bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adaptor ASC exacerbates lethal Listeria monocytogenes infection by mediating IL‐18 production in an inflammasome‐dependent and ‐independent manner
Authors: Tsuchiya Kohsuke , Hara Hideki , Fang Rendong , Hernandez‐Cuellar Eduardo , Sakai Shunsuke , Daim Sylvia , Chen Xi , Dewamitta Sita R. , Qu Huixin , Mitsuyama Masao , Kawamura Ikuo 
Published: September 2014

Listeria monocytogenes induces the formation of inflammasomes and subsequent caspase‐1 activation, and the adaptor apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC) is crucial for this response. However, the role of ASC in L. monocytogenes infection in vivo is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that ASC has a detrimental effect on host defense against L. monocytogenes infection at a lethal dose (106 CFU), but not at a sublethal dose (103 CFU). During lethal L. monocytogenes infection, serum levels of IL‐18 and IL‐10 were markedly elevated in WT mice, but not in ASC KO mice. IL‐18 KO mice were more resistant to lethal L. monocytogenes infection than WT mice and had lower levels of serum IL‐10. Furthermore, blockade of IL‐10 receptor resulted in a reduction in bacterial counts, suggesting that ASC and IL‐18 might exacerbate L. monocytogenes infection through induction of IL‐10. We noticed that maturation of IL‐18 during lethal infection was partially independent of caspase‐1, but was critically dependent on ASC. ASC was required for the elevation of serum neutrophil serine protease activity, which correlated with caspase‐1‐independent IL‐18 maturation and IL‐10 production. Collectively, these results suggest that ASC plays a detrimental role in lethal L. monocytogenes infection through IL‐18 production in an inflammasome‐dependent and ‐independent manner.
Grain Productivity, Fertilizer Response and Nutrient Balance of Farming Systems in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Multi‐Perspective View in Relation to Soil Fertility Degradation
Authors: Kraaijvanger Richard , Veldkamp Tom 
Published: September 2014

AbstractApplication of nutrients is an important way to increase crop productivity. In our study area, Tigray, development agents recommend fertilizer application to boost productivity and counteract nutrient depletion. We analysed soil fertility from different perspectives, using responses and nutrient balances on the basis of on‐farm experimentation. Three perspectives, embedded in the People–Planet–Profit framework and with different temporal and spatial scales and ownership, were considered. Taking a farmer perspective, we found no significant differences in response between recommended and current farmer practices. Taking an agronomist perspective, phosphorus seemed to limit productivity. It however also became obvious that closing nutrient balances at field scale to achieve sustainability is difficult. Only by using considerable amounts of manure and at the cost of productivity this can be achieved. From a long‐term environmentalist perspective, the traditional agricultural system seems sustainable in combining mixed farming and relatively low yields. We conclude that depending on the perspective taken, different interventions will be appropriate. All perspectives however indicate that gradually strengthening the existing mixed farming system by using fertilizers, organic manure and legume fallows supports crop productivity while maintaining other aspects of sustainability such as food security and profitability. In line with this, our analysis of different perspectives suggests that in our study area, farmers will only consider transitions with low risk and this specifically should be addressed in proposing pathways of transition. In processes where stakeholders with different perspectives cooperate, it is important to be aware and make use of the possibilities of comparable multi‐perspective analyses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Active ppm Level Organic Copper Catalyzed Photo‐Induced ICAR ATRP of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Jiang Xiaowu , Wu Jian , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin 
Published: September 2014

A novel photo‐induced homogeneous atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) system is constructed using an organic copper salt (Cu(SC(S)N(C2H5)2)2) as a photo‐induced catalyst at 30 °C. Herein, N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) is used as a ligand, ethyl 2‐bromophenylacetate (EBPA) as an ATRP initiator, and (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl) diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) as a photo‐induced radical initiator to establish an ICAR (initiators for continuous activator regeneration) ATRP using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a modal monomer. The effect of the concentration of the organic copper on the polymerization is investigated in detail. It is found that well‐controlled polymerization can be obtained even with the amount of (Cu(SC(S)N(C2H5)2)2 decreasing to a 1.56 ppm level, with the molecular weight of the resultant polymers increasing linearly with monomer conversion while maintaining a narrow molecular weight distribution (/ < 1.3).
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Alkylphenyl Substituted Naphthodithiophene: A New Building Unit with Conjugated Side Chains for Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Shi Shaowei , Shi Keli , Qu Rui , Mao Zupan , Wang Hanlin , Yu Gui , Li Xiaoyu , Li Yongfang , Wang Haiqiao 
Published: September 2014

In this article, a versatile 2‐D conjugated polymer, PNDTP‐DPP, containing alkylphenyl substituted naphthodithiophene is synthesized and characterized. PNDTP‐DPP exhibits good solubility and crystallinity with a π−π stacking distance of ≈3.7 Å. Investigation of polymer solar cells (PSCs) and organic field‐effect transistors (OFET) demonstrates a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.11% and a high hole mobility of up to 0.86 cm2 V–1 s–1, so this is one of the few examples of versatile polymers that show both good field‐effect mobility and PCE.
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Assessment of altered three‐dimensional blood characteristics in aortic disease by velocity distribution analysis
Authors: Garcia Julio , Barker Alex J. , van Ooij Pim , Schnell Susanne , Puthumana Jyothy , Bonow Robert O. , Collins Jeremy D. , Carr James C. , Markl Michael 
Published: September 2014

PurposeTo test the feasibility of velocity distribution analysis for identifying altered three‐dimensional (3D) flow characteristics in patients with aortic disease based on 4D flow MRI volumetric analysis.MethodsForty patients with aortic (Ao) dilation (mid ascending aortic diameter MAA = 40 ± 7 mm, age = 56 ± 17 years, 11 females) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Four groups were retrospectively defined: mild Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA < 35 mm); moderate Ao dilation (n = 10; 35 < MAA < 45 mm); severe Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA > 45 mm); Ao dilation+aortic stenosis AS (n = 10; MAA > 35 mm and peak velocity > 2.5 m/s). The 3D PC‐MR angiograms were computed and used to obtain a 3D segmentation of the aorta which was divided into four segments: root, ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta. Radial chart displays were used to visualize multiple parameters representing segmental changes in the 3D velocity distribution associated with aortic disease.ResultsChanges in the velocity field and geometry between cohorts resulted in distinct hemodynamic patterns for each aortic segment. Disease progression from mild to Ao dilation + AS resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow parameters across cohorts and increased radial chart size for root and ascending aorta segments by 146% and 99%, respectively.ConclusionVolumetric 4D velocity distribution analysis has the potential to identify characteristic changes in regional blood flow patterns in patients with aortic disease. Magn Reson Med 74:817–825, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Positive and negative mood in men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: considering the role of social support and stress
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Dahn Jason R. , Antoni Michael H. , Traeger Lara , Kava Bruce , Bustillo Natalie , Zhou Eric S. , Penedo Frank J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAdvanced prostate cancer patients often undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Advanced disease and adverse ADT side effects are often debilitating and negatively impact mood. Social support has been shown to mitigate detrimental effects of stress on mood.ObjectiveThis study sought to characterize positive and negative mood in this select patient population and determine whether social support moderated relations between stress and mood.MethodsParticipants (N = 80) completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Perceived Stress Scale, and Derogatis Affect Balance Scale at a single time point. Hierarchical regression models evaluated relations among social support, stress, and mood controlling for relevant covariates. Standard moderation analyses were performed.ResultsParticipants reported higher levels of negative and positive mood compared with published means of localized prostate cancer patients. Overall, mood was more positive than negative. Stress levels were comparable to cancer populations with recurrent disease. Moderated regression analyses showed that social support partially buffered the effects of stress on positive mood; men with high stress and low support reported the lowest levels of positive mood. The model with negative mood as the dependent measure did not support moderation; that is, the relationship between stress and negative mood did not differ by level of social support.ConclusionAmong individuals living with advanced prostate cancer, social support may be an important factor that sustains positive mood in the presence of stress. Future work should examine the extent to which social support prospectively impacts health‐related quality of life by promoting positive mood. Limitations include cross‐sectional design, which precludes causal inferences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the making sense of brain tumor program: a randomized controlled trial of a home‐based psychosocial intervention
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Chambers Suzanne , Damborg Ea , Casey Leanne , Walker David G. , Shum David H. K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveDespite significant psychosocial morbidity, there are few controlled trials of psychological support for people with brain tumor. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Making Sense of Brain Tumor (MSoBT) program, a home‐based psychosocial intervention.DesignA randomized controlled trial with a wait list conditionMethodsFifty participants aged 17–82 years with brain tumor (54% benign) were randomly allocated to immediate treatment (n = 27) or a waitlist (n = 23). Measures included Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Brain (FACT‐Br). The immediate treatment group received the 10‐session MSoBT program, while the waitlist group received usual care for 10 weeks and were then re‐assessed before receiving the MSoBT program. A 6‐month post‐intervention follow‐up was conducted.ResultsAnalysis of covariance adjusting for baseline functioning identified that the immediate treatment group reported significantly lower levels of depression on the MADRS (ηp2 = .19) and higher levels of existential well‐being on the MQOL (ηp2 = .13) and functional well‐being (ηp2 = .21) and global quality of life on the FACT‐Br (ηp2 = .12) at post‐assessment than the waitlist group. At 6‐month follow‐up participants reported significantly lower levels of depression and stress and higher existential well‐being and quality of life relative to pre‐intervention.ConclusionsThe MSoBT program appears to have efficacy for enhancing psychological well‐being and quality of life after brain tumor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update: EPA actions—chemical safety and security Executive Order
Authors: Jennings Kim , Matthiessen Craig 
Published: September 2014

On August 1, 2013, the President signed Executive Order (EO) 13650 designed to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities. The Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security EO, triggered by incidents such as the devastating explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas in April, 2013, directed the Federal Government to:

Improve operational coordination with state and local partners;
Enhance Federal agency coordination and information sharing;
Modernize policies, regulations, and standards; and
Work with stakeholders to identify best practices.
Considerable work was devoted to these issues over a 10‐month period and on June 6, 2014, the final report, “Executive Order 13650: Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment. Report for the President” was released to the public. The report highlights current activities to improve chemical safety and security and provides a plan for moving forward in five thematic areas:

Strengthening community planning and preparedness;
Enhancing Federal operations and coordination;
Improving data management;
Modernizing policies and regulations; and
Incorporating stakeholder feedback and developing best practices.
This article provides a brief update on current and future activities at the US Environmental Protection Agency under this EO Report to the President. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Process Saf Prog 34: 196–198, 2015
Maternal plasma cell‐free DNA in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rolnik D. L. , O'Gorman N. , Fiolna M. , van den Boom D. , Nicolaides K. H. , Poon L. C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo examine whether maternal plasma concentrations of total cell‐free (cf)DNA and fetal fraction at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks' gestation in pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) are different from those without this complication.MethodsTotal cfDNA and fetal fraction were measured in 20 cases of early PE requiring delivery at < 34 weeks, in 20 cases of late PE with delivery at ≥ 34 weeks and in 200 normotensive controls, at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks' gestation. Total cfDNA and fetal fraction measured at 11–13 weeks were converted to multiples of the median (MoM), corrected for maternal characteristics and gestational age. The distributions of total cfDNA and fetal fraction at 20–24 weeks were expressed as MoM of values at 11–13 weeks. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine the significance of differences in the median values in each outcome group relative to that in the controls.ResultsIn the early‐PE group at 11–13 weeks, compared with controls, there was a significant increase in median total cfDNA (2104 genome equivalents (GE)/mL vs 1590 GE/mL) and a decrease in median fetal fraction (6.8% vs 8.7%). In the late‐PE group at 20–24 weeks, compared with controls, there was a significant decrease in median fetal fraction (8.2% vs 9.6%). These significant differences between groups were not observed when the values were converted to MoM.ConclusionMeasurements of total cfDNA and fetal fraction in maternal plasma at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks are not predictive of PE. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Public Awareness of Genetic Nondiscrimination Laws in Four States and Perceived Importance of Life Insurance Protections
Authors: Parkman Alicia A. , Foland Joan , Anderson Beth , Duquette Debra , Sobotka Holly , Lynn Mary , Nottingham Shelley , Dotson William David , Kolor Katherine , Cox Summer L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGenetic testing has grown dramatically in the past decade and is becoming an integral part of health care. Genetic nondiscrimination laws have been passed in many states, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was passed at the federal level in 2008. These laws generally protect individuals from discrimination by health insurers or employers based on genetic information, including test results. In 2010, Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Oregon added four questions to their Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to assess interest in genetic testing, awareness of genetic nondiscrimination laws, concern about genetic discrimination in determining life insurance eligibility and cost, and perceived importance of genetic nondiscrimination laws that address life insurance. Survey results showed that awareness of genetic nondiscrimination laws was low (less than 20 % of the adult population), while perceived importance of these types of laws was high (over 80 % of respondents rated them as very or somewhat important). Over two‐thirds of respondents indicated they were very or somewhat concerned about life insurance companies using genetic test results to determine life insurance coverage and costs. Results indicate a need for more public education to raise awareness of protections provided through current genetic nondiscrimination laws. The high rate of concern about life insurance discrimination indicates an additional need for continued dialogue regarding the extent of legal protections in genetic nondiscrimination laws.
ON SOME PROPERTIES OF A CLASS OF MULTIVARIATE ERLANG MIXTURES WITH INSURANCE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Willmot Gordon E. , Woo Jae-Kyung 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe discuss some properties of a class of multivariate mixed Erlang distributions with different scale parameters and describes various distributional properties related to applications in insurance risk theory. Some representations involving scale mixtures, generalized Esscher transformations, higher-order equilibrium distributions, and residual lifetime distributions are derived. These results allows for the study of stop-loss moments, premium calculation, and the risk allocation problem. Finally, some results concerning minimum and maximum variables are derived and applied to pricing joint life and last survivor policies.
Taking the Bait? Lessons from a Hate Speech Prosecution
Authors: Askola Heli 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article uses one case study to explore the use of criminal hate speech provisions against populist politicians. In a high-profile Finnish case, a populist politician was found guilty of hate speech after a four-year criminal process. Though the prosecution was ultimately successful, the various problems with the case helped boost the political popularity of the accused who was turned into a well-known public figure and member of Parliament. The case might thus be seen to warn against tackling populist politicians by means of criminal law. However, further analysis of the political context and a comparison with the Dutch prosecution against anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders complicate this conclusion. This article examines the consequences of hate speech prosecutions of politicians and sheds light on the conditions under which they can achieve (some of) their aims. The case also has lessons for other jurisdictions about when hate speech prosecutions of politicians are likely to be successful in terms of countering prejudice and disempowering those who spread it for electoral purposes.
PARADOXES OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMANDREPRESSION IN (POST-)SOVIET CONTEXTS
Authors: Pelkmans Mathijs 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe religious revival that followed the collapse of the USSR provides an excellent opportunity to compare the dynamics of projects of religious freedom with those of religious repression. Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, this article documents the contradictory effects that both repressive and liberal policies and laws have on religious expression. Thus, while Soviet anti-religious policies undeniably caused much suffering and hardship, religious repression also contributed to an intensification of religious experience among certain Muslim and evangelical groups. And while religious freedom laws expanded the scope for public religious organization and expression, they also produced new inequalities between religious groups, as the cases of Georgia and Kyrgyzstan demonstrate. Ultimately, the article shows that the effects of liberal and repressive laws are far from straightforward and need to be analyzed in relation to the social context in which they are applied.
Patterns of food consumption among vegetarians and non-vegetarians
Authors: Orlich Michael J. , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Sabaté Joan , Fan Jing , Singh Pramil N. , Fraser Gary E. 
Published: September 2014

Vegetarian dietary patterns have been reported to be associated with a number of favourable health outcomes in epidemiological studies, including the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2). Such dietary patterns may vary and need further characterisation regarding foods consumed. The aims of the present study were to characterise and compare the food consumption patterns of several vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Dietary intake was measured using an FFQ among more than 89 000 members of the AHS-2 cohort. Vegetarian dietary patterns were defined a priori, based on the absence of certain animal foods in the diet. Foods were categorised into fifty-eight minor food groups comprising seventeen major food groups. The adjusted mean consumption of each food group for the vegetarian dietary patterns was compared with that for the non-vegetarian dietary pattern. Mean consumption was found to differ significantly across the dietary patterns for all food groups. Increased consumption of many plant foods including fruits, vegetables, avocados, non-fried potatoes, whole grains, legumes, soya foods, nuts and seeds was observed among vegetarians. Conversely, reduced consumption of meats, dairy products, eggs, refined grains, added fats, sweets, snack foods and non-water beverages was observed among vegetarians. Thus, although vegetarian dietary patterns in the AHS-2 have been defined based on the absence of animal foods in the diet, they differ greatly with respect to the consumption of many other food groups. These differences in food consumption patterns may be important in helping to explain the association of vegetarian diets with several important health outcomes.
CROWD-SOURCED GOVERNANCE IN A POST-DISASTER CONTEXT
Authors: Ali Shahla F 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn the wake of recent catastrophic natural disasters, the United Nations (UN) has developed an increasingly sophisticated network of collaborative partnerships to assist with humanitarian relief operations. The growing use of open-source technology such as crowd mapping and resource tracking—being universally accessible, collaboratively designed, subject to ongoing improvement, and responsive to on-the-ground needs—reflects in many respects the emerging UN governance mechanisms developed to support the creation of such technology. The 2008 meeting of the World Economic Forum called for increased documentation and ‘dissemination of the work of humanitarian relief’ and ‘mapping of assets, non-food items’ and resources to prevent duplication.1 However, as yet, little attention has been given to the role of open-source governance mechanisms in the context of disaster response. This article aims to fill this gap by examining the emerging mechanisms by which private sector collaboration is coordinated by international institutions such as the UN. It finds that the emergence of post-disaster open-source humanitarian relief reflects the observations of new governance legal scholars that coordination is increasingly the result of expanded participation and partnership on the part of governments and non-State actors, a learning-focused orientation, with the State increasingly acting as a convener, catalyst and coordinator.