bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of leukemia cells to hypoxic condition through switching the energy metabolism or avoiding the oxidative stress
Authors: Goto Mineaki , Miwa Hiroshi , Suganuma Kazuto , Tsunekawa-Imai Norikazu , Shikami Masato , Mizutani Motonori , Mizuno Shohei , Hanamura Ichiro , Nitta Masakazu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Like normal hematopoietic stem cells, leukemia cells proliferate in bone marrow, where oxygen supply is limited. However, the growth and energy metabolism of leukemia cells under hypoxia have not been well understood. Although it has been known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is generated under hypoxic conditions, normal and leukemia stem cells were characterized by relatively low levels of ROS. Roles of ROS on leukemia cells under hypoxia also have not been well understood.

Methods
Four Leukemia cell lines were cultured under normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (1% O2), where NB4 and THP-1 were most extensively studied. To evaluate energy metabolism, we estimated whole cell number or apoptotic cells with or without a glycolysis inhibitor or an oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitor. Glucose consumption and lactate production were also measured. To evaluate oxidative stress in hypoxic condition, the ROS level and GSH (reduced glutathione) / GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio was measured. In addition, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (COX4) were examined by western blotting or RT-PCR.

Results
NB4, which grows well under normoxia depending on glycolysis, demonstrated prominent apoptosis and growth suppression after 48 hours culture under hypoxia. NB4 cells cultured under hypoxia showed significantly increased ROS. Culture with a ROS scavenger resulted in decrease of apoptotic cell death of NB4 under hypoxia. NB4 cells cultured for longer period (7 days) under hypoxia did not come to extinction, but grew slowly by upregulating GSH synthesis to protect from ROS generated in hypoxic condition. By contrast, THP-1, which largely depends on OXPHOS in mitochondria under normoxia, demonstrated more growth under hypoxia by changing metabolism from OXPHOS to glycolysis through upregulating PDK1. Moreover, THP-1 avoided ROS generation by substituting COX 4 subunit (from COX 4–1 to COX 4–2) through upregulation of LON, a mitochondrial protease under hypoxia.

Conclusions
We showed that leukemia cells survive and adapt to the hypoxic condition through various pathways. Our results will help understanding energy metabolism of leukemia cells and creating novel therapeutics.
Effects of financial incentives on motivating physical activity among older adults: results from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Farooqui Muhammad Assad , Tan Yock-Theng , Bilger Marcel , Finkelstein Eric A 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
There is extensive evidence that regular physical activity confers numerous health benefits. Despite this, high rates of physical inactivity prevail among older adults. This study aimed to ascertain if incentives could be effective in motivating physical activity through improving uptake of walking programs, either with or without an enrolment fee to cover corresponding costs.

Methods
A discrete-choice conjoint survey was fielded to a national sample of older adults in Singapore. Each respondent was given ten pairs of hypothetical walking programs and asked to choose the option they preferred. Each option varied along several dimensions, including the level and type (cash, voucher, or health savings credit) of incentive and an enrolment fee. For each option, they were asked how likely they would be to join their preferred program. A random utility model (RUM) was used to analyze the responses.

Results
Results suggest that a free 6-month program with a $500 cash incentive would generate enrolment rates of 58.5%; charging $50 to enroll lowers this to 55.7%. In terms of incentive type, cash payments were the most preferred incentive but not significantly different from supermarket vouchers. Both were preferred to health savings credits and sporting goods vouchers. Concerns of adverse selection were minimal because those who were inactive represented at least 72% of new participants for any offered program(s) and were the majority.

Conclusions
Study results demonstrate the potential for even modest incentives to increase program uptake among inactive older adults. Moreover, although cash was the most preferred option, supermarket vouchers, which could potentially be purchased at a discount, were a close alternative. Results also suggest that an enrolment fee is a viable option to offset the costs of incentives as it has only minimal impact on participation.
Fabrication of cubic PtCu nanocages and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Tian Liangliang , Zhong Xiaohui , Hu Wanping , Liu Bitao , Li Yunfeng 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Cubic PtCu nanocages (NCs) were successfully synthesized through a redox reaction using cuprous oxide (Cu2O) as a sacrificial template and reducing agent. The porous PtCu NCs were composed of amounts of PtCu nanograins with an average particle size of 2.9 nm. The electrocatalytic performance of the PtCu NC electrode towards H2O2 was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The prepared PtCu NC electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2, with a wide liner range from 5 μM to 22.25 mM, a relatively high sensitivity of 295.3 μA mM-1 cm-2, and a low detection limit of 5 μM (S/N = 3). The hollow porous nanostructure has potential applications in biosensors.
Performances of some low-cost counter electrode materials in CdS and CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jun Hieng Kiat , Careem Mohamed Abdul , Arof Abdul Kariem 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Different counter electrode (CE) materials based on carbon and Cu2S were prepared for the application in CdS and CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The CEs were prepared using low-cost and facile methods. Platinum was used as the reference CE material to compare the performances of the other materials. While carbon-based materials produced the best solar cell performance in CdS QDSSCs, platinum and Cu2S were superior in CdSe QDSSCs. Different CE materials have different performance in the two types of QDSSCs employed due to the different type of sensitizers and composition of polysulfide electrolytes used. The poor performance of QDSSCs with some CE materials is largely due to the lower photocurrent density and open-circuit voltage. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy performed on the cells showed that the poor-performing QDSSCs had higher charge-transfer resistances and CPE values at their CE/electrolyte interfaces.
Asymptotic behavior of a Nicholson-Bailey model
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Naeem , Khan Abdul Qadeer , Din Qamar 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we study the qualitative behavior of a Nicholson-Bailey host-parasitoid model given by

x

n
+
1

=
R

x
n

e

−
a

y
n

,

y

n
+
1

=

x
n

(
1
−

e

−
a

y
n

)

,

where R, a and initial conditions

x
0

,

y
0

are positive real numbers. More precisely, we investigate the local asymptotic stability of the unique positive equilibrium point of this system. Some numerical examples are given to verify our theoretical results.

MSC:39A10, 40A05.
Sensitization to airborne allergens among adults and its impact on allergic symptoms: a population survey in northern Vietnam
Authors: Lâm Hoàng Thị , Ekerljung Linda , Bjerg Anders , Văn Tường Nguyễn , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe knowledge about allergic sensitization and its relationship with clinical symptoms and diseases among adults in South‐East Asia is poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of allergic sensitization and the association with asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults in urban and rural Vietnam.MethodsAmong 5,782 responders to a questionnaire survey in northern Vietnam, a random sample was invited to a clinical follow‐up and 684 (46%) participated. The methods included a structured interview using a modified GA2LEN study questionnaire on symptoms and possible determinants for diseases. Skin prick test (SPT) with ten common airborne indoor and outdoor allergens, lung function test, and methacholine test was performed among subjects ≤60 years of age.ResultsIn total, one third of subjects had a positive SPT reaction to at least one allergen, 36.9% of men and 31.0% of women (n.s.). The most common sensitizer was the storage mite B. tropicalis (men 27.7%; women 18.7%) followed by house dust mite D. pteronyssinus (men 16.5%; women 10.6%), and D. farinae (men 15.3%; women 6.3%), and cockroach (men 16.5%; women 10.2%). Sensitization to all major allergens were significantly more common among men and among subjects ≤45 years compared with women and subjects >45 years, respectively. The prevalence of sensitization to animals, pollen and molds were low. The majority of cockroach‐sensitized subjects were also sensitized to mites. Sensitization to any allergen and all major allergens were significantly associated with rhinitis, but not with asthma. However, bronchial hyper‐reactivity was significantly associated with increasing number of positive SPTs (p = 0.047).ConclusionsAmong adults in northern Vietnam sensitization to mite and cockroach most common in both rural and urban areas. The dominant sensitizer was the storage mite B. tropicalis, which should be included in future studies and also in clinical practice, owing to its association with clinical symptoms. As in the Western world allergic sensitization was associated with rhinitis and bronchial hyper‐reactivity. The lack of association with asthma in South‐East Asia needs to be studied further.
The first research agenda for the chiropractic profession in Europe
Authors: Rubinstein Sidney M , Bolton Jenni , Webb Alexandra L , Hartvigsen Jan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background
Research involving chiropractors is evolving and expanding in Europe while resources are limited. Therefore, we considered it timely to initiate a research agenda for the chiropractic profession in Europe. The aim was to identify and suggest priorities for future research in order to best channel the available resources and facilitate advancement of the profession.

Methods
In total, 60 academics and clinicians working in a chiropractic setting, and who had attended any of the annual European Chiropractors’ Union/European Academy of Chiropractic (ECU/EAC) Researchers’ Day meetings since their inception in 2008, were invited to participate. Data collection consisted of the following phases: phase 1 identification of themes; phase 2 consensus, which employed a Delphi process and allowed us to distill the list of research priorities; and phase 3 presentation of the results during both the Researchers’ Day and a plenary session of the annual ECU Convention in May 2013. In addition, results were distributed to all ECU member countries.

Results
The response rate was 42% from phase 1 and 68% from phase 2. In general, participants were middle-aged, male and had been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as well as chiropractic degree. Approximately equal numbers of participants had obtained their chiropractic degree from the UK/Europe and North America. The majority of participants worked primarily in an academic/research environment and approximately half worked in an independent institution. In total, 58% of the participants were from the UK and Denmark, collectively representing 44% of the chiropractors working in Europe. In total, 70 research priorities were identified, of which 19 reached consensus as priorities for future research. The following three items were thought to be most important: 1) cost-effectiveness/economic evaluations, 2) identification of subgroups likely to respond to treatment, and 3) initiation and promotion of collaborative research activities.

Conclusions
This is the first formal and systematic attempt to develop a research agenda for the chiropractic profession in Europe. Future discussion and study is necessary to determine whether the themes identified in this survey should be broadly implemented.
Windfall gains and labour supply: evidence from the European household panel
Authors: Sila Urban , Sousa Ricardo M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

JEL classification

D12, J22.
We investigate whether workers adjust hours worked in response to windfall gains using data from the European Household Panel. The results suggest that a rise in unearned income has a negative (although small) effect on working hours. In particular, after receiving a windfall gain, individuals are more likely to drop out of the labour force and the effects become larger as the size of windfall increases. Furthermore, the empirical findings show that the impact of windfall gains on labour supply: (i) is more important for young and old individuals, (ii) is most negative for married individuals with young children, (iii) but can be positive for single individuals without children at the age of around 40 years. The latter effect can be explained by individuals using the windfall gain to set up their own business and become self-employed.
Close to recommended caloric and protein intake by enteral nutrition is associated with better clinical outcome of critically ill septic patients: secondary analysis of a large international nutrition database
Authors: Elke Gunnar , Wang Miao , Weiler Norbert , Day Andrew G , Heyland Daren K 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Current international sepsis guidelines recommend low-dose enteral nutrition (EN) for the first week. This contradicts other nutrition guidelines for heterogenous groups of ICU patients. Data on the optimal dose of EN in septic patients are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of energy and protein amount given by EN on clinical outcomes in a large cohort of critically ill septic patients.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of pooled data collected prospectively from international nutrition studies. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of sepsis and/or pneumonia and were admitted to the ICU for ≥3 days, mechanically ventilated within 48 hours of ICU admission and only receiving EN. Patients receiving parenteral nutrition were excluded. Data were collected from ICU admission up to a maximum of 12 days. Regression models were used to examine the impact of calorie and protein intake on 60-day mortality and ventilator-free days.

Results
Of the 13,630 patients included in the dataset, 2,270 met the study inclusion criteria. Patients received a mean amount of 1,057 kcal/d (14.5 kcal/kg/day) and 49 g protein/day (0.7 g/kg/d) by EN alone. Patients were mechanically ventilated for a median of 8.4 days and 60-day mortality was 30.5%. An increase of 1,000 kcal was associated with reduced 60-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 0.77, P <0.001) and more ventilator-free days (2.81 days, 95% CI 0.53 to 5.08, P = 0.02) as was an increase of 30 g protein per day (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.87, P <0.001 and 1.92 days, 95% CI 0.58 to 3.27, P = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusions
In critically ill septic patients, a calorie and protein delivery closer to recommended amounts by EN in the early phase of ICU stay was associated with a more favorable outcome.
Technical Advance: Introducing a novel metric, directionality time, to quantify human neutrophil chemotaxis as a function of matrix composition and stiffness
Authors: O'Brien Xian M , Loosley Alex J , Oakley Katie E , Tang Jay X , Reichner Jonathan S 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA direct consequence of cellular movement and navigation, migration incorporates elements of speed, direction, and persistence of motion. Current techniques to parameterize the trajectory of a chemotaxing cell most commonly pair migration speed with some measure of persistence by calculating MSD, RMS speed, TAD, and/or CI. We address inherent limitations in TAD and CI for comparative analysis by introducing two new analytical tools to quantify persistence: directionality index and directionality time. With the use of these tools, we show that the mechanical properties of the underlying substrate contribute significantly to the regulation of human neutrophil chemotaxis toward fMLP on Fgn-, Col-, and Fn-coated gels of varying elasticity. The β1-integrin ligand Col demonstrated mechanosensitive speed. In contrast, β2-integrin ligand Fgn supported mechanosensitive persistence. Fn, recognized by β1 and β2 integrins, mechanoregulated speed and persistence. Blocking β2 integrins of cells migrating on Fn identified an underlying β2-integrin-directed modulation of persistence. These data demonstrate that individual components of the neutrophil chemotactic response show integrin dependence and are finely tunable with different ligand, mechanotactic, and chemotactic cues, underscoring the need for sensitive analytical methods.
Numerical modeling and laboratory measurements of seismic attenuation in partially saturated rock
Authors: Kuteynikova Maria , Tisato Nicola , Jänicke Ralf , Quintal Beatriz 
Published: February 2014

To better understand the effects of fluid saturation on seismic attenuation, we combined numerical modeling in poroelastic media and laboratory measurements of seismic attenuation in partially saturated Berea sandstone samples. Although in laboratory experiments many physical mechanisms for seismic attenuation take place simultaneously, with numerical modeling we separately studied the effect of a single physical mechanism: wave-induced fluid flow on the mesoscopic scale. Using the finite-element method, we solved Biot’s equations of consolidation by performing a quasistatic creep test on a 3D poroelastic model. This model represents a partially saturated rock sample. We obtained the stress-strain relation, from which we calculated frequency-dependent attenuation. In the laboratory, we measured attenuation in extensional mode for dry and partially water-saturated Berea sandstone samples in the frequency range from 0.1 to 100 Hz. All the measurements were performed at room pressure and temperature conditions. From numerical simulations, we found that attenuation varies significantly with fluid distribution within the model. In addition to binary distributions, we used spatially continuous distributions of fluid saturation for the numerical models. Such continuous saturation distribution was implemented using properties of an effective single-phase fluid. By taking into account the matrix anelasticity, we found that wave-induced fluid flow on the mesoscopic scale due to a continuous distribution of fluid saturation can reproduce seismic attenuation data measured in a partially saturated sample. The matrix anelasticity was the attenuation measured in the room-condition dry sample.
Environmental Taxes in Duopoly with Soft Capacity Constraints
Authors: Vetter Henrik 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper examines an environmental tax when duopolistic firms engage in capacity-price competition. Under soft capacity constraints, the equilibrium ranges from Bertrand competition to Cournot competition, depending upon parameters. It is shown that a unit tax potentially changes the qualitative nature of equilibrium. That is, the type of tax affects the mode of competition between firms. This effect gives rise to the result that a unit tax is sometimes an inefficient instrument. The explanation is that the tax that leads to the first-best under Cournot competition will in fact sustain Bertrand competition, and vice versa.
A Faculty Created Strategic Plan for Excellence in Nursing Education
Authors: Evans Connie Joan , Francis Shackell Eileen , Jean Kerr-Wilson Selma , Joan Doyle Glynda , McCutcheon Jodie Anita , Budz Bernice 
Published: February 2014

AbstractStrategic planning for nursing education, when seen through a faculty lens creates a deeper, more meaningful critical analysis of effective program development. New strategies are required for academic institutions to transform their curricula to meet the needs of a dynamic healthcare and changing global environment to provide quality education for students. In this article, an evidence-informed process is presented that was progressively co-created by the faculty and facilitators. Seminal business frameworks, leadership development philosophies, and innovative interventions enabled faculty to become engaged and developed as they created a strategic plan for a future-driven nursing program. Phase One presents the process of developing a strategic plan for excellence in nursing education by leveraging faculty potential and preparing for an upcoming accreditation. In Phase Two, four team members from Phase One continue as part of Phase Two team serving as the collective memory for this initial work. This method of strategic planning encouraged faculty engagement and leadership and laid the groundwork for a positive culture change among nursing faculty.
Character estimates of adjoint simple Lie groups
Authors: Manack Corey 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Call a compact, connected, simple Lie group G
adjoint simple if it has trivial center. Let C ⊂ G be a nontrivial conjugacy class, e ∈ G the identity element of G. We prove the existence of a bound N ∈ ℕ, depending on G but not C, such that e lies in the interior of Cn
for all n ≥ N. We then prove that a disk D ⊂ ℂ of radius less than 1, properly contained in the unit disk D
1 and tangent to D
1 at z = 1, contains the image of every normalized character

χ

(
e
)

-
1

χ

${\chi (e)^{-1}\chi }$

of G.
Silicon photonics devices for integrated analog signal processing and sampling
Authors: Spector Steven , Sorace-Agaskar Cheryl 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSilicon photonics offers the possibility of a reduction in size weight and power for many optical systems, and could open up the ability to build optical systems with complexities that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. Silicon photonics is an emerging technology that has already been inserted into commercial communication products. This technology has also been applied to analog signal processing applications. MIT Lincoln Laboratory in collaboration with groups at MIT has developed a toolkit of silicon photonic devices with a focus on the needs of analog systems. This toolkit includes low-loss waveguides, a high-speed modulator, ring resonator based filter bank, and all-silicon photodiodes. The components are integrated together for a hybrid photonic and electronic analog-to-digital converter. The development and performance of these devices will be discussed. Additionally, the linear performance of these devices, which is important for analog systems, is also investigated.