bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new model for airport passenger segmentation
Authors: Harrison Anna , Popovic Vesna , Kraal Ben 
Published: February 2015

Recent changes in the aviation industry and in the expectations of travellers have begun to alter the way we approach our understanding, and thus the segmentation, of airport passengers. The key to successful segmentation of any population lies in the selection of the criteria on which the partitions are based. Increasingly, the basic criteria used to segment passengers (purpose of trip and frequency of travel) no longer provide adequate insights into the passenger experience. In this article, we propose a new model for passenger segmentation based on the passenger core value, time. The results are based on qualitative research conducted in situ at Brisbane International Terminal during 2012–2013. Based on our research, a relationship between time sensitivity and degree of passenger engagement was identified. This relationship was used as the basis for a new passenger segmentation model, namely, airport enthusiast (engaged and non-time sensitive), time filler (non-engaged and non-time sensitive), efficiency lover (non-engaged and time sensitive) and efficient enthusiast (engaged and time sensitive). The outcomes of this research extend the theoretical knowledge about passenger experience in the terminal environment. These new insights can ultimately be used to optimize the allocation of space for future terminal planning and design.
Comparison of two ordinal prediction models: A cancer staging system example
Authors: Kattan Michael W , Gerds Thomas A 
Published: February 2015

Background Choosing to replace or maintain an existing cancer staging system is a difficult task. The system plays a critical role in patient counselling and treatment decision making because the staging system conveys prognosis. Methods Many issues may be considered when deciding the preferred system (i.e. old or new), such as the level of evidence for one or more factors included in the system or the general opinions of expert clinicians. However, given the major objective of estimating prognosis on an ordinal scale, we argue that the rival staging system candidates should be compared on their ability to predict outcome. We sought to outline an algorithm that would compare two rival ordinal systems on their predictive ability. Results We devised an algorithm based largely on the concordance index, which is appropriate for comparing two models in their ability to rank observations. We demonstrate our algorithm with a prostate cancer staging system example. Conclusion We have provided an algorithm for selecting the preferred staging system based on prognostic accuracy. It appears to be useful for the purpose of selecting between two ordinal prediction models.
d-Ribose aids heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction: a pilot study
Authors: Bayram Melike , St. Cyr J.A. , Abraham William T. 
Published: February 2015

Objectives: The incidence of heart failure continues to escalate with >550,000 newly diagnosed patients annually worldwide. More than half of the patients with heart failure have preserved ejection fraction or isolated diastolic dysfunction, for which no current effective therapies for diastolic dysfunction exist. Every cell requires adequate levels of high energy phosphates to maintain integrity and function. Previous studies have demonstrated that diastolic function is energy dependent and supplemental d-ribose has shown to improve diastolic dysfunction. This study investigated what role d-ribose might play in congestive heart failure patients with preserved systolic function and diastolic dysfunction. Methods: A total of 11 patients, New York Heart Association class II–IV, with clinical symptoms, normal left ventricular systolic function and echocardiographic evidence of diastolic dysfunction were enrolled after meeting inclusion criteria. Each patient received oral d-ribose (5 g/dose) for 6 weeks. Echocardiographic evaluation, cardiopulmonary metabolic testing and subjective questionnaire assessment were performed at baseline, 6 weeks and at 9 weeks (3 weeks after discontinuing d-ribose). Results: An improvement in their tissue Doppler velocity (E′), which was maintained at 9 weeks, was demonstrated in 64% of the patients. Five patients showed an improvement in their ratio of early diastolic filling velocity (E) to early annulus relaxation velocity (E′). There was no appreciable difference in these measurements during valsalva or with leg raising and handgrip exercises. Four patients also had an improvement in their maximum predicted VO2 values; two demonstrated a worsening effect and no differences were noted in the remaining patients. Subjective assessment revealed a benefit in only one patient, worsening symptoms in one patient and no change in the remaining cohort. Conclusions: This pilot study revealed some beneficial trends with D-ribose even with this small cohort size. However, future investigations are necessary to further substantiate these observed benefits.
Prothrombotic risk factors and antithrombotic therapy in children with ischemic stroke
Authors: Eltayeb Azza A. , Askar Gamal A. , Abu Faddan Naglaa H. , Kamal Taghreed M. 
Published: February 2015

Objective: Congenital and acquired prothrombotic disorders have been highlighted in a recent series of cerebrovascular stroke (CVS), with a controversial role in pathogenesis. The aim is to study some prothrombotic risk factors [activated protein C (APC) resistance, von Willebrand factor (vWF), anticardiolpin (ACL) antibodies and plasma homocysteine] in children with ischemic stroke, and to evaluate the role of aspirin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in its management in relation to outcome. Methods: A total of 37 cases aged from 1 month to 15 years ( mean ± standard deviation 26.2 ± 35.7 months), diagnosed as ischemic stroke (>24 hours) were recruited. Complete blood count, prothrombin time and concentration, partial thromboplastin time, serum electrolytes, random blood sugar, C-reactive protein, electrocardiogram and echocardiography were done. Levels of APC resistance, vWF, ACL antibodies [immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM)] and plasma homocysteine were estimated. A total of 25 cases received aspirin 3–5 mg /kg/d and 12 patients received LMWH as initial dose at 75 international units (IU)/kg subcutaneously (SC) then 10–25 IU/kg/day for 15 days in a nonrandomized fashion. Results: The levels of APC resistance, vWF, ACL antibodies (IgG and IgM) and plasma homocysteine were significantly higher in stroke cases than in controls. There was no significant difference between cases treated with aspirin and those with LMWH in all prothrombotic factors. Significant positive correlations were found between vWF and ACL antibodies (IgG and IgM) levels before treatment. Significant decrease in cognitive function was detected between cases treated with LMWH and those treated with aspirin. Conclusion: Ischemic CVS in children is multifactorial. Thrombophilia testing should be performed in any child with CVS. Early use of aspirin improves the prognosis and has less effect on cognitive function.
Decomposing Change in Energy Consumption of the Agricultural Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Vaqar , Zeshan Muhammad 
Published: February 2015

The agricultural sector provides the majority of employment in Pakistan, especially among the poorest segments of the population. Energy provision affects production and livelihoods, especially with the advance of mechanization in agriculture. Changes in gas and electricity prices affect the income of farmers significantly, thereby reducing the agricultural growth rate over time. Agriculture also has a positive impact on industrial sector exports. The dependence of agriculture on electricity consumption in Pakistan has increased over time, while power generation has not kept up with demand. This article decomposes energy consumption in Pakistan and analyzes the behaviour of change in agricultural production, energy intensity and structural changes over the time.
Protective role for club cell secretory protein-16 (CC16) in the development of COPD
Authors: Laucho-Contreras Maria E. , Polverino Francesca , Gupta Kushagra , Taylor Katherine L. , Kelly Emer , Pinto-Plata Victor , Divo Miguel , Ashfaq Naveed , Petersen Hans , Stripp Barry , Pilon Aprile L. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes , Celli Bartolome R. , Owen Caroline A. 
Published: February 2015

Club cell secretory protein-16 (CC16) is the major secreted product of airway club cells, but its role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. We measured CC16 airway expression in humans with and without COPD and CC16 function in a cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD murine model.Airway CC16 expression was measured in COPD patients, smokers without COPD and non-smokers. We exposed wildtype (WT) andCC16−/−mice to CS or air for up to 6 months, and measured airway CC16 expression, pulmonary inflammation, alveolar septal cell apoptosis, airspace enlargement, airway mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expression, small airway remodelling and pulmonary function.Smokers and COPD patients had reduced airway CC16 immunostaining that decreased with increasing COPD severity. Exposing mice to CS reduced airway CC16 expression.CC16−/−mice had greater CS-induced emphysema, airway remodelling, pulmonary inflammation, alveolar cell apoptosis, airway MUC5AC expression, and more compliant lungs than WT mice. These changes were associated with increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation inCC16−/−lungs. CS-induced acute pulmonary changes were reversed by adenoviral-mediated over-expression of CC16.CC16 protects lungs from CS-induced injury by reducing lung NF-κB activation. CS-induced airway CC16 deficiency increases CS-induced pulmonary inflammation and injury and likely contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD.
Incidence of occupational latent tuberculosis infection in South African healthcare workers
Authors: Adams Shahieda , Ehrlich Rodney , Baatjies Roslynn , van Zyl-Smit Richard N. , Said-Hartley Qonita , Dawson Rodney , Dheda Keertan 
Published: February 2015

The test-specific incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in healthcare workers from sub-Saharan Africa is unknown.505 healthcare workers from South Africa were screened at baseline, and after 12 months, with a questionnaire, the tuberculin skin test (TST), and two T-cell assays (T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube). Test-specific conversion rates were calculated.The prevalence of presumed LTBI at baseline was 84, 69 and 62% using the TST, QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube and T-SPOT.TB, respectively. The annual test-specific conversion rate, depending on the cut-off point used, was as follows: TST 38%; QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube 13–22%; and T-SPOT.TB 18–22%. Annual reversion rates were 4, 7 and 16%, respectively. The annual TST conversion rate was significantly higher than that derived from published local community-based data (IRR 3.53, 95% CI 1.81–6.88). Factors associated with conversion (any test) included healthcare sector of employment, counselling of tuberculosis patients, and a baseline positive TST (for T-SPOT.TB).The annual rate of tuberculosis infection in South African healthcare workers was very high, irrespective of the testing method used, and may be explained by occupational exposure, as the rate was considerably higher than non-healthcare workers from the same community. Collectively, these data support the need for implementation of tuberculosis-specific infection control measures in Africa.
Anticoagulant treatment for acute pulmonary embolism: a pathophysiology-based clinical approach
Authors: Agnelli Giancarlo , Becattini Cecilia 
Published: February 2015

The management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism is made challenging by its wide spectrum of clinical presentation and outcome, which is mainly related to patient haemodynamic status and right ventricular overload. Mechanical embolic obstruction and neurohumorally mediated pulmonary vasoconstriction are responsible for right ventricular overload. The pathophysiology of acute pulmonary embolism is the basis for risk stratification of patients as being at high, intermediate and low risk of adverse outcomes. This risk stratification has been advocated to tailor clinical management according to the severity of pulmonary embolism.Anticoagulation is the mainstay of the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. New direct oral anticoagulants, which are easier to use than conventional anticoagulants, have been compared with conventional anticoagulation in five randomised clinical trials including >11 000 patients with pulmonary embolism. Patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism (those with haemodynamic compromise) were excluded from these studies. Direct oral anticoagulants have been shown to be as effective and at least as safe as conventional anticoagulation in patients with pulmonary embolism without haemodynamic compromise, who are the majority of patients with this disease. Whether these agents are appropriate for the acute-phase treatment of patients at intermediate–high risk pulmonary embolism (those with both right ventricle dysfunction and injury) regardless of any risk stratification remains undefined.
Effects of antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation on lung function in mid-childhood: follow-up of a double-blind randomised controlled trial in Nepal
Authors: Devakumar Delan , Stocks Janet , Ayres Jon G. , Kirkby Jane , Yadav Sushil K. , Saville Naomi M. , Devereux Graham , Wells Jonathan C.K. , Manandhar Dharma S. , Costello Anthony , Osrin David 
Published: February 2015

A randomised trial of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation in Nepalese women increased birthweight and weight at 2 years of age in offspring, compared to those born to mothers who only received iron and folic acid supplements. Further follow-up of this cohort provided an opportunity to investigate the effect of antenatal multiple micronutrients on subsequent lung function by measuring spirometry at 7–9 years of age inchildren born during the trial.841 children (80% of the cohort) were seen at mean±sd8.5±0.4 years. Technically successful spirometry results were obtained in 793 (94.3%) children, 50% of whom had been randomised to micronutrient supplementation. Background characteristics, including anthropometry, were similar in the two allocation groups.Lung function was also similar, mean (95% CI) difference in z-scores (supplementation minus control) was −0.08 (−0.19–0.04), −0.05 (−0.17–0.06) and −0.04 (−0.15–0.07) for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity and FEV1/FVC, respectively. Compared with healthy white children, FEV1and FVC in the “healthy” Nepalese children were ∼1 (∼13%) z-score lower, with no difference in FEV1/FVC.We conclude that, compared with routine iron and folic acid, multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy has no effect on spirometric lung function in Nepalese children at 8.5 years of age.
Gait patterns in COPD: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Lahousse Lies , Verlinden Vincentius J.A. , van der Geest Jos N. , Joos Guy F. , Hofman Albert , Stricker Bruno H.C. , Brusselle Guy G. , Ikram M. Arfan 
Published: February 2015

Gait disturbances in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to disability and falls. As studies assessing gait kinematics in COPD are sparse, we investigated associations of COPD with various gait domains and explored a potential link with falling.Gait was measured within the prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study (age ≥55 years) using an electronic walkway and summarised into seven gait domains: Rhythm, Variability, Phases, Pace, Tandem, Turning and Base of Support. Rhythm is a temporal gait aspect that includes cadence and reflects how quickly steps are taken.Persons with COPD (n=196) exhibited worse Rhythm (−0.21 sd, 95% CI −0.36– −0.06 sd) compared with persons with normal lung function (n=898), independent of age, sex, height, education, smoking or analgesic use, especially when dyspnoea and severe airflow limitation or frequent exacerbations (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease group D: −0.83 sd, 95% CI −1.25– −0.41 sd) were present. A lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s was associated with worse Rhythm and Pace, including lower cadence and gait velocity, respectively. Importantly, fallers with COPD had significantly worse Rhythm than nonfallers with COPD.This study demonstrates that persons with COPD exhibit worse Rhythm, especially fallers with COPD. The degree of Rhythm deterioration was associated with the degree of airflow limitation, symptoms and frequency of exacerbations.
Methylation-dependent SOX9 expression mediates invasion in human melanoma cells and is a negative prognostic factor in advanced melanoma
Authors: Cheng Phil F , Shakhova Olga , Widmer Daniel S , Eichhoff Ossia M , Zingg Daniel , Frommel Sandra C , Belloni Benedetta , Raaijmakers Marieke IG , Goldinger Simone M , Santoro Raffaella , Hemmi Silvio , Sommer Lukas , Dummer Reinhard , Levesque Mitchell P 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Background
Melanoma is the most fatal skin cancer displaying a high degree of molecular heterogeneity. Phenotype switching is a mechanism that contributes to melanoma heterogeneity by altering transcription profiles for the transition between states of proliferation/differentiation and invasion/stemness. As phenotype switching is reversible, epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation, could contribute to the changes in gene expression.

Results
Integrative analysis of methylation and gene expression datasets of five proliferative and five invasion melanoma cell cultures reveal two distinct clusters. SOX9 is methylated and lowly expressed in the highly proliferative group. SOX9 overexpression results in decreased proliferation but increased invasion in vitro. In a B16 mouse model, sox9 overexpression increases the number of lung metastases. Transcriptional analysis of SOX9-overexpressing melanoma cells reveals enrichment in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways. Survival analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas melanoma dataset shows that metastatic patients with high expression levels of SOX9 have significantly worse survival rates. Additional survival analysis on the targets of SOX9 reveals that most SOX9 downregulated genes have survival benefit for metastatic patients.

Conclusions
Our genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression study of 10 early passage melanoma cell cultures reveals two phenotypically distinct groups. One of the genes regulated by DNA methylation between the two groups is SOX9. SOX9 induces melanoma cell invasion and metastasis and decreases patient survival. A number of genes downregulated by SOX9 have a negative impact on patient survival. In conclusion, SOX9 is an important gene involved in melanoma invasion and negatively impacts melanoma patient survival.
Transcript and protein expression decoupling reveals RNA binding proteins and miRNAs as potential modulators of human aging
Authors: Wei Yu-Ning , Hu Hai-Yang , Xie Gang-Cai , Fu Ning , Ning Zhi-Bin , Zeng Rong , Khaitovich Philipp 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Background
In studies of development and aging, the expression of many genes has been shown to undergo drastic changes at mRNA and protein levels. The connection between mRNA and protein expression level changes, as well as the role of posttranscriptional regulation in controlling expression level changes in postnatal development and aging, remains largely unexplored.

Results
Here, we survey mRNA and protein expression changes in the prefrontal cortex of humans and rhesus macaques over developmental and aging intervals of both species’ lifespans. We find substantial decoupling of mRNA and protein expression levels in aging, but not in development. Genes showing increased mRNA/protein disparity in primate brain aging form expression patterns conserved between humans and macaques and are enriched in specific functions involving mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, mitochondrial function and neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, aging-dependent mRNA/protein expression decoupling could be linked to a specific set of RNA binding proteins and, to a lesser extent, to specific microRNAs.

Conclusions
Increased decoupling of mRNA and protein expression profiles observed in human and macaque brain aging results in specific co-expression profiles composed of genes with shared functions and shared regulatory signals linked to specific posttranscriptional regulators. Genes targeted and predicted to be targeted by the aging-dependent posttranscriptional regulation are associated with biological processes known to play important roles in aging and lifespan extension. These results indicate the potential importance of posttranscriptional regulation in modulating aging-dependent changes in humans and other species.
Nostoc sp. extract induces oxidative stress-mediated root cell destruction in Mimosa pigra L.
Authors: Sukkhaeng Siriphan , Sanevas Nuttha , Suwanwong Srisom 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background

Mimosa pigra is an invasive weed in some regions of South East Asia and Australia. Our previous study has revealed that a cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp., extract can inhibit root growth in M. pigra seedlings. In this study, some physiological processes involve oxidative stress-mediated cell death and root ultrastructure were investigated to clarify the mechanisms of root growth suppression and bioherbicidal potential of the extract.

Results

Nostoc sp. extract enhanced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 24 h, the intensity of red fluorescence increased at 72 h, and caused a slightly increased H2O2 consistent with the activation of scavenging enzymes (catalase, ascorbic acid peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and peroxidases). This suggests that oxidative stress occurred in the presence of the extract which was supported by increased cell death and lipid peroxidation at 24 h. Reduction of malondialdehyde content and an increase in cell death at 72 h indicated oxidative damage and cellular leakage. Ultrastructural changes were determined at 72 h by scanning electron micrographs which confirmed the damage of epidermal and root cap cells and the disaggregation and destruction of root tip cells. Transmission electron micrographs showed the dissolution of the middle lamella, deposition of some substances in vacuoles, and abnormal mitochondria (swollen mitochondria and indistinct cristae).

Conclusions

Nostoc sp. extract enhance oxidative stress by ROS production resulting in lipid peroxidation and massive cell death despite the activation of antioxidative enzymes. Understanding mechanism of action of Nostoc sp. extract will provide information for application of the extract to use as natural herbicide for control of M. pigra.