bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of income supplementation on health of the poor elderly: The case of Mexico
Authors: Aguila Emma , Kapteyn Arie , Smith James P. 
Published: December 2014

Significance
Effects of income support on well-being and health of the poor elderly especially in low-income country settings is uncertain as experiments that increase incomes and evaluate their impacts on health among the elderly population are almost nonexistent around the world. In our experiment in the Mexican state of Yucatan, we find strong evidence that income supplements for the poor elderly in low- and middle-income settings can have significant health benefits even in the short run. Additional experiments should be conducted around the world as our experience indicates that these experiments are operationally feasible.
Superresolution microscopy reveals spatial separation of UCP4 and F
0
F
1
-ATP synthase in neuronal mitochondria
Authors: Klotzsch Enrico , Smorodchenko Alina , Löfler Lukas , Moldzio Rudolf , Parkinson Elena , Schütz Gerhard J. , Pohl Elena E. 
Published: December 2014

Significance
The question as to how the proton motive force in mitochondria is distributed among the proteins that require a proton gradient for their work is one of the central unresolved questions in mitochondrial physiology and important for the mechanistic insight in the function of mitochondrial proteins. Our results suggest that the local separation of the proteins on the inner mitochondrial membrane makes it impossible for uncoupling protein 4 (UCP4) to uncouple phosphorylation from proton pumping. Nonetheless, UCP4 should be well able to shortcut excessive transmembrane proton gradients to thereby regulate reactive oxygen species production. It explains how the proton transporter may fulfill that function without being a real UCP like UCP1.
Free-energy landscape of ion-channel voltage-sensor–domain activation
Authors: Delemotte Lucie , Kasimova Marina A. , Klein Michael L. , Tarek Mounir , Carnevale Vincenzo 
Published: December 2014

Significance
Voltage-gated cation channels (VGCCs) shape cellular excitability. Their working cycle involves the complex conformational change of modular protein units called voltage sensor domains (VSDs). For over 40 y, these rearrangements have been recorded as “gating” currents, the intensities and kinetics of which are unique signatures of VGCC function. We show that the atomistic description of VSD activation obtained by molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations is consistent with the phenomenological models adopted to account for the macroscopic observables measured by electrophysiology. Our findings pave the way for in silico studies of the VGCC electrophysiological response and hold promise to uncover the molecular underpinnings of inherited channelopathies and modulation of VGCCs by drugs and toxins.
Autophagic flux without a block differentiates varicella-zoster virus infection from herpes simplex virus infection
Authors: Buckingham Erin M. , Carpenter John E. , Jackson Wallen , Zerboni Leigh , Arvin Ann M. , Grose Charles 
Published: December 2014

Significance
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an important pathogen, which causes varicella and herpes zoster in humans. In general, there are similarities in virus-host interactions between the alphaherpesviruses. One notable exception is the response to autophagy. VZV infection induces autophagy. This is in contrast to herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has two genes that inhibit autophagy, ICP34.5 and US11; neither is present in the smaller VZV genome. In this study, we found that VZV-induced autophagic flux was not blocked. These results reinforce prior observations showing a proviral effect of autophagy on VZV infectivity and spread. These VZV findings also exhibit similarities with recent data about a requirement for early phase autophagy during Epstein–Barr virus infection, a phylogenetically distant gammaherpesvirus.
Measuring the effectiveness of scientific gatekeeping
Authors: Siler Kyle , Lee Kirby , Bero Lisa 
Published: December 2014

SignificancePeer review is an institution of enormous importance for the careers of scientists and the content of published science. The decisions of gatekeepers—editors and peer reviewers—legitimize scientific findings, distribute professional rewards, and influence future research. However, appropriate data to gauge the quality of gatekeeper decision-making in science has rarely been made publicly available. Our research tracks the popularity of rejected and accepted manuscripts at three elite medical journals. We found that editors and reviewers generally made good decisions regarding which manuscripts to promote and reject. However, many highly cited articles were surprisingly rejected. Our research suggests that evaluative strategies that increase the mean quality of published science may also increase the risk of rejecting unconventional or outstanding work.
Cultivation of a human-associated TM7 phylotype reveals a reduced genome and epibiotic parasitic lifestyle
Authors: He Xuesong , McLean Jeffrey S. , Edlund Anna , Yooseph Shibu , Hall Adam P. , Liu Su-Yang , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Esquenazi Eduardo , Hunter Ryan C. , Cheng Genhong , Nelson Karen E. , Lux Renate , Shi Wenyuan 
Published: December 2014

Significance
TM7 is one of the most enigmatic bacterial phyla among the uncultivated candidate phyla referred to as “microbial dark matter,” and it has potential pathogenic associations. We revealed molecular insights into its uncultivability and pathogenicity, as well its unique epibiotic and parasitic lifestyle phases. These novel discoveries shed significant light on the biological, ecological, and medical importance of TM7, as well as providing useful information for culturing other TM7 and currently uncultivable bacteria that may evade standard cultivation approaches.
Iron stable isotopes track pelagic iron cycling during a subtropical phytoplankton bloom
Authors: Ellwood Michael J. , Hutchins David A. , Lohan Maeve C. , Milne Angela , Nasemann Philipp , Nodder Scott D. , Sander Sylvia G. , Strzepek Robert , Wilhelm Steven W. , Boyd Philip W. 
Published: December 2014

Significance
The supply and bioavailability of dissolved iron sets the magnitude of surface productivity for approximately 40% of the global ocean; however, our knowledge of how it is transferred between chemical states and pools is poorly constrained. Here we utilize the isotopic composition of dissolved and particulate iron to fingerprint its transformation in the surface ocean by abiotic and biotic processes. Photochemical and biological reduction and dissolution of particulate iron in the surface ocean appear to be key processes in regulating its supply and bioavailability to marine biota. Iron isotopes offer a new window into our understanding of the internal cycling of Fe, thereby allowing us to follow its biogeochemical transformations in the surface ocean.
Self‐Protection, Strategic Interactions, and the Relative Endogeneity of Disease Risks
Authors: Reeling Carson J. , Horan Richard D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSelf‐protection is a key behavior that influences infectious disease risks. Spillovers in disease protection create different types of strategic interactions. Under certain conditions, multiple Nash equilibria may arise with the possibility of coordination failure involving excessively low self‐protection, in which case individuals’ expectations of others’ efforts determine which outcome arises. In prior studies, assumed technical relations between self‐protection and infection probabilities drove the strategic interactions. We demonstrate that strategic relations can be endogenously determined and depend on the relative endogeneity of risk (RER), defined here as the degree to which individuals can take control of their own risks in a strategic setting. The potential for coordination failure may arise when RER is sufficiently small, whereas larger levels of RER may eliminate this possibility to ensure larger levels of self‐protection. We find that imposing a behaviorally‐dependent indemnity may increase RER to eliminate the possibility of coordination failure. We apply our analysis to the problem of livestock disease and illustrate the theory using a numerical example of the 2001 United Kingdom foot‐and‐mouth disease epidemic.
Stock assessment methods for sustainable fisheries
Authors: Cadrin Steven X. , Dickey-Collas Mark 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis special volume of the ICES Journal compiles contributions from the World Conference on Stock Assessment Methods for Sustainable Fisheries (July 2013, Boston, USA). The conference was the product of a strategic initiative on stock assessment methods that engaged many national and regional fishery management organizations to assure that scientists can apply the most appropriate methods when developing management advice. An inclusive workshop was designed to evaluate the performance of a variety of model categories by applying multiple models to selected case study data as well as simulated pseudo-data that had realistic measurement error. All model applications had difficulties in recovering the simulated stock and fishing mortality trends, particularly at the end of the assessment time series, when they are most important for informing fishery management. This general result suggests that the next steps in evaluating the performance of stock assessment methods should include stock status relative to sustainable reference points, catch advice, multi-model consideration, and alternative management procedures. Recognition of the limitations of conventional stock assessment methods should promote further development of data-limited approaches, methods with time-varying parameters, or spatial complexity, and a more revolutionary shift towards the application of multispecies and ecosystem models. The contributions in this volume address methodological themes that are expected to improve the scientific basis of fishery management. Furthermore, the limitations of stock assessment methods and associated uncertainty should be more extensively considered in fishery management strategies and tactical decisions. Recommendations developed during the conference called for the establishment of a global initiative to synthesize regional advances, form guidance on best practices, promote strategic investments, and highlight research needs for fish stock assessments.
An international cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in hospitals
Authors: Howard P. , Pulcini C. , Levy Hara G. , West R. M. , Gould I. M. , Harbarth S. , Nathwani D. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To report the extent and components of global efforts in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in hospitals.

Methods
An Internet-based survey comprising 43 questions was disseminated worldwide in 2012.

Results
Responses were received from 660 hospitals in 67 countries: Africa, 44; Asia, 50; Europe, 361; North America, 72; Oceania, 30; and South and Central America, 103. National AMS standards existed in 52% of countries, 4% were planning them and 58% had an AMS programme. The main barriers to implementing AMS programmes were perceived to be a lack of funding or personnel, a lack of information technology and prescriber opposition. In hospitals with an existing AMS programme, AMS rounds existed in 64%; 81% restricted antimicrobials (carbapenems, 74.3%; quinolones, 64%; and cephalosporins, 58%); and 85% reported antimicrobial usage, with 55% linking data to resistance rates and 49% linking data to infection rates. Only 20% had electronic prescribing for all patients. A total of 89% of programmes educated their medical, nursing and pharmacy staff on AMS. Of the hospitals, 38% had formally reviewed their AMS programme: reductions were reported by 96% of hospitals for inappropriate prescribing, 86% for broad-spectrum antibiotic use, 80% for expenditure, 71% for healthcare-acquired infections, 65% for length of stay or mortality and 58% for bacterial resistance.

Conclusions
The worldwide development and implementation of AMS programmes varies considerably. Our results should inform and encourage the further evaluation of this with a view to promoting a worldwide stewardship framework. The prospective measurement of well-defined outcomes of the impact of these programmes remains a significant challenge.
Prospective evaluation of the cost of diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal disease in a cohort of adult haematology patients in the UK
Authors: Ceesay M. Mansour , Sadique Zia , Harris Ross , Ehrlich Alice , Adams Elisabeth J. , Pagliuca Antonio 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The direct cost of invasive fungal disease (IFD) includes antifungal drugs as well as diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to determine these costs.

Methods
A total of 203 haematology patients were enrolled into the study and followed for a median of 556 days. Data were prospectively collected on antifungal drugs, diagnostic tests, length of stay and antibiotic usage.

Results
The overall mean (IQR) cost of care per patient (using UK-based reference costs) was £88 911 (45 339–121 594), £61 509 (39 748–78 383), £50 332 (23 037–72 057) and £34 075 (19 928–43 900) for proven/probable IFD, possible IFD, not classified and no evidence of IFD, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). The attributable cost of IFD was £54 836. Inpatient hospital stay accounted for nearly 74% of costs. In proven/probable IFD inpatient care, antifungals, antibiotics and IFD status accounted for 68%, 25%, 5% and 2%, respectively, compared with 85%, 11%, 2% and 2%, respectively, for no IFD (P &lt; 0.001). Among the allogeneic transplant patients, £36 914 (60%) of the total cost (£60 917) was used during the first 100 days.

Conclusions
IFD was associated with longer length of stay and higher total overall cost of care, with attributable costs greater than £50 000 per case of IFD. Costs for inpatient stay far outstrip the cost of antifungal agents.
Probing the accretion scheme of the dipping X-ray binary 4U 1915−05 with Suzaku
Authors: Zhang Zhongli , Makishima Kazuo , Sakurai Soki , Sasano Makoto , Ono Ko 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The dipping low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1915−05 was observed by Suzaku on 2007 November 8 for a net exposure of 39 ks. It was detected by the XIS with a 0.8–10 keV signal rate of 9.84 ± 0.01 cts s−1 per camera, and HXD-PIN with a 12–45 keV signal rate of 0.29 ± 0.01 cts s−1. After removing the periodic dips and an X-ray burst, the 0.8–45 keV continuum was successfully described by an optically thick disk emission with an inner-disk temperature ∼ 0.7 keV and a neutron-star blackbody emission with temperature ∼ 1.3 keV, on condition that the blackbody component, or possibly the disk emission too, is significantly Comptonized. This successful model is consistent with 4U 1915−05 being in a high-soft state in this observation, and implies that its broadband spectrum can be interpreted in the same scheme as for many non-dipping low-mass X-ray binaries in the soft state. Its bolometric luminosity (∼ 0.02 times the Eddington limit) is relatively low for the soft state, but within tolerance, if considering the distance and inclination uncertainties. As a high inclination binary, this source exhibited a stronger Comptonization effect, with a larger Comptonizing y-parameter, compared to low and medium inclination binaries. This suggests that the Comptonizing coronae of these objects in the soft state is in an oblate (rather than spherical) shape, extending along the accretion disk plane, because the y-parameter would not depend on the inclination if the corona were spherical.
The pig X and Y chromosomes: structure, sequence and evolution
Authors: Skinner Benjamin M. , Sargent Carole A. , Churcher Carol , Hunt Toby , Herrero Javier , Loveland Jane , Dunn Matt , Louzada Sandra , Fu Beiyuan , Chow William , Gilbert James , Austin-Guest Siobhan , Beal Kathryn , Carvalho-Silva Denise , Cheng William , Gordon Daria , Grafham Darren , Hardy Matt , Harley Jo , Hauser Heidi , Howden Philip , Howe Kerstin , Lachani Kim , Ellis Peter J.I. , Kelly Daniel , Kerry Giselle , Kerwin James , Ng Bee Ling , Threadgold Glen , Wileman Thomas , Wood Jonathan M D , Yang Fengtang , Harrow Jen , Affara Nabeel A. , Tyler-Smith Chris 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe have generated an improved assembly and gene annotation of the pig X chromosome, and a first draft assembly of the pig Y chromosome, by sequencing BAC and fosmid clones, and incorporating information from optical mapping and fibre-FISH. The X chromosome carries 1,014 annotated genes, 689 of which are protein-coding. Gene order closely matches that found in Primates (including humans) and Carnivores (including cats and dogs), which is inferred to be ancestral. Nevertheless, several protein-coding genes present on the human X chromosome were absent from the pig (e.g. the cancer/testis antigen family) or inactive (e.g.AWAT1), and 38 pig-specific X-chromosomal genes were annotated, 22 of which were olfactory receptors. The pig Y chromosome assembly focussed on two clusters of male-specific low-copy number genes, separated by an ampliconic region including theHSFYgene family, which together make up most of the short arm. Both clusters contain palindromes with high sequence identity, presumably maintained by gene conversion. The long arm of the chromosome is almost entirely repetitive, containing previously characterised sequences. Many of the ancestral X-related genes previously reported in at least one mammalian Y chromosome are represented either as active genes or partial sequences. This sequencing project has allowed us to identify genes - both single copy and amplified - on the pig Y, to compare the pig X and Y chromosomes for homologous sequences, and thereby to reveal mechanisms underlying pig X and Y chromosome evolution.
Use of Vitamin D Receptor Activator, Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Death in a Cohort of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Shoji Tetsuo , Marubayashi Seiji , Shigematsu Takashi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu ,   the Committee of Renal Data Registry,   the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe use of vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) is an independent predictor of a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined whether the use of VDRAs and other CKD‐mineral bone disorder (MBD)‐related factors are associated with incident CVD or death after CVD in hemodialysis patients. This is a historical cohort study of 37 690 prevalent hemodialysis patients without previous history of CVD at the end of 2004 extracted from a nationwide registry in Japan. The key exposure was the use of VDRAs, and the outcomes were incident CVD (myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and sudden death) and death after CVD during the 1‐year follow‐up. VDRAs were used in 57% of the subjects at baseline. We identified 2433 patients with incident CVD and 397 deaths after the events. In multivariate logistic regression models, independent predictors of incident CVD were non‐use of VDRA, higher intact PTH, non‐use of calcium‐based phosphate‐binder, and non‐use of non‐calcium‐based phosphate binder. Risk of death after CVD was not significantly associated with VDRA, whereas it was lower in those with lower corrected calcium, and the risk was higher in those with higher phosphate and in non‐users of calcium‐based phosphate binders. The use of VDRAs was associated with a lower risk of incident CVD but not with death after CVD in this large cohort of hemodialysis patients. The CKD‐MBD‐related predictors of poor outcomes are associated with the risk of incident CVD, the risk of death after CVD, or both.
The relationship between synovial fluid VEGF and serum leptin with ultrasonographic findings in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Hae‐Rim , Lee Jung‐Hwa , Kim Kyoung‐Woon , Kim Bo‐Mi , Lee Sang‐Heon 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine synovial fluid and serum biomarkers which could accord with radiological and ultrasonographic findings in knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThirty‐four patients with knee osteoarthritis were detected with joint effusion by clinical examination. Both knee joints were examined using plain radiographs and ultrasonography. Questions were obtained for visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Synovial fluid (SF) and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13, leptin, resistin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSynovial fluid VEGF level was positively correlated with Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grades and it was higher in patients with KL grade 4 than those with KL grade 2. SF VEGF correlated with ultrasonographic findings, such as the length of medial osteophytes. The amount of effusion was positively correlated with SF resistin. Serum leptin level had positive correlation with HAQ and the length of medial osteophytes. MMP‐13 or COMP levels were not correlated with radiographic or ultrasonographic findings.ConclusionSynovial fluid VEGF level was correlated with radiographic grading, ultrasonographic findings and functional statues in knee osteoarthritis, and serum leptin level also correlated with the ultrasonographic findings and functional status of knee osteoarthritis.
Evidence of ERBB3 gene association with rheumatoid arthritis predisposition
Authors: Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Drosos Alexandros A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimERBB3 (v‐erb‐b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 3) gene was reported to be related with susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases. Taking this into account, we searched, for the first time, the ERBB3 gene association with rheumatoid arthritis liability.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐six RA patients and 147 controls were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was conducted in rs2271189 and rs2292239 genotyping.ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed in rs2271189 allele distribution between RA patients and controls (P = 0.029, odds ratio: 1.460, 95% confidence interval: 1.040–2.050).ConclusionAs far as we know, this is the first study which correlates ERBB3 gene with RA susceptibility, adding to a previous report of chromosome 12q13 association with RA liability. Furthermore, we confirmed that polymorphism rs2271189 can predict better ERBB3 gene association with disorders than the previously reported ERBB3 variants. More studies in other ethnic groups of patients are needed so as to reveal the extent of the herein observed genetic association.