bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of Paenibacillus alvei A6-6i and TS-15
Authors: Luo Yan , Wang Charles , Allard Sarah , Strain Errol , Allard Marc W. , Brown Eric W. , Zheng Jie 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Here, we report draft genomes of
Paenibacillus alvei
strains A6-6i and TS-15, which were isolated, respectively, from plant material and soil in the Virginia Eastern Shore (VES) tomato growing area. An array of genes related to antimicrobial biosynthetic pathways have been identified with whole-genome analyses of these strains.
In Vitro and In Vivo Therapeutic Efficacy of Carfilzomib in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Targeting the Immunoproteasome
Authors: Zhang Liang , Pham Lan V. , Newberry Kate J. , Ou Zhishuo , Liang Rong , Qian Jianfei , Sun Luhong , Blonska Marzenna , You Yun , Yang Jing , Lin Xin , Rollo Alex , Tamayo Archito T. , Lee John , Ford Richard J. , Zhao Xiurong , Kwak Larry W. , Yi Qing , Wang Michael 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains incurable due to its inevitable pattern of relapse after treatment with current existing therapies. However, the promise of a cure for MCL lies in the burgeoning area of novel agents. In this study, we elucidated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of carfilzomib, a novel long-acting second-generation proteasome inhibitor, in MCL cells. We found that carfilzomib induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in both established MCL cell lines and freshly isolated primary MCL cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, carfilzomib was less toxic to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals. The carfilzomib-induced apoptosis of MCL cells was mediated by the activation of JNK, Bcl-2, and mitochondria-related pathways. In addition, carfilzomib inhibited the growth and survival signaling pathways NF-κB and STAT3. Interestingly, we discovered that expression of immunoproteasome (i-proteasome) subunits is required for the anti-MCL activity of carfilzomib in MCL cells. In MCL-bearing SCID mice/primary MCL-bearing SCID-hu mice, intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg carfilzomib on days 1 and 2 for 5 weeks slowed/abrogated tumor growth and significantly prolonged survival. Our preclinical data show that carfilzomib is a promising, potentially less toxic treatment for MCL. Furthermore, an intact i-proteasome, especially LMP2, appears to be necessary for its anti-MCL activity, suggesting that i-proteasome could serve as a biomarker for identifying patients who will benefit from carfilzomib. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(11); 2494–504. ©2013 AACR.
Vasospasm of Atherosclerotic Coronary Arteries Precipitates Acute Ischemic Myocardial Damage in Myocardial Infarction–Prone Strain of the Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic Rabbits
Authors: Shiomi Masashi , Ishida Tatsuro , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Nitta Norihisa , Sonoda Akinaga , Yamada Satoshi , Koike Tomonari , Kuniyoshi Nobue , Murata Kiyoshi , Hirata Ken-ichi , Ito Takashi , Libby Peter 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
This study tested the hypothesis that vasospasm can trigger coronary plaque injury and acute ischemic myocardial damage.

Approach and Results—
Myocardial infarction–prone strain of the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits received an intravenous bolus of ergonovine maleate (0.45 µmol/kg) during intravenous infusion of norepinephrine (12 nmol/kg per minute) to provoke coronary spasm in vivo. After this treatment, coronary angiography demonstrated vasospasm, and the ECG showed ischemic abnormalities (ST depression/elevation and T-wave inversion) in 77% of animals (23/30). These changes normalized after nitroglycerin injection. In rabbits that demonstrated these ECG findings for >20 minutes, echocardiograms showed left ventricular wall motion abnormality. Serum levels of heart-type fatty acid–binding protein, cardiac troponin-I, and myoglobin increased markedly 4 hours after spasm provocation. In coronary lesions of myocardial infarction–prone strain of the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits with provoked coronary spasm, we observed intimal injury in 60.9% in the form of endothelial cell protrusions (39.1%), denudation (30.4%), and macrophage extravasation (56.5%). Plaque disruption with luminal thrombus, however, was only seen in 2 of 23 animals (8.7%), and mural microthrombus was rarely observed (4.3%).

Conclusions—
These observations show that provocation of vasospasm in myocardial infarction–prone strain of the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits associates with subsequent ischemic myocardial damage. Although treatment with spasmogens altered aspects of plaque morphology, for example, endothelial protrusion and macrophage emigration, thrombosis was rare in these animals with chronic atherosclerotic disease.
Hepatic Cholesterol Homeostasis
Authors: Sniderman Allan D. , Qi Yanqin , Ma Cheng-I J. , Wang Rui Hao Leo , Naples Mark , Baker Chris , Zhang Jing , Adeli Khosrow , Kiss Robert S. 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
The hypothesis that cholesterol that enters the cell within low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles rapidly equilibrates with the regulatory pool of intracellular cholesterol and maintains cholesterol homeostasis by reducing cholesterol and LDL receptor synthesis was validated in the fibroblast but not in the hepatocyte. Accordingly, the present studies were designed to compare the effects of cholesterol that enters the hepatocyte within an LDL particle with those of cholesterol that enters via other lipoprotein particles.

Approach and Results—
We measured cholesterol synthesis and esterification in hamster hepatocytes treated with LDL and other lipoprotein particles, including chylomicron remnants and VLDL. Endogenous cholesterol synthesis was not significantly reduced by uptake of LDL, but cholesterol esterification (280%) and acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 expression (870%) were increased. In contrast, cholesterol synthesis was significantly reduced (70% decrease) with other lipoprotein particles. Furthermore, more cholesterol that entered the hepatocyte within LDL particles was secreted within VLDL particles (480%) compared with cholesterol from other sources.

Conclusions—
Much of the cholesterol that enters the hepatocyte within LDL particles is shunted through the cell and resecreted within VLDL particles without reaching equilibrium with the regulatory pool.
Sport and the Imperial Bond: The 1911 ‘All-India’ Cricket Tour of Great Britain
Authors: Kidambi Prashant 
Published: August 2013

Summary
This article explores the interplay of sport, politics and public diplomacy through a case study of the first ‘Indian’ cricket tour of Great Britain in 1911, an extraordinary venture peopled by an improbable cast of characters. Led by the young Maharaja Bhupindar Singh, the newly enthroned ruler of the princely state of Patiala, the team contained in its ranks cricketers who were drawn from different Indian regions and religious communities. The article examines the politics of this intriguing cricket tour against a wider backdrop of changing Indo-British relations and makes three key points. First, it suggests that the processes of ‘imperial globalization’ that were presided over by the British in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries marked an important epoch in the evolving relationship between sport and diplomacy. In particular, it highlights the role of sporting tours as instruments of public diplomacy in the age of empire. Second, it shows how the organization of the 1911 tour reflected the workings of a trans-national ‘imperial class regime’ that had developed around cricket in colonial India from the late nineteenth century onwards. Finally, the article considers the symbolic significance that came to be attached to the tour, both in imperial Britain and in colonial India.
Cuban Sports Diplomacy in the Post-Cold War Period: International Identity versus Domestic Realities
Authors: Bunck Julie M. 
Published: August 2013

Summary
For many years an important segment of Cuba’s public diplomacy has focused on Cuban sports. The Cuban regime politicized sports policies and athletic triumphs and attempted to use them to enhance its international influence. This, in turn, reflected a key dimension of the Cuban revolution: the effort to alter pre-revolutionary culture by creating a ‘new man’. Mass participation in sports and the victories of elite athletes alike showed Cuban socialism in action. During the post-Cold War era, however, replete with difficulties for Marxist regimes, budget cuts, leadership changes, reordered priorities and the reintroduction of capitalism have adversely affected Cuban sports. Cubans today lack the access to first-rate facilities that they once enjoyed. Many athletes have defected, while the skills of trainers and coaches have been sold abroad. These developments have threatened Cuba’s revolutionary sports culture and undermined the effectiveness of its sports diplomacy. The Cuban example suggests that the efficacy of sports diplomacy is related not only to the quality of athletic performances but to the manner in which underlying cultural norms either support or detract from diplomatic endeavours.
Little Wukan, Big China: Lessons to Be Drawn from the Wukan Incident for China’s Political and Economic Development
Authors: Yanbing Zhang , Zhimin Zeng 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This paper argues that the Wukan Incident reflects the common difficulties faced at the state-society level by contemporary China as the country finds itself experiencing both an important strategic chapter in its development, and a period during which social problems are coming to the fore. As such, the task of developing an understanding of the Wukan Incident offers the chance to draw crucial lessons about China’s future political and economic development. Firstly, the modernization development model, according to which economic growth and development take precedence above all else, has already led to a building up of serious social problems. China’s future development efforts must draw on and put into practice the theories of the Scientific Outlook on Development. Secondly, the demands made by the villagers of Wukan could feasibly become political and economic problems common throughout the whole country. This includes issues such as how state-owned assets and land are dealt with; transparency of public finances; and safeguards for the democratic rights and interests of Chinese citizens. The government must face these difficulties and use reforms to tackle each of them. Should it fail to do so, these issues could spark a serious social crisis or even affect the stability of the political order. Thirdly, the current mechanisms by which the Party and the government respond to the public’s interest-related claims require urgent improvement. Finally, there is no magic pill to solve the political and economic problems faced in China today. Elections are certainly not a magic solution.
Top-Level Intervention and the Turning Point at Wukan: An Exploration of Top-Level Government Behavior within Contentious Politics
Authors: Zhihui Tong 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This paper attempts to look beyond the currently ideologically-charged interpretations of the turning point during the Wukan Incident and instead seeks to trace its real causes. Soon after the top-level authorities stepped in to deal with the Incident, we quickly witnessed the rapid process of turning the Incident around, set in motion by five types of measures/mechanisms. Firstly, their direct involvement, breaking up the immediate standoff between the local government and the villagers. Secondly, determining that the Incident was, by nature, about interests, thus dispelling the political nature of the Incident. Thirdly, positioning themselves on the side of the people, thus easing the contentious nature of the Incident. Fourthly, adopting a combination of both leniency and stringency to dispel confrontational sentiment amongst the organizers. Finally, releasing the detained villagers and returning the body of Xue Jinbo, relieving the blanket of grief that had enveloped the village during the contention. These measures were in keeping with the belief of the organizers that the top-level authorities were both more willing than the local government to solve their problems, and more able. This paper opens a new avenue for beginning to develop our understanding of government behavior during contentious politics. It is also an attempt to make up for the present ‘omission of the state,’ which is one of the weaknesses of existing research on contentious politics in reform-era China
Changes to Snowpack Energy State from Spring Storm Events, Columbia River Headwaters, Montana
Authors: Seligman Zachary M. , Harper Joel T. , Maneta Marco P. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The generation and release of meltwater during the spring snowmelt season can be delayed because of spring storm episodes with snow accumulation and/or sustained subfreezing temperatures. The delayed release of snowmelt often extends beyond the particular storm event because of changes to the internal state of energy in the snowpack that prevents transmission of meltwater. Following a storm, two energy deficits internal to the snowpack must be overcome before surface melt can drain and exit the snowpack: 1) cold content created by heat lost during the episode must be removed and 2) dry pore space must be filled with liquid water to residual saturation. This study investigates the role of these two processes in spring snowmelt following past storm episodes in western Montana. The analysis addresses ~10 yr of historical snowpack and air temperature data from 33 stations in the Columbia River headwaters. Results indicate that the addition of pore space has a greater impact on delaying snowmelt than does the addition of cold content, with snow accumulation events responsible for 86% of the collective energy deficit imposed on the snowpack during storm episodes. Nearly all refreezing events occur within one month of peak snowpack, but accumulation events are common up to 50 days later. Under standardized conditions representing clear weather during the spring season, these energy deficits could all be overcome in a matter of hours.
Asthma increases pulmonary thromboembolism risk: a nationwide population cohort study
Authors: Chung Wei-Sheng , Lin Cheng-Li , Ho Feng-Ming , Li Ruei-Yuan , Sung Fung-Chang , Kao Chia-Hung , Yeh Jun-Jun 
Published: August 2013

Studies on the association between asthma and pulmonary thromboembolism are considerably limited. We investigated whether pulmonary embolism is associated with asthma using a nationwide cohort study.We identified 31 356 patients with newly diagnosed asthma in 2002–2008 and 125 157 individuals without asthma randomly selected from the general population, frequency matched by age, sex and index year using the National Health Insurance Research Database. Both cohorts were followed-up until the end of 2010 to measure the incidence of pulmonary embolism. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to measure the hazard ratio of pulmonary embolism for the asthmatic cohort, compared with the nonasthmatic cohort.We followed 186 182 person-years for asthmatic patients and 743 374 person-years for nonasthmatic subjects. The hazard ratio of pulmonary embolism was 3.24 for the asthmatic cohort, compared with the nonasthmatic cohort after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities and oestrogen supplementation. The risk of developing pulmonary embolism significantly increased with the increased frequency of asthma exacerbation and hospitalisation.This nationwide cohort study suggests that the risk of developing pulmonary embolism is significantly increased in asthmatic patients compared to the general population. Frequent asthma exacerbation and hospitalisation are significantly associated with pulmonary embolism risk.
Variability of hospital resources for acute care of COPD patients: the European COPD Audit
Authors: López-Campos Jose Luis , Hartl Sylvia , Pozo-Rodriguez Francisco , Roberts C. Michael 
Published: August 2013

Studies have suggested that larger hospitals have better resources and provide better care than smaller ones. This study aimed to explore the relationship between hospital size, resources, organisation of care and adherence to guidelines.The European COPD Audit was designed as a pilot study of clinical care and a survey of resources and organisation of care. Data were entered by clinicians to a multilingual web tool and analysed centrally. Participating hospitals were divided into tertiles on the basis of bed numbers and comparisons made of the resources, organisation of care and adherence to guidelines across the three size groups.13 national societies provided data on 425 hospitals. The mean number of beds per tertile was 220 (lower), 479 (middle), and 989 (upper). Large hospitals were more likely to have resources and increased numbers of staff; hospital performance measures were related in a minority of indicators only. Adherence to guidelines also varied with hospital size, but the differences were small and inconsistent.There is a wide variation in the size, resources and organisation of care across Europe for hospitals providing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care. While larger hospitals have more resources, this does not always equate to better accessibility or quality of care for patients.
Detection and severity grading of COPD exacerbations using the exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease tool (EXACT)
Authors: Mackay Alex J. , Donaldson Gavin C. , Patel Anant R.C. , Singh Richa , Kowlessar Beverly , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. 
Published: August 2013

Uncertainty exists over the ability of the exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease tool (EXACT) patient-reported outcome diary to quantify exacerbation severity and frequency. To clarify this, we investigated the ability of the EXACT to assess severity of exacerbations and examined the relationship between exacerbations diagnosed using London chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort diary cards, physician review and symptom-defined events using the EXACT.58 patients enrolled in the London Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cohort prospectively completed the EXACT during 128 cohort diary card-defined exacerbations between January 2010 and April 2012.Mean±sdEXACT scores increased from 42.6±8.6 at baseline to 48.0±8.6 at exacerbation onset (p<0.001), and rose further to a maximum score of 54.1±8.9. Maximum EXACT scores were significantly higher in treated than untreated events. Time taken for EXACT scores to return to baseline was significantly related to symptom recovery time as judged by London COPD cohort diary cards, and to peak expiratory flow rate recovery. ∼50% of both diary card-defined and healthcare utilisation exacerbations crossed the EXACT event threshold. However, only 27.9% of diary card-defined and 34.6% of healthcare utilisation exacerbations fully met the criteria for an EXACT event. Patients exhibited smaller rises in the EXACT score at exacerbation as baseline disease severity increased.The EXACT is an effective method of evaluating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation severity. However, concerns remain about the ability of the EXACT to accurately detect exacerbations.
Neighbourhood air quality and snoring in school-aged children
Authors: Kheirandish-Gozal Leila , Ghalebandi Mirfarhad , Salehi Mansour , Salarifar Mohammad Hosein , Gozal David 
Published: August 2013

The prevalence of habitual snoring has been extensively explored in paediatric populations. Although exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of habitual snoring in a dose-dependent fashion, the potential contribution of air quality to habitual snoring remains unclear.6000 questionnaires were distributed to 6- to 12-year-old children attending public schools in five distinct neighbourhoods within the city of Tehran, Iran, that were preselected based on air quality measures. Habitual snoring was defined as loud snoring ≥3 nights per week. Information regarding clinical and family-related habitual snoring risk factors was also obtained. Descriptive statistics followed by adjusted risk assessments were conducted.Among the 4322 (72%) completed datasets, the prevalence of habitual snoring was 11.6%. Partition of habitual snoring rates according to neighbourhood air quality characteristics revealed significantly higher habitual snoring frequencies among children residing in neighbourhoods with greatest pollution (24.5% and 12.1% in South and Central neighbourhoodsversus7.0% and 7.7% in North and East neighbourhoods, respectively). The regional variance in habitual snoring was primarily accounted for by an integrated measure of air quality, even after controlling for other risk factors.Environmental air quality emerges as a significant and potentially modifiable contributor to the risk for developing habitual snoring during childhood.
Potential antimicrobial agents for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Alsaad Noor , Wilffert Bob , van Altena Richard , de Lange Wiel C.M. , van der Werf Tjip S. , Kosterink Jos G.W. , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. 
Published: August 2013

Treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) is challenging because of the high toxicity of second-line drugs and the longer treatment duration than for drug-susceptible TB patients. In order to speed up novel treatment for MDR-TB, we suggest considering expanding the indications of already available drugs. Six drugs with antimicrobial activity (phenothiazine, metronidazole, doxycycline, disulfiram, tigecycline and co-trimoxazole) are not listed in the World Health Organization guidelines on MDR-TB treatment but could be potential candidates for evaluation againstMycobacterium tuberculosis.A systematic review was conducted to evaluate antituberculous activity of these drugs againstM. tuberculosis. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase for English articles published up to December 31, 2012.We reviewedin vitro,in vivoand clinical antituberculous activity of these drugs in addition to pharmacokinetics and side-effects. Of the drugs effective against actively replicatingM. tuberculosis, co-trimoxazole seems to be the most promising, because of its consistent pharmacokinetic profile, easy penetration into tissue and safety profile. For the dormant state of TB, thioridazine may play a potential role as an adjuvant for treatment of MDR-TB. A strategy consisting of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, dose finding and phase III studies is needed to explore the role of these drugs in MDR-TB treatment.