bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From cytopenia to leukemia: the role of Gfi1 and Gfi1b in blood formation
Authors: Möröy Tarik , Vassen Lothar , Wilkes Brian , Khandanpour Cyrus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe DNA-binding zinc finger transcription factors Gfi1 and Gfi1b were discovered more than 20 years ago and are recognized today as major regulators of both early hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cells. Both proteins function as transcriptional repressors by recruiting histone-modifying enzymes to promoters and enhancers of target genes. The establishment of Gfi1 and Gfi1b reporter mice made it possible to visualize their cell type–specific expression and to understand their function in hematopoietic lineages. We now know that Gfi1 is primarily important in myeloid and lymphoid differentiation, whereas Gfi1b is crucial for the generation of red blood cells and platelets. Several rare hematologic diseases are associated with acquired or inheritable mutations in the GFI1 and GFI1B genes. Certain patients with severe congenital neutropenia carry mutations in the GFI1 gene that lead to the disruption of the C-terminal zinc finger domains. Other mutations have been found in the GFI1B gene in families with inherited bleeding disorders. In addition, the Gfi1 locus is frequently found to be a proviral integration site in retrovirus-induced lymphomagenesis, and new, emerging data suggest a role of Gfi1 in human leukemia and lymphoma, underlining the role of both factors not only in normal hematopoiesis, but also in a wide spectrum of human blood diseases.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker in severe traumatic brain injury patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lei Jin , Gao Guoyi , Feng Junfeng , Jin Yichao , Wang Chuanfang , Mao Qing , Jiang Jiyao 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionGlial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) may serve as a serum marker of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can be used to monitor biochemical changes in patients and gauge the response to treatment. However, the temporal profile of serum GFAP in the acute period of brain injury and the associated utility for outcome prediction has not been elucidated.MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of consecutive severe TBI patients in a local tertiary neurotrauma center in Shanghai, China, between March 2011 and September 2014. All patients were monitored and managed with a standardized protocol with inclusion of hypothermia and other intensive care treatments. Serum specimens were collected on admission and then daily for the first 5 days. GFAP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Patient outcome was assessed at 6 months post injury with the Glasgow Outcome Scale and further grouped into death versus survival and unfavorable versus favorable.ResultsA total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean time from injury to admission was 2.6 hours, and the median admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6. Compared with healthy subjects, patients with severe TBI had increased GFAP levels on admission and over the subsequent 5 days post injury. Serum GFAP levels showed a gradual reduction from admission to day 3, and then rebounded on day 4 when hypothermia was discontinued with slow rewarming. GFAP levels were significantly higher in patients who died or had an unfavorable outcome across all time points than in those who were alive or had a favorable outcome. Results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that serum GFAP at each time point could predict neurological outcome at 6 months. The areas under the curve for GFAP on admission were 0.761 for death and 0.823 for unfavorable outcome, which were higher than those for clinical variables such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and pupil reactions.ConclusionsSerum GFAP levels on admission and during the first 5 days of injury were increased in patients with severe TBI and were predictive of neurological outcome at 6 months.
Strategies to improve the immunosuppressive properties of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lee Myoung Woo , Ryu Somi , Kim Dae Seong , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Yoo Keon Hee 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of particular interest for the treatment of immune-related diseases because of their immunosuppressive capacities. However, few clinical trials of MSCs have yielded satisfactory results. A number of clinical trials using MSCs are currently in progress worldwide. Unfortunately, protocols and methods, including optimized culture conditions for the harvest of MSCs, have not been standardized. In this regard, complications in the ex vivo expansion of MSCs and MSC heterogeneity have been implicated in the failure of clinical trials. In this review, potential strategies to obtain MSCs with improved immunosuppressive properties and the potential roles of specific immunomodulatory genes, which are differentially upregulated in certain culture conditions, will be discussed.
District mental healthcare plans for five low-and middle-income countries: Commonalities, variations and evidence gaps
Authors: Hanlon Charlotte , Fekadu Abebaw , Jordans Mark , Kigozi Fred , Petersen Inge , Shidhaye Rahul , Honikman Simone , Lund Crick , Prince Martin , Raja Shoba , Thornicroft Graham , Tomlinson Mark , Patel Vikram 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about the service and system interventions required for successful integration of mental healthcare into primary care across diverse low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).AimsTo examine the commonalities, variations and evidence gaps in district-level mental healthcare plans (MHCPs) developed in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Uganda and South Africa for the PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME).MethodA comparative analysis of MHCP components and human resource requirements.ResultsA core set of MHCP goals was seen across all countries. The MHCPs components to achieve those goals varied, with most similarity in countries within the same resource bracket (low income v. middle income). Human resources for advanced psychosocial interventions were only available in the existing health service in the best-resourced PRIME country.ConclusionsApplication of a standardised methodological approach to MHCP across five LMIC allowed identification of core and site-specific interventions needed for implementation.
The Bodies Politic: Chronic Health Conditions and Voter Turnout in the 2008 Election
Authors: Gollust Sarah E. , Rahn Wendy M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHealth policy researchers often evaluate the social and economic consequences of chronic illness, but rarely have they considered the implications of chronic illness on one important form of political participation: voting. However, if chronic illnesses — already unequally distributed in society — are associated with differential rates of voter turnout, then these inequalities in democratic representation could, in turn, produce further health inequity. In this study, we use data from eight states from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to examine the associations between having diagnoses of five chronic conditions and turnout in the 2008 US presidential election. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and some health-related confounding factors, we find that individuals with cancer diagnoses are more likely to vote, while those with heart disease diagnoses are less likely to vote. These associations differ by race and educational status; notably, African Americans and those with lower education with cancer are even more likely to turn out to vote than whites and those with more education with cancer. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of health social movements and the role of health organizations in shaping political processes, important directions for the study of health politics.
Lipid composition and molecular interactions change with depth in the avian stratum corneum to regulate cutaneous water loss
Authors: Champagne Alex M. , Allen Heather C. , Williams Joseph B. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe outermost 10–20 µm of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), consists of flat, dead cells embedded in a matrix of intercellular lipids. These lipids regulate cutaneous water loss (CWL), which accounts for over half of total water loss in birds. However, the mechanisms by which lipids are able to regulate CWL and how these mechanisms change with depth in the SC are poorly understood. We used attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to measure lipid–lipid and lipid–water interactions as a function of depth in the SC of house sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus) in the winter and summer. We then compared these molecular interactions at each depth with lipid composition at the same depth. We found that in both groups, water content increased with depth in the SC, and likely contributed to greater numbers of gauche defects in lipids in deeper levels of the SC. In winter-caught birds, which had lower rates of CWL than summer-caught birds, water exhibited stronger hydrogen bonding in deeper layers of the SC, and these strong hydrogen bonds were associated with greater amounts of polar lipids such as ceramides and cerebrosides. Based on these data, we propose a model by which polar lipids in deep levels of the SC form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules to increase the viscosity of water and slow the permeation of water through the SC.
Molecular and sensory mechanisms to mitigate sunlight-induced DNA damage in treefrog tadpoles
Authors: Schuch André P. , Lipinski Victor M. , Santos Mauricio B. , Santos Caroline P. , Jardim Sinara S. , Cechin Sonia Z. , Loreto Elgion L. S. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
The increased incidence of solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has been proposed as an environmental stressor, which may help to explain the enigmatic decline of amphibian populations worldwide. Despite growing knowledge regarding the UV-induced biological effects in several amphibian models, little is known about the efficacy of DNA repair pathways. In addition, little attention has been given to the interplay between these molecular mechanisms with other physiological strategies that avoid the damage induced by sunlight. Here, DNA lesions induced by environmental doses of solar UVB and UVA radiation were detected in genomic DNA samples of treefrog tadpoles (Hypsiboas pulchellus) and their DNA repair activity was evaluated. These data were complemented by monitoring the induction of apoptosis in blood cells and tadpole survival. Furthermore, the tadpoles’ ability to perceive and escape from UV wavelengths was evaluated as an additional strategy of photoprotection. The results show that tadpoles are very sensitive to UVB light, which could be explained by the slow DNA repair rates for both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6,4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6,4PPs). However, they were resistant to UVA, probably as a result of the activation of photolyases during UVA irradiation. Surprisingly, a sensory mechanism that triggers their escape from UVB and UVA light avoids the generation of DNA damage and helps to maintain the genomic integrity. This work demonstrates the genotoxic impact of both UVB and UVA radiation on tadpoles and emphasizes the importance of the interplay between molecular and sensory mechanisms to minimize the damage caused by sunlight.
Indolylindolinone: Easily Accessible, Tunable, and Wide-range Absorbing Dyes
Authors: Shigeno Ami , Matsuno Takashi , Hiroto Satoru , Shinokubo Hiroshi 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Dehydrative coupling between indoles and isatins provided indolylindolinones in good yields as novel dyes with wide-range absorption due to intramolecular charge-transfer interactions. The HOMO and LUMO levels of indolylindolinones could be manipulated individually by the introduction of substituents on the indole and isatin units, respectively. Indolylindolinones served as a bidentate ligand to Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions to provide stable metal complexes. Metal coordination induced large bathochromic shift of the lowest-energy absorption band to the near-infrared region.
Diffusion-assisted Synthesis of Co2FeSn Heusler Nanoparticles and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Kou Xinli 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Co2FeSn Heusler nanoparticles with the particle size of 5–12 nm were synthesized by using pre-synthesized Co2Fe and Sn nanoparticles in high boiling-point solvents, wherein the molten Sn diffused into Co2Fe nanoparticles to form Co2FeSn nanoparticles. The obtained Co2FeSn nanoparticles show a high magnetic moment of 5.2 μB at 5 K, which is comparable with that of most of the bulk Co2YZ Heusler compounds. This low-temperature diffusion method is believed to have potential applications in synthesizing other Heusler nanoparticles.
Refined Structure of Hipposudoric and Norhipposudoric Acids, Pigments of the Red Sweat of the Hippopotamus
Authors: Matsumoto Takatoshi , Saikawa Yoko , Nakata Masaya , Hashimoto Kimiko 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The tautomeric structures of hipposudoric and norhipposudoric acids were investigated using a computational method. The results indicated that the most appropriate canonical structures for these compounds were different; hipposudoric acid possessed an enol form at the C9-carboxy group, while norhipposudoric acid had an enol form at the C5-oxo group.
Absorption of EU funds in the context of Polish enterprises competitiveness measured by profitability ratios
Authors: Wildowicz-Giegiel Anna , Wyszkowski Adam 
Published: October 2015

Competitiveness at the firm level is a subject of interest not only to managers and policy makers but also academics. An effective functioning under the conditions of new economy requires from the enterprises to develop their core capabilities and talents along with the ability to quickly identify and seize the opportunities generated by market environment. The implementation of such an approach allows the creation and sustain of economic surpluses in the long-run. The paper aims to examine the profitability of enterprises in Poland which is regarded in the context of absorption of EU funds in years 2007–2013. Taking into account that Poland became one of the largest beneficiaries, it is worth analyzing the impact of EU funding on the economic performance of Polish enterprises. The paper offers a critical reflection on the relationship between the absorption of EU funds and Polish enterprises competitiveness on the basis of the content analysis literature and statistical data derived from the European Commission, the Central Statistical Office and the Ministry of Regional Development. It is assumed simultaneously that the competitiveness of enterprises is expressed in the term of profitability rates. In spite of limitations which relate to the adopted definition of competitiveness and the short period of the conducted analysis concerning the key relationship, the paper contributes to the debate on the significance of EU Funds in the process of building modern and innovative economy.
How taste works: cells, receptors and gustatory perception
Authors: Kikut-Ligaj Dariusz , Trzcielińska-Lorych Joanna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe sensitivity of taste in mammals varies due to quantitative and qualitative differences in the structure of the taste perception organs. Gustatory perception is made possible by the peripheral chemosensory organs, i.e., the taste buds, which are distributed in the epithelium of the taste papillae of the palate, tongue, epiglottis, throat and larynx. Each taste bud consists of a community of ~100 cells that process and integrate taste information with metabolic needs. Mammalian taste buds are contained in circumvallate, fungiform and foliate papillae and react to sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami stimuli. The sensitivity of the taste buds for individual taste stimuli varies extensively and depends on the type of papillae and the part of the oral cavity in which they are located. There are at least three different cell types found in mammalian taste buds: type I cells, receptor (type II) cells and presynaptic (type III) cells. This review focuses on the biophysiological mechanisms of action of the various taste stimuli in humans. Currently, the best-characterized proteins are the receptors (GPCR). In addition, the activation of bitter, sweet and umami tastes are relatively well known, but the activation of salty and sour tastes has yet to be clearly explained.
High-power pump combiners for Tm-doped fibre lasers
Authors: Stachowiak D. , Kaczmarek P. , Abramski K.M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper our results of investigation on a pump power combiner in a configuration of 7×1 are presented. The performed combiner, with pump power of 80–85% transmission level, was successfully applied in a thulium doped fibre laser. The performed all-fibre laser setup reached a total CW output power of 6.42 W, achieving the efficiency on a 32.1% level.
Thinned fibre Bragg grating as a fuel adulteration sensor: simulation and experimental study
Authors: Agarwal S. , Prajapati Y.K. , Mishra V. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the implementation of a thinned fibre Bragg grating as a fuel adulteration sensor for volatile organic compounds. The proposed sensor can detect upto 10% adulteration of benzene, toluene and xylene: hydrocarbons precisely, whereas traditional methods can detect only upto 20% adulteration. The results obtained from the experiments are verified using Finite Difference Time Domain method. It is found that experimental results have very less deviation from simulation results. The proposed sensor provides us with the new possibility that may have commercial application, as well.
Synthesis and characterization of YAG:Ce phosphors for white LEDs
Authors: Tucureanu V. , Matei A. , Avram A.M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWorldwide commercial interest in the production of cerium doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG:Ce) phosphors is reflected in the widespread use of white light emitting devices. Despite of the fact that YAG:Ce is considered a “cool phosphor” it is the most important in white LED technology. This article reviews the developed techniques for producing phosphors with superior photoluminescence efficiency, including solid-state reaction, sol-gel and (co)precipitation methods. Also, by co-doping with rare earth elements, a red/blue shift is reached in the spectrum. The characteristics of YAG:Ce phosphors are investigated because the properties of the phosphors are strongly influenced by the synthesis routes and the sintering temperature treatment. After the phase analysis, morphology and emission studies of the phosphors there may be seen the conditions when the transition from the amorphous phase to the crystalline phase appears, when luminescent properties are influenced by the crystalline form, purity, average size of the particles, co-doping and so on.
Design and performance analysis of InP/InGaAsP-MMI based 1310/1550-nm wavelength division demultiplexer with tapered waveguide geometry
Authors: Chack D. , Kumar V. , Raghuwanshi S.K 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe design and performance analysis of a 1310/1550-nm wavelength division demultiplexer with tapered geometry based on InP/InGaAsP multimode interference (MMI) coupler has been carried out. Wavelength response of demultiplexer of conventional MMI and tapered input and tapered output (tapered I/O) waveguides geometry of the MMI have been discussed. The demultiplexing function has been first performed by choosing a suitable refractive index of the guiding region and geometrical parameters such as the width and length of MMI structure have been achieved. Access width of tapered I/O waveguides have been adjusted to give a low insertion loss (IL) and high extinction ratio (ER) for the considered wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. The total size of the demultiplexer has been significantly reduced over the existing MMI devices. Numerical simulations with finite difference beam propagation method are applied to design and optimize the operation of the proposed demultiplexer.
Recursions for the flag-excedance number in colored permutations groups
Authors: Bagno Eli , Garber David , Mansour Toufik , Shwartz Robert 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The excedance number for Sn is known to have an Eulerian distribution. Nevertheless, the classical proof uses descents rather than excedances. We present a direct proof based on a recursion which uses only excedances and extend it to the flag-excedance parameter defined on the group of colored permutations Gr,n = ℤr ≀ Sn. We have also computed the distribution of a variant of the flag-excedance number, and show that its enumeration uses the Stirling number of the second kind. Moreover, we show that the generating function of the flag-excedance number defined on ℤr ≀ Sn is symmetric, and its variant is log-concave on ℤr ≀ Sn..
A recursive structure of sand pile model and its applications
Authors: Liafa Wenjie Fang , Liafa Roberto Mantaci 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The Sand Pile Model (SPM) and its generalization, the Ice Pile Model (IPM), originate from physics and have various applications in the description of the evolution of granular systems. In this article, we deal with the enumeration and the exhaustive generation of the accessible configuration of the system. Our work is based on a new recursive decomposition theorem for SPM configurations using the notion of staircase bases. Based on this theorem, we provide a recursive formula for the enumeration of SPM(n) and a constant amortized time (CAT) algorithm for the generation of all SPM(n) configurations. The extension of the same approach to the Ice Pile Model is also discussed.
Noninvasive Markers of Improvement of Liver Steatosis Achieved by Weight Reduction in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Copaci Ionel , Lupescu Ioana , Caceaune Elena , Chiriac Grethi , Ismail G. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which are linked to obesity. The aim of the study was to assess if weight reduction through 12 months of lifestyle intervention and exercise would lead to improvement of steatosis.
Methods. In a prospective observational study 86 overweight subjects (51 men, 35 women) with steatosis were recruited, after excluding other etiologies. Patients were assigned a caloric goal and a daily fat goal. Physical activity focused on moderate-intensity activities. Blood samples (biochemistry, HOMA-IR, cytokine levels, steatotest) were collected at entry and months 6 and 12. All subjects underwent abdominal CT scan before commencement and after 12 months to assess visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT) area.
Results. After 12 months baseline descriptive characteristics (weight, BMI, waist circumference) decreased significantly. Biochemical parameters that decreased significantly were: GGT (40.0 ± 18.0 vs 31.1 ± 13; p = 0.01), ALT (58.5 ± 23.5 vs 32,7 ± 14.8; p = 0.001), cholesterol (236.4 ± 54.8 vs 204.8 ± 91; p = 0.05), LDL (160.1 ± 47.4 vs 125.3 ± 40; p = 0.05) and HOMA-R (4.86 ± 0.63 vs 3 ± 0.41; p = 0.018). Steatotest improved significantly (0.68 ± 0.16 vs 0.38 ± 0.14; p = 0.02). Modification of adipocytokines was significant for leptin (p = 0.018) and adiponectin (p = 0.003). Factors associated with regression of steatosis were weight, BMI, ALT, waist circumference, GGT, HOMA, leptin, VAT and steatotest. Multivariate logistic regression showed the following factors related to improved steatosis: BMI < 25 kg/m2, ALT < 42 U/L, leptin < 10.5 ng/ml and adiponectin > 8.4 μg/ml.
Conclusions. Overweight persons who achieve significant reductions in body weight through 12 months of physical activity and low caloric diet can decrease liver fat, VAT and SAT. Even in those with minimal weight loss ALT levels, steatosis, adipokines and cardiovascular risk factors improved.