bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic analysis of cytokine‐mediated receptor assembly using engineered FC heterodimers
Authors: Deshpande Ashlesha , Putcha Balananda‐Dhurjati Kumar , Kuruganti Srilalitha , Walter Mark R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA method for analyzing ligand–receptor binding kinetics is described, which is based on an engineered FC domain (FChk) that forms a covalent heterodimer. To validate the system, the type I IFN receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2) were expressed as IFNAR1‐FChk, IFNAR2‐FCkh, and IFNAR1/IFNAR2‐FChk fusion proteins. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis of binary IFNα2a/IFNAR interactions confirmed prior affinity measurements, while the affinity of the IFNα2a/IFNAR1/IFNAR2‐FChk interaction reproduced the affinity of IFNα2a binding to living cells. In cellular assays, IFNAR1/IFNAR2‐FChk potently neutralized IFNα2a bioactivity with an inhibitory concentration equivalent to the KD measured by SPR. These studies suggest that FChk provides a simple reagent to evaluate the binding kinetics of multiple ligand–receptor signaling systems that control cell growth, development, and immunity.
Choosing the Appropriate Integration App roach in Systems Projects
Authors: Frank Moti , Harel Amir , Orion Uzi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper deals with the integration process in technological systems projects. The paper reviews the objectives of the integration process, planning and managing principles, as well as the pitfalls and difficulties associated with this process. The following integration approaches are described and analyzed: hardware‐assisted versus software only, bottom‐up versus top‐down, and hierarchial versus functional approaches. Then, a case study that focuses on the third group—the hierarchial and functional approaches—is presented. Four projects that were conducted at the same firm have been examined. The case study attempts to determine whether there is a relation between these two integration approaches and project success. The findings of the case study show that—particularly when customer satisfaction is determined as a major goal—the hierarchial integration approach is preferable to the functional approach, with respect to project success.
Population dynamics of a threatened cactus species: general assessment and effects of matrix dimensionality
Authors: Rojas‐Sandoval Julissa , Meléndez‐Ackerman Elvia 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHarrisia portoricensis is an endemic Caribbean cactus currently under threatened status. In this study we used population projection matrices to evaluate the conservation status of this species and we performed a systematic analysis of the effects of matrix dimensionality on the inferred demographic parameters. Results revealed that population growth rates (λ) were 0.946 and 0.961 for the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 periods respectively, suggesting a declining population with limited persistence ability. Even when the highest elasticity values corresponded to the survival of adults, numerical simulations suggested that increases in either seedling establishment or fecundity could render λ > 1. Our empirical‐based analysis using raw demographic data revealed a clear trend for λ values to decrease with increasing matrix dimension. Stasis and fecundity elasticities were also found to decrease whereas retrogression and growth elasticitites increased with increasing matrix dimension. These results are roughly insensitive to the method used to create matrices of different dimensions. For H. portoricensis, large matrices with narrow classifications were required to minimize variations in λ, highlighting the need for large data sets to assess the convergence of results with matrix dimensionality. Our combined results emphasize that under current scenarios the ability of H. portoricensis for population growth is severely limited. Any management strategy designed for the conservation of this species should consider long‐term monitoring of populations as well as programs that enhance seedling establishment and adult survival.
Interrelationships Between Childbearing and Housing Transitions in the Family Life Course
Authors: Kulu Hill , Steele Fiona 
Published: May 2013

AbstractResearch has examined the effect of family changes on housing transitions and childbearing patterns within various housing types. Although most research has investigated how an event in one domain of family life depends on the current state in another domain, the interplay between them has been little studied. This study examines the interrelationships between childbearing decisions and housing transitions. We use rich longitudinal register data from Finland and apply multilevel event history analysis to allow for multiple births and housing changes over the life course. We investigate the timing of fertility decisions and housing choices with respect to each other. We model childbearing and housing transitions jointly to control for time-invariant unobserved characteristics of women, which may simultaneously influence their fertility behavior and housing choices, and we show how joint modeling leads to a deeper understanding of the interplay between the two domains of family life.
ST‐segment elevation and ventricular fibrillation shortly after transseptal puncture for left atrial catheter ablation
Authors: Ishigaki Daisuke , Arimoto Takanori , Iwayama Tadateru , Daisuke Kutsuzawa , Yoshinori Yashiro , Joji Nitobe , Hiroshi Aoyama , Tetsu Watanabe , Isao Kubota 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA 47‐year‐old man with drug‐resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent left atrial (LA) catheter ablation. After sheaths were inserted into the LA using the Brockenbrough method, he complained of angina and developed ST‐segment elevation in the II, III, aVF, V5, and V6 leads. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred followed by ventricular tachycardia. The VF was successfully treated with direct current shock. Coronary angiography with isosorbide dinitrate showed neither spasm nor embolism in the coronary artery. The chest pain disappeared after 6 min with resolution of the ST‐segment elevation. A summarized review of ST‐segment elevation associated with transseptal puncture disclosed that ST‐segment elevation is often found in inferior leads (87.5%), while concomitant bradyarrhythmia has been reported in 43.8% of patients. Our patient is the first recorded case with potentially lethal tachyarrhythmia. Although ST‐segment elevation and VF is a rare complication associated with transseptal puncture, awareness of this complication is important.
Impacts of the Emergency Mass Evacuation of the Elderly From Residential Care Facilities After the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake
Authors: Heppenstall Claire P. , Wilkinson Tim J. , Hanger H. Carl , Dhanak Michelle R. , Keeling Sally 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe 2011 earthquake that devastated Christchurch, New Zealand, led to the closure and evacuation of 7 residential care facilities and the partial evacuation of 2 more. Altogether, 516 elderly persons were evacuated. The emergent nature of the disaster was unexpected and largely unplanned for. This study explored the evacuees’ experiences and identified lessons learned for future disaster planning.MethodsThis qualitative study used a general inductive method. Semistructured interviews with evacuees were held in 4 centers throughout New Zealand. Their informal caregivers were also identified and interviewed. Answers were coded and grouped for key themes to provide lessons learned for future disaster planning.ResultsWe conducted 50 interviews with older people and 34 with informal caregivers. Key themes that emerged were resilience and factors that promoted resilience, including personal attitudes, life experiences, enhanced family support, and social supports. Areas of concern were (1) the mental health of evacuees: 36% reported some symptoms of anxiety, while 32.4% of caregivers reported some cognitive decline; and (2) communication difficulties during the evacuations.ConclusionsOlder people were remarkably resilient to the difficult events, and resilience was promoted by family and community support. Anxiety was reported by older people, while informal caregivers reported cognitive issues. Communication difficulties were a major concern.
K-cycles for twisted K-homology
Authors: Baum Paul , Carey Alan , Wang Bai-Ling 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe summarise the construction of geometric cycles and their use in describing the KasparovK-homology of a CW-complexX. When KasparovK-homology is twisted by a degree three element of the Čech cohomology ofXthen there is a corresponding construction of twisted geometric cycles for the case whereXis a smooth manifold however the method that was employed does not apply in the case of CW-complexes. In this article we propose a new approach to the construction of twisted geometric cycles for CW-complexes motivated by the study ofD-branes in string theory.
Higher sika deer density is associated with higher local abundance ofHaemaphysalis longicornisnymphs and adults but not larvae in central Japan
Authors: Tsukada Hideharu , Nakamura Yoshio , Kamio Tsugihiko , Inokuma Hisashi , Hanafusa Yasuko , Matsuda Naoko , Maruyama Tetsuya , Ohba Takahiro , Nagata Koji 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHaemaphysalis longicornis(Acari: Ixodidae) is one of the most common and important arthropod disease vectors in Japan, carrying Japanese spotted fever and bovine theileriosis. The recent expansion of sika deer (Cervus nippon, Artiodactyla: Cervidae) populations, the most common wild host ofH. longicornis, has also caused concern about increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases in Japan. We used generalized linear mixed model analysis to determine the relative contribution of deer density and other biological and abiotic factors on the abundance ofH. longicornisticks questing at each developmental stage. A total of 6223H. longicornisadults, nymphs, and larvae were collected from 70 sites in three regions of central Japan. The abundance of questing adult and nymphal ticks was associated with deer density and other biotic and abiotic factors. However, the abundance of questing larvae showed no association with deer density but did show an association with other biotic and abiotic factors. These findings show that a high density of deer along with other biotic and abiotic factors is associated with increased risk of vector-borne diseases through amplified local abundance of questing nymphal and adultH. longicornis. Further, questing larvae abundance is likely regulated by environmental conditions and is likely correlated with survival potential or the distribution of other host species.
A randomized controlled comparison of integrative cognitive-affective therapy (ICAT) and enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for bulimia nervosa
Authors: Wonderlich S. A. , Peterson C. B. , Crosby R. D. , Smith T. L. , Klein M. H. , Mitchell J. E. , Crow S. J. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe purpose of this investigation was to compare a new psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa (BN), integrative cognitive-affective therapy (ICAT), with an established treatment, ‘enhanced’ cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E).MethodEighty adults with symptoms of BN were randomized to ICAT or CBT-E for 21 sessions over 19 weeks. Bulimic symptoms, measured by the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment (EOT) and at the 4-month follow-up. Treatment outcome, measured by binge eating frequency, purging frequency, global eating disorder severity, emotion regulation, self-oriented cognition, depression, anxiety and self-esteem, was determined using generalized estimating equations (GEEs), logistic regression and a general linear model (intent-to-treat).ResultsBoth treatments were associated with significant improvement in bulimic symptoms and in all measures of outcome, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the two conditions at EOT or follow-up. Intent-to-treat abstinence rates for ICAT (37.5% at EOT, 32.5% at follow-up) and CBT-E (22.5% at both EOT and follow-up) were not significantly different.ConclusionsICAT was associated with significant improvements in bulimic and associated symptoms that did not differ from those obtained with CBT-E. This initial randomized controlled trial of a new individual psychotherapy for BN suggests that targeting emotion and self-oriented cognition in the context of nutritional rehabilitation may be efficacious and worthy of further study.
Changing patterns of fruit and vegetable intake in countries of the former Soviet Union
Authors: Abe Sarah Krull , Stickley Andrew , Roberts Bayard , Richardson Erica , Abbott Pamela , Rotman David , McKee Martin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess how the frequency of low fruit and vegetable consumption has changed in countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) between 2001 and 2010 and to identify factors associated with low consumption.DesignCross-sectional surveys. A standard questionnaire was administered at both time points to examine fruit and vegetable consumption frequency. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between demographic, socio-economic and health behavioural variables and low fruit and vegetable consumption in 2010.SettingNationally representative population samples from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.SubjectsAdults aged 18 years and older.ResultsBetween 2001 and 2010 notable changes occurred in fruit and vegetable consumption in many countries resulting in a slight overall deterioration in diet. By 2010 in six countries about 40 % of the population was eating fruit once weekly or less often, while for vegetables the corresponding figure was in excess of 20 % in every country except Azerbaijan. A worse socio-economic situation, negative health behaviours (smoking and alcohol consumption) and rural residence were all associated with low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption.ConclusionsInternational dietary guidelines emphasise the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption. The scale of inadequate consumption of these food groups among much of the population in many FSU countries and its link to socio-economic disadvantage are deeply worrying. This highlights the urgent need for a greater focus to be placed on population nutrition policies to avoid nutrition-related diseases in the FSU countries.
Endoscopic Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging for In Vivo Intraoperative Diagnosis of Oral Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Yinghua , Phipps Jennifer E. , Meier Jeremy , Hatami Nisa , Poirier Brian , Elson Daniel S. , Farwell D. Gregory , Marcu Laura 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA clinically compatible fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) system was developed. The system was applied to intraoperative in vivo imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The endoscopic FLIM prototype integrates a gated (down to 0.2 ns) intensifier imaging system and a fiber-bundle endoscope (0.5-mm-diameter, 10,000 fibers with a gradient index lens objective 0.5 NA, 4-mm field of view), which provides intraoperative access to the surgical field. Tissue autofluorescence was induced by a pulsed laser (337 nm, 700 ps pulse width) and collected in the 460 ± 25 nm spectral band. FLIM experiments were conducted at 26 anatomic sites in ten patients during head and neck cancer surgery. HNSCC exhibited a weaker florescence intensity (~50% less) when compared with healthy tissue and a shorter average lifetime (τHNSCC = 1.21 ± 0.04 ns) than the surrounding normal tissue (τN = 1.49 ± 0.06 ns). This work demonstrates the potential of FLIM for label-free head and neck tumor demarcation during intraoperative surgical procedures.
Alternatives to antibiotics: a symposium on the challenges and solutions for animal production
Authors: Seal Bruce S. , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Donovan David M. , Gay Cyril G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAntibiotics are one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century and will remain an essential tool for treating animal and human diseases in the 21st century. However, antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens and concerns over their extensive use in food animals has garnered global interest in limiting antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Yet, limiting the availability of medical interventions to prevent and control animal diseases on the farm will directly impact global food security and safety as well as animal and human health. Insufficient attention has been given to the scientific breakthroughs and novel technologies that provide alternatives to antibiotics. The objectives of the symposium ‘Alternatives to Antibiotics’ were to highlight promising research results and novel technologies that could potentially lead to alternatives to conventional antibiotics, and assess challenges associated with their commercialization, and provide actionable strategies to support development of alternative antimicrobials. The symposium focused on the latest scientific breakthroughs and technologies that could provide new options and alternative strategies for preventing and treating diseases of animals. Some of these new technologies have direct applications as medical interventions for human health, but the focus of the symposium was animal production, animal health and food safety during food-animal production. Five subject areas were explored in detail through scientific presentations and expert panel discussions, including: (1) alternatives to antibiotics, lessons from nature; (2) immune modulation approaches to enhance disease resistance and to treat animal diseases; (3) gut microbiome and immune development, health and diseases; (4) alternatives to antibiotics for animal production; and (5) regulatory pathways to enable the licensure of alternatives to antibiotics.
Could lncRNAs contribute to β-cell identity and its loss in Type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Pullen Timothy J. , Rutter Guy A. 
Published: May 2013

The progression of Type 2 diabetes is accompanied by diminishing islet β-cell mass and function. It has been proposed that β-cells are lost not only through apoptosis, but also by dedifferentiating into progenitor-like cells. There is therefore much interest in the mechanisms which define and maintain β-cell identity. The advent of genome-wide analyses of chromatin modifications has highlighted the role of epigenetic factors in determining cell identity. There is also evidence from both human populations and animal models for an epigenetic component in susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms responsible for defining the epigenetic landscape in individual cell types are poorly understood, but there is growing evidence of a role for lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) in this process. In the present paper, we discuss some of the mechanisms through which lncRNAs may contribute to β-cell identity and Type 2 diabetes risk.
Resolving the functions of peptidylprolyl isomerases: insights from the mutagenesis of the nuclear FKBP25 enzyme
Authors: Gudavicius Geoff , Soufari Heddy , Upadhyay Santosh , Mackereth Cameron D. , Nelson Christopher J. 
Published: May 2013

Peptidylprolyl isomerases have been implicated in chromatin regulation through their association with histones, chromatin-modifying enzymes and DNA-binding transcription factors. As with other post-translational modifications to proteins, a mechanistic understanding of the regulation of biological processes is fostered by loss-of-function studies both in vitro and in vivo. For peptidylprolyl isomerases, this can be accomplished with small-molecule inhibitors with high affinity for the isomerase active site or by mutation of amino acid residues that contribute to catalysis. In the present article, we review caveats to each of these approaches, and place emphasis on the thorough characterization of loss-of-function mutations in FKBPs (FK506-binding proteins). Using a case study of mutagenesis of the nuclear FKBP25 peptidylprolyl isomerase enzyme, we demonstrate that certain mutations generate a loss-of-function phenotype because they induce a complete loss of the FKBP domain fold, whereas other mutations are ‘surgical’ in that they ablate catalytic isomerase activity, while maintaining domain structure. Peptidylprolyl isomerases are thought to have both catalytic and non-catalytic functions, but differentiating between these mechanisms has proved to be challenging. The domain-destabilizing and surgical mutants described will facilitate the characterization of these two reported functions of peptidylprolyl isomerases.
I Heard about it from a Friend: Assessing Interest in Buprenorphine Treatment
Authors: Fox Aaron D. , Shah Pooja A. , Sohler Nancy L. , Lopez Carolina M. , Starrels Joanna L. , Cunningham Chinazo O. 
Published: May 2013

Background In the United States, opioid abuse and dependence continue to be a growing problem, whereas treatment for opioid abuse and dependence remains fairly static. Buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence is safe and effective but underutilized. Prior research has demonstrated low awareness and use of buprenorphine among marginalized groups. This study investigates syringe exchange participants’ awareness of, exposure to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment. Methods Syringe exchange participants were recruited from a mobile unit performing outreach to 9 street-side sites in New York City. Computer-based interviews were conducted to determine (1) opioid users’ awareness of, exposure to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment; and (2) the association between awareness or exposure and interest in buprenorphine treatment. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between awareness of, direct exposure (i.e., having taken buprenorphine) or indirect exposure (i.e., knowing someone who had taken buprenorphine)S to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment. Results Of 158 opioid users, 70% were aware of, 32% had direct exposure to, and 31% had indirect exposure to buprenorphine; 12% had been prescribed buprenorphine. Of 138 opioid users who had never been prescribed buprenorphine, 57% were interested in buprenorphine treatment. In multivariate models, indirect exposure was associated with interest in buprenorphine treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–5.77), but awareness and direct exposure were not. Conclusions Syringe exchange participants were mostly aware of buprenorphine and interested in treatment, but few had actually been prescribed buprenorphine. Because indirect exposure to buprenorphine was associated with interest in treatment, future interventions could capitalize on indirect exposure, such as through peer mentorship, to address underutilization of buprenorphine treatment.