jeffrey T. , Descamps Sébastien , Burness Gary 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn natural populations, epidemics provide opportunities to look for intense natural selection on genes coding for life history and immune or other physiological traits. If the populations being considered are of management or conservation concern, then identifying the traits under selection (or ‘markers’) might provide insights into possible intervention strategies during epidemics. We assessed potential for selection on multiple immune and life history traits of Arctic breeding common eiders (Somateria mollissima) during annual avian cholera outbreaks (summers of 2006, 2007 & 2008). We measured prelaying body condition, immune traits, and subsequent reproductive investment (i.e., clutch size) and survival of female common eiders and whether they were infected with Pasteurella multocida, the causative agent of avian cholera. We found no clear and consistent evidence of directional selection on immune traits; however, infected birds had higher levels of haptoglobin than uninfected birds. Also, females that laid larger clutches had slightly lower immune responses during the prelaying period reflecting possible downregulation of the immune system to support higher costs of reproduction. This supports a recent study indicating that birds investing in larger clutches were more likely to die from avian cholera and points to a possible management option to maximize female survival during outbreaks.
Structure of the monofunctional heme catalase DR1998 from Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Borges Patrícia T. , Frazão Carlos , Miranda Cecília S. , Carrondo Maria A. , Romão Célia V. 
Published: June 2014

Deinococcus radiodurans is an aerobic organism with the ability to survive under conditions of high radiation doses or desiccation. As part of its protection system against oxidative stress, this bacterium encodes three monofunctional catalases. The DR1998 catalase belongs to clade 1, and is present at high levels under normal growth conditions. The crystals of DR1998 diffracted very weakly, and the merged diffraction data showed an R sym of 0.308. Its crystal structure was determined and refined to 2.6 Å. The four molecules present in the asymmetric unit form, by crystallographic symmetry, two homotetramers with 222 point‐group symmetry. The overall structure of DR1998 is similar to that of other monofunctional catalases, showing higher structural homology with the catalase structures of clade 1. Each monomer shows the typical catalase fold, and contains one heme b in the active site. The heme is coordinated by the proximal ligand Tyr369, and on the heme distal side the essential His81 and Asn159 are hydrogen‐bonded to a water molecule. A 25‐Å‐long channel is the main channel connecting the active site to the external surface. This channel starts with a hydrophobic region from the catalytic heme site, which is followed by a hydrophilic region that begins on Asp139 and expands up to the protein surface. Apart from this channel, an alternative channel, also near the heme active site, is presented and discussed.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank in Europe under accession code 4CAB
Improved estimation and forecasts of stock maturities using generalised linear mixed models with auto‐correlated random effects
Authors: Cadigan N. G. , Morgan M. J. , Brattey J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractEstimation of proportion mature‐at‐age is an important component of the estimation of stock productivity. Current methods estimate maturity‐at‐age in each year or cohort independently. However, cohorts that are alive in the population at the same time are expected to experience similar conditions and therefore have similar maturity trajectories. Methods to take advantage of this information using binomial time series models with over‐dispersion are presented to improve the estimation of maturity‐at‐age, with applications to example populations of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua Linnaeus, and American plaice, Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricius). An auto‐correlated beta‐binomial model fit the data well compared to other models investigated and improved forecasts of maturities for both populations. Use of an auto‐correlated beta‐binomial model should lead to improvements in projections of stock status and, hence, improvements in fisheries management advice.
Prevention of trauma to soft tissues from opposing dental implants in completely edentulous patients:
Authors: Singh Kunwarjeet , Gupta Nidhi 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo suggest a technique to prevent trauma of the edentulous ridge from opposing dental implants when prosthesis kept out during night.BackgroundIn modern dentistry, implant‐supported overdentures are commonly fabricated to minimise the problems associated particularly with mandibular conventional removable denture such as the lack of retention or stability, decreased chewing efficiency, difficulties in speech and soft tissue abrasion. The patients wearing two implant‐retained overdentures that are mainly soft tissues supported‐implant‐retained overdentures are advised to keep prosthesis out of the oral cavity during night to allow the tissues to rest and remain healthy. Few of such patients might complaint about trauma of the opposing soft tissues by the dental implants when prosthesis is kept out.Materials and methodsA thermoplastic resin mouthguard was fabricated by adapting the modelling wax over the abutments on the master cast from thermoplastic resin sheets. The wax was removed and guard was filled with chemically cure permanent silicone soft liner and immediately placed in the patient mouth.ConclusionThe trauma caused by dental implants to the opposing edentulous ridge was effectively managed by soft thermoplastic resin mouthguard filled with permanent silicone soft liner.
ITI choice for the optimal management of inhibitor patients – from a clinical and pharmacoeconomic perspective
Authors: Oldenburg J. , Austin S. K. , Kessler C. M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe development of alloantibody inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) represents the most significant complication of haemophilia care. Inhibitors tend to develop early in the course of treatment in about 20–30% of patients with severe haemophilia who receive on‐demand or prophylactic FVIII therapy. Many factors are associated with inhibitor formation, including disease severity, major FVIII gene defects, family history and non‐Caucasian race, as well as age at first treatment, intensity of early treatment, use of prophylaxis and product choice. As these latter treatment‐related variables are modifiable, they provide opportunity to minimize inhibitor incidence at the clinical level. Data from the Bonn Centre in Germany have indicated an overall success rate of 78% for immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy, with a failure rate of 15% and with some treatments either ongoing (3%) or withdrawn (4%). Similarly, data from the G‐ITI study, the largest international multicentre ITI study using a single plasma‐derived (pd) FVIII/von Willebrand factor (VWF) product, have demonstrated success rates (complete and partial) in primary and rescue ITI of 87% and 74%, respectively, with 85% of poor prognosis patients achieving success. Favourable clinical results based on success rates and time to tolerization continue to be reported for use of pdFVIII/VWF in ITI, with pdFVIII/VWF having a particular role in patients who require rescue ITI and those with a poor prognosis for success. Data from prospective, randomized, controlled clinical studies, such as RES.I.ST (Rescue Immune Tolerance Study), are eagerly awaited. Another factor to consider with ITI therapy is cost; preliminary data from an updated decision analytic model have provided early evidence that ITI has an economic advantage compared with on‐demand or prophylactic therapy.
Food properties of egg white protein modified by rare ketohexoses through Maillard reaction
Authors: O'Charoen Siwaporn , Hayakawa Shigeru , Ogawa Masahiro 
Published: June 2014

Summaryd‐psicose (Psi), a rare ketohexose, improves food properties of proteins through the Maillard reaction (MR) much more than d‐fructose (Fru). This encouraged us to investigate the improvement of food properties of proteins through MR with various rare ketohexoses (d‐psicose, Psi; d‐tagatose, Tag; and d‐sorbose, Sor). The food properties of egg white protein (EWP) after reaction with Psi, Tag, Sor and Fru were studied. Psi‐EWP (43.3 μmol TE g−1) and Tag‐EWP (43.4 μmol TE g−1) had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by Sor‐EWP (38.4 μmol TE g−1) and Fru‐EWP (38.9 μmol TE g−1). MR enhanced the breaking stress of heat‐induced EWP gels by 224–267%. The breaking stress was higher in Psi‐EWP (81.1 kN m−2), Tag‐EWP (80.0 kN m−2) and Sor‐EWP (77.8 kN m−2) than in Fru‐EWP (71.6 kN m−2). Furthermore, the foaming capacity was highest in Psi‐EWP and Sor‐EWP. Rare ketohexoses improved food properties of EWP more than Fru. Overall, Psi offered the greatest functional improvement.
Viral (hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, HIV) persistence and immune homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhang Ying , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. , Jia Zhan S. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryImmune homeostasis is a host characteristic that maintains biological balance within a host. Humans have evolved many host defence mechanisms that ensure the survival of individuals upon encountering a pathogenic infection, with recovery or persistence from a viral infection being determined by both viral factors and host immunity. Chronic viral infections, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and HIV, often result in chronic fluctuating viraemia in the face of host cellular and humoral immune responses, which are dysregulated by multi‐faceted mechanisms that are incompletely understood. This review attempts to illuminate the mechanisms involved in this process, focusing on immune homeostasis in the setting of persistent viral infection from the aspects of host defence mechanism, including interferon‐stimulated genes, apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3 (APOBEC3), autophagy and interactions of various immune cells, cytokines and regulatory molecules.
Finding your Way Through Pneumocystis Sequences in the NCBI Gene Database
Authors: Weissenbacher‐Lang Christiane , Nedorost Nora , Weissenböck Herbert 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPneumocystis sequences can be downloaded from GenBank for purposes as primer/probe design or phylogenetic studies. Due to changes in nomenclature and assignment, available sequences are presented with a variety of inhomogeneous information, which renders practical utilization difficult. The aim of this study was the descriptive evaluation of different parameters of 532 Pneumocystis sequences of mitochondrial and ribosomal origin downloaded from GenBank with regard to completeness and information content. Pneumocystis sequences were characterized by up to four different names. Official changes in nomenclature have only been partly implemented and the usage of the “forma specialis”, a special feature of Pneumocystis, has only been established fragmentary in the database. Hints for a mitochondrial or ribosomal genomic origin could be found, but can easily be overlooked, which renders the download of wrong reference material possible. The specification of the host was either not available or variable regarding the used language and the localization of this information in the title or several subtitles, which limits their applicability in phylogenetic studies. Declaration of products and geographic origin was incomplete. The print version of this manuscript is completed by an online database which contains detailed information to every accession number included in the meta‐analysis.
Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises Accompanied by Music on Low Back Pain and Quality of Life During Pregnancy
Authors: Akmeşe Zehra Baykal , Oran Nazan Tuna 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionBack pain is commonly experienced by pregnant women. Evidence suggests that progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) therapy, a complementary therapy widely used by pregnant women, may improve the physical and psychological outcomes of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PMR training accompanied by music on perceived pain and quality of life (QOL) in pregnant women with low back pain (LBP).MethodsThis was a prospective randomized controlled trial. The study was designed to examine the effects of PMR accompanied by music on pregnant women with LBP. In total, 66 pregnant women were assigned randomly to a PMR group or a control group (33 women in each). A personal information form was used as a data collection tool; a visual analog scale was used for measuring pain; and the Short Form‐36 was used to evaluate QOL.ResultsThe control and intervention groups were comparable at baseline. Significant differences were observed between the 2 groups after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. The intervention group showed significant improvement in all QOL subscales after the intervention. The intervention group, but not the control group, showed significant improvement in perceived pain after the intervention. The intervention group experienced a greater decrease in perceived pain and improved QOL than the control group.DiscussionOur findings show that PMR accompanied by music may be an effective therapy for improving pain and QOL in pregnant women with LBP. Large randomized studies are recommended to confirm these results.